The Downside to Forever by Jillian Liota is live!

The fifth and final book in the Cedar Point series, this is a sweet and heartfelt single parent, age gap, friends-to-lovers romance that brings the feels, and I loved this story.

 

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Blurb

Busy Mitchell is moving home to give her daughter a better life. That means accepting help, and she’s never been good at leaning on anyone. Especially not her handsome neighbor. He was her childhood crush…one smile from him and all those pre-teen feelings come rushing back.

Reid Cohen prefers a quiet life of working in his shop and hiking with his dog. He tries not to get too attached to anyone, and definitely doesn’t have space in his life to fall in love again. But when he begins spending time with the beautiful woman next door, his heart says otherwise.

Instead of acting on their mutual attraction, Reid and Busy settle into a friendship they didn’t know they needed. Casual dinners at home, short hikes into the mountains, swimming in the lake…every day is wonderful when you’re spending time with someone you care about.

But true love is once in a lifetime, and despite their best efforts, the two fall hard and fast. When Busy finds out that Reid is harboring a painful secret, she’ll need to prove her love can weather any storm, and that the depth of what they share will last forever.

 

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Review

4 stars

The fifth and final book in the Cedar Point series, this is a sweet and heartfelt single parent, age gap, friends-to-lovers romance that brings the feels, and I loved this story.

This is the story of youngest Mitchell sibling, Busy, returning to her home town as a young single mother and determined to give her almost-two-year-old daughter a happy, stable life, surrounded by family. Busy feels like the misunderstood troublemaker of the family who never quite fit in. She was always (and still is) reluctant to accept others’ help, and is determined to cope on her own, so she moves into a small lakeside cabin… which just happens to be right next door to her childhood crush, Reid.

Reid is a sweet and friendly guy, but he’s living an intentionally solitary life. He is divorced, and plans to stay single, determinedly avoiding love or relationships. But he can’t help but be drawn to his new neighbour (ten years his junior) and her adorable little girl and as they start to spend time together, they quickly become friends.

Reid and Busy share their lives. They talk and laugh, they become a big part of each other’s worlds, and they fall hard for each other. But Reid refuses to act on his feelings. He has his reasons, and it’s up to Busy to break through his walls and convince him that love is worth the risk.

This sweet, light-hearted read brings the emotion as Reid fights his demons. It’s a slow burn, with plenty of sexual tension as they dance around each other, and it’s Busy who shines as she stands up and fights for her man and for the chance at the happy ever after they could have.

“I have spent years of my life feeling like an outsider, like I don’t belong…anywhere. But when I’m with you, I feel like I finally fit. That’s what I want.”
Her eyes flick to mine, still watery but sure.
“I want to belong, and I want to belong to you.”

My heart ached for both of them throughout the story, their feelings are real and raw, and central to it all is a relationship that is easy and natural, and so, so beautiful. They care for each other so deeply, and I loved seeing them be there for each other and slowly come to embrace all that they feel for each other.

As long as you’re there to take my hand, I will hold it tight in mine.

Along with the romantic drama, Busy and Reid both have some family issues to deal with, and there’s time spent with the Mitchell family, with an opportunity to see all of the couples from previous books. But you can also read this one as a standalone.

I have loved this series, and this is a beautifully sweet story to finish it off. Reid and Busy’s romance is such a gorgeous read, and left me with a big smile on my face.

4 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.

 

Cedar Point

 

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About the Author

Jillian Liota is a Southern California native currently living in Suwanee, Georgia. She is married to her best friend, has a three-legged pup with endless energy, and acts as a servant to a very temperamental cat.

Jillian writes contemporary and new adult romance, and has had her writing praised for depth of character, strong female friendships, deliciously steamy scenes, and positive portrayal of mental health.

 

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