The Art of Loving You

Forever Falling #2

by Natasha Bishop

From the buzzy, viral sensation Only for the Week, comes the next book in Natasha Bishop’s The Forever Falling series, featuring an intimate bucket list road trip, sexy banter, and a sweet and spicy second chance romance.

If you’re reading this, I’m dead.

Dani Jenkins is a boss. A model turned influencer, she doesn’t have time for taking a risk on romance. She prefers to keep things casual, but when her mentor Tanya dies, she is brought face-to-face with the man who broke her heart.

Dani and Micah had their chance at love . . .

Artist Micah Wright is a protector who loves fiercely. He’s known as the man everyone can count on, but he’s never forgiven himself for letting down the woman he loves. With Tanya’s dying wish forcing Dani and Micah back together to complete a scavenger hunt road trip, Micah sees a second chance for them to get things right.

Does time heal all wounds?

Tensions are high as their undeniable connection reignites, but Dani refuses to let her guard down. As they continue their journey, Micah is determined to prove to Dani that love is worth fighting for, but can she release her fears and relearn the art of loving?

Tropes: Friends to lovers / He falls first / Second-chance romance / Black joy / Forced proximity / Right person, wrong time / Fling to forever

Genres: Romance, African American, Contemporary Romance, African American Romance, Second Chance

432 pages, Paperback

Expected publication April 14, 2026

Reviews

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story jumped right into the deep emotions. Very different from the 1st book in the series. A slow burn and where the characters find themselves and each other. I enjoyed watching the MCs grow together. This story will definitely pull on your heartstrings as it visits heavy topics such as grief, death and illness. At times I did feel like things were missing and often got confused with the number of characters introduced (and several nicknames).

Thank you Netgalley and Zando or this Advance Readers Copy ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Symone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was quite different from the first one, but in a good way! In "Only For The Week," I sensed that these two had some history, and I was thrilled to finally dive into their journey.

It was so touching to see Dani gradually break down her walls and allow herself to be vulnerable, while Micah learned that he was worthy of happiness. The slow-burn connection and the emotional healing they both experience are written so beautifully.

Thank you Netgalley & Zando for the ARC!

[The Dope Book Dealer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natasha Bishop's "Art of Loving You" is an exquisite exploration of love, grief, and resilience that captivates the heart and soul. This five-star read stands apart from her previous work, "Only for the Week," yet it equally enchants with its unique charm and depth.

Bishop masterfully delves into complex themes, weaving a narrative that not only touches on love and loss but also highlights the challenges of living with medical conditions. The relationship between Micah and Dani is beautifully portrayed—an inspiring testament to pure, patient, and passionate love. Their unwavering support for each other is both heartwarming and invigorating, adding a delightful spice to the story.

I am grateful to Net Galley and Natasha Bishop for the advance copy of this remarkable novel. It is sure to be a standout feature at Pages & Volumes Bookstore and a stimulating choice for any book club discussion. This book is a journey of emotions that will stay with you long after the final page. 💜💜

[ashley ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since finishing Janelle and Rome’s story in Only for the Week, I’ve been itching to dive back into this world and The Art of Loving absolutely delivered. Dani does everything she can to keep her conversations with Micah short and guarded, but grief has a way of breaking down walls especially when you’re mourning the same person. This book took my emotions on a full blown rollercoaster, Bishop captures the messy, nonlinear reality of grief so beautifully, reminding us that healing doesn’t happen in silence and it definitely doesn’t have to happen alone. I am such a sucker for second chance romance and a story within a story, and this book was everything my heart didn’t know it needed. ❤️‍🔥💗

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

It was so nice being back with the girls! I absolutely adore Dani, Janelle, and Evie. They are such great friends.

This book is definitely giving a different energy than the first book. I love that the author included that this is two people working through a lot of shit for themselves-to eventually come back together. I really appreciated the exploration of grief, love, and forgiveness.

There is also a character with MS and I loved that representation as well. I felt like the author did a great job of handling it with care, but honesty.

This is a second chance romance and I do love second chance. The reason this didn’t work for me as much is because we are just told about what happened and I think this is one of those stories where I would have loved to experience their relationship vs being told what happened. I felt a big disconnect between them the entire time and for me that’s what I was needing.

Don’t get me wrong Micah is down bad—as he should be and I ate up all of their little banter and moments together.

It also felt a bit rushed which impacted my reading experience.

Now I know that I may have had some issues, but I do recommend this book! Adore Natasha Bishop and I’m excited for more books in this world.

Thank you NetGalley and Zando for the ARC.

[LexRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW 💜💛🩷

I really enjoyed this book. Natasha definitely flexed some muscle with this one because it’s a very different vibe from Book 1. Where the first book is fast paced and leans heavily into heat and angst, this installment is more of a slow burn with layered, thoughtful elements woven throughout.

I especially loved the artistic themes. The way art—whether it’s music, painting, acting, or anything in between—brings people together felt so reflective of Tanya’s character. She’s multifaceted, expressive, and complex in the best ways, and Natasha captured that beautifully.

My only wish is that the story had included a dual timeline. I feel like we missed out on a deeper connection to the younger versions of the FMC and MMC. We’re given small glimpses of their past, but I wanted just a bit more detail and context to really feel the weight of their history.

Overall, it’s a compelling read with heart, artistry, and depth. Be sure to check it out when it releases in April 2026!

[Dionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Art of Loving You. While it’s part of the same series as Only for the Week, the story has a very different feel. Where the first book delivered steamy scenes early, this one is a true slow burn, but it never feels slow.

The pacing is thoughtful and engaging. I never found myself wishing things would hurry up because each moment felt earned. The emotional build up made the connection between Micah & Dani feel deeper and more meaningful.

Micah being an artist truly comes through in how he communicates and how he moves through the world. His softness and creativity beautifully offset Dani’s tough exterior, creating a dynamic that feels balanced and real. Their connection unfolds with care rather than urgency, which fits the emotional weight they’re both carrying.

The overall tone of the story is tender. There’s a quiet tenderness wrapped up in the grief of Tonya’s passing. I appreciated how the book acknowledges that sadness and anger are often loud and demanding, while tenderness can be easy to overlook. This story makes space for that softness and treats it with respect.

This was a deeply satisfying read and an easy 5 stars for me. I look forward to listening when the audiobook is released!

Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review the ARC.

[Deira · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75⭐️ rounded up

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley.

I was really ecstatic to read this book as I really loved the first book in this series, Only for the Week. Unfortunately, this book really fell flat for me. I didn’t care for Dani and Micah as a couple. Even though it was a slow burn, I felt like there wasn’t any actual build up; So when they finally got together, I didn’t really care. I just wanted to finish reading the book. I think if there was maybe a flashback of the times they met their connection would have been believable. There was more telling than showing when it came to their past. I also would have liked flashbacks of their time together with Tanya since she is the one the essentially brought them together in the beginning and she’s the reason why they are together now.

Even though I didn’t really care for this story, I gotta say Natasha Bishop is still a great writer! The spicy scenes are still really nice and well written. I will continue to read books from this author.

[Ebony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a moving read! Very different from the first book but it was still really good. This has some pretty heavy themes of loss and grief but we also get some amazing scenes of love, platonic and romantic. The scavenger hunt was so well written. It really showed the layers a person can have and how you can not know everything about someone you love deeply. Tanya sending them on this hunt together showed them how multifaceted a person can be. It took me a while to get behind Micah and Dani because I really didn’t feel the connection between them. But when it hit, it hit! I loved his devotion to the people around him and how she learns to be softer with herself. Teared up a couple times throughout. Definitely a little on the heavy side for romance but I loved it nonetheless.

[Shurida · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so different than Only For A Week! There were a lot of themes here that Micah and Dani had to navigate and I feel so proud of them. There was banter, some spice, discussion about mental and physical illnesses, lots of romance, lots of family but the biggest takeaway for me was the impact you leave once you are no longer on this Earth is truly a testament to who you were as a person. This was a beautiful read and I’m honored to have read it. I hope people enjoy it as much as I did. This book shed light on things we don’t talk about enough.

[Zhariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first installment in this series, Only for the Week so naturally I was drawn to this story. It was interesting to see a pairing that had such deep history and bond despite their shortcomings. I liked the touch of mystery and intrigue of the scavenger hunt. It was different and it gave the characters a way to work their way back to each other through the mutual interest.

I will say the story felt more like Tanya’s story with a subplot of the main characters. When it was time to focus on the Dani and Micah it felt inferior in comparison. Overall, I liked the creative approach to the story but I just wished it was more balanced.

Thank you to Zando for this advanced copy of this book!

[Janette Braggs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Zando & NetGalley for this eARC.

I LOVED Only for the Week, & was so excited to be granted an arc of the next book in The Forever Falling series. Unfortunately, this book did not offer me the same excitement.

I was confused by the structure of the book. The time jumps between past & present took me out of the story often. The romance felt forced between Dani & Micah. Not once while reading this did I feel like these two were meant to be together. I also really struggled with how much of the exposition we were told instead of shown. I would have loved this book so much more if we had a solid flashback moment, a couple of chapters worth, detailing their first go round at a “relationship.” Try as I might, I just didn’t feel or see a spark & felt like it was being spoon fed to me.

I would definitely still read another book in this series (give Christian & Evie an enemies to lovers book & I am SAT). This one just missed the mark for me.

[Natasha P · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Loving You blends some of my favorite romance ingredients—second chances, forced proximity, and a slow burn that actually earns every spark—into a story that feels tender, grown, and deeply satisfying.

Early in the book, Natasha Bishop drops that emotional gut-punch of a line: If you’re reading this, I’m dead. It’s bold, a little dramatic, and exactly the kind of setup that forces Dani and Micah back into each other’s orbit long before either one of them is ready. What starts as a grief-tinged scavenger hunt turns into a road trip full of tension, unresolved feelings, and the kind of banter that walks a perfect line between flirty and fragile.

Dani and Micah are standout leads—not just as a couple, but as individuals trying to rebuild after heartbreak. Dani’s guarded confidence paired with Micah’s steady, soft-protector energy makes for a dynamic that’s both electric and emotionally rich. The dual POV really elevates the story; being inside both of their heads adds depth to their chemistry, their fears, and their gradual healing. You feel every moment of longing and every step toward vulnerability.

The story never rushes their journey. The slow burn is truly a slow burn, but in the best way—measured, intentional, and deeply rewarding when things finally click into place. And throughout, Bishop centers Black joy, complicated love, and the kind of emotional growth that makes a second-chance romance feel earned rather than inevitable.

I went in with sky-high expectations, and it still exceeded them. This is second-chance romance done really well—tender, messy, emotional, and absolutely worth the wait.

I genuinely can’t wait for publication day so I can buddy read it with my friends.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5


#TheArtofLovingYou
#NetGalley

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[SheKea Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC of The Art of Loving You! It is book two in the “Forever Falling Series”. This book was nothing short of amazing. It’s a slow burn/second chance romance which I’m normally not too fond of but I really enjoyed this one. This book follows Dani & Micah (Friends of Janelle and Rome) and picks up right after Amerie and Arnold’s wedding in Tulum. Unbeknownst to the friend group Micah and Dani have history and haven’t seen each other in years up until the wedding. What are the odds of your soulmate being friends with your friend’s groom. When they get home Micah and Dani find out that their mentor has passed away suddenly from cancer. She’s given them a task to complete together and it’s a cross country scavenger hunt. As they find out the deepest secrets of their mentor they also work through their unfinished business. They become friends again and each other’s shoulder to lean on during the grieving process. The love and yearning in this book is on another level and it was so special to see it unfold! We see cameos from the Only for the Week crew Rome, Janelle, Evie, Christian and unfortunately Amerie and Arnold. They briefly mention how the later two aren’t there for them and essentially bad friends but not enough for my liking lol. I’m excited to see what’s next for Evie and possibly Jalen (Rome’s brother) and is playboy Christian going to find the women to knock him off his axis lol.

[Leayzia thelawlibrary._ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good second chance romance trope! Micah truly won me over because I loved how patient and intentional he was. Even with never forcing Dani to open up, just creating space for her walls to come down naturally. He’s genuinely sweet, deeply caring, and always thinking about others. And listen… Bailey? His sister absolutely stole my heart. I loved every moment she was on the page. I especially appreciated the thoughtful portrayal of loving and supporting a family member with an autoimmune disease. Natasha Bishop was respectful and realistic as someone who has a close friend with an autoimmune illness, that representation really resonated with me. Dani was such a relatable FMC if you experience hurt. I loved her growth watching her learn how to be softer & gentler with herself after everything she’d been through. The romance itself is a true slow burn not fast like Only for the Week. I also appreciated the little updates and callbacks to Rome and Janelle, and any time a book mentions my hometown, it’s an automatic plus for me. Overall, I really enjoyed this book! The Art of Loving You is an emotional, and reflective second chance love story about healing, love, and learning how to open your heart again when it would be easier to stay closed💛

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was distinctly different from the first book in Bishop's series, but by necessity; Dani and Micah's present-day dynamic is rooted in a complicated backstory that, without going into too many spoilers, has major "the one who got away" vibes, and it's teased throughout Only for the Week without directly alluding to what really went down. Not only do we finally learn the truth behind how they came together as well as why they went their separate ways, but they're forced back into each other's direct orbit after the sudden death of their shared mentor. The posthumous road trip/scavenger hunt they take in her memory, at her behest, allows Dani and Micah to find their way back to each other. The book becomes a little over-littered with characters that pull the focus away from the most captivating element — its slow-burn romance — but I really enjoyed the change of pace here, which allows Bishop to flex her strongest abilities as a writer.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this edition from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Brittany Kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madame Natasha Bishop!! You got some splainin’ to do!

How do you manage to constantly put your foot in these books? I cried, laughed, screamed, and then some.

Dani is perfect. A perfect storm that I wish was my friend in real life. She deserved the world and a certain chaser to show her that.

Micah is another book boyfriend added to the book boyfriend hall of fame because there ain't no way. He was it for me. Makes sense that he and Rome are best friends, woo!

Mama Tanya! You did her so right. She was all up and through this story, and you never once missed out on who she was and what she meant to the people she loved. I was left wishing I had a Tanya in my life. All I have to say is "she was a motha" in every sense of the world.

This book is one of them ones. I am humbled to have been able to get my hands on an ARC.

[Malika Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art of Loving You was such a beautiful slow burn. Micah and Dani felt like two people who were always meant to find their way to each other, even if it took time, patience, and a whole lot of healing. Their connection built so naturally that by the time they finally came together, it felt earned in the best way.

What moved me the most was how Natasha Bishop wrote about grief. It wasn’t just a plot point it was a living, breathing part of the story. She captured the way grief reshapes you, softens you, and sometimes opens you up to love in ways you didn’t think were possible. Watching Micah and Dani support each other through that felt incredibly real and heartfelt.

This book is gentle, emotional, and beautifully vulnerable—a slow burn that aches in all the right ways. A very solid and soulful 4-star read.

[Katie 🙃 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/ 5 stars

I will start with I think my not loving this book is a me issue, not a writing an issue. The writing in the second book of this series was still amazing. I really love the characters and world Bishop has created in this series. Her handling of grief was amazing as well as how she showed different forms of mental health support. I feel like she does such an amazing job and I definitely enjoyed this read!

For me, this book just has such a different feel from the first installment in this series and I was not expecting that. I feel like it is much slower and not just in the slow burn aspect but also the storytelling. I felt like their was also stuff that was mentioned form their first relationship that wasn’t fully explained.

Overall, I still recommend this book and this series. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art of Loving You is a tender, beautifully written slow burn that feels both intentional and deeply earned. Micah and Dani are drawn together through shared grief and a meaningful project honoring their loved one, Tanya, who, even in absence, guides them on a journey to uncover her past while gently pushing them to see the art and worth within themselves. Natasha Bishop treats grief not as a backdrop but as a living force that shapes every interaction, allowing Micah and Dani’s connection to grow with patience, vulnerability, and care. Their second chance unfolds naturally, rooted in mutual support and quiet understanding, making their eventual coming together feel profoundly satisfying. Gentle, emotional, and soulful, this continuation of the Forever Falling series aches in all the right ways and lands as a strong and heartfelt read.

[Brina Monae · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Art of Loving You is a heartfelt second‑chance romance where model‑turned‑influencer Dani and artist Micah are tasked with completing a scavenger hunt/road trip in memory of a beloved mentor. Readers witness a both literal and figurative journey of the two as they rekindle what they once had while also engaging in some reflection and self-discovery.

If you’re like me and going into this thinking it’ll be like Only for the Week, IT IS NOT! This one is a real slow burn y’all. But Natasha balances the emotional themes of grief, vulnerability, healing, and growth with the evolving connection that unfolds between Dani and Micah well. There are, however, too many side characters introduced and it got hard to keep up with all of the names and nicknames mentioned.

Rating: 🎨🎨🎨🎨/5

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

BookTok Review

[Nyah Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book far exceeded my expectations. The author beautifully captures the challenges of grief and loss of various kinds while building a deep slow building love between our two main characters. I appreciated how intentional the two main characters were with each other, supporting each other’s healing and growth as their feelings grew.

Despite a wide range of difficult topics touched on in the book, nothing felt rushed and everything felt carefully and intentionally executed. A definite change in tone than the first book in the series, but similarly captured my heart nonetheless. I only wish we got a bit more backstory into the couple’s first encounters or ‘attempts,’ though I appreciate a second chance romance that is impacted by the past but does not overly dwell on it.

Thank you to Zando for this advanced reader copy!

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Loving You.
I received an ARC of this novel.
Natasha Bishop has done it again.

I loved this book! Dani and Micha are former friendish-lovers that are brought together by the death of their childhood mentor Tanya. Through various experiences and tasks Micha and Dani are forced to overcome their differences and work together to make Tanya’s final wishes come to light.
I enjoyed how this story has great depth and insight on how to navigate death, grief, trauma, mental health, illnesses, healing, and being able to accept help and guidance. Allowing others to help and also knowing when to take a step back. On the spicy scale I give it a 10/10. Not too much spice and placed in the perfect places throughout the book.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romance picks up right after book 1. But it’s a complete standalone bc I didn’t read book 1 and I had no problem fall into Dani and Micah’s second chance romance. This book, along with the two, finding their way back together, deals with a lot of serious subjects such as navigating grief and debilitating illness. Loved the concept where Dani and Micah were sent on a scavenger hunt, but on by their deceased mentor and realizing that she had more facets and multitudes than imagined. Great friend group where the reader just wants to be part of their story. I loved how both Dani and Micah communicated not only with each other, but their friends. And how they both learned how to give each other grace.

I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.

[EnJae Rose 🥀 · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
What a way to continue the Forever Falling series. When grief strikes both Micah and Dani, they come together for a project for their loved one Tanya. Tanya, on the other hand, had her own idea of they should do for her. Sending them on a quest to not only get to know more about her past and the life she lived so they could complete this project for her, she also sent them on a quest to potentially see the art within themselves. Will their quest spark something from their past, or will it help them realize that they just better as friends? You’ll find out on April 14, 2026 !

4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

[Che'Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book was a beautiful way to honor someone. Dani and Micah had something in the past that didn’t work out but someone in their life knew they were soulmates and her final wish in life was to help them realize that by also finding things out about the life she lived and the lives she touched. I love the journey this book took you on, the literal journey and the journey of love and vulnerability and growth. I love that I liked all of the characters in the book even though a few times I couldn’t remember who some of them were. I enjoyed the lessons that this book shared. You deserve rest. You deserve love. You deserve all good things.

[CT · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Loving You was such a joy to read. Natasha Bishop has this way of pulling you straight into the emotional heart of her stories, and this book was no exception. The writing feels warm and intimate, the characters are layered and real, and the whole thing left me with that lovely “I’m going to think about this for days” feeling.

I’ve loved reading this author’s work before, and this one just reinforced why—she knows how to craft a story that hits you right in the chest in the best possible way. Five stars, easil

[Symone · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW* This story was so beautiful 😭❤️. It follows Dani, a former model now influencer, and Micah, an artist she once loved but life pulled them apart. After a close mutual friend/mentor passes away, her final wishes brings them back together. They're forced to team up, go on a heartfelt scavenger hunt and plan her homegoing. This book hit way heavier than i thought it would. Even though some parts had me laughing out LOUD 🤣.. for most of the book tears were falling and my heart was being tugged. 😭 But I will say.. the way this book explores grief and how loss can guide us into new chapters was touching. Watching the main characters heal, grow and rediscover each other was AMAZING.😍

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It’s the perfect slow burn and I was rooting for Dani and Micah from the very beginning. After a loved one passes they are brought together and guided by a journey she leaves in her will as a gift to help them understand her life. As they reconnect they also uncover new layers of Tanya’s story.

This is my second book by Bishop and while it is more subtle than Only for the Week it offers a different kind of discovery. It is a heartfelt second chance romance and absolutely worth the read. I am looking forward to listening again with audio.

Thank you NetGalley and the Zando publishing for the ARC.

[Velvet · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Art of Loving You blends popular tropes—second chances, forced proximity, and a slow burn that truly earns every spark—into a story that feels tender, grown, and emotionally satisfying.

I loved Micah’s quiet devotion, and Dani was learning to be gentler with herself. The dual POV adds depth, and the slow burn is patient and rewarding. It’s heavier than the first book, dealing with loss and grief, but balanced with beautiful moments of both platonic and romantic love. Tender, emotional, and absolutely worth the read