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Forever Ago
HALLIE
I’m alone in the sea of my grief until I meet Zeke, a tornado of complications who leaves destruction in his wake. I fall hard and fast, despite all the warning signs.
Our love story is far from a fairy-tale. But if it hurts, then it’s real.
There’s a monster hiding beneath his tattooed skin, an addiction that will tear us apart. I can’t lose him, but I’m powerless to fix wounds that simply run too deep.
How do you save someone who doesn’t want to be saved?
ZEKE
I’ve been a shadow of my former self ever since the crash, consumed by guilt. A chance encounter in bereavement therapy changes everything.
Hallie invades my life with her soft smiles and fiery passion. She becomes my whole world and for the first time in so long, I have a reason to live.
My demons aren’t so easily beaten. I should walk away, yet I can’t bring myself to leave the woman who took my broken pieces and brought me back to life, one kiss at a time.
I’ll fight this addiction to my very last breath for her, but the road to recovery is never simple. If I’m not careful, I might just drag her to hell with me.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Forever Ago is a dark, M/F romance that contains triggering scenes relating to drug addiction, grief, bereavement and mental health issues. There is explicit language throughout and sexual content only suitable for over 18s. Please bear in mind that there is no guaranteed HEA.
I’m alone in the sea of my grief until I meet Zeke, a tornado of complications who leaves destruction in his wake. I fall hard and fast, despite all the warning signs.
Our love story is far from a fairy-tale. But if it hurts, then it’s real.
There’s a monster hiding beneath his tattooed skin, an addiction that will tear us apart. I can’t lose him, but I’m powerless to fix wounds that simply run too deep.
How do you save someone who doesn’t want to be saved?
ZEKE
I’ve been a shadow of my former self ever since the crash, consumed by guilt. A chance encounter in bereavement therapy changes everything.
Hallie invades my life with her soft smiles and fiery passion. She becomes my whole world and for the first time in so long, I have a reason to live.
My demons aren’t so easily beaten. I should walk away, yet I can’t bring myself to leave the woman who took my broken pieces and brought me back to life, one kiss at a time.
I’ll fight this addiction to my very last breath for her, but the road to recovery is never simple. If I’m not careful, I might just drag her to hell with me.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Forever Ago is a dark, M/F romance that contains triggering scenes relating to drug addiction, grief, bereavement and mental health issues. There is explicit language throughout and sexual content only suitable for over 18s. Please bear in mind that there is no guaranteed HEA.
Audiobook
Published January 9, 2026
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About the author
J. Rose
24 books2,288 followersJ Rose is an independent dark romance author from the United Kingdom. She writes challenging, plot-driven stories packed full of angst, heartbreak and broken characters fighting for their happily ever afters.
She’s an introverted bookworm at heart with a caffeine addiction, penchant for cursing and an unhealthy attachment to fictional characters.
Feel free to reach out on social media, J Rose loves talking to her readers!
Enquiries: j_roseauthor@yahoo.com
Stalk J Rose here:
www.jroseauthor.com/socials
Newsletter sign up:
www.jroseauthor.com/socials
Buy J Rose's books:
www.jroseauthor.com/books
She’s an introverted bookworm at heart with a caffeine addiction, penchant for cursing and an unhealthy attachment to fictional characters.
Feel free to reach out on social media, J Rose loves talking to her readers!
Enquiries: j_roseauthor@yahoo.com
Stalk J Rose here:
www.jroseauthor.com/socials
Newsletter sign up:
www.jroseauthor.com/socials
Buy J Rose's books:
www.jroseauthor.com/books
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
January 6, 2022
Anyone that knows me, knows that I love books that come with warnings. Give me all the dark, violent, fucked up shit, the torturous angst, and morally bankrupt characters! Push my limits, and make me question my sanity. I'm here for it all!
Tell me emotions might leak out of my eyes though, and you'll have my ass running in the opposite direction! I realized quickly that this was going to be one of those books I typically react to like a vampire in the sun, but alas, I already agreed to read it. I'm nothing if not a woman of my word, so I put on my steel-plated armor and went into this book determined to protect my heart from sadness and pain.
I steeled myself to numb the emotions as best as I could, and you know what? None of that shit worked! This author sliced through my emotional chain mail like a hot knife through butter. I couldn't help being affected by this story and these characters. Hallie Burns and Ezekiel Rhodes are two characters I won't soon forget. Their story is one my heart will remember forever.
J Rose is a new to me author, and though I want to curse her out right now, I'll pick up her work from now on without a second thought. This woman can write, y'all! She pulled me into this story immediately and forced me to become invested in the lives of Hallie and Zeke.
I tried my best not to get too emotionally attached, but resistance was futile! I loved both characters despite their faults. I wanted so badly to make everything better for them.
I understood Hallie's optimism. I fell as hard for Zeke as she did, and when she helped him when he didn't deserve it, I got it. I wanted to slap her upside the head, but I don't know that I could have resisted if it had been me. Seeing someone you care for in pain isn't for the faint of heart.
Zeke is obviously broken and struggling from the moment we meet him, and his battle roars on until the bitter end. His struggle is as heartbreaking to witness as it is frustrating. I wanted to strangle him so many times, but only because I wanted him to get his happily ever after.
I wanted him to stop hurting himself and Hallie and see that he was worthy of love and forgiveness. I needed him to stop running and to think things out a little more, but you know what? I'm okay with the fact that he didn't.
Forever Ago is gritty, raw, real, and so incredibly and beautifully fucking human. The author doesn't give us a fantasy from beginning to end. Sure, we get to enjoy ourselves and indulge in happiness along the way, but this book gives it to us straight.
Sometimes, people don't do what you want them to do. Sometimes, they don't react in the best way. Sometimes, they are self-destructive. Sometimes, they don't take the help they could so easily receive. Sometimes, they don't believe they deserve redemption. I could go on all day!
In the real world, we react without thinking. We punish ourselves. We say things we shouldn't. We do things we shouldn't. We're human beings, and we're fallible as fuck.
J. Rose showcased that perfectly from start to finish. She didn't try to create perfect, cookie cutter characters. Hallie and Zeke are layered, complex, and three dimensional. They felt like real people to me. My heart sure as hell couldn't tell the difference.
The imperfection of us all. The inevitablity of life. The journey to find our way. The battle wounds and scars that are left to show us that it was all worth it no matter the outcome. It's all there. The author did a phenomenal job with Hallie and Zeke's story, and I would argue anyone that says otherwise.
If you're looking for something a little different, a little less sunshine and roses, and you don't need a typical happily ever after, check this one out!
Tell me emotions might leak out of my eyes though, and you'll have my ass running in the opposite direction! I realized quickly that this was going to be one of those books I typically react to like a vampire in the sun, but alas, I already agreed to read it. I'm nothing if not a woman of my word, so I put on my steel-plated armor and went into this book determined to protect my heart from sadness and pain.
I steeled myself to numb the emotions as best as I could, and you know what? None of that shit worked! This author sliced through my emotional chain mail like a hot knife through butter. I couldn't help being affected by this story and these characters. Hallie Burns and Ezekiel Rhodes are two characters I won't soon forget. Their story is one my heart will remember forever.
J Rose is a new to me author, and though I want to curse her out right now, I'll pick up her work from now on without a second thought. This woman can write, y'all! She pulled me into this story immediately and forced me to become invested in the lives of Hallie and Zeke.
I tried my best not to get too emotionally attached, but resistance was futile! I loved both characters despite their faults. I wanted so badly to make everything better for them.
I understood Hallie's optimism. I fell as hard for Zeke as she did, and when she helped him when he didn't deserve it, I got it. I wanted to slap her upside the head, but I don't know that I could have resisted if it had been me. Seeing someone you care for in pain isn't for the faint of heart.
Zeke is obviously broken and struggling from the moment we meet him, and his battle roars on until the bitter end. His struggle is as heartbreaking to witness as it is frustrating. I wanted to strangle him so many times, but only because I wanted him to get his happily ever after.
I wanted him to stop hurting himself and Hallie and see that he was worthy of love and forgiveness. I needed him to stop running and to think things out a little more, but you know what? I'm okay with the fact that he didn't.
Forever Ago is gritty, raw, real, and so incredibly and beautifully fucking human. The author doesn't give us a fantasy from beginning to end. Sure, we get to enjoy ourselves and indulge in happiness along the way, but this book gives it to us straight.
Sometimes, people don't do what you want them to do. Sometimes, they don't react in the best way. Sometimes, they are self-destructive. Sometimes, they don't take the help they could so easily receive. Sometimes, they don't believe they deserve redemption. I could go on all day!
In the real world, we react without thinking. We punish ourselves. We say things we shouldn't. We do things we shouldn't. We're human beings, and we're fallible as fuck.
J. Rose showcased that perfectly from start to finish. She didn't try to create perfect, cookie cutter characters. Hallie and Zeke are layered, complex, and three dimensional. They felt like real people to me. My heart sure as hell couldn't tell the difference.
The imperfection of us all. The inevitablity of life. The journey to find our way. The battle wounds and scars that are left to show us that it was all worth it no matter the outcome. It's all there. The author did a phenomenal job with Hallie and Zeke's story, and I would argue anyone that says otherwise.
If you're looking for something a little different, a little less sunshine and roses, and you don't need a typical happily ever after, check this one out!
November 6, 2025
˗ˏ∞/5 ࿐
⇢ ˗ “𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧. 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴… 𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴.
𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺, 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨; 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥” ᯓᡣ𐭩
Hallie Burns ⇢ high achieving, talented art student, grieving after losing her beloved father
Zeke Rhodes ⇢ drug addict and fellow sufferer
a love story far from a fairy tale, that sometimes the most profound love stories are the ones without a perfect ending, a testament to the strength it takes to love someone through their darkest days and the power of grief.
the messiness of life or the toxicity that can arise from such deep connections. it's heartbreakingly tragic, yet beautifully real, reminding you that love is not always neat or easy, but it is always powerful.
╰┈➤ 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘺, 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴.
⇢ ˗ “𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧. 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴… 𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴.
𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺, 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨; 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥” ᯓᡣ𐭩
Hallie Burns ⇢ high achieving, talented art student, grieving after losing her beloved father
Zeke Rhodes ⇢ drug addict and fellow sufferer
a love story far from a fairy tale, that sometimes the most profound love stories are the ones without a perfect ending, a testament to the strength it takes to love someone through their darkest days and the power of grief.
the messiness of life or the toxicity that can arise from such deep connections. it's heartbreakingly tragic, yet beautifully real, reminding you that love is not always neat or easy, but it is always powerful.
╰┈➤ 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘺, 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴.
May 22, 2021
FOREVER AGO Is a full length romance book by new to me author J. Rose. In this you'll meet Hallie Burns & Ezekiel Rhodes aka just Zeke. 'Spoken in dual perspectives'.
I’m sitting here after closing the last page with a snotty blocked nose and leaky eyes that won’t stop running! Go into this with tissues on the ready!
Hallie: is a twenty three year old, had just recently lost the only other person she could call her own, her dad passed away after the cancer claimed him leaving her all alone. Her dream was to pursue a degree in art. She regularly attends a bereavement group every week. She keeps to herself, doesn't party or have a big group of friends, prefers to lose herself in her painting.
Zeke: has also lost someone close to him, he's struggling on a whole new different level, anything to get his hands on to numb the pain is his for the taking, drugs have always had their grip on him, but lately it's spiralling into a dangerous territory. Bender after bender hurting the ones that stand by his side. Even the one girl who won't turn her back on him.
Even though these two attend the same university they had never laid eyes on each other until the day he walks into group therapy.
Their tale is heartbreaking, emotional and gritty, when these two come together it's like their souls mashed as one.
I went into this with no expectations, new author to me, so I truly didn’t know what to expect, what I didn’t expect was how freely the tears would come, how heartbroken I would become. How immersed in the storyline I would become, life was put on hold for the day as I sat there inhaling this, devouring it at a speed which I normally don't read, hoping, praying that a HEA would come.
These two were so strong in some circumstances but weak in others, their story had my emotions all over the place like a yo-yo out of control, I felt everything that was thrown at me, the angst nearly did my head in as I screamed at her to harden up and walk away, but love had its hooks in her deep, this story packs a hard punch, it shows exactly what addiction can be like for the ones left on the sidelines fighting for the ones chasing their addiction, I think the author did an amazing job with the delivery of this story.
* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *
May 27, 2021
This book is going to stay with me for a long time. It was a very emotional, raw read and a personal one on top of it. This is Zekiel, aka Zeke and Hallie’s story. If you’re looking for flowers and unicorns; this book is not for you as the plot based on heavy subjects; take the trigger warning seriously.
Hallie and Zeke meet at grief group therapy; Hallie lost both her parents and, most recently, her father. Zeke lost his brother. Both are handling it in different ways. Zeke with handling with more extreme measures to make himself numb from the pain. Zeke jas continued to hurt his loved ones, including Hallie, who never gave up or turn her back on him.
Forever ago ruined me. Loving an addict is far from easy, and I had to keep reminding myself this is a fictional book. The author’s writing made the book very realistic, and you feel every emotion. I went in with an open mind, and, Let me tell you, the author set the bar high, and my flood gates opened up, and I couldn't stop. This is the first and not the last book I have read from the author. I am screaming from the rooftops. I recommend this book.
Hallie and Zeke meet at grief group therapy; Hallie lost both her parents and, most recently, her father. Zeke lost his brother. Both are handling it in different ways. Zeke with handling with more extreme measures to make himself numb from the pain. Zeke jas continued to hurt his loved ones, including Hallie, who never gave up or turn her back on him.
Forever ago ruined me. Loving an addict is far from easy, and I had to keep reminding myself this is a fictional book. The author’s writing made the book very realistic, and you feel every emotion. I went in with an open mind, and, Let me tell you, the author set the bar high, and my flood gates opened up, and I couldn't stop. This is the first and not the last book I have read from the author. I am screaming from the rooftops. I recommend this book.
January 28, 2025
"Keep the light on for me." 😭😭
Without spoiling a thing... this book broke me. I am still crying...
Coming from someone who has had a loved one face addiction, this one was ROUGH. I felt so broken in so many scenes. I don't think I will ever get over it. It's emotional as fuck. I am a mess.
CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!
Without spoiling a thing... this book broke me. I am still crying...
Coming from someone who has had a loved one face addiction, this one was ROUGH. I felt so broken in so many scenes. I don't think I will ever get over it. It's emotional as fuck. I am a mess.
CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!
May 14, 2021
You know when people say there's a book that has stayed with them forever after reading it?
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝘆 𝗼𝗻𝗲.
I don't even know where to begin for a review of this book, because how do you review something that's just so emotionally raw, heartbreaking and has left an everlasting impression on you?
'𝐾𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦.'
I don't want to give too much of this story away because so much happens. I will say this book perfectly shows different stages of grief throughout, how all consuming addiction can be and different struggles with mental health issues. Which is what makes this book so real, you're frustrated/happy/sad for Hallie and Zeke because they seem so real with their real problems and issues.
'𝑃𝑎𝑙𝑚 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑑, 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑜𝑓𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑓 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑚𝑒.'
I know this book will be on my mind for a while, and like I said at the start of my review - this will stay with me forever. I honestly can't fault it in anyway. J Rose had completely out done herself with this book. I will recommend this to everyone - and yes, I ugly cried while reading this.
'𝐼𝑓 𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑡'𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙.'
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝘆 𝗼𝗻𝗲.
I don't even know where to begin for a review of this book, because how do you review something that's just so emotionally raw, heartbreaking and has left an everlasting impression on you?
'𝐾𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦.'
I don't want to give too much of this story away because so much happens. I will say this book perfectly shows different stages of grief throughout, how all consuming addiction can be and different struggles with mental health issues. Which is what makes this book so real, you're frustrated/happy/sad for Hallie and Zeke because they seem so real with their real problems and issues.
'𝑃𝑎𝑙𝑚 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑑, 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑜𝑓𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑓 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑚𝑒.'
I know this book will be on my mind for a while, and like I said at the start of my review - this will stay with me forever. I honestly can't fault it in anyway. J Rose had completely out done herself with this book. I will recommend this to everyone - and yes, I ugly cried while reading this.
'𝐼𝑓 𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑡'𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙.'
July 25, 2022
this was a beautifully tragic love story. my heart hurts.
this story meant so much to me that I got
‘if it hurts, then it’s real’ tattooed on me.
the story of Hallie and Zeke is one that will stay with me forever. even 5 months after reading, it makes me cry just thinking about what happens in this book 🥹
one night I read the last chapter to tommy and oh boy did I sob, I tried to explain to him what happened in the story and why it made me cry so much. I ended up just reading the last chapter and epilogue to him… it took me a lot longer to read the epilogue due to the fact that I was a blubbery mess. i will never not cry over this story.
if you haven’t read this incredible story yet, go onto Amazon and get it on KU or paperback and read it asap.
check tw before reading as it does mention things that some might find distressing.. also grab some tissues and remove all makeup before reading. I don’t recommend reading while wearing mascara as your eyes will be very sore after crying like mine were 🥺
this story meant so much to me that I got
‘if it hurts, then it’s real’ tattooed on me.
the story of Hallie and Zeke is one that will stay with me forever. even 5 months after reading, it makes me cry just thinking about what happens in this book 🥹
one night I read the last chapter to tommy and oh boy did I sob, I tried to explain to him what happened in the story and why it made me cry so much. I ended up just reading the last chapter and epilogue to him… it took me a lot longer to read the epilogue due to the fact that I was a blubbery mess. i will never not cry over this story.
if you haven’t read this incredible story yet, go onto Amazon and get it on KU or paperback and read it asap.
check tw before reading as it does mention things that some might find distressing.. also grab some tissues and remove all makeup before reading. I don’t recommend reading while wearing mascara as your eyes will be very sore after crying like mine were 🥺
December 7, 2022
Wow this book was a punch to the heart. 😢 I liked reading a story that showed the realistic ups and downs about someone with addiction and that it doesn’t always end happily. I just loved Hallie and Zeke’s story, and I truly felt for Zeke and his demons. Quite a heavy read, but I thought was written well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Pers0n - Dual
Rating:
Grief had been following Hallie Burns around for months. When she met the volatile Ezekiel (Zeke) Rhodes, they both found a new purpose in life. But his demons threatened to destroy everything they built together.
This book ticked every box that could destroy my feelings. Unfortunately, I struggled to feel things. I couldn’t connect with the characters, which made me apathetic towards them. I couldn’t feel their connection as a couple either.
Their relationship progressed too quickly with missing pieces that would establish the characters better. There were also cliche and untidy plot points. Even the ending couldn’t save it for me. In the end this book left me feeling sad because it had so much potential but didn’t live up to it.
Forever Ago is a story of battling inner demons and self-worthiness. It might appeal to readers looking for a love story with toxic characters.
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Type: Standalone
POV: First Pers0n - Dual
Rating:
Grief had been following Hallie Burns around for months. When she met the volatile Ezekiel (Zeke) Rhodes, they both found a new purpose in life. But his demons threatened to destroy everything they built together.
This book ticked every box that could destroy my feelings. Unfortunately, I struggled to feel things. I couldn’t connect with the characters, which made me apathetic towards them. I couldn’t feel their connection as a couple either.
Their relationship progressed too quickly with missing pieces that would establish the characters better. There were also cliche and untidy plot points. Even the ending couldn’t save it for me. In the end this book left me feeling sad because it had so much potential but didn’t live up to it.
Forever Ago is a story of battling inner demons and self-worthiness. It might appeal to readers looking for a love story with toxic characters.
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
April 3, 2021
"𝐼𝑓 𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑡'𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙."
This is a story that hits you hard and fast, like a sucker punch to the gut that you feel in your heart and didn't see coming. It's a fast-paced messy whirlwind of chaotic and emotional love. The suffocating grief that is absolute full circle for Hallie and Zeke. Their story is more about the journey than the ending destination. It's about the struggle between right and wrong, living and dying, love and addiction, and oh man, does it fucking hurt. You can feel the truths and emotions that are laid bare with each word absorbed that was written so beautifully. Pass the tissues please, because I am ugly crying while writing this after finishing this heartbreaking read.
This is a story that hits you hard and fast, like a sucker punch to the gut that you feel in your heart and didn't see coming. It's a fast-paced messy whirlwind of chaotic and emotional love. The suffocating grief that is absolute full circle for Hallie and Zeke. Their story is more about the journey than the ending destination. It's about the struggle between right and wrong, living and dying, love and addiction, and oh man, does it fucking hurt. You can feel the truths and emotions that are laid bare with each word absorbed that was written so beautifully. Pass the tissues please, because I am ugly crying while writing this after finishing this heartbreaking read.
March 13, 2022
If it hurts then it’s real.
Well that one hurt 😭
I went into Forever ago blind. I knew after reading some other books by J Rose that she doesn’t pull any punches with her stories. She writes flawed relatable characters which is the thing I love most about her writing. So I thought I was ready for this book. I can assure you I wasn’t.
My North fucking star 🥺
Not all love stories end the way we want them to and Hallie and Zeke’s was no exception. J Rose had me feeling sick to my stomach. Watching Hallie and Zeke’s love story play out was like watching someone stand on the train tracks with a train approaching at full speed and you’re screaming at them to move but they can’t hear you. That’s how I felt reading Forever Ago. Screaming at Hallie, knowing what’s going to happen but knowing she can’t hear me. Then BAM. Train. Or in this case me sobbing my heart out not being able to see the words.
Anyway, my broken heart is going to stop rambling now. J Rose, you broke me. Again! I’ve definitely found myself a new 1-click author!
Well that one hurt 😭
I went into Forever ago blind. I knew after reading some other books by J Rose that she doesn’t pull any punches with her stories. She writes flawed relatable characters which is the thing I love most about her writing. So I thought I was ready for this book. I can assure you I wasn’t.
My North fucking star 🥺
Not all love stories end the way we want them to and Hallie and Zeke’s was no exception. J Rose had me feeling sick to my stomach. Watching Hallie and Zeke’s love story play out was like watching someone stand on the train tracks with a train approaching at full speed and you’re screaming at them to move but they can’t hear you. That’s how I felt reading Forever Ago. Screaming at Hallie, knowing what’s going to happen but knowing she can’t hear me. Then BAM. Train. Or in this case me sobbing my heart out not being able to see the words.
Anyway, my broken heart is going to stop rambling now. J Rose, you broke me. Again! I’ve definitely found myself a new 1-click author!
May 11, 2022
I'm ok with some books ending with a death of one of the main characters. But not with this one. This book was everything. I don't know how no one talks about it. There are a lot of trigger warnings. Drugs, addiction, suicide. But I feel this is a must read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2026
Це тверді 2 з 5 — ні більше, ні менше, особисто для мене.
Перша половина книги взагалі була на 1 😶, але завдяки деяким моментам другої половини оцінка трохи підвищилась. Та все ж таки…
Дуже крута ідея й зав’язка, але вкрай погана реалізація. Мені не вистачило внутрішніх діалогів зламаних персонажів — через це вони й не здавались мені по-справжньому зламаними. Для тем, які піднімались у цій книзі, хотілося більш депресивної атмосфери, тому постійні сцени недоречного сексу повністю псували її для мене.
До речі, щодо сцен сексу: я спеціально пішла й провела невеличке «дослідження» — прочитала багато інформації про речовини та їхній вплив. І після цього до книги сміливо можна додати ще один піджанр — «фентезі» 🫢
Якщо оцінювати романтичну лінію, то для мене її просто не було. Це виглядало як стосунки жертви та рятівника — типові співзалежні взаємини людей, які щось втратили й намагалися заповнити цю порожнечу чимось іншим. Тому в їхнє кохання мені повірити не вдалося.
Також за сюжетом майже одразу стає зрозуміло, чим усе закінчиться. АЛЕ, знову ж таки, хотілося більше болю, більше жаги, ломки, нав’язливих думок. Натомість усе, що ми отримуємо, — це те, як вони постійно трахались замість вирішення проблем або ґрунтовних діалогів. Така собі втеча.
Кілька разів — можливо, окей. Постійно — вже сумнівно.
Загал��м сама ідея дуже крута, хоча я й не люблю читати про тему наркотиків, бо для мене це надто важко. Але в цій книзі було важко читати не через тему, а через те, що ідею, на жаль, звели нанівець.
Чи рекомендувала б я цю книгу?
Можливо — якщо ви не шукаєте сенсовного навантаження та глибини сюжету, адже тут усе це було втрачено й повністю змарновано.
Перша половина книги взагалі була на 1 😶, але завдяки деяким моментам другої половини оцінка трохи підвищилась. Та все ж таки…
Дуже крута ідея й зав’язка, але вкрай погана реалізація. Мені не вистачило внутрішніх діалогів зламаних персонажів — через це вони й не здавались мені по-справжньому зламаними. Для тем, які піднімались у цій книзі, хотілося більш депресивної атмосфери, тому постійні сцени недоречного сексу повністю псували її для мене.
До речі, щодо сцен сексу: я спеціально пішла й провела невеличке «дослідження» — прочитала багато інформації про речовини та їхній вплив. І після цього до книги сміливо можна додати ще один піджанр — «фентезі» 🫢
Якщо оцінювати романтичну лінію, то для мене її просто не було. Це виглядало як стосунки жертви та рятівника — типові співзалежні взаємини людей, які щось втратили й намагалися заповнити цю порожнечу чимось іншим. Тому в їхнє кохання мені повірити не вдалося.
Також за сюжетом майже одразу стає зрозуміло, чим усе закінчиться. АЛЕ, знову ж таки, хотілося більше болю, більше жаги, ломки, нав’язливих думок. Натомість усе, що ми отримуємо, — це те, як вони постійно трахались замість вирішення проблем або ґрунтовних діалогів. Така собі втеча.
Кілька разів — можливо, окей. Постійно — вже сумнівно.
Загал��м сама ідея дуже крута, хоча я й не люблю читати про тему наркотиків, бо для мене це надто важко. Але в цій книзі було важко читати не через тему, а через те, що ідею, на жаль, звели нанівець.
Чи рекомендувала б я цю книгу?
Можливо — якщо ви не шукаєте сенсовного навантаження та глибини сюжету, адже тут усе це було втрачено й повністю змарновано.
Read
August 23, 2023would buy a physical copy of this book just to burn it
January 8, 2026
Thank you Valentine PR, and J Rose, for an ALC of this previously released book!
The audiobook~
I want to start off by talking about the audio, since the book has been out for some time now. I was gifted the release of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn’t a fan of the audiobook, which was a shocker to me, because I love audiobooks.
Maybe it was just me, but, I was having a hard time following along. The chapters merged together for me, and it was hard to tell which was Hallie’s POV and which was Zeke’s. It’s tricky, and I fee like sometimes narrators are put in a lose-lose situation, because if Big Bear Audio were to elevate his voice a few levels, it would’ve given me the ick, because I usually can’t stand when male narrators try and mimic a female voice. On the other hand, I wish there was maybe a tiny pitch change in his voice to differentiate from the POVs. Like I said, lose-lose situation for Big Bear Audio, unfortunately. This would’ve been much better with dual narration.
About halfway through, I downloaded the book and followed along with the audio. On parts where a character would laugh or snicker, the narrator would take the laughing to a complete other level. It felt off. Like he was trying too hard to get it right. At one point, the narrator laughed so loud, I actually jumped. I went back and read the passage, without audio, on my kindle, and was getting a completely different vibe.
I almost wish I came across this book without the audio, because the audio ruined it…
With that being said, I read it a second time, with no audio, and it was fantastic. The book was great to begin with, don’t get me wrong, but it’s one of those stories that sink into your bones when you read it in silence. When you can put your own emotions and exclamation into it.
The book~
Despite attending the same university, Hallie and Zeke don’t meet each other until they both attend the same grief counseling group. Both characters are trying to learn how to deal with grief and depression, but, quickly learning that no one deals with it in the same way.
Read your trigger warnings for this book. It’s A LOT. The author, J. Rose, did a phenomenal job at creating so much angst within the writing, that it actually gave me goosebumps. The writing is very realistic, and HIGHLY emotional.
“If it hurts, then it’s real.”
I think what’s so tragic about Hallie’s character, is the optimism she has. Every time Zeke came around, it’s like she put a pair of rose colored glasses on, and it was hard to sit through at times. I wanted to shake her, and beg her to snap out of the allusion she has of him, but at the same time, the unwavering love and acceptance she shows him is commendable.
What I really hated for Zeke, was the fact that he couldn’t see all of the good that surrounded him. He was drowning in self loathing and disgust from his past. It’s like, no matter how many times he was reassured, he wouldn’t believe it. Not even on his good days. That’s what made him so tragic. His mental illness swallowed him whole.
“Keep the light on for me.”
Hallie and Zeke’s relationship is raw, gritty, and heartbreakingly intoxicating. The push and pull of both characters had my head spinning and my heart lurching. It’s full of betrayal, forgiveness, trauma, and quiet acceptance. If you’ve ever loved an addict, in any way, you know just how difficult it is to try and do the right thing by them. It’s far from easy, and it typically doesn’t have a happy ending.
I’m gutted. This book really wrecked me! I haven’t cried over a book like this in a while! I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time, and, definitely checking out more books by J.Rose!
The audiobook~
I want to start off by talking about the audio, since the book has been out for some time now. I was gifted the release of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn’t a fan of the audiobook, which was a shocker to me, because I love audiobooks.
Maybe it was just me, but, I was having a hard time following along. The chapters merged together for me, and it was hard to tell which was Hallie’s POV and which was Zeke’s. It’s tricky, and I fee like sometimes narrators are put in a lose-lose situation, because if Big Bear Audio were to elevate his voice a few levels, it would’ve given me the ick, because I usually can’t stand when male narrators try and mimic a female voice. On the other hand, I wish there was maybe a tiny pitch change in his voice to differentiate from the POVs. Like I said, lose-lose situation for Big Bear Audio, unfortunately. This would’ve been much better with dual narration.
About halfway through, I downloaded the book and followed along with the audio. On parts where a character would laugh or snicker, the narrator would take the laughing to a complete other level. It felt off. Like he was trying too hard to get it right. At one point, the narrator laughed so loud, I actually jumped. I went back and read the passage, without audio, on my kindle, and was getting a completely different vibe.
I almost wish I came across this book without the audio, because the audio ruined it…
With that being said, I read it a second time, with no audio, and it was fantastic. The book was great to begin with, don’t get me wrong, but it’s one of those stories that sink into your bones when you read it in silence. When you can put your own emotions and exclamation into it.
The book~
Despite attending the same university, Hallie and Zeke don’t meet each other until they both attend the same grief counseling group. Both characters are trying to learn how to deal with grief and depression, but, quickly learning that no one deals with it in the same way.
Read your trigger warnings for this book. It’s A LOT. The author, J. Rose, did a phenomenal job at creating so much angst within the writing, that it actually gave me goosebumps. The writing is very realistic, and HIGHLY emotional.
“If it hurts, then it’s real.”
I think what’s so tragic about Hallie’s character, is the optimism she has. Every time Zeke came around, it’s like she put a pair of rose colored glasses on, and it was hard to sit through at times. I wanted to shake her, and beg her to snap out of the allusion she has of him, but at the same time, the unwavering love and acceptance she shows him is commendable.
What I really hated for Zeke, was the fact that he couldn’t see all of the good that surrounded him. He was drowning in self loathing and disgust from his past. It’s like, no matter how many times he was reassured, he wouldn’t believe it. Not even on his good days. That’s what made him so tragic. His mental illness swallowed him whole.
“Keep the light on for me.”
Hallie and Zeke’s relationship is raw, gritty, and heartbreakingly intoxicating. The push and pull of both characters had my head spinning and my heart lurching. It’s full of betrayal, forgiveness, trauma, and quiet acceptance. If you’ve ever loved an addict, in any way, you know just how difficult it is to try and do the right thing by them. It’s far from easy, and it typically doesn’t have a happy ending.
I’m gutted. This book really wrecked me! I haven’t cried over a book like this in a while! I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time, and, definitely checking out more books by J.Rose!
May 26, 2021
As I stare at a blank screen blurred with tears trying to come up with the perfect words to begin this review for this heartbreakingly beautiful story. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the this beautifully talented author wouldn’t want the perfect words. So here I go -
J Rose is a rare diamond hidden in the sea gems, this book she wrote shows a talent so rare that I just want to stand and shout to all to take a moment to read Hallie and Zeke’s tale. Their story is gritty, painful, and heart wrenching…the beautiful moments that appear, it’s like seeing the sun after surviving a tornado. Hallie is such a beautiful soul with more love inside her than she could ever realize even if she’s a little broken. She refuses to give up and just keeps fighting, not only for herself but for those that she loves. Zeke is this moody, broken, and lost young man that is fighting his demons and you can’t help but hope for the best for. When these two come together, it is like Romeo and Juliet with a twist of Requiem for a Dream. J Rose doesn’t romanticize their story, she makes it real. Addiction is a painful and ugly affliction that hurts everyone in its path. This story is perfect representation of that, it gripped me and hit me like semi repeatedly - I have never cried as much (and as often) while reading a story but I did with this one. J Rose has woven a tale with characters that will stick with my heart, buried in my bones and woven in my soul. It reminds me that pain makes me realize I am alive, it’s okay to hurt and lean on others, and love doesn’t always conquer all but it does survive chaos and tragedy - life itself is messy and painful but it does has it’s beautiful moments along with memories to cherish and hold on to. This story is a journey and I will be cherishing it for a long time to come.
J Rose is a rare diamond hidden in the sea gems, this book she wrote shows a talent so rare that I just want to stand and shout to all to take a moment to read Hallie and Zeke’s tale. Their story is gritty, painful, and heart wrenching…the beautiful moments that appear, it’s like seeing the sun after surviving a tornado. Hallie is such a beautiful soul with more love inside her than she could ever realize even if she’s a little broken. She refuses to give up and just keeps fighting, not only for herself but for those that she loves. Zeke is this moody, broken, and lost young man that is fighting his demons and you can’t help but hope for the best for. When these two come together, it is like Romeo and Juliet with a twist of Requiem for a Dream. J Rose doesn’t romanticize their story, she makes it real. Addiction is a painful and ugly affliction that hurts everyone in its path. This story is perfect representation of that, it gripped me and hit me like semi repeatedly - I have never cried as much (and as often) while reading a story but I did with this one. J Rose has woven a tale with characters that will stick with my heart, buried in my bones and woven in my soul. It reminds me that pain makes me realize I am alive, it’s okay to hurt and lean on others, and love doesn’t always conquer all but it does survive chaos and tragedy - life itself is messy and painful but it does has it’s beautiful moments along with memories to cherish and hold on to. This story is a journey and I will be cherishing it for a long time to come.
May 26, 2021
My heart hurts after reading this. I’m writing this review with tears flowing. The story of Hallie and Zeke had so much angst, there was so much love and sadness. They meet at a bereavement group, and their story follows the ups and downs of their relationship. Battling through life, loss, and addiction; all while trying to live with heartache and loss. While there is a HEA, it isn’t your usual one. This book will take you through your emotions and leave you wrecked. So worth the read.
January 15, 2026
⭐️ 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 2
📖 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲:
➛ Romance
➛ Grief
➛ Addiction
➛ Found Family
➛ Toxic Relationships
💭 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
It's a no for me. I quickly realized I am not the target audience for this book. Within the first twenty percent, the MMC grabs the FMC so hard it leaves bruises on her arm, and the FMC hits him in the face twice. They have only seen each other on two occasions, yet somehow they already cannot get each other out of their heads?? There is zero emotional depth and no real buildup, so it felt like straight instalust turning into instalove. They keep pushing each other away only to end up back together and having sex again, all the way to the last chapter, and the push pull dynamic got old fast. The one thing I did appreciate was the raw, realistic, and gut wrenching depiction of addiction, which was genuinely heartbreaking to read. If you do decide to pick this one up, please check the trigger warnings first. Take care of yourself. 🤍
💬 𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
"We’re made of more than our worst mistakes."
“Does waking up every day, when you’d rather not, feel like anything less than a war?”
📖 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲:
➛ Romance
➛ Grief
➛ Addiction
➛ Found Family
➛ Toxic Relationships
💭 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
It's a no for me. I quickly realized I am not the target audience for this book. Within the first twenty percent, the MMC grabs the FMC so hard it leaves bruises on her arm, and the FMC hits him in the face twice. They have only seen each other on two occasions, yet somehow they already cannot get each other out of their heads?? There is zero emotional depth and no real buildup, so it felt like straight instalust turning into instalove. They keep pushing each other away only to end up back together and having sex again, all the way to the last chapter, and the push pull dynamic got old fast. The one thing I did appreciate was the raw, realistic, and gut wrenching depiction of addiction, which was genuinely heartbreaking to read. If you do decide to pick this one up, please check the trigger warnings first. Take care of yourself. 🤍
💬 𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
"We’re made of more than our worst mistakes."
“Does waking up every day, when you’d rather not, feel like anything less than a war?”
December 30, 2025
This is a very heavy book.
This follows Zeke and Hallie; they meet at a grief therapy group. Zeke has no interest in being at the group and lashes out at anyone that tries to talk to him, but he’s instantly thrown off when Hallie snaps at him for a comment he makes. After that, he tries to track Hallie down because she is the only person that has made him feel anything since the loss of a loved one. Zeke has a drug addiction and will do anything for his next fix, and Hallie will do anything to help him. But sometimes, love isn’t enough. This is incredibly heartbreaking and deals with very heavy topics, please check triggers before reading this. This also does not have a guaranteed HEA.
I received an ALC from Valentine PR in exchange for my honest opinion.
This follows Zeke and Hallie; they meet at a grief therapy group. Zeke has no interest in being at the group and lashes out at anyone that tries to talk to him, but he’s instantly thrown off when Hallie snaps at him for a comment he makes. After that, he tries to track Hallie down because she is the only person that has made him feel anything since the loss of a loved one. Zeke has a drug addiction and will do anything for his next fix, and Hallie will do anything to help him. But sometimes, love isn’t enough. This is incredibly heartbreaking and deals with very heavy topics, please check triggers before reading this. This also does not have a guaranteed HEA.
I received an ALC from Valentine PR in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 27, 2024
Listen I started to read Blackwood institute by J Rose and at the beginning of it there was a recommended reading order and forever ago was recommended to read before you start it so I went into this book completely blind and now im sitting here sobbing.. what the hell. I devoured this book because I just had to keep reading to see what was going to happen next. When I tell you this book was full of highs and lows, I mean it. It gave me whiplash and i genuinely didn’t know what to expect with these characters. this story was heartbreaking, emotional, raw, and angsty. Hallie and Ezekiel. wow, idk where to begin. I don’t want to say too much and give anything away but I got so emotionally involved with them. It’s hard not to because their story sucks you in from the beginning! J rose’s writing made this book feel very realistic! It shows the different stages of grief, difficulties of someone’s mental health, and just how all consuming addiction can be. I wanted to hug and punch both of these characters at the same time but mainly just hug them. gosh, my heart hurts. Idk why this book isnt talked about more but it definitely needs a spot on your TBR!! Please have the tissues ready for this one though and don’t say i didn’t warn you!
🩶 college romance
🖤 grumpy/sunshine
🩶 very broken mmc
🖤 virgin fmc
🩶 unconditional love
🖤 mental health rep
🩶 high angst
🖤 fast burn
🩶 emotional rollercoaster
🖤 drug addiction
🩶 overcoming grief
🖤 no guaranteed HEA
🩶 college romance
🖤 grumpy/sunshine
🩶 very broken mmc
🖤 virgin fmc
🩶 unconditional love
🖤 mental health rep
🩶 high angst
🖤 fast burn
🩶 emotional rollercoaster
🖤 drug addiction
🩶 overcoming grief
🖤 no guaranteed HEA
May 26, 2021
My heart is broken but also full
J Rose is one of the most talented authors I've had the pleasure of reading. It might not always be happy, and full of sunshine but that's life. And that is what the book is ultimately about how to live when life isn't perfect and you just want to give up. Was this a hard book to read, yes but it's also so beautifully written that even in the most painful moments you can still feel hope and love. This book will forever have a special place in heart. Thank you J for being brave enough to share this book with us.
J Rose is one of the most talented authors I've had the pleasure of reading. It might not always be happy, and full of sunshine but that's life. And that is what the book is ultimately about how to live when life isn't perfect and you just want to give up. Was this a hard book to read, yes but it's also so beautifully written that even in the most painful moments you can still feel hope and love. This book will forever have a special place in heart. Thank you J for being brave enough to share this book with us.
November 13, 2024
I am not okay. This book was just… wow. Deep on so many levels—emotionally, mentally. It hit so close to home. This one really dives into that toxic love mixed with addiction and shows the impact on everyone around them. I’m actually crying. Definitely don’t go into this expecting your typical romance. It’s not that. Check your triggers, for sure, but if you’re looking for something raw and emotional, this one is a must-read.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
December 30, 2025
This is VERY emotional and hit home for me...loving someone with addiction is a battle and I was crying my eyes out, like ugly AF crying. Hallie and Zeke are so drawn to each other, but their journey is toxic and heartbreaking. There is no HEA in this and check your TW before reading. The audio is coming soon and is narrated by Big Bear Audio.
"Because if it hurts, that means it was real."
what to expect:
-college romance
-addiction/mental health
-grief
-damaged bad boy
-fast burn
-starcrossed lovers
-no HEA
"Because if it hurts, that means it was real."
what to expect:
-college romance
-addiction/mental health
-grief
-damaged bad boy
-fast burn
-starcrossed lovers
-no HEA
January 4, 2026
A story of addiction and grief-and how both combined impact a relationship. These characters were frustrating, but so raw and vulnerable. There is no HEA in this-which does make the story more real due to the situations and circumstances that these characters put themselves in. Overall, a very heavy and stressful read-but as always, I am a sucker for anything J Rose writes.
That epilogue had me tearing up.
That epilogue had me tearing up.
Read
December 30, 2025Note to self: one of the MCs dies by the end of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2024
“I’m coming home. I love you, Hallie Burns. Keep the light on for me.”
And just like that, I am bawling my eyes out
And just like that, I am bawling my eyes out
November 15, 2025
♾️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
I don't even know where to start because this book literally destroyed me. Like the way I bawled my eyes out y'all.
Hallie and Zeke’s story might be painful, toxic and messy but it's also so powerful, emotional and yes full of love. Because you cannot convince me that what Zeke sacrificed wasn't love.
Like this is not just dark romance, it's tragedy. You will find nothing gentle or sweet. It grabs you by the throat from chapter one and never lets go. Everything these two go through you feel it in your chest and when they hurt, you hurt.
Hallie my beautiful, quiet, hurting girl! You finally found someone who sees you. If only I could give you the happiness you deserved.
And Zeke! My broken, chaotic boy. You only wanted to be loved and to not be abandoned. My angel boy you also needed to make better choices. In another world, you did. In another world, you got your HEA. 🥹
The ending hurt so much.
I was literally crying.
Because it wasn’t just the twist. It wasn't the shock.
I realized that all this time I was reading about two people who never had a chance. That broke me even more. It made me feel like they were doomed from the start.
*sigh*
This book hurt me but I don't regret a single second. It's one of the most emotional dark romances I've ever read, and it will definitely be among my top reads for this year. This is a story I'm never going to forget.
What to expect:
🖤 Dark romance
🖤 Hurt/Comfort
🖤 No HEA
🖤 Damaged MMC
🖤 Soulmates turned to tragedy
🖤 Grief,pain, and guilt
🖤 Spice
I don't even know where to start because this book literally destroyed me. Like the way I bawled my eyes out y'all.
Hallie and Zeke’s story might be painful, toxic and messy but it's also so powerful, emotional and yes full of love. Because you cannot convince me that what Zeke sacrificed wasn't love.
Like this is not just dark romance, it's tragedy. You will find nothing gentle or sweet. It grabs you by the throat from chapter one and never lets go. Everything these two go through you feel it in your chest and when they hurt, you hurt.
Hallie my beautiful, quiet, hurting girl! You finally found someone who sees you. If only I could give you the happiness you deserved.
And Zeke! My broken, chaotic boy. You only wanted to be loved and to not be abandoned. My angel boy you also needed to make better choices. In another world, you did. In another world, you got your HEA. 🥹
The ending hurt so much.
I was literally crying.
Because it wasn’t just the twist. It wasn't the shock.
I realized that all this time I was reading about two people who never had a chance. That broke me even more. It made me feel like they were doomed from the start.
*sigh*
This book hurt me but I don't regret a single second. It's one of the most emotional dark romances I've ever read, and it will definitely be among my top reads for this year. This is a story I'm never going to forget.
What to expect:
🖤 Dark romance
🖤 Hurt/Comfort
🖤 No HEA
🖤 Damaged MMC
🖤 Soulmates turned to tragedy
🖤 Grief,pain, and guilt
🖤 Spice
August 12, 2021
This had all the ingredients for a winner but for me it lacked in execution. The writing style felt abit off. Like it needed a good polish. It left me feeling disconnected from the characters.
January 31, 2024
"keep the light on for me."
I'm broken 💔
I'm broken 💔
Read
January 10, 2026Man oh man. Is this a story that takes you on one heck of a journey of falling for someone that has a problem with addiction and mixing that with grief. Forever Ago is a beautiful, tragic love story with many moments between two individuals that need one another, but is overall quite toxic. Please oh please read all the trigger warnings, because it isn't pretty. And I would call it a love story over romance because HEA? Not so much.
I first started reading J. Rose in 2025 and I like how dark yet beautiful her writing is. She takes mental health and turns it on its head with her stories. Hallie and Zeke meet during bereavement therapy and have very different outlooks on life. Hallie wants to get stronger and is optimistic. She's the "sweet one". Zeke on the other hand is drowning and Hallie is the only light in his life. He holds on to that maybe a bit too tightly, knowing that the person he is and his addictions just may bring her down and she will lose that light. But he loves her. Will that love be enough?
I actually liked these two together. When they were healthy, it was beautiful. But Zeke had too many demons to overcome. Hallie was such a strong FMC and willing to work with the man she fell in love with, but when guilt overtakes people's whole being, it's hard to watch them crumble.
While I liked this story and felt the raw, self destructive characters going through all the motions, it was the darn audiobook that didn't quite work for me. I unknowingly signed up for an ALC of this book and someone told me that Big Bear Audio was a virtual voice. I'm not sure if this is true or not, but to make it clear, I only support real human narrators. EDIT TO ADD: AFTER reaching out to the PR company, Big Bear IS NOT virtual voice and is indeed a real person.
With all that said, the audio didn't work for me for one major reason. The story is told from two POVs (the FMC and MMC) and is written in first person, but only one narrator performed the audio and didn't change their accent for the two characters. They sounded the same throughout. For that reason, it became difficult to tell whose POV we were in since it was the same voice for both the female and male characters. They didn't even change their accents to make it easier to distinguish. I've listened to books narrated by a single narrator, but it's usually written in third person so it makes it easy to distinguish especially because they perform and give different voices to characters. This was NOT the case for this audiobook. This audiobook could've been amazing but unfortunately didn't work for me.
Overall, the story itself is for the dark romance lover that can be put through the more darker emotions and not mind an ending that is going to hurt. But unfortunately the audiobook was not for me. And for that I'm sorry since I love this author and her whole J. Rose universe. I would recommend picking up the ebook or physical book to read this. 4 stars for the story. unrated for the audio.
I first started reading J. Rose in 2025 and I like how dark yet beautiful her writing is. She takes mental health and turns it on its head with her stories. Hallie and Zeke meet during bereavement therapy and have very different outlooks on life. Hallie wants to get stronger and is optimistic. She's the "sweet one". Zeke on the other hand is drowning and Hallie is the only light in his life. He holds on to that maybe a bit too tightly, knowing that the person he is and his addictions just may bring her down and she will lose that light. But he loves her. Will that love be enough?
I actually liked these two together. When they were healthy, it was beautiful. But Zeke had too many demons to overcome. Hallie was such a strong FMC and willing to work with the man she fell in love with, but when guilt overtakes people's whole being, it's hard to watch them crumble.
While I liked this story and felt the raw, self destructive characters going through all the motions, it was the darn audiobook that didn't quite work for me. I unknowingly signed up for an ALC of this book and someone told me that Big Bear Audio was a virtual voice. I'm not sure if this is true or not, but to make it clear, I only support real human narrators. EDIT TO ADD: AFTER reaching out to the PR company, Big Bear IS NOT virtual voice and is indeed a real person.
With all that said, the audio didn't work for me for one major reason. The story is told from two POVs (the FMC and MMC) and is written in first person, but only one narrator performed the audio and didn't change their accent for the two characters. They sounded the same throughout. For that reason, it became difficult to tell whose POV we were in since it was the same voice for both the female and male characters. They didn't even change their accents to make it easier to distinguish. I've listened to books narrated by a single narrator, but it's usually written in third person so it makes it easy to distinguish especially because they perform and give different voices to characters. This was NOT the case for this audiobook. This audiobook could've been amazing but unfortunately didn't work for me.
Overall, the story itself is for the dark romance lover that can be put through the more darker emotions and not mind an ending that is going to hurt. But unfortunately the audiobook was not for me. And for that I'm sorry since I love this author and her whole J. Rose universe. I would recommend picking up the ebook or physical book to read this. 4 stars for the story. unrated for the audio.
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