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The Instant Always #3
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 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 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 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. ✨
May 29, 2024
I actually almost loved this book much to my surprise 😱
I rant didn’t like Marco in the beginning, but my heart ached for Alice and how insecure and vulnerable and lonely she was🥺 Marco in the beginning actually kind of pissed me off, I felt like for someone who really just wanted to have a steady partner, he seemed to have sex a lot. I think I’m just sensitive though and that the author just worded some things wrong because later in the book he makes a comment about how he had a four pack of condoms and just now ran out after using two with the h
I was actually going to DNF this because Marco was getting on my nerves, so I skipped to chapter 10 just to see what I’d be missing, and I was hooked from there! I loved their relationship ( before she found out how they actually started) so much. She was so sweet to him, and honestly just loved him so much and was so grateful that he loved her too. I know though that the kind of h that Alice was won’t be for everyone. She was very insecure and down on herself, but I just loved her. The way she wanted to do such sweet things for Marco, like bringing him lunch, wanting to take him out, and unpacking his boxes because she knew it stressed him out just made me love her so much. And they were so cuddly together, I loved that too! I loved that she called him honey and I love that he loved it🥹
Also I was shocked, and happy, that the author didn’t make the h a virgin. Sure, she had not great experiences, but she still had experience which I appreciated
Another thing that I really enjoyed was that there wasn’t too much focus on things other than Marco and Alice. I’m really not one for plot in books lol I really like books to be relationship driven, which I thought this book was
Now I was a little disappointed in the reveal of Marco’s deceit, but honestly since I loved them together so much, I’m choosing to ignore it. I do love that he waited for her to feel ready to be with him again and how he made sure she knew he was thinking about her.
This was my first book by this author, and I’m so excited to read more!
I rant didn’t like Marco in the beginning, but my heart ached for Alice and how insecure and vulnerable and lonely she was🥺 Marco in the beginning actually kind of pissed me off, I felt like for someone who really just wanted to have a steady partner, he seemed to have sex a lot. I think I’m just sensitive though and that the author just worded some things wrong because later in the book he makes a comment about how he had a four pack of condoms and just now ran out after using two with the h
I was actually going to DNF this because Marco was getting on my nerves, so I skipped to chapter 10 just to see what I’d be missing, and I was hooked from there! I loved their relationship ( before she found out how they actually started) so much. She was so sweet to him, and honestly just loved him so much and was so grateful that he loved her too. I know though that the kind of h that Alice was won’t be for everyone. She was very insecure and down on herself, but I just loved her. The way she wanted to do such sweet things for Marco, like bringing him lunch, wanting to take him out, and unpacking his boxes because she knew it stressed him out just made me love her so much. And they were so cuddly together, I loved that too! I loved that she called him honey and I love that he loved it🥹
Also I was shocked, and happy, that the author didn’t make the h a virgin. Sure, she had not great experiences, but she still had experience which I appreciated
Another thing that I really enjoyed was that there wasn’t too much focus on things other than Marco and Alice. I’m really not one for plot in books lol I really like books to be relationship driven, which I thought this book was
Now I was a little disappointed in the reveal of Marco’s deceit, but honestly since I loved them together so much, I’m choosing to ignore it. I do love that he waited for her to feel ready to be with him again and how he made sure she knew he was thinking about her.
This was my first book by this author, and I’m so excited to read more!
January 5, 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 20, 2026
“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.”
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
I really enjoy Ari Wright’s writing, and I loved seeing her step away from her usual omegaverse world and into contemporary romantic suspense.
No omegas.
No packs.
Just a broody bodyguard, a plus-size wedding planner, fake dating, light danger, hurt/comfort, and a man whose protective instincts become everyone else’s problem.
Who doesn’t enjoy a bodyguard romance?
Put a large man near a vulnerable woman and give him explicit instructions to protect her.
Then watch him become wildly emotionally compromised.
Works every time. 😂
Marco Amir is excellent at his job.
With one notable exception:
He cannot stay away from Alice.
He is supposed to protect the quiet wedding planner from the rabid media surrounding a major event, prevent leaks, and keep everything under control as threats begin closing in.
Professional. Detached. Efficient.
Instead, Marco takes one look at Alice and develops a bone-deep need to feed her, shelter her, organize her life, praise her, and destroy anyone who makes her feel unsafe.
Security protocol has become alarmingly personal.
✨ Bodyguard Romance
✨ Fake Dating
✨ Plus-Size FMC
✨ Broody MMC
✨ Wallflower FMC
✨ He Falls First
✨ Only Soft for Her
✨ Touch Her and D!e
✨ Hurt/Comfort
✨ Praise K!nk
✨ Light Romantic Suspense
✨ No Third-Act Breakup
At first, Marco got on my nerves.
