Risking Forever

Forever #1

by Tara Gallina

My best friend has been obsessed with Sebastian since our freshman year in college. She wants him to herself, which is fine by me. He's a paycheck, a means to an end goal. He's temporary. But he's also tempting—the way he looks at me, the things he says, the way he touches me… If I'm not careful, I might do something I'll regret. ~Ainsley Belle


THE FOREVER SERIES
At twenty, Ainsley knows it's time to follow her own dreams and not the future her mother planned for her—a future she never wanted. Losing her job couldn't have come at a worse time.
Sebastian Gianni isn’t the ideal boss, but he has a position to fill and Ainsley is desperate. The sexy twenty-two-year-old comes from money, owns a successful business, and graduates from college in three months. He has his life together in a way Ainsley could only dream.
No wonder her best friend is obsessed with dating him. Even his ex-girlfriend is determined to get him back, although threatening him seems like the wrong approach. Ainsley would be a fool to fall for the guy, too.
By no means, should she trust him. He has more secrets than anyone she knows, which makes her wonder if the mafia rumors about him are true. It doesn't matter that he's a good listener, and sweet and protective at times. That playful flirty side he shares with her alone means nothing. Right?
When a kiss turns into a secret romance neither can give up, Ainsley learns the truth about Sebastian's corrupt family and why his ex-girlfriend won't go away. A future together is near impossible and comes with a risk that could get them both killed—or give them everything they've ever wanted.

Genre: New Adult College Romance, app 160pgs ea
~ 4 books total in series

THE FOREVER SERIES COLLECTION (Volumes 1-4)
Risking Forever: Vol 1
Daring Forever: Vol 2
Claiming Forever: Vol 3
FREE bonus read: Sebastian – Risking Forever: Vol 1

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance, Contemporary Romance, College Romance, Steamy

Unknown Binding

First published February 14, 2019

About the author

Tara Gallina writes across various romance genres, from new adult and college to small town and fantasy. While most of her books are steamy, she’s also penned a few sweeter titles.

Her stories blend angst, tormented heroes, a hint of humor, and the occasional tear. Many of her stories come alive through settings inspired by her travels.

When she’s not writing, she loves to visit gardens, New England in the fall, European castles, and Caribbean beaches. She has a fairy garden, a Lady Lair for writing, favors the color pink, and only drinks wine that tastes like melted sugar.

She lives in the Sunshine State with her husband, though her two sons have since left for college. Her writing journey began in 2015 when she signed with a literary agent for a young adult retelling. Since then, she’s moved on to publishing steamy romances and hasn’t looked back.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/25/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
My best friend has been obsessed with Sebastian since our freshman year in college. She wants him to herself, which is fine by me. He's a paycheck, a means to an end goal. He's temporary. But he's also tempting—the way he looks at me, the things he says, the way he touches me… If I'm not careful, I might do something I'll regret. ~Ainsley Belle


THE FOREVER SERIES
At twenty, Ainsley knows it's time to follow her own dreams and not the future her mother planned for her—a future she never wanted. Losing her job couldn't have come at a worse time.
Sebastian Gianni isn’t the ideal boss, but he has a position to fill and Ainsley is desperate. The sexy twenty-two-year-old comes from money, owns a successful business, and graduates from college in three months. He has his life together in a way Ainsley could only dream.
No wonder her best friend is obsessed with dating him. Even his ex-girlfriend is determined to get him back, although threatening him seems like the wrong approach. Ainsley would be a fool to fall for the guy, too.
By no means, should she trust him. He has more secrets than anyone she knows, which makes her wonder if the mafia rumors about him are true. It doesn't matter that he's a good listener, and sweet and protective at times. That playful flirty side he shares with her alone means nothing. Right?
When a kiss turns into a secret romance neither can give up, Ainsley learns the truth about Sebastian's corrupt family and why his ex-girlfriend won't go away. A future together is near impossible and comes with a risk that could get them both killed—or give them everything they've ever wanted.

