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Finding Forever #3
Forever After
Forever After was a 2023 finalist for the Lambda Literary Award in Gay Romance.
After a fire destroys his apartment, Diego has no choice but to move in with the person least likely to welcome him with open arms: Alex, the recently divorced, presumably straight guy who didn’t take kindly to Diego hitting on him at a friend’s wedding.
Unfortunately, Alex can’t exactly complain about the living arrangements. After his wife cheated, he moved across the country to San Francisco to start over. The place he’s living belongs to a friend, so when Jake also offers Diego a room, Alex needs to figure out how to deal with the exceptionally hot, sex-positive, queer youth counselor whose gaydar has picked up that Alex isn’t as straight as everyone thinks he is.
Forced to live in the same house, Alex and Diego are about as combustible as fire and gasoline. But when Alex’s thirteen-year-old comes out as trans masc and moves into the house with them, Alex begins to see another side of Diego, and Diego realizes this sullen, complicated man has a heart of gold that’s been stomped on a few too many times.
Once the walls start to come down, Alex and Diego realize they have a lot in common. Not to mention an attraction that blazes hotter the more they get to know each other.
Forever After is an enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, bi-awakening story. It is Book Three in the Finding Forever series but can be read as a stand-alone novel.
Please use the Look Inside feature to read the book’s trigger warning.
After a fire destroys his apartment, Diego has no choice but to move in with the person least likely to welcome him with open arms: Alex, the recently divorced, presumably straight guy who didn’t take kindly to Diego hitting on him at a friend’s wedding.
Unfortunately, Alex can’t exactly complain about the living arrangements. After his wife cheated, he moved across the country to San Francisco to start over. The place he’s living belongs to a friend, so when Jake also offers Diego a room, Alex needs to figure out how to deal with the exceptionally hot, sex-positive, queer youth counselor whose gaydar has picked up that Alex isn’t as straight as everyone thinks he is.
Forced to live in the same house, Alex and Diego are about as combustible as fire and gasoline. But when Alex’s thirteen-year-old comes out as trans masc and moves into the house with them, Alex begins to see another side of Diego, and Diego realizes this sullen, complicated man has a heart of gold that’s been stomped on a few too many times.
Once the walls start to come down, Alex and Diego realize they have a lot in common. Not to mention an attraction that blazes hotter the more they get to know each other.
Forever After is an enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, bi-awakening story. It is Book Three in the Finding Forever series but can be read as a stand-alone novel.
Please use the Look Inside feature to read the book’s trigger warning.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2022
66 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 17, 2022
5 Stars
Marie Sinclair has created another 5-STAR MUST READ NOVEL in Forever After, the third volume in her incredible ‘Finding Forever’ series.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Beginning with A Winter’s Dance, described by the author as a prequel to the series - in fact it’s an absolutely amazing novel on it’s own - through A Kind of Forever; Nothing Like a Summer Romance; Noting Like Forever; and now Forever After, Sinclair has created a series rivaling Armistead Maupin’s classic ‘Tales of the City’ in its character development, compassion, and depth of understanding of the human spirit.
Forever After is the story of two 39-year old men, Diego Alcaraz and Alex Toler, who definitely do not like one another and yet are forced - under the worst of circumstances - to share a small cottage owned by a mutual friend.
The novel is set in San Francisco, where Alex is an ‘architectural restorationist’ designing creative renovations for Bernal Heights Queen Anne houses, and Diego is a counsellor at the Sam Mitchell Queer Youth Center. At various points throughout the story, Alex and Diego explore the city’s gay bars and coffee houses, and spend time together at nearby Ocean Beach.
Through this novel Sinclair addresses the spectrum of gender, sexual orientation, and sexual identity, including today’s politically polarizing use of pronouns.
An important theme of Forever After is how Alex’s children, 13-year old trans masc Jesse (Jessica), and 10-year old Ethan can adjust to the overwhelming changes occurring in their teenage lives.
As Sinclair notes, “Alex knew neither gender nor orientation was a matter of labels or body parts, but the question was how best to be a parent to this child with their particular needs when there were few resources to show him what to do. This wasn’t exactly the birds and the bees, but more like the birds, bees, bears, beavers, bonobos, bison, and bandicoots….This wasn’t a phase to wait out; it was a reality to deal with, and Jesse needed someone to be one hundred percent in their corner.”
As with most gay romance novels, it’s clear from the beginning that the protagonists will find their HEA ending. They do. But Sinclair’s stories go way beyond the scope of most romance novels by introducing multiple secondary characters with compelling stories of their own. Whether or not those characters will be able to find happiness is always in doubt.
Just a few of the prominent secondary characters in Forever After are Drew Jones, an older volunteer at the Sam Mitchell Queer Youth Center, and Erica (Christopher) Williams, 1982 high school lovers in a small Massachusetts town ; 15-year old Casey, a troubled ‘cutter’ ; Rosa O’Neill, Celeste Mercer, and Celeste’s great-great-great grand-nephew, Richard Mercer, who comes to a home Alex has just finished renovating to learn more about the hidden life of his ancestors; and even Tony, Diego’s first love .
And, of course, there are frequent cameo appearances by the main characters from earlier novels in the series, Stryver (Ry) Lee, Sydney (Cart) Carlton, Micah Reynolds, and Jake Fielding.
Once again, in her ‘Further Reading and Resources’ section, Sinclair references the important work of the Trevor Project noting that “The Trevor Project estimates that at least one LGBTQ youth between the ages of 13-24 attempts suicide every 45 seconds in the U.S.” The Trevor Project is an amazing organization and it deserves all the support each of us can provide.
As bleak as my review may make it seem, Forever After is truly an uplifting, heart-warming read.
Please, please don’t miss reading this important and moving story.
Marie Sinclair has created another 5-STAR MUST READ NOVEL in Forever After, the third volume in her incredible ‘Finding Forever’ series.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Beginning with A Winter’s Dance, described by the author as a prequel to the series - in fact it’s an absolutely amazing novel on it’s own - through A Kind of Forever; Nothing Like a Summer Romance; Noting Like Forever; and now Forever After, Sinclair has created a series rivaling Armistead Maupin’s classic ‘Tales of the City’ in its character development, compassion, and depth of understanding of the human spirit.
Forever After is the story of two 39-year old men, Diego Alcaraz and Alex Toler, who definitely do not like one another and yet are forced - under the worst of circumstances - to share a small cottage owned by a mutual friend.
The novel is set in San Francisco, where Alex is an ‘architectural restorationist’ designing creative renovations for Bernal Heights Queen Anne houses, and Diego is a counsellor at the Sam Mitchell Queer Youth Center. At various points throughout the story, Alex and Diego explore the city’s gay bars and coffee houses, and spend time together at nearby Ocean Beach.
Through this novel Sinclair addresses the spectrum of gender, sexual orientation, and sexual identity, including today’s politically polarizing use of pronouns.
An important theme of Forever After is how Alex’s children, 13-year old trans masc Jesse (Jessica), and 10-year old Ethan can adjust to the overwhelming changes occurring in their teenage lives.As Sinclair notes, “Alex knew neither gender nor orientation was a matter of labels or body parts, but the question was how best to be a parent to this child with their particular needs when there were few resources to show him what to do. This wasn’t exactly the birds and the bees, but more like the birds, bees, bears, beavers, bonobos, bison, and bandicoots….This wasn’t a phase to wait out; it was a reality to deal with, and Jesse needed someone to be one hundred percent in their corner.”
As with most gay romance novels, it’s clear from the beginning that the protagonists will find their HEA ending. They do. But Sinclair’s stories go way beyond the scope of most romance novels by introducing multiple secondary characters with compelling stories of their own. Whether or not those characters will be able to find happiness is always in doubt.
Just a few of the prominent secondary characters in Forever After are Drew Jones, an older volunteer at the Sam Mitchell Queer Youth Center, and Erica (Christopher) Williams, 1982 high school lovers in a small Massachusetts town ; 15-year old Casey, a troubled ‘cutter’ ; Rosa O’Neill, Celeste Mercer, and Celeste’s great-great-great grand-nephew, Richard Mercer, who comes to a home Alex has just finished renovating to learn more about the hidden life of his ancestors; and even Tony, Diego’s first love .
And, of course, there are frequent cameo appearances by the main characters from earlier novels in the series, Stryver (Ry) Lee, Sydney (Cart) Carlton, Micah Reynolds, and Jake Fielding.
Once again, in her ‘Further Reading and Resources’ section, Sinclair references the important work of the Trevor Project noting that “The Trevor Project estimates that at least one LGBTQ youth between the ages of 13-24 attempts suicide every 45 seconds in the U.S.” The Trevor Project is an amazing organization and it deserves all the support each of us can provide.
As bleak as my review may make it seem, Forever After is truly an uplifting, heart-warming read.
Please, please don’t miss reading this important and moving story.
April 11, 2022
3.5 stars - this was a sweet read.
What I loved?
I appreciated that this story explored the various individual and sexual identities a person could belong to. I had no idea of it all and was left feeling more informed and determined to make a contribution somehow. Marie offers some good info as a starting point.
Diego - he was an easy to like character with a painful backstory. But he didn’t allow this to hold him back. Rather, he dealt with shit (not always in the best way but still, he knew when he was dragging his feet). I loved how warm and even-keeled he was, his large loving family, and how much warmth and passion he brought to Alex’s life.
Alex - I really liked him as well. His exploration and acceptance of his bisexuality felt relatable and real. His efforts to understand his child’s chosen identity and the way their relationship within this new framework/reality developed made me warm and happy.
Diego & Alex - their relationship was everything. Well-paced, supportive, great chemistry, very natural. These two just fit right and, by the end, I felt like all will be well in both their lives, now that they have each other.
Why I shaved off some stars?
While I loved having all this new information about identities and orientations, at times I was overwhelmed by it all. Also, a bulk of this was in the first half of the book, so I found I couldn’t connect with the characters as “people” but more as “examples of characters.”
The ending - or rather, the confrontation between Alex and Robin about the joint custody battle - that we never saw! This made me quite mad. It is such a critical part of the story, a moment of growth (or not) for many characters. But we glossed right by with a “tell vs showing” and this section is available as a bonus, but that left me feeling quite disappointed. It felt anticlimactic. Plus, Robin seemed like such an unpleasant person, I could not buy that the resolution came by so easily with such little effort or ugliness from either side. Her personality and upbringing would simply not allow this - is what I believe. Also, she is a conservative, homophobic person, but that doesn’t make her an unfit parent warranting loss of custody of her children, no? I don’t know about the law system but that seems like a custody battle for the ages? I want Alex to have both children, don’t get me wrong, but… this didn’t make sense to me or felt too simple?
Thank you to Marie Sinclair & GRR for the arc of Forever After in return for my honest review!
What I loved?
I appreciated that this story explored the various individual and sexual identities a person could belong to. I had no idea of it all and was left feeling more informed and determined to make a contribution somehow. Marie offers some good info as a starting point.
Diego - he was an easy to like character with a painful backstory. But he didn’t allow this to hold him back. Rather, he dealt with shit (not always in the best way but still, he knew when he was dragging his feet). I loved how warm and even-keeled he was, his large loving family, and how much warmth and passion he brought to Alex’s life.
Alex - I really liked him as well. His exploration and acceptance of his bisexuality felt relatable and real. His efforts to understand his child’s chosen identity and the way their relationship within this new framework/reality developed made me warm and happy.
Diego & Alex - their relationship was everything. Well-paced, supportive, great chemistry, very natural. These two just fit right and, by the end, I felt like all will be well in both their lives, now that they have each other.
Why I shaved off some stars?
While I loved having all this new information about identities and orientations, at times I was overwhelmed by it all. Also, a bulk of this was in the first half of the book, so I found I couldn’t connect with the characters as “people” but more as “examples of characters.”
The ending - or rather, the confrontation between Alex and Robin about the joint custody battle - that we never saw! This made me quite mad. It is such a critical part of the story, a moment of growth (or not) for many characters. But we glossed right by with a “tell vs showing” and this section is available as a bonus, but that left me feeling quite disappointed. It felt anticlimactic. Plus, Robin seemed like such an unpleasant person, I could not buy that the resolution came by so easily with such little effort or ugliness from either side. Her personality and upbringing would simply not allow this - is what I believe. Also, she is a conservative, homophobic person, but that doesn’t make her an unfit parent warranting loss of custody of her children, no? I don’t know about the law system but that seems like a custody battle for the ages? I want Alex to have both children, don’t get me wrong, but… this didn’t make sense to me or felt too simple?
Thank you to Marie Sinclair & GRR for the arc of Forever After in return for my honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2022
The HEA Alex and Diego deserve
I fell in love with Marie Sinclair's beautifully written, realistic characters in A Kind of Forever, the first book in this series. Ry and Cart's poignant story charmed me. Micah and Jake won my heart in Nothing Like Forever, and now Diego and Alex, who are in the previous books, get the happy ending they deserve.
This enemies to lovers, forced proximity, opposites attract, single dad, bi awakening novel has plenty of heat, the characters have depth and diversity, and I feel like I just got back from San Francisco.
You can read this as a standalone, but I recommend reading the series in order.
I fell in love with Marie Sinclair's beautifully written, realistic characters in A Kind of Forever, the first book in this series. Ry and Cart's poignant story charmed me. Micah and Jake won my heart in Nothing Like Forever, and now Diego and Alex, who are in the previous books, get the happy ending they deserve.
This enemies to lovers, forced proximity, opposites attract, single dad, bi awakening novel has plenty of heat, the characters have depth and diversity, and I feel like I just got back from San Francisco.
You can read this as a standalone, but I recommend reading the series in order.
April 16, 2022
4.5 stars
It is no secret that I have loved this series since a Winter's Dance, the prequel to "A kind of forever", was released on the Winter's Wonderland Giveaway in January last year. Since then, and little by little, with each release, this series became one of my most favourites ever. I won't lie and admit that Book 2 "Nothing like Forever" will always be my most favourite in the series, but this third instalment came really close.
Alex and Diego. Diego and Alex. *Sigh* - you two were amazing. And maybe your love story wasn't anything out of the ordinary, but the circumstances around how you two came together were so intense, and beautiful, and thought provoking, and sad and funny too.
And when I talk about circumstances I am referring to what Alex would refer to as "baggage". They both have plenty of it. Warning: Spoilers ahead
And what starts as mild dislike of each other when they are forced to live together after a previous unfortunate incident at Ry & Cart's wedding, slowly turns into more - obviously. Diego is cheeky and lives his life unapologetically. Perhaps from having lost someone special at a young age, he doesn't "do love". Alex proves him wrong, though, and I loved seeing both of them lowering their defences for each other.
There were so many details, so much history in this book. I googled the famous "No obits" after reading about it in the book and had a good cry on the side. The photo albums found in Jen's house were another beautiful if sad touch to add.
Overall a gorgeous book. I wish I had seen the scene where Alex finally confronts his wife and confirmation that he got full custody of the boys. But loved the epilogue where we get closure from the other two couples from the previous books in the series too.
It is no secret that I have loved this series since a Winter's Dance, the prequel to "A kind of forever", was released on the Winter's Wonderland Giveaway in January last year. Since then, and little by little, with each release, this series became one of my most favourites ever. I won't lie and admit that Book 2 "Nothing like Forever" will always be my most favourite in the series, but this third instalment came really close.
Alex and Diego. Diego and Alex. *Sigh* - you two were amazing. And maybe your love story wasn't anything out of the ordinary, but the circumstances around how you two came together were so intense, and beautiful, and thought provoking, and sad and funny too.
And when I talk about circumstances I am referring to what Alex would refer to as "baggage". They both have plenty of it. Warning: Spoilers ahead
And what starts as mild dislike of each other when they are forced to live together after a previous unfortunate incident at Ry & Cart's wedding, slowly turns into more - obviously. Diego is cheeky and lives his life unapologetically. Perhaps from having lost someone special at a young age, he doesn't "do love". Alex proves him wrong, though, and I loved seeing both of them lowering their defences for each other.
There were so many details, so much history in this book. I googled the famous "No obits" after reading about it in the book and had a good cry on the side. The photo albums found in Jen's house were another beautiful if sad touch to add.
Overall a gorgeous book. I wish I had seen the scene where Alex finally confronts his wife and confirmation that he got full custody of the boys. But loved the epilogue where we get closure from the other two couples from the previous books in the series too.
April 13, 2022
I thought this was quite a realistic story of Alex discovering his true desires through his attraction to Diego. It took me a while to get into the book but these two come together naturally as the story progresses and I really liked them together. Diego had a tough past, but he is always one to offer his help and support to others. Their romance is well written, and you get both of their POV. Thank you for the ARC of this story!
May 2, 2022
Forever After is the third book in Marie Sinclair's Finding Forever series and probably one of my favorites. She has done an amazing job showing another great couple, one that had me reading obsessively to find out more about these wonderful characters - and the just as equally amazing side characters.
This book opens with Diego, a man we've met in the other two Finding Forever books, waking up to the smell of smoke as the building he lives in catches fire. He manages to escape - and to help several other neighbors out of the blaze as well, but he loses almost everything he owns in the process with the exception of a picture of him and Tony, who we learn about throughout the book, and a bag of essentials he kept under his bed. And his laptop, because he thought to stick that in the bag when they were escaping.
However, due to the apartment burning down and rents being so expensive, he's left with no choice but to move in with Alex, who he hit on at the end of book two and got shot down. The two men do not get along at first, even two months into their living arrangements. But they make due, because neither one of them are really in a place where they can just get something else instead of the free place Jake is letting them use.
Things shift, however, when Alex's son comes out as trans and comes to live with Alex (and Diego). Diego is a counselor at the queer youth center that features heavily in all of these books and knows how to help Alex with Jesse. He bonds with Jesse and in doing so, he and Alex begin to bond as well. That bond, of course, leads to attraction.
Both men are dealing with their own ghosts and issues, which makes their relationship progression even more interesting to watch. Alex is recently separated from his wife and Diego is still dealing with the trauma that came after his relationship with Tony. Watching them grow and heal was such a great story.
There are some content warnings including self-injury (in a side character), internalized homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and references to addiction - primarily in the past. All of these things are dealt with in a respectful manner.
** DISCLAIMER: ARC provided by GRR in exchange for fair and honest review. **
This book opens with Diego, a man we've met in the other two Finding Forever books, waking up to the smell of smoke as the building he lives in catches fire. He manages to escape - and to help several other neighbors out of the blaze as well, but he loses almost everything he owns in the process with the exception of a picture of him and Tony, who we learn about throughout the book, and a bag of essentials he kept under his bed. And his laptop, because he thought to stick that in the bag when they were escaping.
However, due to the apartment burning down and rents being so expensive, he's left with no choice but to move in with Alex, who he hit on at the end of book two and got shot down. The two men do not get along at first, even two months into their living arrangements. But they make due, because neither one of them are really in a place where they can just get something else instead of the free place Jake is letting them use.
Things shift, however, when Alex's son comes out as trans and comes to live with Alex (and Diego). Diego is a counselor at the queer youth center that features heavily in all of these books and knows how to help Alex with Jesse. He bonds with Jesse and in doing so, he and Alex begin to bond as well. That bond, of course, leads to attraction.
Both men are dealing with their own ghosts and issues, which makes their relationship progression even more interesting to watch. Alex is recently separated from his wife and Diego is still dealing with the trauma that came after his relationship with Tony. Watching them grow and heal was such a great story.
There are some content warnings including self-injury (in a side character), internalized homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and references to addiction - primarily in the past. All of these things are dealt with in a respectful manner.
** DISCLAIMER: ARC provided by GRR in exchange for fair and honest review. **
May 15, 2022
4.25
Forever After, by Marie Sinclair, is book three in the Finding Forever series. It is an enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, sexual reawakening story. It can be read as a stand-alone novel, but I always suggest reading the series in order.
After a bitter divorce, Alex moves to San Francisco to reestablish his historical restoration career. He's working on the home he's staying in and slowly restoring it while getting his business off the ground. Things are going okay until he hears Diego, the man responsible for making him question his sexual identity again, will be moving in. Things get even more hectic when his oldest child, named Jesse, comes out as masc trans, and his ex-wife doesn't want to acknowledge or deal with it.
Diego, the counselor at the LGBTQ+ center, is devastated when his apartment building burns down. Having limited options on where he can go, he moves into the house with Alex. This is a man he hit on relentlessly, to no end, in book two. Things start out bumpy between them. Kitchen fights, getting caught pleasuring himself, and an interesting wrestling match occur. Watching everything unfold was heartbreakingly delightful.
I really enjoyed seeing Diego in action at the Youth Center. He's so caring and insightful. I can see why most of the people there adore him. I wish I could have seen more interaction between Diego and Jesse, but I was pleased he got along with Alex's kids.
I genuinely liked the relationship progression between Diego and Alex. Once they got over themselves, they were really sweet. The men showed significant personal growth in this story—both as individuals and partners.
There is a low-medium level of angst, but there are some heavy topics, murder and sexual assault, but they're not discussed at great length, and they provide context.
I would recommend reading this series. It's well written and entertaining.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
Forever After, by Marie Sinclair, is book three in the Finding Forever series. It is an enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, sexual reawakening story. It can be read as a stand-alone novel, but I always suggest reading the series in order.
After a bitter divorce, Alex moves to San Francisco to reestablish his historical restoration career. He's working on the home he's staying in and slowly restoring it while getting his business off the ground. Things are going okay until he hears Diego, the man responsible for making him question his sexual identity again, will be moving in. Things get even more hectic when his oldest child, named Jesse, comes out as masc trans, and his ex-wife doesn't want to acknowledge or deal with it.
Diego, the counselor at the LGBTQ+ center, is devastated when his apartment building burns down. Having limited options on where he can go, he moves into the house with Alex. This is a man he hit on relentlessly, to no end, in book two. Things start out bumpy between them. Kitchen fights, getting caught pleasuring himself, and an interesting wrestling match occur. Watching everything unfold was heartbreakingly delightful.
I really enjoyed seeing Diego in action at the Youth Center. He's so caring and insightful. I can see why most of the people there adore him. I wish I could have seen more interaction between Diego and Jesse, but I was pleased he got along with Alex's kids.
I genuinely liked the relationship progression between Diego and Alex. Once they got over themselves, they were really sweet. The men showed significant personal growth in this story—both as individuals and partners.
There is a low-medium level of angst, but there are some heavy topics, murder and sexual assault, but they're not discussed at great length, and they provide context.
I would recommend reading this series. It's well written and entertaining.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
April 17, 2022
4.5 stars
This story brings readers enemies to lovers with plenty of heat, a bit of humor, and lots and lots of emotions. Alex is picking himself up and putting himself back together after an emotionally abusive marriage, figuring out how to be a good parent to his transmac kid and their little brother while dealing with his horrible ex, and doing a not-great job of expressing his attraction to Diego via plenty of glaring and more than a few passive-aggressive roommate battles. I liked Alex so much: he’s earnest and brave and generally kind to everyone except, at times, himself. He and Diego actually fit together beautifully, when they give it a chance. Diego has a heart of gold and a streak of surprising sweetness, and I grew to really like him in spite of the fact that I would NEVER want him for a roommate– mistreatment of kitchen implements aside, anyone with such a dodgy grasp of appropriate behavior in communal spaces is, and I don’t care how nice they are, kind of a nightmare. (seriously, dude…the pantry?!) It’s fun and moving (and hot) to see their dynamic develop from enemies to lovers, and extra points for the way neither shies away from the hard conversations or expressing their emotions, once they get past the whole “can’t be left in the same room without someone getting hurt” stage of their interactions. The story also offers a vibrant queer community and several suplots that celebrate the resilience and the bittersweet notes of queer history: I loved that in both their day jobs Alex and Diego get a chance to see and celebrate that legacy. All in all, a really enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This story brings readers enemies to lovers with plenty of heat, a bit of humor, and lots and lots of emotions. Alex is picking himself up and putting himself back together after an emotionally abusive marriage, figuring out how to be a good parent to his transmac kid and their little brother while dealing with his horrible ex, and doing a not-great job of expressing his attraction to Diego via plenty of glaring and more than a few passive-aggressive roommate battles. I liked Alex so much: he’s earnest and brave and generally kind to everyone except, at times, himself. He and Diego actually fit together beautifully, when they give it a chance. Diego has a heart of gold and a streak of surprising sweetness, and I grew to really like him in spite of the fact that I would NEVER want him for a roommate– mistreatment of kitchen implements aside, anyone with such a dodgy grasp of appropriate behavior in communal spaces is, and I don’t care how nice they are, kind of a nightmare. (seriously, dude…the pantry?!) It’s fun and moving (and hot) to see their dynamic develop from enemies to lovers, and extra points for the way neither shies away from the hard conversations or expressing their emotions, once they get past the whole “can’t be left in the same room without someone getting hurt” stage of their interactions. The story also offers a vibrant queer community and several suplots that celebrate the resilience and the bittersweet notes of queer history: I loved that in both their day jobs Alex and Diego get a chance to see and celebrate that legacy. All in all, a really enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 15, 2022
Forever After is an amazing addition to the Finding Forever series and I loved it. It is beautifully written, emotional, gritty, funny, full of hope, the characters are wonderful and real, the author does an excellent job of dealing with some very difficult issues and I was fully engaged from the first page to the last. Diego and Alex have a pretty rough first meeting and it really goes downhill from there. When Diego has to move into Jake's house that Alex is already living in and renovating things get even worse between them. Neither of them is happy about the situation they find themselves in and there are some hilarious and snarky moments as they get to know each other better. Alex is a great dad and I love how supportive he is of Jesse when they come out as trans. He is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure they have a safe and accepting environment. Diego is dealing with some issues from his past and still coming to terms with the night his apartment building burned down as well as having a very stressful but rewarding job. I love how their relationship evolves and how supportive and caring they are to each other. Diego's family are pretty wonderful and very welcoming to Alex and his family. The ending is perfect, the secondary characters are incredible and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
December 3, 2025
I very much enjoyed this book. It was an enemy to lovers story but more importantly, it dealt with some very strong issues and did so well.
Diego who works at a Youth Centre for LGBTQ+ youth loses his apartment in a fire which introduces immediately action and fear. Because we have met some of the characters before, we find Diego being offered accomodation in a house being renovated and occupied by Alex and owned by mutual friends. Alex likewise is rebuiding his life after a bitter divorce and a continuing story that is sensitively handled is Alex's daughter has come out as trans female to male and Alex takes on Dad custody.
Diego and Alex are attracted to each other but act like enemies but Diego sees that Jessie gets to visit the youth centre and after one wrestling fight Alex and Diego find themselves building a close relationship built on helping each other and evetually sex. Although Alex found it difficult to come out as bi, the author makes sure we know this is not the first bi relationship he has had.
What really made me love the book was the care with regard to trans issues, the caring for others by both main characters and the prospect of FAMILY.
Diego who works at a Youth Centre for LGBTQ+ youth loses his apartment in a fire which introduces immediately action and fear. Because we have met some of the characters before, we find Diego being offered accomodation in a house being renovated and occupied by Alex and owned by mutual friends. Alex likewise is rebuiding his life after a bitter divorce and a continuing story that is sensitively handled is Alex's daughter has come out as trans female to male and Alex takes on Dad custody.
Diego and Alex are attracted to each other but act like enemies but Diego sees that Jessie gets to visit the youth centre and after one wrestling fight Alex and Diego find themselves building a close relationship built on helping each other and evetually sex. Although Alex found it difficult to come out as bi, the author makes sure we know this is not the first bi relationship he has had.
What really made me love the book was the care with regard to trans issues, the caring for others by both main characters and the prospect of FAMILY.
April 13, 2022
I am happy to say Forever After by Marie Sinclair is the rare book that is part of a series but which can be read as a stand-alone. I did not realize until I read the end material that I actually read and enjoyed the prequel to the Finding Forever series about Ry and Cart. I now have a visual for these characters. Diego and Alex are a fun pair to get to know in Forever After. As is often true in real life, they both have issues that drive their behavior toward each other. Diego is into one-and-done while Alex is dealing with the end of his marriage to an unfaithful woman. Of course they are perfect for each other! I liked both the found family and Diego’s family that they surrounded themselves with. It was interesting to see how Diego’s job as a counselor and Alex’s in architectural restoration played into their developing relationship. I found it hard to choose which side story I liked best, but I won’t mention any details, so no spoilers. I hope this is not the end of the series, as I’m looking forward to more by this author.
April 18, 2022
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. Enemies to lovers is one of my weaknesses. I literally cant get enough! This book embodied that theme. These two men did not get along from the start. They were complete and total opposites. Diego is fun, flirty and very open about his sexuality. Alex is recently divorced, a little grumpy and not as straight as everyone thinks he is. Diego was into Alex immediately but it took Alex a little longer to get there. Even though Alex and Diego are opposites they connect on so many levels when they finally realize they have things in common. Once they are able to open up to each other something very beautiful forms. This has truly been an amazing series and I have adored every minute of it!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 3rd Person Dual POV
Standalone or series: Book 3 in the Finding Forever series
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 3rd Person Dual POV
Standalone or series: Book 3 in the Finding Forever series
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
Read
April 14, 2022Book three in this series is by far my favorite. It caught me in the heart and did not let go. I experienced many emotions in reading this book about Diego and Alex, two opposites that find love. I love how both men were dealing with major life transitions that gave them depth as characters, but more importantly it made me relate to them as men. Of course they had combustible chemistry, but they also had depth and emotions. It can be a standalone but do yourself a favor and read the others to get the full impact of this series. You will not be disappointed. You will love the story, characters. and will be left wanting more. I hope this is not the end of this series. I want more more more! Fun watching Alex discover himself and fun watching Diego do what he does best, support youth. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
April 21, 2022
Forever After is a great addition to the ‘Finding Forever’ series.
This is Diego and Alex's story, and the author has created wonderfully honest and real characters that I felt engaged with from the first page to the last.
While witnessing them work through past and present baggage to find their happiness together, we also meet several new characters whose side stories added a lot of interest and reality. The appearances of the MCs from previous books were great, and I loved the delightful epilogue, which wraps up everyone’s stories beautifully and gave me closure to the series.
I loved this emotional slow-burn, close-proximity, opposites attract story and highly recommend it and the whole series.
I received an ARC of this book to review, and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
This is Diego and Alex's story, and the author has created wonderfully honest and real characters that I felt engaged with from the first page to the last.
While witnessing them work through past and present baggage to find their happiness together, we also meet several new characters whose side stories added a lot of interest and reality. The appearances of the MCs from previous books were great, and I loved the delightful epilogue, which wraps up everyone’s stories beautifully and gave me closure to the series.
I loved this emotional slow-burn, close-proximity, opposites attract story and highly recommend it and the whole series.
I received an ARC of this book to review, and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
May 2, 2022
Doors opening all over! Diego and Alex have an uncomfortable history. Diego, hit on straight Alex during a wedding, Diego's apartment is destroyed by fire. Alex moves after catching his wife cheating. They both end up sharing a space offered by friend, Jake. Alex and Diego, appear not to be compatible at all until Alex's child comes to stay coming out as trans, giving Alex new perspectives about a person's sexuality and lifestyle. Alex and Diego, have another thread on which to try to connect. They learn a lot about themselves, each other and life in general. Will they listen? Good story. Good questions and circumstances to work through. Nicely handled by the author. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2022
This was my first book by this new author, which is the third book in this series. I was definitely able to enjoy it without having read the prior books, and can tell I will enjoy circling back for those couple's stories. Diego and Alex were both such amazing characters, I just ate their story up, as Alex works through his first time attraction to a man, and he and Diego go from enemies (and roommates!) to lovers, and journey through family and other obstacles to get to their HEA. One of the settings in this book is an LGBTQ+ youth center, and I can honestly say I've never been more pulled to serve my community by a book, than how this book made me feel. So worthwhile.
April 30, 2022
Starting over in a new city, Alex is still finding his footing as he deals with the aftermath of his recent divorce.
When he gains a new roommate in the out and proud, Diego, the animosity between them is at all time after their awkward previous encounters.
But as they spend time together, their feelings slowly evolve and the roots of love start to blossom.
This being part of a series, reads well as a stand-alone, but the past characters do appear in this story. I enjoyed the the whole enemies to lovers, bi awakening theme in this plot. I loved seeing these characters come together and form their own family. Definitely a recommended read.
When he gains a new roommate in the out and proud, Diego, the animosity between them is at all time after their awkward previous encounters.
But as they spend time together, their feelings slowly evolve and the roots of love start to blossom.
This being part of a series, reads well as a stand-alone, but the past characters do appear in this story. I enjoyed the the whole enemies to lovers, bi awakening theme in this plot. I loved seeing these characters come together and form their own family. Definitely a recommended read.
May 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this story about Diego and Alex getting their HEA. Diego is such a strong, open character and he sees more of Alex than anyone else ever has, perhaps even Alex. I loved how their initially prickly relationship moved into something so deep and how that expanded to include young people. There is a nice range of ages for characters in this story learning about themselves and how the world works in both positive and negative ways but holding on to their truth, surviving and flourishing.
April 30, 2022
This series is everything. After "Nothing Like Forever" there was no option but read "Forever After".
Alex and Diego's book has less angst than the previous book and it does feel a bit more sweet and cute.
It makes sense though. Their story is totally different and their path is unique. I loved the patience both MCs showed in different instances and there was an even push and pull from both sides.
We've known Alex for a long time since he is Micah's best friend, so it is extra satisfying to see him getting his HEA. A HEA that he didn't expect and knew that he will get.
This book is also focused on labels and does a great job of being informative and respectful.
According to my ignorant dinosaur self. *see the previous book's review.
Thank you to @gayromancereviews for the copy.
Alex and Diego's book has less angst than the previous book and it does feel a bit more sweet and cute.
It makes sense though. Their story is totally different and their path is unique. I loved the patience both MCs showed in different instances and there was an even push and pull from both sides.
We've known Alex for a long time since he is Micah's best friend, so it is extra satisfying to see him getting his HEA. A HEA that he didn't expect and knew that he will get.
This book is also focused on labels and does a great job of being informative and respectful.
According to my ignorant dinosaur self. *see the previous book's review.
Thank you to @gayromancereviews for the copy.
September 26, 2022
This is for those that need to Open hearts & minds is a gift of this story!
Jesse will move you. How any parents couldn't love their child unconditional I can never understand! To put everyone needs ahead of your own is something Mr.D and Alex have in common. This story was so moving on teens that have so much to give and are being so brave without a lot about f support. Makes you wish there was a safety next in every city or town. A touching romance MM
Jesse will move you. How any parents couldn't love their child unconditional I can never understand! To put everyone needs ahead of your own is something Mr.D and Alex have in common. This story was so moving on teens that have so much to give and are being so brave without a lot about f support. Makes you wish there was a safety next in every city or town. A touching romance MM
October 27, 2025
So, this was a really nice and romantic story, if not a bit too sappy for my taste.
Who says things like this: "Then I will do my best to make up for the mistakes of others because you, carino, deserve to be treated like the treasure you are. I wil burnish vour skin with kisses and caress vour heart with my words until you glow like the sun." ???
And why is this bonus chapter where an essential part of the story happens not part of this book and rather has to be downloaded seperately?
Who says things like this: "Then I will do my best to make up for the mistakes of others because you, carino, deserve to be treated like the treasure you are. I wil burnish vour skin with kisses and caress vour heart with my words until you glow like the sun." ???
And why is this bonus chapter where an essential part of the story happens not part of this book and rather has to be downloaded seperately?
May 16, 2022
A Rocky Start.
MM, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, bi-awakening, easy to read page-turner with complex but likeable characters. Self denial, angst, heat and acceptance are just some of what you'll find in this great read. Although it's the third in the series their story can be read as a stand-alone with no loss of enjoyment or understanding. Guaranteed HEA.
MM, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, bi-awakening, easy to read page-turner with complex but likeable characters. Self denial, angst, heat and acceptance are just some of what you'll find in this great read. Although it's the third in the series their story can be read as a stand-alone with no loss of enjoyment or understanding. Guaranteed HEA.
July 26, 2022
finding love
I really enjoyed this book,These two guys Alex and Diego did not click at first you could say they got off on the wrong foot,,,,but after going through fire,divorce an ex lost time and patience all it took was Alex bringing his child to live with them to change everything for the better and better communication skills
I really enjoyed this book,These two guys Alex and Diego did not click at first you could say they got off on the wrong foot,,,,but after going through fire,divorce an ex lost time and patience all it took was Alex bringing his child to live with them to change everything for the better and better communication skills
April 14, 2022
This was a really good book in a great series, and works great as a standalone. It's well written with a great storyline and wonderful characters. I love the way it works through Alex discovering his true self.
May 2, 2022
His apartment has been destroyed by fire and he now he is moving in with them. They are not as straight as everyone thinks and they will find themselves being pulled to him. Will they take that step? Could it work? See how they get on
May 9, 2022
I wasn't sure I was going to like this book after reading the blurb. After diving in, my mind was quickly changed and I adored the book and the journey everyone took in the book.
I love this series!
I love this series!
May 12, 2022
This book was sweet. I liked all the characters, and their interactions felt authentic. It was a little more slow burn and lower heat than I would have preferred, especially with the buildup throughout the book! I like this series a lot. Recommended!
June 22, 2024
A marvelous read from start to finish.
The characters are complex and interesting and initially seem contradictory, but that’s human, right? The plot moves along at a good pace and it manages to make sense all along the way. The details are fun and appropriate. Very enjoyable!
The characters are complex and interesting and initially seem contradictory, but that’s human, right? The plot moves along at a good pace and it manages to make sense all along the way. The details are fun and appropriate. Very enjoyable!
April 27, 2022
A sweet read! I enjoyed the characters and the love and acceptance shown throughout. I kept waiting for the confrontation with Robin (that never came!) But overall still a good read.
November 19, 2022
3,5 estrellas.
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