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Seascape #3
Here Forever
She still thinks about him. He regrets leaving her behind.
Andi Mancini longs to put down roots in the seaside town she fell in love with as child. Staying with her grandparents every summer in Seascape, RI was her safe haven as a teen when things weren’t great at home. After getting burned by young love she has sworn off dating, opting for friends with benefits situations because risking her heart again isn’t an option.
Nico Serra is a Military vet who’s a computer whiz working in cybersecurity, while still dealing with wartime traumas, namely losing his K9 partner in action. Living back in his picturesque seaside hometown is what he always wanted. He’s also trying to protect the charming nature of the town from a real estate developer with ties to the past who keeps buying up properties
A chance run in one weekend sparks the connection Andi and Nico once shared as college students and the one night that changed things for both of them.
When a cottage by the beach goes up for rent and the job of her dreams becomes a reality, Andi takes the leap and moves back to the coast, only to realize she’s going to be neighbors with Nico. Just as they are growing close again she adopts a feisty rescue dog who reminds him of his painful past.
While Nico and Andi try to stop the real estate development in their small town they may find a way back to each other. Here Forever is an emotional romance about facing your truth and stepping into the unknown. It’s a story about letting go of your fears and choosing the life you were meant to have.
Andi Mancini longs to put down roots in the seaside town she fell in love with as child. Staying with her grandparents every summer in Seascape, RI was her safe haven as a teen when things weren’t great at home. After getting burned by young love she has sworn off dating, opting for friends with benefits situations because risking her heart again isn’t an option.
Nico Serra is a Military vet who’s a computer whiz working in cybersecurity, while still dealing with wartime traumas, namely losing his K9 partner in action. Living back in his picturesque seaside hometown is what he always wanted. He’s also trying to protect the charming nature of the town from a real estate developer with ties to the past who keeps buying up properties
A chance run in one weekend sparks the connection Andi and Nico once shared as college students and the one night that changed things for both of them.
When a cottage by the beach goes up for rent and the job of her dreams becomes a reality, Andi takes the leap and moves back to the coast, only to realize she’s going to be neighbors with Nico. Just as they are growing close again she adopts a feisty rescue dog who reminds him of his painful past.
While Nico and Andi try to stop the real estate development in their small town they may find a way back to each other. Here Forever is an emotional romance about facing your truth and stepping into the unknown. It’s a story about letting go of your fears and choosing the life you were meant to have.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 26, 2026
3.25🌟, 3🌶️
This was a beautifully gentle story that balanced heartbreak, hope, and healing in a meaningful way.
Nico’s journey with PTSD felt so genuine and raw, and seeing him gradually find his way back to himself through his sweet bond with JoJo the rescue dog was easily my favorite part. The seaside atmosphere was a cozy, comforting backdrop for Nico and Andi’s rekindled romance, and I really enjoyed watching them try to heal from their pasts and lean on each other after all those years of distance.
However, the pacing was a little tough to get through at times. The middle section dragged quite a bit, and I found myself wishing we spent less time with the supporting cast and more time on deep, meaningful conversations between Nico and Andi. The romance felt a little surface-level despite all their history, and I would have loved for them to push past their barriers and have some real, honest growth together instead of just keeping things comfortable.
Ultimately, it is a really tender read that hits some beautiful, heartfelt notes about moving forward and finding your people again. It definitely has a few flaws in the execution, but the charm of the setting and the lovely dog-centric moments kept me invested until the very end.
This is a comforting, heartfelt romance that reminds you healing is rarely a straight path.
~~~~
Special thanks to Amy Mara and Luna Literary for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
This was a beautifully gentle story that balanced heartbreak, hope, and healing in a meaningful way.
Nico’s journey with PTSD felt so genuine and raw, and seeing him gradually find his way back to himself through his sweet bond with JoJo the rescue dog was easily my favorite part. The seaside atmosphere was a cozy, comforting backdrop for Nico and Andi’s rekindled romance, and I really enjoyed watching them try to heal from their pasts and lean on each other after all those years of distance.
However, the pacing was a little tough to get through at times. The middle section dragged quite a bit, and I found myself wishing we spent less time with the supporting cast and more time on deep, meaningful conversations between Nico and Andi. The romance felt a little surface-level despite all their history, and I would have loved for them to push past their barriers and have some real, honest growth together instead of just keeping things comfortable.
Ultimately, it is a really tender read that hits some beautiful, heartfelt notes about moving forward and finding your people again. It definitely has a few flaws in the execution, but the charm of the setting and the lovely dog-centric moments kept me invested until the very end.
This is a comforting, heartfelt romance that reminds you healing is rarely a straight path.
~~~~
Special thanks to Amy Mara and Luna Literary for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
Did Not Finish
June 24, 2026 This ARC was given to me by Luna literary: all opinions are my own
⛴️ Coastal Small Town
💕 Second Chance
😵💫 PTSD
🐕 Doggies
I DNF'ed this book at 48% and here's why :
This is not a "bad book". The worldbuilding is really good and the small town scenary was really calming. The vibes were felt ⛴️ I really liked how the MCs were presented: they were complex characters with emotional bagages. I was excited to see their growth and how they will face this "second chance".
I felt like their closeness came to easily and didn't like how the chemistry was portrayed. I felt like the growth and depth weren't there anymore and I lost interest in the story. The book is (too) long and I couldn't bring myself to read the other while hating it.
In conclusion: the story is cute with interesting characters but is probably too long.
⛴️ Coastal Small Town
💕 Second Chance
😵💫 PTSD
🐕 Doggies
I DNF'ed this book at 48% and here's why :
This is not a "bad book". The worldbuilding is really good and the small town scenary was really calming. The vibes were felt ⛴️ I really liked how the MCs were presented: they were complex characters with emotional bagages. I was excited to see their growth and how they will face this "second chance".
I felt like their closeness came to easily and didn't like how the chemistry was portrayed. I felt like the growth and depth weren't there anymore and I lost interest in the story. The book is (too) long and I couldn't bring myself to read the other while hating it.
In conclusion: the story is cute with interesting characters but is probably too long.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where Healing Meets Home
Here Forever is an emotional second-chance romance set in a charming seaside town filled with community, healing, and plenty of adorable dogs. Amy Mara creates a beautiful coastal setting that feels warm and welcoming from the very beginning, making Seascape feel like a character all its own. Between the small-town atmosphere, animal rescue elements, and the theme of finding your way back to both a place and a person you once loved, there was a lot to enjoy.
One of the strongest aspects of the story was Nico's journey. As a military veteran struggling with PTSD after a devastating mission that resulted in the loss of his K9 partner, his experiences felt thoughtful, authentic, and emotionally impactful. I appreciated how the story explored the realities of anxiety, trauma, and survivor's guilt, showing how those struggles can affect everyday life. Amy Mara handled these themes with care and sensitivity, and Nico's healing journey became one of the most compelling parts of the book. I especially loved watching his relationship with JoJo develop. Seeing him slowly open his heart to a rescue dog again was genuinely touching and ended up being one of my favorite parts of the story.
Andi was a strong, independent heroine who was still carrying the scars of a painful relationship from her past. After losing not only her first love but also the sense of belonging she once found in Seascape, she has spent years protecting her heart from being hurt again. I enjoyed watching her return to the town she loved and begin building the life she had always wanted. Her shared history with Nico gave their relationship an emotional foundation, and I found myself rooting for them to find their way back to each other.
The seaside setting was another standout. Seascape was full of warmth, community, and people who genuinely cared about one another. The story also does a wonderful job highlighting animal rescue and the bond between people and their dogs, which added even more heart to the overall reading experience.
While I appreciated the emotional themes and the overall message of the story, there were times when the pacing felt slower than I would have liked. The story occasionally lingered on day-to-day moments and supporting characters when I found myself wanting more focus on Nico and Andi's relationship and some of the deeper conversations surrounding the challenges they were facing. Because of that, their romance didn't always have the emotional depth or chemistry I was hoping for, despite the strong foundation the story established.
Overall, Here Forever is a heartfelt story about healing, second chances, community, and learning to move forward while honoring the past. Readers who enjoy small-town romances, military veteran representation, rescue dogs, and emotional journeys centered around hope and healing will find plenty to love in this story.
Thank you, to Amy Mara and Luna Literary for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Here Forever is an emotional second-chance romance set in a charming seaside town filled with community, healing, and plenty of adorable dogs. Amy Mara creates a beautiful coastal setting that feels warm and welcoming from the very beginning, making Seascape feel like a character all its own. Between the small-town atmosphere, animal rescue elements, and the theme of finding your way back to both a place and a person you once loved, there was a lot to enjoy.
One of the strongest aspects of the story was Nico's journey. As a military veteran struggling with PTSD after a devastating mission that resulted in the loss of his K9 partner, his experiences felt thoughtful, authentic, and emotionally impactful. I appreciated how the story explored the realities of anxiety, trauma, and survivor's guilt, showing how those struggles can affect everyday life. Amy Mara handled these themes with care and sensitivity, and Nico's healing journey became one of the most compelling parts of the book. I especially loved watching his relationship with JoJo develop. Seeing him slowly open his heart to a rescue dog again was genuinely touching and ended up being one of my favorite parts of the story.
Andi was a strong, independent heroine who was still carrying the scars of a painful relationship from her past. After losing not only her first love but also the sense of belonging she once found in Seascape, she has spent years protecting her heart from being hurt again. I enjoyed watching her return to the town she loved and begin building the life she had always wanted. Her shared history with Nico gave their relationship an emotional foundation, and I found myself rooting for them to find their way back to each other.
The seaside setting was another standout. Seascape was full of warmth, community, and people who genuinely cared about one another. The story also does a wonderful job highlighting animal rescue and the bond between people and their dogs, which added even more heart to the overall reading experience.
While I appreciated the emotional themes and the overall message of the story, there were times when the pacing felt slower than I would have liked. The story occasionally lingered on day-to-day moments and supporting characters when I found myself wanting more focus on Nico and Andi's relationship and some of the deeper conversations surrounding the challenges they were facing. Because of that, their romance didn't always have the emotional depth or chemistry I was hoping for, despite the strong foundation the story established.
Overall, Here Forever is a heartfelt story about healing, second chances, community, and learning to move forward while honoring the past. Readers who enjoy small-town romances, military veteran representation, rescue dogs, and emotional journeys centered around hope and healing will find plenty to love in this story.
Thank you, to Amy Mara and Luna Literary for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an arc and am leaving a review at my own discretion
The good: Cute dogs, beautiful imagery of the town, cute ideas of reunited love and second chances, animal work and connection, sassy FMC, sensitive MMC, and overall, a great outcome to a long journey.
Overall, the book itself covers PTSD themes quite well and there were moments with Nico that really expressed the significance of post-military PTSD and how controlling it can be over your life. Nico's anxiety and how this bled into his every day life was done quite well and you could see how a simple night out can become tantalising in the worst of ways due to PTSD. This was great and I really enjoyed the comparison between Nico's struggled and Andi's, but also how each of them managed them together and independently. It brought a beautiful awareness to a very umder-educated issue that occurs in society, but is often under wraps and not really explored. I really, really appreciate the insight that Amy had into this issue and how deeply she wrote about it.
However, I have to agree with other reviews about the book losing luster and being too long. After the first intimate experience, it lagged in plot and became predominately about food and intimacy. While I really wanted Nico and Andi to grow, the character developments were fairly superficial and didn't create any grand growth despite navigating complex issues such as PTSD and exploitation. I really wanted this to move past the superficialities and it never really did, Andi and Nico's fight was so subtle that I didn't actually realise it occurred. The chemistry between the two also remained surface level and didn't really create those fireworks and sparks that you would want in a romance book. It felt like single night hook ups despite repeated intimate scenes and eventual declarations of love. It felt like there was never really any deep conversation and while Andi tries to address this with Nico, particularly how he shuts her down in hard conversations, this never really changes. Any time they showed an attempt at a deeper level, the scene would quickly change and there wouldn't be any exploration further. I also found the massive amount of supportive characters to be confusing and troubling to navigate. I think this took away from the primary story as there were so many very brief dinners or conversations that really impeded time where Andi and Nico could attempt more depth.
I loved watching Nico eventually fall in love with JoJo, granting him a second chance at being a dog owner and utilise his therapy experiences in real time. The connection between him and Jojo was genuine and quite wholesome, which was a big redeeming quality for me in the book. It was great seeing how Andi's work experience granted him this opportunity and it was nice seeing some shelter awareness in the story.
The good: Cute dogs, beautiful imagery of the town, cute ideas of reunited love and second chances, animal work and connection, sassy FMC, sensitive MMC, and overall, a great outcome to a long journey.
Overall, the book itself covers PTSD themes quite well and there were moments with Nico that really expressed the significance of post-military PTSD and how controlling it can be over your life. Nico's anxiety and how this bled into his every day life was done quite well and you could see how a simple night out can become tantalising in the worst of ways due to PTSD. This was great and I really enjoyed the comparison between Nico's struggled and Andi's, but also how each of them managed them together and independently. It brought a beautiful awareness to a very umder-educated issue that occurs in society, but is often under wraps and not really explored. I really, really appreciate the insight that Amy had into this issue and how deeply she wrote about it.
However, I have to agree with other reviews about the book losing luster and being too long. After the first intimate experience, it lagged in plot and became predominately about food and intimacy. While I really wanted Nico and Andi to grow, the character developments were fairly superficial and didn't create any grand growth despite navigating complex issues such as PTSD and exploitation. I really wanted this to move past the superficialities and it never really did, Andi and Nico's fight was so subtle that I didn't actually realise it occurred. The chemistry between the two also remained surface level and didn't really create those fireworks and sparks that you would want in a romance book. It felt like single night hook ups despite repeated intimate scenes and eventual declarations of love. It felt like there was never really any deep conversation and while Andi tries to address this with Nico, particularly how he shuts her down in hard conversations, this never really changes. Any time they showed an attempt at a deeper level, the scene would quickly change and there wouldn't be any exploration further. I also found the massive amount of supportive characters to be confusing and troubling to navigate. I think this took away from the primary story as there were so many very brief dinners or conversations that really impeded time where Andi and Nico could attempt more depth.
I loved watching Nico eventually fall in love with JoJo, granting him a second chance at being a dog owner and utilise his therapy experiences in real time. The connection between him and Jojo was genuine and quite wholesome, which was a big redeeming quality for me in the book. It was great seeing how Andi's work experience granted him this opportunity and it was nice seeing some shelter awareness in the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 Stars
Are hope and happiness possible after major traumatic events? That’s the main question posed by Amy Mara’s novel, Here Forever.
Set in coastal Rhode Island, the story follows two childhood friends who are forced apart by a family with too much power and influence. Nico, the main male character, joins the military, but experiences severe PTSD after a traumatic event. Andi, the female protagonist, suffers her own rather public humiliation that alters the trajectory of her life. After years apart, they wind up neighbors and realize that the spark between them was never fully extinguished.
Mara does a nice job of exposing the difficulties of living with (and treating) PTSD. She emphasizes the necessity of patient, supportive companions, be they people or animals. She also explores the reality of living with lost dreams and perceived failure. She highlights the importance of open communication and, again, a solid support system so that new dreams can be achieved.
In addition to dealing with difficult topics, there were both emotional and hilarious scenes. There were moments of raw honesty that twisted the heart as well as scenes that literally made me laugh out loud.
Unfortunately, the book has some drawbacks. First, Here Forever felt too long. The narrative pace slowed down in the middle, and although I wanted to know what would happen with Nico and Andi, I really had to push myself through parts that felt drawn out and somewhat repetitive. There were also plot lines that seemed important initially, but ultimately felt rather underdeveloped and even anticlimactic in nature. Finally, there were definitely some major editing issues that impacted the clarity of the story, but hopefully these will be addressed before the book’s official publication.
Ultimately, Here Forever is a decent book. I appreciate Mara’s choice to draw attention to important social and societal issues while emphasizing the necessity of compassion over judgement.
Thank you, Amy Mara, for providing an advanced copy for review. All opinions are my own.
Are hope and happiness possible after major traumatic events? That’s the main question posed by Amy Mara’s novel, Here Forever.
Set in coastal Rhode Island, the story follows two childhood friends who are forced apart by a family with too much power and influence. Nico, the main male character, joins the military, but experiences severe PTSD after a traumatic event. Andi, the female protagonist, suffers her own rather public humiliation that alters the trajectory of her life. After years apart, they wind up neighbors and realize that the spark between them was never fully extinguished.
Mara does a nice job of exposing the difficulties of living with (and treating) PTSD. She emphasizes the necessity of patient, supportive companions, be they people or animals. She also explores the reality of living with lost dreams and perceived failure. She highlights the importance of open communication and, again, a solid support system so that new dreams can be achieved.
In addition to dealing with difficult topics, there were both emotional and hilarious scenes. There were moments of raw honesty that twisted the heart as well as scenes that literally made me laugh out loud.
Unfortunately, the book has some drawbacks. First, Here Forever felt too long. The narrative pace slowed down in the middle, and although I wanted to know what would happen with Nico and Andi, I really had to push myself through parts that felt drawn out and somewhat repetitive. There were also plot lines that seemed important initially, but ultimately felt rather underdeveloped and even anticlimactic in nature. Finally, there were definitely some major editing issues that impacted the clarity of the story, but hopefully these will be addressed before the book’s official publication.
Ultimately, Here Forever is a decent book. I appreciate Mara’s choice to draw attention to important social and societal issues while emphasizing the necessity of compassion over judgement.
Thank you, Amy Mara, for providing an advanced copy for review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
HERE FOREVER by AMY MARA ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5)
Here Forever is the third (#3) book in the SEASCAPE series.
After a disastrous relationship in her youth that cost her her best friend, her safe place and her belief in love, Andi Mancini has sworn off risking her heart again.
Nico Serra, Military vet, computer whizz and Andi’s former childhood best friend, suffers from PTSD after a disastrous mission where he lost his K9 partner. Nico lives a quiet life alone, working in cybersecurity whilst he deals with his anxiety, and trying to protect his small town from a ruthless real estate developer.
When Andi not only unexpectedly moves back to the seaside town of her childhood but also next door to Nico, the connection they once shared is reignited and they slowly start to reconnect. However, when Andi fosters a dog it brings up painful memories for Nico. Can the pair find a way towards a future together?…..
——————————
This was a very interesting book covering some quite heavy topics. I thought the author related Nico’s PTSD very sympathetically and believably. His understandable nightmares, and guilt over losing his K9 partner were heartbreaking.
Andi’s reluctance to enter into a ‘real’ relationship after a bad experience was also described well. I liked that they were able to rekindle their friendship and eventually move into more.
I did think it was dragged out a bit with some bits being a bit repetitive, and found myself a bit bored in the middle. I have to say I think the cover is too fluffy, and doesn’t fit with the heavy themes in the story.
There are some very detailed, openly door spicy scenes in the second half of the book.. extremely spicy.
I read an ebook copy of this book, with around 460 pages, an illustrated couples cover and reasonable editing.
With thanks to Amy Mara and Luna Literary for an early copy of this book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.
🐕 Second Chance Romance
🐕 Spicy 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🐕 PTSD
🐕 K9
🐕 Small Town Romance
Here Forever is the third (#3) book in the SEASCAPE series.
After a disastrous relationship in her youth that cost her her best friend, her safe place and her belief in love, Andi Mancini has sworn off risking her heart again.
Nico Serra, Military vet, computer whizz and Andi’s former childhood best friend, suffers from PTSD after a disastrous mission where he lost his K9 partner. Nico lives a quiet life alone, working in cybersecurity whilst he deals with his anxiety, and trying to protect his small town from a ruthless real estate developer.
When Andi not only unexpectedly moves back to the seaside town of her childhood but also next door to Nico, the connection they once shared is reignited and they slowly start to reconnect. However, when Andi fosters a dog it brings up painful memories for Nico. Can the pair find a way towards a future together?…..
——————————
This was a very interesting book covering some quite heavy topics. I thought the author related Nico’s PTSD very sympathetically and believably. His understandable nightmares, and guilt over losing his K9 partner were heartbreaking.
Andi’s reluctance to enter into a ‘real’ relationship after a bad experience was also described well. I liked that they were able to rekindle their friendship and eventually move into more.
I did think it was dragged out a bit with some bits being a bit repetitive, and found myself a bit bored in the middle. I have to say I think the cover is too fluffy, and doesn’t fit with the heavy themes in the story.
There are some very detailed, openly door spicy scenes in the second half of the book.. extremely spicy.
I read an ebook copy of this book, with around 460 pages, an illustrated couples cover and reasonable editing.
With thanks to Amy Mara and Luna Literary for an early copy of this book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.
🐕 Second Chance Romance
🐕 Spicy 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🐕 PTSD
🐕 K9
🐕 Small Town Romance
June 11, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Here Forever was a sweet and emotional second-chance romance that definitely had its moments 🥹💛
Nico and Andi’s story is filled with years of history, missed opportunities, and so much unresolved feelings. I always love a childhood friends-to-lovers storyline, especially when there’s that lingering “what if?” hanging over every interaction. You could really feel how much these two meant to each other, even after all the years apart.
Nico was easily my favorite part of the book. My heart broke for him so many times. He’s carrying so much on his shoulders, and while there were definitely moments where I wanted to shake some sense into him, I couldn’t help rooting for him. Watching him slowly work toward building a future and opening himself up again was really rewarding.
And then there’s Jojo 🥹 honestly one of the highlights of the entire book. Every scene with her put a smile on my face, and the dogs were an added bonus because I am always here for cute animal moments.
The romance itself was sweet and full of pining, which is one of my favorite things to read. You could feel the history between Nico and Andi, and I liked seeing them find their way back to each other after everything they’d been through.
That being said, I did struggle a little with the pacing. The middle portion felt longer than it needed to be, and there were a few storylines that seemed to drag on more than necessary. At times I found myself wanting the plot to move forward a bit faster. Then after spending so much time building everything up, the ending felt a little rushed in comparison.
Overall, I enjoyed this one and was invested in seeing how everything worked out. It gave me the emotional moments I was looking for, but I do think the pacing kept me from loving it quite as much as I wanted to.
💛 Childhood Friends to Lovers
✨ Second Chance Romance
🐾 Dogs
💛 Lots of Pining
✨ Small Town Vibes
🐾 Emotional Healing
💛 Found Family Feelings
Here Forever was a sweet and emotional second-chance romance that definitely had its moments 🥹💛
Nico and Andi’s story is filled with years of history, missed opportunities, and so much unresolved feelings. I always love a childhood friends-to-lovers storyline, especially when there’s that lingering “what if?” hanging over every interaction. You could really feel how much these two meant to each other, even after all the years apart.
Nico was easily my favorite part of the book. My heart broke for him so many times. He’s carrying so much on his shoulders, and while there were definitely moments where I wanted to shake some sense into him, I couldn’t help rooting for him. Watching him slowly work toward building a future and opening himself up again was really rewarding.
And then there’s Jojo 🥹 honestly one of the highlights of the entire book. Every scene with her put a smile on my face, and the dogs were an added bonus because I am always here for cute animal moments.
The romance itself was sweet and full of pining, which is one of my favorite things to read. You could feel the history between Nico and Andi, and I liked seeing them find their way back to each other after everything they’d been through.
That being said, I did struggle a little with the pacing. The middle portion felt longer than it needed to be, and there were a few storylines that seemed to drag on more than necessary. At times I found myself wanting the plot to move forward a bit faster. Then after spending so much time building everything up, the ending felt a little rushed in comparison.
Overall, I enjoyed this one and was invested in seeing how everything worked out. It gave me the emotional moments I was looking for, but I do think the pacing kept me from loving it quite as much as I wanted to.
💛 Childhood Friends to Lovers
✨ Second Chance Romance
🐾 Dogs
💛 Lots of Pining
✨ Small Town Vibes
🐾 Emotional Healing
💛 Found Family Feelings
June 15, 2026
Review copy from author for honest review
4.5 Stars
3 Spice
I enjoyed this book, I was not expecting the gut punch in the middle that tore me apart (HAVE TISSUES READY AND HOLD YOUR FURBABIES CLOSE).
We meet Andi and Fritz (her beloved GSD) when she comes back to Seascape to live her dream of helping animals. Little does she know, her next door neighbor is from her past. Then comes Nico, her long-lost love, who suffers from PTSD when he was in the military and his inner turmoil from loving another animal. Nico feels like no one can love him because he is "damaged goods". Andi feels like she cannot trust anyone because she let someone in and she got hurt. She lost who she was and her purpose.
Reading Nico's trauma and living through it with him on those pages, was a hard one to get through.
Through Andi and Nico's relationship I loved the push and pull and the "F it" m0ment with that kiss. . . very hot.
Going back through my notes, I just got to Fritz again, and of course I am tearing up. Never have I had a chapter GUT me as much as that one did. I don't care if it's an imaginary animal (have you seen a Dog's Purpose? I digress). He held on until Nico came back in her life.
One huge positive I loved in this book was that Nico sought out therapy to help with his PTSD and mental health. Not enough men go to therapy or are afraid to. I was so proud that Nico took that step.
Andi and Nico were able to help each other heal from their traumas and learn to love each other. Andi helped Nico open his heart to another animal. Took them 8 years, but I was so happy to be refreshed with honest communication. (coming from a dark romance girlie).
Regardless of typos and some incorrect names, this book deserves the stars. The author stated that everything would be fixed come publishing. I was done reading this on publish day, but I had not been able to post my review because this book hit HARD.
4.5 Stars
3 Spice
I enjoyed this book, I was not expecting the gut punch in the middle that tore me apart (HAVE TISSUES READY AND HOLD YOUR FURBABIES CLOSE).
We meet Andi and Fritz (her beloved GSD) when she comes back to Seascape to live her dream of helping animals. Little does she know, her next door neighbor is from her past. Then comes Nico, her long-lost love, who suffers from PTSD when he was in the military and his inner turmoil from loving another animal. Nico feels like no one can love him because he is "damaged goods". Andi feels like she cannot trust anyone because she let someone in and she got hurt. She lost who she was and her purpose.
Reading Nico's trauma and living through it with him on those pages, was a hard one to get through.
Through Andi and Nico's relationship I loved the push and pull and the "F it" m0ment with that kiss. . . very hot.
Going back through my notes, I just got to Fritz again, and of course I am tearing up. Never have I had a chapter GUT me as much as that one did. I don't care if it's an imaginary animal (have you seen a Dog's Purpose? I digress). He held on until Nico came back in her life.
One huge positive I loved in this book was that Nico sought out therapy to help with his PTSD and mental health. Not enough men go to therapy or are afraid to. I was so proud that Nico took that step.
Andi and Nico were able to help each other heal from their traumas and learn to love each other. Andi helped Nico open his heart to another animal. Took them 8 years, but I was so happy to be refreshed with honest communication. (coming from a dark romance girlie).
Regardless of typos and some incorrect names, this book deserves the stars. The author stated that everything would be fixed come publishing. I was done reading this on publish day, but I had not been able to post my review because this book hit HARD.
June 27, 2026
I am completely blown away by *Here Forever* by Amy Mara. This book is an absolute gem of a second-chance romance, and the journey between Nico and Andi completely stole my heart.
From the very first page, it is blindingly obvious that their chemistry never truly went away—it was always right there, simmering beneath the surface, just waiting for them. They didn’t need to fall in love all over again; they just needed the time, space, and grace to heal. Amy Mara handles their emotional growth so beautifully, giving us two incredibly complex, beautifully flawed protagonists.
On one side is Nico, a military veteran dealing with intense PTSD. When the book begins, he is profoundly broken and feels like he is drowning under the weight of his past wounds. His instinct is to cope through isolation, but despite his deeply guarded nature, Nico is a man who loves *so* hard. He has a fiercely affectionate side that completely melted me, especially through his terms of endearment for Andi like *Cuore mio* and *My Rossiccia*. For Nico, it has always been Andi.
On the other side is Andi, whose vibrant, magnetic personality effortlessly lights up a room. But while she appears lively on the outside, she is just as emotionally damaged by the past as Nico is. Watching their contrasting coping mechanisms was fascinating—where Nico isolates himself, Andi seeks temporary connections, masking a deep, gnawing sense of loneliness.
Watching these two navigate their past hurts, dismantle their guards, and find their way back to each other was both heartbreaking and incredibly healing to read. If you love deeply emotional, high-chemistry second-chance romances that give you all the feels, you need to pick this up immediately!
From the very first page, it is blindingly obvious that their chemistry never truly went away—it was always right there, simmering beneath the surface, just waiting for them. They didn’t need to fall in love all over again; they just needed the time, space, and grace to heal. Amy Mara handles their emotional growth so beautifully, giving us two incredibly complex, beautifully flawed protagonists.
On one side is Nico, a military veteran dealing with intense PTSD. When the book begins, he is profoundly broken and feels like he is drowning under the weight of his past wounds. His instinct is to cope through isolation, but despite his deeply guarded nature, Nico is a man who loves *so* hard. He has a fiercely affectionate side that completely melted me, especially through his terms of endearment for Andi like *Cuore mio* and *My Rossiccia*. For Nico, it has always been Andi.
On the other side is Andi, whose vibrant, magnetic personality effortlessly lights up a room. But while she appears lively on the outside, she is just as emotionally damaged by the past as Nico is. Watching their contrasting coping mechanisms was fascinating—where Nico isolates himself, Andi seeks temporary connections, masking a deep, gnawing sense of loneliness.
Watching these two navigate their past hurts, dismantle their guards, and find their way back to each other was both heartbreaking and incredibly healing to read. If you love deeply emotional, high-chemistry second-chance romances that give you all the feels, you need to pick this up immediately!
Review of advance copy
I absolutely adored Here Forever! This book completely swept me away with its heartfelt second-chance romance, charming seaside setting, and characters that felt so real I didn’t want to leave them behind.
Andi and Nico had my heart from the very beginning. Their history, the lingering feelings, the regrets, and all the “what ifs” between them created the kind of emotional tension I can’t get enough of. Watching them reconnect after years apart was beautiful, messy, and incredibly satisfying. Every interaction felt meaningful, and I was rooting for them from page one.
The small-town coastal setting was perfection. Seascape felt like a character of its own, full of warmth, community, and the kind of place you’d pack your bags and move to immediately. I loved seeing Andi finally chase the life she’d always wanted while Nico worked through his own struggles and painful past.
And can we talk about the rescue dog? That feisty pup absolutely stole scenes and added so much heart to the story. The way Nico’s grief and trauma were handled felt genuine and emotional without ever overwhelming the romance. Amy Mara did such a wonderful job balancing heavier themes with hope, healing, and love.
This book gave me all the feelings. I laughed, teared up, swooned, and completely lost myself in Andi and Nico’s journey. It’s a gorgeous story about finding your way home, facing your fears, and taking a chance on the love that never really left. I finished with the biggest smile on my face and a very full heart. Highly recommend for anyone who loves emotional small-town romances, second chances, and characters you’ll be thinking about long after the final page. ❤️📚🌊🐾
Andi and Nico had my heart from the very beginning. Their history, the lingering feelings, the regrets, and all the “what ifs” between them created the kind of emotional tension I can’t get enough of. Watching them reconnect after years apart was beautiful, messy, and incredibly satisfying. Every interaction felt meaningful, and I was rooting for them from page one.
The small-town coastal setting was perfection. Seascape felt like a character of its own, full of warmth, community, and the kind of place you’d pack your bags and move to immediately. I loved seeing Andi finally chase the life she’d always wanted while Nico worked through his own struggles and painful past.
And can we talk about the rescue dog? That feisty pup absolutely stole scenes and added so much heart to the story. The way Nico’s grief and trauma were handled felt genuine and emotional without ever overwhelming the romance. Amy Mara did such a wonderful job balancing heavier themes with hope, healing, and love.
This book gave me all the feelings. I laughed, teared up, swooned, and completely lost myself in Andi and Nico’s journey. It’s a gorgeous story about finding your way home, facing your fears, and taking a chance on the love that never really left. I finished with the biggest smile on my face and a very full heart. Highly recommend for anyone who loves emotional small-town romances, second chances, and characters you’ll be thinking about long after the final page. ❤️📚🌊🐾
June 21, 2026
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
4🌟
3.5🌶
Thank you to Amy Mara and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read this healing story.
Overall Thoughts & Emotional Reactions:
I just wanted to smother Nico in hugs. That man was so broken when this book started. He knew he was drowning and when Andi reappears as his neighbor after many years apart, he finally has the real motivation to heal. Watching him take those steps and have setbacks was so real. He loves so hard. Andi is just as damaged, but her coping mechanism is much different. While Nico chose isolation, Andi chose one-night stands and the gnawing loneliness that ensues. The love of the pets in this book is nothing short of heartwarming and they were the goodest of babies. I loved the honesty and raw, ugly truth that Mara depicts for those with PTSD and trauma. She handles delicate topics with such care and respect. Please check your triggers, but go meet Nico and Andi. Take a trip to Seascape and find yourself a part of the family.
Tropes:
💜Spicy Small Town
🐕🦺Second Chance
💜Military Vet MMC
🐕🦺"It was always her"
💜Opposites Attract
🐕🦺He Falls First
💜Forced Proximity
🐕🦺Doggos
💜Mental Health Rep
🐕🦺Dual POV & MCs 25+
Favorite Quotes:
"Living next door to her is going to be a dream and a nightmare rolled into one.”
“When she smiled, she lit up the room. She was magnetic and I was drawn to her like a moth to light. If only I hadn’t been such a dumb kid.”
“You are my heart, in living form. Cuore mio. My Rossiccia.”
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.
4🌟
3.5🌶
Thank you to Amy Mara and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read this healing story.
Overall Thoughts & Emotional Reactions:
I just wanted to smother Nico in hugs. That man was so broken when this book started. He knew he was drowning and when Andi reappears as his neighbor after many years apart, he finally has the real motivation to heal. Watching him take those steps and have setbacks was so real. He loves so hard. Andi is just as damaged, but her coping mechanism is much different. While Nico chose isolation, Andi chose one-night stands and the gnawing loneliness that ensues. The love of the pets in this book is nothing short of heartwarming and they were the goodest of babies. I loved the honesty and raw, ugly truth that Mara depicts for those with PTSD and trauma. She handles delicate topics with such care and respect. Please check your triggers, but go meet Nico and Andi. Take a trip to Seascape and find yourself a part of the family.
Tropes:
💜Spicy Small Town
🐕🦺Second Chance
💜Military Vet MMC
🐕🦺"It was always her"
💜Opposites Attract
🐕🦺He Falls First
💜Forced Proximity
🐕🦺Doggos
💜Mental Health Rep
🐕🦺Dual POV & MCs 25+
Favorite Quotes:
"Living next door to her is going to be a dream and a nightmare rolled into one.”
“When she smiled, she lit up the room. She was magnetic and I was drawn to her like a moth to light. If only I hadn’t been such a dumb kid.”
“You are my heart, in living form. Cuore mio. My Rossiccia.”
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.
June 12, 2026
ARC Review:
Here Forever by Amy Mara
3.5✨
The final book (#3) of the Seascape series, 2 childhood friends Nico & Andi who are forced apart by their family who reconnect, but can they move past the trauma and reconnect? Are they going to keep hiding the feelings that they both feel?
I have enjoyed this series and meeting all the interconnect characters. All books from this series can be read as a standalone. This one didn’t pull me in as much as the first 2 books. I did find myself toward the middle having to push my away through some parts, but overall a good read.
Nico decides to join the military and ends up having PTSD from all the trauma events he experienced and losing his K9 partner, after the service he comes back to Seascape, RI and works in cybersecurity.
Andi comes to term after being told her apartment lease is being ended early and comes back to Seascape, RI only to move into a home that’s next door to her childhood friend Nico. Andi who has a foster dog who looks like Nico K9 that he lost during battle, might make thinks a little more complicated between them.
Thank you Amy Mara & Luna Literary for an early copy of this book. I have enjoyed this series and meeting all the interconnect characters. All books from this series can be read as a standalone.
Here Forever by Amy Mara
3.5✨
The final book (#3) of the Seascape series, 2 childhood friends Nico & Andi who are forced apart by their family who reconnect, but can they move past the trauma and reconnect? Are they going to keep hiding the feelings that they both feel?
I have enjoyed this series and meeting all the interconnect characters. All books from this series can be read as a standalone. This one didn’t pull me in as much as the first 2 books. I did find myself toward the middle having to push my away through some parts, but overall a good read.
Nico decides to join the military and ends up having PTSD from all the trauma events he experienced and losing his K9 partner, after the service he comes back to Seascape, RI and works in cybersecurity.
Andi comes to term after being told her apartment lease is being ended early and comes back to Seascape, RI only to move into a home that’s next door to her childhood friend Nico. Andi who has a foster dog who looks like Nico K9 that he lost during battle, might make thinks a little more complicated between them.
Thank you Amy Mara & Luna Literary for an early copy of this book. I have enjoyed this series and meeting all the interconnect characters. All books from this series can be read as a standalone.
June 19, 2026
🌟 ARC Review 🌟
I was lucky enough to be part of the ARC team to read this book before its release, and below are my honest thoughts!.
If you like:
💜Spicy Small Town
🐕🦺Second Chance
💜Military Vet MMC
🐕🦺"It was always her"
💜Opposites Attract
🐕🦺He Falls First
💜Forced Proximity
🐕🦺Doggos
💜Mental Health Rep
Rating: 3.75, so 4?
Review: This is the 3rd Book in the Seascape Series, and is recommended to read them in order.
Andi (our bighearted FMC) seems kinda all over the place and deals with a lot of anxiety due to the past, while I loved her growth, I felt like it could have been planned out better because there was some back and forth. Nico (who is our handsome MMC) is a Navy Vet who has a bad case of PTSD but desperately wants to better himself. Nico was definately a pushover and honestly I did not seem him being that way. These two find their way BACK to one another. Fritz’s POV was a heartbreaking twist I didn’t see coming. JOJO should have been the main girl the whole time because we LOVE her. Overall this was a cute little heartbreak of a read!
Dislikes: FRITZ… I sobbed and held my own doggo closer 💔 . Some portions of the book in the start we a little hard to follow but that cleared up about halfway and wasn’t an issue after.
I was lucky enough to be part of the ARC team to read this book before its release, and below are my honest thoughts!.
If you like:
💜Spicy Small Town
🐕🦺Second Chance
💜Military Vet MMC
🐕🦺"It was always her"
💜Opposites Attract
🐕🦺He Falls First
💜Forced Proximity
🐕🦺Doggos
💜Mental Health Rep
Rating: 3.75, so 4?
Review: This is the 3rd Book in the Seascape Series, and is recommended to read them in order.
Andi (our bighearted FMC) seems kinda all over the place and deals with a lot of anxiety due to the past, while I loved her growth, I felt like it could have been planned out better because there was some back and forth. Nico (who is our handsome MMC) is a Navy Vet who has a bad case of PTSD but desperately wants to better himself. Nico was definately a pushover and honestly I did not seem him being that way. These two find their way BACK to one another. Fritz’s POV was a heartbreaking twist I didn’t see coming. JOJO should have been the main girl the whole time because we LOVE her. Overall this was a cute little heartbreak of a read!
Dislikes: FRITZ… I sobbed and held my own doggo closer 💔 . Some portions of the book in the start we a little hard to follow but that cleared up about halfway and wasn’t an issue after.
June 25, 2026
⭐️ Overall Rating: 4.5/5
🔥 Burn Level: 4/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 2.5/5
💧 Emotional: 5/5
Thank you to Luna Literary Management and Amy Mara for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Here Forever was such an emotional and heartfelt read. This story isn’t just about romance—it’s about healing, second chances, finding community, and learning how to move forward while still honoring the past.
Nico completely captured my heart. As a military veteran living with PTSD after a devastating mission that resulted in the loss of his K9 partner, his pain felt incredibly real. You could feel every emotion through the pages, and his journey was written with so much care.
Andi was equally wonderful. She’s a strong and independent heroine who has spent years protecting her heart after losing her first love and her sense of belonging. Watching her slowly allow herself to hope again was beautiful to witness.
Together, Nico and Andi’s story is one of healing, forgiveness, and discovering that sometimes love deserves a second chance.
If you enjoy emotional romances with layered characters, second chances, and stories that stay with you long after you finish, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
🔥 Burn Level: 4/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 2.5/5
💧 Emotional: 5/5
Thank you to Luna Literary Management and Amy Mara for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Here Forever was such an emotional and heartfelt read. This story isn’t just about romance—it’s about healing, second chances, finding community, and learning how to move forward while still honoring the past.
Nico completely captured my heart. As a military veteran living with PTSD after a devastating mission that resulted in the loss of his K9 partner, his pain felt incredibly real. You could feel every emotion through the pages, and his journey was written with so much care.
Andi was equally wonderful. She’s a strong and independent heroine who has spent years protecting her heart after losing her first love and her sense of belonging. Watching her slowly allow herself to hope again was beautiful to witness.
Together, Nico and Andi’s story is one of healing, forgiveness, and discovering that sometimes love deserves a second chance.
If you enjoy emotional romances with layered characters, second chances, and stories that stay with you long after you finish, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
June 27, 2026
I really wanted to love this one but I just didn't feel the emotional connection between the characters which made the whole romance angle fall flat for me. The author kept dragging out the plot to build suspense by having the hero hold back information but it just felt flat and got a bit annoying after a while.
The pacing felt totally warped as well. The scenes dealing with PTSD were completely brushed over and dealt with so quickly yet the author spent ages rambling on about less important side characters who didn't really add anything to the plot. There was also the point where the FMC offers to get rid of her journal if it makes him uncomfortable. It was literally a sex journal so I have no idea why she was still keeping it in the first place. It should have been thrown in the bin long before that point.The FMC also felt almost impatient when the MMC was struggling, I dont know something just felt off about it for me.
The writing itself also didn’t work for me. The book kept repeating the same sentences and some lines didn't even make sense, to the point where it felt like lines had been left out or missed.
The storyline has a lot of potential but just wasn’t for me.
The pacing felt totally warped as well. The scenes dealing with PTSD were completely brushed over and dealt with so quickly yet the author spent ages rambling on about less important side characters who didn't really add anything to the plot. There was also the point where the FMC offers to get rid of her journal if it makes him uncomfortable. It was literally a sex journal so I have no idea why she was still keeping it in the first place. It should have been thrown in the bin long before that point.The FMC also felt almost impatient when the MMC was struggling, I dont know something just felt off about it for me.
The writing itself also didn’t work for me. The book kept repeating the same sentences and some lines didn't even make sense, to the point where it felt like lines had been left out or missed.
The storyline has a lot of potential but just wasn’t for me.
June 25, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up for me.
Amy Mara does a good job of writing romance, spice with some mystery happening to the characters as well.
Definitely read the trigger warnings as there are a couple tough subjects dealt with in the story.
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, but I didn’t connect with this one as much. I think some parts just may have been a bit too long for me. Although I don’t personally deal with this, I felt like Mara did a great job of depicting Nico’s struggles with PTSD but not in a graphic way, more like the everyday stuff of going to restaurants, his new job position, his morning routine. It was a different way of showing I hadn't read before.
The second chance romance was sweet, and seeing the flashbacks of the yearning and how Nico felt for Andi. The funny moments with Andi cooking for Nico, and getting caught on facetime with his parents made me laugh & blush.
This is book 3 in the Seascape series. Interconnected standalones, you can enjoy out of order.
Thank you Luna Literary for the ARC!
Amy Mara does a good job of writing romance, spice with some mystery happening to the characters as well.
Definitely read the trigger warnings as there are a couple tough subjects dealt with in the story.
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, but I didn’t connect with this one as much. I think some parts just may have been a bit too long for me. Although I don’t personally deal with this, I felt like Mara did a great job of depicting Nico’s struggles with PTSD but not in a graphic way, more like the everyday stuff of going to restaurants, his new job position, his morning routine. It was a different way of showing I hadn't read before.
The second chance romance was sweet, and seeing the flashbacks of the yearning and how Nico felt for Andi. The funny moments with Andi cooking for Nico, and getting caught on facetime with his parents made me laugh & blush.
This is book 3 in the Seascape series. Interconnected standalones, you can enjoy out of order.
Thank you Luna Literary for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Here Forever is a sweet story about second chances in both love and life. Nico is a veteran you can’t help but feel for, even while wanting to shake him for battling his demons while refusing to fully take that step to help himself.
What I loved most was Nico’s determination to build something real with Andi and how firmly he stands by that, slowly making changes along the way. Andi, on the other hand, is a bit of a mess. I struggled to like her at first because she came across a little selfish in her wants and needs, but she gradually grows on you as she starts to truly see what Nico needs and their relationship begins to deepen.
Jojo was such a lovely addition and brought plenty of smile-worthy moments to the story. The shared history between Nico and Andi, their rekindled romance, and the support from family and friends all come together to create a slow, sweet, and heartfelt romance.
What I loved most was Nico’s determination to build something real with Andi and how firmly he stands by that, slowly making changes along the way. Andi, on the other hand, is a bit of a mess. I struggled to like her at first because she came across a little selfish in her wants and needs, but she gradually grows on you as she starts to truly see what Nico needs and their relationship begins to deepen.
Jojo was such a lovely addition and brought plenty of smile-worthy moments to the story. The shared history between Nico and Andi, their rekindled romance, and the support from family and friends all come together to create a slow, sweet, and heartfelt romance.
June 13, 2026
I really loved the characters of Nico and Andi! Their background as childhood best friends who drifted apart and found their way back to each other made for a really sweet foundation. Nico’s journey as a military vet navigating PTSD, combined with Andi facing her own fears after a humiliating experience, gave them both so much potential.
The story features a wonderful coastal setting that provided great vibes throughout. However, the narrative is definitely a slow burn. Because the pacing stretched the book out quite a bit, I occasionally found it a bit difficult to stay fully engaged and push through to the end. While the premise is fantastic, I found myself wishing the story dug just a little deeper into their emotional development to help me feel truly invested in their journey.
Overall, it’s a beautifully atmospheric read with characters you want to root for, it just requires a bit of patience!
The story features a wonderful coastal setting that provided great vibes throughout. However, the narrative is definitely a slow burn. Because the pacing stretched the book out quite a bit, I occasionally found it a bit difficult to stay fully engaged and push through to the end. While the premise is fantastic, I found myself wishing the story dug just a little deeper into their emotional development to help me feel truly invested in their journey.
Overall, it’s a beautifully atmospheric read with characters you want to root for, it just requires a bit of patience!
June 15, 2026
Advanced readers copy given by author
Here Forever is absolutely my favorite of the Seascape series and it is not even close!!
Andi is my complete and total spirit animal and I need everyone to know that!! A vet tech with a massive soft spot for shelter medicine who is also spontaneous and completely down bad for her man?? That is just me on paper and I was fully invested in her from page one 😭🥰
The romance was so cute and the spontaneous moments between Andi and her love interest had me grinning the whole way through!! There is something so refreshing about a heroine who just goes for it and knows what she wants!!
And the ending was just so satisfying and cozy — exactly the kind of warm fuzzy feeling you want to close out a romance with!! Amy Mara really saved the best for last with this one!!
A cute, cozy, and genuinely feel good read that I would absolutely recommend — especially if you have a soft spot for animals and heroines who feel like your actual best friend!! 🐾🤍
Here Forever is absolutely my favorite of the Seascape series and it is not even close!!
Andi is my complete and total spirit animal and I need everyone to know that!! A vet tech with a massive soft spot for shelter medicine who is also spontaneous and completely down bad for her man?? That is just me on paper and I was fully invested in her from page one 😭🥰
The romance was so cute and the spontaneous moments between Andi and her love interest had me grinning the whole way through!! There is something so refreshing about a heroine who just goes for it and knows what she wants!!
And the ending was just so satisfying and cozy — exactly the kind of warm fuzzy feeling you want to close out a romance with!! Amy Mara really saved the best for last with this one!!
A cute, cozy, and genuinely feel good read that I would absolutely recommend — especially if you have a soft spot for animals and heroines who feel like your actual best friend!! 🐾🤍
June 8, 2026
This book had all the feels. It follows old friends Andi and Nico as they reconnect and work through the complicated history between them. Both characters are carrying baggage from their pasts, and watching them navigate those struggles felt real and relatable.
And wow—this one got me a couple of times. I definitely shed a few tears along the way. But it’s not all heavy emotions; there’s plenty of great banter and lighter moments mixed in. The story tackles realistic issues like dealing with exes, military-related challenges, and the way past experiences can shape your future.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. If you like emotional stories with strong character development, heartfelt moments, and a relationship worth rooting for, this one is definitely worth picking up.
And wow—this one got me a couple of times. I definitely shed a few tears along the way. But it’s not all heavy emotions; there’s plenty of great banter and lighter moments mixed in. The story tackles realistic issues like dealing with exes, military-related challenges, and the way past experiences can shape your future.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. If you like emotional stories with strong character development, heartfelt moments, and a relationship worth rooting for, this one is definitely worth picking up.
June 11, 2026
Here Forever by Amy Mara delivers an emotional and heartwarming romance filled with chemistry, personal growth, and a captivating small-town second-chance love story. Set in a charming close-knit community, we meet the FMC Andi Mancini and the MMC Nico Serra, two former lovers whose unresolved feelings refuse to stay buried. One of the things I enjoyed about this romance is how the story shined through its well-developed characters. Both protagonists have experienced heartbreak and setbacks since their relationship ended, making their reunion feel authentic and meaningful. Overall, Here Forever is a delightful read with genuine emotion, plenty of swoon-worthy moments, and a story that proves true love can find its way back home.
I received an ARC copy from Luna Literacy. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
I received an ARC copy from Luna Literacy. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
June 12, 2026
This book really took me on a journey and though every emotion possible. It grabbed my attention and kept me invested in the story until the very end. Andi and Nico had such a genuine and sweet connection. They have a complicated past for sure and it was really refreshing to see them work through everything together. Both had scars and damage from the past. And both have struggles they are dealing with in the present. But the support and care they give each other is so endearing. The journey these two take is genuine and relatable and emotional. Throughout this story we get epic banter alongside intense emotion. It makes it easier to read and experience these moments with Andi and Nico. Everything about this book felt realistic and relatable. And it had me locked in to the story even more. And that ending was exactly what I wanted it to be.
June 15, 2026
This story is a small town romance that has the aspects of military veteran representation, an emotional journey and rescue dogs and shows the importance they have in so many peoples stories and I feel many people who have one will relate to this. The story of Nico and Andy does explore some very heavy topics and may be hard for some readers with triggers linked to PTSD and trauma. However the author portrays the PTSD well in this story and explores the deep challenges that is happening through Andi and Nico's journey. This is a slow burn book and it also explores the anxiety, trauma and survivors guilt that comes from trauma and also the relationship with having a rescue dog. This story definitely gives you as a reader that heartwarming cozy buzz feel when you finish.
This is my honest opinion of the book.
This is my honest opinion of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars
Spice 3 chili peppers
Can Time Mend A Heart
In Book 3 of the Sea Scape series, Andi moves to Seascape for a fresh start. Her new rental happens to make Nico her neighbor. Her heart still aches after eight years. Since he walked out of her life, she has done everything to protect herself from further heartbreak. Is she ready to take a chance to recapture lost time?
Nico has his own ghosts to deal with from an incident during a simple sweep that took his K9 partner. Enter his lost opportunity at love with Andi, his new neighbor. A youthful indiscretion caused him to make the difficult decision to leave without saying goodbye or provide the reason why he had to go. Can he make amends by giving the reasons now?
Mara gives her readers an emotional journey to cheer on the couple with overcoming their youthful decisions. This novel has strong, loveable characters that will make you laugh as well as cry. Although this novel is part of a series, it can be read as stand-alone. If you give it a chance, you will not be disappointed. Grab a copy of this novel for your next beach read.
Thanks @Amy Mara and @Luna Literacy for the Advanced Copy.
Second Chance Romance
Small Town
Friends to Lovers
Military Service C-PTSD
Trigger Warning:
Open-door Romance
Panic Attacks/Anxiety
Parental Estrangement
Emotional Trauma
Nonconsensual Distribution of Intimate Photos(off page)
Spice 3 chili peppers
Can Time Mend A Heart
In Book 3 of the Sea Scape series, Andi moves to Seascape for a fresh start. Her new rental happens to make Nico her neighbor. Her heart still aches after eight years. Since he walked out of her life, she has done everything to protect herself from further heartbreak. Is she ready to take a chance to recapture lost time?
Nico has his own ghosts to deal with from an incident during a simple sweep that took his K9 partner. Enter his lost opportunity at love with Andi, his new neighbor. A youthful indiscretion caused him to make the difficult decision to leave without saying goodbye or provide the reason why he had to go. Can he make amends by giving the reasons now?
Mara gives her readers an emotional journey to cheer on the couple with overcoming their youthful decisions. This novel has strong, loveable characters that will make you laugh as well as cry. Although this novel is part of a series, it can be read as stand-alone. If you give it a chance, you will not be disappointed. Grab a copy of this novel for your next beach read.
Thanks @Amy Mara and @Luna Literacy for the Advanced Copy.
Second Chance Romance
Small Town
Friends to Lovers
Military Service C-PTSD
Trigger Warning:
Open-door Romance
Panic Attacks/Anxiety
Parental Estrangement
Emotional Trauma
Nonconsensual Distribution of Intimate Photos(off page)
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 stars
Seascape Series: Nico and Andi
A second chance after these childhood friends were separated. The teenage ‘almosts’ never got their opportunity due to outside influences, and certain acts/experiences in their lives keep them separated.
This was emotional at times- a lot of pining, and I loved the dogs.
It felt like it was longer than it should have been, and I found myself checking in and out just because there was so much being written. The drama with her ex and his family was so drawn out, and in some ways, it felt like there were too many plots… And then, after all that, the ending felt super rushed.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it and thought it was entertaining, but it felt like it started to drag in the middle….
Seascape Series: Nico and Andi
A second chance after these childhood friends were separated. The teenage ‘almosts’ never got their opportunity due to outside influences, and certain acts/experiences in their lives keep them separated.
This was emotional at times- a lot of pining, and I loved the dogs.
It felt like it was longer than it should have been, and I found myself checking in and out just because there was so much being written. The drama with her ex and his family was so drawn out, and in some ways, it felt like there were too many plots… And then, after all that, the ending felt super rushed.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it and thought it was entertaining, but it felt like it started to drag in the middle….
June 4, 2026
This was such a sweet, spicy, and emotional second chance/friends to lovers small town romance between Andi and Niko. They were best friends and maybe leaning towards something more before Andi’d boyfriend/ex-boyfriend screwed them both over. Fast forward several years, and Andi moves to town. Niko has never stopped loving her, but he’s still dealing with PTSD from being in the Navy. Andi still has feelings for Niko, but she’s still hurt from the way he hurt her when he left for the military and from what her ex did to her. They spend time together and realize their feelings are still present and have the very real possibility of growing even stronger. They both want to do what it takes to be better…for themselves and each other. Loved it!!!
June 22, 2026
Here Forever is an emotionally gripping, sweet second chance romance. I loved everything about this book. Now I might be a little biased because I’m a sucker for a second chance romance. This book is all emotional turmoil; the history between Andi and Nico and the lingering feelings that resurfaced had me sucked in. It’s the perfect small town summer read. My advise make sure you have some tissues and try your hardest not to fall in love with these characters. I’ll be thinking about them for a long time.
Tropes!
💜Spicy Small Town 🐕🦺Second Chance 💜Military Vet MMC 🐕🦺"It was always her" 💜Opposites Attract 🐕🦺He Falls First 💜Forced Proximity 🐕🦺Doggos 💜Mental Health Rep 🐕🦺Dual POV & MCs 25+
Tropes!
💜Spicy Small Town 🐕🦺Second Chance 💜Military Vet MMC 🐕🦺"It was always her" 💜Opposites Attract 🐕🦺He Falls First 💜Forced Proximity 🐕🦺Doggos 💜Mental Health Rep 🐕🦺Dual POV & MCs 25+
June 26, 2026
This was such a wonderful story. I loved the setting. And Nico and Andi were so great. Being friends when they were younger, to coming into each others lives again later in life. Nico hurt my heart. He was going through much grief and trauma from being in the military and losing hood K-9. Suffering from PTSD as well. The author definitely wrote that in with the utmost sensitivity. But Andi choosing to move back was such a great step for her. And that rental was perfect. Well, until she realized Nico was her neighbor. And when she got the dog, that hurt Nico. But it was also healing for him. And I loved the way these two blossomed together as time went on. I thought this was a very sweet, spicy, and loving story. I really enjoyed reading this one.
June 26, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free provided by the author. I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Amy Mara!
I started this book and finished it in one sitting.
In the beginning it was a little bit harder to get into it for me. Sometimes the pace went a little bit slow. But it still pulled me in.
I love the character development. They both have a there own past and story even if they already met when they were younger. There chemistry and emotional connection was beautiful.
The representation of the PTSD themes were written very well. The way it can have an inpact on everyday life was written very well.
If you like
👉 second chance romance
👉 PTSD
👉 military veteran representation
👉 rescue dogs
Then you should definitely read this book!
I started this book and finished it in one sitting.
In the beginning it was a little bit harder to get into it for me. Sometimes the pace went a little bit slow. But it still pulled me in.
I love the character development. They both have a there own past and story even if they already met when they were younger. There chemistry and emotional connection was beautiful.
The representation of the PTSD themes were written very well. The way it can have an inpact on everyday life was written very well.
If you like
👉 second chance romance
👉 PTSD
👉 military veteran representation
👉 rescue dogs
Then you should definitely read this book!
Review of advance copy
Andi pensó que había dejado el pasado atrás, durante años se convenció de que era más fácil mantener las relaciones a distancia y no esperar demasiado de nadie. Hasta que su vida comienza a cambiar cuando menos lo esperaba y se ve forzada a regresar a su pueblo natal. Lo que no esperaba era encontrarse otra vez con Nico.
Nico fue su mejor amigo y el chico que desapareció cuando ella más lo necesitaba. Ahora vive atrapado en una rutina, intentando ignorar las cicatrices que todavía arrastra y fingiendo que ciertos recuerdos ya no le afectan. Pero la llegada de Andi lo hace enfrentarse a viejos fantasmas.
__________
Gracias Luna Literary por el ARC.
Nico fue su mejor amigo y el chico que desapareció cuando ella más lo necesitaba. Ahora vive atrapado en una rutina, intentando ignorar las cicatrices que todavía arrastra y fingiendo que ciertos recuerdos ya no le afectan. Pero la llegada de Andi lo hace enfrentarse a viejos fantasmas.
__________
Gracias Luna Literary por el ARC.
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