THE FOREVER SERIES COLLECTION (Volumes 1-4)
Risking Forever: Vol 1
Daring Forever: Vol 2
Claiming Forever: Vol 3
FREE bonus read: Sebastian – Risking Forever: Vol 1

[anie]

Received from Enchanted Book Promotions

This was the cutest romance story, ever. :) I giggled all through reading it, it funny quirky and very swoony read.

Also, I like the length - it's perfect for a quick read. I managed to read in a little bit more than an hour. And can't wait t read the next one.

Ainsley is a college student. Her best friends are determined to get Sebastian, he is a rich, hot and very mysterious. But when Ainsley starts to work for him, everything goes the opposite way.

It's a good story, the kind you have finish in one swoop. :) Highly recommend to any romance lovers. :)

[Crystal Anderson]

Sebastian Gianni is the talk around campus with a line of girls pining to be with him. With dark hair, a sculpted body, piercing eyes and a sense of mystery around him, he can't help but have woman falling at his feet. Ainsley Belle on the other hand is a quirky, exotic beauty that may or may not be a bit clumsy. After nearly taking out Sebastian with a door and apologizing profusely, their conversation ends a bit awkward. With Sebastian walking away, Ainsley's best friend, Harper happens to pop out of no where demanding details on Sebastian, who she is clearly obsessed with.

Spotting Sebastian again while she's drilling Ainsley for details, Harper immediately demands that Ainsley talks him into inviting them to one of his parties at his house. After getting an invite from his room mate and friend, Nathan, Ainsley gets a text from her boss promptly firing her. Losing her job could not come at a worse time as she is desperately trying to move out and away from her controlling mother and her condescending comments. Although it is shitty timing, it also had it's benefits as Nathan pipes up that Sebastian is looking for a receptionist for the company he owns. After some begging on her end, Sebastian eventually caves and hires her. It's no wonder girls are infatuated with him, he's hot, and has his shit together.

With more secrets than anyone and mafia rumors going around, by no means should Ainsley trust him, but she can't seem to help it. With all his flirting, playful and sweet words and obvious protectiveness he has over her, she can't help but start to develop feelings. With Sebastian being her boss, do they stand a chance of being together, especially with Harper acting jealous over every encounter that they have? However, I do not like Harper at all. She's a bitch towards Ainsley and wants everyone to herself, not taking anyone's feelings into consideration but her own. The sooner Ainsley realizes how shitty a friend she is, the better.

I absolutely loved this book. It was a fast paced read that I immensely enjoyed. The ending of the story left me craving for more and I cannot wait until the next book of the series comes out. I 100% recommend you read this book, it has me completely hooked to find out how their story unfolds.

I received an ARC for an honest review, and that's what you got. On a side not, you know it's a good story when it ends and you get pissed that the second book hasn't been released yet. I am impatiently waiting to read it.

5 Stars!

[Greg Dixon]

Risking forever

A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series

[Anna Theurer (Anna's Bookshelf)]

4.5 stars Risking Forever is a great read and the first installment of a 3 part series. This college romance is humorous along with a bit of angst. Ainsley is a breath of fresh air. She is kind and quirky. Sebastian is rich, sexy, clever, and a bit mysterious. The two of them seem to be an unlikely couple, but both are bound by the constraints related to their families. I really liked the secondary characters of Nathan and Harper. Nathan is a flirt and a good friend to Sebastian. Harper is vivacious and has quite the dirty mouth on her. The things that she would say had me practically in tears of laughter. Overall, I really enjoyed Risking Forever. It is an entertaining NA college romance that has wonderful characters, a good storyline, and moves at a great pace. I am definitely looking forward to the next book to see how their relationship evolves and to see what the author reveals about Sebastian’s life/family.

[Elizabeth]

I got an ARC, which I’m almost done with. If you’re looking for the quintessential bad boy meets good girl story - this’ll be up your alley. Sebastián isn’t you’re usual bad boy. He’s tatted, (yes please) but the man can dress (impeccably I might add). Perhaps it’s those mafia rumors. As Ainsley & Sebastián get to know one another the steamy chemistry is real - definitely worth a read.

Due to my hectic work life it’s hard for me to finish reading a book that’s not an audiobook so having a series like this in serialized form makes for perfect, easy lunch time reads. Love it!

[Tawney]

I received an ARC for a review and couldn't have been more pleased with this sexy romance! There is wonderful chemistry and a smoldering passion between Ainsley & Sebastián. As their relationship develops you can feel the tension and the passion waiting to explode. There are also many thrills with Sebastián's rumored connection to the Mafia. I couldn't stop reading this novel and binge read it until the very end. And wow what an ending! If you are looking for a good sexy read with wonderful characters and some thrills, than Risking Forever is the one for you.

[Racquel]

A delightful read! You can’t help but root for Ainsley and Sebastian! They are by far two of my favorite romance novel couples of all time! What I loved most, was that they weren’t just characters on a page looking for love. They were like real people with complex issues they needed to overcome in order to ultimately find happiness. Loved it!

[Dawn Brazil]

Finished this part fast. It was a great read. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[Lexi]

Loved!!!

[Sérine Choixseul]

i didn't just enjoy my reading ! i fell for it ! what an amazing story ...

i loved the characters ,Sebastian is realy hot ,mysterious, always where he should be, and definetly my type of guy, but we don't know who he really is.(only rumors about him and his family)
Ainsley .. to be honest the way th author described her was realy amazing ! i thought it was my description , i was 100% in the story.. everything she felt: worreis,fear, happiness.., i felt it whith her .
It is the first time I feel the feelings of the character, lived and experienced something similar,.. my mother is as severe as Ainsley's mother, my freind is as crazy as Harper ..
i also liked the details about the freindship between Ainsley and Harper (this is how real freinds take care of each others) and thier way to say: i got your back.

the story stops at a toga party at Nathan place (sebastian best freind) which seems like fun, but the end leaves us wanting more.


I think the story is very good and addictive, the writing is very fluid.what can i say ! the author killed it

I highly recommend reading Risking Forever , it is for me THE perfect young adult/college story.

[CeCe]

The writing was amateurish. The heroine cared too much about what her idiotic and skanky BFF thought about her, but I want to know what book 2 would bring. Hopefully, the writing will get better and the heroine will stop caring so much about her annoying friend.

[Jamie Ellis]

I love YA/NA books....and this is starting off to be pretty good. Not sure I'm going to like waiting for each new installment to the series though lol! I'm impatient like that.
I'm really liking Ainsley's character. She seems to be a really good friend and someone whom is trying to better herself even though everything seems to be against her in my readers mind. I mean her Mom is a real piece of work let's face it she's a b*tch! I feel sorry for her she seems to not have anyone in her corner. She has a bestfriend named Harper but she's so self-centered and I think secretly jealous of Ainsley's inner beauty. Not to mention Ainsley is beautiful inside/out. Harper is well let's say a slut whom has her eyes on the prize. The only thing is the prize isn't interested in her so he surely can't be interested in Ainsley right???
Not sure what to think of Sebastian as of yet??? kind of a mystery but he does have a pension to be there whenever Ainsley seems to be in trouble. And is his family involved with the mob hmmmm that's the rumor anyways. And could he be engaged?? Well Ainsley doesn't care he was a godsend with her new job one that she desperately needs.
Well now just to wait for the next installment I will be definitely reading it because this reader needs to know how it's going to unfold and what truths come out.
So if you like YA/NA books then I recommend this book if you LIKE small installments at a time. I' on the fence only because I DON'T like to wait.
thanks jamie nibarger ellis

[Ga Books LoverX]

Can't wait to read the next book, already gearing up for it!

I loved how this was a serial romance which definitely peaked my interest because it is not a full book, it is basically the first 1/3 of a book but the beginning is definitely one of my favorite parts of a book and this one was right on par!

The characters are portrayed pretty awesomely:

Ainsley: Super innocent and wants to find her way in the world without being under her mom's thumb. She is the very definition of innocent and naive and cute and adorable.
Sebastian: Everything Ainsley isn't except for the finding her way in the world without being under his father's rule. We really did not get much of an insight into this guy other than he was fiercely loyal and actually pretty nice despite rumors of him.

The secondary characters were pretty legit as well. We have the easy going friend of Sebastian that tries to help him live his life and we have the opposite of Ainsley in her party and sex-fiend best friend.

The book ends on a cliffhanger making you wonder what is going to happen next and it is just right to make the reader want to read the next installment right away. I am pleased with this series and look forward to the next!

4 outta 5 stars!

PS: I received this book for free but am voluntarily reviewing it!

[Karen]

I received ARC for an honest review. I thought this first of a series was a great set up for the subsequent books. In this installment we learn the characters. It has a rich character development that leads to the first angst of the series.
I love the characters. I don't love her mom but author writes her so that I feel what Ainsley must after telling her that if she moves out she can't come back. It seems harsh but Ainsley is ready to spread her wings and is determined to work hard.

Harper is a party girl and yet her best friend. She has affluent parents so she's pretty free for time.
I don't get much of a sense of location or setting other than Harper's or Sebastian/Nathan's place. I think Florida is location.


We are left at a toga party which seems like a lot of fun. I like how author suggests that girls have their wits about them at parties by carrying their phones and checking in with each other and "No" means" No".


This is a perfect young adult/college story set up.
Who is Sebastian? Who is Nathan? Who is Riley? We'll find out soon.

[Lemonberry]

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. I really enjoyed this story and the characters. Sebastian is mysterious and hot and Ainsley has just the right amount of quirkiness to make her loveable. The story moved and kept me wanting more. Answers to questions about Sebastian and the mafia? How and if his friends are connected? Do I trust Harper? Will Nathan get his own book because yum? I want the rest of the story now. The author is clear about this being a continuous series but it doesn't keep me from wanting more. Good for her, frustrating for me. The waiting aside, I would def recommend this as a fun, fast, flirty read. I will be reading the next installments. Can't wait!

[Sapphyria]

Ainsley and Harper are college friends from completely different worlds. Ainsley worries about money, having a job, and paying her own bills. Harper doesn’t worry about anything except who’s going to be in her bed next. Harper currently has her sights set on Sebastian, the elusive but smoldering-hot senior with potential ties to the mafia. Using Ainsley, Harper manages to put Ainsley in the path of Sebastian and his friend and roommate, Nathan. What follows is a strong attempt at staying away from the man her friend wants. Unless she wants to start a fight with Harper, Ainsley must stay away. As the story progresses, it becomes harder for Ainsley and Sebastian to stay apart, even if it is what’s best for everyone.

In Volume 1, the reader gets to know Harper (shallow and self-centered), Ainsley (nice, respectable, goes with the flow), Nathan (funny, sweet), and Sebastian (broody with secrets, a powerful family, and maybe a fiancé). The story is told in first person, not a favorite of mine, but the story is told so well that I got over the POV. The story is quick, fast-paced, and engaging. The world building is done well and the characters appropriate developed. I imaging we’ll see more character growth and continued world building as the series progresses.

The connection between Ainsley and Sebastian is romantic and realistic. He wants her to stay away, to protector her from his family and life, but the attraction between them continues to grow, preventing either one from truly pulling away. Then Sebastian hires her to work remotely for his autobody shop. I love the unlikely connection Sebastian and Ainsley have and can’t wait to watch it grow and advance.

I now must express my disgust with Ainsley’s friend Harper. Harper is spoiled, self-centered, and disinterested in anything that doesn’t involve her. She gets Ainsley into and then just disappears leaving Ainsley to wonder where she went. The first time she did it I shrugged it off. Ainsley’s conversation with Sebastian and Nathan took longer than either anticipated. When Harper drags Ainsley to Nathan and Sebastian’s home and abandons her amid a bunch of males that Ainsley doesn’t know, essentially tossing her to the wolves, I lost all pretense of liking Harper. If that’s the portrait the author is trying to paint for Harper, she has succeeded. And don't get me started on Ainsley's mother.

Risking Forever is a wonderful story in a college town. I enjoyed every bit of the story (even the role Harper plays). I can’t wait to move to Volume 2 of The Forever Series.

[Jeraca]

I received this free eARC novel from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

So far I've enjoyed this book. I do have to say that the ending was very abrupt, and if I didn't have the complete series in one format, I'd be a bit ticked off, but I'm okay since I'm going to dive right into the next book.

The chemistry between Ainsley and Sebastian is still simmering at the point, but I feel like things are about to spice up between them. I'm looking forward to getting to know both of the characters better and I think that will happen when they start to connect better with one another.

I do have to say, Harper? I'm really not liking her. She's very flaky and bipolar and she's really not a good friend to Ainsley. I hope the friendship lasts, but I won't be surprised if she dumps Ainsley. Also, I REALLY dislike Ainsley's mom. She is not a good parent and she's just a terrible human being. I hope Ainsley won't have to deal with her too much more in this series.

[Diana Reeves]

Drama filled

I enjoyed the story with a few exceptions. First, if a book is released for consumer consumption, I expect it to be error free. This book contains minor errors that show it wasn’t proofread or if it was, it was done poorly. Second, Ainsley seems pretty innocent for a girl her age but yet her best friend Harper is quite the slut. Plus, jealousy between the two is unreal, hard to believe they’re friends or that they even would like each other given their opposite upbringing or status.

[Kelly Minnigh]

There’s a good story here but sometimes the writing is just a little childish for me. Cute quick read. Kept me interested enough to continue the series. The best friend is definitely annoying though.

[Ann]

This was a good, quick read that left me wanting more. This is the first of a series that I found and added to my TBR list. I enjoyed this first book and can’t wait to see what happens next. This ended a bit abruptly but not in a bad way. I’m looking forward to what happens next.

[Books123]

DNF@29%.

It was too dumb.

[Barbara]

best book

I loved all the books in this series. They were fun and exciting also very entertaining the people intertwined seamlessly

[Yvonne]

Sebastian is a mysterious sexy rich guy that owns a car repair shop. He seems to be intrigued by Ainsley. Ainsley is a college student that just lost her Nanny Job and is looking for another. Her mom is a control freak that does not want her to live on her own or do anything other than the family medical job. By accident she found out about a job with Sebastian. She ends up convincing him to let her do the job remotely because his shop is in the bad part of town. Her best friend Hailey has finagled a way for them to get into a party where Sebastian is. Hailey just wants to "get in his pants".
This story was interesting. I am looking forward to the next part of the serial novel. It was a quick and easy read. The only character I could not stand was Hailey.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own

[Beth Knight]

Cute

Very cute, short and sweet! I really like Ainsley and Sebastian, but don't care for Harper, at all. I recommend this series.

[Renee]

First off the cover is deceiving. This has a lot to do with the so called Mafia. Ainsley was ok, cliche typical good girl. Who annoyed me was her friend Harper who was as stable as the Jell-O shots she passed out. She was a slut, stalked guys and not really a good friend. The last 1/3 of the book was the best part.

Nathan and the infamous Sebastian were pretty good characters who can’t keep secrets and should have been whacked for the big mouth issue

Overall good

[Tara Gallina]

Hey Readers! I wanted to give you a heads-up about the first 3 volumes in The Forever Series📚. Risking, Daring, & Claiming Forever are published as a serial romance, which is a continuous story meant to be read in sequential order. There are some cliffhangers. 

🤗Good news is the first 3 volumes can be read in one book, The Forever Series (serial romance collection) which includes vols 1-3 and the 4th volume--a companion novel to Risking Forever told from Sebastian's darker perspective.

⚠️Warning - These stories contain adult language and sexual content. 💋

📚These books have newer updated covers that are visible on my website: taragallina.com

[Sandra]

Risking the Next Installment

Ainsley's story has started off on the right foot. Mysterious guy: check
Crazy mom: check
Best frenemy: double check!! On to the next Installment!!!