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For Now
Marco Amir is great at his job.
With one notable exception.
He absolutely cannot keep himself away from the beautiful, wallflower wedding planner.
He’s supposed to be protecting her from the rabid media, ensuring there are no leaks that compromise the big event. Though, as threats close in and his carefully laid plans begin to unravel, Marco finds he isn’t just guarding Alice because he has to, but because he’s pretty sure she just might be the one…
If he can somehow convince her their connection isn't just for now.
Tropes
Unexpected soulmatesFake dating (…or is it?)Broody bodyguard MMCWallflower wedding planner FMCHe falls firstPlus-size representationTouch her and d*eHurt/comfortOnly soft for herPraise k*nkBig romantic gestures and fairytale vibesOverprotective MMCNo third act breakupHe talks her through itPlot twists & suspense
With one notable exception.
He absolutely cannot keep himself away from the beautiful, wallflower wedding planner.
He’s supposed to be protecting her from the rabid media, ensuring there are no leaks that compromise the big event. Though, as threats close in and his carefully laid plans begin to unravel, Marco finds he isn’t just guarding Alice because he has to, but because he’s pretty sure she just might be the one…
If he can somehow convince her their connection isn't just for now.
Tropes
Unexpected soulmatesFake dating (…or is it?)Broody bodyguard MMCWallflower wedding planner FMCHe falls firstPlus-size representationTouch her and d*eHurt/comfortOnly soft for herPraise k*nkBig romantic gestures and fairytale vibesOverprotective MMCNo third act breakupHe talks her through itPlot twists & suspense
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2026
40 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Ari Wright
14 books875 followersAri Wright resides in a sun-soaked corner of the United States, where she spends her days raising littles, cooking, reading, consuming massive amounts of music, and doing entirely too much daydreaming.
Ari began writing novels at the age of twelve. A passionate book-lover all her life, her mother once joked that she had to start writing her own stories because she had read everyone else’s. After fifteen years of writing, Ari finally set out to author her debut contemporary romance novel... instead, she wrote two!
It has been her lifelong dream to share the worlds inhabiting her mind with others. Welcome to her dream come true!
Ari began writing novels at the age of twelve. A passionate book-lover all her life, her mother once joked that she had to start writing her own stories because she had read everyone else’s. After fifteen years of writing, Ari finally set out to author her debut contemporary romance novel... instead, she wrote two!
It has been her lifelong dream to share the worlds inhabiting her mind with others. Welcome to her dream come true!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
did-not-finish
January 11, 2026I DNF’d For Now at 55%.
Let me start by saying I fully understand and identify with being fat and having a mother who tears you down for it. I also deeply connect with that lifelong programming impacting your self-esteem, self-worth, and ability to engage in romantic relationships.
But Alice? Jesus Christ. The heavy commentary about how pale/creamy, blonde, blue-eyed, and perfect she was contrasting how much she absolutely and completely hated herself was nauseating on both ends. Alice had a big, buff, wealthy brown man telling her she was finer than frog hair the entire book—or what I read of it—and she went from blushing and stammering over it to being all, “womp womp, he could never want me, I’m just a fat little piggy with unruly curly hair” every couple pages—not an exaggeration—was so incredibly disappointing. It got to a point that I decided I couldn’t journey with a FMC who despises her own existence so loudly, so consistently, and without introspection or effort to believe different AND also doesn’t believe the man she’s falling for. Why in the world are you entertaining a man who is worshipping you but you think must be lying to your face about how much he wants you? How are you building a relationship with someone you think is a liar?!
Marco is brown in description and random Spanish words (carajo, abuela, primo) only. In fact, the only reason I know he’s brown outside of those things is because I read (and absolutely loved) books 1 and 2 in this series—they were truly phenomenal—and Marco is the cousin of the FMC of book 2. In this book, however, he exists in Spanish terms and being the tall, dark, muscular, and handsome to Alice’s pale/creamy, blonde, blue-eyed perfection. I mean, this man basically calls his mama basic looking before launching into how beautiful Alice is, which was…interesting. It felt like he was being fetishized, except it wasn’t quite executed because he’s so underdeveloped and overshadowed by the dark cloud that is Alice’s internal thoughts and passing commentary.
The best friend, Tris, Alice’s mother, the mystery person who seemed to be chasing Alice at every turn were so one dimensional.
This was of my most anticipated reads after reading For Always and For Ever, so it was so upsetting to not only not like For Now, but to DNF. I know Ari Wright’s writing is much better than what this book offers. A lot of issues I had with this could’ve been solved with a thorough sensitivity read—and while Alice’s internalized fatphobia and self esteem issues are called out in the content warning, that doesn’t excuse having the reader try.
Let me start by saying I fully understand and identify with being fat and having a mother who tears you down for it. I also deeply connect with that lifelong programming impacting your self-esteem, self-worth, and ability to engage in romantic relationships.
But Alice? Jesus Christ. The heavy commentary about how pale/creamy, blonde, blue-eyed, and perfect she was contrasting how much she absolutely and completely hated herself was nauseating on both ends. Alice had a big, buff, wealthy brown man telling her she was finer than frog hair the entire book—or what I read of it—and she went from blushing and stammering over it to being all, “womp womp, he could never want me, I’m just a fat little piggy with unruly curly hair” every couple pages—not an exaggeration—was so incredibly disappointing. It got to a point that I decided I couldn’t journey with a FMC who despises her own existence so loudly, so consistently, and without introspection or effort to believe different AND also doesn’t believe the man she’s falling for. Why in the world are you entertaining a man who is worshipping you but you think must be lying to your face about how much he wants you? How are you building a relationship with someone you think is a liar?!
Marco is brown in description and random Spanish words (carajo, abuela, primo) only. In fact, the only reason I know he’s brown outside of those things is because I read (and absolutely loved) books 1 and 2 in this series—they were truly phenomenal—and Marco is the cousin of the FMC of book 2. In this book, however, he exists in Spanish terms and being the tall, dark, muscular, and handsome to Alice’s pale/creamy, blonde, blue-eyed perfection. I mean, this man basically calls his mama basic looking before launching into how beautiful Alice is, which was…interesting. It felt like he was being fetishized, except it wasn’t quite executed because he’s so underdeveloped and overshadowed by the dark cloud that is Alice’s internal thoughts and passing commentary.
The best friend, Tris, Alice’s mother, the mystery person who seemed to be chasing Alice at every turn were so one dimensional.
This was of my most anticipated reads after reading For Always and For Ever, so it was so upsetting to not only not like For Now, but to DNF. I know Ari Wright’s writing is much better than what this book offers. A lot of issues I had with this could’ve been solved with a thorough sensitivity read—and while Alice’s internalized fatphobia and self esteem issues are called out in the content warning, that doesn’t excuse having the reader try.
January 12, 2026
This was ok, but I was grossed out from the point where he talked about frequently hooking up with his boss’ fiancees friends. So basically the h is just another one in the list imo 🤷♀️ also Tris was annoying AS FUCKKKKKKK
January 16, 2026
3.75🌟, 3🌶️
This was a sweet book. It felt cozy, emotional, and easy to sink into, the kind of romance that makes you slow down and enjoy the moments rather than rush through them.
The story of Marco and Alice gave me genuine feelings, especially watching two people who have been worn down by life slowly find comfort in each other. It was soft, a little angsty, and quietly swoony.
Marco was a solid MMC. Emotionally mature, patient, protective without being overwhelming, and very clearly all in from the start. I liked how safe he felt as a love interest and how he let Alice grow at her own pace instead of pushing her. Alice broke my heart in small, familiar ways. Her insecurities and lack of self worth felt painfully real, especially knowing where they came from. I appreciated that her growth was gradual and sometimes messy, even when I wished she would believe in herself a little sooner.
This book made me feel soft and emotional, even if it did not completely knock me off my feet. The slow burn was satisfying, the fake dating worked well, and the light suspense added just enough tension without taking over the story. It may not have wrecked me, but it definitely stayed with me.
This was a warm, heartfelt romance that did exactly what it set out to do.
~~~~
Special thanks to Ari Wright and The Smuthood for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
This was a sweet book. It felt cozy, emotional, and easy to sink into, the kind of romance that makes you slow down and enjoy the moments rather than rush through them.
The story of Marco and Alice gave me genuine feelings, especially watching two people who have been worn down by life slowly find comfort in each other. It was soft, a little angsty, and quietly swoony.
Marco was a solid MMC. Emotionally mature, patient, protective without being overwhelming, and very clearly all in from the start. I liked how safe he felt as a love interest and how he let Alice grow at her own pace instead of pushing her. Alice broke my heart in small, familiar ways. Her insecurities and lack of self worth felt painfully real, especially knowing where they came from. I appreciated that her growth was gradual and sometimes messy, even when I wished she would believe in herself a little sooner.
This book made me feel soft and emotional, even if it did not completely knock me off my feet. The slow burn was satisfying, the fake dating worked well, and the light suspense added just enough tension without taking over the story. It may not have wrecked me, but it definitely stayed with me.
This was a warm, heartfelt romance that did exactly what it set out to do.
~~~~
Special thanks to Ari Wright and The Smuthood for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
January 11, 2026
I completely related and loved our curvy FMC. Her inner turmoil and negative self talk is very realistic and landed, I get it.
But, it did make it hard to read at times, and her relationship with her mother infuriated me, although again- SUPER realistic. It intensely reminded me of the feels I had reading Dumplin.
The broody bodyguard MMC is hot-cha cha, and was SO fun.
Thank you to the author a copy of this lovely story!!
But, it did make it hard to read at times, and her relationship with her mother infuriated me, although again- SUPER realistic. It intensely reminded me of the feels I had reading Dumplin.
The broody bodyguard MMC is hot-cha cha, and was SO fun.
Thank you to the author a copy of this lovely story!!
January 8, 2026
*** ARC Review***
I devoured this book in 1 day!
I absolutely LOVE Ari’s writing. She just knows how to pull on the heartstrings, make you feel all the emotions, the good the bad and the ugly.
Not to mention, I just have to shoutout to the illustrations in every chapter. I look forward to them in every Ari book. For me, they perfectly capture the emotional tone of each moment, tying the vibes of the scene directly to the story in a way that feels so intentional and special.
Alice has had an uphill battle throughout her life, starting in her childhood, dealing with constant emotional abuse that has incinerated any semblance of self confidence. She never backs herself, she sees herself as a burden and when someone finally sees her for who she is, she second guesses if they are genuine. Reading Alice’s inner monologue wrecked my heart.
I was rooting for her the whole way.
Marco, on the other hand, has always been the protector. The top dog. The one who carries the weight of everyone else’s safety on his shoulders. Everything he does is for the people he cares most and to try to make his father proud. His role defines him, it’s his whole identity… leaving little room for anything beyond duty and responsibility.
That is until an unexpected meet-cute with our girl Alice. Their journey together has unwavering devotion, connection, friendship and spice too!
Marco makes it his mission to reassure Alice, calm her nerves and shower her with everything she deserves until she sees it for herself.
Alice in turn gives Marco a safe space, to let go and be vulnerable.
This story is such a good read! There are so many layers to uncover. A security breach, a missing puzzle piece, heartbreak, healing and finding your person. Stepping out of the shadows and owning your light.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Happy Reading
😊📚🌸
I devoured this book in 1 day!
I absolutely LOVE Ari’s writing. She just knows how to pull on the heartstrings, make you feel all the emotions, the good the bad and the ugly.
Not to mention, I just have to shoutout to the illustrations in every chapter. I look forward to them in every Ari book. For me, they perfectly capture the emotional tone of each moment, tying the vibes of the scene directly to the story in a way that feels so intentional and special.
Alice has had an uphill battle throughout her life, starting in her childhood, dealing with constant emotional abuse that has incinerated any semblance of self confidence. She never backs herself, she sees herself as a burden and when someone finally sees her for who she is, she second guesses if they are genuine. Reading Alice’s inner monologue wrecked my heart.
I was rooting for her the whole way.
Marco, on the other hand, has always been the protector. The top dog. The one who carries the weight of everyone else’s safety on his shoulders. Everything he does is for the people he cares most and to try to make his father proud. His role defines him, it’s his whole identity… leaving little room for anything beyond duty and responsibility.
That is until an unexpected meet-cute with our girl Alice. Their journey together has unwavering devotion, connection, friendship and spice too!
Marco makes it his mission to reassure Alice, calm her nerves and shower her with everything she deserves until she sees it for herself.
Alice in turn gives Marco a safe space, to let go and be vulnerable.
This story is such a good read! There are so many layers to uncover. A security breach, a missing puzzle piece, heartbreak, healing and finding your person. Stepping out of the shadows and owning your light.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Happy Reading
😊📚🌸
January 8, 2026
4.5⭐️
“𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐝. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥.”
this was my first non-omegaverse/why choose book i read by the author and wasn’t sure if i was going to vibe with her contemporary romances but once again, Ari Wright hit me right in the feels.
reading about Alice our fmcs life and how she was treated, it makes you so glad she has an obsessed and stalkerish man like Marco defending her and giving her everything she deserves. but just like Marco is always protecting everyone and taking care of others, he has Alice to care for him and think of his needs 🥺
“𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬—𝐆𝐨𝐝—𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲.”
this book was such a good mix of dark and sweet, so def read the content warnings. i also appreciated that the main plot point wasn’t just that Marco was Alice’s bodyguard and Alice didn’t believe Marco was really into her.
i haven’t read the first 2 books in this interconnected series, and it’s not necessary imo but i do think it would make a lot more sense of who Marco is constantly on vigilance for and why Alice needed a bodyguard. i am def going to go back and read the first 2 books bc i am intrigued. also so curious who is next 👀
i do wish we would have gotten a little more about where Marco was from. you get little tidbits of it when talked about his father and mother but it’s never specified where his father immigrated from and i do think it’s important to know when you’re wanting to honor and understand the practices his father instilled in him.
thank you Ari Wright for an e-ARC of 𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑵𝒐𝒘 🌸
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
M/F, 1st person dual POV, 30 fmc / ??? mmc
bodyguard romance, plus size fmc, forced proximity, obsessed mmc, praise kink, HEA, epilogue, interconnected standalone
safety: no OW or OM drama, no cheating
“𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐝. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥.”
this was my first non-omegaverse/why choose book i read by the author and wasn’t sure if i was going to vibe with her contemporary romances but once again, Ari Wright hit me right in the feels.
reading about Alice our fmcs life and how she was treated, it makes you so glad she has an obsessed and stalkerish man like Marco defending her and giving her everything she deserves. but just like Marco is always protecting everyone and taking care of others, he has Alice to care for him and think of his needs 🥺
“𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬—𝐆𝐨𝐝—𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲.”
this book was such a good mix of dark and sweet, so def read the content warnings. i also appreciated that the main plot point wasn’t just that Marco was Alice’s bodyguard and Alice didn’t believe Marco was really into her.
i haven’t read the first 2 books in this interconnected series, and it’s not necessary imo but i do think it would make a lot more sense of who Marco is constantly on vigilance for and why Alice needed a bodyguard. i am def going to go back and read the first 2 books bc i am intrigued. also so curious who is next 👀
i do wish we would have gotten a little more about where Marco was from. you get little tidbits of it when talked about his father and mother but it’s never specified where his father immigrated from and i do think it’s important to know when you’re wanting to honor and understand the practices his father instilled in him.
thank you Ari Wright for an e-ARC of 𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑵𝒐𝒘 🌸
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
M/F, 1st person dual POV, 30 fmc / ??? mmc
bodyguard romance, plus size fmc, forced proximity, obsessed mmc, praise kink, HEA, epilogue, interconnected standalone
safety: no OW or OM drama, no cheating
January 5, 2026
My first 5 ⭐️ for the year!!!
This book was amazing! I couldn’t put it down! Honestly Ari killed it with this one (lol)
I could relate a bit to the FMC. I also face insecurities and at times a relative can point it out but not as bad as the FMCs mother (ew)
I loved seeing the FMC step out of her shell that she was forced into. She was a beautiful person who just needed the correct encouragement
Their first meeting aahhhh was too cute. Even though we know that it was planned I think it was still cute of how hugs obsession with the FMC by the MMC started hahaha
Him showing her the love she deserved and that she deserved ever was just too cute!
My favorite book from the series hands down!!!
This book was amazing! I couldn’t put it down! Honestly Ari killed it with this one (lol)
I could relate a bit to the FMC. I also face insecurities and at times a relative can point it out but not as bad as the FMCs mother (ew)
I loved seeing the FMC step out of her shell that she was forced into. She was a beautiful person who just needed the correct encouragement
Their first meeting aahhhh was too cute. Even though we know that it was planned I think it was still cute of how hugs obsession with the FMC by the MMC started hahaha
Him showing her the love she deserved and that she deserved ever was just too cute!
My favorite book from the series hands down!!!
January 8, 2026
“I belong with this man. He was made for me.”
I adore an overprotective brooding bodyguard, and this one is also a millionaire? Sold! Marco is such a sweetie, but only for her, which just makes you love him even more. I will forever be enamored with the man who falls hard and fast for his girl. Sign me up for this book 1000 times and I will never get tired of it.
This book carries the weight of the constant fears and self-questioning that anyone with a body image is going to identify with (I think). The fear of being judged for wanting a pastry - in MY body (GASP) - is a very real one. I may not be blonde but I CERTAINLY found many pieces of myself in this main character. At the end of the day, feeling her get her HEA was not just satisfying, it was deeply cathartic.
For Now Tropes💖
💖Broody overprotective bodyguard MMC
💖Wallflower wedding planner FMC
💖Fake dating (...or is it?)
💖He falls first
💖Plus-size representation
💖Hurt/comfort
💖Only soft for her
💖Praise k*nk
💖Big romantic gestures and fairytale vibes
💖Plot twists & suspense
Perfection wrapped up in a pretty pink bow, For Now was a romantic healing journey that you may just want to take.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you!
I adore an overprotective brooding bodyguard, and this one is also a millionaire? Sold! Marco is such a sweetie, but only for her, which just makes you love him even more. I will forever be enamored with the man who falls hard and fast for his girl. Sign me up for this book 1000 times and I will never get tired of it.
This book carries the weight of the constant fears and self-questioning that anyone with a body image is going to identify with (I think). The fear of being judged for wanting a pastry - in MY body (GASP) - is a very real one. I may not be blonde but I CERTAINLY found many pieces of myself in this main character. At the end of the day, feeling her get her HEA was not just satisfying, it was deeply cathartic.
For Now Tropes💖
💖Broody overprotective bodyguard MMC
💖Wallflower wedding planner FMC
💖Fake dating (...or is it?)
💖He falls first
💖Plus-size representation
💖Hurt/comfort
💖Only soft for her
💖Praise k*nk
💖Big romantic gestures and fairytale vibes
💖Plot twists & suspense
Perfection wrapped up in a pretty pink bow, For Now was a romantic healing journey that you may just want to take.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you!
January 3, 2026
I cannot begin to tell you the absolute chokehold this book had on me. I could not put it down. I read it in eight hours.
One of my favorite things about Ari Wright’s books are that they always make me feel SEEN. Alice had spent her whole life being told by her mother, by society, by men that she was unworthy because she was plus sized. That she wasn’t ever going to find love and family and adoration because she wasn’t a size two.
And while Wright is much more overt about it, it’s still so very true. As a person who has been plus sized her whole life, I’ve dealt with these “well meaning” comments from everyone my whole life. So watching Alice be criticized by her shrill of a mother hit hard.
So did her being asked out and dated as a “joke.” (Sounds over the top but has definitely happened to this plus sized girl.) I related hardcore to Alice and her insecurities. But the thing I liked about Alice? Her unwavering faith and care for her friends outweighed her anxiety about her life. She didn’t let things stop her from trying.
And can we just take a second to admire sexy as hell Marco who showed up every👏single👏second👏👏👏
That man’s devotion was unwavering. And his honesty refreshing. From almost the very beginning he made his intentions clear, and when Alice STILL misconstrued it, the second he realized it, he made sure to show her, and tell her, in a way that was 100% clear. He stood up for her, validated her, praised her endlessly but in such an honest way you couldn’t help but believe him. That man is every single green flag there is. No notes.
I honestly have no complaints about this book at all. The storyline was perfect, the characters were perfect, the writing was perfect. 10/10 way to start off my 2026 reading.
One of my favorite things about Ari Wright’s books are that they always make me feel SEEN. Alice had spent her whole life being told by her mother, by society, by men that she was unworthy because she was plus sized. That she wasn’t ever going to find love and family and adoration because she wasn’t a size two.
And while Wright is much more overt about it, it’s still so very true. As a person who has been plus sized her whole life, I’ve dealt with these “well meaning” comments from everyone my whole life. So watching Alice be criticized by her shrill of a mother hit hard.
So did her being asked out and dated as a “joke.” (Sounds over the top but has definitely happened to this plus sized girl.) I related hardcore to Alice and her insecurities. But the thing I liked about Alice? Her unwavering faith and care for her friends outweighed her anxiety about her life. She didn’t let things stop her from trying.
And can we just take a second to admire sexy as hell Marco who showed up every👏single👏second👏👏👏
That man’s devotion was unwavering. And his honesty refreshing. From almost the very beginning he made his intentions clear, and when Alice STILL misconstrued it, the second he realized it, he made sure to show her, and tell her, in a way that was 100% clear. He stood up for her, validated her, praised her endlessly but in such an honest way you couldn’t help but believe him. That man is every single green flag there is. No notes.
I honestly have no complaints about this book at all. The storyline was perfect, the characters were perfect, the writing was perfect. 10/10 way to start off my 2026 reading.
January 8, 2026
I really enjoyed the Marco and Alice, though I didn’t love Tris at times & I did think there would be some tension there at some point with how she was portrayed but that didn’t happen.
I did enjoy the plot and it did kinda have Ari’s omegaverse aspects - MMC falling hard & fast, moving in together quickly, FMC having basically zero self confidence, “mental” conversations. Which I adore in an omegaverse book but turns out I don’t love it quite the same in a real world book.
On a random side note “Thundercunt” is my new fave swear word/insult.
Overall I think it’s a solid 3.5 read but have rounded up to 4stars.
Fave quotes
I get the sense he’s rarely on the receiving end of selflessness. He takes care of others, but who takes care of him? Me, I decide. I want it to be me.
“May God have mercy on your soul, Alice Moore.” Then, before clicking off, “And tell Thundercunt I said hi!”
I’m starting to suspect that maybe he just… likes my body. I’m starting to think that maybe I do, too.
I did enjoy the plot and it did kinda have Ari’s omegaverse aspects - MMC falling hard & fast, moving in together quickly, FMC having basically zero self confidence, “mental” conversations. Which I adore in an omegaverse book but turns out I don’t love it quite the same in a real world book.
On a random side note “Thundercunt” is my new fave swear word/insult.
Overall I think it’s a solid 3.5 read but have rounded up to 4stars.
Fave quotes
I get the sense he’s rarely on the receiving end of selflessness. He takes care of others, but who takes care of him? Me, I decide. I want it to be me.
“May God have mercy on your soul, Alice Moore.” Then, before clicking off, “And tell Thundercunt I said hi!”
I’m starting to suspect that maybe he just… likes my body. I’m starting to think that maybe I do, too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really liked Marco and Alice's story! The bodyguard/ suspenseful elements were some of my favorite parts of the book and I loved that it played right into Marco's protective feelings for Alice.
Ari did an amazing job navigating Alice's self doubt and insecurities throughout the story. Seeing the way Alice turns in on herself and doesn't believe when good things are happening was heartbreaking and it makes watching the way Marco boost her up and give her what she needs that much sweeter.
I loved that all of the books in the series had a different feel to them while still tied in together.
Ari did an amazing job navigating Alice's self doubt and insecurities throughout the story. Seeing the way Alice turns in on herself and doesn't believe when good things are happening was heartbreaking and it makes watching the way Marco boost her up and give her what she needs that much sweeter.
I loved that all of the books in the series had a different feel to them while still tied in together.
February 1, 2026
This was just so sweet 🥹
As someone who is plus sized, constantly anxious with crippling self-esteem, I felt for the FMC. Alice is such a softhearted, kind and gentle soul. Bring back soft FMCs!!! 💪🏻 This was what I wanted in an FMC for such a long time after so many "sassy", "badass" and mouthy FMCs.
The MMC is a green flag all-around 💚 Firm, affirming and patient. Marco is everything I want in a man and I am so sad he's not real and mine.
The writing style is pretty poetic and I really enjoyed the way the words flow together. I might check out the other couples' books after this 🤗
As someone who is plus sized, constantly anxious with crippling self-esteem, I felt for the FMC. Alice is such a softhearted, kind and gentle soul. Bring back soft FMCs!!! 💪🏻 This was what I wanted in an FMC for such a long time after so many "sassy", "badass" and mouthy FMCs.
The MMC is a green flag all-around 💚 Firm, affirming and patient. Marco is everything I want in a man and I am so sad he's not real and mine.
The writing style is pretty poetic and I really enjoyed the way the words flow together. I might check out the other couples' books after this 🤗
January 9, 2026
self esteem issues
I usually love this authors books but this heroin has negative self esteem and it made it so hard to like her. The guy was also a bit too over the top with his love
I usually love this authors books but this heroin has negative self esteem and it made it so hard to like her. The guy was also a bit too over the top with his love
January 11, 2026
For Now was my very first book of the year—and what a way to start. This was an easy 5-star read, the kind of story that quietly settles into your heart and then refuses to leave. I loved it so much that I immediately convinced my bestie to read it too… and I regret nothing.
Alice Moore is the ultimate wallflower FMC—insecure, overlooked, and painfully unaware of her own worth. When she’s suddenly handed the responsibility of managing the wedding of the year, it feels overwhelming enough… but then there’s him. The drop-dead gorgeous man who rescued her at a coffee shop.
Marco Amir is everything you want in a protective, emotionally guarded MMC. As head of security and bodyguard to celebrity Grayson Stryker and his fiancée Ella, Marco is disciplined, closed off, and convinced that rescuing Alice meant nothing more than doing his job. Alice believes that too—because how could someone like him ever truly see someone like her?
As the wedding chaos ramps up and paparazzi become a constant threat, Alice and Marco are forced into close proximity. And this is where the magic happens. Marco doesn’t just protect Alice—he listens to her. Sees her. Makes her feel safe in ways she’s never experienced before. Watching Alice slowly come into herself while Marco battles his own deeply rooted scars was chef’s kiss emotional storytelling.
Marco’s secrets explain the walls he’s built so carefully, and the journey of him realizing that Alice has quietly embedded herself into his heart and soul is tender, aching, and incredibly rewarding. This book hits you right in the feels—softly at first, then all at once.
If you love:
• Wallflower FMCs
• Protective, emotionally layered MMCs
• Forced proximity
• Slow-burn emotional intimacy
• Romance that feels real
…then For Now belongs on your must-read list this year. I truly cannot recommend it enough. You will love it—I promise. 💖📖
Alice Moore is the ultimate wallflower FMC—insecure, overlooked, and painfully unaware of her own worth. When she’s suddenly handed the responsibility of managing the wedding of the year, it feels overwhelming enough… but then there’s him. The drop-dead gorgeous man who rescued her at a coffee shop.
Marco Amir is everything you want in a protective, emotionally guarded MMC. As head of security and bodyguard to celebrity Grayson Stryker and his fiancée Ella, Marco is disciplined, closed off, and convinced that rescuing Alice meant nothing more than doing his job. Alice believes that too—because how could someone like him ever truly see someone like her?
As the wedding chaos ramps up and paparazzi become a constant threat, Alice and Marco are forced into close proximity. And this is where the magic happens. Marco doesn’t just protect Alice—he listens to her. Sees her. Makes her feel safe in ways she’s never experienced before. Watching Alice slowly come into herself while Marco battles his own deeply rooted scars was chef’s kiss emotional storytelling.
Marco’s secrets explain the walls he’s built so carefully, and the journey of him realizing that Alice has quietly embedded herself into his heart and soul is tender, aching, and incredibly rewarding. This book hits you right in the feels—softly at first, then all at once.
If you love:
• Wallflower FMCs
• Protective, emotionally layered MMCs
• Forced proximity
• Slow-burn emotional intimacy
• Romance that feels real
…then For Now belongs on your must-read list this year. I truly cannot recommend it enough. You will love it—I promise. 💖📖
Read
January 6, 2026Loved it
💖 Unexpected soulmates
💖 “Fake” dating (…or is it?)
💖 Broody bodyguard MMC
💖 Wallflower wedding planner FMC
💖 Hurt/comfort
💖 Plus-size representation
💖 Only soft for her
💖 Praise k*nk
Let’s address the “fake dating” first because honestly, it was one-sided. Alice (sweet, precious Alice) assumed it had to be fake with Marco and he only needed her as a job because obviously there’s no way someone like him could genuinely be into her…right? Wrong. Marco spends the entire book actively wooing her, and I loved every second of it.
Once you get past that, this story is a perfect blend of sweetness and suspense.
Alice is one of the most caring, selfless FMCs I’ve read in a long time. Her inner monologue broke my heart. Her mother did a real number on her self-worth, and she truly believes she deserves very little. Marco, meanwhile, is smitten almost immediately. He spends the whole book lifting her up, helping her see herself the way he sees her, and yes, I will absolutely take a man like that every single time.
I was also genuinely surprised by the level of suspense in this one. I love Ari’s writing, but this was next-level drama compared to what I expected. There were moments where I was stressed for Alice and seriously questioning whether Ari was about to emotionally wreck me. Like…she wouldn’t deny them their very hard-earned HEA, right? …RIGHT??
If you’re looking for a romance that celebrates body positivity and lovingly beats you over the head with it until you’re side-eyeing yourself in the mirror and learning to love your curves and “imperfections,” this is absolutely the book for you.
Huge thanks to Ari Wright and The Author Agency for kicking off my 2026 on the right foot with this ARC.
💖 Unexpected soulmates
💖 “Fake” dating (…or is it?)
💖 Broody bodyguard MMC
💖 Wallflower wedding planner FMC
💖 Hurt/comfort
💖 Plus-size representation
💖 Only soft for her
💖 Praise k*nk
Let’s address the “fake dating” first because honestly, it was one-sided. Alice (sweet, precious Alice) assumed it had to be fake with Marco and he only needed her as a job because obviously there’s no way someone like him could genuinely be into her…right? Wrong. Marco spends the entire book actively wooing her, and I loved every second of it.
Once you get past that, this story is a perfect blend of sweetness and suspense.
Alice is one of the most caring, selfless FMCs I’ve read in a long time. Her inner monologue broke my heart. Her mother did a real number on her self-worth, and she truly believes she deserves very little. Marco, meanwhile, is smitten almost immediately. He spends the whole book lifting her up, helping her see herself the way he sees her, and yes, I will absolutely take a man like that every single time.
I was also genuinely surprised by the level of suspense in this one. I love Ari’s writing, but this was next-level drama compared to what I expected. There were moments where I was stressed for Alice and seriously questioning whether Ari was about to emotionally wreck me. Like…she wouldn’t deny them their very hard-earned HEA, right? …RIGHT??
If you’re looking for a romance that celebrates body positivity and lovingly beats you over the head with it until you’re side-eyeing yourself in the mirror and learning to love your curves and “imperfections,” this is absolutely the book for you.
Huge thanks to Ari Wright and The Author Agency for kicking off my 2026 on the right foot with this ARC.
January 7, 2026
For Now has so many tropes I love. The broody bodyguard, the soft-girl wedding planner, the “is it fake dating or are we just in denial?” tension, plus the fairytale-coded devotion from Marco. And honestly, when the sweet moments hit, they really hit. Marco is attentive, patient, and genuinely sees Alice in a way no one ever has. His protectiveness and gentle reassurance gave me full-body swoon.
But where the book worked for him, it struggled a bit for her.
Alice’s insecurities were realistic and rooted in a lifetime of being torn down, but they were so constant that I found myself wanting more character growth. Marco wasn’t just telling her how he felt. He was screaming it, showing it, proving it over and over again, and it still never seemed to land. After a while, the repetitive reassurance loops made their dynamic feel stuck instead of evolving.
I was also surprised by how strongly the book is labeled as fake dating. There’s never a clear “performance” for other people or a moment where they agree to pretend anything. The trope is lightly present in the circumstances, but not really executed in the traditional sense.
What did work really well was the suspense thread. The foreshadowing had me convinced it was heading toward one outcome, and the reveal genuinely caught me off guard in a good way. The ending was solid and tied the emotional threads together beautifully.
If you love ultra-soft, overprotective heroes and emotional, praise-filled romance, this one will give you plenty to swoon over even if you find yourself wishing the FMC would finally believe she deserves it.
But where the book worked for him, it struggled a bit for her.
Alice’s insecurities were realistic and rooted in a lifetime of being torn down, but they were so constant that I found myself wanting more character growth. Marco wasn’t just telling her how he felt. He was screaming it, showing it, proving it over and over again, and it still never seemed to land. After a while, the repetitive reassurance loops made their dynamic feel stuck instead of evolving.
I was also surprised by how strongly the book is labeled as fake dating. There’s never a clear “performance” for other people or a moment where they agree to pretend anything. The trope is lightly present in the circumstances, but not really executed in the traditional sense.
What did work really well was the suspense thread. The foreshadowing had me convinced it was heading toward one outcome, and the reveal genuinely caught me off guard in a good way. The ending was solid and tied the emotional threads together beautifully.
If you love ultra-soft, overprotective heroes and emotional, praise-filled romance, this one will give you plenty to swoon over even if you find yourself wishing the FMC would finally believe she deserves it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a beautiful sweet, emotional love story but with a page turning mystery that will have you gripping your kindle
Marco is the super hot brooding bodyguard who falls fast and hard for our plus sized wallflower wedding planner
He is a gorgeous giant, touch her and die sort of MMC, who is only soft for her and enjoys big romantic gestures... seriously what's not to love about him 🫠 but dear sweet Alice doesn't believe he could really want her and thinks its all just fake and for his job
Alice's mother is a character you are going to love to hate and Tris the best friend is fun and I can't wait to read her story next (? hopefully) in this fun series
A beautifully written, mildly spicy, page turner you won't want to put down
Thank you Ari Wright and The Smuthood for this wonderfully ARC opportunity 💕
Marco is the super hot brooding bodyguard who falls fast and hard for our plus sized wallflower wedding planner
He is a gorgeous giant, touch her and die sort of MMC, who is only soft for her and enjoys big romantic gestures... seriously what's not to love about him 🫠 but dear sweet Alice doesn't believe he could really want her and thinks its all just fake and for his job
Alice's mother is a character you are going to love to hate and Tris the best friend is fun and I can't wait to read her story next (? hopefully) in this fun series
A beautifully written, mildly spicy, page turner you won't want to put down
Thank you Ari Wright and The Smuthood for this wonderfully ARC opportunity 💕
January 13, 2026
This book was deliciously good, it had me feeling all the emotions throughout! I honestly can’t recommend this enough if you’re into the bodyguard and millionaire romances!!
I was also happy to see glimpses of the first two couples in this book. 🥹
I absolutely loved the way Marco loved Alice. It was so pure and raw and absolutely adorable. They were legitimately made for one another and he really does make all her dreams come true. 🥹 Talk about the biggest romantic there is!!! I loved taking my time with this book and fully enjoying their story. Can’t wait for my next Ari Wright book because I already need it!
I was also happy to see glimpses of the first two couples in this book. 🥹
I absolutely loved the way Marco loved Alice. It was so pure and raw and absolutely adorable. They were legitimately made for one another and he really does make all her dreams come true. 🥹 Talk about the biggest romantic there is!!! I loved taking my time with this book and fully enjoying their story. Can’t wait for my next Ari Wright book because I already need it!
January 18, 2026
Definitely loves the two main characters. The protectiveness of Marco is something to swoon over. He is so obsessed with Alice, I loved it! Alice was also such an easy character to love. There is a huge realness about her being self conscious and trying to overcome that especially on her relationship. I do feel like Marco has to try and try and try to earn her trust which feels hard for me. All in all, cute romance with some spicy bits!
February 15, 2026
This book was an absolutely amazing read. The connection between Alice and Marco pulled me in from the very first chapter, and watching their relationship unfold felt both heartfelt and authentic. I especially appreciated the way Alice was portrayed—confident, complex, and beautifully real. As a fuller woman myself, it meant so much to see a character who represents us with dignity and desirability, without stereotypes or apologies.
The author’s writing style is warm, engaging, and incredibly easy to get lost in. Every scene felt vivid, and the emotional beats landed perfectly. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
I’ll definitely be recommending this book to anyone looking for a romantic, empowering, and wonderfully written story.
The author’s writing style is warm, engaging, and incredibly easy to get lost in. Every scene felt vivid, and the emotional beats landed perfectly. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
I’ll definitely be recommending this book to anyone looking for a romantic, empowering, and wonderfully written story.
January 18, 2026
Another fabulous read by Ari Wright! Her characters always know how to pull at your heart strings! Ari’s covers and attention to details in every chapter is always a favorite!
The FMC was more relatable than I was prepared for. Her internal turmoil absolutely wrecked me. I love a MMC was is protective and wants to make her feel safe and special. This series has such a special place in my heart. All of these characters are so special and I love them so much!
The FMC was more relatable than I was prepared for. Her internal turmoil absolutely wrecked me. I love a MMC was is protective and wants to make her feel safe and special. This series has such a special place in my heart. All of these characters are so special and I love them so much!
January 7, 2026
OMG!! I absolutely loved this story, it was beautifully written and the character development was chef’s kiss. I enjoyed every minute of this book.
January 13, 2026
Absolutely adored this. Beautiful, soul-wrenching, hilarious, and devastating all wrapped in one absolutely amazing book
January 14, 2026
”I realized that all of your dreams were my dreams, too."
Review of advance copy
I am so glad I got to read this book, even having never read books 1 and 2 (which I'll be grabbing as soon as I'm done writing this review!), I knew based on the cover. blurb, and tropes that I'd love this book and I was right.
Ari wrote a fantastic story that has great world and character building, solid relationship dynamics, and a book that is enhanced by the steamy scenes, not one that requires them to carry the book.
I was so invested in the relationship building between Alice and Marco. It felt natural and true to life, hard spots and conflicts were addressed in honest and realistic ways that I enjoyed.
The over arching suspense in the storyline kept me engaged and guessing all the way through.
While the characters from books 1 and 2 are featured and I could tell I'd missed some things by not reading their books, it didn't hinder my enjoyment of this book at all. Like I said, I now want to go back and catch up.
Ari has proven to be an author I can trust to deliver a book I enjoy. She writes a story length perfect for me, and does a solid job building worlds. relationship dynamics, and enough suspense to keep me coming back for more.
Ari wrote a fantastic story that has great world and character building, solid relationship dynamics, and a book that is enhanced by the steamy scenes, not one that requires them to carry the book.
I was so invested in the relationship building between Alice and Marco. It felt natural and true to life, hard spots and conflicts were addressed in honest and realistic ways that I enjoyed.
The over arching suspense in the storyline kept me engaged and guessing all the way through.
While the characters from books 1 and 2 are featured and I could tell I'd missed some things by not reading their books, it didn't hinder my enjoyment of this book at all. Like I said, I now want to go back and catch up.
Ari has proven to be an author I can trust to deliver a book I enjoy. She writes a story length perfect for me, and does a solid job building worlds. relationship dynamics, and enough suspense to keep me coming back for more.
January 18, 2026
I took a very large break from contemporary because I didn’t truly feel in the mood to read anything too realistic, but this was a great step back into the genre!
The characters were enjoyable, the plot was comforting, & I enjoyed it overall.
The characters were enjoyable, the plot was comforting, & I enjoyed it overall.
Review of advance copy received from Author
For Now is the third book in the Star-Crossed City series by the ever talented Ari Wright. As always, I do recommend reading a series in order to get the most out of it, but each book can be read as a standalone in an interconnected series. Past book characters do play a part in For Now, so I do strongly recommend reading the first two books. Now onto the good stuff!
Alice is a wallflower, shy, klutzy and prefers her tea and books to socializing and parties. She is kind and smart, but like so many of us not the most confident in herself or how she looks. Alice is a plus size baddie, but due to her horrible (and I do mean horrible) mother, she struggles with self-love and trusting others. One day at work, her lovely, but crazy friend Tris manages to talk Alive into taking on a client for a last minute wedding for their mutual friend Ella. Here’s the kicker though, Ella is marrying Grayson (book one) and he is loaded and famous, so everyone is out for the details for the wedding of the century, thus leaving Alice as the odd one out. She’s never done an event this big, but she can’t leave her friend in a bind, and agrees to do it. Poor Alice just wasn’t prepared for the “security” that it came with.
Marco is just what you would think a security executive would be, tall, broad, muscular, alpha-male, but he’s also a hopeless romantic. When he scopes her out for a risk assignment, he’s obsessed from the first meeting. (and what a meet cute it is) Marco quickly learns that Alice isn’t like any woman he has met before, that she is gonna be the one. The one he wants to spend the rest of his life with, there’s just one catch. She doesn’t think he really wants her. Marco makes it his mission to protect her from all things crazy wedding, but also to show her just how serious he is about their future together. He just wasn’t expecting the thing wanting to harm them was more connected to him than his clients.
I freaking loved this! Ari’s books always leave me feeling just a little bit lighter after reading them, and For Now was the same. Alice is my soul sister, she is such a relatable character and I love how much she grows throughout the book, and Marco, well we all need a Marco in our corner one day. It was fun seeing how some of the other characters have fared after their books, and even Tris (who I hope gets a book) was a kick in the pants. I will say, towards the end, I was a little unhappy with Alice for believing that b.s (no spoilers) but her character was still growing so I will look past it. For Now is a story of found family, self-love and acceptance, and learning what true love really looks like.
5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
Tropes:
☕️ Plus Size Rep
🙏🏻 Praise Kink
🫖 Alpha Hero
💕 Only soft for her
Alice is a wallflower, shy, klutzy and prefers her tea and books to socializing and parties. She is kind and smart, but like so many of us not the most confident in herself or how she looks. Alice is a plus size baddie, but due to her horrible (and I do mean horrible) mother, she struggles with self-love and trusting others. One day at work, her lovely, but crazy friend Tris manages to talk Alive into taking on a client for a last minute wedding for their mutual friend Ella. Here’s the kicker though, Ella is marrying Grayson (book one) and he is loaded and famous, so everyone is out for the details for the wedding of the century, thus leaving Alice as the odd one out. She’s never done an event this big, but she can’t leave her friend in a bind, and agrees to do it. Poor Alice just wasn’t prepared for the “security” that it came with.
Marco is just what you would think a security executive would be, tall, broad, muscular, alpha-male, but he’s also a hopeless romantic. When he scopes her out for a risk assignment, he’s obsessed from the first meeting. (and what a meet cute it is) Marco quickly learns that Alice isn’t like any woman he has met before, that she is gonna be the one. The one he wants to spend the rest of his life with, there’s just one catch. She doesn’t think he really wants her. Marco makes it his mission to protect her from all things crazy wedding, but also to show her just how serious he is about their future together. He just wasn’t expecting the thing wanting to harm them was more connected to him than his clients.
I freaking loved this! Ari’s books always leave me feeling just a little bit lighter after reading them, and For Now was the same. Alice is my soul sister, she is such a relatable character and I love how much she grows throughout the book, and Marco, well we all need a Marco in our corner one day. It was fun seeing how some of the other characters have fared after their books, and even Tris (who I hope gets a book) was a kick in the pants. I will say, towards the end, I was a little unhappy with Alice for believing that b.s (no spoilers) but her character was still growing so I will look past it. For Now is a story of found family, self-love and acceptance, and learning what true love really looks like.
5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
Tropes:
☕️ Plus Size Rep
🙏🏻 Praise Kink
🫖 Alpha Hero
💕 Only soft for her
January 8, 2026
"And I don’t know what Alice’s final decision about me will be. But I know mine. I’m going to keep her.”
✔️a bit of suspense
✔️fake dating (…or is it?)
✔️broody overprotective bodyguard MMC x wallflower wedding planner FMC
✔️plus-size rep
✔️he falls first
✔️hurt/comfort
✔️"i’ve got you”
✔️unexpected soulmates
✔️no 3rd act breakup
4.75⭐️ rounded up
The amount of times that I said “oh my god they’re so cute” while reading this is a little ridiculous in the best way. Marco (MMC) is the swooniest MMC I have read in a minute and I just wanted to give Alice (FMC) a hug and tell her that she can trust him and everything was going to be okay. This poor girl has zero self esteem due to the way she was constantly berated and changed by her mother while she was growing up, and even though she is a grown adult that woman still has a hold over her. So, when a real chance at happiness shows up in her life unexpectedly she doesn’t feel like she can trust it because “she doesn’t deserve it” (cue my heart being ripped out because I get it). This is the quintessential romance with big romantic gestures from the very wealthy (and handsome) leading man, they are soulmates who understand each other on a deep level from the start (even though she doesn’t trust that it’s real), and major fairytale vibes.
Though there are some suspenseful moments, the MMC is a bodyguard after all and there is a big showdown in the third act, I wouldn’t necessarily call this a romantic suspense novel. It’s doesn’t have that foreboding feeling where you think that something bad could happen at any moment. It’s light, even with the heavier subject matter. I love the silent communication that they have from the first time that they meet, and the gentle love that exists between the two of them (though he will not hesitate to take down anyone who dares to hurt her, he’s only soft for her). They both need therapy, and love isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t have to be difficult either.
This is book three in the Star-Crossed City series, and while there are callbacks to things that happened in previous books (and a continuation/conclusion of an important storyline from book one), I didn’t feel lost even though I have not read the first two books in the series. This can absolutely be read as a standalone. It feels like a good wrap-up to the series, and the epilogue is perfect. I am so glad they got their happily ever after.
*I am so grateful to be a member of Ari Wright’s Cheer Squad/Content Team! Thank you so much to Ari and her team for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
✔️a bit of suspense
✔️fake dating (…or is it?)
✔️broody overprotective bodyguard MMC x wallflower wedding planner FMC
✔️plus-size rep
✔️he falls first
✔️hurt/comfort
✔️"i’ve got you”
✔️unexpected soulmates
✔️no 3rd act breakup
4.75⭐️ rounded up
The amount of times that I said “oh my god they’re so cute” while reading this is a little ridiculous in the best way. Marco (MMC) is the swooniest MMC I have read in a minute and I just wanted to give Alice (FMC) a hug and tell her that she can trust him and everything was going to be okay. This poor girl has zero self esteem due to the way she was constantly berated and changed by her mother while she was growing up, and even though she is a grown adult that woman still has a hold over her. So, when a real chance at happiness shows up in her life unexpectedly she doesn’t feel like she can trust it because “she doesn’t deserve it” (cue my heart being ripped out because I get it). This is the quintessential romance with big romantic gestures from the very wealthy (and handsome) leading man, they are soulmates who understand each other on a deep level from the start (even though she doesn’t trust that it’s real), and major fairytale vibes.
Though there are some suspenseful moments, the MMC is a bodyguard after all and there is a big showdown in the third act, I wouldn’t necessarily call this a romantic suspense novel. It’s doesn’t have that foreboding feeling where you think that something bad could happen at any moment. It’s light, even with the heavier subject matter. I love the silent communication that they have from the first time that they meet, and the gentle love that exists between the two of them (though he will not hesitate to take down anyone who dares to hurt her, he’s only soft for her). They both need therapy, and love isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t have to be difficult either.
This is book three in the Star-Crossed City series, and while there are callbacks to things that happened in previous books (and a continuation/conclusion of an important storyline from book one), I didn’t feel lost even though I have not read the first two books in the series. This can absolutely be read as a standalone. It feels like a good wrap-up to the series, and the epilogue is perfect. I am so glad they got their happily ever after.
*I am so grateful to be a member of Ari Wright’s Cheer Squad/Content Team! Thank you so much to Ari and her team for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
January 22, 2026
Book Review: For Now by Ari Wright
Ari writes the kind of romance that makes you really feel all of the feels! Especially in this series! Book one of this series is one of my all time favorite reads! This book will have you wanting to be all cozy in your read chair with a warm drink and falling in love right along side the two MCs.
I have been WAITING for Marcos book longing and pining for this book! This is a well crafted slow intentional burn! It’s filled with all the best moments that makes a true slow burn!
Alice had a hard background and it was heartbreaking! I loved watching her bloom in this book! It didn’t feel rushed or faked. It felt raw and real and I could relate to it with my own inner dialogue. And even with the hard journey of healing and her self doubt there is grace there and it made me feel seen on my journey as well.
Oh Marco! Ladies he is a keeper! He is protective, emotionally secure and mature ( he is a unicorn ladies!) and he alpha while not being alpha because he respects her space but is the strong reassurance that she needs. He is gentle and soft with her like the perfect toasty marshmallow I love. But if someone messes with her the softness is replaced with an unyielding fierceness.
I love bodyguard and fake dating romance so that checked all my boxes!
I had interviewed Ari last year and found out she does all the inner illustrations in her books!! Yeah you heard me right! They are adorable and just that perfect little something that ties her books all together and makes them special!
I devoured her book like usual and it lives like the others rent free in my mind! She is an auto buy author and I can’t wait for my payday so I can order the signed edition to go with my others in this series!
And if you want a look behind the book and to fan girl with me while I talk with Ari check out my YouTube and Podcast she was lovely!!!
Favorite Quotes:
“𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬—𝐆𝐨𝐝—𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲.”
“𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐝. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥.”
“I belong with this man. He was made for me.”
💁♂️ Broody, overprotective bodyguard MMC 💁♀️ Wallflower wedding planner FMC 🫣 Fake dating (…or is it?) 🫠 He falls first 😍 Plus-size representation 💖 Hurt/comfort ☺️ Only soft for her 🥵 Praise k*nk 🎟️ Romantic gestures & fairytale vibes 🤯 Suspense & plot twists
Ari writes the kind of romance that makes you really feel all of the feels! Especially in this series! Book one of this series is one of my all time favorite reads! This book will have you wanting to be all cozy in your read chair with a warm drink and falling in love right along side the two MCs.
I have been WAITING for Marcos book longing and pining for this book! This is a well crafted slow intentional burn! It’s filled with all the best moments that makes a true slow burn!
Alice had a hard background and it was heartbreaking! I loved watching her bloom in this book! It didn’t feel rushed or faked. It felt raw and real and I could relate to it with my own inner dialogue. And even with the hard journey of healing and her self doubt there is grace there and it made me feel seen on my journey as well.
Oh Marco! Ladies he is a keeper! He is protective, emotionally secure and mature ( he is a unicorn ladies!) and he alpha while not being alpha because he respects her space but is the strong reassurance that she needs. He is gentle and soft with her like the perfect toasty marshmallow I love. But if someone messes with her the softness is replaced with an unyielding fierceness.
I love bodyguard and fake dating romance so that checked all my boxes!
I had interviewed Ari last year and found out she does all the inner illustrations in her books!! Yeah you heard me right! They are adorable and just that perfect little something that ties her books all together and makes them special!
I devoured her book like usual and it lives like the others rent free in my mind! She is an auto buy author and I can’t wait for my payday so I can order the signed edition to go with my others in this series!
And if you want a look behind the book and to fan girl with me while I talk with Ari check out my YouTube and Podcast she was lovely!!!
Favorite Quotes:
“𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬—𝐆𝐨𝐝—𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲.”
“𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐝. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥.”
“I belong with this man. He was made for me.”
💁♂️ Broody, overprotective bodyguard MMC 💁♀️ Wallflower wedding planner FMC 🫣 Fake dating (…or is it?) 🫠 He falls first 😍 Plus-size representation 💖 Hurt/comfort ☺️ Only soft for her 🥵 Praise k*nk 🎟️ Romantic gestures & fairytale vibes 🤯 Suspense & plot twists
January 20, 2026
I have a long-standing love for protector romances, and For Now by Ari Wright delivered exactly the kind of bodyguard dynamic I gravitate toward. Although it is the third book in the Star-Crossed City series, it reads easily as a standalone and left me eager to go back for the earlier installments. And, if you like Ari's omegaverse books, this one definitely has OV vibes in the relationship dynamic, even if it's not actually an OV.
Alice and Marco are both carrying deep emotional wounds. Alice’s self doubt and body image struggles stem from years of emotional harm, particularly from her mother, and those insecurities feel painfully real. Marco, a former soldier turned bodyguard, lives with PTSD and constant vigilance, which he channels into his work. When he is assigned to protect Alice from relentless paparazzi, what begins as a professional arrangement slowly turns into something much more meaningful.
Marco is the kind of hero who makes the romance work. He is protective, disciplined, and emotionally reserved, but his care for Alice is clear from the start. What stood out to me most was how he listens to her and treats her feelings with respect. He offers safety without pressure, allowing Alice to move forward at her own pace. Their relationship grows through trust, patience, and consistency rather than instant passion, which made their connection feel genuine and earned.
The romance unfolds slowly, with moments of progress and setbacks that felt true to who these characters are. Alice’s growth is gradual and sometimes messy, and while it can be frustrating to watch her doubt herself, it also feels authentic. Marco’s steady presence and unwavering interest make their emotional dynamic particulalry sweet.
The story balances sweetness, heat, and light suspense well. The spice is spicy and intense without overpowering the emotional core, and the bodyguard elements add tension that supports the romance rather than distracting from it. The fake dating aspect works well enough, and the overall pacing makes the book easy to sink into.
For Now is a cozy, emotional romance about two people who have been worn down by life and slowly find comfort in each other. It was a sweet enough read, and it lingers in a quiet, meaningful way. I really enjoyed Marco and Alice’s story and would happily read more from this series.
Side note: the heroine has a lot of internalized mindsets about her body and worthiness courtesy of some trauma from her mother. I deeply related this, but I think others might find it triggering or frustrating. If you prefer a more confident curvy heroine Alice is not that.
Alice and Marco are both carrying deep emotional wounds. Alice’s self doubt and body image struggles stem from years of emotional harm, particularly from her mother, and those insecurities feel painfully real. Marco, a former soldier turned bodyguard, lives with PTSD and constant vigilance, which he channels into his work. When he is assigned to protect Alice from relentless paparazzi, what begins as a professional arrangement slowly turns into something much more meaningful.
Marco is the kind of hero who makes the romance work. He is protective, disciplined, and emotionally reserved, but his care for Alice is clear from the start. What stood out to me most was how he listens to her and treats her feelings with respect. He offers safety without pressure, allowing Alice to move forward at her own pace. Their relationship grows through trust, patience, and consistency rather than instant passion, which made their connection feel genuine and earned.
The romance unfolds slowly, with moments of progress and setbacks that felt true to who these characters are. Alice’s growth is gradual and sometimes messy, and while it can be frustrating to watch her doubt herself, it also feels authentic. Marco’s steady presence and unwavering interest make their emotional dynamic particulalry sweet.
The story balances sweetness, heat, and light suspense well. The spice is spicy and intense without overpowering the emotional core, and the bodyguard elements add tension that supports the romance rather than distracting from it. The fake dating aspect works well enough, and the overall pacing makes the book easy to sink into.
For Now is a cozy, emotional romance about two people who have been worn down by life and slowly find comfort in each other. It was a sweet enough read, and it lingers in a quiet, meaningful way. I really enjoyed Marco and Alice’s story and would happily read more from this series.
Side note: the heroine has a lot of internalized mindsets about her body and worthiness courtesy of some trauma from her mother. I deeply related this, but I think others might find it triggering or frustrating. If you prefer a more confident curvy heroine Alice is not that.
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