I know. I KNOW.
He eventually becomes patient, protective, emotionally mature, and fully devoted to Alice.
But early Marco and I required mediation.
He claims to want a steady partner while his behavior suggests he has been conducting a highly active public search.
Sir.
Wanting commitment is lovely.
Perhaps stop behaving like your d!ck is an independent contractor.
Some of the wording around his past also made his romantic history seem far more extensive than later details supported. At one point, the condom math began contradicting the reputation.
Yes, I performed condom math.
I’m a medical professional. Data matters.
That inconsistency made it difficult to understand exactly who Marco was supposed to be initially, and I came dangerously close to DNFing.
Then I skipped ahead to see what I would be missing.
By chapter ten?
HOOKED.
Not gently interested.
Not casually curious.
Suddenly sitting upright like, “Wait. Come back. Perhaps I judged the bodyguard prematurely.”
Character rehabilitation successful.
Once Marco’s connection with Alice took center stage, his appeal became much clearer. His caretaking isn’t something he switches on only when danger appears. It is the way he loves.
Alice’s life feels chaotic, exposed, and increasingly unsafe. Marco gives her structure without treating her like she is incapable. He is protective without demanding that her growth happen on his schedule.
Most importantly, he lets her move at her own pace.
A patient man?
Disgusting.
I wanted at least one dramatic act of emotional terrorism, but Marco kept behaving like someone who understood that trust cannot be wrestled into submission.
Fine.
He may stay.
Alice broke my heart in all the quiet, familiar ways.
She is sweet, lonely, vulnerable, and carrying such deeply rooted insecurities that she struggles to believe anyone could genuinely choose her.
Those feelings did not appear from nowhere. They were built through experiences that taught her to question her value and expect disappointment.
Some readers may become frustrated with how often she doubts herself.
I understood it.
When someone has spent years believing she is too much in all the wrong ways and still somehow not enough, one loving man cannot erase that overnight.
Even if the man is large, broody, and professionally trained to identify threats.
Marco can protect Alice from the media.
He cannot physically fight her internal monologue.
Although I’m confident he considered it.
Her growth is gradual and messy. Sometimes I wanted to grab her face and shout, “BABY, LOOK AT THIS MAN. HE IS DONE. FINISHED. EMOTIONALLY OWNED.”
But healing does not move faster because the reader is impatient.
Alice has to learn to believe in herself instead of borrowing all her worth from Marco’s devotion.
And she is so easy to love.
The little things she does for him ruined me.
Bringing him lunch.
Wanting to take him out.
Unpacking his boxes because she knows the task stresses him.
Calling him “honey.”
AND HE LOVES IT.
A broody bodyguard being emotionally dismantled by one soft endearment?
I was kicking my feet directly into the furniture.
They were so cuddly together too.
I am normally requesting obsession, stalking, knives, and a light felony.
But apparently, I can occasionally be subdued by a cuddle.
Do not spread that around.
The fake-dating setup worked well because Marco’s feelings were never remotely fake. This man entered the arrangement already halfway toward planning their retirement.
Alice may think this is temporary.
Marco’s internal organs have filed for permanent residency.
The title says FOR NOW.
Marco says, “Incorrect.”
Their romance is slow and tender, with enough angst to make the emotional payoff satisfying without turning every chapter into a crisis.
The spice lands at two peppers, but the D/s flavor, praise, and “he talks her through it” moments added plenty of heat.
Marco’s bedroom behavior also reflects the same care he gives Alice everywhere else. He pays attention. He reassures. He makes her feel desired instead of merely tolerated.
PRAISE K!NK IN A STORY ABOUT A WOMAN WITH LOW SELF-WORTH?
Ari knew where to aim.
Direct hit.
I also appreciated that Alice wasn’t written as a virgin simply because she is shy and insecure. She has sexual experience, even if those experiences haven’t always made her feel good about herself.
Wallflower does not mean untouched.
Insecurity does not mean innocence.
THANK YOU.
The book remains strongly relationship-driven, which worked for me. The media pressure, threats, and suspense add tension, but they never take over Marco and Alice’s emotional journey.
I don’t always require twelve murders and an international conspiracy.
Sometimes I simply want two people cuddling while a manageable threat waits outside.
The reveal involving Marco’s deception disappointed me. I understood why it existed, but I wanted the truth and its fallout to land with more impact.
Alice’s hurt was valid, especially because trusting him required so much vulnerability.
But by that point, I loved them together enough that I made an executive decision:
I saw nothing.
No deceit occurred.
The court has misplaced the paperwork.
What mattered was that Marco didn’t pressure Alice to forgive him. He waited until she felt ready, continued showing her she mattered, and gave her the space to choose him again.
And praise every available deity—there was no exhausting third-act breakup stretched across half the book.
Conflict arrived.
Feelings were hurt.
Adults processed them.
Nobody moved overseas after overhearing half a sentence through a bathroom door.
PROGRESS.
FOR NOW was soft, emotional, cozy, and easy to sink into. It didn’t completely knock me off my feet, and early Marco nearly got himself removed from the review.
But Alice’s vulnerability, Marco’s later devotion, their domestic sweetness, and the emotional safety they built together kept me invested.
Three stars for a broody bodyguard who stopped annoying me just in time, a wallflower who deserved to be cherished, and enough praise to temporarily interrupt her cruel inner voice.
It may not have wrecked me.
But it made me soft.
Which is honestly more alarming.
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
I really enjoy Ari Wright’s writing, and I loved seeing her step away from her usual omegaverse world and into contemporary romantic suspense.
No omegas.
No packs.
Just a broody bodyguard, a plus-size wedding planner, fake dating, light danger, hurt/comfort, and a man whose protective instincts become everyone else’s problem.
Who doesn’t enjoy a bodyguard romance?
Put a large man near a vulnerable woman and give him explicit instructions to protect her.
Then watch him become wildly emotionally compromised.
Works every time. 😂
Marco Amir is excellent at his job.
With one notable exception:
He cannot stay away from Alice.
He is supposed to protect the quiet wedding planner from the rabid media surrounding a major event, prevent leaks, and keep everything under control as threats begin closing in.
Professional. Detached. Efficient.
Instead, Marco takes one look at Alice and develops a bone-deep need to feed her, shelter her, organize her life, praise her, and destroy anyone who makes her feel unsafe.
Security protocol has become alarmingly personal.
✨ Bodyguard Romance
✨ Fake Dating
✨ Plus-Size FMC
✨ Broody MMC
✨ Wallflower FMC
✨ He Falls First
✨ Only Soft for Her
✨ Touch Her and D!e
✨ Hurt/Comfort
✨ Praise K!nk
✨ Light Romantic Suspense
✨ No Third-Act Breakup
At first, Marco got on my nerves.
I know. I KNOW.
He eventually becomes patient, protective, emotionally mature, and fully devoted to Alice.
But early Marco and I required mediation.
He claims to want a steady partner while his behavior suggests he has been conducting a highly active public search.
Sir.
Wanting commitment is lovely.
Perhaps stop behaving like your d!ck is an independent contractor.
Some of the wording around his past also made his romantic history seem far more extensive than later details supported. At one point, the condom math began contradicting the reputation.
Yes, I performed condom math.
I’m a medical professional. Data matters.
That inconsistency made it difficult to understand exactly who Marco was supposed to be initially, and I came dangerously close to DNFing.
Then I skipped ahead to see what I would be missing.
By chapter ten?
HOOKED.
Not gently interested.
Not casually curious.
Suddenly sitting upright like, “Wait. Come back. Perhaps I judged the bodyguard prematurely.”
Character rehabilitation successful.
Once Marco’s connection with Alice took center stage, his appeal became much clearer. His caretaking isn’t something he switches on only when danger appears. It is the way he loves.
Alice’s life feels chaotic, exposed, and increasingly unsafe. Marco gives her structure without treating her like she is incapable. He is protective without demanding that her growth happen on his schedule.
Most importantly, he lets her move at her own pace.
A patient man?
Disgusting.
I wanted at least one dramatic act of emotional terrorism, but Marco kept behaving like someone who understood that trust cannot be wrestled into submission.
Fine.
He may stay.
Alice broke my heart in all the quiet, familiar ways.
She is sweet, lonely, vulnerable, and carrying such deeply rooted insecurities that she struggles to believe anyone could genuinely choose her.
Those feelings did not appear from nowhere. They were built through experiences that taught her to question her value and expect disappointment.
Some readers may become frustrated with how often she doubts herself.
I understood it.
When someone has spent years believing she is too much in all the wrong ways and still somehow not enough, one loving man cannot erase that overnight.
Even if the man is large, broody, and professionally trained to identify threats.
Marco can protect Alice from the media.
He cannot physically fight her internal monologue.
Although I’m confident he considered it.
Her growth is gradual and messy. Sometimes I wanted to grab her face and shout, “BABY, LOOK AT THIS MAN. HE IS DONE. FINISHED. EMOTIONALLY OWNED.”
But healing does not move faster because the reader is impatient.
Alice has to learn to believe in herself instead of borrowing all her worth from Marco’s devotion.
And she is so easy to love.
The little things she does for him ruined me.
Bringing him lunch.
Wanting to take him out.
Unpacking his boxes because she knows the task stresses him.
Calling him “honey.”
AND HE LOVES IT.
A broody bodyguard being emotionally dismantled by one soft endearment?
I was kicking my feet directly into the furniture.
They were so cuddly together too.
I am normally requesting obsession, stalking, knives, and a light felony.
But apparently, I can occasionally be subdued by a cuddle.
Do not spread that around.
The fake-dating setup worked well because Marco’s feelings were never remotely fake. This man entered the arrangement already halfway toward planning their retirement.
Alice may think this is temporary.
Marco’s internal organs have filed for permanent residency.
The title says FOR NOW.
Marco says, “Incorrect.”
Their romance is slow and tender, with enough angst to make the emotional payoff satisfying without turning every chapter into a crisis.
The spice lands at two peppers, but the D/s flavor, praise, and “he talks her through it” moments added plenty of heat.
Marco’s bedroom behavior also reflects the same care he gives Alice everywhere else. He pays attention. He reassures. He makes her feel desired instead of merely tolerated.
PRAISE K!NK IN A STORY ABOUT A WOMAN WITH LOW SELF-WORTH?
Ari knew where to aim.
Direct hit.
I also appreciated that Alice wasn’t written as a virgin simply because she is shy and insecure. She has sexual experience, even if those experiences haven’t always made her feel good about herself.
Wallflower does not mean untouched.
Insecurity does not mean innocence.
THANK YOU.
The book remains strongly relationship-driven, which worked for me. The media pressure, threats, and suspense add tension, but they never take over Marco and Alice’s emotional journey.
I don’t always require twelve murders and an international conspiracy.
Sometimes I simply want two people cuddling while a manageable threat waits outside.
The reveal involving Marco’s deception disappointed me. I understood why it existed, but I wanted the truth and its fallout to land with more impact.
Alice’s hurt was valid, especially because trusting him required so much vulnerability.
But by that point, I loved them together enough that I made an executive decision:
I saw nothing.
No deceit occurred.
The court has misplaced the paperwork.
What mattered was that Marco didn’t pressure Alice to forgive him. He waited until she felt ready, continued showing her she mattered, and gave her the space to choose him again.
And praise every available deity—there was no exhausting third-act breakup stretched across half the book.
Conflict arrived.
Feelings were hurt.
Adults processed them.
Nobody moved overseas after overhearing half a sentence through a bathroom door.
PROGRESS.
FOR NOW was soft, emotional, cozy, and easy to sink into. It didn’t completely knock me off my feet, and early Marco nearly got himself removed from the review.
But Alice’s vulnerability, Marco’s later devotion, their domestic sweetness, and the emotional safety they built together kept me invested.
Three stars for a broody bodyguard who stopped annoying me just in time, a wallflower who deserved to be cherished, and enough praise to temporarily interrupt her cruel inner voice.
It may not have wrecked me.
But it made me soft.
Which is honestly more alarming.
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
December 4, 2023
Oh wow I really loved this one. At first, I was a little taken back at how long it was, but reading it, every page was necessary for these soulmates’ journey. I really loved our FMC Alice. I related to her so much. Her mindset was me a few years ago, all the insecurities and feeling a lack of self worth. Especially for being a little curvier than normal. Marco was such a sweetheart and so protective— though I mean, he isss a bodyguard. He knew his soulmate was out there, and everything he did for her was nothing short of cherishing her (*cue Suite Life of Zack & Cody scene* “How do you lose a girl?!” “You forget to cherish her.”) I haven’t read many romantic suspense novels, but if they’re like this, then man have I been missing out.
Thank you Happily Booked PR and the author for this early copy! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you Happily Booked PR and the author for this early copy! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 7, 2024
Wow...again, Ari has totally outdone herself. This series is just so raw, the characters are rich and deep. Told from both POV. This book in the series had more intrigue and mystery, wrapping up from the previous two, yet still leaving some unanswered questions about Ella and Gray...come on Ari...we need their sequel!
I honestly can see myself reading this series again when I need some of these characters. They aren’t perfect but perfectly imperfect.
I honestly can see myself reading this series again when I need some of these characters. They aren’t perfect but perfectly imperfect.
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 5, 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 16, 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!
April 10, 2026
If I could give this book 1000 stars, I absolutely would! At first, I was a bit hesitant because sometimes it becomes distasteful when authors harp on a woman’s self-esteem too much. I was taken by surprise with how much I related to Alice. Especially her relationship with her mother. Marco is the perfect MMC and Ari Wright nailed it on the head with this one! Marco is a new vault book boyfriend!
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.
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