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Holliday, Oregon #2
Forever, Plus One
Rescued…by the brother of the (ex-)groom!
Nikki Choi loves the boisterous family she was adopted into as a baby. But dreams of her own happy-ever-after are dashed when her fiancé suddenly calls off the wedding. Leave it to her BFF to come to her rescue! Evan Northrup is the perfect faux beau, offering support and making no demands—making her feel loved. But the single dad seems intent on keeping things pretend, while Nikki is shocked to be falling wildly, deeply for her old friend…
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Holliday, Oregon
Book 1: Moonlight, Menorahs and Mistletoe
Book 2: Forever, Plus One
Nikki Choi loves the boisterous family she was adopted into as a baby. But dreams of her own happy-ever-after are dashed when her fiancé suddenly calls off the wedding. Leave it to her BFF to come to her rescue! Evan Northrup is the perfect faux beau, offering support and making no demands—making her feel loved. But the single dad seems intent on keeping things pretend, while Nikki is shocked to be falling wildly, deeply for her old friend…
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Holliday, Oregon
Book 1: Moonlight, Menorahs and Mistletoe
Book 2: Forever, Plus One
- GenresRomance
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2022
4 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 29, 2022
This is a Romance, and this is the second book in the Holliday, Oregon series. I have read and reviewed the first book in this series, but I do think you can read this book as a standalone. I had a couple of problems with this book. My biggest problem was how the ex treated Nikki's weight, and the biggest problem is that Nikki got with her ex's brother. I just found the whole thing weird. I did find parts of this book very cute, and I really enjoyed parts of this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Special Edition) or author (Wendy Warren) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
August 8, 2022
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
Forever, Plus One is a heartwarming best friends-to-lovers romance that tugged on my heartstrings. Wendy Warren’s second venture into Holliday, Oregon is an engaging romance filled with characters who are easy to adore.
Nikki Choi was just dumped six weeks before her wedding. Nikki is smart, loving, and beautiful but her relationship with her ex played into her insecurities and she’s now trying to claim herself again. She’s coming up on her thirty-seventh birthday and has serious anxiety about finding love and starting a family in a way that feels deeply relatable. Evan Northrup, the older brother of her ex-fiancé, has been her best friend for years and offers to save her from the awkwardness of the upcoming summer of weddings she’s attending by pretending to be her boyfriend. Evan is a single father whose son is the center of his world. He’s a loving dad and a great best friend, but he has issues about commitment after the way his marriage ended and the parade of stepmothers he’s had all his life.
Friends-to-lovers, single parents with sweet children, and commitment phobia are all common in romances, but Warren makes everything feel fresh in this story thanks to her wonderful characters. Nikki is adopted and even growing up with a family who loves her unconditionally it doesn’t mean she hasn’t struggled in the past. And even being a high school guidance counselor with a degree in Psychology doesn’t protect her from having body image issues; issues that her fitness fanatic ex fed into. And Evan has deep-seated insecurities about his own ability to have a relationship that he has to confront. Warren doesn’t make it easy on them, but the way things worked out made every bump in the road worth it. Nikki and Evan are simply meant to be, no matter that they’ve hidden it from themselves for years.
Forever, Plus One is the second book in the Holliday, Oregon series but it can easily be read as a standalone. I adored revisiting Eden and Gideon (of Moonlight, Menorahs and Mistletoe) and thoroughly enjoyed my time in Holliday. And it would be remiss of me to discuss this book without mentioning Nikki’s family. I absolutely loved the Choi family and they helped make the world of this story come alive. Not to mention Noah, Evan’s son, is so sweet with Nikki and I adored their relationship. The surprising emotional hits for me in this book were scenes Nikki and Evan had with their parents. Those brought tears to my eyes and really rounded out the book well.
Forever, Plus One was a true joy to read. The characters came alive, the romance was a satisfying slow burn built on a healthy foundation, and the happily ever after made me smile. I cannot wait to revisit Nikki and Evan again!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Forever, Plus One is a heartwarming best friends-to-lovers romance that tugged on my heartstrings. Wendy Warren’s second venture into Holliday, Oregon is an engaging romance filled with characters who are easy to adore.
Nikki Choi was just dumped six weeks before her wedding. Nikki is smart, loving, and beautiful but her relationship with her ex played into her insecurities and she’s now trying to claim herself again. She’s coming up on her thirty-seventh birthday and has serious anxiety about finding love and starting a family in a way that feels deeply relatable. Evan Northrup, the older brother of her ex-fiancé, has been her best friend for years and offers to save her from the awkwardness of the upcoming summer of weddings she’s attending by pretending to be her boyfriend. Evan is a single father whose son is the center of his world. He’s a loving dad and a great best friend, but he has issues about commitment after the way his marriage ended and the parade of stepmothers he’s had all his life.
Friends-to-lovers, single parents with sweet children, and commitment phobia are all common in romances, but Warren makes everything feel fresh in this story thanks to her wonderful characters. Nikki is adopted and even growing up with a family who loves her unconditionally it doesn’t mean she hasn’t struggled in the past. And even being a high school guidance counselor with a degree in Psychology doesn’t protect her from having body image issues; issues that her fitness fanatic ex fed into. And Evan has deep-seated insecurities about his own ability to have a relationship that he has to confront. Warren doesn’t make it easy on them, but the way things worked out made every bump in the road worth it. Nikki and Evan are simply meant to be, no matter that they’ve hidden it from themselves for years.
Forever, Plus One is the second book in the Holliday, Oregon series but it can easily be read as a standalone. I adored revisiting Eden and Gideon (of Moonlight, Menorahs and Mistletoe) and thoroughly enjoyed my time in Holliday. And it would be remiss of me to discuss this book without mentioning Nikki’s family. I absolutely loved the Choi family and they helped make the world of this story come alive. Not to mention Noah, Evan’s son, is so sweet with Nikki and I adored their relationship. The surprising emotional hits for me in this book were scenes Nikki and Evan had with their parents. Those brought tears to my eyes and really rounded out the book well.
Forever, Plus One was a true joy to read. The characters came alive, the romance was a satisfying slow burn built on a healthy foundation, and the happily ever after made me smile. I cannot wait to revisit Nikki and Evan again!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
August 28, 2022
I can always count on Wendy Warren to write a story that is real, heartwarming, and sprinkled with the truth of who her characters are at their core. Forever, Plus One is no exception. I so related with Nikki and Evan, and really saw a little of myself in Nikki's story. Keep your tissue close. When you're done with this visit to Holliday, Oregon, you are going to need it.
August 13, 2022
Good friends-to-lovers story. Nikki and Evan have been best friends for years. When her fiancé calls off their wedding, Evan steps in as a pretend boyfriend. It's easy and logical and perfectly innocent - if it weren't for that one night they spent together at the beginning of their friendship!
I liked the friendship between Nikki and Evan. It's based on shared interests and being secure in each other's company. But as close as their friendship is, there are still things they keep to themselves. At thirty-seven years old, Nikki feels her chances of having her own family slipping away. The end of her engagement makes that feeling worse. Evan is a single father whose son Noah is the center of his life. He never talks about his marriage or his ex-wife, nor does he date anyone for longer than a month. He has commitment issues thanks to that marriage and his father's parade of stepmothers throughout Evan's life.
After reading about Nikki's ex-fiance, I was glad she didn't go through with the marriage. I think his focus on her weight and fitness was emotionally abusive, and she was lucky to get away from him. Once out of his influence, she began working to be happy with who she was. Evan was a big part of that journey, as he'd always liked her just as she was.
I liked watching the development of Nikki and Evan's relationship. They've been friends for a while, so they know each other well. But simmering under that friendship is the attraction that caused "that night." Afraid of messing up their friendship, Nikki had insisted that it never happen again. Evan would have pursued it, but Nikki began dating his brother Drew a short time later. I liked how Evan seized his chance when he stepped in to help after Drew bailed on Nikki. But I was also disappointed in him because he knows she wants a family of her own, and he still avoids commitment. Spending time with Evan as he acts like a boyfriend resurrects the attraction she has been suppressing. As her feelings for him grow, she isn't sure whether to risk their friendship by asking for more or leave things as they are.
Evan and Nikki must confront their fears before they can hope for a future together. Nikki has an eye-opening talk with her mother, including being told that her and Evan's feelings for each other were obvious to everyone around them and had been since the beginning. Mom's advice came roundabout but gave Nikki the confidence to "jump in." In a surprisingly emotional scene, Evan has a long overdue conversation with his father. I liked his dad's blunt opinion on Evan's problem and agreed with him. Evan had some ground to make up with Nikki, but his big moment was worth waiting for.
Evan's son Noah was adorable. Evan is a wonderful, loving dad, which shows in Noah's happy attitude. Some sweet father-son moments melted my heart. I also enjoyed Noah's connection with Nikki. Her attendance at his special school event was heartwarming to see. I also enjoyed Nikki's family and their support of each other. The relationship between Nikki and her sister Gia was terrific and showed in Nikki's decision about her wedding plans. Evan's family was entirely different. Though his dad redeemed himself a little at the end, the relationship between the two is still awkward. Evan's half-brother, Drew (the ex-fiancé), is a horse's arse. He is selfish, judgmental, insensitive, and a cheater.
#netgalley
I liked the friendship between Nikki and Evan. It's based on shared interests and being secure in each other's company. But as close as their friendship is, there are still things they keep to themselves. At thirty-seven years old, Nikki feels her chances of having her own family slipping away. The end of her engagement makes that feeling worse. Evan is a single father whose son Noah is the center of his life. He never talks about his marriage or his ex-wife, nor does he date anyone for longer than a month. He has commitment issues thanks to that marriage and his father's parade of stepmothers throughout Evan's life.
After reading about Nikki's ex-fiance, I was glad she didn't go through with the marriage. I think his focus on her weight and fitness was emotionally abusive, and she was lucky to get away from him. Once out of his influence, she began working to be happy with who she was. Evan was a big part of that journey, as he'd always liked her just as she was.
I liked watching the development of Nikki and Evan's relationship. They've been friends for a while, so they know each other well. But simmering under that friendship is the attraction that caused "that night." Afraid of messing up their friendship, Nikki had insisted that it never happen again. Evan would have pursued it, but Nikki began dating his brother Drew a short time later. I liked how Evan seized his chance when he stepped in to help after Drew bailed on Nikki. But I was also disappointed in him because he knows she wants a family of her own, and he still avoids commitment. Spending time with Evan as he acts like a boyfriend resurrects the attraction she has been suppressing. As her feelings for him grow, she isn't sure whether to risk their friendship by asking for more or leave things as they are.
Evan and Nikki must confront their fears before they can hope for a future together. Nikki has an eye-opening talk with her mother, including being told that her and Evan's feelings for each other were obvious to everyone around them and had been since the beginning. Mom's advice came roundabout but gave Nikki the confidence to "jump in." In a surprisingly emotional scene, Evan has a long overdue conversation with his father. I liked his dad's blunt opinion on Evan's problem and agreed with him. Evan had some ground to make up with Nikki, but his big moment was worth waiting for.
Evan's son Noah was adorable. Evan is a wonderful, loving dad, which shows in Noah's happy attitude. Some sweet father-son moments melted my heart. I also enjoyed Noah's connection with Nikki. Her attendance at his special school event was heartwarming to see. I also enjoyed Nikki's family and their support of each other. The relationship between Nikki and her sister Gia was terrific and showed in Nikki's decision about her wedding plans. Evan's family was entirely different. Though his dad redeemed himself a little at the end, the relationship between the two is still awkward. Evan's half-brother, Drew (the ex-fiancé), is a horse's arse. He is selfish, judgmental, insensitive, and a cheater.
#netgalley
December 2, 2022
Nikkis wedding was only days away when her fiance called it off. Evan the ever supportive best friend is there for her. They did at a moment together in the past but it seems that feeling they had only seemed to have grown.
This was a nice little contemporary romance. I mean Nikki Choi was adopted and is in a loving family and wants to create one of her own and it just wasn't meant to be. But then again when I found out the issues they were having whew she really dodged a bullet I mean I hated how much he focused on fitness and loosing weight and it really messed with her mentally. I loved seeing Nikki and Evans relationship. They were friends to begin with which is a great start in knowing they cared for eachother being a great support for one another but then there was that one night but they didn't want to ruin a already great relationship and now there is nothing in the way of that. There was plenty to enjoy about this book and overall would recommend any reader to check this book out.
This was a nice little contemporary romance. I mean Nikki Choi was adopted and is in a loving family and wants to create one of her own and it just wasn't meant to be. But then again when I found out the issues they were having whew she really dodged a bullet I mean I hated how much he focused on fitness and loosing weight and it really messed with her mentally. I loved seeing Nikki and Evans relationship. They were friends to begin with which is a great start in knowing they cared for eachother being a great support for one another but then there was that one night but they didn't want to ruin a already great relationship and now there is nothing in the way of that. There was plenty to enjoy about this book and overall would recommend any reader to check this book out.
September 9, 2022
I don't read a lot of romance novels, but Wendy Warren's are too special to miss. The small town of Holliday, Oregon is her own invention but rings true to anyone familiar with the area, and I really enjoy the sense of place in this series. Her main characters are always endearing, and I was pleased to see that the protagonists from the first title in the series, (Moonlight, Menorahs and Mistletoe) figure into the story of Nikki and Evan.
Some common tropes are here: friends who become lovers, very private people who eventually learn how to communicate their true feelings, second chances at love, and soul mates; every one is believable and engaging in Wendy's capable hands. Family is important here: Nikki's warm and accepting, multi-cultural parents and siblings as well as Evan's more disfunctional upbringing which makes it hard for him to trust others and himself. I look forward to more titles in this series.
Some common tropes are here: friends who become lovers, very private people who eventually learn how to communicate their true feelings, second chances at love, and soul mates; every one is believable and engaging in Wendy's capable hands. Family is important here: Nikki's warm and accepting, multi-cultural parents and siblings as well as Evan's more disfunctional upbringing which makes it hard for him to trust others and himself. I look forward to more titles in this series.
August 30, 2022
After calling off her nuptials, guidance counsellor Nikki dreads the upcoming wedding season. Single-dad Noah, her ex’s brother, offers to be her date. The two have a history, but he doesn’t want his son to grow up with a string of stepmoms like Noah himself did. Can Nikki convince him that their love is forever?
This is a heartwarming book with supportive family members on Nikki’s side and WTF relatives on Noah’s. Despite his background, he’s a devoted father and a perfect match for Nikki after her ex’s emotional abuse.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is a heartwarming book with supportive family members on Nikki’s side and WTF relatives on Noah’s. Despite his background, he’s a devoted father and a perfect match for Nikki after her ex’s emotional abuse.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
January 6, 2023
Dumped by one brother for lying about her lifestyle diet, and saved by the other brother who has been her best friend for a long time. See where this is going? Nikki Choi also has dealt with adoption issues - hers, and body image in her teens. And a few years ago, she and Evan had a night together. Then she met his brother Drew, and was charmed beyond. Until he dumped her two months before the wedding.
Nice story of a very mixed family - Korean Jewish, with an adopted child from Guatemala.
Nice story of a very mixed family - Korean Jewish, with an adopted child from Guatemala.
September 28, 2022
This book is charming. I'm a huge fan of the author, Wendy Warren, because of the warmth and heart that she brings to her stories. In this book, there is diversity with faith and race which was a fresh breath for Harlequin Special Edition.
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August 1, 2022Multicultural & Interracial Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Family Life Fiction
Miniseries
Holliday, Oregon (Book #2)
Miniseries
Holliday, Oregon (Book #2)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews