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Forever Boston #2
Forever Fighting
My best friend is the definition of a bad boy. A billionaire celebrity chef and underground boxer wrapped in muscles, tattoos, and mystery.
To me, he's simply Roman Fritz. A little grumpy and a lot broken, but with a heart of gold.
When I catch my fiancé cheating, Roman suggests I join him in Las Vegas for the opening of his restaurant, then on to a resort in Mexico where he's starting another.
It feels like the perfect escape from everything.
Until we wake up married.
We say it doesn't mean anything. That our friendship can handle a little Vegas mishap.
Then we get to Mexico and somewhere between only one bed in our villa and seeing him in a way I never have before, our friendship crosses the uncrossable line.
For five days it's sun, sand, and Roman pushing my limits while taking my body and heart places I never knew were possible.
That is until the world catches up with us and unexpected threats crawl out of dark places.
And just when we think we're done fighting and have finally won, a one-two punch comes out of nowhere, determined to knock us out for good.
What you'll love in FOREVER FIGHTING...
*Celebrity Chef and Underground Boxer
*Sassy ER Nurse
*Grumpy/Sunshine
*Best Friends to Lovers
*Brother’s ex-girlfriend
*Accidental Vegas Marriage
*Forced Proximity (only one bed)
*Vacation Romance
*He is SO Down Bad for Her (My wife!)
*STEAM with k!nk, FEELS, and BANTER
*No cheating and guaranteed HEA
To me, he's simply Roman Fritz. A little grumpy and a lot broken, but with a heart of gold.
When I catch my fiancé cheating, Roman suggests I join him in Las Vegas for the opening of his restaurant, then on to a resort in Mexico where he's starting another.
It feels like the perfect escape from everything.
Until we wake up married.
We say it doesn't mean anything. That our friendship can handle a little Vegas mishap.
Then we get to Mexico and somewhere between only one bed in our villa and seeing him in a way I never have before, our friendship crosses the uncrossable line.
For five days it's sun, sand, and Roman pushing my limits while taking my body and heart places I never knew were possible.
That is until the world catches up with us and unexpected threats crawl out of dark places.
And just when we think we're done fighting and have finally won, a one-two punch comes out of nowhere, determined to knock us out for good.
What you'll love in FOREVER FIGHTING...
*Celebrity Chef and Underground Boxer
*Sassy ER Nurse
*Grumpy/Sunshine
*Best Friends to Lovers
*Brother’s ex-girlfriend
*Accidental Vegas Marriage
*Forced Proximity (only one bed)
*Vacation Romance
*He is SO Down Bad for Her (My wife!)
*STEAM with k!nk, FEELS, and BANTER
*No cheating and guaranteed HEA
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2026
About the author
J. Saman
58 books4,383 followersJ. 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.
Want to learn more about J. Saman? You can check out her website http://www.jsamanbooks.com
To receive a free copy of one of my books, subscribe to my newsletter:
SUBSCRIBE
You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
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.
Want to learn more about J. Saman? You can check out her website http://www.jsamanbooks.com
To receive a free copy of one of my books, subscribe to my newsletter:
SUBSCRIBE
You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 509 reviews
June 9, 2026
Roman & Braelyn have been best friends for years. But they've never really had a chance for it to be more than that.
First, she was in love with his younger brother. Then after the tragic passing of that younger brother, Roman had to get away. He left and pursued his chef career and restaurant dreams. Brave ended up falling for their other friend, Adam, and now he will never get to have her.
Except then, Adam fucks up real bad. He cheats on Brae a few weeks before the wedding and leaves an opening for Roman to be a hero. Roman has a trip planned to Vegas planned and we all know happens in a romance when we go to Vegas...
So Braelyn ends up married to Roman, her best friend and man of her dreams. They may sound weird, since she was engaged to Adam until only a short time before. However, she never should have been with him anyway. But Roman felt too guilty after his brother died to get too close to Brae, but they are meant to be.
They know one another so well, and after their accidental marriage in Vegas, they get chance after chance to prove it to one another. I was here for every second of it.
Oh, and Adam's mad about it but literally everyone else in their lives thinks it totally the way it should be. Haha!
Duet narration by Austin Stone & Erin Mallon was done so well and I was hooked on them right from the beginning.
4.5 Stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: MMA Fighting & Violence, Loss of a loved one (past), grief
*Thank you to MLA and the author for an ALC of this title.*
First, she was in love with his younger brother. Then after the tragic passing of that younger brother, Roman had to get away. He left and pursued his chef career and restaurant dreams. Brave ended up falling for their other friend, Adam, and now he will never get to have her.
Except then, Adam fucks up real bad. He cheats on Brae a few weeks before the wedding and leaves an opening for Roman to be a hero. Roman has a trip planned to Vegas planned and we all know happens in a romance when we go to Vegas...
So Braelyn ends up married to Roman, her best friend and man of her dreams. They may sound weird, since she was engaged to Adam until only a short time before. However, she never should have been with him anyway. But Roman felt too guilty after his brother died to get too close to Brae, but they are meant to be.
They know one another so well, and after their accidental marriage in Vegas, they get chance after chance to prove it to one another. I was here for every second of it.
Oh, and Adam's mad about it but literally everyone else in their lives thinks it totally the way it should be. Haha!
Duet narration by Austin Stone & Erin Mallon was done so well and I was hooked on them right from the beginning.
4.5 Stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: MMA Fighting & Violence, Loss of a loved one (past), grief
*Thank you to MLA and the author for an ALC of this title.*
June 3, 2026
I had to dnf…
Why does he constantly call her “kid”.
I truly couldn’t get past it.
Why does he constantly call her “kid”.
I truly couldn’t get past it.
June 1, 2026
5⭐️
4🌶️
Chef/Underground boxer x sassy registered nurse, accidental Las Vegas marriage, best friends to lovers, force proximity, grumpy/sunshine, brother’s ex-gf, vacation romance.
Roman and Braelyn got such an amazing story!!! They had been best friends since they were younger and they stayed that way for so long, of course fate steps in when you’re at your lowest and brings you closer to the person you need the most!! These two already loved each other, so when Braelyn finds her fiancé in a precarious situation with a woman from work Roman is the one she goes to. He brings her to his house and suggests her coming with him on his restaurant renovation trip to Las Vegas and Mexico and she agrees to go with him and he’s decides this is his chance to get the woman he’s always wanted. But of course the city is chaos strikes and they find themselves married and Braelyn wants it to be hidden until they get home to have it reversed, until they start spending more time together and eventually Roman decides to take it farther and they decide to see where the relationship takes them. Just when they think they can enjoy the time they have together and see where them being together disaster strikes and they do not know how to navigate all the drama that’s coming out in waves and enjoy their new found relationship while fixing it, but ultimately they succeed and come out stronger!!
This story was absolutely beautiful and I loved every minute of it! I’m so happy Roman finally shared his feelings for Braelyn and got the woman and love he deserved! These two had the most funny and sexy banter ever and I was rooting for them the whole way through!!
4🌶️
Chef/Underground boxer x sassy registered nurse, accidental Las Vegas marriage, best friends to lovers, force proximity, grumpy/sunshine, brother’s ex-gf, vacation romance.
Roman and Braelyn got such an amazing story!!! They had been best friends since they were younger and they stayed that way for so long, of course fate steps in when you’re at your lowest and brings you closer to the person you need the most!! These two already loved each other, so when Braelyn finds her fiancé in a precarious situation with a woman from work Roman is the one she goes to. He brings her to his house and suggests her coming with him on his restaurant renovation trip to Las Vegas and Mexico and she agrees to go with him and he’s decides this is his chance to get the woman he’s always wanted. But of course the city is chaos strikes and they find themselves married and Braelyn wants it to be hidden until they get home to have it reversed, until they start spending more time together and eventually Roman decides to take it farther and they decide to see where the relationship takes them. Just when they think they can enjoy the time they have together and see where them being together disaster strikes and they do not know how to navigate all the drama that’s coming out in waves and enjoy their new found relationship while fixing it, but ultimately they succeed and come out stronger!!
This story was absolutely beautiful and I loved every minute of it! I’m so happy Roman finally shared his feelings for Braelyn and got the woman and love he deserved! These two had the most funny and sexy banter ever and I was rooting for them the whole way through!!
June 8, 2026
4.5🌟, 3🌶️
If you love grumpy-sunshine dynamics and pining that lasts for years, drop everything and start this book right now.
It is the kind of story that swallows you whole, blending addictive, heartfelt romance with deep emotional stakes. Watching Roman and Braelyn navigate their messy history, filled with years of secret pining and the kind of bond that only true best friends share, felt so raw and real. I was cheering for them to overcome their past baggage from the very first page.
The author perfectly balances heavy angst with genuine, heartwarming moments. Roman is truly elite book husband material, and seeing him finally stop holding back to claim the woman he has loved for so long was incredibly satisfying. Their journey is complicated by tragedy and betrayal, but that only makes the eventual payoff feel so much sweeter. Between the electric chemistry, sharp banter, and thick tension, I was glued to every single word.
Beyond the main couple, I loved sinking back into this chaotic and supportive found family world. Even the audio narration was top-tier, capturing every ounce of longing and humor in their voices. This story put me through the wringer, but it left me feeling so happy and fulfilled.
It is a beautiful reminder that choosing love is always worth the risk, no matter how much fear or grief stands in the way.
~~~~
Huge thank you to J. Saman & Valentine PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
If you love grumpy-sunshine dynamics and pining that lasts for years, drop everything and start this book right now.
It is the kind of story that swallows you whole, blending addictive, heartfelt romance with deep emotional stakes. Watching Roman and Braelyn navigate their messy history, filled with years of secret pining and the kind of bond that only true best friends share, felt so raw and real. I was cheering for them to overcome their past baggage from the very first page.
The author perfectly balances heavy angst with genuine, heartwarming moments. Roman is truly elite book husband material, and seeing him finally stop holding back to claim the woman he has loved for so long was incredibly satisfying. Their journey is complicated by tragedy and betrayal, but that only makes the eventual payoff feel so much sweeter. Between the electric chemistry, sharp banter, and thick tension, I was glued to every single word.
Beyond the main couple, I loved sinking back into this chaotic and supportive found family world. Even the audio narration was top-tier, capturing every ounce of longing and humor in their voices. This story put me through the wringer, but it left me feeling so happy and fulfilled.
It is a beautiful reminder that choosing love is always worth the risk, no matter how much fear or grief stands in the way.
~~~~
Huge thank you to J. Saman & Valentine PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
June 24, 2026
This follows Roman and Braelyn. Roman is a well-known chef with multiple restaurants and, on the side, an underground fighter. Braelyn is a nurse who’s about to marry her best friend, Adam. Roman has always lingered on the sidelines, but a tragedy years ago ties them together more deeply than ever. He’s spent years trying to keep his distance, throwing himself into his career, but whenever things fall apart, Braelyn finds her way back to him. When her world starts to unravel, Roman offers her an escape a trip to LA and Mexico for business, with a chance to have a little fun along the way. But will this finally push him to reveal how he truly feels?
I love J. Saman’s books they always have a way of pulling you in. I also love with many of her book you are getting interactions of characters from her previous books.
This is very character driven, with a little bit of plot. Roman has had it bad for Braelyn for years, even leaving the country at times to build his career and create distance because she’s always belonged to someone else. I really loved their connection. Braelyn feels safe with Roman, and he would drop everything for her without hesitation.
Their trip to LA and Mexico was a highlight. Watching their feelings grow felt natural, and when the spice hit, it was intimate and so well done. They truly support each other, even as they face multiple challenges along the way.
I will say that toward the end, there were a lot of big reveals happening all at once between their relationship, the hospital scenes, and the underground fighting, it felt like everything was unfolding at the same time, which was a bit overwhelming.
Lastly I highly recommend picking this up in audiobook format. Austin and Erin always do a brilliant job. I always enjoy picking up books they narrate.
Still, I’ll never say no to picking up a J. Saman book. I’m already looking forward to whatever comes next.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 10hrs 30mins
Narrators: Austin Stone and Erin Mallon - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
POV: First Person
Series or Standalone: Book Two In The Forever Boston Series
Tropes or Themes: Billionaire, Best Friends To Lovers, Age Gap (6yrs), Brothers Ex Girlfriend, Accidental Marriage, One Bed, Secret Pining, FMC Nurse, MMC Underground Fighter and Chef, Cheating Ex, My Wife, Truth Or Dare, It’s Always Been You, Intimate Tattoo, Medical Content, Grief, Violence, Sexual Content, Praise, Dirty Talk, Oral Play, Crawling, Taken Bare, Sir, Impact Play Spit Play, Backdoor Play, Restrictive Play, Shower Scene,
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Margins | Pagebound | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
I love J. Saman’s books they always have a way of pulling you in. I also love with many of her book you are getting interactions of characters from her previous books.
This is very character driven, with a little bit of plot. Roman has had it bad for Braelyn for years, even leaving the country at times to build his career and create distance because she’s always belonged to someone else. I really loved their connection. Braelyn feels safe with Roman, and he would drop everything for her without hesitation.
Their trip to LA and Mexico was a highlight. Watching their feelings grow felt natural, and when the spice hit, it was intimate and so well done. They truly support each other, even as they face multiple challenges along the way.
I will say that toward the end, there were a lot of big reveals happening all at once between their relationship, the hospital scenes, and the underground fighting, it felt like everything was unfolding at the same time, which was a bit overwhelming.
Lastly I highly recommend picking this up in audiobook format. Austin and Erin always do a brilliant job. I always enjoy picking up books they narrate.
Still, I’ll never say no to picking up a J. Saman book. I’m already looking forward to whatever comes next.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 10hrs 30mins
Narrators: Austin Stone and Erin Mallon - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
POV: First Person
Series or Standalone: Book Two In The Forever Boston Series
Tropes or Themes: Billionaire, Best Friends To Lovers, Age Gap (6yrs), Brothers Ex Girlfriend, Accidental Marriage, One Bed, Secret Pining, FMC Nurse, MMC Underground Fighter and Chef, Cheating Ex, My Wife, Truth Or Dare, It’s Always Been You, Intimate Tattoo, Medical Content, Grief, Violence, Sexual Content, Praise, Dirty Talk, Oral Play, Crawling, Taken Bare, Sir, Impact Play Spit Play, Backdoor Play, Restrictive Play, Shower Scene,
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Margins | Pagebound | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
June 1, 2026
3.5 stars
Needed this easy, breezy and super safe story after reading a few duds and a really angsty, cheating story.
This was great until it turned into a crazy episode of General Hospital towards the end and then just suddenly resolved with a HFN ending. Still, I devoured it in a day and it did the pallet cleansing job I needed.
Needed this easy, breezy and super safe story after reading a few duds and a really angsty, cheating story.
This was great until it turned into a crazy episode of General Hospital towards the end and then just suddenly resolved with a HFN ending. Still, I devoured it in a day and it did the pallet cleansing job I needed.
June 4, 2026
Really disappointed in this read.
I was very interested in the premise of this book especially because I love a good "friends to lovers" trope. But the way this played out just really bothered me.
Braelyn the FMC spent the ENTIRE book comparing Roman (MMC) to her ex. And honestly this girl needs therapy. Not only did she decide to date her dead boyfriend's best friend but then she moved on with her dead boyfriend's brother. Also the term "best friend" is thrown around very willy nilly in this book effectively diminishing its meaning.
SPOILER ALERT 🔔
Our girl Bray finds her fiancé cheating and decides to go on a work trip with her best friend Roman to get away from the situation. We find out that Roman has planed this big move to Europe that he didn't tell Bray about because it was scheduled to happen after her wedding because he's been madly in love with her for years and years.
My guess was that our FMC & MMC were going to find out they had some feelings for each other on vacation and we'd watch them explore those feelings in Europe. Mainly for the sake of the timeline of heartbreak and healing as our girl apparently was with her fiancé for YEARS and is blindsided and devastated after she found him cheating. Mind you she states time and time again that she never not once saw this coming. She loved him through and through and Roman was never even a thought in her mind.
Well I was very wrong. They wasted NO time. It was like a version of insta love. Just a couple days into the trip. I'm pretty sure the entire timeline of this book is 4-5 week after she found her ex of YEARS, who also was her dead boyfriends best friend, was cheating on her with a coworker. Not only that but her entire reason for the fake marriage was someone dared her.... yup that's it. Someone dared her and she just COULDNT pass that up. Are we so fr?
Another thing, there was so much unnecessary medical jargon in this book. Like it was actually so unnecessary to name every single code and acronym possible.
Also yall, his nickname for her is "kid". Yes "KID" 🤮🤮🤮 absolutely tf not. What was the thought process behind this choice.
The plot twist of the whole book was so hollow... it was really such a stretch... I was genuinely so confused why the author couldn't find literally anything else to explain the villains motives.
Finally the ending just really pmo. The random bit about her pregnant friend being aggressive shoved into a table by a coworker leading her to an emergency c section and then nothing else happened? Like why did that need to take up several chapters of the book??? That made no sense. Or the set up plan with Roman and his boxing? (I won't even get into how dumb the whole side plot of Roman being an underground boxer is * eye roll *) by the epilogue we got no closure about the Europe thing. Nothing about the villain and it was overall incredibly anticlimactic that I was almost certain I'd missed a chapter.
Ps: if my rich husband told me to take a break from work for a year to travel Europe with him, I'd weep happy tears and turn my resignation in expeditiously. But no not Braylyn because she's not like other girls. A job is so much more important than having a life.
I really wanted to like this book. But ultimately it needed a better more honest editor to help our author out.
I was very interested in the premise of this book especially because I love a good "friends to lovers" trope. But the way this played out just really bothered me.
Braelyn the FMC spent the ENTIRE book comparing Roman (MMC) to her ex. And honestly this girl needs therapy. Not only did she decide to date her dead boyfriend's best friend but then she moved on with her dead boyfriend's brother. Also the term "best friend" is thrown around very willy nilly in this book effectively diminishing its meaning.
SPOILER ALERT 🔔
Our girl Bray finds her fiancé cheating and decides to go on a work trip with her best friend Roman to get away from the situation. We find out that Roman has planed this big move to Europe that he didn't tell Bray about because it was scheduled to happen after her wedding because he's been madly in love with her for years and years.
My guess was that our FMC & MMC were going to find out they had some feelings for each other on vacation and we'd watch them explore those feelings in Europe. Mainly for the sake of the timeline of heartbreak and healing as our girl apparently was with her fiancé for YEARS and is blindsided and devastated after she found him cheating. Mind you she states time and time again that she never not once saw this coming. She loved him through and through and Roman was never even a thought in her mind.
Well I was very wrong. They wasted NO time. It was like a version of insta love. Just a couple days into the trip. I'm pretty sure the entire timeline of this book is 4-5 week after she found her ex of YEARS, who also was her dead boyfriends best friend, was cheating on her with a coworker. Not only that but her entire reason for the fake marriage was someone dared her.... yup that's it. Someone dared her and she just COULDNT pass that up. Are we so fr?
Another thing, there was so much unnecessary medical jargon in this book. Like it was actually so unnecessary to name every single code and acronym possible.
Also yall, his nickname for her is "kid". Yes "KID" 🤮🤮🤮 absolutely tf not. What was the thought process behind this choice.
The plot twist of the whole book was so hollow... it was really such a stretch... I was genuinely so confused why the author couldn't find literally anything else to explain the villains motives.
Finally the ending just really pmo. The random bit about her pregnant friend being aggressive shoved into a table by a coworker leading her to an emergency c section and then nothing else happened? Like why did that need to take up several chapters of the book??? That made no sense. Or the set up plan with Roman and his boxing? (I won't even get into how dumb the whole side plot of Roman being an underground boxer is * eye roll *) by the epilogue we got no closure about the Europe thing. Nothing about the villain and it was overall incredibly anticlimactic that I was almost certain I'd missed a chapter.
Ps: if my rich husband told me to take a break from work for a year to travel Europe with him, I'd weep happy tears and turn my resignation in expeditiously. But no not Braylyn because she's not like other girls. A job is so much more important than having a life.
I really wanted to like this book. But ultimately it needed a better more honest editor to help our author out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2026
I usually don't like reading the friends to lovers trope. But in this case, it was a story by J. Saman and I had to read it. Well, whatever I expected, I never imagined that I would love it so damn much.
Braelin and Roman are best friends. They have been in each other's lives since the beginning. She was together with his brother Nash, but then tragedy struck, and their lives changed forever. Then a friend of hers swooped her out of her feet, and they were on the road to get married. That man was also one of Roman's friends. But neither he nor Bralein expected that, a little bit before the wedding, Adam would betray her like that. So, when she needed him, Roman came to the rescue. He offered her a way out, coming with him to Vegas and Mexico. He was going to open a restaurant there, and that was the perfect escape for both of them. The thing is, Roman has always been in love with Braelin, but he never got the chance to tell her. Maybe it was a bit soon after what happened, but this time he wouldn't miss this chance. He will show her how much he loves her and make her fall in love with him in return. This was all that matters, nothing else.
Even though she had always seen him as her best friend, there was something that made her heart flutter every time she was with him. She knew that she was not supposed to have feelings for her best friend, but all the time they spent together only proved to her that this was the right man. She was a bit afraid at the beginning that their friendship could be ruined, but this was Roman — the man that already owned her heart. He knew that as soon as they got together she would see that they belonged to each other. He was stubborn and determined, and honestly thanked God for that. He wasn't letting go, and he knew that there wasn't any other woman for him.
When it comes to the love scenes, Julie Saman is a literal magician. The spice between her main characters never disappoints me. Everything happening between Roman and Braelin was so damn hot. The spice was top-notch, the kink was hotter than ever and there was so much smut. The chemistry of these two was crackling every single moment together, and I loved reading all the hot moments. This is why I don't miss a single book of hers.
Overall, I loved reading Roman and Braelin's love story and I can't wait to read the next book from the series.
***I received an ARC from the author and my review is given voluntarily***.
Braelin and Roman are best friends. They have been in each other's lives since the beginning. She was together with his brother Nash, but then tragedy struck, and their lives changed forever. Then a friend of hers swooped her out of her feet, and they were on the road to get married. That man was also one of Roman's friends. But neither he nor Bralein expected that, a little bit before the wedding, Adam would betray her like that. So, when she needed him, Roman came to the rescue. He offered her a way out, coming with him to Vegas and Mexico. He was going to open a restaurant there, and that was the perfect escape for both of them. The thing is, Roman has always been in love with Braelin, but he never got the chance to tell her. Maybe it was a bit soon after what happened, but this time he wouldn't miss this chance. He will show her how much he loves her and make her fall in love with him in return. This was all that matters, nothing else.
Even though she had always seen him as her best friend, there was something that made her heart flutter every time she was with him. She knew that she was not supposed to have feelings for her best friend, but all the time they spent together only proved to her that this was the right man. She was a bit afraid at the beginning that their friendship could be ruined, but this was Roman — the man that already owned her heart. He knew that as soon as they got together she would see that they belonged to each other. He was stubborn and determined, and honestly thanked God for that. He wasn't letting go, and he knew that there wasn't any other woman for him.
When it comes to the love scenes, Julie Saman is a literal magician. The spice between her main characters never disappoints me. Everything happening between Roman and Braelin was so damn hot. The spice was top-notch, the kink was hotter than ever and there was so much smut. The chemistry of these two was crackling every single moment together, and I loved reading all the hot moments. This is why I don't miss a single book of hers.
Overall, I loved reading Roman and Braelin's love story and I can't wait to read the next book from the series.
***I received an ARC from the author and my review is given voluntarily***.
June 9, 2026
Audio Review:
Forever Fighting
Forever Boston • Book 2️⃣
By: J. Saman
Narrated in duet By: Austin Stone & Erin Mallon
Convincing you to listen to Forever Fighting with a few spicy micro tropes and some spicy audio clips to sweeten the deal. (Check our Instagram post @mellovesaudiobooks)
Review: When everything seems to be spiraling, your best friend steps in, taking you away from all the heartache to only end up being the one to bring you all the happiness and pleasure you don’t want to run away from.
I loved the friendship these two had, it felt like opposites were drawn together, but once they discovered they were married, everything shifted. Suddenly, the man who had always been there for her was the one who truly belonged by her side.
Erin Mallon gave Braelyn the voice she needed to stand on her own. Even though Brae is heartbroken about what she’s going through, she also found strength and redemption to keep going. Having Roman by her side was a bonus, and when Roman started to show his deepest desires, all bets were off. Austin Stone did an incredible job bringing Roman to life, with his compassionate demeanor where Brae was concerned, Roman also showed his dominant side protecting and loving her like she always deserved. And having Austin express each emotion Roman was going through only enhanced this audio, making it not only hot, but sweet.
Austin Stone and Erin Mallon’s duet perfectly captures the playful banter between friends and lovers, infusing it with the sass and spice that Braelyn and Roman bring to each other’s lives.
👨🍳🥊 Celebrity Chef and Underground Boxer
🩺 Sassy ER Nurse
🌝🌞 Grumpy/Sunshine
👫 Best Friends to Lovers
🤭 Brother’s ex-girlfriend
💍 Accidental Vegas Marriage
🛏️ Forced Proximity (only one bed)
🌴Vacation Romance
❤️🔥He is SO Down Bad for Her (My wife!)
🔥 STEAM with K!nk, FEELS, and BANTER
Forever Fighting
Forever Boston • Book 2️⃣
By: J. Saman
Narrated in duet By: Austin Stone & Erin Mallon
Convincing you to listen to Forever Fighting with a few spicy micro tropes and some spicy audio clips to sweeten the deal. (Check our Instagram post @mellovesaudiobooks)
Review: When everything seems to be spiraling, your best friend steps in, taking you away from all the heartache to only end up being the one to bring you all the happiness and pleasure you don’t want to run away from.
I loved the friendship these two had, it felt like opposites were drawn together, but once they discovered they were married, everything shifted. Suddenly, the man who had always been there for her was the one who truly belonged by her side.
Erin Mallon gave Braelyn the voice she needed to stand on her own. Even though Brae is heartbroken about what she’s going through, she also found strength and redemption to keep going. Having Roman by her side was a bonus, and when Roman started to show his deepest desires, all bets were off. Austin Stone did an incredible job bringing Roman to life, with his compassionate demeanor where Brae was concerned, Roman also showed his dominant side protecting and loving her like she always deserved. And having Austin express each emotion Roman was going through only enhanced this audio, making it not only hot, but sweet.
Austin Stone and Erin Mallon’s duet perfectly captures the playful banter between friends and lovers, infusing it with the sass and spice that Braelyn and Roman bring to each other’s lives.
👨🍳🥊 Celebrity Chef and Underground Boxer
🩺 Sassy ER Nurse
🌝🌞 Grumpy/Sunshine
👫 Best Friends to Lovers
🤭 Brother’s ex-girlfriend
💍 Accidental Vegas Marriage
🛏️ Forced Proximity (only one bed)
🌴Vacation Romance
❤️🔥He is SO Down Bad for Her (My wife!)
🔥 STEAM with K!nk, FEELS, and BANTER
May 30, 2026
✨ALC provided by Valentine PR for an honest review✨
Forever Fighting was a messy friends to lovers romance. Roman is best friends with Braylen and Adam, and is even going to be their best man and man of honor at their wedding. But when Braylen comes home early from work and finds Adam cheating, her whole life comes crashing down around her. The first person she goes to is Roman and he goes into bff mode, doing everything he can to help her navigate her breakup and make her happy. Being a famous chef and needed to check out the new restaurants he’s opening, Roman takes Braylen on a much needed vacation to see his new places in Las Vegas and then Mexico. But after a drunken night in Vegas and dare, the both wake up married to each other! Braylen is mortified and says they’ll get a divorce as soon as they can, but what she didn’t know is that her best friend Roman has been in love with her for years and has no plans of letting her out of this impromptu marriage 👀
Roman was a man full of guilt over a past tragedy of losing his brother, and is now full of guilt for betraying his best friend Adam and marrying Braylen. But Braylen has been the light in his life and he’s absolutely head over heels for her. He is straight up a green flag mmc and does everything for her, but it made my heart ache with the hidden truth of his love for her. The slow burn and angst was so tense until they finally gave in, then it got spicy! Roman is a man that knows what he likes, and also is the type to give his woman pleasure 🔥
The audiobook was duet narrated by Erin Mallon and Austin Stone, and they both brought life to their characters with their performances. Forever Fighting was a good name for this book! These two mc’s were fighting friendships, betrayals, past guilts, and feelings to get to their HEA. And in the end they won ❤️
Forever Fighting was a messy friends to lovers romance. Roman is best friends with Braylen and Adam, and is even going to be their best man and man of honor at their wedding. But when Braylen comes home early from work and finds Adam cheating, her whole life comes crashing down around her. The first person she goes to is Roman and he goes into bff mode, doing everything he can to help her navigate her breakup and make her happy. Being a famous chef and needed to check out the new restaurants he’s opening, Roman takes Braylen on a much needed vacation to see his new places in Las Vegas and then Mexico. But after a drunken night in Vegas and dare, the both wake up married to each other! Braylen is mortified and says they’ll get a divorce as soon as they can, but what she didn’t know is that her best friend Roman has been in love with her for years and has no plans of letting her out of this impromptu marriage 👀
Roman was a man full of guilt over a past tragedy of losing his brother, and is now full of guilt for betraying his best friend Adam and marrying Braylen. But Braylen has been the light in his life and he’s absolutely head over heels for her. He is straight up a green flag mmc and does everything for her, but it made my heart ache with the hidden truth of his love for her. The slow burn and angst was so tense until they finally gave in, then it got spicy! Roman is a man that knows what he likes, and also is the type to give his woman pleasure 🔥
The audiobook was duet narrated by Erin Mallon and Austin Stone, and they both brought life to their characters with their performances. Forever Fighting was a good name for this book! These two mc’s were fighting friendships, betrayals, past guilts, and feelings to get to their HEA. And in the end they won ❤️
June 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Back with our favorite Boston billionaires only to find Braelyn's fiancé in bed with another woman😒 And there is no better person to pull her through the mess than her VERY SEXY chef/underground boxer best friend 🫢 Whisking her away for a couple weeks to escape the fallout seems like the best idea! But when a drunken Vegas wedding enters the chat, all hell might break loose!
Dare I say Braelyn and Roman are my favorite couple is this Boston universe! The way he always shows up for her, always has her back, and has been secretly in love with her for yearssss - it's everything I wanted and more for her. Navigating each other out of the thickness of grief, there was no way they weren't end game!
A spicy, Michelin star masterpiece of best friends to lovers, intoxicating chemistry, and love that will stand the test of time! 🥰
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Back with our favorite Boston billionaires only to find Braelyn's fiancé in bed with another woman😒 And there is no better person to pull her through the mess than her VERY SEXY chef/underground boxer best friend 🫢 Whisking her away for a couple weeks to escape the fallout seems like the best idea! But when a drunken Vegas wedding enters the chat, all hell might break loose!
Dare I say Braelyn and Roman are my favorite couple is this Boston universe! The way he always shows up for her, always has her back, and has been secretly in love with her for yearssss - it's everything I wanted and more for her. Navigating each other out of the thickness of grief, there was no way they weren't end game!
A spicy, Michelin star masterpiece of best friends to lovers, intoxicating chemistry, and love that will stand the test of time! 🥰
June 16, 2026
3.75⭐️ 3🌶️ first let me say this; i did enjoy this!! don't get me wrong! there were just two things that consistently made me kinda uncomfy (100% a me thing) and i sadly just couldn't look far enough past them to rate this higher.
the two things: (1) him calling her "kid" was a maaaajor ick for me (there's legit only like a 6 year age gap or something like that)... and (2) while the trope was done well, i will probably still always get uncomfortable by a dead ex lover... i'm sorry! it WAS handled with extreme care so i truly think it's just a me problem. but if you're anything like me, that means you are one jealous girly and unfortunately that jealousy does in fact extend to the dead little brother of the MMC who used to seriously date our FMC, no matter how well written
the two things: (1) him calling her "kid" was a maaaajor ick for me (there's legit only like a 6 year age gap or something like that)... and (2) while the trope was done well, i will probably still always get uncomfortable by a dead ex lover... i'm sorry! it WAS handled with extreme care so i truly think it's just a me problem. but if you're anything like me, that means you are one jealous girly and unfortunately that jealousy does in fact extend to the dead little brother of the MMC who used to seriously date our FMC, no matter how well written
June 9, 2026
Roman and Braelyn have been best friends forever….. until.
Roman is a famous chef.
Braelyn is an ER Nurse, but when she catches her fiancé cheating on her she needs an escape.
Roman purposes that she come with him to Las Vegas to the opening of his new restaurant and then on to Mexico where he is starting a new restaurant. It takes him a little while to convince her, but ultimately she agrees. Sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas.
Roman finally admits to Braelyn that he’s had feelings for her since they were younger. Roman convinced himself that he couldn’t have those feelings since she was his brother’s girlfriend before the bad thing happened.
I loved how they didn’t rush to end things and how they let their feelings really grow naturally.
Duet style narration was performed by Austin Stone and Erin Mallon.
ALC was provided by J. Saman and Valentine PR for an honest review.
Roman is a famous chef.
Braelyn is an ER Nurse, but when she catches her fiancé cheating on her she needs an escape.
Roman purposes that she come with him to Las Vegas to the opening of his new restaurant and then on to Mexico where he is starting a new restaurant. It takes him a little while to convince her, but ultimately she agrees. Sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas.
Roman finally admits to Braelyn that he’s had feelings for her since they were younger. Roman convinced himself that he couldn’t have those feelings since she was his brother’s girlfriend before the bad thing happened.
I loved how they didn’t rush to end things and how they let their feelings really grow naturally.
Duet style narration was performed by Austin Stone and Erin Mallon.
ALC was provided by J. Saman and Valentine PR for an honest review.
June 1, 2026
The transition from lifelong friends to accidental spouses in Vegas is packed with chemistry, banter, and a tropical getaway to Mexico. The audiobook was a duet format, both narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life.
🧑🍳 Billionaire chef x ER nurse
👥 Friends to lovers
🎲 Accidental Vegas marriage
🩹 Grumpy x sunshine
🥊 Underground boxing subplot
🏡 Brother's ex
🌶️ Spicy
Thank you to Valentine PR for the audiobook!
🧑🍳 Billionaire chef x ER nurse
👥 Friends to lovers
🎲 Accidental Vegas marriage
🩹 Grumpy x sunshine
🥊 Underground boxing subplot
🏡 Brother's ex
🌶️ Spicy
Thank you to Valentine PR for the audiobook!
June 9, 2026
I made it 65% in and it was going ok until they got intimate. The spicy ruined this for me. I felt like it kinda came out of no wear and didn't really flow with the Friends to loves plot. I was hoping for some more awkward tension or push and pull but I didn't really feel that. Also, the "Kid' nickname was a bit cringey after things got spicy.
June 10, 2026
It’s always fun to return to the J’s Boston billionaire world, and the Fritz family and all of their shenanigans. I was sold on Roman from the beginning - a tattooed chef who is also a billionaire involved in an underground fighting ring, but his personality is all the green flags and he is infatuated with his best friend, Braelyn. They are connected through his younger brother, who died years ago. I love how they kept his memory alive throughout the story. I prefer my fictional romance messy, and their circumstances are a bit of a disaster, so I was rightfully obsessed. Their relationship development was perfect and I just adored them. Plus there was some surprise suspense that added another dynamic to keep the story moving.
🎙️𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 ⇣
Austin Stone and Erin Mallon narrate in duet, and they killed it. Austin is always great at creating distinct voices for all of the characters, and Erin’s voice suited personality so well. They definitely elevated the whole experience for me 👏🏼👏🏼
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 ⇣
Billionaire
He’s a celebrity chef & underground boxer
She’s a sassy ER nurse
Childhood friends
Best friends to lovers
Grumpy x sunshine
Brother’s ex girlfriend
Forced proximity
Accidental Vegas wedding
Man obsessed
Vacation romance
Dual first POV
Spicy spice
🎙️𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 ⇣
Austin Stone and Erin Mallon narrate in duet, and they killed it. Austin is always great at creating distinct voices for all of the characters, and Erin’s voice suited personality so well. They definitely elevated the whole experience for me 👏🏼👏🏼
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 ⇣
Billionaire
He’s a celebrity chef & underground boxer
She’s a sassy ER nurse
Childhood friends
Best friends to lovers
Grumpy x sunshine
Brother’s ex girlfriend
Forced proximity
Accidental Vegas wedding
Man obsessed
Vacation romance
Dual first POV
Spicy spice
June 2, 2026
these two are so damn precious <3 they need to be protected at all costs <3 <3 <3
June 2, 2026
"Other women are gray, while Braelyn is painted in every color."~Roman😚
"His heart is a secret. A beautiful, magical place. And I get to see it."~Braelyn🤩
"Braelyn is my lighthouse. She's the beacon that guides me home."~Roman🥰
"Roman won't burn for me. He's the guy who burns down the world for you."~Braelyn😍
🏥🥊🏥🥊🏥🥊🏥🥊🏥🥊🏥🥊🏥🍱♾️♾️😝
Forever Fighting is a story of a man that is exactly living up to that image. It's a consistency from start to finish. I got curious about Roman from Book 1: Forever Undone, where he made his appearance and knew there's more to him than meets the eye. You can read this book as a standalone. It's a part of a bigger interconnected series.
Roman Fletcher Fritz, 33, chef/secret ungrounded boxer is a man dealing with his past and trying to ignore it, to a degree, at this point in his life. The man's extremely wealthy but doesn't act like it. He carries a burden. Survivor's guilt. Which reminded me of a movie called Ordinary People. Except here, Roman's the older brother who lost his younger brother, Nash, in a sailing accident. I think it happened almost 10yrs ago(?). The thing is the story didn't dwell on it, bring it up often, or have a deep conversation between him and Braelyn over it. She said something one time and that's about it. Mostly they bring up the fun and naughty times. Braelyn was Nash's girlfriend of 2yrs at that time. And Roman blames himself for what happened out on the water during a storm.⛈️⛵🛟 🆘 There's no PTSD mentioned but I think Roman has it. Now the story is a sloww burn. There's not much action, more drama, a tiny bit of twists, but those played out at the very end, which you will figure out the who but not necessarily the why. It gets complicated. I won't spoil that here. I kind wanted more of the unknown to happen along the way. Build up the threats more instead of at the end.
I like Roman. He's the s*xy bad boy with a broad set of skills that pushes limits.🪢👗🪢 Roman likes to dominate and have control, he broods, he's blunt, he's driven by his secret desires for Nurse Braelyn Albright, 27. His obsession for her grows and festers.😈😈😈 He has the fever!😛 Yes, his brother's former girlfriend is his everything. There's a BDSM k!nk, safe word, etc. Everything is consensual.
Now I got a tiny bit confused b/c if I remember correctly, in Book 1 Braelyn was noticing Roman as more than her best friend. Yes, she's involved with her jerk of a boyfriend Adam, engaged to him, but that girl noticed Roman as more. Here, all of that doesn't exist. What happened to those moments?🤷🏻 Braelyn caught Adam cheating on her. Now she's running to her bestie for support. I didn't like Adam. He's annoying, which is the point.😆 Roman will do anything to keep Braelyn, finally make a move after wanting her for 6 long years. And what better timing than her accompanying him on opening more of his restaurants in Vegas and Mexico.🛫🎰🌴🏩🌴🌊🌊 Again, things get a little crazy and very steamy, bold, and desperate.🔥🔥🔥💋
"Only me, Braelyn. Never him again. No one f*€¥ing else but me."~Roman🫨
The guy has it bad so I didn't understand the back and forth confusion. The wishy-washiness of Braelyn.🤔 Hot then cold. That their *slight spoiler* Vegas wedding shouldn't have taken place.💒 I wish I hadn't married him. Her words. She acts a certain way in her thinking but she says she wants to share his bed and explore all that Roman wants to give to her. And boy, does he give it to her.🌋🌋🌋🤣🤣🤣♨️♨️♨️👅
I wanted more romance. More flirting like the truth or dare game in the pool. Adult conversations instead of guessing. There's no way that Braelyn couldn't figure it out. It got a little frustrating with her character. Roman more than proved himself, he shows his deep dark feelings for her, but for some reason, I didn't feel like Braelyn would go the distance for him. Above and beyond. I don't mean just the physical. Why can't your best friend also be your husband? It's not that far-fetched. I hope that makes sense.
"Braelyn, I'm in love with you. God, baby, the way my heart beats for you. You have to feel that. I know you do."~Roman😻 We all felt it Roman.😂
I won't tell you exactly how it ends. There are 2 epilogues. Different family members pass throughout the story. I'm glad Roman got his overdue HEA. I enjoyed the story. I recommend it. I'm looking forward to reading the next one. I love the book cover.😘😘 Happy reading. *•>§<•*❤️🩹❣️❣️❣️❤️🩹
🚩🚩Read the TWs. 18+ read.🚩🚩
👨🏽🍳🌠👩⚕️Thank you to Ms Saman and Valentine PR for an early book. The opinions shared here are my own.👩⚕️🌠👨🏽🍳
"His heart is a secret. A beautiful, magical place. And I get to see it."~Braelyn🤩
"Braelyn is my lighthouse. She's the beacon that guides me home."~Roman🥰
"Roman won't burn for me. He's the guy who burns down the world for you."~Braelyn😍
🏥🥊🏥🥊🏥🥊🏥🥊🏥🥊🏥🥊🏥🍱♾️♾️😝
Forever Fighting is a story of a man that is exactly living up to that image. It's a consistency from start to finish. I got curious about Roman from Book 1: Forever Undone, where he made his appearance and knew there's more to him than meets the eye. You can read this book as a standalone. It's a part of a bigger interconnected series.
Roman Fletcher Fritz, 33, chef/secret ungrounded boxer is a man dealing with his past and trying to ignore it, to a degree, at this point in his life. The man's extremely wealthy but doesn't act like it. He carries a burden. Survivor's guilt. Which reminded me of a movie called Ordinary People. Except here, Roman's the older brother who lost his younger brother, Nash, in a sailing accident. I think it happened almost 10yrs ago(?). The thing is the story didn't dwell on it, bring it up often, or have a deep conversation between him and Braelyn over it. She said something one time and that's about it. Mostly they bring up the fun and naughty times. Braelyn was Nash's girlfriend of 2yrs at that time. And Roman blames himself for what happened out on the water during a storm.⛈️⛵🛟 🆘 There's no PTSD mentioned but I think Roman has it. Now the story is a sloww burn. There's not much action, more drama, a tiny bit of twists, but those played out at the very end, which you will figure out the who but not necessarily the why. It gets complicated. I won't spoil that here. I kind wanted more of the unknown to happen along the way. Build up the threats more instead of at the end.
I like Roman. He's the s*xy bad boy with a broad set of skills that pushes limits.🪢👗🪢 Roman likes to dominate and have control, he broods, he's blunt, he's driven by his secret desires for Nurse Braelyn Albright, 27. His obsession for her grows and festers.😈😈😈 He has the fever!😛 Yes, his brother's former girlfriend is his everything. There's a BDSM k!nk, safe word, etc. Everything is consensual.
Now I got a tiny bit confused b/c if I remember correctly, in Book 1 Braelyn was noticing Roman as more than her best friend. Yes, she's involved with her jerk of a boyfriend Adam, engaged to him, but that girl noticed Roman as more. Here, all of that doesn't exist. What happened to those moments?🤷🏻 Braelyn caught Adam cheating on her. Now she's running to her bestie for support. I didn't like Adam. He's annoying, which is the point.😆 Roman will do anything to keep Braelyn, finally make a move after wanting her for 6 long years. And what better timing than her accompanying him on opening more of his restaurants in Vegas and Mexico.🛫🎰🌴🏩🌴🌊🌊 Again, things get a little crazy and very steamy, bold, and desperate.🔥🔥🔥💋
"Only me, Braelyn. Never him again. No one f*€¥ing else but me."~Roman🫨
The guy has it bad so I didn't understand the back and forth confusion. The wishy-washiness of Braelyn.🤔 Hot then cold. That their *slight spoiler* Vegas wedding shouldn't have taken place.💒 I wish I hadn't married him. Her words. She acts a certain way in her thinking but she says she wants to share his bed and explore all that Roman wants to give to her. And boy, does he give it to her.🌋🌋🌋🤣🤣🤣♨️♨️♨️👅
I wanted more romance. More flirting like the truth or dare game in the pool. Adult conversations instead of guessing. There's no way that Braelyn couldn't figure it out. It got a little frustrating with her character. Roman more than proved himself, he shows his deep dark feelings for her, but for some reason, I didn't feel like Braelyn would go the distance for him. Above and beyond. I don't mean just the physical. Why can't your best friend also be your husband? It's not that far-fetched. I hope that makes sense.
"Braelyn, I'm in love with you. God, baby, the way my heart beats for you. You have to feel that. I know you do."~Roman😻 We all felt it Roman.😂
I won't tell you exactly how it ends. There are 2 epilogues. Different family members pass throughout the story. I'm glad Roman got his overdue HEA. I enjoyed the story. I recommend it. I'm looking forward to reading the next one. I love the book cover.😘😘 Happy reading. *•>§<•*❤️🩹❣️❣️❣️❤️🩹
🚩🚩Read the TWs. 18+ read.🚩🚩
👨🏽🍳🌠👩⚕️Thank you to Ms Saman and Valentine PR for an early book. The opinions shared here are my own.👩⚕️🌠👨🏽🍳
June 2, 2026
After meeting Braelyn and Roman in the first book, I was so excited to finally get their story, and Forever Fighting completely lived up to my expectations.
I'm such a sucker for a best friends-to-lovers romance, and J. Saman absolutely nailed it here. The years of friendship between Braelyn and Roman are felt in every scene. Their banter is effortless, their inside jokes are adorable, and there's such a deep level of trust and understanding between them that made their relationship feel incredibly authentic.
Roman completely stole my heart. This man has been in love with Braelyn for years, and once you see how devoted he is to her, it's impossible not to fall for him. The "there's no one else for me" energy was strong throughout the entire book, and I loved every second of it.
Add in some of my favorite tropes—brother's ex-girlfriend, accidental Vegas marriage, vacation romance, only one bed, and found family—and this book was basically made for me. But beyond the romance tropes, what really stood out was the emotional depth. Braelyn and Roman share a complicated history, and that shared past adds so much weight to their journey. Their intimacy feels earned, emotional, and deeply meaningful because of everything they've already been through together.
The tension, longing, and chemistry between them had me completely invested, but it was their friendship that made this story so special. No matter what life throws at them, these two are each other's safe place, and that made their love story all the more beautiful.
If you love friends-to-lovers romances with years of pining, incredible chemistry, emotional depth, and a hero who is hopelessly gone for his girl, Forever Fighting is definitely one to pick up.
I'm such a sucker for a best friends-to-lovers romance, and J. Saman absolutely nailed it here. The years of friendship between Braelyn and Roman are felt in every scene. Their banter is effortless, their inside jokes are adorable, and there's such a deep level of trust and understanding between them that made their relationship feel incredibly authentic.
Roman completely stole my heart. This man has been in love with Braelyn for years, and once you see how devoted he is to her, it's impossible not to fall for him. The "there's no one else for me" energy was strong throughout the entire book, and I loved every second of it.
Add in some of my favorite tropes—brother's ex-girlfriend, accidental Vegas marriage, vacation romance, only one bed, and found family—and this book was basically made for me. But beyond the romance tropes, what really stood out was the emotional depth. Braelyn and Roman share a complicated history, and that shared past adds so much weight to their journey. Their intimacy feels earned, emotional, and deeply meaningful because of everything they've already been through together.
The tension, longing, and chemistry between them had me completely invested, but it was their friendship that made this story so special. No matter what life throws at them, these two are each other's safe place, and that made their love story all the more beautiful.
If you love friends-to-lovers romances with years of pining, incredible chemistry, emotional depth, and a hero who is hopelessly gone for his girl, Forever Fighting is definitely one to pick up.
June 5, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ loved it! great chemistry and characters, though a few moments didn’t fully hit. still highly recommend.
🌶️🌶️🌶️: moderate heat, 4 to 6 detailed sex scenes that push beyond vanilla, incorporating light kinks but plot focused.
braelyn’s world falls apart when she catches her fiancé cheating, and the last person she expects to lean on is roman fritz, her billionaire celebrity chef best friend who has always been her safe place. a spontaneous trip meant to help her escape turns into a vegas marriage neither of them planned, and what starts as a mistake quickly evolves into something neither can ignore. as friendship gives way to deeper feelings and long buried attraction finally surfaces, braelyn and roman must decide if they are willing to risk everything for a love that could change their lives forever, especially when unexpected threats from the outside world threaten to tear them apart.
best friends to lovers isn't always my fave but with the added forbidden element and accidental marriage it just hit right! the history and tension just kept me coming back for more. roman was perfection protective, patient, and so hopelessly gone for braelyn, watching him finally get the chance with her was just perfection. their banter was effortless, the chemistry was undeniable, and i loved how their relationship developed from a place of genuine friendship and trust. this was fun while being quite emotional while two people navigate grief and love all at the same time.
the audiobook absolutely elevated this story for me! the duet narration was just perfect for the story and i loved the way it all unfolded.
tropes: it's always been you, ex boyfriend's brother, accidental marriage, secret tattoo
triggers: loss of a loved one, physical assault, stalker
🌶️🌶️🌶️: moderate heat, 4 to 6 detailed sex scenes that push beyond vanilla, incorporating light kinks but plot focused.
braelyn’s world falls apart when she catches her fiancé cheating, and the last person she expects to lean on is roman fritz, her billionaire celebrity chef best friend who has always been her safe place. a spontaneous trip meant to help her escape turns into a vegas marriage neither of them planned, and what starts as a mistake quickly evolves into something neither can ignore. as friendship gives way to deeper feelings and long buried attraction finally surfaces, braelyn and roman must decide if they are willing to risk everything for a love that could change their lives forever, especially when unexpected threats from the outside world threaten to tear them apart.
best friends to lovers isn't always my fave but with the added forbidden element and accidental marriage it just hit right! the history and tension just kept me coming back for more. roman was perfection protective, patient, and so hopelessly gone for braelyn, watching him finally get the chance with her was just perfection. their banter was effortless, the chemistry was undeniable, and i loved how their relationship developed from a place of genuine friendship and trust. this was fun while being quite emotional while two people navigate grief and love all at the same time.
the audiobook absolutely elevated this story for me! the duet narration was just perfect for the story and i loved the way it all unfolded.
tropes: it's always been you, ex boyfriend's brother, accidental marriage, secret tattoo
triggers: loss of a loved one, physical assault, stalker
June 2, 2026
A beautiful, emotional friends‑to‑lovers story! Starting this book feels like returning to a beloved neighborhood and catching up with people you’ve missed. I love the Fritz family, and Roman and Braelyn’s story pulled me in right away.
They’ve known each other forever, tied together by family and childhood memories, but life has left them both with heartbreak and guilt. When Braelyn’s world falls apart, she runs straight to Roman, and that moment changes everything. Their connection grows naturally — tender, funny, emotional — especially during their trip to Vegas and Mexico, where their relationship finally shifts into something real. That couples massage scene had me laughing (poor Roman!).
There’s drama waiting for them back home, including a messy ex and a stalker‑level “Corporate Barbie,” but through all the chaos, Roman and Brae choose each other. Their families rally, their friends support them, and Roman finally lets go of the guilt he’s carried for years.
In the end, this story is warm, dramatic, romantic, and full of heart. I loved their banter, loved that feeling of being secure in each other, like they know, in a cellular level, that the other one won’t ever hurt them, and that true confidence that goes deep inside. There’s friendship, family, drama, it was funny and emotional, everything that I loved in a book. I loved every minute of this saga — the family bonds, the loyalty, the heartbreak, the healing, and the love that was always meant to be.
They’ve known each other forever, tied together by family and childhood memories, but life has left them both with heartbreak and guilt. When Braelyn’s world falls apart, she runs straight to Roman, and that moment changes everything. Their connection grows naturally — tender, funny, emotional — especially during their trip to Vegas and Mexico, where their relationship finally shifts into something real. That couples massage scene had me laughing (poor Roman!).
There’s drama waiting for them back home, including a messy ex and a stalker‑level “Corporate Barbie,” but through all the chaos, Roman and Brae choose each other. Their families rally, their friends support them, and Roman finally lets go of the guilt he’s carried for years.
In the end, this story is warm, dramatic, romantic, and full of heart. I loved their banter, loved that feeling of being secure in each other, like they know, in a cellular level, that the other one won’t ever hurt them, and that true confidence that goes deep inside. There’s friendship, family, drama, it was funny and emotional, everything that I loved in a book. I loved every minute of this saga — the family bonds, the loyalty, the heartbreak, the healing, and the love that was always meant to be.
June 3, 2026
I love my men whipped and pining, and Roman Fitz, Michelin star chef and underground boxer is the prime definition of yearning. Now fate is definitely on his side when they get accidentally get married in Vegas and their hotel room only has one bed. Their chemistry was insane, and their history makes everything so forbidden, yet they are so perfect for each other. They’ve both been through trauma, Roman especially since he’s blamed himself for his younger brothers death for years who at the time was Braelyn (the fmc) boyfriend. But he’s been in love and pining for years, and is willing to be man of honor in her wedding even though it hurt his heart, just to make her happy. This plot was diabolical, so much tension as Braelyn starts realising the extent of Romans feelings for her. And so much angst too I teared up multiple times. Those plot twists were also amazing, and had me gripping on edge. Though fighter plot does not come in until much later in the book, it hits damn hard (like literally, yes pun intended). They healed each other in many ways and I also loved how open communicators both Braelyn and Roman are. This book is pure green flag material, such amazing character development, no third act breakup, just pure longing, angst and friends to lovers. I also loved the vegas wedding trope so much and you have to try it! I give this a 4.5/5
May 20, 2026
Best friends to lovers
Accidentally Married
Grumpy x Sunshine
Dual POV - 1st person
Duet narration - Erin Mallon & Austin Stone
Great performance by these two talented narrators.
Book #2 Forever Boston series
Coming home early to find your fiance' messing around with corporate barbie would send anyone running the opposite direction. The plot is somewhat predictable yet still so enjoyable.
Roman our MMC is a rich chef and underground fighter that donates all his winnings to charity. He is grumpy & broody on the outside but there lives a soft and sweet man on the inside. Braelyn is the girl he could never have, he blew his one chance with her years ago. These two are best friends and oh so dang cute together.
I really enjoyed listening to this book. I liked the main characters. Braelyn's ex was a PIECE of work for sure. I am glad they both finally saw his true colors. I love found family and the HEA.
Accidentally Married
Grumpy x Sunshine
Dual POV - 1st person
Duet narration - Erin Mallon & Austin Stone
Great performance by these two talented narrators.
Book #2 Forever Boston series
Coming home early to find your fiance' messing around with corporate barbie would send anyone running the opposite direction. The plot is somewhat predictable yet still so enjoyable.
Roman our MMC is a rich chef and underground fighter that donates all his winnings to charity. He is grumpy & broody on the outside but there lives a soft and sweet man on the inside. Braelyn is the girl he could never have, he blew his one chance with her years ago. These two are best friends and oh so dang cute together.
I really enjoyed listening to this book. I liked the main characters. Braelyn's ex was a PIECE of work for sure. I am glad they both finally saw his true colors. I love found family and the HEA.
June 22, 2026
This was a random palette cleanser read for me and there was a lot I liked about it and some things I didn’t. I love Roman as a character, he’s exactly the right amount of protective without going insanely overboard, and he is genuinely a decent person throughout.
I love the foundation friendship between Roman and Braelyn too, that was super strong and it made the plausibility of the story work well.
I was so distracted by how often the word “trickle” is used. It was to the point where I was counting in my head and it pulled me out of it. I feel like there could have been a number of other words used to get the same point across.
The spice felt a little out of left field but that was neither here nor there for me as a whole, the bigger thing that threw me off was Adam- all of Adam from start to finish. I won’t elaborate for the sake of avoiding spoilers.
Ultimately, this was a quick read that I was invested enough to see through to the end and I enjoyed it.
I love the foundation friendship between Roman and Braelyn too, that was super strong and it made the plausibility of the story work well.
I was so distracted by how often the word “trickle” is used. It was to the point where I was counting in my head and it pulled me out of it. I feel like there could have been a number of other words used to get the same point across.
The spice felt a little out of left field but that was neither here nor there for me as a whole, the bigger thing that threw me off was Adam- all of Adam from start to finish. I won’t elaborate for the sake of avoiding spoilers.
Ultimately, this was a quick read that I was invested enough to see through to the end and I enjoyed it.
June 1, 2026
This is the second book in this impressive series, and this Roman and Braelyn’s story.
Braelyn is a sassy ER nurse, and when she finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her, Roman, who is a celebrity chef, underground boxer, and her ex-boyfriend’s brother, suggests she comes to Vegas for the opening of his new restaurant. Roman and Braelyn wake up married, and their friendship turns into so much more.
This is a well written easy to read, emotion roller coaster, with family, friendships, angst, drama, tension, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, friends / lovers, forced proximity, obsession, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, and heartfelt, vacation romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Braelyn is a sassy ER nurse, and when she finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her, Roman, who is a celebrity chef, underground boxer, and her ex-boyfriend’s brother, suggests she comes to Vegas for the opening of his new restaurant. Roman and Braelyn wake up married, and their friendship turns into so much more.
This is a well written easy to read, emotion roller coaster, with family, friendships, angst, drama, tension, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, friends / lovers, forced proximity, obsession, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, and heartfelt, vacation romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
June 9, 2026
Thank you to Valentine PR and J. Saman for sending me the ALC of Forever Fighting! I was very excited to read the second book in the Forever Boston series.
Braelyn was only seven weeks away from getting married to the love of her life... that is, until she caught him sleeping with his coworker... in her bed! Heartbroken, she turns to the one man she can trust, her best friend and the amazing Chef Roman. He has been in love with Braelyn for over six years, so when she comes to him after her second major heartbreak, he is willing to do anything to win her love.
I was obsessed with both Roman and Braelyn’s friends-to-lovers/forced proximity trope throughout the book. The ending was left on an interesting note, but the epilogue rounded out the story. I’m ready to continue this series and cannot wait to see what happens in book three!
Braelyn was only seven weeks away from getting married to the love of her life... that is, until she caught him sleeping with his coworker... in her bed! Heartbroken, she turns to the one man she can trust, her best friend and the amazing Chef Roman. He has been in love with Braelyn for over six years, so when she comes to him after her second major heartbreak, he is willing to do anything to win her love.
I was obsessed with both Roman and Braelyn’s friends-to-lovers/forced proximity trope throughout the book. The ending was left on an interesting note, but the epilogue rounded out the story. I’m ready to continue this series and cannot wait to see what happens in book three!
June 11, 2026
there is something so special about a best friends to lovers story and Roman and Braelyn's was so so good. I could not get enough of this audio and I just really was hooked on this story. I am loving a drunken wedding! haha what could possibly go wrong?! and all because Braelyn found her ex cheating on her. this story and journey was so so beautiful. I truly loved being able to laugh, cry a little (I am emo all the time in this world) and see them really fall for each other more than friends. we love a man who is down so bad for his girl. I think going in blind is the way to go for this one. I truly cannot wait to see what else happens in this series.
read if you like:
- friends to lovers
- billionaire
- private chef & boxer x nurse
- grumpy x sunshine
- brother's ex girlfriend
- vacation romance
read if you like:
- friends to lovers
- billionaire
- private chef & boxer x nurse
- grumpy x sunshine
- brother's ex girlfriend
- vacation romance
June 14, 2026
4.5 stars
I am loving this series by J Saman. The friend group is fantastic. Braelyn and Roman are both part of the group but they’re also a cosy unit of their own as best friends. But of course one of them feels more, in this case Roman.
Roman is the definition of what a book boyfriend should be. He’s desperately in love with Brae but has hidden it for years. He would move mountains for her. It’s the sweetest kind of love but when things turn spicy this man is anything but sweet. A little demanding and a whole lot of rough and hard. Just the way we like it.
This was entertaining and I enjoyed every second of it. There’s a comeuppance that was greatly needed, there’s secret boxing matches, and there’s a relationship where the two characters felt like soulmates. A great way to finish my weekend.
Thank you to VPR for the arc and this is my honest review.
I am loving this series by J Saman. The friend group is fantastic. Braelyn and Roman are both part of the group but they’re also a cosy unit of their own as best friends. But of course one of them feels more, in this case Roman.
Roman is the definition of what a book boyfriend should be. He’s desperately in love with Brae but has hidden it for years. He would move mountains for her. It’s the sweetest kind of love but when things turn spicy this man is anything but sweet. A little demanding and a whole lot of rough and hard. Just the way we like it.
This was entertaining and I enjoyed every second of it. There’s a comeuppance that was greatly needed, there’s secret boxing matches, and there’s a relationship where the two characters felt like soulmates. A great way to finish my weekend.
Thank you to VPR for the arc and this is my honest review.
June 1, 2026
“Her presence has always been a balm to my unsettled, ravaged heart.”
Thanks to the author and Valentine PR for the gifted e-copy.
This has one of my favorite microtropes, Married in Vegas! In this case it is two besties and I love the dynamic that created. The MMC of course uses it to his advantage to keep his girl and there is a bunch of “my husband,” “my wife,” and “I’m married” flirting.
Vibes: travel, friendship, and yearning
Tropes:
Brother’s Ex
Family/Found Family
It’s Always Been You
Secret Tattoo
Tattooed Chef/Nurse
Vegas Wedding
If you have read any of the Boston series, you will see repeat characters (hello, the Fritz family). It can be read as a standalone.
Thanks to the author and Valentine PR for the gifted e-copy.
This has one of my favorite microtropes, Married in Vegas! In this case it is two besties and I love the dynamic that created. The MMC of course uses it to his advantage to keep his girl and there is a bunch of “my husband,” “my wife,” and “I’m married” flirting.
Vibes: travel, friendship, and yearning
Tropes:
Brother’s Ex
Family/Found Family
It’s Always Been You
Secret Tattoo
Tattooed Chef/Nurse
Vegas Wedding
If you have read any of the Boston series, you will see repeat characters (hello, the Fritz family). It can be read as a standalone.
June 9, 2026
I loved this book, so much. Immediately from the beginning I was hooked. I am a sucker for friends to lovers and this had so many other great tropes and micro-tropes with it! Accidental marriage, grumpy x sunshine, boy obsessed, vacation romance, forced proximity, he falls first, ex boyfriend’s brother, billionaire… I mean, what a great mix! It was spicy, swoony, s€xy, sweet, emotional. Our mmc is a billionaire chef who does a bit of underground boxing(🥵🔥👏🏼)! Our fmc is a bubbly nurse who he has secretly pined over for years and is his best friend.
This was my first J. Saman book and it will not be my last.
This was my first J. Saman book and it will not be my last.
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