(3.7 Stars)
Alessia Moore is a successful nonprofit businesswoman but she only wishes her romantic life could be as successful. When the son of one of her investors, Hart Winthrop, takes an interest in not only her but her work can she finally let loose? She might be worried he is too young for her as she wants more than just love but sometimes it’s worth taking a chance. This is a reverse age gap with beautiful backdrops around the world and a humanitarian mission. A slow burn romance and if you enjoy an older woman finding love this is for you. Told in first person

Thank you netgalley for the ARC!

I don't have much to say except their relationship felt rushed, i didn't really believe in their connection and i was also really bored.

Ahh Kendall Ryan, where have you been loca?! It’s been so long since she’s released a new book and it was great reading from her again. The heroine and hero were truly meant to be. I loved every aspect of this.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

⭐ 3.5 | 🌶️ 1
Tropes: Age Gap (Older Woman), Multi-city, Millionaire, Independent FMC

This was such a refreshing and unexpected read, and very different from the Kendall Ryan books I’ve read before.

Alessia is 37, running a nonprofit in Nairobi, and she’s laser-focused on building something meaningful. Her love life? Complicated. She desperately wants a baby and is open to having one on her own if needed, but struggles to balance her life’s mission with a traditional relationship. Then she meets Hart, 25, a confident and charming son of a billionaire investor, who might potentially back her foundation.

From the beginning, there’s this spark, but also so many reasons why it shouldn’t work - the age gap, the professional complications, the question of whether someone that young could ever truly be ready for the kind of life Alessia envisions.

I really loved the reversal of the usual age gap dynamic. Hart didn’t feel immature - he was driven, grounded, and emotionally intelligent. Alessia was understandably wary of his playboy past, especially with models and superficial scenes. Still, as a reader, it was easy to see that he had just been waiting, almost unknowingly, for something real. He didn’t try to pull her into his world; he was determined to be part of hers. That shift felt both romantic and respectful.

One of my favourite parts was how her passion for her work inspired him. His hobby, something he’d just done for fun, became something much more, offering workshops in underdeveloped communities to help others get a better start. She never asked him to do that. Just being with her shifted his perspective, and I loved that.

That said, I do wish we’d gotten a little more of the emotional development between them. It sometimes felt like the love was just there, without enough of the “why.” I would’ve loved more of their conversations, their bonding, and the deeper reasons they connected, especially considering the weight of the choices Alessia was grappling with. The chemistry didn't feel as genuine as I would have hoped it would.

Still, I haven’t read anything quite like this, and in the romance space, that’s pretty special. It felt unique, emotionally grounded. The focus on Kibera and the tuition-free girls’ school added something powerful to the story - it even led me to look up SHOFCO and make a donation. That impact alone makes it stand out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC, and of course, Kendall Ryan for A Beginner’s Guide to Forever and all its glory. All views and opinions are entirely my own.

This just wasn’t for me. Both characters came across as robotic and had little chemistry. There were also so many mentions about the MC’s age gap; I completely lost sight of any other plot points. The 3rd act “breakup” was predicted very early on. Neither character seemed to have much in common with the other. Alessia wanted everything out of life. A marriage, career, kids-all while trying to save the world through philanthropy. Hart, a ‘poor unfortunate product of generational wealth’ just felt underdeveloped.

I am new to romance and typically it is not my favorite genre but I am trying to expand my palate and diving head first into reading again. What drew me to this title what the nonprofit aspect, which funnily enough is what turned me off too. I had to remove the technicalities of running an international nonprofit organization for myself personally and refocus on the plot ....which was the romance and the internal struggle that Alessia faces while being woo'ed by a younger man. As a woman in the the nonprofit space, it is rare to see the realities that women who are dedicated to service face and the sacrifices one must make in order to go the distance in this field. In Alessia's case she is finding herself doubting that she can have it all, which I see this struggle within the field day in and day out. Her internal world is relatable and rings true to the struggle that women face as they get older. Self perception and self sabotage are real and we all love a self aware queen who can get over those internal barriers that we all instill for self-protection and allow happiness to come in. Great book to read while traveling and indulge in a little escapism at the airport. A couple of words to describe this book, jet-setting, comfortable pace, and slow burn.

This was a book so fun to read! It's a reverse age gap and it was my first one.
It was so good to read about the woman older than him.
The love story was so funny and spicy.
I really really enjoy

To be honest I'm a little surprised to have rated this book 5-Stars. It wasn't the kind of book I knew would blow me away right from the beginning. There were a lot of balls in the air, and any one of them dropping a different way might have changed the outcome of everything else. Instead, this is the kind of book you get to the end of and think...where's the flaw? And for A Beginner's Guide to Forever, I couldn't tell you. I loved it all.

As I sit here, I can only think of one other age gap romance I've read, and that was also a swept-away five-star read for me (Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez). I don't think I have an age gap kink (lol), but it does come with some serious soul-searching built in that I can't deny enjoying. These kinds of romances really only work if the two characters literally can't stay away from the other. It is against their own better judgment, but the sheer fire of their chemistry and whatever it is the ties two souls together that they just can't resist.

I just sighed audibly as I wrote that. It's so good.

This has all been quite vague and generic so far, hasn't it? Well here are some specific reasons I really enjoyed this book:
1) The characters are really good people. I loved Alessia's mission and dedication to a great cause. You just can't dislike her. Her heart is always in the right place.
2) The meet-cute cannot be beat. It was giving serious It Ends With Us vibes, but I think the rooftop scene is one of the best in that entire book, and I loved this new take on it.
3) Hart's absolute unapologetic focus on Alessia. He is a man who knows what he wants (and his big speech at the end is everything).

I was so impressed with this story, and I know it'll be living in my head rent-free for a long time to come. Absolutely all romance lovers should read it, and even better if you have a hankering for some travel, because these characters are absolute globe-trotters!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Perfect for fans of the idea of you.
this book has an amazing setting with characters that have depth and chemistry. however i personally found it super similar to the idea of you, in terms of the romance, with the characters hiding their relationship and all of the travelling(often initiated by the mmc). if you love that style of book then this is perfect for you.

My first read by Kendall Ryan. If you have an interest in age gap romance I suggest this book.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Immediate thoughts after finishing this book: I’ve missed Kendall Ryan. I’ve read (arguably) too many romance novels, but it’s been a long time since I’ve read something like this. Also, I’m still not a fan of age gap romances.

“A Beginner’s Guide to Forever” follows Alessia Moore, a 37-year-old woman pursuing her dream of building an all-girls school in Nairobi. During a trip to Italy, she meets Hart—a charming, 25-year-old son of a billionaire. Fate brings them back together when Hart and his parents visit Nairobi to consider donating to Alessia’s school. From there, the story takes off.

Pros:
- Alessia and Hart were both genuinely interesting characters. Alessia, in particular, stood out with her ambition and her drive to help others.
- The travel in this book was a lot of fun—Nairobi, London, the Maldives, NYC… reading it made me want to book a trip of my own.
- I loved that Kendall Ryan included a link to support Shining Hope for Communities at the end. It added a meaningful touch after reading so much about Alessia’s work in the book.

Cons:
- The age gap trope just isn’t for me, and since it’s a central theme, it did impact my enjoyment a bit.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for giving me the chance to read this ahead of its release! I was pleasantly surprised and I’m definitely planning to read more from Kendall Ryan in the future.

I throughly enjoyed this book and would love to read more from this author. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC

Loved this ! a heartwarming and emotional story that beautifully captures the journey of love, healing, and second chances. Kendall Ryan’s writing is effortlessly engaging, pulling you into the characters’ lives from the very first page. The romance feels genuine and tender, with just the right balance of sweetness and steam. It's a perfect read for anyone who loves stories about finding hope and love when you least expect it. A truly touching novel that stays with you long after you finish.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Such an easy breezy light read - devoured it within a few hours.
Ryan’s writing always delivers escapism. Something we all need in these times

A Beginner's Guide to Forever by Kendall Ryan delivers a globe-trotting romance with a refreshing reverse age-gap dynamic. The story follows Alessia Moore, a 37-year-old non profit executive dedicated to building schools for girls in Nairobi, and Hart Winthrop, a 25-year-old heir. As their journey unfolds—spanning glamorous cities and hidden corners of the world—a fling deepens into something neither of them anticipated, creating an intriguing push-and-pull between two equals navigating different life stages.
While Alessia’s unwavering dedication to her non profit is admirable, her characterization felt almost too hyper-focused at times, making her internal struggles dominate the narrative. As the story progressed, this intensity unintentionally shifted the dynamic, making her seem more youthful than Hart. On the other hand, Hart exuded maturity far beyond his years, displaying immense patience and a steadfast belief in their love. If we had glimpses of his perspective, the age-gap trope might have felt more balanced instead of becoming a repeated theme.
Ultimately, this was a enjoyable quick read, and the ending beautifully wrapped up their whirlwind romance in a way that felt both satisfying and heartfelt.

A Beginner’s Guide to Forever is a lovely romance about an older woman being pursued by a younger man. Alessia is a humanitarian trying to raise money to build a school in Nairobi. Hart comes from a very wealthy family that has pledged their financial support. Kendall Ryan has written a deeply introspective story about relationships and how difficult it can be for some people to truly trust their feelings; ignoring what others think. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

Inside me, there are two wolves. One is jaded and cynical, the kind that scoffs at romance novels and rolls her eyes so dramatically, she risks permanent damage. The other? She’s a total softie—eats up romance like it’s her last meal, especially when it’s done well. I feel her stir every time a beautiful Lana Del Rey song plays or a nostalgic 2000s rom-com comes on screen.

Every time I start a romance novel, it’s a battle. Will I find it sweet or painfully cringey? I approach each one with cautious optimism, hoping the story will win me over and melt the walls I’ve built. Kendall Ryan did just that.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I cannot stand when age-gap romances make the age gap the sole reason two people can’t be together. Give me real stakes. Give me actual complications—ones that require maturity, communication, and teamwork. Thankfully, this book delivered.

Bringing a child into the world (or adopting one) is a huge decision. I don’t personally want kids, but I felt so much for Alessia. Her emotional journey was layered and compelling. I’ve seen real-life versions of younger men marrying older partners, only to find themselves closer in age to their children than their spouses—and resenting it. That kind of emotional realism made this story hit even harder.

This is a sweet, thoughtful romance I can’t wait for everyone to read in August. Honestly? I’d happily read three more books about Alessia and Hart.

A Beginner's Guide to Forever by Kendall Ryan, published by Montlake is a friends to lovers, age gap romance that had me up really late. Literally unputdownable, the story gives all the feels and the characters are just perfect.
I recommend this gem of a story, 4,75 stars.

Thank you to Montlake Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

This book explores the journey of a woman who feels like she is running out of time . Alessia is one of those characters that we hate and love because she feels very familiar like a mirror, her thoughts and insecurities are very familiar to women and her fear of all of her effort being worth it are familiar to most of us .. Her female friendships are among the reasons I adore her .The way she was so self aware about her life was great because she felt self assured in her identity till she started to feel jealous of Hart's exes .The romance I had issues with because though they were everywhere together it didn't feel like there was any emotional intimacy between them .The pacing was great and everything but why did it feel like they just are in motion where are the feelings ?