I never should have agreed to marry my older brother's best friend, but I was in a bit of a jam.
Aston Hughes is gorgeous, arrogant, and irritatingly broody. The single dad is also the new trauma surgeon at my hospital and my temporary roommate.
Two years ago, we shared a mistaken kiss during a blackout, and nothing's been right between us since.
So really, I shouldn't have said yes when he suggested a marriage of convenience.
But after leaving my bad ex behind, I discover I'm pregnant with his baby, and I'm scared.
Aston offers to marry me as protection from my ex in exchange for helping out with his daughter, who needs more stability in her life after recently losing her mother. It's an unfortunate no-brainer.
Only what starts as a simple business arrangement quickly turns messy. Heated. Soon he's no longer fighting with me, but for me as he calls me his wife and claims my baby as his.
Except nothing is that simple or easy for any of us.
Now here I am, falling for the hotshot doctor and his daughter while our lives come undone around us.
J. Saman is a USA Today and Amazon top 10 bestselling author who writes sassy, swoony, and scorching contemporary romances. She is addicted to Diet Coke, sour candy, and indie rock. She swears way too much (especially after a glass of wine) and has a penchant for sarcasm (or so her husband and children like to tell her).
J. is an admitted lover of second chance romances, enemies to lovers, and the perfect amount of angst. She is best known for writing funny and emotional romances filled with smart, strong women, and sexy alphas who have a softer side - especially for their women.
If you’re looking for a page turner you must read Skyler, and Aston’s story.
Their love story was so unique. Single Dad surgeon, pediatric nurse, workplace romance. Brother’s best friend, age gap, forced proximity, pregnancy(not his baby).
After Sky leaves her bad ex boyfriend, she finds out she’s pregnant with his baby. After some time has passed she runs into Aston, he offers a marriage of convenience for his daughter’s mental health, and Sky’s protection.
Thank you J. Saman for these advanced copies. CJ Bloom, and JF Harding did an amazing performance. If you enjoy audiobooks I highly recommend this one. I am looking forward to more Forever Boston stories.
This story follows Skyler, a nurse who’s recently left her ex who unfortunately still works at the same hospital. The MMC, Aston, is a trauma surgeon and also happens to be her brother’s best friend, which means he’s known Skyler for years. With tensions high at work and complications surrounding her ex and his daughter struggling, the two of them come to a mutual agreement to help each other out. It’s practical. It’s temporary. It’s definitely not supposed to get complicated.
Every time I pick up a J. Saman book, I just know it’s going to deliver. Starting with the audiobook both narrators did a fantastic job and i highly recommend picking it up in this format.
This is very much a character driven storyline, with some plot through challenges both Aston and Skyler face. I loved how feisty Skyler was toward Aston. She’s strong, resilient, and I admired her so much for walking away from her toxic ex. The way she cares for Aston’s daughter and steps up without hesitation really showed her heart.
And then there’s Aston the older, handsome brother’s best friend who would do anything to protect Skyler and his beautiful daughter, Zoey. The way he takes care of her while also reassuring her that she’s worthy of love and more. It absolutely melted me. I’m also a sucker for a pregnancy trope and watching it play out.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+ APK: Audiobook ALC Audiobook Length: 11hrs 6mins Narrators: CJ Bloom and JF Harding - Duet Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Spice: 🌶️🌶️ POV: First Person Series or Standalone: Book One In The Forever Boston Series. Tropes or Themes: Enemies To Lovers, Marriage Of Convenience, Brothers Best Friend, Single Dad, Age Gap (10yrs), Accidental Pregnancy, Roommates, Tension, Chemistry, Toxic Ex, Physical Abuse, Verbal Abuse, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Oral Play, Impact Play, Kitchen Scene and Hospital Scene. Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
✨ALC provided through Valentine PR for an honest review✨
Forever Undone is an enemies to lovers, best friend’s sister, unexpected pregnancy, single dad, age gap, forced proximity, marriage of convenience, workplace romance between a wealthy surgeon and nurse whose families grew up together. Skyler had never been on Aston’s radar until a blackout at a party and steamy kiss in the dark puts her front and center in his mind. Fast forward 2 years, Aston’s back in town with his daughter and she needs some stability in her life after the death of her mother. Skyler has broken up with her abusive boyfriend and is staying at her brother’s apartment while her brother is out of the country working for Doctors Without Borders. Forgetting she’s there, her brother offers his apartment to Aston and his daughter! Can the two of them cohabitate and fight their feelings for the sake of his daughter? Or will their feelings take over and their walls crumble around them 👀
I loved the possessive protective love Aston had for Skyler, and the family they created in their situation. Their relationship was strong and though Skyler was cautious about it, Aston knew that she was the love he was missing for himself and his daughter. It was so sweet! And when they both finally give into their feeling, the spice was spicy 🌶️
The audiobook was duet narrated by JF Harding and CJ Bloom who really brought these characters to life! Their performances were top tier as always ❤️ This was my first J. Saman book and it definitely won’t be my last! I definitely recommend a listen ❤️
Skylar finds herself pregnant after she left a terrible ex-boyfriend. Her brother's best friend, Aston, proposes a marriage of convenience to help protect her. I loved how willing Aston was to step up and be there for Skylar and her baby. Skylar also developed a sweet relationship with his daughter, Zoey. I loved the chemistry between Aston & Skylar. Their banter was fun too! This book was the perfect mix of steamy & angsty but was also filled with some emotional, vulnerable moments too. I enjoyed it so much!!
Little side note, as a nurse I loved all the medical aspects of it too! He's a surgeon and she's a nurse.
What to expect: 🩺Single Dad 🩵Pregnant - Not His 🩺Enemies to Lovers 🩵Brother’s Best Friend 🩺Workplace Romance (Surgeon x Nurse) 🩵Age Gap
🎧Audio:🎧 This was a duet narration by JF Harding & CJ Bloom. This is my 2nd book in a row that was narrated by these two and this pairing is perfection. Their voices blend together so well. They had me absolutely locked into this book the entire time. If you're an audio lover, you totally need this one!
Skylar and Ashton had shared a moment a couple years ago that left her embarrassed and Ashton was…well let’s just say frustrated. Fast forward to now and they find themselves under the same roof (thanks to her brother) and working at the same hospital…
I Loved the audio for this book! Both of these narrators really captured the tension and chemistry and banter between Skylar and Ashton!! The scene where they realize her brother accidentally double booked them felt so authentic. I loved the enemies to lovers vibes and how we end up with these great vulnerable moments too…and yes the spice is spicing!
The first couple of chapters I was asking myself what’s Ashton‘s deal? But oh he really won me over pretty immediately in the way he first stepped up for his daughter and then Skylar too.
I loved Skylar’s relationship with Zoey and how sweet it was. Overall this book is full of banter and tension and swoon worthy moments!
