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Forever: Hellfire Rising
A year ago, Peyton would’ve called her life perfect.
She was in love. She was safe. She was happy.
She was naive.
But now, everything has changed. One unexpected twist pulls her into a dangerous world she never saw coming, where trust is fragile and betrayal feels inevitable.
With every step deeper into this new life, Peyton finds herself burying secrets and pushing away the people she once relied on. As the stakes climb higher, she plays a dangerous game, where she must navigate impossible choices—all while protecting the one person she can’t afford to her little girl.
Her past left scars, but this new reality could destroy her completely.
She was in love. She was safe. She was happy.
She was naive.
But now, everything has changed. One unexpected twist pulls her into a dangerous world she never saw coming, where trust is fragile and betrayal feels inevitable.
With every step deeper into this new life, Peyton finds herself burying secrets and pushing away the people she once relied on. As the stakes climb higher, she plays a dangerous game, where she must navigate impossible choices—all while protecting the one person she can’t afford to her little girl.
Her past left scars, but this new reality could destroy her completely.
699 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2026
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 1, 2026
4.5 star review! I devoured it 🤩
The storyline keeps you hooked from the first chapter and it just keeps on giving. I want to go deeper in this review when I can, but here’s the general idea:
Forever: Hellfire Rising is a novel that surprises with the maturity of its themes and the emotional power that emanates from it. Harper Reid demonstrates an impressive command of her craft, blending fluid, sensory, and perfectly measured prose with moments of dramatic intensity. Her ability to explore the shadows within her characters, their past wounds and their destructive or redemptive impulses, gives the story a depth that far surpasses the usual conventions of the genre.
One of the novel’s strongest elements is its immersive narration, which alternates between vulnerability and tension without ever losing sight of the human core of the story. Reid excels at building a searing atmosphere, emotionally and narratively, while weaving complex relationships where desire, loyalty, and danger constantly overlap. Themes of healing, resilience, psychological violence, and the definition of the self are approached with sensitivity and respect, while maintaining an intensity that will appeal to seasoned readers.
Although certain scenes include significant trigger warnings, they serve the emotional coherence of the narrative and reinforce the cathartic dimension of the work.
In short: if readers are comfortable with its darker themes, Forever: Hellfire Rising is a highly recommended novel: passionate, beautifully written, and deeply impactful.
The storyline keeps you hooked from the first chapter and it just keeps on giving. I want to go deeper in this review when I can, but here’s the general idea:
Forever: Hellfire Rising is a novel that surprises with the maturity of its themes and the emotional power that emanates from it. Harper Reid demonstrates an impressive command of her craft, blending fluid, sensory, and perfectly measured prose with moments of dramatic intensity. Her ability to explore the shadows within her characters, their past wounds and their destructive or redemptive impulses, gives the story a depth that far surpasses the usual conventions of the genre.
One of the novel’s strongest elements is its immersive narration, which alternates between vulnerability and tension without ever losing sight of the human core of the story. Reid excels at building a searing atmosphere, emotionally and narratively, while weaving complex relationships where desire, loyalty, and danger constantly overlap. Themes of healing, resilience, psychological violence, and the definition of the self are approached with sensitivity and respect, while maintaining an intensity that will appeal to seasoned readers.
Although certain scenes include significant trigger warnings, they serve the emotional coherence of the narrative and reinforce the cathartic dimension of the work.
In short: if readers are comfortable with its darker themes, Forever: Hellfire Rising is a highly recommended novel: passionate, beautifully written, and deeply impactful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book wasn't what I expected. It's super fast paced, chaotic, and messy in the best way, with spicy scenes throughout. The MCs frustrated me at times, but they're painfully human and that's what makes it work. This is the kind of read that lingers, leaving your mind racing long after you've turned the final page. That ending has me counting down to part two.
December 19, 2025
Anxiously awaiting book 2!
Forever-Hellfire Rising by Harper Reid is not a light read, and it doesn’t try to be. This is a dark, emotionally intense story that leans fully into pain, passion, and personal struggle, making it a gripping experience from start to finish.
The writing has a raw, almost unfiltered quality that works well for the story being told. Harper Reid doesn’t shy away from messy emotions or difficult situations, and that honesty is one of the book’s biggest strengths. The characters feel flawed and human, driven by trauma, desire, and the need to survive rather than by perfect choices.
The atmosphere is heavy and intense, with moments that are uncomfortable in the way dark romance should be. While the pacing slows at times, it allows the emotional weight of the story to sink in, making the payoff feel earned rather than rushed. This book won’t be for everyone — readers looking for something sweet or comforting may struggle with its darker themes — but for fans of emotionally charged, gritty romance, Forever-Hellfire Rising delivers a powerful punch.
Recommend for readers who enjoy dark romance, complex characters, and stories that don’t pull their punches.
Forever-Hellfire Rising by Harper Reid is not a light read, and it doesn’t try to be. This is a dark, emotionally intense story that leans fully into pain, passion, and personal struggle, making it a gripping experience from start to finish.
The writing has a raw, almost unfiltered quality that works well for the story being told. Harper Reid doesn’t shy away from messy emotions or difficult situations, and that honesty is one of the book’s biggest strengths. The characters feel flawed and human, driven by trauma, desire, and the need to survive rather than by perfect choices.
The atmosphere is heavy and intense, with moments that are uncomfortable in the way dark romance should be. While the pacing slows at times, it allows the emotional weight of the story to sink in, making the payoff feel earned rather than rushed. This book won’t be for everyone — readers looking for something sweet or comforting may struggle with its darker themes — but for fans of emotionally charged, gritty romance, Forever-Hellfire Rising delivers a powerful punch.
Recommend for readers who enjoy dark romance, complex characters, and stories that don’t pull their punches.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great read exploring very dark themes. The story centers around the main character, Peyton, trying to find herself after her separation from the father of her child and navigating everything that comes with it. All the turmoil from dating again and dealing with residual thoughts from the previously mentally abusive relationship. You see her mental state and how everything correlates towards its breaking point.
Absolute rollercoaster of a read! Definitely recommend 💕
Absolute rollercoaster of a read! Definitely recommend 💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
First I’ll start by saying I was so lucky to receive an arc copy of this book! Thank you so much Harper Reid !
Dark ✔️
Emotional roller coaster ✔️
Chaotic ✔️
Plot ✔️
Spice ✔️
I’ll start by saying Harper knows how to write a book that’s going to suck you in from page one and keep you up all night reading ! I truly found this book unputdownable ! I cannot wait to have a physical copy on my shelf and for book 2 😭😭
Anywho I instantly connected with our FMC Peyton as a mom and some feelings I’ve also dealt with!
“One thing I often think about is how strange it is that you can love a person with all your heart dedicate your whole damn life to them —and then, when it's over, this whole new side of them pours out like toxic waste.
Was that inside you the whole time?
How have I never seen this side before?”
This hit me hard in such a good way 💔
Though she drove me insane the whole book, it reminds me of my own life story after story that you would say to yourself no way life can treat one person like this! I wont spoil anything because this needs to be on your 2026 TBR! But know that you’re in for a ride ! It’s full of laughs, tears, and kicking and screaming your feet it truly is a gripping emotional story !
I think I loved this story so much because it shows another side of life ! We all love happy books, with a beautiful story that would be the perfect fantasy, but sometimes I want a book I can connect with, a book where life doesn’t come easy,shows a different paths a person can take !
You can find me patiently waiting for book 2 😭❤️🩹
Dark ✔️
Emotional roller coaster ✔️
Chaotic ✔️
Plot ✔️
Spice ✔️
I’ll start by saying Harper knows how to write a book that’s going to suck you in from page one and keep you up all night reading ! I truly found this book unputdownable ! I cannot wait to have a physical copy on my shelf and for book 2 😭😭
Anywho I instantly connected with our FMC Peyton as a mom and some feelings I’ve also dealt with!
“One thing I often think about is how strange it is that you can love a person with all your heart dedicate your whole damn life to them —and then, when it's over, this whole new side of them pours out like toxic waste.
Was that inside you the whole time?
How have I never seen this side before?”
This hit me hard in such a good way 💔
Though she drove me insane the whole book, it reminds me of my own life story after story that you would say to yourself no way life can treat one person like this! I wont spoil anything because this needs to be on your 2026 TBR! But know that you’re in for a ride ! It’s full of laughs, tears, and kicking and screaming your feet it truly is a gripping emotional story !
I think I loved this story so much because it shows another side of life ! We all love happy books, with a beautiful story that would be the perfect fantasy, but sometimes I want a book I can connect with, a book where life doesn’t come easy,shows a different paths a person can take !
You can find me patiently waiting for book 2 😭❤️🩹
Review of advance copy received from Author
4* Arc received for review.
This is a dark romance and does therefore contain dark themes including but not limited to domestic violence and sexual assault. If you have any triggers at all, please check these before reading.
Briefly, before commenting on the story itself I will say that Harper has wrote the book from somewhat of a dual POV but also it does also have a flip between first and third person. Harper has wrote the book in such a way as to bring the reader into the story and feel like you are there and you are going through everything our FMC is going through.
Our FMC is wrote as a mum whose marriage had just fallen apart and she was trying to navigate her life as a single mum. She started the book dipping her toe into getting herself back out there and finding love again and the book progresses through a lot of twists and turns, some you may guess but some I don't think you will.
I did find at times that the FMC annoyed me but then in hindsight you have to look at how certain experiences you go through shape how you respond to things. By the end of the book you begin to see the fighter the FMC can be and should be for her little girl.
This book has a strong FMC with strength, determination, grit, loyalty, love for her daughter and ultimately supporting friends and family. You have two female friends that have unwavering loyalty to her ultimately. Then you have 4 MMCs that help shape our FMC one way or another and not all in a good way.
I cannot wait to see what happens next ...
I would definitely check this book out if you want a darker, emotional read where not everything is as it seems.
This is a dark romance and does therefore contain dark themes including but not limited to domestic violence and sexual assault. If you have any triggers at all, please check these before reading.
Briefly, before commenting on the story itself I will say that Harper has wrote the book from somewhat of a dual POV but also it does also have a flip between first and third person. Harper has wrote the book in such a way as to bring the reader into the story and feel like you are there and you are going through everything our FMC is going through.
Our FMC is wrote as a mum whose marriage had just fallen apart and she was trying to navigate her life as a single mum. She started the book dipping her toe into getting herself back out there and finding love again and the book progresses through a lot of twists and turns, some you may guess but some I don't think you will.
I did find at times that the FMC annoyed me but then in hindsight you have to look at how certain experiences you go through shape how you respond to things. By the end of the book you begin to see the fighter the FMC can be and should be for her little girl.
This book has a strong FMC with strength, determination, grit, loyalty, love for her daughter and ultimately supporting friends and family. You have two female friends that have unwavering loyalty to her ultimately. Then you have 4 MMCs that help shape our FMC one way or another and not all in a good way.
I cannot wait to see what happens next ...
I would definitely check this book out if you want a darker, emotional read where not everything is as it seems.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review - Forever, Hellfire Rising
5 ⭐ 4 🌶️
This one was one that I had to sit with for multiple days before I was ready to actually put words to how I felt about it. And these words aren't really going to do any justice to just how complex of a story it is, or how many emotions it makes you feel. I don't want to give much away, because this is one that is very much best gone into without trying to know too much about as it's just a very vast journey for our FMC. I'm very happy that this is not a stand alone, because as it was getting closer and closer to the end I was getting massive anxiety and fretting with the worry that there was NO WAY that the story could possibly be over in the little amount of time left to be read.
Our girl just has so much love to give, and she just takes all these wrong steps in search of SOMETHING. But she is so strong, even in a world of constant upheaval. This book shows us that love isn't always flowers and chocolates, often it is gritty and dirty. It's not perfect, it doesn't just happen like our little girl dreams of white nights on horses like the childhood stories told us. Sometimes it's the poison apple, all Ruby red and glossed up to a shine. Sometimes it's a bit of both. Human nature isn't black and white, but how do we decide who to trust, and where we stand?
This one will definitely take up head space, and be coming back to me when I least expect it for the unforeseeable future. I cannot wait for the next installment, and I am now a solid fan of Harper's writing style!
Thank you very much for the chance to ARC this one, it went above and beyond my wildest expectations and I am so beyond enthralled with this story and the characters!
5 ⭐ 4 🌶️
This one was one that I had to sit with for multiple days before I was ready to actually put words to how I felt about it. And these words aren't really going to do any justice to just how complex of a story it is, or how many emotions it makes you feel. I don't want to give much away, because this is one that is very much best gone into without trying to know too much about as it's just a very vast journey for our FMC. I'm very happy that this is not a stand alone, because as it was getting closer and closer to the end I was getting massive anxiety and fretting with the worry that there was NO WAY that the story could possibly be over in the little amount of time left to be read.
Our girl just has so much love to give, and she just takes all these wrong steps in search of SOMETHING. But she is so strong, even in a world of constant upheaval. This book shows us that love isn't always flowers and chocolates, often it is gritty and dirty. It's not perfect, it doesn't just happen like our little girl dreams of white nights on horses like the childhood stories told us. Sometimes it's the poison apple, all Ruby red and glossed up to a shine. Sometimes it's a bit of both. Human nature isn't black and white, but how do we decide who to trust, and where we stand?
This one will definitely take up head space, and be coming back to me when I least expect it for the unforeseeable future. I cannot wait for the next installment, and I am now a solid fan of Harper's writing style!
Thank you very much for the chance to ARC this one, it went above and beyond my wildest expectations and I am so beyond enthralled with this story and the characters!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me completely entranced from start to finish and I’m left wanting more. The FMC Peyton has it rough. A single mom’s journey that continues to involve turmoil, betrayal, loss of identity, to confidence within herself. I can’t let too much out the bag as this book is not released to the public yet, but when it hits, I promise you, you will want to read this and never put it down. This book is trigger heavy, I do not have limits with the triggers in books but others may, this is more than a dark romance. It’s sad, it’s steamy, it’s gritty, it’s intense, and it’s an absolute work of art. Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this before release. I soaked in every bit of this story and eager to catch the next one!
Forever: Hellfire Rising will be released January 1st 2026 and you do not want to miss it!
Forever: Hellfire Rising will be released January 1st 2026 and you do not want to miss it!
January 1, 2026
If a whirlwind of a book could be singled down to one book this would be it. I felt so many different emotions while reading this. I thought the book was going to go one way but it went completely opposite of how I thought. It also made me realize that no matter how well you think you know someone there’s always another side that you don’t know. As I was reading this book I could see it happening in my head which is rare for me sometimes when it comes to books. It definitely isn’t an easy book to read because of the content so I definitely suggest you look at the trigger warnings before you read. I can’t believe how fast I read this book. I was completely drawn in from the first page and I can’t wait to read the second part.
January 2, 2026
I did love this book in all its messiness. It was chaotic and it was still completely consuming. I stayed up way too late to finish it, telling myself to wait until morning since I had the day off (I couldn’t). Peyton was such a relatable character after going through a divorce, then a series of unfortunate choices and men lead her down a nasty path. Eventually bringing her to Ethan, the most deceptively bad choice of them all. Her love and naivety blinded her until she was in too deep. My biggest complaint is where it ended, I want to see more of her story and more about Levi. I’m hoping the next book brings him back, and Jackson too. See? Chaotic!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just finished Forever - Hellfire Rising by Harper Reid. This book was a complete roller coaster. I smiled, I laughed, I got mad, I cried, I got frustrated and then pride.
Peyton has it rough and can't seem to catch a break but I need more. I need to know what is coming next and how this world is going to develop.
This is a fantastic first book by this author and I hope she's so very proud of herself ❤️ Release date is January 1st, I'm begging the stars (and Harper) that the second book isn't too far behind!
Peyton has it rough and can't seem to catch a break but I need more. I need to know what is coming next and how this world is going to develop.
This is a fantastic first book by this author and I hope she's so very proud of herself ❤️ Release date is January 1st, I'm begging the stars (and Harper) that the second book isn't too far behind!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm trying to do this without spoilers!
I just finished Forever, Hellfire Rising and I don't know what to say. It was addictive! When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. I'm still thinking about it.
I feel like I was holding my breath half of the time so upset for poor Peyton, but also screaming at her to not do the things she was about to do.
The characters are flawed and messy and so painfully human I forgot I was reading fiction. I just loved Maise. Everyone needs a Maise in their life.
10/10. 5 stars. Would recommend. I'll be counting the days until the next book!
I just finished Forever, Hellfire Rising and I don't know what to say. It was addictive! When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. I'm still thinking about it.
I feel like I was holding my breath half of the time so upset for poor Peyton, but also screaming at her to not do the things she was about to do.
The characters are flawed and messy and so painfully human I forgot I was reading fiction. I just loved Maise. Everyone needs a Maise in their life.
10/10. 5 stars. Would recommend. I'll be counting the days until the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
There are no words to accurately describe how much this book loves rent free in my head.
Forever follows Peyton, a single mum as she navigates life after separation, and facing obstacles along the way.
This book is dark, emotional and raw. You will cry, you will smile, you will get angry. It’s just the facts.
I had the absolute privilege of Beta Reading this book and it was by far one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I am requesting book 2 as a matter of urgency!
Truly a must read 🤩
Forever follows Peyton, a single mum as she navigates life after separation, and facing obstacles along the way.
This book is dark, emotional and raw. You will cry, you will smile, you will get angry. It’s just the facts.
I had the absolute privilege of Beta Reading this book and it was by far one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I am requesting book 2 as a matter of urgency!
Truly a must read 🤩
Review of advance copy received from Author
Recieved for honest review!
A.) I finished this book the day I got it!! I couldn't and wouldnt put it down!! I needed to know what was going to happen next!!
B.) Be warned!! It will end on a cliffhanger that will make you yell and scream!!
C.) You must absolutely check this out and read! It has EVERYTHING!!! and more!! That you never knew you needed!!
This was a new to me Author and I must say it was freaking amazing and I really cannot wait for more!!!
A.) I finished this book the day I got it!! I couldn't and wouldnt put it down!! I needed to know what was going to happen next!!
B.) Be warned!! It will end on a cliffhanger that will make you yell and scream!!
C.) You must absolutely check this out and read! It has EVERYTHING!!! and more!! That you never knew you needed!!
This was a new to me Author and I must say it was freaking amazing and I really cannot wait for more!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is considered a dark romance based on the topics that are discussed throughout the book. I usually speed through books, however this one was hard to stay interested in. This may be up some people’s alley but it took me awhile to finish it. I wouldn’t say the topics are what made it hard to read as I have no triggers. If you are into dark romance books I’d say this is on the very mild end of dark romance. However, if you go in with an open mind you may love this one!
December 31, 2025
This book had me hooked from the very beginning! It’s a great read, but it also delves into some dark themes. The main female character, is on a journey of self-discovery after her breakup with her ex-husband. The book is dark, spicy, messy, and so much more! It’s definitely a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Please be aware of Tiggers’ warnings before reading! Harper Reid’s writing is absolutely brilliant and beautiful. I can’t wait to read book two!
January 8, 2026
Emotional rollercoaster !
This book has relatable life events that had me alternately cheering for and bemoaning the FMC, Peyton's , choices. This book could be split into three parts. Part 1: the break up. Part 2: Falling apart, and Part 3: dangerous people.
The reader is in the midst of all that Peyton is going through, good and bad, as she rediscovery herself and moves forward through this story. I can't wait to read book 2!!!
This book has relatable life events that had me alternately cheering for and bemoaning the FMC, Peyton's , choices. This book could be split into three parts. Part 1: the break up. Part 2: Falling apart, and Part 3: dangerous people.
The reader is in the midst of all that Peyton is going through, good and bad, as she rediscovery herself and moves forward through this story. I can't wait to read book 2!!!
January 16, 2026
This book was truly amazing. Navigating life after having an abusive relationship. This book was emotional and dark. It was written so well. It pulled me and had me turning the pages wanting to know what was going to happen next. I’m thankful that Harper gave me the opportunity to read this for her. I sincerely apologize that it took me forever lol. But I fell in love with this one. It’s so intense and chaotic. And had its fair share of spice lol. I really enjoyed this immensely.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a chaotic, real and raw story. This is not a light fluffy romance. You will feel so many emotions during this book.
Peyton’s entire journey is sad, terrifying, exhilarating and relatable all at the same time. I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page. I am already desperately waiting for Book 2!
This was my first read by Harper Reid but definitely will not be my last!!!
Peyton’s entire journey is sad, terrifying, exhilarating and relatable all at the same time. I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page. I am already desperately waiting for Book 2!
This was my first read by Harper Reid but definitely will not be my last!!!
January 4, 2026
I'm not a someone who reads 400 books a year, I read a handful, and they really have to hook me to be able to read them, and this one hooked me right from the start - if there was 400 books in this series I'd read 400 books in a year! Saucy, thrilling, emotional, you will catch all the feels in this book and be craving for more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a well written book that explored a young woman navigating a tough and toxic relationship and finding her way in the dating world.
It felt real as the characters were well written and the things that happen were realistic and could easily happen to anyone.
Well done Harper Reed!
It felt real as the characters were well written and the things that happen were realistic and could easily happen to anyone.
Well done Harper Reed!
January 3, 2026
I received this book as an ARC! I absolutely love when a book pulls you in from page one and this book definitely had me hooked from the very start! I felt every single emotion during this read! So good!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Had me hooked from the beginning.
Lots of trigger warnings, so be sure to check them out .
Cannot wait for book 2!
Lots of trigger warnings, so be sure to check them out .
Cannot wait for book 2!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews