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Forever Ago: A Dark College Romance
From the bestselling author of Blackwood Institute, Sabre Security and Briar Valley comes a standalone, dark romance tale of unconditional care and inevitable heartbreak that favours the imperfect journey of first love—not the happy ending.
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 Forever Ago is a dark, standalone college M/F romance with realistic mental health representation and no guaranteed HEA. Full trigger warning is available inside the book.
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 Forever Ago is a dark, standalone college M/F romance with realistic mental health representation and no guaranteed HEA. Full trigger warning is available inside the book.
Audible Audio
Published January 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 12, 2026
I knew going in this wasn't going to be an HEA and although I guessed at why that might be it didn't lessen the impact when it happened. The book is read by Big Bear Audio who is a new to me narrator who provided both the female and male narration which I enjoyed.
For most of the book, I struggled with Hallie and Zeke's relationship as it felt a little one sided. There are glimpses of what could be but when things get hard Zeke went straight back to his default coping mechanism. Zeke had an addiction before he met Hallie but I didn't ever feel he was fighting for them in the same way Hallie was. There also seemed to be a lot left off the page like Zeke's relapse and what truly happens at the end. I'd also have liked to have seen more of the connection between Hallie and Zeke developing as it seemed to get really heavy really quick especially when Hallie had never been in a relationship before.
That being said this put me through the emotional wringer; I had bookmarked the quote "little by little we let go of loss, but never love" at the time and when the extended epilogue hit, I burst into tears which took me completely off guard. I wasn't sure of the exact timeline of them being together but knowing Hallie still saw Zeke as the man he could have been after all this time and that he remained her all time love just devastated me. As someone on their own grief journey, I felt so connected to that element of the story even if it made me cry!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
For most of the book, I struggled with Hallie and Zeke's relationship as it felt a little one sided. There are glimpses of what could be but when things get hard Zeke went straight back to his default coping mechanism. Zeke had an addiction before he met Hallie but I didn't ever feel he was fighting for them in the same way Hallie was. There also seemed to be a lot left off the page like Zeke's relapse and what truly happens at the end. I'd also have liked to have seen more of the connection between Hallie and Zeke developing as it seemed to get really heavy really quick especially when Hallie had never been in a relationship before.
That being said this put me through the emotional wringer; I had bookmarked the quote "little by little we let go of loss, but never love" at the time and when the extended epilogue hit, I burst into tears which took me completely off guard. I wasn't sure of the exact timeline of them being together but knowing Hallie still saw Zeke as the man he could have been after all this time and that he remained her all time love just devastated me. As someone on their own grief journey, I felt so connected to that element of the story even if it made me cry!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
Review of advance copy received from Author
**Edited for audiobook review**
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/🎧🎧🎧🎧
Format: Audiobook - Narrated by Big Bear Audio
Standalone: Standalone
Tropes: Dark College Romance, Grief and Addiction, Non-HEA
Thanks to Valentine PR, and the author for this ALC - all opinions are my own
Hallie and Zeke
This is a heartbreaking story of the love between Hallie and Zeke. There is a lot of content that will be triggering for many readers so please check warnings before reading. This is a story about grief and addiction and the relationships that are formed and destroyed along the way. I devoured this book in a matter of hours, only taking a break to sleep. My emotions were all of the place and I was screaming at these characters at so many different points in the story. I definitely recommend this to anyone that wants a real story that will tug your emotions in every direction, sometimes all at once.
Listening to this on audio was a totally different experience. Big Bear Audio performed these characters with so much passion it really brought them to life and made this story that much more impactful. The smallest nuances made the biggest impressions and it provided a visceral experience. The only thing that could’ve improved the audio would’ve been a female narrator for Hallie.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/🎧🎧🎧🎧
Format: Audiobook - Narrated by Big Bear Audio
Standalone: Standalone
Tropes: Dark College Romance, Grief and Addiction, Non-HEA
Thanks to Valentine PR, and the author for this ALC - all opinions are my own
Hallie and Zeke
This is a heartbreaking story of the love between Hallie and Zeke. There is a lot of content that will be triggering for many readers so please check warnings before reading. This is a story about grief and addiction and the relationships that are formed and destroyed along the way. I devoured this book in a matter of hours, only taking a break to sleep. My emotions were all of the place and I was screaming at these characters at so many different points in the story. I definitely recommend this to anyone that wants a real story that will tug your emotions in every direction, sometimes all at once.
