Here's another pretend couple that end up head over tea kettle for each other. It is a sweet and fun read for many ages. I call this a back porch read. You can read it in front of others without blushing!
Opinions are my own.

Forever Starts Now by Stefanie London was an unexpected hit for me! I flew through this book in just two days because I couldn't put it down!

Monroe is just going through the motions. She's managing the diner that she's worked at since high school and putting her own dreams on hold indefinitely in order to care for her family and recover from her divorce from her cheating husband. When a Thor look-a-like, Ethan, walks through the door and asks for some eggs, she suddenly finds herself with a new problem. What starts as a fake relationship in order to get the fangirls off his back and solve the case of his missing father and help Monroe with her business, quickly turns into so much more. The pair find themselves discovering parts of themselves long forgotten.

This book is the perfect blend of everything. There is plenty of humor with serious elements woven throughout. Each of the characters is extremely likable and they all seemed very authentic and realistic. There was action and adventure, and of course, plenty of the good spicy stuff too!

If you're looking for the perfect beach read, then look no further, this book is for you! It's lighthearted and fun and you're definitely not going to want to put it down!

“Sometimes it takes the right person to shine a light on us so we can see who we’ve become.”


Forever Starts Now was a heartwarming tale of love and finding your way in life. I absolutely loved the romance and the small town this story took place. With a story line and characters that quickly hooked me, I couldn’t stop smiling. If you're a fan of the fake dating trope, which is one of my favorites!, then you definitely need to add this one to your tbr.

“I know you said I wasn’t your type, but maybe you could fake being attracted to me.”
If only he wasn’t her type. Hell, Monroe would chance it and say that Ethan might be the “type” of every living being with a pulse and a preference for men. Universal hotness, at its finest.


While Monroe Roberts worked at the local Sunshine Diner, her true passion in life was baking. She had even won a national tv show baking competition. But with a jaded past involving an ex-husband, trying to help a struggling diner and caring for her dad, Monroe never got to put herself first. When a stranger walked into town that looked like Chris Hemsworth, her life got even busier. With women stealing spots at her diner to catch a glance of the movie star doppelganger, and not ordering meals, the diner seemed to struggle even more.

“You’re a little too good at this, you know. Am I your first fake girlfriend? Be honest now.”
His smile was pure sunshine and warmth. Damn.


I heart Ethan Hammersmith. He was sexy, kind, honest and when he opened up, it was impossible not to fall completely head over heels in love with him. He too came from a jaded past, and his was filled with lies. Ethan had been searching the U.S. for the dead father he never knew existed until now. But with everyone trying to get up in his business or capture a date with the new bachelor, he wasn't able to discreetly dig for info on his father. So when Ethan suggested to Monroe that they fake date, so the diner could thrive and he could stop being bothered, I was utterly giddy!

“You’re beautiful,” he said quietly. There was something about the way he said it, low enough that maybe it wasn’t for show. For their act. Or maybe it was the way he looked at her— like he really saw who she was underneath it all. “Inside and out.”


The story alternated between Monroe and Ethan and they had so much in common. And from the moment they were near one another, there was instant chemistry. Flirting and banter was so seamless between them. So when they started to pretend dating, of course that electricity was still there. With touches, whispering secret words to each other and even kissing.....this book was SO much fun! Some of their moments together were hot and I couldn't get enough of it! All the while they were fake dating, it sure didn’t look or feel like it!

“For something that’s supposed to be fake, I’m having a hard time drawing a line in my head.”
Her breath caught in her throat.


Forever Starts Now was a sexy and sweet story that was so easy to devour! With a story line that flowed effortlessly and characters that were a piece of cake to adore, I loved this story! There were also side characters that felt so real to me! So if you’re a fan of romance or the fake dating trope, then I can’t recommend this one enough! Now I need to go check out London’s other books ♥.

Ethan Hammersmith has been going from town to town in America, trying to find the father he only learned about on his mother’s death bed. He hopes that Forever Falls might finally get him the answers he seeks. Monroe Roberts manages a struggling diner in Forever Falls, going through the motions of her life since she caught her husband cheating on her with her cousin. When Ethan comes into her diner looking for breakfast, Monroe finds the seats in her diner filling up as the town wants to see “Thor”. However, the filled seats aren’t bringing in the money the diner needs. Ethan and Monroe might each be able to help with the other’s problems. A fake relationship will be just the ticket to getting what they want, right?

I liked all the characters in this book, except the two-dimensional ex-husband. Ethan and Monroe’s story was sweet. I love romances where we see the characters grow as people in addition to the love story. Monroe’s cakes sounded amazing. Small town romance lovers will adore this story!

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book.

I can't say enough good things about this book. It was a quick, breezy read, and although I thought it would be predictable at times, there were enough unexpected happenings to keep my brain engaged instead of wandering as I read. I need more books involving the other characters from the town!

I really loved some of Stefanie London's backlist titles, unfortunately I didn't feel like this one worked for me. I struggle with small town romance, and I felt a little bored at times. I started Forever Starts Now a few months ago and never picked it back up to finish it. I may try again at a later point, but for now this is a DNF at 27%

What happens when two people who’ve given up on forever find it in each other…?
A small-town romance with likable characters and a good enough plot that was just a bit drawn out.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. It had everything I was looking for. Read it...you will not be disappointed.

I thought this was a really fun read. Ethan, aka Thor look a like, is searching for his father, and finds much more in Monroe, who's divorced and unhappy in her life. It's a cute story of finding the light after dark times.

This is an enjoyable small town romance with likable characters and an interesting setup - I mean who can resist a hero who looks and sounds like actor Chris Hemsworth, complete with Aussie accent and all. While Ethan is trying to find his biological father in Forever Falls, keeping the women of the town from pursuing him in their mistaken belief that he actually IS that actor requires something inventive - like a fake relationship with local cafe owner Monroe. While the trope is familiar, the author's reason for it is inventive and definitely puts the comedy into this rom-com. The challenge for Ethan and Monroe as they start to care about each other is to figure what kind of a future they could have - Ethan plans to return home and Monroe doesn't think she can leave this small town with all the strings that hold her there. Getting to their HEA takes some work but it's a fun ride to be on!

Although there were a lot of things I liked about this story, there was also a few things that I could've done without. I liked the small town setting and the way the author went about introducing the reader Forever Falls. The residents were interesting and added to the story in one way or another. Of course, the MCs were interesting in their own right. I enjoyed getting to know Monroe and Ethan. However, I had a really hard time connecting to them initially. In a story, I really enjoy getting into the MCs head and experiencing first-hand their thought process as they fall for one another, but in Monroe and Ethan's case I could've done with a little less internal monologue and more of their flirty banter and good-natured bickering. I just wish the Ethan and Monroe would have gotten out of their heads and their past experiences to fully enjoy their journey into romance. Instead I got a heavy dose of Monroe and Ethan being led by their pasts. I get it, you need the conflict of emotions, but not to the point that the reader loses interest in the outcome.

All in all, a sweet yet steamy small town romance.

yes yes yes!!!!! this book is so deliciously good!!! please pick it up as soon as you can! i loved the characters and the settings and it was so sweet and precious!!!!

This was my first book by Stefanie London and it definitely won't be my last. I was first drawn in by the adorable cover, and I was quickly captivated with the story. I loved reading about Monroe and Ethan. They were relatable, flawed, and a wonderfully crafted couple. This book is set in a small town which makes for the perfect summer read setting. I even liked that there was a slight mystery in this which was not expected. This is one you'll one to read!

"Sometimes it takes the right person to shine a light on us so we can see who we've become."

Another small town romance. Another new author for me. Another success.

Forever Starts Now was a well written, fun, small-town romance. I slipped into the story with ease and liked both main characters immediately. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding Ethan and his arrival in Forever Falls, paired with the picture of him as a Thor doppelgänger and we were on to a winner.

The romance was sweet and their time together believable. I liked Monroe and the journey she was on. There were times when I was willing her to believe in herself and not see herself as less than, she did get there in the end, so the growth was evident.

"But maybe she could learn a thing or two from him about speaking her truth. About putting herself out in the world even if the outcome was uncertain."

It was a feel good read, swoony in parts and had the kind of relationship everyone girl wants.

"He looked at her...Like she was beautiful. Like she was special. Like she mattered."

To my surprise, I liked the way in which the ending played out. I thought the pinnacle of the story was going to be the usual misunderstanding followed by the obligatory fall out. Instead, the angst was low and the characters took care of their own obstacles. It felt different from the other stories, a dose of realism if you will. I liked Ethan closing his own 'loop', again, it added something fresh to the usual format.

Forever Starts Now was a great read. I'm so pleased I discovered this new author and have now stalked her socials accordingly. Bring on my next read by Stefanie London.

I really enjoyed this! At the beginning, it felt a little slow, but I kept pushing through and am glad I did because I loved the rest of the book. I give it 4/5 ⭐️

I really enjoyed this book! I love how Monroe and Ethan clicked! I also loved that it was a mix of romance and a bit of mystery. I Loved this book so much that I had to purchase a print copy. Can't wait for her next book.

My first London novel and oh what a ride it was! I absolutely adored this novel and fell hard and fast for Ethan. London has an incredible writing talent and it show through her creation of an unforgettable, witty novel and beautiful, flaw filled characters.

As I said above, I fell hard and fast for Ethan. He’s in America looking for his father, but what he finds……is so much more! I absolutely loved following him and his charming wit around this novel. Watching him with Monroe was superb fun and I love the little twists here and there that London added to keep the reader turning the pages long into the night.

This novel is one that I will be recommending to all romance lovers. Wit, charm, an hot as coal Australian and small town divorcee make up this late night, fast paced read. I can’t wait to read more 4 star work from this truly talented author!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

What a beautiful love story Forever Starts Now was. It was serious but had it’s funny moments. It was dramatic yet light-hearted. Ethan and Monroe found their way to each other under the most fascinating and intriguing circumstances. And the story was written with the utmost respect for both of them and their situations.

It was wonderful how Stefanie London brought both Ethan and Monroe to life. Their back-stories were both heart-breaking and interesting. Ethan searching for his father. Monroe searching for her old self. They needed each other even though they didn’t realize it until it hit them square in the chests. Then, it was to late to pretend anymore … it was real and they both have to face the future. Together or apart, they are both changed forever.

This was a can’t put down read for me. I was entranced with both Ethan and Monroe, their families and how everything was playing out. I actually felt invested in their lives. To me, that’s a big compliment to the author. When they can make you feel the pain and frustration, the happiness and disappointments, you know you are reading a well written, beautiful story. When an author draws you in and makes you feel a part of their lives … is there anything better? I loved how she let us watch Monroe grow stronger, stand on her own two feet, fight for who and what she wanted. She brought her from a disgruntled woman to a beautiful and strong woman with style and grace. As for Ethan … well, your heart broke for him. Then you cheered him on. He had his moment where you hoped he redeemed himself but you also understood why he was feeling like he was. He was kind, understanding and so very forgiving. They were a perfect match and totally complimented each other.

Stefanie London put a smile on my face and a song in my heart with Forever Starts Now. It was an encouraging, beautiful story with an HEA that actually brought a tear to my eye.

This was a really sweet story with some fun characters. I love small town based romances because you know you will get some wacky stories and interesting supporting characters. I liked that this wasn't an instantaneous romance, they both sort of fell into it gradually.
I look forward to more by this author

Forever Starts Now is a fantastic storyline and just gives you the good feels. I really enjoyed it. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review after reading this arc.