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Ryleigh Fields has plans for her life that don’t involve weddings, marriage, or true love. Returning to her hometown is hard, but her agenda is drink, eat, and leave as fast as she can. In that order. But when she stupidly agrees to a wedding pact with her besties and promptly runs into the one guy who could be a game changer, Ryleigh realizes that even the best laid plans can be derailed. Martin Sullivan travels all over the world for Marshall and Sullivan Consulting. Each destination offers exposure for his software company, more money in his pocket, and a bevy of attractive women. But a trip to his cousin’s wedding, puts him in direct contact with the one woman he can’t stop thinking about. After consulting on a project, Martin knew he’d met his match with Ryleigh. One perfect night in Brazil, and he was ready to let her know just how much she impressed him, but he never got the opportunity. Now, almost a year later, he has his chance. The problem? Convincing Ryleigh. And like always, he’s up for the challenge. Once Upon a Bridesmaid Yours Forever by Sherelle Green (Book 1) Beyond Forever by Elle Wright (Book 2) Embracing Forever by Sheryl Lister (Book 3) Hopelessly Forever by Angela Seals (Book 4)

146 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2017

156 people are currently reading
46 people want to read

About the author

Elle Wright

60 books421 followers
Born and raised in Southeast Michigan near Ann Arbor, Elle learned the importance of reading from her mother. It was also her mother who, later on in her life, gave Elle her first romance novel: Indigo by Beverly Jenkins. From that moment on, Elle became a fan of Ms. Jenkins for life and a lover of all things romance. An old journal she wrote back in college became her first book (which she still wants to publish one day).

Elle is hard at work on her next novel.

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5 stars
121 (64%)
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47 (25%)
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17 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,389 reviews39 followers
October 23, 2017
This is the 1st book I read by Elle Wright. This book's story line was okay. I liked the hot & steamy scenes. Ryleigh's character was okay. My heart broke 💔 & I was happy for Ryleigh. Martin's character was okay. The ending was okay.
634 reviews
July 3, 2018
Ryleigh Fields has plans for her life that don’t involve weddings, marriage, or true love. Returning to her hometown is hard, because of her horrendous mother and absentee drug dealer father, so her agenda is clear: drink, eat, and leave as fast as she can. In that order. But when she stupidly agrees to a wedding pact with her besties and promptly runs into the one guy who could be a game changer, Ryleigh realizes that even the best laid plans can be derailed. Mama Lil, her surrogate granny, is her only bright spot, her illness helps her see her hometown in a new light. Martin Sullivan travels all over the world for Marshall and Sullivan Consulting. Each destination offers exposure for his software company, more money in his pocket, and a bevy of attractive women. But a trip to his cousin’s wedding, puts him in direct contact with the one woman he can’t stop thinking about. After consulting on a project, Martin knew he’d met his match with Ryleigh. One perfect night in Brazil, and he was ready to let her know just how much she impressed him, but he never got the opportunity. Now, almost a year later, he has his chance. The problem? Convincing Ryleigh. And like always, he’s up for the challenge.
29 reviews
December 1, 2017
Wonderful!

The second book in this series is wonderful. Although I've PURCHASED four other books by this author, I have yet to read them. Ryleigh and Martin's story was written beautifully. While at the wedding of one of her dearest friends, Ryleigh reluctantly agreed to the marriage pact with her friends. Never planning to actually marry anyone. While dodging past 'boyfriends', she runs into the one person she ran away from a few months ago. Martin. Ryleigh had a terrible childhood. So bad that she doesn't come back to her home town. It cause problems with her allowing people in. After working and one night with Ryleigh, Martin hasn't been able to get Ryleigh out if his mind. She the first woman who wasn't concerned about his money and status. Through some maneuvering by Martin, they finally go out on a date. From there, they continue dating and getting to know each other. Ryleigh lowers her guard and begins enjoying life and a future that isn't all work. Of monkey wrench of life steps. Ryleigh learns that Martin can be depended on and is really there for her. This is a beautiful story and very well written.
Profile Image for Shauntavia McIntyre-Arnold.
340 reviews6 followers
June 2, 2021
A great story to sit down and read

I gave this book a five star rating because there was no mistakes throughout the book that would've made it hard to understand what the author was trying to say. Ryleigh and her other besties agreed to a best friend's challenge to get married with a year of their friend Ava and Owen's wedding. Dealing with resentment from her childhood Ryleigh didn't like to visit her childhood hometown. Martin a man that Ryleigh had a connection with unbeknownst to her has been having questions about that night that he wanted answers to, but even more than that he wanted to connect with Ryleigh again. A strong connection with these two people was hard to fight, but fight it they both did especially Ryleigh because she was afraid. As their connection turns deep, and their feelings started to grow fonder for each other the stronger their bond with each other became. An emergency with someone who was close Ryleigh like a "mother figure," leads Ryleigh back to a home that she once resented, but she now has a chance of heart. In the end the love that Martin and Ryleigh developed for each other lead them towards their happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Monique D..
237 reviews6 followers
May 13, 2020
Ole Marty-Mar was not taking no for an answer!

Although Ryleigh agreed to a pact with her BFF's, she had no intention of going through with it. Even her reunion with the sexiest man ever to enter her life, she was not budging! She totally underestimated the determination of Martin Sullivan.

The memory of the time Martin and Ryleigh spent together the previous year was a constant and when he saw her again, he said it was fate. Ryleigh was not convinced at all. The memories of her childhood dictated how she ventured into relationships and as she got older, she found it easier to withdraw from committed relationships.

Martin's desire for her played out beautifully where he was able to get past her walls and show her what love looked and felt like. The more he was present in her life, the more she realized she wanted and needed someone to go through life with.

Their journey was cute, funny, loving and smoking hot! Ryleigh fell in love with Martin fast and hard!
139 reviews
March 14, 2025
Perfect For Each Other

Ryleigh and her girlfriends made a pact to get married by their friend Ava’s first anniversary to her husband Owen. Ryleigh was afraid to commit to a man. She was broken from the way she was treated by her mother as a child. Thank goodness Mother Lil stepped in to be her surrogate mother. She gave Ryleigh love, and nurtured her the way she needed to be. Ryleigh had a fling with Martin in Brazil. They didn’t think they would ever see each other again. However, they saw each other at Ava and Owen’s wedding. Everything started to roll for them at that point. Martin finally took Ryleigh on a proper date. Ryleigh just had to let go of her trauma from childhood, and trust her feelings for Martin, and his feelings for her. Once they realized what they had was real, they made it work for them. I’m so loving this series! But then, I love all books written by Elle Wright! ❤️🔥
Profile Image for April.
325 reviews5 followers
March 9, 2018
Beyond forever is a quick, engaging, and enjoyable read. Ryleigh Fields is afraid of love, but since Martin Sullivan met her, he can't get her off his brain. After meeting and hooking up in Brazil, Ryleigh runs from the one man she is afraid could capture her heart. Seeing him again at one of her best friends wedding, stirs up feelings she is no longer willing to set aside. When Martin Sullivan sees Ryleigh coming down the aisle at his cousins, Owen, wedding he makes it his business to pursue the woman who could be the one. He knows that she's different from all the other women he has seen, but since she left him in Brazil he wants to give her time to want him just as much as he wants her. Martin has plans to love Ryleigh beyond forever, but will she let him? Beyond Forever is a page-turner that will not disappoint.
Profile Image for Nana Prah.
Author 25 books273 followers
September 25, 2017
Four friends, one vow. Martin and Ryleigh’s story made me sigh with contentment. I really enjoyed this quick, engaging read. It helped that the couple knew each other and had a previous connection, not just physically but they'd developed respect for each other and a friendship. Fear kept them apart, until the wedding where sparks flew all over again. Their journey to becoming a couple is more complicated than I had expected it to be. The novella read more like a complete novel because the characters had such full back stories which allowed me to get to know them.

I was pleasantly surprised that the book was a stand-alone.

I was given a copy of this book (after I pleaded with the author) in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Vilma .
933 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2020
2nd chance at... sex, hookup, one night stand...love.

Ryleigh and Martin has a one-night stand in Brazil six months ago.

Fast forward to the present and Ryleigh’s best friends wedding, Ryleigh is at the bar when a familiar voice carries her back to that night in Brazil.

Martin Sullivan is at the wedding, he is the cousin of her best friends new husband, and he wants to know why Ryleigh left him in Brazil without a backwards glance.

The chemistry between Ryleigh and Martin literally burns the pages. The sub characters add so much context to Ryleigh’s backstory and her life growing up in the small town. This was truly a great love story, with just enough angst to keep it interesting and yet the hero and heroine get their HEA.



Profile Image for Sheree.
4 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2017
Elle Wright has done it again. Beyond Forever captivated me from beginning to the end. At first, I thought it was just going to be another romance novel but I was wrong. The author transports you into the blossoming love affair of the main couple, but not just as a fly on the wall; but as the actual character. At some point, I thought I was Ryleigh and I could actually feel Martin’s tantalizing touch. True to her craft, Elle Wright gives us readers one more man that we can add to our fantasy man list. Make sure you read this book; especially on a lonely night. Who knows… you might not be lonely for long. LOL!!
Profile Image for Celeste .
582 reviews6 followers
September 30, 2017
Martin and Ryleigh a couple of forevers

When you find someone who accepts you for who you are and is willing to move heaven and earth to ensure your needs are met, it's only right you jump head first.

Martin and Ryleigh's story is one you root for. With her past, you want someone like Ryleigh to have a better future. One critical element was Mama Lil. It was heart warming to see the tenderness of that relationship and it's impact on who Ryleigh is as a woman. Couple it with Martin and his commanding demeanor and it was sure game on from the start.

You'll appreciate the storyline because it flows well with time and place of the couple's first interaction.

Profile Image for Karen.
250 reviews
January 12, 2018
This is the first book that I've read from author, Elle Wright, and I truly loved Ryleigh's and Martin's love story! Although some of the vocabulary used was a little over the top at times like the 1st installment of this series, the storyline drew me in and I loved it immensely. The two besties from the group that was against the pact they made about all of them being married before the year ended, got married first...how ironic and hilarious at the same time. When love came knocking on Mackenzie and Ryleigh's door, they could only embrace life as married women. Raven's up next and I can hardly wait to see who wins her over.
Profile Image for reneeNaDaCherry.
2,542 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2020
Beyond Forever (Once Upon A Bridesmaid #2)

Ryleigh Fields is from a small country town named Rosewood Heights, SC. Ry-girl is a go-getter and business owner who meets Melvin Sullivan in Brazil while traveling. He is there for business and owns Marshall & Sullivan Consulting, a software company. Ryleigh & Martin have a one night stand and Marty-Mar has met his match in Ry-girl. Will there meeting again at his cousin's 💒 result in HEA for them too? Read this book and enjoy. I certainly did.
128 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2022
Beyond Forever is Possible

That toast. The Best Friends toast made at Ava and Owen's wedding, that each of the four remaining friends would fall in love and get married before Ava's first anniversary... Ryleigh thought it was ridiculous! Having grown up practically an orphan, she was the most skeptical that she would ever find true love. Interestingly enough, she found her true love at the wedding reception, just as her friend Mackenzie did. To learn how Raleigh got her Happily Ever After, you need to read this wonderful book! Great job Elle Wright!!
Profile Image for Selina Durio.
2,524 reviews12 followers
October 8, 2017
Nice story

This is the second installment in the Once Upon a Bridesmaid multi author series. While the stories center around the best friend challenge taken by four best friends acting as bridesmaids, this story didn’t mention the challenge except in the opening section and the final chapter. This was a great story about Ryleigh and Martin. Her backstory was touching. It was a wonderful story of her making the most of opportunities and coming out ahead.
Profile Image for Authoress Nikqua.
486 reviews7 followers
October 27, 2017
Amazing!

This book was so good and I enjoyed it so much. Martin and Ryleigh were a great couple. Ry came from a bad back ground and scared to love. It took a real man like Martin to show her that he was there for her. Great job Elle! You never disappoint me! Looking forward to reading more of your books!
118 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2018
It is true, family does not have to be blood relations. Mama Lil was Ryleigh's real mother. Ryleigh finally had 6 people in her corner,. Her girls, Mama Lil and Martin. I've read four books by Elle Wright and have enjoyed them all. I have purchased the three in her Scandal series and they are next up on my reading list. I see she enjoys Beverly Jenkins too.
770 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2020
Hot &Sexy

This story starts off with you sitting on the edge of your seat. Martin came in strong and determined to get the woman and get her he did. Ryleigh wanted Martin just as much, despite her misgivings and her past. I am glad they were able to make it work because everyone deserves to be happy and loved.
As usual this is a great book.
Profile Image for Nicole Baker grant.
588 reviews
September 17, 2024
Great Read

I enjoyed reading Beyond Forever. Ryleigh
and Martin meet in Brazil and had a good time together. Ryleigh disappear before Martin woke up. To Martin surprise he couldn't believe that he was see Ryleigh in his cousin wedding. You need to get the book to see what happens. I definitely recommend this book.
210 reviews2 followers
September 13, 2025
I love Ryleigh and Martin’s story. A one night stand that leaves both of them shook. She leaves in the middle of the night. A wedding and another meeting. The chemistry is there in full force, can they work past the chemistry to something more? Martin does but Ryleigh, not so much. Will Martin win her over? Please read and find out.
Profile Image for Lorice DeBlanc-Brim.
1,468 reviews11 followers
September 27, 2017
Highly recommended!👍

I do love this series. And to think I started not to get the whole series. Ryleigh is a character. But I do understand her hesitation with Martin. Martin wasn't going to halt his pursue of Ry. He went after what he wanted. And won.
205 reviews5 followers
September 30, 2017
Another Good One

Book Two of the series and I am enjoying it immensely. This is ryleigh story and it was so heartfelt. Ryleigh has always felt alone in the world. Except for Mama Lil but then she meets Martin. Can she let him be a part of her close knit circle or will she shut him out. Read the book to find out.
Profile Image for Malaika.
870 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2018
Love Ryleigh and Martin!

Ol’ Marty Mar was a great match for Ryleigh. Lol Ry deserved all the unconditional love that could be showered on her. I hate that she had to endured all she did in childhood but thank God for Mama Lil, Ava and her girls.
Profile Image for Tina Jackson.
615 reviews12 followers
February 5, 2019
Enjoyed it

Old acquaintances Ryliegh and Martin reconnect after meeting at her best friend and his cousin 'a wedding. Ryliegh is happy to see him but afraid to admit it. Good story of a guy breaking down a woman's walls against commitment and erasing her fears on love.
Profile Image for Tanya.
365 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2020
Loved It

Book 2 picks right up. I love how each bestie is finding there way to wedded bliss. I loved Martin ‘s character, and how he was not giving up. Mama Lil was a mess but so important— you have to love her. Enjoyable Story.
Profile Image for PurpleLadi.
645 reviews10 followers
April 28, 2020
Good Read

Ry and Michael's story was nice feel good story. My favorite characters were Mama Lil and Michael's partner Carter's sister. Hopefully Carter, his sister and Mama Lil will find love and happiness in their own stories.
Profile Image for Abby G. Amos.
1,257 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2020
Awesome Read!

I enjoyed reading this book! The chemistry between Martin and Ryleigh were off the chain! I know that EVERYONE who reads this book will enjoy it also! I definitely recommend this book to everyone!
261 reviews5 followers
October 9, 2017
Amazing Story!!!

Elle Wright has done it again. Martin and Ry-girl are so perfect for each other. You can feel the chemistry through the pages.
1,279 reviews9 followers
October 11, 2017
Excellent read

Excellent read, I enjoyed the storyline and characters. Martin and Ryleigh are a great match. I love romance novels and I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Toni.
710 reviews
October 12, 2017
I love Ryleigh, and so glad she had her friends and Mama Lil. Martin was a good fit for her, he understands and cherishes her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews