Forever Eve

by J.B. Lexington

Level-headed Izabel is a soon to be Psychiatrist who lives in Chicago with the love of her life and now husband Bo Carmichael. Her straight-as-an-arrow path in life was simple, or so she thought—school, then career, then the nuclear family. What could possibly happen to divert that plan? The burden she has chosen to keep a secret from her best friend eats away at her psyche daily.
Natalie Spencer, the best friend, is a non-conformist artist/gallery owner and a loud and proud bisexual; the complete antithesis of Izabel. Natalie has always lived outside the box and is determined to get Izabel to color outside of her neatly drawn lines for once in her life. After a few glasses of wine, a convincing argument and a lot of badgering Natalie persuades Izabel to visit a Past Life Regression therapist with her. Izabel didn’t plan to travel back to a world that would irrevocably change the rest of her life forever.

Genres: Ebooks

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2016

About the author

JB Lexington is a romance writer based out of Toronto, Ontario. She lives with her husband, two kids and two dogs. When she isn't writing JB can be found at the gym, strolling designer boutiques in her neighborhood or sipping a glass of pinot grigio at a local restaurant.

Reviews

[Larry H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever Eve is a super-steamy and thought-provoking book about a woman’s search for true love and happiness.

Izabel thought she had it all when she met Bo. He’s handsome, sexy, and well-connected, and his father is grooming him to be the future governor of Illinois. Izabel has had to make sacrifices because of his and his father’s ambitions—like postponing their wedding until Bo has made a name for himself politically—but she knows it will all be worth it.

But the pressures on Bo cause him to have anger and control issues, and Izabel feels like she’s walking on eggshells all the time. Even their wedding night turns into a nightmare when Bo’s anger gets the best of him, and he tries to keep her from seeing her free-spirited best friend, Natalie, whose lifestyle he disapproves of. (He also knows Natalie hates him.)

When Bo is out of town for business, Natalie convinces Izabel to attend a session with a Past Life Regression therapist. Izabel is unprepared for how this session will rock her world. And when she meets a handsome and familiar man, it opens her eyes to the things she has been keeping bottled up—and the things she so desperately wants.

While the scenes of abuse may be triggers for some, there aren’t many and they’re not too extreme. There’s some serious steam here, but at its heart this is a book about a woman realizing she deserves so much more than she is getting.

The author provided me with a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!!

Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.

Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.

[Thais • tata.lifepages • · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not expecting how much I enjoyed this novel, it was a delightful surprise. It is full of steamy romance, sizzling hot sexy scenes, real strong friendships, the hardships of marriage and the behind the scenes of a woman dealing with physical and emotional abuse.

The story follows Izabel, who is recently married to Bo, who is following his fathers steps into politics. Although it seems like Bo really cares about Izabel, he is very possessive of her and can't control his anger. After much convincing from her bestfriend Nat, she goes to a Past Life Regression session and discovers this entirely different woman, Eve, who had a life of seduction and fell in Love with the charming Charlie. She couldn't get their story off her mind.

I personally related so much with Izabel, I also went through a difficult marriage in the past, it took me years to finally get the courage to leave him. In the beginning I was furious at Izabel for being with a person like Bo, and having to deal with his horrible father. However I know how hard it is to see what an abusive relationship looks like. This story really hit home for me.

Then she meets Henry, who is connected to her past life and Charlie in a way. Meeting him is like filling your lungs with fresh air after being submerged for so long. I could connect so well with Izabel and her feelings towards him. I loved their romance, and the ending was entirely satisfying. Will definitely keep an eye out for more books from the author!

[Ere Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. Literally sat down to read some chapters and ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting.
5⭐️. This book had me hooked from page one to the last. The author has an amazing writing style and it was so easy to read. Most importantly i loved the message behind the book and the growth the main characters go through. It is one of those books that leave your heart warm at the end. Kinda like an coming of age movie- does that make sense?
If you enjoyed It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover then you will love this book.
100% recommend you read it. Cannot wait for the sequel.

[Chiara | wordsbychiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though contemporary romance is definitely not the kind of genre I reach for normally, it’s perfect when one is looking for quick reads in between the heavy fantasy stuff. Forever Eve definitely falls into the category of books which guarantee a quick but real escape from reality. It’s quick, it’s short, it’s hot and it’s thought provoking.

The book itself is beautifully written. The writing lacked too many artifices and went straight into the heart of the characters, especially Izabel, the protagonist. Izabel who seems to have a dream life on the outside: she graduated from school, she has a job, she is married to a rich and handsome man. However, the reality is quite different. Bo, Izabel’s husband, has anger management issues and Izabel is forced to live through an abusive marriage and shoulder Bo’s infidelities. Though I can’t say I related to Izabel’s situation, it was impossible not to feel overwhelmed by the hell she endures, especially when every other aspect of Izabel’s personality made her so relatable. The reality of her situation was so well represented, going through the denial, the heartbreak, the feeling of betrayal and guilt that women often face when dealing with these situations.

But Izabel’s is also a story of hope—hope that comes in the form of Past Life Regression Therapy, where the true, passionate love story between Eve and Charlie begins to open her eyes to the sort of love she deserves. Hope in the form of family and friends who protect and support her. Love in the form of Henry, a man who sees her, who respects her, who loves her with the kind of passionate but understanding love that one yearns to achieve.

Forever Eve faces hard topics, but it doesn’t deny one the passion and romance one expects from this sort of read. I was fully invested in Izabel and Henry’s relationship and absolutely loved all of their interactions together.

Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book to review. I cannot wait to read the sequel, After Eve (coming out December 8, 2020!) and follow Izabel in the next chapter of her life.

[Kriti Dalmia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has steamy romance, sizzling scenes, great friendships, addresses abuse, is thought provoking and something different that I have never come across.

Izabel thought she had everything that she ever wanted after marrying Bo and it was all worth the sacrifices she made. However, she was wrong, she neglected all the warnings stating out to leave Bo. Bo could not handle pressure working with his father and it resulted in anger and control issues which he took out by abusing and hurting Izabel.

She had to leave Bo and to help her feel better her best friend Nat convinces her to go to Past Life Regression therapy. A session that changes everything for Izabel, where she finds out about a different woman and her story which never seems to leave her mind. A past that is going to change her future.

This book is incredibly written with giving us a story that shows hope, a source of which you can never even think of. It will make you believe in possiblities. Though this book shows hard topics which may act as a trigger it also shows true love and passion.

I am glad to read this story which is interesting, fast paced, short and will make you stop and think. I absolutely enjoyed reading this and recommend it if you are up for something different.

Thank you for providing me with the copy.

[Elsa Gomes (BookishAurora) · Rating 4 out of 5]

➳ Rate: 4 / 5 stars

I'm gonna be completely honest, it took me a little bit to get into the story. I think it was because I didn't like the guy the heroine is with and what was happening to her. But once I read a little more and a really interesting part in the story came in and I learned where the story was gonna go, I got really into it.

I was very surprised with that little twist at the beginning of the book, it was totally unexpected and it made the story so interesting to me from that point onwards. I'm being vague so I don't spoil it for anyone.

So yeah from a certain point in the story, I could not put the book down. The issues the heroine was going through were resolved (-ish), which made me truly happy. I really wanted her to take over her own life and make changes, put herself first and all that and, she did. But then everything happened really fast. It was very fast-paced which I was okay with but regarding the relationship, it all happened really fast too and y'all know how I feel about inst love... so yeah, that could have been a little prolonged, I mean it was fine until they said those three little words. I do get that the whole plot is that they are soulmates and I truly loved that, it was such an amazing story they shared BUT c'mon they knew each other for like two weeks and spent like two days together... Yeah, I'm never gonna be a true believer of insta love.

Other than that, the book was really good. I really enjoyed the story, some parts more than others of course, but I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2. I'm starting it right away because I need to know what will happen with this couple. I have a feeling a certain someone(s) will give them trouble again. I'm just really curious to where their story will go.

➳Copykindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.

➳ Only 99c right now on Amazon! Go pick it up! Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US


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[Maria Elena | pagesofmaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart is a bundle of nerves and feels!

Though romance is not a genre I usually pick up, I do love reading about it in books, and the romance between the characters is always my favorite aspect of the story. So even if I’m a fantasy devourer at heart, I drink in romance as if it were fresh water and I always appreciate the opportunity to read one. But don’t be fooled. Forever Eve is not your usual lighthearted chick-flick book. It’s a short and very fast read with some incredibly well-written steamy moments, but there were others that made you stop and think, which made me appreciate this book so much more.

Izabel’s life is not as perfect as it would seem on the outside. Married to a man who has anger management issues which often result in violent outbursts, she’s on the edge of a precipice. It takes her time to realize—heck, not even her best friend Natalie understands anything until Izabel comes clean. Fortunately, Izabel decides to visit a Past Life Regression therapist under Natalie’s insistence. These rather extraordinary visits help Izabel sort the shit (excuse the language, but the situation can’t be sugar-coated) in her life and give her the necessary strength to move forward and away from an abusive situation.

In the book, there are a series of flashbacks connected to the titular Eve. I won’t say how she and the flashbacks are connected to Izabel, because I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise, but I found them very fascinating and they were my favorite aspect of the book. In the flashbacks, Eve meets Charlie. Their story gave me no shortage of feels and their scenes together were hawt. I loved them! As for Izabel, while I was not a fan of her husband for obvious reasons, I adored Henry. He’s kind and a modern day gentleman. His chemistry with Izabel was instantaneous and their scenes together were adorable and intense at the same time. We all deserve a Henry in our lives. Both romances, the one between Eve and Charlie and the one between Izabel and Henry, were very well done. The author writes beautifully and she has the capacity of immersing the reader in the story. I would, however, have loved to see more Henry.

I cannot wait to jump into the sequel, After Eve, which the author has graciously sent me an e-copy of.After Eve comes out on December 8th, 2020!

[Ve (ve_xo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isnt a genre I usually dive into but it was such a pleasure to read! I loved the growth of the main character, although she is dealing with an abusive husband she tries so hard to get thru these life difficulties presented to her. I wasnt a fan of Bo, he ws just too selfish and had anger issues, however Izabel made it a point to find her happiness and I just love that! The steamy scenes were eye opening and they kept you stuck to the page.

I loved the fantasy addition to the book although it's categorized as contemporary. The mixture of timelines were well versed. I missed a bit of the detail and description in the world, but it didnt stop me from building it in my head and being able to follow the plot. I absolutely loved Henry! He is what Izabel deserved after so much drama and abuse from Bo. It's truly nice to see how everything fell into place. If you're looking for a story that will melt your heart with a romantic wrap up, this one is for you! Beware there are some sexy scenes lol!

Thank you to the author for sending this my way! looking forward to reading more!

[PlotTrysts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book and its sequel are unconventional novels that deal with some really heavy topics. The writing is fast-paced and draws you in. Although not exactly escapist reads, if you're looking for serious topics and serious angst, these might be for you!⁠
⁠
This one opens at Izabel's wedding to Bo. Although she seems stressed out, we don't realize why until later: Bo is physically abusive. Perhaps the toughest part of the book is that Izabel is a highly-educated, successful psychologist. She knows her relationship is unhealthy but can't admit it outside of her own head. In addition to the present-day story, Izabel also undergoes past life regression during which she discovers some unknown truths about herself. Told in the first person, this novel is about Izabel breaking free of her relationship and finding love elsewhere. ⁠

CWs: physical abuse; rape; prostitution; infidelity.⁠

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to @jb_lexington for sending me an autographed copy of her beautiful novel! Isn’t this cover gorgeous, you guys?! 😍

I was hooked with this book from the start. Izabel is a smart, successful, and kind woman who marries her long time fiancé, Bo, despite the fact that he has been abusive in the past. He always apologizes and feels instantly regretful, and Izabel loves him, so she continues on and hides it from everyone around her.

We’ve read stories like this one before, and it always breaks my heart to see a woman fall for the lies and deceit that occurs with men like Bo.

The fun twist with this novel that I have not seen before was Izabel visiting a Past Life Regression therapist. Y’all. I don’t know if this is a real thing, but man do I want to try it! Izabel is whisked back to a time where she is a woman named Eve and is falling madly in love with Charlie.

Izabel comes back to modern day and continues down a path where her past meets her present. It was exciting to see where everything would lead, and how the novel would end.

I really enjoyed reading this! It’s a quick read (200 pages), so it was great to gobble up in a couple of hours in the hammock! 🙌🏼

[thebookish_maze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a powerful book! Loved the characters, loved the plot and loved the whole story in general. It was so fast paced and interesting, I finished it in one sitting! The story follows Izabel who is married to an abusive and possessive man. She goes through a lot with him since he doesn’t treat her in the best way but she slowly realizes that he’s not the man she’s meant to end up with. Her friend Natalie persuades her to visit a Past Life Regression therapist and that way she discovers another part of her life, her past life as Eve.

I absolutely loved the PLR part, that’s my favorite because I’ve tried it myself and it’s a life changing event. I would’ve appreciated it if the book was longer and that part was more discussed but I still really enjoyed the other parts even though some of them were rushed. But still, a very powerful, amazing story, full of steam, tension and hot scenes. Highly recommend it!

Tw: Violence and abuse

[Vikkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughout this book, we see a strong theme of friendship between Izabel and Natalie. I have found this a real positive aspect of the book and enjoyed the friendship theme.

The book has a good and unique storyline which has kept my interest throughout the duration of reading this one. However, this book does contain trigger warnings of abuse and rape (marital) which have been covered sensitively and in a way that is readable without being too traumatic.

Izabel is a likeable character, she has the typical dreams that many can relate to: love, marriage and babies. We follow her journey throughout the book and become emotionally invested in her as a character.

As a reader we see her get a second chance and I have to admit this book has made me cry. I have found this unpredictable and thrilling. This is a fast paced read which definitely keeps your attention.

[Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to thank JB Lexington and Hadleigh House Publishing for providing me this book so I may bring you this review.

WOW!! JB Lexington takes you on a very intense, powerful, emotional emotional rollercoaster in Forever Eve. This is unlike any other story you have ever read before. However, it will make you think about things way after the story is finished.

Gee Gee Collins did a beautiful job on the The cover art of the book. It represents the book title and the theme perfectly.

JB has written in some very graphic Domestic Violence and Rape sceenes. These may trigger some readers. If it is too much for you this book may not be a good fit for you.

This is the first book in a long time where I can honestly say I didn’t care for a character from start to finish. From the beginning of the book Bo rubbed me the wrong way. Further along I got into the storyline I saw him for the real monster he really was. Nobody should ever be treated that way-ever.

Flip the switch and Natalie I really loved! She has to be one of the coolest best friend characters I have ever read about in a book! I commend JB for making Natalie Bisexual as many authors dont write in Bisexual characters for our community. Natalie brought oh so much comedy to the storyline! She also reminded us that love is love no matter what is below the belt.

JB introduced me to Regression Therapy in this book that I had never heard of before. Out of all the storylines in this book this one was my favorite! It was sort of a time traveler storyline.

Forever Eve definitely has something for everyone in this book!!

This book is to JB’s Krissy, she has loved her since they were fourteen years old. Without her this story would never have come to life. She is an epitome of resilience.

To JB’s new “A” team at Hadleigh House Publishing. She thanks you for taking a chance on her.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever Eve is a quick fun read! Izabel is a great character whom you want to see grow and succeed. I love the friendship between Izabel and Natalie. The balance each other out and I can see many of my own friendships in theirs. The storyline kept me engaged from the start. I couldn't put the book down because I had to know how her past impacted her future! You won't be disappointed!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not something I would normally pick up to read but a really enjoyed it and will be recommending it to others. A great debut novel by JB Lexington.

[Marisha (MarishaReadsALot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely not a typical read for me, but I very much enjoyed it. An incredibly unique storyline and I felt legitimately emotionally invested in Izabel. A great debut novel! Thank you to Hadleigh House Publishing and JB Lexington for the opportunity to review this book in advance of publication!

[bookswithsakshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger Warning : Violence And Rape

Women in our society are often treated as mere objects, whenever a man wants, they can play with them and throw them, when they are bored of it!

Izabel is married to Bo and is expecting a normal life ahead like every couple does. They were in love before they got married and what can go wrong this way? Bo is a character, whose behavior is spontaneous. To me, he almost looked like a person, suffering with bipolar disorder or may be some other disorder which changes his mood in an instant.

Marital rape is never considered a rape and it is not just a story of Izabel but many other women out there. Natalie, best friend of Izabel, is bisexual and independently living her life on her own terms. Henry is the most vibrant character in this book who loves Izabel like no one did before. But what happens when Bo will find out this extra marital affair? Will Izabel leave Bo for Henry or will she continue her married life, where she is not treated with respect?

The book has themes of violence, rape, friendship, deep love, parental support etc, which makes this book even more complete and interesting. I was hooked to this book since the very first page, storylines are so on point and attention grabbing. Writing style is smooth and will keep you seated.

I could actually feel the helplessness of Izabel at few points. Everyone thinks that a woman is supposed to be the one, to fix things and so Izabel was the one fixing things every now and then, in the hope that things between Bo and her will be better but we know that every healthy relationship requires mutual efforts, which was not the case in Izabel's marriage.

First of all, I really liked the themes of this book. Author has very beautifully carved this whole story, which conveys it's message well. There is pain in this book but also hope at the end. That's how our life is. A day comes after a dark night. However, there was too much of sexual intercourse shown in this book for my liking, which was a let down. Plot could be a lot better if it had less sexual activity and more emotional stuff, to justify the themes of this book.

Recommending this book to everyone, to take inspiration from Izabel, to move on in life when your relationship is not the place, where you are respected!

[Emily Portman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an absolute shock to the system – not only does it explore a relationship of severe domestic abuse, but it does so in such a moving and powerful way. Even though the book filled me with emotion, it was strong and well put together, and the author seems to have really found her niche. There was a really interesting element of Past Life Regression in the story, and even though I would have personally liked to have read more about this, I did enjoy how this created a heartwarming twist. I hoped there would be more of this good stuff to come in book two, as well as some answers to a few of my burning questions. A great book with a ton of life lessons, beautiful language and a huge dollop of lust!

You can read my full review over on my blog: https://aquintillionwords.com/2020/08...

[Smut Report]

We were asked to read books 1 and 2 of the series and reviewed them together. This review is also available at After Eve, and Ingrid's full review can be read at The Smut Report.

Heat Factor: Very steamy. Extremely steamy. Lots of moments containing steam.

Character Chemistry: We have ourselves here a duet (please say trilogy) of books starting with a lovely dose of fated mates and proceeding right on into “seducing my spouse” so I’d say it’s meant to be and meant to stick.

Plot: We start with Izabel’s marriage to Bo, and a whole fleet of waving red flags. As Izabel struggles to understand what’s going terribly wrong in her marriage, she ends up seeing a hypnotherapist specializing in past life regression therapy. Things go nuts. That’s book one. Then on with the second book and my poor heart…

Overall: This duet was really pretty great–extremely sexy with a really creative execution and likeable characters. I’m including a few trigger warnings for violence against women.

I’m on a roll with another really fantastic recommendation. Forever Eve and After Eve turned out to be pretty captivating. When the first book opens, Izabel is getting married, and although it’s clear she’s truly in love with Bo there’s immediately a building sense of dread. Turns out that’s because he’s abusive and unfaithful! Also a warning that there’s a pretty upsetting rape scene between them, and the whole first part is just really heartbreaking.

I kind of feel like it’s hard to shift into a love story after such a terrible and soul-shattering marriage like that, to the point where I seriously worried that this romance just wasn’t going to fly or that she’d end up in a “this new man saved me!” type thing, but Izabel’s best friend ends up setting her up with this Past Life Regression therapist and we meet Charlie and Eve. Charlie and Eve are potent and the scenes with them are just vibrant and rich. In these memories, Izabel IS Eve, and she meets her Charlie, with whom she has in instant and deep connection. Almost immediately after her therapy session, Izabel meets Henry (who is undeniably Charlie) and things start almost right where they left off.


I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

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[Deependra Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

✍️ I started it with great expression of joy and happiness all around while i was reading my first page, what else do we need if have that favourite author's imagination in your hand.

✍️ My take for this book would be more as an eye opener to the society we are living in.
Once I dug myself deeper into the story I experienced joy and happiness intentionally turn into something extremely thoughtful.

✍️ It's a sensational fiction love story with " trigger content", here story harbours demolition of women's desire.

✍️ This novel has that potential to give a huge punch on the face of people who thinks they " own women's right " and they can do whatever they want with them.

✍️ Author has balanced the story with distinct emotions.
You will see different phases and will connect yourself with powerful yet sterling emotional characters.

✍️ Language and texts are well written, you will be utilising your leisure in understanding depth of the book.

✍️ Book has "Izabel Jones" a lady who got married to "Bo Carmichael", the husband of the lady came from big political background and have had many opportunities waiting him to become future governor.

✍️ As a son of Mr.Carmichael, he was over put forward in various disciplines where expectations of his dad were really at a peak made him over burden and exasperated.

✍️ Bo's indignation made Izabel endure. As she gets through numerous torments her beloved playmate "Natalie Spencer" constrains her for a Past Life Regression therapy where she is introduced to another yet opposite side of her as an "Eve" a lady full of confidence, love, desire and feel of fulfilling for the charming "Charlie" the man she started loving.

✍️ She couldn't let that story fade out of her mind and when met "Henry" a guy kind of Charlie in a way at particular stage of her life, things went crazy.

✍️ I cannot let this whole story move out until you get your copy and read for yourself.

Second part "After Eve" is also out; you can check that too.

[Melina Lobo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: contains abuse and (marital) rape!
🦄🦄🦄
Two hearts in love need no words
🦄🦄🦄
Izabel always knew what she wanted in life. Fall in love, get married and have babies and for a moment she thought all her dreams were finally coming true when she married her boyfriend Bo. But his attitude starts to change and Izabel wonders why she wasn't good enough for him no matter how hard she tried.
Her best friend Natalie isn't approvedby her husband but when Nat coerces Izabel into going for an unusual therapy session, Izabel finds the answers she did not know she was looking for.
In her sessions she views the world through the eyes of Eve, a woman who is the polar opposite of her but is still connected to. Izabel needs to know Eve's story in order to save her own.
🦄🦄🦄
Forever Eve is a romance novel by JB Lexington (which is R Rated so bye kids).
This is predominantly a romance novel, but one of the highlights in this book is the abuse that Izabel both physically and emotionally. Even though she was brought up a strong minded woman, it took her sometime to realise the situation she has gotten herself into and when she finally breaks free from the shackles that have bound her, you feel the baggage lifting off her shoulders.
The concept of Past Life Regression Therapy does intrigue me because I would like to know how my previous life was (if I had a previous life).
It's a quick read that took me a couple of hours because I just had to know she was safe.
The romance aspect was a bit far fetched because it ties in with her therapist sessions but it was still entertaining.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and although it was difficult to read the story when she was being abused, it is necessary to realise that there are women like her going through the exact same thing.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 9.5/10
Melina L.

[Yesse || Within_the_Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I would like to thank Hadleigh House Publishing for the gifted ebook in return for my honest review.

I jumped into Forever Eve not knowing what to expect. I never even read the synopsis, nor did I read any reviews prior to getting started. I was actually pleasantly surprised. It had been a while since I had read a hot, steamy read and Forever Eve had me biting my bottom lip and crossing my legs tight a few times throughout. Overall 4/5 stars!

The story begins on Izabel's wedding night. She believed she was marrying her forever love when she married Bo Carmichael. Their initial relationship was loving and extravagant. However, after a few unexpected incidents (even on her wedding night), Izabel begins to question her relationship, love, marriage and even herself.

After agreeing to an appointment that her best friend Natalie penciled in with a Past Life Regression therapist, Izabel is caught off guard with the session. The curiosity of her past is interestingly entangled with her present and this turmoil leaves her questioning what she should do next.

Because I know there are sensitive readers that shy away from certain topics, please note that this book does contain abuse, rape, nudity and sex (consensual, steamyyyyy sex). However, if you don't mind these topics, I highly recommend this read. It's nice to see Izabel's growth throughout the story. I absolutely LOVED her best friend Natalie, we all need a friend like her in our lives. I finished this read in a few days and I'm super excited because the sequel JUST came out yesterday. I started it last night and so far, I can tell you it's just as good!!!

Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/within_the_...

[K.T. Munson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Characters

Izabel is in denial. She’s like an ostrich with her head in the sand, ignoring everything and letting things go that she shouldn’t. It was difficult to read at times because the author did a good job of portraying abuse without being overtly obvious in many parts. Thankfully Izabel eventually realizes enough is enough…enter a second lease on life. I do not condone cheating in any fashion, but this story touches on it artfully and then quickly moves to close one door so another window can open! Excellent characters that I felt I could reach out and hug.

Plot

There were moments that felt viscerally real and other times felt so far-fetched (like magic). Past Life Regression is reminiscent of reincarnation stories. The problem I have with those is “Is it love or is it history between them?” Don’t get me wrong, I like a good reincarnation story from time to time, but this is that kind of story just adjacent. I actually loved the relationship of Izabel and Natalie. Natalie can be overly crude at times, and yet caring.

Overall

I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of the novel and characters for a romance. It addresses many issues and instead of being shy about them it takes it head on. It may not seem so at first but this short read is jam packed full of life lessons. The hardest part is the dichotomy between the out there Past Life Regression (which was super fun to read on a side note) and the very real issues Izabel was dealing with. It acted as a catalyst for the main character but also a dissension for me as the reader, undercutting many of the powerful events of the story. That being said it is a page turner and quite short, so I read it in two sittings!

Rating

4 stars

This was a solid romance that I would highly recommend. If you like reincarnation stories but would like a different twist – this is perfect!

Where did I get it?

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This review is voluntary. More reviews at Creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.

[Sonam Shukla · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY TAKE🌼:
School, then career, then marriage and kids. What could possibly happen to divert that plan? A husband with a wandering eye and anger management issues that escalate daily. Her life is a husk of what it appears to be and far from what she’d imagined it would be. Plagued with pride, shame, and denial, she chooses to harbor her dirty little secret.
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Domestic abuse is as common as rain during monsoon. Almost each one of us must have heard atleast one story about a woman getting abused by her husband yet we decide to stay silent. A woman is often expected to give her career up when things start falling down the hill.But do we really want this as a woman?
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The title and book cover are not a match. I mean they don't go together and honestly the cover is not my taste. The title tho did a pretty good job impressing me. Its is beautiful! Izabel was saw a complete New World through Eve's eyes and hence, forever eve. Nope! I'm not giving you the answer to your why? how? and what? you need to read a book to quench your emulsion.
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The concept of past life regression therapy is what caught me, I mean who doesn't want to know about his/her past life. I was perturbed about Izabel's safety and that what kept me going. Talking about izabel, she's one strong minded women as focused as a bull and a very responsible wife and a mother. She's totally flawless. I love this book, although, there were instances where I completely disagreed with the author but that's my own perspective.
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I'll conclude by saying, the whole past colliding with present thing that the author did makes the book worth reading. The narratives style is easy and mysterious at times, so don't worry about your efforts going into vain. The book is fantastic enough!

[Emanuela Myrtezaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a big fan of romance genre but this book went beyond my predictions. It is full off romance, strong friendships, abuse, drama, self-discovery which makes it even more complete and interesting. I felt very sorry for Izabel that her life changed that way. She marries Bo, thinking that she had found the love of her life, but after marriage Bo begins to change and reveals a character that Izabel didn't recognizes. He was very possessive and couldn't control his anger. I hated Bo throughout the book, a selfish, possessive and a man with no character. I would like Izabel to get rid of him from the beginning and not experience all the things he did. I don't agree with many people who say that a woman is responsible for her marriage and she should do everything to save it. No, both wife and husband need to give of themselves if they want to be together. In this case the only thing she had to do was get rid of Bo once and for all, and going back to the past with that therapy technique gave its effect. Izabel was fascinated by the love story between Eve and Charlie and began to see things different. Then Henry (whom I also love) enters her life, and Izabel is reborn again, she believes again. Nowadays we need more men like Henry girls! Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of her book for a honest review. I can't wait to read the sequel, "After Eve". 🤩

[ReadBetweenTheWines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this wonderful book in less than a day!! J.B. Lexington's debut novel catches you from the first page. She really knows how to engage her reader!

I fell in love with the character Izabel, my heart ached for her throughout the book and also leaped for joy when she found happiness at certain points. Nat is also a wonderful, strong female character and everything I would look for in a friend: fun, larger than life and a bit wild!

The story telling, switching between a past life and present, is structured very well and the mirror image of the two timescales is really beautifully put together.

As the author "pre-warned" me... there are some 'spicy bits' in this romance - which I thought just made it ever more exciting and real. Just a heads up for potential readers.

A wonderfully, spicy romance which explores some real difficult themes with respect and dignity. An excellent novel from J.B Lexington! Can't wait to read the next! 💟

[Angela Scavone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently had the pleasure of reading Forever Eve by fellow Canadian author JB Lexington. I have to say the sign of great writing is getting readers to have strong feelings for the characters in your book. JB accomplished this by my utter and complete hatred of Izabel Carmichael’s new husband…he’s an absolute monster. I admire the main character Izabel, she is a strong woman and it was great to watch her change her circumstances. Izabel’s best friend Nat is a hoot! I loved her! JB did a fantastic job in writing these characters and making me feel something for them.
Forever Eve is beautifully written to the point of unputdownable. I read it in one day! The characters and scenery are so well written and very memorable.
A warning though to my readers as this is not my normal reading material, Forever Eve has a fair amount of abuse in it both physically and sexually (adult) but having said that it has an ending to remember.

[Slide Between the Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

We really enjoyed this book. We read it in one night.

It is raw, real and angsty. It deals with the real issues of domestic abuse and all of the hardships, guilt and PTSD that come along with that.

Underlying all of the above is strong women supporting each other no matter what, and self discovery that leads to new beginnings.

There are also lots of steamy scenes that will have you melting.

Overall we highly recommend this contemporary romance book.

[Dora Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many emotions for me with the first book of the series, with certain topics that are mentioned throughout this story I got angry for our main character. I connected on some type of level with her and rooting for her on this journey hoping she rises above and comes out on top

[Sarah McWilliams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!!