✨What to Expect: ❤️🔥Enemies to Lovers 💍Marriage of Convenience 🏥Workplace Romance ⛈️Grumpy Single Dad Surgeon ☀️Sassy Sunshine Pediatric Nurse 🩵Brother’s Best Friend 💋Age Gap 🔥Forced Proximity 🤰She’s Pregnant (it’s not his baby)
Aston Hughes has just returned home to visit Boston from LA on Valentine’s Day, after a messy life there. He found out his wife had been having an affair, and she even planned to marry her lover. The divorce was final last week. Aston couldn't lie as a top Pediatric Surgeon, he was used to keeping emotions close to the vest, but his divorce shook him to his core. He decided he and his daughter Zoey needed some time away. So when he got into town, his parents declared they were calling grandparents only. It was a night to spoil his daughter, and his time to go to a Valentine's Day Party with his brother and best friend. He was all in. While there and after hours of drinking, and visiting with friends he needed to use the restroom. Stone told him where to find one. Just as he entered the bedroom before he entered the bathroom door the lights in the house went out. Aston had actually moved toward the door and opened it to find a fogged mirror and a woman standing before it with wavy, damp blonde hair hanging around her bare shoulders.
Before he could take in more of her, a loud pop sounded from somewhere in the distance, and the lights went out. Open it when he heard a startled voice. Stone yells from somewhere in the penthouse. “No one move. The power went out. Let me see what’s going on.” “Oh my god!” the woman in the bathroom exclaims. “This is dramatic. Good thing I finished getting cleaned up before this. You didn’t see anything, did you?” “Huh? Is that meant to be ironic?” “No. I wasn’t dressed.” “Oh,” heat curling up the back of my neck at the thought. “No. The lights went out just as I opened the door. I didn’t see anything. I was looking for the bathroom.” “Crap, I seriously can’t see anything.” “Me neither. Are you okay?” Aston hears her move and notes the soft rustle of fabric against skin. Is she getting dressed? The thought sends a rush of unexpected lust through his body. “Trapped in a dark bedroom with a stranger isn’t the worst Valentine’s scenario I can imagine.”
“What would be the worst scenario?” He asks, his voice lower. “Being alone in the dark,” she answers simply. “Or, you know, there being a psycho killer in the apartment going from room to slash up unsuspecting women.” I chuckle. “Watch a lot of horror movies, do you?” “Enough to know the half-naked, unsuspecting blonde always gets it first.” She cracks up. “Wow, that sounded insanely dirty. More like a porn film than a horror film.” “It did, but I’m not complaining. Are you still half-naked?” “Not anymore. Not that you’d be able to see either way.” “True,” I agree and change course. “Your date must be missing you?” “That was the worst way to ask if I’m here with someone.” “Probably. I’m a bit out of practice.” “At what? Flirting with women in the dark?” “Yes,” I admit. “Well, this is the most practice I’ve ever had.” “Huh?” “I’ve never flirted with anyone in the dark before.” “I find that hard to believe.” “You shouldn’t. It’s the truth.
I’ll have to scratch this off my bucket list.” “Not a very exciting bucket list,” I tell her. “What else is on it?” “Skydiving.” “Are we getting dirty now? I don’t typically tell my spicy fantasies to strangers in dark rooms.” “Now we’re onto secrets?” “The dirty kind.” “Because I can’t see you, and you can’t see me?” “Exactly.” “Hmm. Okay. You tell me one of yours, and I’ll tell you one of mine.” “I like your voice. And I like the way you smell. A lot. I like how you feel too. You’re soft and sweet and sexy.” “See, you’re better at this than you were giving yourself credit for.” “Yeah?” He teased. “Are my moves working?” “Absolutely. I like that you think I’m all those things. Even if you haven’t seen me.” His fingers find the zipper at the back of her dress, and just as he begins to lower it, there’s a flicker, a hum, and suddenly the lights are back on, harsh and unforgiving after the ceaseless darkness. We both startle back, and he blinks, momentarily blinded, only to find himself staring into a pair of wide green eyes that he knows all too well.
Eyes he’s seen a hundred times across dinner tables and at family gatherings, but never this close, never darkened with desire. Oh, god. Holy sh!t. “Aston?!” she exclaims, taking another step back and covering her mouth with one hand as she adjusts her tits in her dress with the other. Aston dipped down to grab his jacket, and hastily shoved his hands back into it, angry, frustrated, or just simply fxcked. Why did it have to be her? That kiss… the way she felt… “Skylar.” It ends there. Because Aston just made out with his best friend’s little sister... Oh, fxcks me crazy for sure. “We shouldn’t have done that,” I mumble, scrubbing my hands up and down my face, feeling like a world-class asshole. “I didn’t know it was you. Your brother is right out there.” The things he’d said to her… the things he’d have done… “Relax. It’s not like I tell Micha who I kiss.” “That’s not exactly the point, and you know it. This was a giant mistake. On both our parts.” The door bursts open, and someone walks in, not her brother, thank god.
Because he had to go back out there and talk to Micha and pretend like he didn’t just kiss the hell out of his baby sister. Pretend like she didn’t make him insatiable, ravenous, and excited for her. Making him feel alive for the first time in a long time. He so wanted to run after her when she left the bathroom with her friend, who had come looking for her, whom he also knew. But he and Skyler could never be, she is ten years younger than him for one, but most of all she is Micha’s sister. However, two years later things were about to change but her reaction to him was very different. Sure they were extremely attracted to one another but her attitude toward him had gone polar due to the way he treated her that Valentine’s Day. So when he shows up in her home as she sees it uninvited she is pissed. And let's just say Micha has explaining to do. This was such a good book. You get a tight-knit friend and family group that I love. They are funny and intense.
Especially their two mom when both show up together unannounced and find out some unexpected news and Skylar’s mom’s reaction to Josh, her ex, had me laughing. Because it seems to be the theme or somewhat along those lines by all those who love her. You will have DV, romance, sizzling pages, mystery, and laughter for sure. But Micha’s appearance will floor them.
ARC & ALC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review
After reading the first book in the Forever Boston series, I'm even more excited to read this one, especially because J. Saman chose the perfect pair to introduce me to this new part of her universe. Skylar, Aston, and little Zoey stole my heart so easily. I thoroughly enjoyed their journey together and wanted to know more about these characters.
Skylar has a personal story that is absolutely heartbreaking, it broke my heart to learn everything she went through at Josh's hands, how brave she was to leave that relationship and trust her close circle. I also really enjoyed reading about her personality, the way she always manages to tease Aston in the funniest ways, and the immediate bond she has with Zoey, especially how she makes her feel safe and loved and strives to keep her mom's memory safe too. I also loved reading about her with her group of friends, how different they are from each other, how much they love one another, and how they're always there for her when she needs them.
Aston was my favorite character! I really enjoyed reading about him being a wonderful father, striving to give Zoey love, but also a safe environment to grieve in, and people who love her unconditionally, like Skylar and Micha (even though he's far away). I also have to say that this character's personality made me absolutely love him. I loved reading about him falling head over heels for Skylar from their very first encounter, and also the strong and beautiful friendship he has with Micha.
Skylar & Aston have a very interesting journey, from an unexpected kiss in the darkness, a forced reunion two years later, to a marriage to protect Zoey and Skylar when the latter discovers she's pregnant. It sounds very complicated, but it gave me beautiful moments between this couple and little Zoey. And although I would have liked to read more interactions between this couple related to Sky's pregnancy, I really enjoyed reading about them being a family, supporting each other unconditionally, and fighting to find their happiness surrounded by people who love them.
🎧Audiobook Review🎧
🍼Narrators: JF Harding & CJ Bloom 🩵Duet Narration
I loved that this series is narrated in duo because it's one of the styles I enjoy the most, especially since JF Harding is one of my favorite narrators, and it's safe to say he made me love Aston even more because he gave me everything I expected from his character, from his most emotional moments to his most flirtatious ones.
ARC & ALC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta
Después de leer el primer libro de Forever Boston estoy aún más emocionada de leer esta serie, especialmente porque J. Saman eligió la pareja perfecta para introducirme a esta nueva parte de su universo. Skylar, Aston y la pequeña Zoey se robaron mi corazón muy fácilmente, me hicieron disfrutar mucho de su camino juntos y desear saber más de estaos personajes.
Skylar tiene una historia personal que es totalmente desgarradora, me rompió el corazón saber todo lo que vivió en manos de Josh, lo valiente que fue para salir de esa relación y confiar en su cirulo cercano. También me gustó mucho leer su personalidad, la manera en la que siempre logra meterse con Aston de las maneras más divertidas, y el vinculo inmediato que tiene con Zoey, especialmente como la hace sentir segura, amada y se esfuerza por mantener la memoria de su mamá a salvo. Además, me encantó leerla con su grupo de amigos, lo diferentes que son entre sí, lo mucho que se aman y como siempre están para ella cuando los necesita.
Aston fue mi personaje favorito! Me gustó mucho leerlo siendo un padre encantador, luchando por darle a Zoey amor, pero también un ambiente seguro para vivir su duelo y personas que la aman incondicionalmente como Skylar y Micha (aunque él esté lejos). También tengo que decir que la personalidad de este personaje me hizo amarlo con locura, me encantó leerlo enamorarse perdidamente de de Skylar desde ese primer encuentro y también la amistad tan fuerte y hermosa que tiene con Micha.
Skylar & Aston tienen un camino muy interesante, desde un oscuro e inesperado beso, una reunión forzada dos años después a un matrimonio para proteger a Zoey & Skylar cuando ésta última descubre que esta embarazada, lo que suena muy complicado, pero que me dio momentos hermoso entre esta pareja y la pequeña Zoey. Y aunque me hubiera gustado leer más interacciones de esta pareja que tuvieran que ver con el embarazo de Sky, me gustó mucho leer a estos personajes ser una familia, apoyarse incondicionalmente y luchando para encontrar su felicidad rodeados de personas que los aman.
🎧Reseña del audiolibro🎧
🍼Narradores: JF Harding & CJ Bloom 🩵Narración en dueto
Me encantó que la narración de esta serie sea en dueto porque es una de las que más disfruto, especialmente porque JF Harding es uno de mis narradores favoritos y es seguro decir que me hizo amar a Aston mucho más porque me dio todo lo que esperaba de su personaje, de sus momentos más emocionales y también de los más coquetos.
Forever Undone was my very first J. Saman book and… consider me sold. This one delivered all the emotional, romantic, and dramatic satisfaction of a late-night Grey’s Anatomy binge but with far better kissing and way more swoon. The mix of angst, longing, and forced proximity made this story feel addictive from the first chapter.
Skylar and Aston had that age-gap, enemies-to-lovers tension that simmers instead of explodes, and that slow burn made every moment between them hit harder. Their marriage of convenience never felt cold or transactional, only inevitable, like two broken hearts finally finding the place they belong.
The Story
Skylar agrees to marry her older brother’s best friend in a moment of desperation, never expecting it to become anything more than a legal shield. Aston Hughes is a brilliant trauma surgeon, a grieving single dad, and a man who hides everything behind a broody, controlled exterior.
But Skylar isn’t just his fake wife. She’s pregnant with her ex’s baby, running from a dangerous past, and slowly becoming the emotional anchor Aston and his young daughter desperately need. What begins as a business arrangement quickly unravels into something raw, messy, and deeply emotional.
With workplace tension, protective instincts, unresolved trauma, and a very real villain in Skylar’s ex, this story blends romance and suspense in a way that keeps you glued to every chapter.
🎧 Narration
Narrated in duet by C.J. Bloom and J.F. Harding, this audiobook is absolute gold. Their chemistry is off the charts and perfectly mirrors Skylar and Aston’s connection.
Harding gives Aston that irresistible mix of controlled, commanding, and emotionally vulnerable, making every “my wife” moment land with devastating impact. Bloom brings Skylar’s strength, vulnerability, and warmth to life so vividly that you feel every ounce of her fear, desire, and hope. Her child’s voice was so real it was honestly impressive.
This duet performance didn’t just tell the story. It elevated it.
What I Loved
✔️ Grumpy single-dad surgeon MMC ✔️ Sunshine nurse FMC ✔️ Marriage of convenience done right ✔️ Forced proximity and workplace tension ✔️ An adorable five-year-old ✔️ Protective, obsessed hero energy ✔️ Emotional vulnerability mixed with real danger
Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Enemies to Lovers ✔️ Marriage of Convenience ✔️ Brother’s Best Friend ✔️ Single Dad ✔️ Accidental Pregnancy ✔️ Forced Proximity ✔️ Workplace Romance ✔️ Protective MMC ✔️ Valentine’s Day Romance ✔️ Suspense and Threats ✔️ Found Family ✔️ HEA
Final Thoughts
Forever Undone hit that perfect balance between emotional depth, romantic tension, and steamy chemistry without losing the heart of the story. Skylar and Aston felt real, flawed, and impossible not to root for. Add in a lovable kid, a dangerous ex, meddling mothers, and a duet narration that absolutely slays, and you get an audiobook that is impossible to put down.
J. Saman made one hell of a first impression here. I’m definitely coming back for more.
I didn’t expect this book to hit the way it did… but WOW. Single dad. Forced proximity. Brother’s best friend. Marriage of convenience. A heroine who has never had an orgasm with a partner. And a cocky pediatric trauma surgeon who thinks he’s in control of everything. And then it absolutely wrecked me in the best way. Skylar is so much more than the quirky, chaotic, purse-to-the-nuts girl she first appears to be. Underneath the sass and sarcasm is a woman carrying years of insecurity, bad sexual experiences, emotional manipulation, and that lingering “ugly girl syndrome” that doesn’t just disappear because you grow up. Her confession about faking it for years? That hurt. It was real. It was vulnerable. And it made everything that followed matter so much more. Then there’s Aston. Arrogant. Controlled. Territorial. Grumpy as hell. But the way this man loves his daughter? I was DONE. Zoey completely stole every scene she was in. Watching Skylar bond with her—making paper dolls, talking about her mom watching from the stars, bringing her back to life after months of grief—was so soft and healing. Aston noticing that Zoey hadn’t laughed like that in months? That cracked something open in him. And in me. The forced cohabitation tension was chef’s kiss. The bickering. The jealousy in the OR. The subtle possessiveness. The “I don’t like you, stay away from me” energy that absolutely screamed the opposite. The way he called her Little Swan? Stop. And then the pregnancy twist??? I GASPED. The scene where she tells him she’s pregnant and his entire world shuts down? The shift from cocky surgeon to terrified man? That moment mattered. Especially knowing she’d just come out of a relationship with Josh—the ex who couldn’t give her what she needed emotionally or physically. The marriage of convenience setup didn’t feel forced. It felt desperate. Protective. Complicated. Two people trying to build stability for a child—one already here, one on the way. And Aston’s internal spiral before City Hall? “You like her.” “I can’t.” Oh, he absolutely can. And he absolutely does. Their intimacy wasn’t just hot (and yes, it was HOT), it was layered. It wasn’t about domination. It was about undoing damage. About proving to Skylar that she wasn’t broken. Watching her finally let go? Watching him focus on her pleasure instead of his ego? That was healing disguised as filth. The ups and downs felt real. The jealousy. The fear. The pressure of family finding out. The weight of grief. The tension between pretending and wanting it to be real. And I LOVED how he tells her not to run away from him—but to run to him. That’s the shift. This wasn’t just a spicy medical romance. It was about: grief and rebuilding insecurity and reclaiming your body found family second chances at love choosing each other intentionally Skylar’s friends were elite-level supportive. Protective without being messy. And Zoey? The heart of the entire book. Was it cute? Yes. Was it emotional? Absolutely. Was the tension delicious? 100%. Did I fall for the grumpy trauma surgeon who swore he couldn’t? Obviously. Marriage of convenience turned real feelings? I will eat that trope every single time. This one was soft, spicy, and surprisingly heartfelt. 💍✨
Fabulous Story & Narration🎧Sweet, Spicy & Engaging!
Forever Undone Forever Boston, Book 1 By: J. Saman Narrated by: CJ Bloom, JF Harding
It is great to be back in J. Saman’s “Boston Billionaires” world again for another amazing romance novel, putting her own spin on favorite tropes, including enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, marriage of convenience and workplace romance tropes and mastering them all. If you are new to J. Saman’s “Boston Billionaire’s” world, no worries, this book stands on its own, and everything you need to know is in the details, familial relations included, so you will never feel lost or like something is missing. This first book of “Forever Boston” is Aston and Skylar, and both come from prominent families in Boston, the Hughes and Fritz families. Aston is best friends with Skylar’s older brother, Micah, and there is a ten-year age gap between them. A chance encounter, an intimate moment, and a shared kiss that never should have happened, but one neither forgot. Present day, he returns to Boston a single dad and the new trauma surgeon at the same hospital where Skylar is a nurse in the ICU. Skylar was living with her boyfriend, but it was a toxic relationship so she finally left him and is living in her brother Micah’s apartment. Then Micah offers his apartment to Aston and his daughter, forgetting about Skylar, which did not go over well with Skylar, creating another awkward meeting, but she was great with his daughter, who has not been doing well after losing her mother, Aston’s ex-wife. It was great to watch these two navigate their new situation and living arrangement, and then several things happen and they come up with a plan that is beneficial for both: to become husband and wife. This book drew me in right from the start, grabbing my attention and holding it captive the entire time. I loved the depth and complexity of the characters, all the layers of the story and how it all played out, with the perfect balance of drama, angst, witty dialogue and banter, heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. As always, the writing, plot, and world-building are incredible, as are the character growth and development. J. Saman, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 CJ Bloom and JF Harding, a perfect pairing and cast to bring the characters to life, deliver an amazing performance with voices that are fitting for a spot-on portrayal of each. Both embodied their characters completely, grasping every aspect of their personality, and the powerful chemistry and connection between them. They set the ideal tone for the story and handled the witty dialogue and banter naturally. You could hear how much heart they put into their performance, conveying all the characters’s emotions, their passion, and having you feel it all. It is a pleasure to listen to these two entertaining storytellers perform, a duet performance that takes the story to another level and keeps you glued to it.
I was so excited to listen to this book and be back in this world of Billionaires and the medical profession. Aston and Skylar are Amazing..and emotional. Aston Hughes is from a wealthy family,hes a single dad to an adorable daughter Zoe she is 5..He is a doctor and has had a difficult time. Skylar is a Nurse and also from a well known family, and has just broken up with her abusive EX Josh..she had become afraid of him and had to leave for her safety. They have a past and shared a kiss a couple of years ago but the thing is Aston is Skylar's brother Micah's best friend,he is also 10 years older and they actually dislike one another. Its been 2 years since they have seen eachother and Aston is back in Boston with Zoe and suddenly he is everywhere and a mix up means they are now living in the same house and working in the same hospital. They verbally spar all the time acting like they hate eachother,the chemistry is so obvious between them.The sexual tension crackles and it is like their bickering is foreplay,they also can't stop thinking about that kiss 2 years ago. They are hilarious at times with their verbal diologue even when they try to call a truce they still bicker regardless. Josh the Ex is a piece of work and honestly I wanted to punch him in the face he won't take no for an answer.It is this that has Aston and Skylar having a marriage of convenience to keep Josh away and having Skylar around helps Zoe who is going through some issues...Zoe Loves Skylar. I related to Skylar she believes she is an ugly duckling that never turned into a Swan and so I understood why she was easily manipulated and bullied by Josh,He fueled her insecurities.Skylar is brave and strong for standing up to Josh,I was so proud of her. I LOVED Aston,Loved him,he falls quickly for Skylar and the way he takes care of her and makes her feel beautiful and cared for is just so swoon worthy...and he has such a dirty mouth..He gives her some confidence back. I actually love the way they stick up for one another and fall in love,they are wonderful when together,but Skylar needs to have more faith. There were so many surprises in this book that I loved. The Narration was TOP Tier freaking AMAZING..!!.. C.J Bloom and J.F Harding are the absolute best at reading these characters romance. C.J Bloom is just a comedy genius she does the funny parts brilliantly as well as the emotional exchanges,everyone who knows me knows I LOVE C.J Bloom she can do NO WRONG....J.F Hardings voice is so so so smooth he just hypnotises me I may have even drooled at one point,Listening to him is a delight.They portrayed Skylar and Aston so wonderfully and I enjoyed listening to them so much,they made this book so much more Fabulous. J.Saman's writing is perfect and her spice makes me blush..and she never fails to male me emotional. Forever Undone is just a glorious story,I loved the romance,the characters,the emotions,the comedy,the friendships,the narrators,the swoon..!!.. I could not get enough. Magnificent.! 5 Stars.
I was so excited to listen to this book and be back in this world of Billionaires and the medical profession. Aston and Skylar are Amazing..and emotional. Aston Hughes is from a wealthy family,hes a single dad to an adorable daughter Zoe she is 5..He is a doctor and has had a difficult time. Skylar is a Nurse and also from a well known family, and has just broken up with her abusive EX Josh..she had become afraid of him and had to leave for her safety. They have a past and shared a kiss a couple of years ago but the thing is Aston is Skylar's brother Micah's best friend,he is also 10 years older and they actually dislike one another. Its been 2 years since they have seen eachother and Aston is back in Boston with Zoe and suddenly he is everywhere and a mix up means they are now living in the same house and working in the same hospital. They verbally spar all the time acting like they hate eachother,the chemistry is so obvious between them.The sexual tension crackles and it is like their bickering is foreplay,they also can't stop thinking about that kiss 2 years ago. They are hilarious at times with their verbal diologue even when they try to call a truce they still bicker regardless. Josh the Ex is a piece of work and honestly I wanted to punch him in the face he won't take no for an answer.It is this that has Aston and Skylar having a marriage of convenience to keep Josh away and having Skylar around helps Zoe who is going through some issues...Zoe Loves Skylar. I related to Skylar she believes she is an ugly duckling that never turned into a Swan and so I understood why she was easily manipulated and bullied by Josh,He fueled her insecurities.Skylar is brave and strong for standing up to Josh,I was so proud of her. I LOVED Aston,Loved him,he falls quickly for Skylar and the way he takes care of her and makes her feel beautiful and cared for is just so swoon worthy...and he has such a dirty mouth..He gives her some confidence back. I actually love the way they stick up for one another and fall in love,they are wonderful when together,but Skylar needs to have more faith. There were so many surprises in this book that I loved. The Narration was TOP Tier freaking AMAZING..!!.. C.J Bloom and J.F Harding are the absolute best at reading these characters romance. C.J Bloom is just a comedy genius she does the funny parts brilliantly as well as the emotional exchanges,everyone who knows me knows I LOVE C.J Bloom she can do NO WRONG....J.F Hardings voice is so so so smooth he just hypnotises me I may have even drooled at one point,Listening to him is a delight.They portrayed Skylar and Aston so wonderfully and I enjoyed listening to them so much,they made this book so much more Fabulous. J.Saman's writing is perfect and her spice makes me blush..and she never fails to male me emotional. Forever Undone is just a glorious story,I loved the romance,the characters,the emotions,the comedy,the friendships,the narrators,the swoon..!!.. I could not get enough. Magnificent.! 5 Stars.- Cat W.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I came for the Story but fell for the characters heated swoony and hard fought HEA.
What started with a kiss at valentine became irrevocable Forever undone..
🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW ALC 🎧 Forever Undone by J. Saman Narrated by CJ Bloom and JF Harding 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Aston Hughes is gorgeous, arrogant, and irritatingly broody. The single dad who’s also the new trauma surgeon at the same hospital as temporary roommate,his best friend little sister who happens to be the best one night kiss he ever had.
Skylar Davenport, Pediatric nurse, heiress who recently broke things off with her Ex, but soon after found out she is expecting. Skylar was beside herself, scared even more so when Aston came up with a proposal, one that no doubt would benefit them both.
Only what starts as a simple arrangement quickly turns into something more. Heated. And soon Aston and Skylar are no longer fighting as Aston calls her his wife and claims the baby as his own. Except nothing is that simple or easy for any of them except. Now they both find themselves falling— Her for the hotshot doctor and his daughter and him for his BestFriend little sister while their lives become undone around .
But Listennnnn 🎙️
The audiobook features dual narration (male and female POV, my favorite ), which enhances the push-and-pull dynamic between characters.
• The narrator CJ Bloom captures Skylar’s vulnerability and quiet strength, especially during emotional confrontations. • While JF Harding brings depth to Aston protective, soft, grumpy personality, balancing arrogance with unwavering commitment and sincerity.
The emotional scenes—especially the arguments, the confessions, and heated moments —hit harder in audio because of the vocal nuance and pacing and styling of two masterful narrators. they were absolutely brilliant in this story that J. Saman so beautifully written.
Final Thoughts 💭 This is one of those books that you should listen, J. Saman writings along with CJ Bloom and JF Harding narration made this audiobook immersive compelling and engaging to the end. This was an excellent book as CJ Bloom and JF Harding completely leaned into their respective characters to make them stand out and come alive! For me. The audiobook made this story so much more.
———🩵
Tropes to Love 💕 🩵Age Gap 💍Marriage of convenience 🥼Billionaire 🩺Enemies to Loves 🩵Forced Proximity 🫄Pregnant-not his baby 🥼Doctor/Nurse /Medical 🩵Single Dad 🔥Man Obsessed 🩵Siblings Best Friend 😎Grumpy Sunshine 🩵Single Dad 🖤Steamyyyyy with some kink feels and banter! 💕HEA to love
A big shout out to Valentine_pr, and thank you besties for reading my review, ramblings and book recommendations. Until then .. catch you on the next brilliantly entertaining book. One Love 💕 one book at a time.
Forever Undone: An Enemies-to-Lovers Marriage of Convenience Romance (Forever Boston Book 1) follows Ashton Hughes, a single father and pediatric surgeon, and Skylar Fritz-Davenport, a pediatric nurse. They have known each other through the same social circles because Ashton and Skylar’s brother, Micha, has been best friends for years, and their parents are close friends. One Valentine’s Day, they both end up at the same party, where they share a secret bathroom kiss in the dark that shadows them until they meet again at a bar where Skylar is out with her cousins and friends. Skylar had secretly harbored a crush on Ashton until he called their kiss a mistake, which led her to avoid him at all costs. During her outing, Skyler learns that Ashton will be the new surgeon in the same pediatric ward where she works. Six weeks earlier, after Skylar left her abusive ex-boyfriend, Josh, Micha invited her to stay at his home for safety. Later, when Ashton arrives at Micha’s house with his daughter Zeoy, all four stay in the house while her brother is working overseas, with the understanding that Skylar will find a new place to live.
Skylar and Ashton still remember their kiss at Stone’s Valentine’s party, but each refuses to act on their feelings and avoid each other. However, everything changes when Skylar discovers she is pregnant with her ex, Josh's, child, a pediatric surgical resident at the same hospital. She fears him and doesn’t want him near her baby. Ashton suggests they marry to deter unwanted attention for him and to create a buffer against her ex. After their marriage and sharing the news with their families, the romance truly begins, with Ashton realizing he wants Skylar to be his wife in every way. Living and working together, Skylar supports Zoey, who is grieving not only her parents' divorce but also her mother’s recent death. Zoey finds comfort in their routines and stability. As the story unfolds, surgical devices malfunction, and Ashton’s medical orders for patients get mixed up, causing confusion because only doctors’ credentials are used to authorize orders, and he never makes mistakes with his patients' orders. Meanwhile, Josh continues to pursue Skylar despite her rejections. Amid the drama and suspense, Skylar and Ashton fall in love and start building a real family. Finding their way through surgical errors and medical chaos, with Ashton being blamed for equipment and order mistakes, brings to light an incredible S-T-E-A-M-Y love story that J. Saman masterfully writes, continuing to captivate readers with every book she publishes. The companion audiobook is narrated by C.J. Bloom and J. F. Harding, adding emotional depth to the story so the romance truly comes alive and makes listeners feel like they are part of the characters' lives. I highly recommend all of the companion audiobooks by J. Saman. You can also read and listen simultaneously with Audible, which is a fun perk.
I was hooked on Aston and Skylar's story from the very beginning! J. Saman delivers a heartwarming romance with lovable characters, a very well-written plot with several twists and turns, humor, great character development, a touch of suspense and drama, and very steamy love scenes that include the following tropes:
- Billionaire romance - Brother’s best friend/Best friend’s little sister - Roommates to lovers - Workplace romance - Doctor/Nurse - Age gap - Grumpy-sunshine - Accidental pregnancy (by another man) - Marriage by convenience - Single dad
Skylar and Aston are awesome. She is kind, sassy but has some issues with her self-esteem, and he is a protective, somewhat grumpy golden retriever hero that you immediately fall in love with. The tension between the two was undeniable, the chemistry off the charts and I really enjoyed their verbal sparring, banter and flirting, and Aston’s dirty mouth. I also loved the strong bond and protective instincts within the extended Fritz and Hughes family.
After the death of his ex-wife, Aston Hughes and his young daughter Zoey move back to Boston, where he takes a job as a pediatric trauma surgeon at Boston Children's Hospital. His best friend and Zoey's godfather, Micha Davenport, who is abroad, offers them to stay in his house, but when they arrive, they meet Micha's younger sister Skylar, who has also moved in after escaping a toxic relationship with her narcissistic ex. Skylar can't stand cocky Aston, especially after that unplanned kiss in the dark at a Valentine's Day party two years ago. Now they have to live together and work together, as Skylar is a nurse at the same hospital. But then Skylar discovers that she is pregnant by her abusive ex, and Aston offers her a marriage of convenience. Skylar and her unborn child are under Aston's protection, and Aston's traumatised little daughter, with whom Skylar has immediately become friends, gains a stable environment and person to care for her. It's only supposed to be temporary, but for both of them, the boundaries between fake and real gradually blur, and Skylar's ex doesn't stop stalking her...
All in all, a delightful romance with endearing protagonists, great character development, humor, heart and lots of heat, which I‘m very happy to recommend!
Thank you J. Saman and Valentine Press for the ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Aston Hughes & Skyler sizzle in this forbidden, forced proximity, brother's best friend, enemies-to-lovers, workplace, marriage of convenience romance.
Aston is a broody single dad who is also the new trauma surgeon at the hospital where Skyler works and her new roommate. Awkward!
Skyler is a smart, caring, sassy pediatric nurse who is just coming out of a bad relationship. The last thing she needs is a reminder of the brief encounter between her and Aston, a few years ago, that didn't end well.
Fast forward, she's preggers and Aston offers to marry her to protect her from her crazy ex. Now, they're in a fake marriage of convenience, they work and live together with Aston's adorable daughter. The more time they spend time together, things start to feel real and it's harder is to resist the magnetic pull between the two of them. But their situation is complicated and things get bumpy. Will they persevere to find their HEA?
I loved this book! It was real, raw, and gritty at times, but also gave me the warm fuzzies. Julie does a great job of navigating through the heavier/rockier parts of this love story. It isn't easy, but it conveys the love they have for each other and the work they're willing to put into their relationship. The characters are real and relatable. There is great character growth (individually and as a couple). The banter was witty and entertaining. The emotions were strong and heartfelt. Aston is grumpy on the outside with a protective, softer side when it came to Skyler and his daughter, Zoey. My heart broke for Skyler, but I loved her strength and resilience. Zoey was adorable! They fought hard for their HEA, but it was worth every bump in the road to get there.
ALC REVIEW:
This is told in dual narration by C.J. Bloom and J.F. Harding
What a great ALC! The narrators really brought the characters and story to life with their voices and the inflections at just the right time. They made me believe I was living the story. It felt like they poured their heart and souls into their performances. Bravo! I thoroughly enjoyed my ALC, and recommend grabbing your copy!
Boston will forever be my home when it comes to J. Saman romances, and she’s having me pack my bags once again with her newest book, Forever Undone, which is a part of a new series - Forever Boston.
I love that Julie has kept the Fritz family as a part of the fold, as well as the characters I’ve found myself falling in love with, but creating new characters that have roots in Boston. She created MMC gold when she introduced Aston Hughes. I absolutely loved him -loved that he was a single dad, loved that he was navigating his way in doing the best for his young daughter, and I loved that he drove Skylar Fritz Davenport crazy.
During a party, which results in a power outage, Aston finds himself in a dark bathroom with a beautiful “stranger” , only to discover when the lights come on, she’s anything but a stranger - she’s’ his best friend’s little sister. The same sister who he will be working along side at Boston Children’s Hospital.
This was so good. I loved the marriage of convenience plot, but loved the added angst of not only Skylar having to deal with her feelings regarding Aston, but a manipulative ex who poses a huge problem for her when she discovers she’s pregnant. I couldn’t put this book down. Julie had so much going on and I didn’t want to stop reading.
Favorite character hands down is Zoey. I absolutely loved this little girl. Her instant gravitation to Skylar was so sweet. This little girl needed a mother figure and she got that immediately from Skylar. I loved that Julie placed Zoey in the story without going over the top. It felt natural reading scenes with Zoey in place, and Zoey wasn’t written in an obnoxious way.
Great start to a new series, Julie. Thanks for letting me read this book!
TROPES
🥼Grumpy Single Dad Surgeon 👩🏼⚕️ Sassy Sunshine Pediatric Nurse ♥️Enemies to Lovers 💉 Workplace Romance 🧢Brother’s Best Friend 💍Marriage of Convenience 🤰🏼Pregnancy (not his baby) 👩🏼❤️👨🏼Age Gap (10 years) 🌶️ Forced Proximity
🎧 Format: Audioboook 🎙️ Narrators: CJ Bloom and JF Harding
🗣️ “That’s one…” 😈
✍️ Non-Spoiler Audiobook Review Forever Undone was the first book I’ve read by J. Saman but it will not be my last. This book /audio was so much more than I expected. The tropes paired with the voice actors performances… I could not get enough. It was addictive, emotional, entertaining, and spicy. Performed in duet by CJ Bloom and JF Harding, who were absolutely phenomenal. Two of my favorite narrators, plus some of my favorite tropes, equal a five star audiobook!
Aston and Skylar’s chemistry was off the charts. Things take off quickly in the storyline, from the moment they ran into each other on Valentine’s Day, to being forced to live together due to harrowing circumstances. Skylar finds out she’s pregnant by an abusive ex-boyfriend (this is not a spoiler). Aston, who now has a young daughter that is struggling after a family members death, needs a stable home and a person to be in their lives who’s going to stay (they formed a bond almost immediately). Drop in the forced proximity, fake dating, workplace romance, and marriage of convenience tropes. Think, Grey’s Anatomy but with heat. Lots and lots of heat. The dirty talk!! (fans face while clutching pearls). I haven’t blushed and squealed that hard in a while.
Forever Undone is an age gap, brother’s best friend that takes you on an emotional and passionate ride, as two people who don’t really like each other, navigates what life has decided to throw at them. There’s drama, spice, sweetness and banter that will keep you glued to your headphones. It was intense and addictive, keeping me on edge with a slow burn… and when the heat hits, get ready because it’s explosive. I cannot wait to see where this series is headed.
Thank you VPR for the ALC.
Audio Releases: 2/16
Authors Listed Tropes: 🩺 Hot Pediatric Trauma Surgeon ⚕️Sassy Pediatric Trauma Nurse 🩺Enemies to Lovers ⚕️Workplace Romance 🩺Brother’s Best Friend ⚕️Marriage of Convenience 🩺Pregnancy (not his baby) ⚕️ Age Gap (10 years) 🩺Forced Proximity ⚕️ Banter 🩺He Falls First
Forever Undone Forever Boston, Book 1 By: J. Saman, Julie Saman Narrated by: CJ Bloom, JF Harding
J Saman has a way of pulling me in to every one of her stories. The first in her Forever Boston series is no exception. Aston and Skylar had an unexpected moment. No power, in the same bathroom sharing a kiss, but know realizing who the other one was. Never speaking of it again, the two once again come together to live in Micah's house. Skylar has left her boyfriend and Aston is living there with his spunky daughter! But is this a match made in heaven? No way! At each other's throats, constantly bantering, and get under each other's skin. That doesn't change the chemistry they share and the overprotectiveness Aston feels for Skylar. Skylar's ex will not leave her alone and has she life changing news, so Aston has a plan. Marry him, help with his daughter and give her the female role model she needs and their marriage will deliver the message to her ex. But does this work? Feelings, fun as a family, work problems, stalking, and passion all come into play in this fun listen. I loved the two as they stumbled over each other, trying to keep apart and tripping right into love. This was a fabulous listen and I can't wait for the next one.
A better team could not have been chosen to narrate this. In duet, JF Harding and CJ Bloom bring this story alive. Aston is true to his feelings, knows what he wants and is ready to go for it. Harding brings all the feels to him, a heart that impossible not to love. And as a villain, he has the ex as evil as evil can be. Bloom is Sklyar, and she has the emotions coming through in droves. Every scene had me right there with Skylar, and then she throws in a kids voice that I thought was a kid! These to are fantastic together and enhanced the story with their narration.
Thank you to Valentine PR and J. Saman for the opportunity to listen to the ALC of Forever Undone.
4-4.5 stars!
This was my first J. Saman book, but the synopsis immediately hooked me—especially when I saw it featured duet narration by JF Harding and CJ Bloom. I loved it-no surprise-and now I’m eager to go back and read more of her books.
This story delivers everything I love in a contemporary romance, with so many of my favorite tropes:
• Age gap (10 years) • Marriage of convenience • Enemies to lovers • Grumpy/sunshine • Single dad • Accidental pregnancy (not his baby) • Brother’s best friend • He falls first—and hard • Protective MMC energy (“my wife” 🔥) • Forced proximity • Billionaire romance • Workplace romance (doctor/nurse)
Skylar and Aston’s story begins with a spark they can’t act on—but when life throws them back together two years later, everything changes. Skylar is rebuilding her life after leaving her abusive boyfriend, while Aston is navigating single fatherhood after the loss of his ex-wife. When circumstances land them into a marriage of convenience, what starts as protection and obligation slowly transforms into something deeply emotional, tender, hot as hell, and real.
Aston Hughes is truly top-tier book boyfriend material—protective, devoted, smoking hot, and completely gone for Skylar in a way that made me swoon nonstop. And Skylar’s strength and resilience made her such an easy heroine to root for. I thought they moved from dislike to love pretty quickly, but it didn’t bother me to much as I was having such a good time watching their relationship evolve.
Audiobook: The audiobook experience made this book this even better than it already is. Both narrators delivered solid performances, but JF Harding stole the show. He captured Aston’s emotional depth and protective nature perfectly, and every time he said “my wife,” I melted. 🫠
Overall, this story gave me everything I want in a steamy contemporary romance - definitely recommend!
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞 is the first book in the Forever Boston series by J. Saman, featuring a spicy, emotional, and swoony brother’s best friend romance with twists for Skylar and Aston. What do you get when a housing mix-up reunites the broody, single dad, trauma surgeon and the sassy pediatric nurse escaping an ab*sive relationship two years after a spontaneous Valentine’s kiss exploded between them?? Be ready for non-stop chemistry with some steamy k!nk, plenty of witty banter, heart-warming family-style moments, and even some suspense. And yes, there is an accidental pregnancy (which I love), but it’s not Aston’s baby, which brings cause to ignite all his protective instincts and find a solution that will protect her and the baby while also bringing stability to his young daughter who recently lost her mom. You guessed it… a set-up for a marriage of convenience. I loved Skylar’s strength and sass, despite her insecurities. Aston won me over as a dad, as an impressive surgeon, and in the way he would reassure his Swan. I just loved them together! I always love returning to the world of the Fritz and Hughes families… all that power and prestige, and yet they love their people to distraction. The emotional moments, the funny scenes, the found family vibes, the medicine, and the spicy romance were all woven together so well! I’m so invested in this new branch of the clan, I can’t wait for what comes next!!
The audio was narrated in duet by C.J. Bloom and J.F. Harding, who both did an amazing job conveying all the nuances of the story! They certainly had me laughing, smiling, blushing, fanning myself, and stressing out at certain points as they brought this great story to life!! I always try to read and listen to this author’s books whenever possible, but you can’t go wrong with either format!!
I received an ARC/ALC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
What a way to start a new series! Forever Undone is the first book in the Forever Boston Series, and right out of the gate we get an enemies-to-lovers, brother's best friend, pregnant (but not his baby) masterpiece!
When Aston Hughes moves back to Boston with his little girl, his best friend, Micha, offers up his place in the city, the only problem, Micha's younger sister Skyler is already living there. Aston and Skyler have a tiny bit of history, having kissed during a blackout several years ago, on Valentine's Day, no less. But, no love is lost between them after Aston declares the kiss a giant mistake (a lie, obviously!). Now, the animosity is ramped up to a 10 as these two try to coexist in the same house AND the same workplace, since Aston is the new trauma surgeon at the hospital where Skyler works as a nurse. But, things get complicated when Skyler finds out she pregnant with her emotionally abusive ex's baby and Aston agrees to step in and marry her to keep her safe.
I haven't read too many "not his baby" books, but I'm going to need to find all the recs because the protective nature of Aston toward Skyler was EVERYTHING! Aston and Skyler's chemistry was palpable from the moment he stepped into the already occupied home and I was here for every tension filled interaction. Their snarky quips back and forth were heated and I loved every second of it. However, it was balanced with moments of sweetness, especially between Aston's daughter, Zoey, and Skyler. Their relationship was tender and endearing, not only to me but Aston. I loved watching their little unit grow into something more!
I was lucky enough to also get an ALC of this book and C.J. Bloom and J.F. Harding did a fantastic job with Skyler and Aston. Done in duet narration, these narrators really brought all the aspects of each character's personality to life.
This book was great! I live all this medical stuff. I work in a hospital so I find this so fun to read! Skylar is so cute. I mean adorable. Vulnerable because of her ex boyfriend but she’s also so very bad ass.
Aston was a delicious bonus to this story. I loved his assertiveness. His cockiness and his soft side he has with his daughter and the children he treats.
A little spark started two years before when Skylar and Aston kissed in the dark for the first time. When the lights came back on they both freaked out and Aston told her what a mistake it was. Fast forward two years and after the mother of his daughter and ex wife suddenly dies he finds himself moving back to Boston to be close with his family. But Skylar lives in Boston too with her family and their family is one big family. But meeting her again for the first time he realizes that she really does not like him. Like at all!
Skylar had no place to go when she moved out of the exes apartment decided to take her brother up on moving into his house since he’s abroad on a medical mission. Little does she know that her brother also told Aston that he could live there too! Joy!
As the weeks go by living together Skylar finds herself falling in love with Zoey Aston’s daughter but also having to come to terms with the awful news that she’s pregnant with her exes baby!
Aston comes up with an idea to pretend that they are married with the pretence that they met two years ago and that the spark has reignited so that the ex fully understands that they will not be getting back together. Well… destiny has its own agenda!!
"There is nothing easy about us, sweetheart. But instead of pushing me away, pull me towards you."
Skylar and Aston, where to even begin. The meet cute that isn't really a meet cute because they have known each other their entire lives but I am calling it a meet cute anyway was so good. Nothing like connecting with someone while the lights are off only to discover it is your best friend's little sister who is 10 years younger when the lights come back on. Skylar left a mark on Aston that night and now two years later they are back in each other's orbits.
The way these two dance around each other was fantastic. Somewhat forced to reside in the same household temporarily it is natural that they gravitate towards each other. I loved the internal battle that Aston has with himself over how he feels about Skylar. Like the good man that he is, he is there in her time of need and there was no way she could turn him down.
Skylar's last relationship was awful and she deserves to be loved for who she is and not her family name. She has never forgotten the night two years ago with Aston. When he shows back up in town she is automatically drawn to his daughter and they forge a forever bond. She doesn't trust easily but when she ends up in quite the predicament she must trust Aston.
The way these two give their hearts to each other is beautiful. The little things that Aston does for Skylar had my heart melting. That man loves her with all that he has and then some. Both are fiercely protective of the other too. This was a wonderful start to J. Saman's new series and I cannot wait to see whose story we get next.
********AUIOBOOK REVIEW******** C.J. Bloom and J.F. Harding deliver such amazing performances. They sound really, really good together. I have listened to both of them numerous times but I do not think ever together and they enhanced my liking of this story so much with their talent!
I absolutely LOVED Aston and Skylar’s story! I am such a sucker for a best friend’s sister/brother’s best friend, so this one did not disappoint.
I adored the back and forth banter between these two and how Aston was immediately smitten even when he didn’t want to be. He couldn’t stop thinking about Skylar after they “accidentally” kissed.
2 years go by and they find themselves living in the same house and working together. Aston tries to be a big ole grump but in all reality he’s a softie. His daughter Zoey has suffered the loss of her mom and instantly gravitated to Skylar’s sunshine personality. I loved their sweet connection.
Skylar finds herself pregnant by her terrible ex boyfriend who makes her feel unsafe so Aston comes up with the plan for them to get married - he feels it’s a win/win situation to keep her safe and give Zoey some stability.
So insert, all the “wife” moments and oh lord their chemistry was out of this world. Aston was such a goner it wasn’t even funny. He calls Skylar his little swan and I swooned so hard!
I loved how they naturally got to know each other, supported each other and the way they stood up for each other truly was my favorite part! They fought for each other and didn’t back down. Aston is total book husband goals stepping up and wanting to be a father to Skylar’s baby…I mean this man can do no wrong in my eyes!
Audio: JF Harding and CJ Bloom were absolute perfection as Aston and Skylar. Aston’s cocky but soft side came to life along with Skylar’s witty and sunshine personality. They were phenomenal!!
Tropes: GRUMPY SINGLE DAD SURGEON SASSY SUNSHINE PEDIATRIC NURSE ENEMIES TO LOVERS WORKPLACE ROMANCE BROTHER'S BEST FRIEND MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE PREGNANT (NOT HIS BABY) AGE GAP (10 YEARS) FORCED PROXIMITY STEAM WITH SOME K!NK, FEELS, AND BANTER
Thank you Julie and team for the eARC/ALC opportunity!
This was my first sort of story by this author, and it had everything I love in a romance, and bonus single dad. Yes Please!
Ashton returns to Boston, single dad and the new trauma surgeon at the same hospital as his best friend's sister, Skyla works as an ICU nurse.
Skylar lived with her boyfriend, and it was a disaster relationship. She finally left him and is living in her brother Micah’s apartment as she was afraid of her ex. So, surprise surprise when her brother offers his apartment to his best friend, Ashton and his daughter. So awkward…
And then she finds out she is pregnant with her ex’s baby. What happens next… A mutual agreement to help each other with a marriage of convenience happens next. Benefit for both of them. She gets someone to help her out and Ashton gets someone to help him with his daughter.
I loved this story. Ashton and Skylar had amazing chemistry. Their story is passionate, emotional and spicy, sweet and amazing banter between them 😊
The narration was so great. CJ Bloom and JF Harding, a perfect for Ashton and Skylar. I loved the audio, definitely added to the overall story and will have audio lovers/romance lovers hooked from the get-go. Think I can listen to JF Harding’s smooth voice for hours, lol. CJ Bloom has always been a favorite and I loved how she brought the emotions out for Skylar 😊
What’s not to love about this story. I would love to see what is happening in the next story in this new series 😊
This was my first J Saman book and now im forever hooked . I listened to it in one sitting - and couldn’t get enough . The narrators @carlyrobinsnarrator & @j.f.harding did such an incredible job . Love love loved it and cannot wait to read J Samans backlist .
From a steamy kiss in the dark to becoming roommates two years later , working together at the same hospital . Aston’s daughter Zoey struggled with the loss of her mom and needed some stability in her life all the while Skylar is dealing with a jealous ex boyfriend who wont leave her alone . They came to an agreement that this arrangement could benefit the both of them . Trauma Surgeon x Pediatric Nurse , Single Dad , Grumpy - Broody MMC . Accidental pregnancy but not the MMC’s baby . The way Aston stepped up tp the plate to protect and care for Skylar was chefs kiss . The dream man our aching hearts long for . .
The connection that Skylar developed with Ashers daughter was so beautiful , you were just rooting for things to work for the three of them . Seeing the trauma that Skylar experienced from her ex brought tears to my eyes . The love between Skylar and Aston was just perfect . I seen myself smiling several times while listening . The tropes are what drew me in to this one . The storyline flowed smoothly and the spice was absolutely delectable . It was fast paced and such an amazing listen .
If you’re into a fast paced , spicy , workplace romance in a hospital setting , and many delicious tropes listed above — please read this one .
Another phenomenal read by J. Saman! This book is an age-gap, brother’s best friend romance. Aston is moving back to Boston from California after his young daughter was left traumatized following the death of her mother and other drama with the stepfather. Aston comes from a wealthy, connected family in healthcare and is a talented pediatric trauma surgeon. Did I mention that he’s absolute eye candy and the cocky ego to go with it? Despite the cockiness and ego, his softness with his daughter and his hurt he was with everything that happened with his ex wife, just showed what an amazing man he was. And it was no surprise how protective he became of Skylar. Skylar’s story is one that was heartbreaking and felt all too real. Between the nasty comments about her appearance since she was young and finally getting out of an abusive relationship, she was due for some good karma, but fate has a funny way of throwing everyone for a loop! The chemistry between Skylar and Aston was *fanning myself* HOT! They snarky banter was like a form of foreplay and I couldn’t get enough! The challenge that they faced, especially Aston, worked really well and had me invested in how it would all play out. I definitely didn’t expect that twist at the end with Micah! I’m so ready for Roman’s book!!! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
✨️ALC Review ✨️ 4.5🌟 read, and I loved the spice🌶 I love J Saman books😍
Can you imagine one kiss changing your life? I'm sure Aston and Skylar didn't think so, but here we are. Valentine's Day was never the same. Especially since Aston is Skylar's older brother's best friend and the kiss happened in the dark..this couldn't be worse! Fast forward 2 years later, and they're reunited reluctantly. Aston now has an adorable sweet girl named Zoey, whose mother has passed, and Aston is trying to figure things out. Skylar just got out of an abusive relationship and tried to figure things out. Both end up occupying Sky's brother's house and also working for the same hospital. There's so much going on, especially when Skylar finds out she's pregnant with the evil exes baby. To protect her and show some stability in his own life... THEY. GET. MARRIED!!! Honestly, I love Aston and his "logical" reason he states why he's marrying Skylar. But there's a deeper meaning in how he chooses to be in her space or why he wants to give her some "Big O's"...pssst... A man's never given her one🤦🏽♀️ Let's just say...Aston knows how to get things done! Skylar and Aston both have life to work on, but the end result was worth all the trouble!! Another brilliant book, and I'm in love with another MMC created by Jsaman!
Thank you @valentine_pr_
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.