Trace's Forever

Lake Hope #5

by Mel Walker

Real Hollywood Romances are Unscripted.
Trace Edwards
They call me the billion-dollar box office kid and People’s most eligible bachelor, but everyone should know better. That carefully curated persona is a Hollywood fabrication.
Thanks to Forever being a box office smash, I’m returning to Lake Hope to film the sequel. The paparazzi is working overtime speculating that my on-screen romance with my co-star Kimberly Conrad is evolving off-screen.
On-screen I’ll continue to play the romantic lead but off-screen I’m a different person with a secret that would destroy the image so many have worked so hard to maintain.
I don’t relationships. I don’t do romance.

Jill Hanover
I wrote the words that convinced America that Trace and Kimberly are the perfect couple. My script for the movie Forever propelled the beautiful ones to an on-screen HEA. Of course, the emotions of the movie felt real to so many because they are – they’re mine. I carry a stupid crush for the most unattainable man in Hollywood. I’m invisible to him and I’ve fed all my words of love to Kimberly, the one woman who actually has the ability to steal his heart.
I can’t let this happen. It’s time to go off-script.
You can’t make this stuff up. But I can.
Watch me.

Genres: Forced Proximity

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2021

About the author

Mel Walker is an award-winning rare bird, the male romance author. Specializing in heartfelt small-town romance, he enjoys telling compelling romances with all the feels. A native New Yorker and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan, he enjoys baseball, reading, bike rides, and writing outdoors where he absorbs the energy of the city.


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Reviews

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star review Trace's Forever (Lake Hope #5) by Mel Walker
How on earth have I not read Mel Walker before? From start to finish I was drawn in to the story she wove about Hollywood heartthrob Trace Edwards and the woman who has been in love with him forever, Jill Hanover.
This was a well written story with characters whose story you cannot help but become invested in. I fell hard for Trace, a totally swoon worthy man and screenwriter Jill who has been in love with him for what seems like forever. Jill is responsible for the words that made Trace and his co star into superstars. The press is convinced that the co stars are together both on and off the screen, but that is not the case. Trace does not do relationships , in fact he doesn't believe in love and romance.
However Jill has decided to take a leap into the unknown when they return to Lake Hope to film the sequel. This was at times an emotional roller coaster of a read that drew out the emotions as I read. I really felt for Jill, her lack of self confidence was heart breaking on occasion. As for Trace, there is so much more to him than meets the eye and underneath the surface is a kind, caring, protective man who doesn’t even know that he is capable of love.
Although I haven’t read the other books in this series, I had no trouble reading Trace’s Forever as a stand alone, although I will read the other books in the series when I can.
A sweet, romantic story, with a little angst and one I enjoyed.

[mary Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time to read Mel Walker and boy did this book ever hook and pull at my heartstrings!! It’s also what reading romance is about… an instant spark that has a bit of a slow burn to it. Yet once that spark has ignited it’s on.

Hollywood’s sexy heart throb and most eligible bachelor, Trace Edwards is still riding the breakout success from the romance novel, Forever he starred in. Truth be known, he was behind the production and filming of this book. With the sequel of the book, Forever and Ever already written, he is ready to start filming the sequel. Jill Hanover is the romance author who wrote the books. She has already worked with Trace on set on the first movie and secretly harbors a crush on him. Especially after their kiss under the mistletoe at Christmas party.

Here’s where things get complicated. With the success of the first movie and the dynamic chemistry between Trace and Kimberly, his co-star, rumors abound that there is a real-life romance between them off screen and the public eats it up. So as Trace and Jill begin to spend time together with it only fueling Jill’s thoughts of Trace. But at the same time Trace is starting to see that Jill is what he’s looking for in a woman.

As the two spend more and more time together the friendship develops into even more. Sparks fly, feelings intensify, finding the two are looking for their next stolen moments together. That is until they are found in a compromising position by the paparazzi. This leads to a snowball of unplanned events. Tabloid gossip further complicates things with spin on her and Trace being the subject of malicious gossip.

Oblivious to how Hollywood works, Jill finds herself the subject of yet another rumor…. that she is trying to break up the off-screen romance between Trace and Kimberly.

As things get further complicated will Trace and Jill ever find a way to be together?
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[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for Trace’s Forever (Lake Hope #5)
This is the first book I have read by Mel Walker but I love a good romance and this book was everything expected and more. This may be book 5 in the Lake Hope Series but it can certainly be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone but that being said I will be checking out the rest of the series as soon as time permits. I was captivated by Trace and Jill’s emotional roller coaster and I’m sure you will be too.
Trace Edwards is Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor and they call him the billion dollar box office kid but you can’t believe everything you read in the press especially when it comes to the off screen romance with a co star.
Jill Hanover is the scriptwriter for Forever the film that shot Trace to fame and she hides the crush she has for her leading man well but when it comes down to realising another woman could steal his heart she knows it’s now or never.
This is a well written, captivating story that drew me in and didn’t let me go, the characters are easy to love and it has the perfect mix of love, passion, sweetness and drama. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series as soon as time permits.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no part of me, not brain, not heart, nothing, that’s ready to let go of Lake Hope just yet. Trace and Jill were the perfect dramatic mess to conclude this series with. The two of them together were everything that was sweet and wonderful and adorable. But everything around them kind of became a comedy of errors, conspiring to keep them from finding Forever together. My drama-loving heart gave such a happy sigh to see the ending Trace and Jill were able to wrangle out of their media disaster. I’m still not ready to say “goodbye,” but now I’ll be on the lookout for any of the Lake Hope alumni in future books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Susan-Justavoraciousreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Mel Walker is an excellent storyteller of super sweet and romantic stories. Trace's Forever is no exception. This is a great continuation of Lake Hope Series. The character development and chemistry between Trace and Jill is super amazing!! The whole series is brilliantly written, with an engaging storyline, amazing characters that you fall in love with and want to know more about. I cannot recommend this book and this series highly enough. I received an advanced copy of this book and am enthusiastically leaving an honest review.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and I loved Trace and Jill's story! The story pulled me in, kept me involved and riding that intense roller coaster right along with the characters. I absolutely loved those back and forth moments, those special times that we saw deep into their true selves. The story is light, with those perfect moments of intensity, the ups and downs, the sweetness, all wrapped up so well. I enjoyed the other characters and will be reading all the books in this series.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Trace and Jill. The author does a great job developing the story and paints her scenes perfectly. He takes you into their lives with chemistry, friendship and love and kept me reading with all the obstacles they need to work through. He moves the story fluidly and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Deborah Anita Kurniawan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ★★★★

~Trace Edwards & Jill Hanover~

Hollywood superstar meets down-to-earth author...
This was such a sweet story!

This story shows the back operation of Hollywood. How demanding it is, how soul-sucking it is, and how someone can even forget him/herself due to the pressure of being "this" persona.
Trace has put all of the weight on his shoulder and the amounting pressures set him off in the end. Luckily, he has Jill and his brilliant co-star, Kimberly, who willingly take some of the weight.

I love how "real" Jill is and how "authentic" Kimberly is. These two strong women prove that women are strong. After being in the backburner for years, Kimberly keeps showing determination which lands her the role in the movie and the fame she deserves. Jill shows the courage of starting over and taking a leap of faith to follow your true passion. Moreover, she also shows that you have to keep being yourself, keep being real.

Such an amazing read! Enjoy this from the beginning until the end.

P.S.: This is standalone although it is a part of a series. You don't have to read prior books before this.


*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trace Edwards was catapulted into star status from playing the lead on a romance that Jill Hanover wrote. So when he pitches the sequel to Forever, it's with her writing the script again. She's been carrying a secret crush on Trace, but her words have Trace & his co-star Kimberly as the perfect Hollywood couple, but you already know that there's a good possibility that there's more than meets the eye. It's all love & romance between the stars in the press but who is the real Trace?! This story is filled with so many things going in all directions that I felt like I was getting emotional whiplash. Trace is a good man but I think he got a little lost along the way with his hero complex, and while I felt like Trace & Jill were perfect for each other, it was hard for her to trust that they could have anything. This is a story that you don't want to miss out with because you just don't know until you know! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL! 

[Amy Crull · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm writing this review for United Indie Book blog

So this was my first trip to Lake Hope and I didn't realize all the magic around the place until the end of this book.. First off I gotta say I was surprised this took place in Indiana but knowing how places like this really do hold magic, it totally works.. Indiana is full of just gorgeous places with great people who just want to help out others. Back to Trace and Jill.. Trace is one of the biggest names in Hollywood, mostly thanks to Jill's book, and the bachelor that everyone wants to get their hands on.. He has the most remarkable and sweet "relationship" with his co-star Kimberly.. I mean I don't know if these really exist in Hollywood but one can hope. Trace really is a true gentleman.. He puts other's needs above his and makes sure all the friends in his lives are happy. Jill and him have some serious chemistry.. I mean he was the one who pushed her book to become a movie and moved mountains to get them to arrive on time. Sure he made some mistakes but it all works out in the end. This book also shows how perfect how the relationship between the author and her reader group can change outlooks on people. Sure I know how author groups works and the love that can be shared within them but now everyone will know how amazing they really are! Jill and Trace have sweet moments in this book and I enjoyed them so much! This book was good and highly inspirational!

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this was my first trip to Lake Hope and I didn't realize all the magic around the place until the end of this book.. First off I gotta say I was surprised this took place in Indiana but knowing how places like this really do hold magic, it totally works.. Indiana is full of just gorgeous places with great people who just want to help out others. Back to Trace and Jill.. Trace is one of the biggest names in Hollywood, mostly thanks to Jill's book, and the bachelor that everyone wants to get their hands on.. He has the most remarkable and sweet "relationship" with his co-star Kimberly.. I mean I don't know if these really exist in Hollywood but one can hope. Trace really is a true gentleman.. He puts other's needs above his and makes sure all the friends in his lives are happy. Jill and him have some serious chemistry.. I mean he was the one who pushed her book to become a movie and moved mountains to get them to arrive on time. Sure he made some mistakes but it all works out in the end. This book also shows how perfect how the relationship between the author and her reader group can change outlooks on people. Sure I know how author groups works and the love that can be shared within them but now everyone will know how amazing they really are! Jill and Trace have sweet moments in this book and I enjoyed them so much! This book was good and highly inspirational!

REVIEW BY AMY

[Jeremy Poulsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review

I love these book, the author Mel Walker is an amazing writer. I can't wait to read what else he has written.

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve read any of the other books, you know Trace and Jill and will be excited to read their story! If you don’t know them yet, you should read this book so that you will. Trace is a famous actor staring in the movie and sequel to “Forever.” Forever was written by the talented author Jill, who is also on board to write the screenplay.

Jill is head over heels for Trace. He brings to live a character she has filled with so much of her own love. She sees the real him and not the Hollywood version. The only problem is that appears to be in a relationship with his costar Kimberly. She struggles with her feelings and whether she is damaging a couple's relationship but she can’t help to fall for Trace. Trace struggles with his own feelings because he doesn’t want to bring someone into his world which is crazy at times.

These two characters are so amazing. I loved this book, especially the end. The world finds out about Trace and Jill and there is major fallout. Read what happens. It’s an amazing story about not just love but friendship too.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Shining Stars!

I think this may be my favorite Lake Hope book! I liked the feeling of having a "sneak peak" into Hollywood stories and the spins made on them. I loved Trace's down-to-earth personality and thought it fit well with Jill's head-in-the-clouds of romance personality. The stand out character in this book was Kimberly, she was an amazing friend and co-worker.

I have to say the end of this one made me smile when all the Ladies sit down and chat about their men. I love the thought put into the Title's of the Lake Hope books!

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun story. It had all the elements of a Hollywood love story. I loved that even though Trace and Kimberly had a fake romance, they were best friends. I thought Trace and Jill's romance was sweet and Ioved that they mixed getting to know each other with business seamlessly. I loved that Trace took care of those around him. He had a little bit of cockiness to him, but I thought he had a heart of gold. This was an interesting look at how social media can chew you up and spit you out, or it can make you tons of money. I loved too how the other characters rallied around each other.

[Joyjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super sweet and swoony romance with a lot of girl power

This my first book by Mel Walker, and I really enjoyed it. Trace is a Hollywood star, and Jill is the author who wrote the book/screenplay for the movie Forever that launched him to heartthrob status. The book picks up when they're filming the sequel to Forever. They can't resist each other, but can't be together either. Trace doesn't do relationships. Jill doesn't know if his feelings are real.

Trace is super romantic, but I wanted to shake him so much. His hero complex nearly destroys everything. Thankfully, he's surrounded by strong, smart women. He learns that accepting help from his friends makes him a stronger person, and that's a beautiful message when so many people feel like they have to burden responsibilities by themselves. I appreciate how the book focuses on real vs fake image/personas seen in news and social media. My favorite part of the book is how empowered the women are.

Overall, I give Trace's Forever 4 stars. I deducted one star because the story picks up in the middle of their romance. Instead of easing into the story, I felt like I hit the ground running. I followed along with the story, but I wanted to have those earlier moments. I'm going to go back and read the other Lake Hope stories.

I received and advanced reader copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Donna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

So the man behind all of everyone else’s HEA finally gets his own. Trace Edwards is a Hollywood heartthrob who is at the top of his game. He can do no wrong in the eyes of Hollywood and writes his own ticket. He has been the driving force to get the romance novel that captured his attention into the big screen. He succeeded with the first installment and convinced the studio to do a sequel insisting the original author be the lead screen writer. His determination has lead to so many people finding their own HEAs because of the movie and where it has brought all these people.
Jill Hanover is the author. She is sweet and cari g and unjaded by Hollywood and all its pitfalls. When her feelings develop for Trace, she knows she can never be a part of his life. He is dating the female lead of the movie after all. But images can be deceiving and not all things are as they appear.
I loved this book. Trace is a man who helps behind the scenes and never takes time or relationships for himself. He has his friends but never has a romantic connection. He can’t help but be more than intrigued by Jill. Jill is so innocent compared to the other starlets that have come across Trace’s path. She still has hope for her own HEA and won’t settle for anything less. They have so much in common but they might never find their own HEA if they don’t talk before they act.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trace’s Forever is angsty and intense with all the feels! Trace is such a dynamic character—inside and out. He appears to be the whole package, but only two people see the real man. Kimberly is the Hollywood starlet that everyone idolizes and yearns to be. She is kind, caring, and truly talented, just like Trace. She is the epitome of the ride or die bestie, and I absolutely adore her. Jill is such a special and beautiful human being. I connected with her the most, as she is so down to earth, real, and authentic no matter the situation she finds herself in. Her bravery and boldness are equally as appealing as her kindness and ability to self-reflect. This is a dynamic novel with so many moving parts and complexities that touched me in different ways. I really had no idea this was the last book in a series—it functions really amazingly as a stand alone—and now I want to go back and read the other novels, as the supporting characters in this one showed brief but intriguing glimpses into who they are and their own journeys. This was an outstanding read; low spice and lots of emotion; I just loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollywood’s Sexiest Bachelor is Trace Edwards. He is back in Lake Hope to film the sequel of the hottest movie in the nation. He shared a mistletoe kiss at the Christmas reunion party with a few women, but one stood out, as she always has. Jill Hanover is the world’s greatest author, well, in the eyes of women everywhere. She is a brilliant writer, and her debut novel has brought romance back with a vengeance. Too bad her secret crush hardly knows she is alive, or so she thinks.

This couple have the best chemistry. Their sparks fly all over the pages in Trace’s Forever. We welcome back other characters from this small town and catch up with the cast and crew. Love! Love! Love this series. The writing is real and captures your attention from page one. I could not put this book down and now I want more. Pick up this beautifully written story and escape into the world of Lake Hope.

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trace Edwards, Hollywood heartthrob and Jill Hanover, romance author are an unlikely romantic pair, but after a mistletoe kiss during Christmas at Lake Hope neither can stop thinking about the other.

The return to Lake Hope for the sequel filming, Forever and Ever, bring Trace and Jill back together again and the sparks are still there. But celebrity make believe, paparazzi, and social media stalking destroy the relationship.

Jill and Trace must conquer many obstacles to get their happy ending, but with a little help from the female lead, Kimberly and all of the Lake Hope couples, everything comes together.

I loved the chemistry between Jill and Trace, although even I had my doubts about Kimberly’s true feelings for Trace until the later half of the book when Kimberly intervened to ensure Trace and Jill would get their happy ending.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stuff Your Kindle -free
This was book five of the series. I could tell. Summarizes four other love stories a bunch of times throughout this book. I didn’t care about them. Barely cared about the main characters romance. Trace, the movie star, Jill, the screen writer, Kimberley, the female lead in Jill’s novel turned movie. Sparks fly, misunderstanding, fake relationship, yada, yada.

The social media stuff was really overdone and I didn’t get the urgency of the whole thing. Unrealistic.

Romance was fade to black. Solid PG. Lot of fluffy feelings talk, “I’m not worthy of love.” Unattractive.

Indiana was the setting for the movie. A beautiful lake, a forest. Would like to visit.

Overall average. I won’t be reading the four previous books—well maybe if they are free.

[Persephone · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love doesn’t understand schedules, it doesn’t understand distances, it couldn’t care less about your plans. Love doesn’t tell you when or where it will arrive. When love hits you, all you can do is fall.”

Trace’s Forever by Mel Walker is the final installment in the Lake Hope series. Trace and Jill’s love story simmers with exchanged glances, subtle confessions, and sweet shared moments. Then, their love evolves. Becomes something neither wants to hide. The problem... Hollywood has other plans.

Trace’s Forever is a tender love story with a pinch of chaos and dash of suspense.

[LizKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a rollercoaster. Just when I thought I had it figured out nope zoom off we went again. Extremely well written and plotted. I felt a lot of different emotions reading this and yeah I teared up. Personally the things stopping it from being a 5 star book was the lack of steam and the ending which was okay but didn't give me the super high emotional HEA that I craved after this wild ride. The epilogue could definitely have given more, it felt abrupt.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Karise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Trace's Forever.

Trace is a Hollywood star. Like a Brad Pitt-level star. Jill is the screenwriter/author for the book and movie, Forever. Their love began with a proverbial kiss under the mistletoe that the two had yet to get over.

The book begins when they're filming the sequel to Forever. The push and pull of developing a new love begin. However, the two must overcome everything that surrounds "celebrity"—the paps, social media, and Hollywood-isms.

It was nice to take a break with a nice, clean romance. I will definitely go back to the other Lake Hope series romances.

[Tanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Trace and Jill's story is truely heartwarming and I loved their chemistry and natural connection they had with each other. Beautifully written.
Trace's Forever is a fabulous conclusion to The Lake Hope series. I loved being amongst the previous characters again and am going to miss them all. I do hope we get a novella about them all in a few years to come to see where they are at!

[Stacy Mahon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trace’s forever was a five series book and sometimes when you read a series, one book might stand out that is not as great as the others but I honestly have to say each one of them was a four-star read for me. I think my favorite quotes in this book is when each of the women somehow put the names of the five books. I love how that all came about. I so recommend this series to anybody who loves something sweet and genuine.

[Isabel Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from this author.
Once again I was pulled into this world and totally invested in the characters.
Trace and Jill are an unlikely pair but they just work.
Even though their story is filled with ups and downs their connection is undeniably perfect.
What a great ending to the Lake Hope Series.

I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review

[Deb Moncrief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trace's Forever by Mel Walker is the fifth book in the lake Hope Series. In this book we get Trace and Jill's story. This book is one of my favorites in the series. I like how the characters are developed and connected with them. The story flowed very well and I was engaged throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book I've read written by Mel Walker; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the fifth book in the Lake Hope Series; she’s written another great book; I love Jill & Trace’s characters and the chemistry between them.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good, and enjoyable sweet swoony romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.