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Forever Hearts
Forever Hearts by CJ Martín
Best friends aren’t meant to fall in love with each other…
From the time I was five, Jesse Collins was my world. He was my partner in crime. My best friend. My confidant.
We were inseparable. Soul mates. Forever hearts. But all that changed when he took on a new role. Lover.
He told me to trust. To have faith. To believe in our love.
And I did.
But we all eat lies when the heart is hungry. And mine was damn hungry for Jesse Collins. I couldn't stop myself from falling for him, even if I wanted to.
This is our story. The good. The bad. The heartbreaking.
But in the end, will the thread that binds us together be strong enough to weather the storm?
I used to think so, but now I’m not quite as sure…
Forever Hearts is a standalone friends to lovers new adult romance. If you like sexy and sweet, hot and handsome, mixed with a whole lot of spice, then you’ll love this steamy romance by best-selling author CJ Martín.
Buy Forever Hearts and fall in love with your next book boyfriend today!
Best friends aren’t meant to fall in love with each other…
From the time I was five, Jesse Collins was my world. He was my partner in crime. My best friend. My confidant.
We were inseparable. Soul mates. Forever hearts. But all that changed when he took on a new role. Lover.
He told me to trust. To have faith. To believe in our love.
And I did.
But we all eat lies when the heart is hungry. And mine was damn hungry for Jesse Collins. I couldn't stop myself from falling for him, even if I wanted to.
This is our story. The good. The bad. The heartbreaking.
But in the end, will the thread that binds us together be strong enough to weather the storm?
I used to think so, but now I’m not quite as sure…
Forever Hearts is a standalone friends to lovers new adult romance. If you like sexy and sweet, hot and handsome, mixed with a whole lot of spice, then you’ll love this steamy romance by best-selling author CJ Martín.
Buy Forever Hearts and fall in love with your next book boyfriend today!
ebook
First published August 3, 2017
87 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Martín
6 books221 followersCJ Martín spends the majority of her days daydreaming, procrastinating, and longing for the day when she can quit her day job and write full time.
She loves all things romance and is a sucker for a happily-ever-after. She also loves traveling, yoga, avocados, and music. She has about a million and one playlists on Spotify that are as random as her personality.
She lives in Pennsylvania with her sweet husband (Literally! He owns an ice cream shoppe!) and twelve year-old Jug dog, Albert, who is more spoiled than most humans.
One day she will move to Paris and eat all of the wine and cheese, but until then...she dreams.
Join her Facebook group, CJ's Circle, sign up for her newsletter, or stalk her online: Facebook ⎸ Twitter ⎸ Instagram ⎸ Pinterest ⎸ BookBub ⎸ Amazon
Book by CJ Martín:
⭐︎ Snowbound (Oct. 2015)
⭐︎ Off Key (Aug. 2016)
⭐︎ Knockout (2016)
⭐︎ Forever Hearts (2017)
⭐︎ Touching Down (2018)
She loves all things romance and is a sucker for a happily-ever-after. She also loves traveling, yoga, avocados, and music. She has about a million and one playlists on Spotify that are as random as her personality.
She lives in Pennsylvania with her sweet husband (Literally! He owns an ice cream shoppe!) and twelve year-old Jug dog, Albert, who is more spoiled than most humans.
One day she will move to Paris and eat all of the wine and cheese, but until then...she dreams.
Join her Facebook group, CJ's Circle, sign up for her newsletter, or stalk her online: Facebook ⎸ Twitter ⎸ Instagram ⎸ Pinterest ⎸ BookBub ⎸ Amazon
Book by CJ Martín:
⭐︎ Snowbound (Oct. 2015)
⭐︎ Off Key (Aug. 2016)
⭐︎ Knockout (2016)
⭐︎ Forever Hearts (2017)
⭐︎ Touching Down (2018)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 2, 2017
FOREVER HEARTS: Is a new standalone coming of age, friends to lovers story by C.J. Martin. Spoken in ‘Dual Perspectives’
I will always have your back, Ry. You’re my heart. Forever and always.
In the ‘Prologue’ we’re introduced to Riley at a time where she should be at her happiest in life but that niggling scream in her mind screams that it isn’t Jesse. But to understand this comment we have to go back, back to where it all began and this story begins when a young Jesse aged five escapes his backyard and meets Riley and a friendship is formed over a sandcastle they built for a beautiful princess.
When they are seventeen year old seniors in high school is where things slowly start to change in their friendship. Lines become blurred.
A lesson on how to kiss is shared with her best friend, a kiss that changed how Jesse looked at her, subsequently from this point onwards Jesse struggles with his feelings for Riley, if it was up to him he’d be out of the friends zone and into something more. But he knows deep down that Riley only sees him as a friend a brother and nothing more.
Our kiss, just another dot, another blip in the history of us that will be packed and filed away with all the other memories that bind our lives together. I couldn’t have known years later that I’d look back on this day and wonder and ask myself time and time again: How could I have been so blind? - Riley
A friendship which grew and blossomed throughout the years, inseparable from youngsters to teenagers to adulthood their unique friendship stood the test of time. A friendship in jeopardy when they do take the leap into seeing if they could make it as a couple, this is where time stood still, I raced through the pages like a crack whore, seconds, minutes, hours fled by as I lapped up everything this author threw at me, on tenterhooks to reach the end.
Going in blind with this new author to me I was unsure what to expect, but what I got was beyond a pleasant surprise. A slow burn story that had me eating up the feels. Stories like this one are my guilty pleasure, a definite one click addiction, I love where the authors take us back to where a friendship is born when younger to adult life. This definitely wasn't in short supply with the angst, the turmoil of wrong timing, times I just wanted to bang their heads together and yell at them, two soul mates destined to be together, so many hurdles to cross.
Even though this was a long book when I reached the end I really wanted a wee bit more to finish it off more fluidly, how it ended just seemed so abrupt, I wanted, needed, craved what came after the last scene, I can’t go into it more because I want this to be as spoiler free as possible. But all in all this won't be the last book I'll read by this author, she's set the bar with this book.
#Angst #EmotionalRollerCoaster #AllTheFeels #ChildhoodFriends #ToLovers
July 27, 2017
➳C.J. Martin has brought a new meaning of being in a relationship with your best friend, both with struggles and positive things...
A love story in which not only revolves around the idea of having a female and male friend, but this is a love story in which has also brought a new meaning to friends to lovers. C.J. Martin has brought this message in such a wonderfully written way that I really wanted to keep reading more. The fact is, I was uncertain about reading this baby, but I do not regret doing so because I have encountered upon a story that will make everyone who is a fan of romance, no matter the genre- contemporary, erotica, new adult, etc- fall in love with these two characters.
Though the story is slow for some and myself, I think I enjoyed that the most because we got to understand the meaning behind every single aspect of their lives. How they started, and of course how they continued after all the struggle of being with each other.
➳ARC kindly provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review coming closer to release date...
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A love story in which not only revolves around the idea of having a female and male friend, but this is a love story in which has also brought a new meaning to friends to lovers. C.J. Martin has brought this message in such a wonderfully written way that I really wanted to keep reading more. The fact is, I was uncertain about reading this baby, but I do not regret doing so because I have encountered upon a story that will make everyone who is a fan of romance, no matter the genre- contemporary, erotica, new adult, etc- fall in love with these two characters.
Though the story is slow for some and myself, I think I enjoyed that the most because we got to understand the meaning behind every single aspect of their lives. How they started, and of course how they continued after all the struggle of being with each other.
➳ARC kindly provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review coming closer to release date...
➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter
August 4, 2017
3.5- 3.75 Stars
September 5, 2018
5 stars!
Gah! I loved this book SO much! It broke my heart and made me swoon and gave me butterflies and just made me happy. And I have to wonder, how are there only 120 reviews?? It is perfection! What a hidden gem!
This is the friends-to-lovers story of Riley and Jesse. Spanning over several decades, it follows them from when they first meet at five all the way to them in their twenties. Every scene in this book was perfect, each one designed to build on the depth of their connection. Not to mention the growing sexual tension and angst. Oh yes, there was some serious angst. This book was a slow burn, tension building throughout the first half of the book, and when they FINALLY get together it is explosive and hot and heartbreaking and just… *sigh*….perfect.
I finished this book in a day, which is impressive because I had lots of stuff I had to do. It wasn’t a day I could spend on the couch finishing a book, as much as I wanted to. That goes to show how amazing it was. I was reading it whenever I had 5 minutes free, begging for just a minute longer. And when I wasn’t reading it I was dying to get back home to be able to dive back in again to see what happens. That is the sign of a good book! I don’t give out many 5 star ratings, but this one deserves it.
If you like a good slow burn with well developed characters, seriously steamy scenes and a long bumpy road to a happy ending, then this book is for you. You won’t be disappointed.
Gah! I loved this book SO much! It broke my heart and made me swoon and gave me butterflies and just made me happy. And I have to wonder, how are there only 120 reviews?? It is perfection! What a hidden gem!
This is the friends-to-lovers story of Riley and Jesse. Spanning over several decades, it follows them from when they first meet at five all the way to them in their twenties. Every scene in this book was perfect, each one designed to build on the depth of their connection. Not to mention the growing sexual tension and angst. Oh yes, there was some serious angst. This book was a slow burn, tension building throughout the first half of the book, and when they FINALLY get together it is explosive and hot and heartbreaking and just… *sigh*….perfect.
I finished this book in a day, which is impressive because I had lots of stuff I had to do. It wasn’t a day I could spend on the couch finishing a book, as much as I wanted to. That goes to show how amazing it was. I was reading it whenever I had 5 minutes free, begging for just a minute longer. And when I wasn’t reading it I was dying to get back home to be able to dive back in again to see what happens. That is the sign of a good book! I don’t give out many 5 star ratings, but this one deserves it.
If you like a good slow burn with well developed characters, seriously steamy scenes and a long bumpy road to a happy ending, then this book is for you. You won’t be disappointed.
August 3, 2017
There is a scene in "King Lear" where Shakespeare describes the torture of Gloucester having his eye gouged out ... Well this scene was more pleasant to read than this stupid & tiresome book . There you go! Cheers
July 29, 2017
3.5*'s.
There is something about a Friends to Lovers romance that has it as one of my favourite categories. I think it is because of the previous history and the commitment already made to each other. Even though these two meet and became best friends at five years old, it's when they are seniors in high school that things start to change with their relationship. There is no doubt in Jesse's mind what he wants, but friends he will stay if that is all Rylie is capable of. If she wants more from him, he will be on board with that too. It is just a shame that not everyone is happy if they become a couple.
For nearly two decades this pair have a strong bond that even separated with college won't stop them being friends. They have their ups and downs but they each know it's a life long friendship second to none. The problem is neither one is perfect, like the rest of us, and miscommunications with heated moments will test them to their limits.
I really enjoyed this novel, and being only a fourth book for this author, it was written quite well. They way the period of time was handled flowed perfectly with the dual POVs explaining back history. There are a few different issues each of them had to deal with, and that too was deal with realistically. I did feel a few things were missing. Even though I thought the storyline dragged on in places, I found the ending to be cut short of a well rounded conclusion . I was hoping that Rylie had words with her dad for his interference and I wanted a more traditional epilogue. Having said that, I would still recommend reading Rylie and Jesse's story.
* I received a copy for an honest review.
** Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.
There is something about a Friends to Lovers romance that has it as one of my favourite categories. I think it is because of the previous history and the commitment already made to each other. Even though these two meet and became best friends at five years old, it's when they are seniors in high school that things start to change with their relationship. There is no doubt in Jesse's mind what he wants, but friends he will stay if that is all Rylie is capable of. If she wants more from him, he will be on board with that too. It is just a shame that not everyone is happy if they become a couple.
For nearly two decades this pair have a strong bond that even separated with college won't stop them being friends. They have their ups and downs but they each know it's a life long friendship second to none. The problem is neither one is perfect, like the rest of us, and miscommunications with heated moments will test them to their limits.
I really enjoyed this novel, and being only a fourth book for this author, it was written quite well. They way the period of time was handled flowed perfectly with the dual POVs explaining back history. There are a few different issues each of them had to deal with, and that too was deal with realistically. I did feel a few things were missing. Even though I thought the storyline dragged on in places, I found the ending to be cut short of a well rounded conclusion . I was hoping that Rylie had words with her dad for his interference and I wanted a more traditional epilogue. Having said that, I would still recommend reading Rylie and Jesse's story.
* I received a copy for an honest review.
** Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.
August 11, 2017
Gosto do enredo "melhores amigos que se apaixonam" mas esse não foi bem desenvolvido.
Ela poderia ter explorado um ou dois temas apresentados mas passeou demais e fugiu do desenvolvimento.
Ela poderia ter explorado um ou dois temas apresentados mas passeou demais e fugiu do desenvolvimento.
August 13, 2017
4.5
I loved it! It was a sure 5 stars , until the ending. It was cut short and I felt a bit robbed of their HEA. I needed more, and IMO, a few words between the h and her father were also missing
I loved it! It was a sure 5 stars , until the ending. It was cut short and I felt a bit robbed of their HEA. I needed more, and IMO, a few words between the h and her father were also missing
August 4, 2017
OMG, incredible. One of the most touching, beautiful books I have ever read. This book has touched me like no other. I felt every emotion portrayed in this book. Truly remarkable story telling. As I finished the story I knew that my life will not be the same again. I have fallen for this author's writing and cannot wait for them to write the next book.
The characters were truly inspirational and the storyline was compelling.
It is amazingly intense and the author prepares you for the journey for you to take alongside the characters really well. The characters and story development were perfectly done. This book was extremely well written and has fast become of my favourites of all time. This book was full of many twists and turns that will keep you guessing what is going to happen till the very end. I devoured it in one sitting. Incredible work!!
I will definitely be recommending this author to everyone I know.
Definitely one awesome book to pick up and I can see this author going from strength to strength. A truly inspiring work of art.
The characters were truly inspirational and the storyline was compelling.
It is amazingly intense and the author prepares you for the journey for you to take alongside the characters really well. The characters and story development were perfectly done. This book was extremely well written and has fast become of my favourites of all time. This book was full of many twists and turns that will keep you guessing what is going to happen till the very end. I devoured it in one sitting. Incredible work!!
I will definitely be recommending this author to everyone I know.
Definitely one awesome book to pick up and I can see this author going from strength to strength. A truly inspiring work of art.
August 3, 2017
*
Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
*
I generously received this ARC from Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review...
Let me tell you all the ways that I absolutely loved this friends to lovers story! This is not only a story about discovering your forever love, but about friendship and how the lines between the two of them are slowly blurred. The chemistry between these Riley and Jesse is undeniable even if they both at times seemed a little oblivious to the fact. Days after finishing this sweet and romantic story I still have so many butterflies in my stomach.
Although at times the story seemed a little slow I can't say that it really discouraged me for giving this book a perfect five star rating! This story is so dynamic and I cannot recommend it enough for all those friends to lovers book readers!
I generously received this ARC from Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review...
Let me tell you all the ways that I absolutely loved this friends to lovers story! This is not only a story about discovering your forever love, but about friendship and how the lines between the two of them are slowly blurred. The chemistry between these Riley and Jesse is undeniable even if they both at times seemed a little oblivious to the fact. Days after finishing this sweet and romantic story I still have so many butterflies in my stomach.
Although at times the story seemed a little slow I can't say that it really discouraged me for giving this book a perfect five star rating! This story is so dynamic and I cannot recommend it enough for all those friends to lovers book readers!
August 4, 2017
Forever Hearts by CJ Martin is a beautiful coming of age, best friends to lovers stories. I absolutely LOVED this book. From start to finish I was captivated by the story of 2 best friends falling in love.
In Forever Hearts, we meet sweet, innocent Riley Ann. And Jesse, the boy next door who secretly in love with her. So much angst in this book. I'm a sucker for it. But their love, is beautiful! My emotions were on a rollercoaster ride, ups and downs, but oh how I LOVED the ride.
This was my very first CJ Martin book. And not only is her story emotional, it's beautifully told in duel POV's. I definitely recommend this book. I can honestly tell you that, Riley and Jesse’s story will be one remember. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
*I voluntarily read an arc from the author. This is my honest review.*
In Forever Hearts, we meet sweet, innocent Riley Ann. And Jesse, the boy next door who secretly in love with her. So much angst in this book. I'm a sucker for it. But their love, is beautiful! My emotions were on a rollercoaster ride, ups and downs, but oh how I LOVED the ride.
This was my very first CJ Martin book. And not only is her story emotional, it's beautifully told in duel POV's. I definitely recommend this book. I can honestly tell you that, Riley and Jesse’s story will be one remember. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
*I voluntarily read an arc from the author. This is my honest review.*
Read
August 26, 2018 Forever Hearts
A standalone, friends to lovers romance
Release Date: August 3, 2017
Purchase Links or Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited:
🇺🇸 Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2eYeO3z
🇨🇦 Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2uKz0v8
🇬🇧 Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2v8Sj2h
🇦🇺 Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2wb3wMu
A standalone, friends to lovers romance
Release Date: August 3, 2017
Purchase Links or Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited:
🇺🇸 Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2eYeO3z
🇨🇦 Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2uKz0v8
🇬🇧 Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2v8Sj2h
🇦🇺 Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2wb3wMu
November 24, 2017
Stupid hero, stupid hero, stupid misunderstandings & stupid coward MCs.
The story is just dragged to make a book.
I just skimmed, skimmed & skimmed.
Not for me!!!
The story is just dragged to make a book.
I just skimmed, skimmed & skimmed.
Not for me!!!
August 1, 2017
Best Friends aren't supposed to fall in love... or are they?
Forever Hearts is a flawless story about a friendship that is meant to last forever. I loved this friends to lovers romance!
Rylie and Jesse have been best friends since the start. They've had many bumps along the way but have always came out on top. As their age progresses their feelings get stronger.
My heart broke repeatedly for this friendship that was clearly meant to be more than a friendship. It seemed like the world threw every single obstacle at them, but no matter what, they fought through it.
One of the biggest obstacles involved Rylie's dad. Rylie' s dad has always been against the friendship because of Jesse's skin color. He even went as far as using a manipulation tactic to get Jesse away from Rylie. I hated this glimpse we got of Rylie's dad.
I loved Forever Hearts! Rylie and Jesse's story is sweet...sometimes ;)
Forever Hearts is a flawless story about a friendship that is meant to last forever. I loved this friends to lovers romance!
Rylie and Jesse have been best friends since the start. They've had many bumps along the way but have always came out on top. As their age progresses their feelings get stronger.
My heart broke repeatedly for this friendship that was clearly meant to be more than a friendship. It seemed like the world threw every single obstacle at them, but no matter what, they fought through it.
One of the biggest obstacles involved Rylie's dad. Rylie' s dad has always been against the friendship because of Jesse's skin color. He even went as far as using a manipulation tactic to get Jesse away from Rylie. I hated this glimpse we got of Rylie's dad.
I loved Forever Hearts! Rylie and Jesse's story is sweet...sometimes ;)
July 23, 2017
What a great coming of age, friends to lover story. Jesse and Riley have been best friends forever and both have an attraction toward each other and they try it out but sometimes life gets in the way as well as our hearts. These two fight heart for love and I was in the ride with them loved it.
August 7, 2017
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This is an awesome book that lovers of romance novels are going to love. It's enthralling from the very first to the very last line.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This is an awesome book that lovers of romance novels are going to love. It's enthralling from the very first to the very last line.
Read
August 7, 2017This book is not for me.
I don't like it when in the journey to be together and realize their feelings for each other they are both flirting or sleeping with other people.
I don't like it when in the journey to be together and realize their feelings for each other they are both flirting or sleeping with other people.
September 29, 2017
This book.... gah!! Words cannot express how amazing this story is!! The FEELS!! Oh lordy THE FEELS in this book!! If you follow my reviews you may know angst and heartbreak is my favorite thing to read about! I beg authors to break my heart, to rip it from my chest, to have my heart lodged in my throat!!! I live for these kinds of books!! Well Forever Hearts is probably the best book I've read in a long time that just does that! CJ Martin is so underrated and I wish more readers knew about her! She is just amazing! This is the 2nd book I've read from her and her writing is just evolving and I cannot wait until she hits the big time because it's so well deserved!! She has it! This book was one of my favorites for 2017 and I cannot wait to see what else Ms Martin has for us!!
Riley and Jesse have been best friends since they were kids. They were two peas in a pod and inseparable. As they got older and moved through high school, each had relationships but both were clueless that the other harbored feelings for one another. They would have boyfriends and girlfriends but had categorized each in the friend zone. They knew they had a deep feeling for one another, they are the best of friends. But neither one is brave enough to take the leap. They don't want to risk losing each other in the process.
So more years go by.... both thinking and regretting what could have been.... Then Jesse disappears from Riley's life. Without any explanation Jesse makes the hardest decision he's ever had to make.
Fast forward a couple more years. With social media, Riley see's that Jesse has moved on with his life without her. She is devastated that he can have a new life and not think about her. Jesse on the other hand knows he could never be the person Riley deserved so he scarifies himself to save her.
Can Riley and Jesse ever move forward. Can they move past the pain they've caused each other? You will need to read Forever Hearts to find out!! This is a gut wrenching, beautiful tale that spans several years and one that NEEDS TO BE READ!!!
August 14, 2017
Review to follow. Not sure how to at the moment :(
Review
Three and a half ish stars
Forever Hearts is a friends to lovers, coming of age/new adult bi-racial romance.
Rylie and Jesse have been best friends since they were 5 years old and over the year the closeness they shared has accumulated to something much more. However making that decision to transform their relationship comes with a lot of angst, insecurity and hurt. Being a coming of age romance this is to be expected, it was a little more mature than I anticipated. The whole having relationships with other people and still this ‘thing’ existing between then became a bit tiresome. This is why I hardly ever read coming of age, YA or young new adult. It just frustrates me so much!
The characters were likable but I would say Jesse more than Rylie who tended to over dramatize things and making stupid decisions that made everybody suffer.
Overall I would say it was enjoyable but just not my type of read. Don’t get me wrong I love a bit of angst and drama but this just went there too many times for my personal liking. 3.5 stars
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Review
Three and a half ish stars
Forever Hearts is a friends to lovers, coming of age/new adult bi-racial romance.
Rylie and Jesse have been best friends since they were 5 years old and over the year the closeness they shared has accumulated to something much more. However making that decision to transform their relationship comes with a lot of angst, insecurity and hurt. Being a coming of age romance this is to be expected, it was a little more mature than I anticipated. The whole having relationships with other people and still this ‘thing’ existing between then became a bit tiresome. This is why I hardly ever read coming of age, YA or young new adult. It just frustrates me so much!
The characters were likable but I would say Jesse more than Rylie who tended to over dramatize things and making stupid decisions that made everybody suffer.
Overall I would say it was enjoyable but just not my type of read. Don’t get me wrong I love a bit of angst and drama but this just went there too many times for my personal liking. 3.5 stars
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
July 14, 2017
Going into CJ Martin’s new book, Forever Hearts, I had absolutely no idea I’d have the slew of emotions that are currently plaguing me after finishing what I consider one of the best reads of this year. I didn’t just like this book, I fell hook, line and sinker in love with Martin’s story of two childhood friends and their coming of age romance.
In Forever Hearts, we have Riley Ann, innocent and oblivious to the boy next door’s adoration and Jesse, the boy next door who secretly pines for his best friend. Never on the same page, timing always off, these two struggle through their feelings, friendship, and just simply growing up.
Forever Hearts has so much angst, love, goosebumps that’ll drive your stomach in knots in the most delightful way. My emotions are still running high after binging on this amazing novel. CJ Martin doesn’t just give readers a good characters, but one emotionally driven book that refuses to leave it’s residence in your heart.
I can already tell you now, Riley and Jesse’s story will be one of those that I will be a crazy book fan of by constantly whipping it in peoples’ faces and screaming “READ THIS!” It was just that good! Martin continues to push her boundaries and grow as an author. Having read her previous novels, Snowbound and Off Key, I can see her writing evolve into something I can’t quite get enough of. I am so excited to see what Martin has in store for us in her future releases! If you are looking for a book that will excite and stay with you long after reading, I highly recommend that you pick up Forever Hearts now to fall in love with two childhood friends and their coming of age romance.
In Forever Hearts, we have Riley Ann, innocent and oblivious to the boy next door’s adoration and Jesse, the boy next door who secretly pines for his best friend. Never on the same page, timing always off, these two struggle through their feelings, friendship, and just simply growing up.
Forever Hearts has so much angst, love, goosebumps that’ll drive your stomach in knots in the most delightful way. My emotions are still running high after binging on this amazing novel. CJ Martin doesn’t just give readers a good characters, but one emotionally driven book that refuses to leave it’s residence in your heart.
I can already tell you now, Riley and Jesse’s story will be one of those that I will be a crazy book fan of by constantly whipping it in peoples’ faces and screaming “READ THIS!” It was just that good! Martin continues to push her boundaries and grow as an author. Having read her previous novels, Snowbound and Off Key, I can see her writing evolve into something I can’t quite get enough of. I am so excited to see what Martin has in store for us in her future releases! If you are looking for a book that will excite and stay with you long after reading, I highly recommend that you pick up Forever Hearts now to fall in love with two childhood friends and their coming of age romance.
August 2, 2017
Forever Hearts was a lovely coming-of-age novel. It was the first I've read by CJ Martin, and I thought she did a great job in capturing Riley and Jesse's journey from best friends to loving one another to being in love with one another. Being each other's forever heart.
The story spans more than a decade, from the time that Riley and Jesse are little kids, through their high school and college years and into adulthood. The reader gets to experience all of the ups and downs of their friendship, and really gets an inside look at just how well these two fit with one another in the dual POVs. When hormones enter the picture as Riley and Jesse hit their teenage years, Jesse knows that the love he feels for Riley is much more than just as a best friend. And he's willing to have her in his life any way he can get her. Riley, on the other hand, is so inexperienced, she has no idea what to make of the mixed feelings she's developing for Jesse.
It's a slow burn until these two finally get on the same page, and I got a little frustrated at times when Riley just wouldn't admit what she was feeling. But I get how the author needed all of the lead-up to their eventual coupling in order for The Conflict to happen and eventually their HEA.
There were a few parts where I felt the story dragged a bit, and I hated that Riley just kind of sweeps under the rug the issues she has with her father and his behavior towards Jesse. But overall, Forever Hearts was a solid, somewhat angsty but very enjoyable story of two best friends who fall in love. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
The story spans more than a decade, from the time that Riley and Jesse are little kids, through their high school and college years and into adulthood. The reader gets to experience all of the ups and downs of their friendship, and really gets an inside look at just how well these two fit with one another in the dual POVs. When hormones enter the picture as Riley and Jesse hit their teenage years, Jesse knows that the love he feels for Riley is much more than just as a best friend. And he's willing to have her in his life any way he can get her. Riley, on the other hand, is so inexperienced, she has no idea what to make of the mixed feelings she's developing for Jesse.
It's a slow burn until these two finally get on the same page, and I got a little frustrated at times when Riley just wouldn't admit what she was feeling. But I get how the author needed all of the lead-up to their eventual coupling in order for The Conflict to happen and eventually their HEA.
There were a few parts where I felt the story dragged a bit, and I hated that Riley just kind of sweeps under the rug the issues she has with her father and his behavior towards Jesse. But overall, Forever Hearts was a solid, somewhat angsty but very enjoyable story of two best friends who fall in love. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
August 3, 2017
Forever Hearts wasn’t the easiest book to read in the way that it’s a story that is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. I loved Riley and Jesse’s relationship evolution from friend to lovers and felt they were just so perfect together. But all the heartache they suffer through the years made it also hard to read without getting my heart broken a little.
Friends to lovers books are one of my favorite trope. All the anticipation before the hero and heroine get together and the tension building is incredible. In Forever Hearts we get all this intricate amalgam of emotions.
I appreciated that both characters have their flaws, but try to grow from them. Jesse always feels he’s not good enough for Riley and tries to better himself for her resulting in a web of events that keeps taking them further away from each other. Their love and connection are undeniable and I found myself hoping for their reunion. While Jesse’s feelings for Riley are clear as day, Riley has some difficulty admitting to herself that she sees more in him than her best friend. I appreciated her evolution through all this process.
The only downside to the story I found and mostly the reason I didn’t rate it higher was the way the paragraphs and short chapters switched rapidly through time. I felt it was more difficult to stay as connected to Riley and Jesse’s story. But still, all their interactions are always heartfelt and I couldn’t help but smile, laugh or even shed some tears over their poignant love story.
C.J. Martin penned a friends to lovers books that will play at your heartstrings that’s for sure with Forever Hearts. Through friendship, love, desire, fear and heartache, you’ll fall in love with Riley and Jesse.
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
Friends to lovers books are one of my favorite trope. All the anticipation before the hero and heroine get together and the tension building is incredible. In Forever Hearts we get all this intricate amalgam of emotions.
I appreciated that both characters have their flaws, but try to grow from them. Jesse always feels he’s not good enough for Riley and tries to better himself for her resulting in a web of events that keeps taking them further away from each other. Their love and connection are undeniable and I found myself hoping for their reunion. While Jesse’s feelings for Riley are clear as day, Riley has some difficulty admitting to herself that she sees more in him than her best friend. I appreciated her evolution through all this process.
The only downside to the story I found and mostly the reason I didn’t rate it higher was the way the paragraphs and short chapters switched rapidly through time. I felt it was more difficult to stay as connected to Riley and Jesse’s story. But still, all their interactions are always heartfelt and I couldn’t help but smile, laugh or even shed some tears over their poignant love story.
C.J. Martin penned a friends to lovers books that will play at your heartstrings that’s for sure with Forever Hearts. Through friendship, love, desire, fear and heartache, you’ll fall in love with Riley and Jesse.
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
August 3, 2017
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - Naomi / Scandalous Book Blog***
I fell in love with this story. Friends to lovers is never easy as this couple find out first hand.
Jessie and Riley became best friends at the age of 5, but it was when they were in their teens that things started to change for them.
Both having feelings for one another, they are slow to act on it and find themselves in relationships with other people. The timing is never right.
Just when this couple are set on the path of HEA...it all goes down the pan. Not everyone is happy about their relationship.
Jessie doubts his own worth and Riley is in the dark about alot of things.
Can this couple get a HEA?
This was a very emotional, passionate read. From the very beginning this story had me captivated and I couldn't put it down until I read the very last word. With butterflies in my stomach, heart in my mouth and tears running down my face I was lost in their world. They were all that mattered, Their love knew no bounds and I was praying that they would get everything they deserved and more.
I can wait to read something else fro this author!
I fell in love with this story. Friends to lovers is never easy as this couple find out first hand.
Jessie and Riley became best friends at the age of 5, but it was when they were in their teens that things started to change for them.
Both having feelings for one another, they are slow to act on it and find themselves in relationships with other people. The timing is never right.
Just when this couple are set on the path of HEA...it all goes down the pan. Not everyone is happy about their relationship.
Jessie doubts his own worth and Riley is in the dark about alot of things.
Can this couple get a HEA?
This was a very emotional, passionate read. From the very beginning this story had me captivated and I couldn't put it down until I read the very last word. With butterflies in my stomach, heart in my mouth and tears running down my face I was lost in their world. They were all that mattered, Their love knew no bounds and I was praying that they would get everything they deserved and more.
I can wait to read something else fro this author!
August 18, 2017
I Really Like This One
You know how sometime you find a story that's just so good that you spend a lot of time looking for something similar and just as good. Well, Forever Hearts was just that for me. It's a beautiful story, but more importantly I genuinely liked the characters. Jessi and Riley were good people, they were friends, best friends, before they ever started dating. I knew so much about each other that I knew there was a basis for their relationship. I was rooting for them from the very beginning. I never got annoyed with them and I understood the reasons behind their actions. This is the story with no major antagonist, it's a story about two people who are really great together ending up together. So, I would definitely recommend it. There are some things that I feel were left unresolved, but the overall story was just so good that I was still happy with the book!!
You know how sometime you find a story that's just so good that you spend a lot of time looking for something similar and just as good. Well, Forever Hearts was just that for me. It's a beautiful story, but more importantly I genuinely liked the characters. Jessi and Riley were good people, they were friends, best friends, before they ever started dating. I knew so much about each other that I knew there was a basis for their relationship. I was rooting for them from the very beginning. I never got annoyed with them and I understood the reasons behind their actions. This is the story with no major antagonist, it's a story about two people who are really great together ending up together. So, I would definitely recommend it. There are some things that I feel were left unresolved, but the overall story was just so good that I was still happy with the book!!
July 12, 2017
I came across this author by mistake. I read Snowbound and fell in love with her writing. From there I read Knockout and then Off Key. I love books. I read a lot of books. But for some reason this author's writing just sticks with me. It's flows so beautifully that I can't put the book down when reading her words.
Now, Forever Hearts. This book had me laughing and crying and had me ready to chuck my iPad across the room! This book is not your typical love story. The characters are flawed and their love isn't perfect but it's REAL! So many times I wanted to kill them both and shake them silly but the truth is, they made the same mistakes I can remember making throughout my life.
I loved this book and I would recommend it to anybody who wants to read a beautifully imperfectly perfect love story.
Now, Forever Hearts. This book had me laughing and crying and had me ready to chuck my iPad across the room! This book is not your typical love story. The characters are flawed and their love isn't perfect but it's REAL! So many times I wanted to kill them both and shake them silly but the truth is, they made the same mistakes I can remember making throughout my life.
I loved this book and I would recommend it to anybody who wants to read a beautifully imperfectly perfect love story.
July 18, 2017
So I am the first to admit that I do not often give out 5 stars for a book. I also know that what I would consider 5 stars is not always the case for everyone else....
But this book was defiantly a 5 STAR REVIEW
This book had all the elements that I love!
<3 Friends to lovers - Without being over the top cheesy
<3 Angst between the H and h over their feelings towards each other
<3 Great secondary characters
Before I go any further I must be completely honest and let you know that I have received an ARC in exchange for an honest review - and if you read my ARC reviews you know that i do not pass out 5 stars like confetti
Best friends aren’t meant to fall in love with each other, or are they?
Jesse told her to trust. To have faith. To believe in their love.
This is their story. The good. The bad. The heartbreaking.
But this book was defiantly a 5 STAR REVIEW
This book had all the elements that I love!
<3 Friends to lovers - Without being over the top cheesy
<3 Angst between the H and h over their feelings towards each other
<3 Great secondary characters
Before I go any further I must be completely honest and let you know that I have received an ARC in exchange for an honest review - and if you read my ARC reviews you know that i do not pass out 5 stars like confetti
Best friends aren’t meant to fall in love with each other, or are they?
Jesse told her to trust. To have faith. To believe in their love.
This is their story. The good. The bad. The heartbreaking.
August 4, 2017
I am completely blown away by this book. I absolutely adore best friends to lovers books, yet this is so much more than that.
Jesse & Riley have been best friends since they first become neighbours at the age of 5. They are inseparable until the day they both move away to different colleges. What Riley doesn't know is that the ever popular Jesse struggles to hide his true feelings for her.
This book is staged over many years, and both Riley & Jesse go through so many ups and downs throughout their lives. Together and separate.
Their story, at times, is quite heartbreaking. But it is also so very realistically told, that by the end of the book, it felt like I was reading about people I actually knew.
Beautifully written story, that certainly had me devouring page after page. Loved every word.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book
Jesse & Riley have been best friends since they first become neighbours at the age of 5. They are inseparable until the day they both move away to different colleges. What Riley doesn't know is that the ever popular Jesse struggles to hide his true feelings for her.
This book is staged over many years, and both Riley & Jesse go through so many ups and downs throughout their lives. Together and separate.
Their story, at times, is quite heartbreaking. But it is also so very realistically told, that by the end of the book, it felt like I was reading about people I actually knew.
Beautifully written story, that certainly had me devouring page after page. Loved every word.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book
August 2, 2017
I am not sure how to explain everything this book made me feel.
The story put butterflies in my stomach, goosebumps in my skin, so many questions in my brain, so much love in my heart and every possible emotion in my soul.
I love how we get to read about the how the lines started to blurr and the friendship, the main characters shared, becomes something else.
Riley and Jesse are such amazing characters. And their connection is really special. They had to learn how to surpass every stone in the road and every problem life gave them. But that's what makes their bond real. Because everything they went through in the process of growing up was a test, and they did so well. It only proves they are true soulmates.
This book has it all. The angst, the love, the troubles and a big rollercoaster of emotions.
The story put butterflies in my stomach, goosebumps in my skin, so many questions in my brain, so much love in my heart and every possible emotion in my soul.
I love how we get to read about the how the lines started to blurr and the friendship, the main characters shared, becomes something else.
Riley and Jesse are such amazing characters. And their connection is really special. They had to learn how to surpass every stone in the road and every problem life gave them. But that's what makes their bond real. Because everything they went through in the process of growing up was a test, and they did so well. It only proves they are true soulmates.
This book has it all. The angst, the love, the troubles and a big rollercoaster of emotions.
August 4, 2017
So, let me start this review by saying THANK YOU to C.J. Martin for sending me an ARC of Forever Hearts! This book completely took me by surprise...
I absolutely love a 'friends to lovers' romance. I live for the angst and the attraction of friends who feel something more than friendship for their friend!
Cj Martin writes like a seasoned veteran writer!
This book had me on the edge of my seat! The slow burn of Riley and Jesse was freaking delicious to read! This book threw me for a loop! I was expecting the typical friends to lovers but this was more... this had a build up to these two finally realizing they felt more for each other!!!
I wish I could rate this more than 5 stars! I highly recommend this standalone friends to lovers romance! It's real, honest, emotional and absolutely EVERYTHING!
I absolutely love a 'friends to lovers' romance. I live for the angst and the attraction of friends who feel something more than friendship for their friend!
Cj Martin writes like a seasoned veteran writer!
This book had me on the edge of my seat! The slow burn of Riley and Jesse was freaking delicious to read! This book threw me for a loop! I was expecting the typical friends to lovers but this was more... this had a build up to these two finally realizing they felt more for each other!!!
I wish I could rate this more than 5 stars! I highly recommend this standalone friends to lovers romance! It's real, honest, emotional and absolutely EVERYTHING!
December 30, 2017
I am completely blown away by this book. I absolutely adore best friends to lovers books, yet this is so much more than that.
Jesse & Riley have been best friends since they first become neighbours at the age of 5. They are inseparable until the day they both move away to different colleges. What Riley doesn't know is that the ever popular Jesse struggles to hide his true feelings for her.
This book is staged over many years, and both Riley & Jesse go through many ups and downs throughout their lives. Together and separate.
Their story, at times, is quite heartbreaking. But it is also very realistically told, that by the end of the book, it felt like I was reading about people I actually knew.
Beautifully written story, that certainly had me devouring page after page. Loved every word.
Jesse & Riley have been best friends since they first become neighbours at the age of 5. They are inseparable until the day they both move away to different colleges. What Riley doesn't know is that the ever popular Jesse struggles to hide his true feelings for her.
This book is staged over many years, and both Riley & Jesse go through many ups and downs throughout their lives. Together and separate.
Their story, at times, is quite heartbreaking. But it is also very realistically told, that by the end of the book, it felt like I was reading about people I actually knew.
Beautifully written story, that certainly had me devouring page after page. Loved every word.
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