Listening to this on audio was a totally different experience. Big Bear Audio performed these characters with so much passion it really brought them to life and made this story that much more impactful. The smallest nuances made the biggest impressions and it provided a visceral experience. The only thing that could’ve improved the audio would’ve been a female narrator for Hallie.
January 20, 2026
Title: Forever Ago
Author: J. Rose
Format: Audiobook
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
KU: Yes
Tropes:
• Emotional romance
• Grief & loss
• Angst-heavy
• Love that lingers
AUDIO REVIEW
Forever Ago is an emotional, character-driven story that focuses heavily on grief, loss, and the impact love can leave behind. From the start, the tone is heavier, but it feels intentional and grounded rather than overwhelming.
The romance leans more toward emotional connection than physical spice. The chemistry comes from longing and shared history, not explicit scenes, which made the relationship feel intimate without being overly graphic. It’s definitely more feelings than heat.
The audiobook added a lot to the experience. The narration helped convey the emotional weight of the story and made certain moments hit a little harder.
This isn’t a light or fast-paced read, but it’s thoughtful. It’s the kind of book that stays with you quietly.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you enjoy emotional romances that focus on connection and realism over high spice, Forever Ago is worth checking out, just be mindful of the heavier themes. 🩵
Author: J. Rose
Format: Audiobook
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
KU: Yes
Tropes:
• Emotional romance
• Grief & loss
• Angst-heavy
• Love that lingers
AUDIO REVIEW
Forever Ago is an emotional, character-driven story that focuses heavily on grief, loss, and the impact love can leave behind. From the start, the tone is heavier, but it feels intentional and grounded rather than overwhelming.
The romance leans more toward emotional connection than physical spice. The chemistry comes from longing and shared history, not explicit scenes, which made the relationship feel intimate without being overly graphic. It’s definitely more feelings than heat.
The audiobook added a lot to the experience. The narration helped convey the emotional weight of the story and made certain moments hit a little harder.
This isn’t a light or fast-paced read, but it’s thoughtful. It’s the kind of book that stays with you quietly.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you enjoy emotional romances that focus on connection and realism over high spice, Forever Ago is worth checking out, just be mindful of the heavier themes. 🩵
January 14, 2026
I knew going in that this book does not have a HEA and was going to hurt.
From the moment the narration started I knew it was going to hurt worse than I thought. Just from the tone of the narrator’s voice it foreshadows heartbreak. Add in the depth of the writing and I was ruined.
I was torn and frustrated with Zeke and Hallie. They’re both deep, complex, damaged, grieving, and real. I was screaming at Hallie to walk away and for Zeke to change his ways. But I couldn’t leave their toxic story either.
I had a major case of whiplash.
I did listen in smaller doses and took some breaks, because of the emotional turmoil that accompanied this book. It prolonged the agony but I couldn’t rush this one.
I had some predictions as to how the plot was going to unfold. But I wasn’t expecting that. I was stunned!!!
Of all the things that could happen…THAT’S WHAT HAPPENED!?!?!? 🤯 And then there’s more… 😳
If I had simply read this book, I don’t think it would have had such a strong emotional impact on me. It still would have hurt but maybe not destroyed it.
The narration was the icing on the cake. It’s devastating, gut wrenching, and almost unhinged. I felt like I was there and things were spiraling out of control.
The pain is absolutely worth it. This is a must listen!
Book & Audiobook 5/5
From the moment the narration started I knew it was going to hurt worse than I thought. Just from the tone of the narrator’s voice it foreshadows heartbreak. Add in the depth of the writing and I was ruined.
I was torn and frustrated with Zeke and Hallie. They’re both deep, complex, damaged, grieving, and real. I was screaming at Hallie to walk away and for Zeke to change his ways. But I couldn’t leave their toxic story either.
I had a major case of whiplash.
I did listen in smaller doses and took some breaks, because of the emotional turmoil that accompanied this book. It prolonged the agony but I couldn’t rush this one.
I had some predictions as to how the plot was going to unfold. But I wasn’t expecting that. I was stunned!!!
Of all the things that could happen…THAT’S WHAT HAPPENED!?!?!? 🤯 And then there’s more… 😳
If I had simply read this book, I don’t think it would have had such a strong emotional impact on me. It still would have hurt but maybe not destroyed it.
The narration was the icing on the cake. It’s devastating, gut wrenching, and almost unhinged. I felt like I was there and things were spiraling out of control.
The pain is absolutely worth it. This is a must listen!
Book & Audiobook 5/5
January 9, 2026
🎧 ALC Review | Forever Ago by J. Rose
⭐ Book: 4 stars | 🎙️ Narration: 3.75 ⭐
The story does an excellent job showing that love doesn’t cure addiction and that wanting to be saved isn’t always enough. It’s honest, unromanticized, and emotionally heavy.
As for the audiobook, Big Bear Audio delivers the agony, loss, and grief well, and many moments feel intimate and heartfelt. However, the narration leans a bit monotone at times, with some exaggerated delivery that pulled me out of the story. Still, the emotional weight largely comes through.
This isn’t a fairy tale, and there’s no guaranteed comfort or HEA. Forever Ago favors the imperfect journey over easy resolutions, and it can feel overwhelming.
⭐ Book: 4 stars | 🎙️ Narration: 3.75 ⭐
The story does an excellent job showing that love doesn’t cure addiction and that wanting to be saved isn’t always enough. It’s honest, unromanticized, and emotionally heavy.
As for the audiobook, Big Bear Audio delivers the agony, loss, and grief well, and many moments feel intimate and heartfelt. However, the narration leans a bit monotone at times, with some exaggerated delivery that pulled me out of the story. Still, the emotional weight largely comes through.
This isn’t a fairy tale, and there’s no guaranteed comfort or HEA. Forever Ago favors the imperfect journey over easy resolutions, and it can feel overwhelming.
January 18, 2026
This was a devastatingly beautiful story.
Zeke and Hallie share a tumultuous relationship, shaped by their shared grief after meeting in a bereavement group. Zeke struggles with substance misuse as he copes with the loss of his brother, and Hallie does her best to support him-through drug use, detox, and the fragile process of building their relationship.
This is the kind of story we often hear about and that many people have lived: the constant push and pull between wanting to stay sober for oneself and for loved ones, while also craving escape and relief from the noise.
Big Bear Audio did a fantastic job bringing this story to life, capturing the depth of emotion and complexity of the characters through his narration.
⭐️ 4.25/5
🌶️ 2.5/5
Zeke and Hallie share a tumultuous relationship, shaped by their shared grief after meeting in a bereavement group. Zeke struggles with substance misuse as he copes with the loss of his brother, and Hallie does her best to support him-through drug use, detox, and the fragile process of building their relationship.
This is the kind of story we often hear about and that many people have lived: the constant push and pull between wanting to stay sober for oneself and for loved ones, while also craving escape and relief from the noise.
Big Bear Audio did a fantastic job bringing this story to life, capturing the depth of emotion and complexity of the characters through his narration.
⭐️ 4.25/5
🌶️ 2.5/5
January 10, 2026
5⭐️
This was a very emotional read! This is one of those stories that grip you pull you in then proceed to rip out your heart. The author did an amazing job on making you feel part of the story and making you feel every emotion coming from the story. The narrators also did a wonderful job. I absolutely loved this audiobook! Highly recommend!
This was a very emotional read! This is one of those stories that grip you pull you in then proceed to rip out your heart. The author did an amazing job on making you feel part of the story and making you feel every emotion coming from the story. The narrators also did a wonderful job. I absolutely loved this audiobook! Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews