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Sunshine + Ace #2
The Beginning of Forever
Harlow and Acyn are on their way to happily ever after…
Or so they thought.
When their wedding is in jeopardy from outside forces and well-meaning family members, they decide to take matters into their own hands and escape to the Oregon coast.
Follow their journey from there to the Beginning of Forever.
Or so they thought.
When their wedding is in jeopardy from outside forces and well-meaning family members, they decide to take matters into their own hands and escape to the Oregon coast.
Follow their journey from there to the Beginning of Forever.
198 pages, Unknown Binding
Published June 17, 2022
619 people are currently reading
4302 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Valdez
8 books2,407 followershttps://beacons.page/aevaldezwriter/
Instagram - @a.e.valdezwrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 501 reviews
July 9, 2023
This book is just pure happiness! I was smiling the whole time.
This ones for the lovers, if you love love you will enjoy this little story
It’s almost like an extended epilogue with all our favourite characters
This ones for the lovers, if you love love you will enjoy this little story
It’s almost like an extended epilogue with all our favourite characters
July 13, 2023
Although I liked book 1 better, this was still a terrific read. It's really just continuation of the story that could have been included in book 1. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Ace and Harlow and their crazy pack of friends.
November 27, 2022
A. E. Valdez knows how to write a male character!!! 🥵😮💨 whew!! Acyn is everything!!!
Wedding bells are ringing and wedding plans are in full swing however Harlow is nowhere near wedding bliss. Her future mother in law is pulling her in so many different directions with ideas that aren’t hers and she is ready to crumble under pressure. True to his empath nature when it comes to all things Harlow, Acyn swoops in and saves the day by suggesting that they elope and she couldn’t be happier! In book 1 we witnessed that Harlow was very much a people pleaser but Acyn quickly got her out of that mindset. They live life on their terms and this included getting married how they saw fit. Acyn has zero fxcks to give.
This book was everything!!!!! It was a great follow up to Harlow and Acyn’s story and we were able to fall deeper in love with the rest of the crew! I can’t wait to experience Kyrell and Quinn as well as Marisa and Asher’s stories. I wouldn’t even mind one from Graysen because Selene is NOT the one 🥴I totally should’ve read Colliding with Fate first because it was spoilers all up and through this book… whoops 🫢! A.E. will definitely get an instant click from me if this is how she’s coming in the rest of her books!
Wedding bells are ringing and wedding plans are in full swing however Harlow is nowhere near wedding bliss. Her future mother in law is pulling her in so many different directions with ideas that aren’t hers and she is ready to crumble under pressure. True to his empath nature when it comes to all things Harlow, Acyn swoops in and saves the day by suggesting that they elope and she couldn’t be happier! In book 1 we witnessed that Harlow was very much a people pleaser but Acyn quickly got her out of that mindset. They live life on their terms and this included getting married how they saw fit. Acyn has zero fxcks to give.
This book was everything!!!!! It was a great follow up to Harlow and Acyn’s story and we were able to fall deeper in love with the rest of the crew! I can’t wait to experience Kyrell and Quinn as well as Marisa and Asher’s stories. I wouldn’t even mind one from Graysen because Selene is NOT the one 🥴I totally should’ve read Colliding with Fate first because it was spoilers all up and through this book… whoops 🫢! A.E. will definitely get an instant click from me if this is how she’s coming in the rest of her books!
May 16, 2023
Sunshine and Ace's HEA
Sunshine and Ace are overwhelmed with wedding planning woes and decide to take matters into their own hands. They visit their favorite spot on the Oregon coast and become one without all the pomp and circumstance, instead they are able to bask in the love they have for each other.
In the first book they were hella wholesome. In this book they were getting it in every possible chance. Location be damned and I loved that for them I loved how they ride for each other when needed, but really were happy and carefree throughout. I enjoyed them reconnecting with their friends and living their best lives.
This book was well written, but a little long. The story was longer than necessary. The characters are described as black/brown characters, but I just didn't get that vibe from them. You know how you feel connected with the characters because they could be your family or friend. I just didn't feel that vibe with them. It's still a solid read though.
Sunshine and Ace are overwhelmed with wedding planning woes and decide to take matters into their own hands. They visit their favorite spot on the Oregon coast and become one without all the pomp and circumstance, instead they are able to bask in the love they have for each other.
In the first book they were hella wholesome. In this book they were getting it in every possible chance. Location be damned and I loved that for them I loved how they ride for each other when needed, but really were happy and carefree throughout. I enjoyed them reconnecting with their friends and living their best lives.
This book was well written, but a little long. The story was longer than necessary. The characters are described as black/brown characters, but I just didn't get that vibe from them. You know how you feel connected with the characters because they could be your family or friend. I just didn't feel that vibe with them. It's still a solid read though.
January 31, 2025
Awww this was so cute! A short little read to make me realize that I missed Harlow and Acyn more than I thought I did💛.
I love how this was set up for a smooth transition to A Worthy Love (last book of the series). I can’t wait!🌻
I love how this was set up for a smooth transition to A Worthy Love (last book of the series). I can’t wait!🌻
December 29, 2022
This seemed to be a really long epilogue. I didn’t need it. I was satisfied with the ending of the first book. It does let us into the friend group so we learn a little about each character. I thought the climax of the story would be the wedding. But they handled that in the beginning (maybe 30% into it). Still a solid read. I am still interested in reading her other books.
February 14, 2023
4.5 stars
This a really long a** epilogue. Totally unneeded, the ending of book 1 was perfect but I enjoyed it all the same. I actually loved it , i just hated the mother-in-law drama which come out of nowhere and was so unnecessary so .5star off for that 😎
This a really long a** epilogue. Totally unneeded, the ending of book 1 was perfect but I enjoyed it all the same. I actually loved it , i just hated the mother-in-law drama which come out of nowhere and was so unnecessary so .5star off for that 😎
April 12, 2024
forever 🌻
I absolutely love Sunshine and Ace 🌻 I love the way they adore and protect one another! Since I’ve already read A Worthy Love it was cute to see Asher and Marisa 🤎
I absolutely love Sunshine and Ace 🌻 I love the way they adore and protect one another! Since I’ve already read A Worthy Love it was cute to see Asher and Marisa 🤎
March 17, 2024
They’re back y’all , and planning their wedding.
Planning a wedding is super stressful, especially when you have meddling family members that insist on adding their two cents. Not only is the family causing problems, the venue is also double booked, and the guest list is out of control. All Ace and Harlow want are each other.
Everything about this book was so much fun down to that perfect ass wedding, and the bachelorette party in Vegas; I literally couldn’t stop laughing.
Y’all this man really put on a strip show for the whole neighborhood 😂. Mrs. Brown thinks she is slick, acting like she couldn’t see… I bet you her ass got 20/20 vision after that show 😂.
Once again Ace proves why he is that 🥷🏾, when he check his mama real quick 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾!! Energy!
This was such a lighthearted, fun read, I loved everything about this book. The whole crew is lit. One of my favorite parts of this book was all the shenanigans in Vegas when the friend group linked up.
At the end of the day, Ace and Harlow are going to forever choose each other no matter how anybody else feels about it and I’m here for it. Love these two. Definitely recommend.
Planning a wedding is super stressful, especially when you have meddling family members that insist on adding their two cents. Not only is the family causing problems, the venue is also double booked, and the guest list is out of control. All Ace and Harlow want are each other.
Everything about this book was so much fun down to that perfect ass wedding, and the bachelorette party in Vegas; I literally couldn’t stop laughing.
Y’all this man really put on a strip show for the whole neighborhood 😂. Mrs. Brown thinks she is slick, acting like she couldn’t see… I bet you her ass got 20/20 vision after that show 😂.
Once again Ace proves why he is that 🥷🏾, when he check his mama real quick 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾!! Energy!
This was such a lighthearted, fun read, I loved everything about this book. The whole crew is lit. One of my favorite parts of this book was all the shenanigans in Vegas when the friend group linked up.
At the end of the day, Ace and Harlow are going to forever choose each other no matter how anybody else feels about it and I’m here for it. Love these two. Definitely recommend.
May 1, 2023
This was so cute and such a good way to wrap up Acyn and Harlows story.
May 26, 2025
This was the absolute perfect wrap up with a bow. I love this duet so much. Perfection!
June 17, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review:
I love Ace and Sunshine so much, this is a beautifully sweet & nasty follow up to “All I’ve Wanted, All I’ve Needed”. In the first book, I was able to see their transition from strangers to friends, to lovers and in this book I saw that connection grow deeper as they became one. I don’t know about you but when reading romance I always want to enjoy more of the couple’s love and relationship after they finally decide to be together—to bask in the sweetness and that exactly what this book gave!! I loved the intimacy of their wedding ceremony and how they didn’t feel guilty for doing things their way, no matter what other people thought about their decision.
What I will always love about Ace is how he is so vocal about protecting Harlow’s peace and boundaries, he helped her become the “recovering people pleaser” that she is now.
“Just so you know…I’d fight your mama over you.” 🤣I know that’s right Harlow! Because his mom was beside herself for a minute & I am so glad Harlow spoke up and Acyn backed her up.
The laughs, their found family, the bachelor/bachelorette party, the honeymoon—this whole book was a vibe. I want to reiterate that this book was good and filthy, as it should be! Because Ace and Sunshine could NEVER get enough of each other.
I really could go on and on about this book, this world that the author created because I love it here and cannot wait to read more of her books.
Related notes:
When Acyn said kidnapping was an option, I screamed because he was not playing about wanting to marry his Sunshine 🤣
Things that made me cry happy tears:
The framed pictures 😭
The surprise 😭
The wedding tears 😭
Marisa and Asher— I will be in your DMs lmaoooo
I love Ace and Sunshine so much, this is a beautifully sweet & nasty follow up to “All I’ve Wanted, All I’ve Needed”. In the first book, I was able to see their transition from strangers to friends, to lovers and in this book I saw that connection grow deeper as they became one. I don’t know about you but when reading romance I always want to enjoy more of the couple’s love and relationship after they finally decide to be together—to bask in the sweetness and that exactly what this book gave!! I loved the intimacy of their wedding ceremony and how they didn’t feel guilty for doing things their way, no matter what other people thought about their decision.
What I will always love about Ace is how he is so vocal about protecting Harlow’s peace and boundaries, he helped her become the “recovering people pleaser” that she is now.
“Just so you know…I’d fight your mama over you.” 🤣I know that’s right Harlow! Because his mom was beside herself for a minute & I am so glad Harlow spoke up and Acyn backed her up.
The laughs, their found family, the bachelor/bachelorette party, the honeymoon—this whole book was a vibe. I want to reiterate that this book was good and filthy, as it should be! Because Ace and Sunshine could NEVER get enough of each other.
I really could go on and on about this book, this world that the author created because I love it here and cannot wait to read more of her books.
Related notes:
When Acyn said kidnapping was an option, I screamed because he was not playing about wanting to marry his Sunshine 🤣
Things that made me cry happy tears:
The framed pictures 😭
The surprise 😭
The wedding tears 😭
Marisa and Asher— I will be in your DMs lmaoooo
March 15, 2024
🥹
This was a beautiful follow-up story for Acyn and Harlow. I understood the wedding planning woes, all too well. Glad they did things their way and didn’t settle to make everyone else happy. Good read ☺️
*audiobook + ebook*
This was a beautiful follow-up story for Acyn and Harlow. I understood the wedding planning woes, all too well. Glad they did things their way and didn’t settle to make everyone else happy. Good read ☺️
*audiobook + ebook*
December 9, 2022
Fantastic companion to All I've Wanted All I've Needed When I first saw there was a book 2 for Harlow and Acyn I was worried there would be unnecessary drama in their relationship. But this was like a glorious extended epilogue. I absolutely loved it. Happy reading!
January 15, 2026
The continuation of Harlow and Ace. Love to see couples who love each other and put their relationship first over everyone.
June 18, 2022
Harlow and Acyn just want to get married and start their forever, but wedding planning has officially gotten out of hand. The venue double booked, the guest list is outrageous and these two just want each other damn a big glitzy wedding. The love I have for these two is insane. This was one of those on-time reads for me because it instantly changed my mood.
These two exhibitionist nymphs stayed "frolicking" in nature, in the wild, wherever the mood struck and poor Mrs Brown probably got an eye full because after Ace performed like the neighborhood Magic Mike we know her sight wasn't THAT bad. I laughed so much at their shenanigans, especially when the whole crew got together for the bachelor/bachelorette parties...I'm still laughing just thinking about it. This group of friends is goals, it's the group you hope you and your friends can be because they cut for each other and are more like one big crazy family.
I loved this book from beginning to end because Ace and his Sunshine decided that no one would dictate how they did anything as a couple. I ended up loving these two more than I thought possible with how well they cared for and about one another. Was everyone happy with the decisions they made - no, but it didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was the love they shared and getting to their forever! I'm excited for their future and whatever A.E. Valdez may be cooking up for this crew.
*Great read.
*Great energy.
*Lots of fun.
*Highly recommended read!
These two exhibitionist nymphs stayed "frolicking" in nature, in the wild, wherever the mood struck and poor Mrs Brown probably got an eye full because after Ace performed like the neighborhood Magic Mike we know her sight wasn't THAT bad. I laughed so much at their shenanigans, especially when the whole crew got together for the bachelor/bachelorette parties...I'm still laughing just thinking about it. This group of friends is goals, it's the group you hope you and your friends can be because they cut for each other and are more like one big crazy family.
I loved this book from beginning to end because Ace and his Sunshine decided that no one would dictate how they did anything as a couple. I ended up loving these two more than I thought possible with how well they cared for and about one another. Was everyone happy with the decisions they made - no, but it didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was the love they shared and getting to their forever! I'm excited for their future and whatever A.E. Valdez may be cooking up for this crew.
*Great read.
*Great energy.
*Lots of fun.
*Highly recommended read!
May 8, 2024
I love this story & book so much!! I’ve caught myself just smiling & smiling & kicking my feet the entire time I was reading this! I love love & love the way Acyn & Harlow ALWAYS put each other first!! I called it from the beginning of the book how the book would end & im sooooooo glad it ended that way. Idky I waiting so long to read this book but it was a perfect book for the place I am currently in my life. I can’t wait to start book 4!!
April 10, 2023
Pure bliss 😩✨😌 Ace definitely set the bar. I love everything about this. I’m so happy for them. I smiled and laughed throughout the whole book. 🤣😂🤭😊
April 27, 2023
3 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans
Just an extended epilogue.
Video review available in Week 16: Apr 16 – Apr 22, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
Just an extended epilogue.
Video review available in Week 16: Apr 16 – Apr 22, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
March 16, 2024
Our happy ending isn’t really an ending, it’s only the beginning of forever.
While I found this book enjoyable, I thought it may not have been entirely necessary.
3.5⭐️
While I found this book enjoyable, I thought it may not have been entirely necessary.
3.5⭐️
June 17, 2022
Loved This
I swear this felt like catching up with friends. I’ve seen them described as sweet and nasty on socials and I think that is absolutely the perfect description. I absolutely love the way Acyn loves Harlow and the way he handles her and the people who try to come for her, it is so incredibly sexy. This was so fun, and sweet, and freaky. I mean who doesn’t love a sweet and spicy combo?
I swear this felt like catching up with friends. I’ve seen them described as sweet and nasty on socials and I think that is absolutely the perfect description. I absolutely love the way Acyn loves Harlow and the way he handles her and the people who try to come for her, it is so incredibly sexy. This was so fun, and sweet, and freaky. I mean who doesn’t love a sweet and spicy combo?
April 16, 2023
This was like an extended epilogue for Ace & Harlow.. and I ENJOYED IT SO MUCH. I’ve loved Ace and Harlow since All I’ve Wanted, All I’ve Needed, this novel was perfect. I adore this universe and this friend group, which we got to see so much more of. I’m always smiling or laughing when the entire group is together. Healthy friendships, healthy relationships, it’s just a perfect world to be in. A.E. Valdez, you did it again🤌🏾
March 6, 2023
This book is the sequel to "All I've Wanted All I've Needed" (Sunshine + Ace Book 1). This book is the follow up to Harlow and Ace as they prepare to marry. Harlow really is a simplistic person and that's how she wants her wedding. However, outside forces such and family and venues may have something else to say about that.
June 6, 2024
This simply is all the details of a Happy Ever After you’re always missing after a romantic movie ends. All I’ve Wanted, All I’ve Needed was a great read and this story continues Harlow & Ace’s journey! There is not much drama in the plot, it’s just happiness and love!
March 6, 2024
“I speak all your languages, babe.”
and he sure did. I love harlow and acyn so much 🥹🥹 what sunshine wanted, that’s what she got. iktr! this was the perfect addition to their story. but can we get into asher and marisa??👀👀
I know I said that kyrell & quinn are my fave in my ranking so far (but I unfortunately think asher gone take the cake idk 🤣🤣) we’ll see. on to A Worthy Love 🩵🌱
and he sure did. I love harlow and acyn so much 🥹🥹 what sunshine wanted, that’s what she got. iktr! this was the perfect addition to their story. but can we get into asher and marisa??👀👀
I know I said that kyrell & quinn are my fave in my ranking so far (but I unfortunately think asher gone take the cake idk 🤣🤣) we’ll see. on to A Worthy Love 🩵🌱
February 20, 2025
This was a cute lil update on Harlow and Acyn’s lives. I love the progression in everyone’s stories and their relationships. I already loved Acyn and Harlow. This book made me love them and their village even more! I love that it’s not a struggle love story but a story of them finding their flow.
June 21, 2022
Here is what I learned reading this book!! AE Valdez is brilliant! She loves romance, She believes in the anytime anywhere you can get it and I love that for us lol! Her ability to set a scene in a story is impeccable.
Although this book was written to be a standalone. I highly recommended reading All I ever wanted All I ever needed. It really does set the tone for The Beginning of forever. Every single character in this book was interesting. She just made me fall in love with nicknames. Ace and Sunshine's story is beautiful . sweet and the spice is what I love to see. This book is great if you love love, family and good friendships. I really hope we get a book on Marissa and Asher. Y'all go read the books and then lets talk on tik tok.
Although this book was written to be a standalone. I highly recommended reading All I ever wanted All I ever needed. It really does set the tone for The Beginning of forever. Every single character in this book was interesting. She just made me fall in love with nicknames. Ace and Sunshine's story is beautiful . sweet and the spice is what I love to see. This book is great if you love love, family and good friendships. I really hope we get a book on Marissa and Asher. Y'all go read the books and then lets talk on tik tok.
November 27, 2023
While this was by no means terrible, it was not my favourite thing to read.
What I did not like about this what that a majority of the book reiterated the same thing quite a number of times. It got boring to read about. I'm not really big on weddings so I didn't understand the fuss (definitely a personal issue).
I did enjoy seeing all the friends come together for the wedding. Also, hints on Marissa's love interest definitely have me intrigued for the next book.
***thanks to the author for an arc***
What I did not like about this what that a majority of the book reiterated the same thing quite a number of times. It got boring to read about. I'm not really big on weddings so I didn't understand the fuss (definitely a personal issue).
I did enjoy seeing all the friends come together for the wedding. Also, hints on Marissa's love interest definitely have me intrigued for the next book.
***thanks to the author for an arc***
June 6, 2023
Sigh…
It’s not horrible. The book is just unnecessary. The first book was complete and a good read on its own. It was all story with a sprinkle of spice. This book was the opposite. There is an abundance of spice but no story. The author was trying to make a problem that wasn’t there or interesting enough to care about. There was a lot of 🙄 moments. Sex is pretty much every other scene and it was repetitive and boring. The story is super predictable. The only positive is I liked the characters
It’s not horrible. The book is just unnecessary. The first book was complete and a good read on its own. It was all story with a sprinkle of spice. This book was the opposite. There is an abundance of spice but no story. The author was trying to make a problem that wasn’t there or interesting enough to care about. There was a lot of 🙄 moments. Sex is pretty much every other scene and it was repetitive and boring. The story is super predictable. The only positive is I liked the characters
April 12, 2023
4.5⭐️ such a sweet novella! It was nice to see what all the characters were up to. I thought AIWAIN wrapped up Acyn & Harlow nicely but this was a cute extended epilogue.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 501 reviews