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Shelby Beach #4

Forever, Again

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Their lives didn't turn out as they'd imagined as boys, but they never forgot each other.

Personal trainer Oliver Knox is strong and graceful, dedicated to his clients, and fiercely loyal to friends and family. But the thing he takes pride in the most, his business, is failing.

Single father and entrepreneur Nico Kastellanos knows success is hard-won and tries to give back to those who, like him, have to fight for their dreams. His one regret is how things ended with his childhood best friend. Their friendship and their secret kisses linger in his mind.

When Oliver unwittingly hires Nico’s PR firm to breathe life into his failing gym, their connection rekindles instantly. The chemistry is potent, the memories heart-wrenching. They're no longer awkward, troubled kids. They are men who know what—and who—they want.

Will Oliver and Nico finally get their long-overdue forever together, or will the ghosts from their past continue to haunt them?

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 16, 2022

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About the author

Skylar M. Cates

29 books300 followers

Skylar M. Cates loves a good romance. She is happy to drink coffee, curl up with a good book, and not move all day. Her novels feature strong and passionate men. Skylar loves to craft stories where realistic characters are challenged with emotional situations. Although lately the laundry room is the farthest place she has visited, Skylar loves to chat with folks from all around the globe.


Please feel free to follow Skylar on other social media.
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5 stars
32 (42%)
4 stars
27 (35%)
3 stars
13 (17%)
2 stars
3 (3%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for .Lili. .
1,275 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2022
Forever, Again by Skylar M Cates is a second chance of two school-age friends who fall in love but are separated when one leaves with no explanation.

-Slow burn
-Second chances
-Friends to lovers
-Family
-Disability
-Feels

Forever, Again is a chicken soup for the soul-type romance.
Profile Image for Chelsea Moore.
456 reviews11 followers
March 7, 2022
I haven’t read any books in this series and I am for sure going to have to go back and change that because this book was incredible! I absolutely adore everything Skylar M. Cates writes and I can’t believe I didn’t know about this series. I love a good second chance romance and this one hit the nail on the head! It was truly an amazing second chance romance and I completely adored it! Nico and Oliver were each other’s first loves. Unfortunately Nico disappeared and Oliver never understood why he did that. Once Nico walked back into Oliver’s life they knew they were meant to be together deep down. It took some time to get back to where they were before Nico disappeared but they were able to make such a stronger connection this time around because now Oliver know everything that happened in Nico’s life. He didn’t know how terrible a home life Nico had before and to understand that mad their connection deepen so much. These two truly had a beautiful love story and I am so honored I got to read it.


I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

POV: 3rd Person

Standalone or series: Book 4 in the Shelby Beach series

Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩

Would I read it again: Most definitely!
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,956 reviews40 followers
March 12, 2022
This was my first book by this author, and I'm sorry I've been missing out for this long. This second chance at love - story was real and beautiful and perfect. A slow burn that made me cry, a number of times, which tells you how well-written the characters were.

Young love that ended abruptly, gets an unexpected second chance when the two find themselves working together. A lot has changed since they’ve last seen each other, busy lives, business, a child… And there is the past to contend with, the pain that it carries. The way they lean into each other even when they try not to feels perfect. There is no denying how well they fit together.

This book flows so well that you could read the whole thing in one go and not realize you haven’t moved in hours. I definitely recommend this one, it has all the feels.

< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,311 reviews26 followers
April 15, 2022
3.75 Stars

What I Loved: The premise, I love second-chance romances. Nico's disability was handled in a sensitive and informed manner. Representation FTW! The ending, it was so very sweet.

What I Liked: I liked Oliver. I feel like he was blindsided a bit by everything happening, but his heart was in the right place. I liked Oliver and Nico together, they were sweet and hot together and I loved them with Melina, Nico's daughter. 

What I Didn't Like: I didn't particularly care over how fast Oliver forgave Nico when they saw each other again, though. I got that Nico had a difficult life, CP being the least of it, but I felt like Nico didn't work enough to earn Oliver's forgiveness. And then Nico went and withheld some information from Oliver, which made me want to slap some sense into Nico. 

Overall, though, this was a good read, there were a few things that didn't quite work for me, but in general, I enjoyed the story and have no trouble recommending it. 

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Profile Image for Denisesc21.
149 reviews45 followers
April 4, 2022
This book is fourth in the series, although I haven’t read any of the previous. However, the cover for The Christmas Lights Battle (Book 1) is so darn adorable, I think I have to go back and read it anyway. I didn’t feel lost at all by not having read the previous books, although you do get to see all the previous couples make appearances in this second chance romance, friends to lovers book.

This book is super sweet, with an MC with an ongoing disability (yeah for representation!), although sadly that disability led to abuse from his father towards his mother. The other MC is his high school sweetheart (are they sweethearts if they aren’t out?) who was left in pain with no answers, and built a wall that nobody has been able to tear down in all these years.

It took a lot of plucking at those bricks, over and over and over by Nico, to get through that wall. Even when he did, Oliver patched it right back up again, not trusting himself when it came to loving someone. For me, it was a bit too much of back and forth by Oliver. He kept seeing Nico, falling in love with him and his daughter, but then pulled back often. He did finally let go, including swallowing his pride some, but it seemed a bit too prolonged for me.

Nico definitely had his reasons for leaving, and it would be easy to condemn him for making a “promise” to show up that night. However, at that age, how many people are able to make those types of decisions, taking people outside themselves into account? It’s unlikely, especially with the differences in situations. Also, I really didn’t understand the name thing, especially after he was of age. That one was a complete mystery to me. What a fantastic father though!

This one didn’t quite hit the fluffy beach read that I was expecting, and had some unexpected pieces that didn’t work as well for me. Overall, a sweet romance, that brings back characters from previous books, that should make readers of this series happy.

3.5 pieces of eye candy
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,892 reviews32 followers
March 31, 2022
3.5 stars
Nice second chance story.

Second chance stories and friends-to-lovers are two of my favorite romance tropes so I was hoping that I would really love this one. The story was compelling but there was something about the writing that just didn’t flow well for me. It took me longer than normal to finish a book of this length.

I love that one of the MCs has cerebral palsy (CP). I don’t think there are enough stories with characters who have physical challenges. I am familiar with the symptoms that were described for Nico as a now deceased close family member had CP. I think what bothered me was that some of the things Nico did didn’t really make sense to me. My family member walked exactly the same way that Nico was described. In one scene Nico “rocked slightly on his heels.” I know that my family member would not have been able to do this. If he tried, he would have certainly lost his balance and fallen over. The fact that Nico wore braces on his legs made this action even more unlikely. I’m trying not to be too nit-picky but this is just one example of things that bothered me.

I felt that the story was written with great sensitivity and I applaud that. I enjoyed how the story started out with a couple of chapters set in the past where Nico and Oliver first met and became friends and then more.

Based on other reviews and ratings of the book I am definitely in the minority and I really wish that I could say I loved this one. I didn’t hate the book and I did finish it so I would be willing to try another book by this author.

A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
3,423 reviews32 followers
March 6, 2022
Oh I love a good second chance story….and this one was more than good! Nico and Oliver were first loves until the day Nico disappeared. Oliver never understood why and it shaped his relationships as an adult. Until the day Nico walked back into his life, One thing Oliver never knew was how bad Nico’s home life was. He grew up with a a loving family. Nico grew up with CP, an abusive sperm donor, and a mother always looking over her shoulder in fear. Now Nico has a chance to prove to Oliver that he never stopped loving him. This book brought some serious feels and almost made me cry more than once. I haven’t read any of the other books in the Shelby Beach series but I am going to have to go find them now. If they are half as good as this one…..I adore Nico’s baby daughter too. She is a sweetheart and how could Oliver not fall in love with her at first sight?! Nico was absolutely right…them finding each other again was definitely fate. Oliver just has to figure out what hope and trust mean again and open up his heart. They were always meant to be together forever. Highly recommend this one!! It was oh so good.

“There were stronger emotions than fear. Like hope.”
5,012 reviews19 followers
March 21, 2022
A personal and professional redo, good times! Oliver's business is failing. It is his pride and joy, and it's failing. Nico, businessman extraordinaire, single Dad tries to give back because the journey was not easy. These two men had history.They were best friends and were tip toeing toward a more romantic relationship when Nico, left. Nico's homelife was not the best and his Dad's disappointment burdened him heavily. Life happened, and they lost touch. Oliver suffered from abaondonment because Nico was the only one who 'got' him. Nico had mild Cereberal Palsy, so his life was a bit more challenging and he had to fight harder to be successful. The next time they met up, sixteen years later, Oliver was looking for help and Nico was in a position to help. Did Oliver let his pride stand in the way? Will Oliver let Nico make up for the past? Will Nico be able to put Oliver on a path to save his businesses? Great story. The relationship, the challenges, the real life conflicts make this story so real. Nico and Oliver were damaged by past events, but they made better lives for themselves. Great story, well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
508 reviews12 followers
March 22, 2022
Wow, what a story! I devoured it in one sitting! It was a page turner for me! I love the fact that one of the 2 main characters had a disability which made the story even more endearing for me. I was moved by the fact that despite Nico’s CP, Oliver was his best friend. The beginning of the story took place when Nico and Oliver were in school. They both kissed and wanted to explore more of it so they decided to get a hotel room during a school tournament. However, on the day of the tournament, Nico had to disappear because his mother and he had been trying to be one step ahead of his dad due to his violence. What a heartbreaking moment! It destroyed Oliver because he was looking forward to exploring more with Nico.
This is where I am going to stop and encourage you to pick up this book and find out what happened! I am so glad I got this story as an ARC or I would have never read this wonderful book!
I wasn’t aware that this was the 4th book in the Shelby Beach Romance series and I am thrilled to find out I have 3 more books to catch up on and hopefully the author will write more books in this series!
Profile Image for Juniper.
3,445 reviews25 followers
March 11, 2022
4.5 stars

This is a second chance romance that packs an emotional punch: Nico and Oliver’s lives are both changed when they lose each other as teenagers, and they bear the scars of their separation when they meet again as adults. Secrets, baggage, and a potentially disastrous setup for their unwitting reunion all threaten to get in the way, but ultimately, the guys work through every obstacle. Watching both Oliver and Nico unlearn all the defensiveness and disappointment of their previous experiences makes for a sweet and poignant reading experience: it’s clear they love each other, but they both have to figure out how to trust themselves, as well as each other, to make things work. Bonus points too for a solid cast of supporting characters: Oliver’s friends, with their endless patience and solid advice, are awesome. Nico’s young daughter is a force to be reckoned with, in all the right ways. All in all, a really enjoyable read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
6 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2022
I have read Skylar M Cates before and always enjoyed these books. But this series I seem to have skipped over.
When I first picked up the book, I thought it was a standalone.

The story is a second chance love story and I really engaged with Nico and Oliver.

I actually felt my heart breaking for Oliver when Nico left first time . I just wanted to shout out No! don't do this to him.
I'm so glad that Nico went to the gym Oliver owns to make amends for his behaviour after Oliver so clearly was afraid of asking for help from a stranger.

I won't spoil the story but suffice to say HEA did happen.

I only realised at the end that this is actually a series and I have actually already read book 1. And if memeory serves me correctly i enjoyed that one too.

Will definately be reading books 2 & 3 as soon as possible

In the interest of full disclosure I was given the opportunity to read this book by Gay Romance Reviews. Thanks for the opportunity guys. This review is totally impartial.
3,142 reviews21 followers
March 21, 2022
Personal trainer Oliver takes his work seriously and is faithful in his relationships. It is why his business not doing well is so frustrating for him. He needs help and that help comes when he hires Nico's PR firm to help try to get the business going and save it. Oliver and Nico were friends as children and more but Nico left breaking Oliver's heart. Their reunion takes place for business reasons but their personal business is not done. Nico regrets how things ended with them before and welcomes a second chance to see where things will go. Despite the fact that their chemistry is strong, Oliver is more cautious and he takes time to cautiously let Nico prove that he is worth Oliver's trust again. Their path back to one another was well written as it makes sense that even though there is joy in a second chance, the history has to be dealt with that lead to it as well the emotions and caution on the part of the one left behind. I appreciated the pace of Nico and Oliver's latest chapter and the hopeful ending to their story.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
Profile Image for K-Me.
2,992 reviews
March 12, 2022
This was a cozy kind of second chance romance. We get a lot of time in the thoughts of both Oliver and Nico. We can feel all their insecurities, fears and just genuine feelings for each other that never faded overtime. In the beginning we do get a bit of the story of when they were kids and best friends just becoming lovers. Present day is 16 years later. When these two see each other again after all these years I could really feel their emotions flooding back. You can feel their true connection and affection. I was glad that Oliver was ready to listen but that he did keep his walls up for a while. I was also glad Nico was honest earlier rather than later about who he is! It was wonderful to see Nico had overcome not only childhood tragedy but also his physical disability to become his own man. I received an ARC, and I highly recommend if you enjoy a realistic and heartwarming second chance romance surrounded by wonderful family and friends!
Profile Image for Enirehtak  Melas.
746 reviews34 followers
March 19, 2022
⭐️3.5 Stars⭐️

Good read. Can’t really go wrong with a Skylar M. Cates book. I’ve read most of their titles, and enjoyed pretty much all of them.

Oliver and Nico were sweet. I did find fault in how Nico ghosted Oliver, even if the reason was understandable. I also didn’t care for Nico omitting his purpose for being at Oliver’s gym. Poor Oliver kept getting blindsided. For real though, sometimes I wish second chance stories made the person wronged a bit more strong willed and not always so forgiving or easily forgiving. Nico could have worked a little more and harder to earn that forgiveness, Oliver’s just a secret marshmallow when it comes to Nico. Still though, I’m kind of salty about it.

The ending was cute and definitely an HEA.


*ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.*
406 reviews6 followers
March 19, 2022
I loved this addition to the series. Oliver and Nico were best friends and on the cusp of something more in high school when suddenly Nico disappeared with no explanation. Years laterOliver owns a couple of gyms that are in trouble financially and Nico is the CEOof the company he hires to help get him back on track. Once Nico explains what happened years ago, they begin their friendship anew and then become lovers. Nico has to get over his fear of someone not wanting him do to his CP and Oliver has to get over his fear of Nico disappearing again. This is a wonderful second chance romance.
100 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2022
Nico and Owen knew each as children and had their lives planned out. They were even secretly falling in love as kids. But one event in Oliver’s life forces him to leave Nico without a word and their budding romance. As adults, Oliver’s business is in need of a rebirth and unknowingly hire’s Nico’s PR firm to help.

I loved this story as I love a second chance romance story. Skylar Cates hooked me from page one and I could not put it down. I would highly recommend. It was my first book from this series and I a, going back to read the others:-). I highly recommend.
2,063 reviews25 followers
March 16, 2022
A second chance romance between Oliver and Nico. These two were inseparable when they were younger until Nico disappeared and Oliver never got over him. The only regret Nico has is how he left his love of his without any explanation. Nico is a successful businessman with a bay and unknowingly he has the opportunity to help Oliver keep his business. The two was butting head at first but they eventually get their happily ever after. The book is sweet, romantic, low angst, second chance, romantic, and their sext times are hot.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,541 reviews46 followers
March 16, 2022
I had read the previous book in this series and loved it. This one was no exception! Fantastic!! It was a great second chance romance about two childhood friends that meet again. Nico and Oliver felt realistic! The story packed an emotional punch for me, left me emotionally wrecked! The story kept me hooked and didn’t let go until the end! Overall, a really fantastic read! The story is very well written, the pacing flowed nicely, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,675 reviews48 followers
March 21, 2022
Loved the business background to this story. It is integral to the plot and I loved reading about characters and the jobs they do. Oliver and Nico have never forgotten their connection as young men and how that was broken. When Oliver hires Nico's firm to help him try to save his business and they reconnect both have grown and faced different obstacles over the years, but they are now sure of themselves and want to work their way back to each other and what could have been. Seeing that happen makes for a wonderful story.
1,723 reviews14 followers
March 7, 2022
Boyhood friends separated by circumstances beyond their control. Meeting again years later, not by choice, but hurts are there as is forgiveness and understanding. The road to happy ever after has lots of bumps but these two road the waves and came out the other side happy and well loved. A tender story with some sadness and heartache but the reuniting, the happiness, though it couldn’t erase the past, it certainly made the future much brighter. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Lisa Klein.
1,066 reviews10 followers
March 13, 2022
This was a good book in the Shelby Beach series and can be read as a standalone. There were definitely some emotional aspects to the story, and I'll admit to needing a tissue or two. It was beautiful to see Nico & Oliver be able to put the past behind them and start fresh with a second chance. I liked seeing characters from previous books in the series as well. This was a good read.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
878 reviews7 followers
March 19, 2022
It really interesting to see a main character with a disability being the standout of this book. Loved how the disability was handled and that the character showed that anything is possible if you want it enough. I enjoyed this book because it was so different to the norm. Two great main characters reconnecting are being torn asunder without one knowing why. How they met again was hilarious. Great work Skylar
3,035 reviews46 followers
March 19, 2022
I love a second chance romance and Forever, Again is such a good one.
Nico and Oliver were each other’s first loves. When life got in the way they lost touch. When they reconnect years later the sparks fly and the connection is instant. It now is the right time with the right person.
Watching these two get to know the adult version of themselves and create new bonds is wonderful.
Add in an adorable baby and I'm sold.
This is a great addition to the Shelby Beach series.

708 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2022
This was a very long read but I enjoyed it.
It starts off when Nico and Oliver are in school. They start to develop feelings for each other and just as they were ready to explore their feelings further Nico is gone.
Years later when Oliver is in desperate need of help, Nico comes back into his life. Oliver is happy to see Nico but very cautious. He doesn’t want his heart broken again.

I received this book from GRR. This is my honest review
502 reviews
March 19, 2022
Oliver and Nico, best friends and falling in love at school until Nico disappeared, leaning Oliver heartbroken. Years later they reconnect by chance and get the to try again. It’s a cute romance with a few twists and turns and dramas. Chance to catch up with previous characters and a cute kid. Nothing amazing but a nice read
Profile Image for D Reviews Books.
145 reviews2 followers
March 21, 2022
Long lost friends, first loves, tragedy, and hope. Those are the main themes in this book. Bad things happened to all of them, things that might have torn them apart forever, but somehow fate wouldn't let them stay apart. I loved this love story. It wasn't hot all the way through like some stories. Slow and steady and sweet. Great read!
17k reviews170 followers
March 18, 2022
They had been friends but life did not go the way they expected and they lost touch. Now they are about to meet again when one needs help to save his failing business. Will these two finally make a go at a relationship? How would it all go? Can the business be saved? See just how it all goes
1,561 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2022
Wow, what an amazing addition to this wonderful series! Nico and Oliver were so adorable together! Heartwarming sorry about second chances! Skylar hits all of the right notes in this endearing page turner! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
916 reviews4 followers
March 21, 2022
Forever, Again is a tale of friends to lovers reunited after a long time apart. Nico and Oliver both have a hard time trusting and seeing them together again after so many years was beautiful. Add in a complex family and an adorable little girl and you have a lovely story.
1,096 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this offering in the Shelby Beach series!
Oliver and Nico were such interesting characters and I knew it had to be something huge to make Nico walk away from Oliver. Reading about their HEA was a treat and I enjoyed this read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews