A Beginner's Guide to Forever by Kendall Ryan....

Alessia is a 37-year-old woman who is contemplating her life choices. She is professionally succeeding with her non-profit, which aims to build a school for girls in Nairobi. However, in her personal life, she is newly single and afraid she will never have the family she has always wanted. She meets Hart, a 25-year-old billionaire who is searching for himself and his place in the world...

I enjoyed this book immensely. It was a little slow, but Kendall nailed it with the pace of the story. I enjoyed how Alessia and Hart met, as well as the instant connection they had with each other. Kendall created a journey that included the perfect meet-cute, an instant connection, and all the reasons why a relationship might not work.

You are given a taste of both the couple's family and friends without it overshadowing Hart and Alessia's story. It captured the reality of what it means to be a couple, the true sense of being partners. I loved each character's journey.

A Beginner's Guide to Forever was a book you could take your time with in a warm, cozy environment, savoring it with a cup of coffee or tea. I have read age gap love stories, but never one where the heroine is older than the hero. However, Kendall wrote their journey in a beautifully slow-paced way that had you falling in love with Alessia and Hart.

The only reason I gave it four stars was that there wasn't a lot of the sexual aspect of the relationship, other than touching and kissing. However, when she did use it, you felt a sense of intimacy with the characters.

I will recommend 'A Beginner's Guide to Forever' to all my friends who enjoy contemporary romance. Kendall nailed it with this book.

Age is just a number. Try telling Alessia Moore that. Her biological clock is ticking and one of the things she wants most in life is a baby. First though she needs to find a man. Not just any man. She needs to love him, and he her, add in passion and friendship, and, the dealbreaker, he needs to want a baby too. Herein lies the problem. After a failed relationship with ’the wrong guy’ she meets the perfect guy, but he’s 12 years her junior, and no matter how perfect they may be for each other when they’re together (the conversation and the chemistry), she’s just not willing to risk it. Add in the comments and jabs from friends, family, and insta followers, and Alessia keeps her head in the business game, denying her feelings. A wonderfully entertaining slow burn, at times emotional and completely endearing. I loved this story. I loved the characters, I was totally smitten with Hartford Winthrop. He had his moments when I thought maybe he was a little immature, he’s a 25 year old man after all, but when it came down to it, he knew what he wanted, and he stuck with it. He definitely gets Brownie points for that. A great opposites attract romance with a couple of go-getter characters that won’t let anything or anyone get in the way of what they want or deserve. I loved it. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

This book was extremely cute and I absolutely adored that Kendall took a real issue such as dating in your thirties and all the struggles that come with it especially when dating younger along with a real world issue such as education not being provided to girls in Nairobi. It was such a good HEA read and I appreciated that I got the chance to read this. Thank you so much!

Kendall did it again!!!! Absolutely adore this book! So much love felt throughout the story. Truly felt the emotions as you read about the characters journey. Can't imagine going through the roller coaster of emotions they felt but yet also felt like I was living them while reading this. Was sad to finish this book just because I loved it so much.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc.

I really enjoyed this book! It was my first by Kendall Ryan, and I’ve already added more of her titles to my TBR list.

Alessia Moore (37) is thriving professionally as the head of a nonprofit in Nairobi. She's working to build a school for girls. Her love life, however, is nonexistent, until she meets Hart Winthrop (25). He's the charming son of a billionaire investor. Though he's much younger and getting involved with him could risk her career, their undeniable connection leads to a globe-spanning romance that forces Alessia to question whether love is worth breaking the rules for.

Publication date- August 5, 2025
#ABeginnersGuidetoForever #NetGalley

Big thanks to Montlake and the author for the advance copy through NetGalley and this is my honest take!

If you’re a fan of The Idea of You, this one’s right up your alley. It’s a sweet, easy-to-devour romance with a charming age gap romance. From the very first meeting between the characters, I was hooked. Hart completely stole the show with his confidence and gentle care. The care they had for Alessia was seriously swoon-worthy.

I also really connected with Alessia’s internal struggles. Her doubts felt so genuine and relatable. Even when we act like we don’t care what others think, those judgmental comments can still cut deep. I appreciated how strong and successful she was in her career, yet vulnerable when it came to love. It made her feel real.

The story flows effortlessly, and their journey is not just romantic and it’s actually kind of empowering.

Alessia has found herself in Florence, Italy, 37 years old and fresh off a broken engagement. She runs into 25 year old Hartford, who is gorgeous and into Alessia, but just way too young. She’s flattered by the attention, but nothing comes from it.
Fast forward 6 months, and Hartford Winthrop shows up to a meeting with his billionaire parents for Alessia’s charity foundation. The chemistry is sizzling, and Alessia is unable to deny her attraction to Hart, regardless of his age.

Read if you swoon for:
*** Reverse age gap
*** Older female lead
*** Soul searching
*** Younger but mature MMC

I enjoyed this one. The romance/flirtation was of course super important, but for me, I personally identified more with the fact that Alessia was an older woman trying to seek out what her future looked like. She needed to learn to let go of all her planning and expectations, and just live her life.

This was my first time reading this author, but I would definitely read additional novels.

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

Generally, I was a bit bored of this book, so please take this review with a grain of salt as I know for a fact there are things I missed when reading this because I just wasn't into it. I was bored from the beginning and started to zone out whilst reading.

TLDR: I appreciate the real-world issues and insecurities Alessia has, I like Hart (besides his name😂) as a character and think he is a sweetie, but I think there is too much focus on the age-gap and isn't balanced well with the rest of the story.

SPOILERS BELOW:

Things I am not personally a fan of: Hot yoga and the name Hartford Fitzgerald Winthrope.

Age gap relationships have never been a favorite trope of mine, but I have recently been branching out and I read a book about a second chance romance that I loved, so why not try an age gap trope?
To be clear, it's not that I don't like age gap tropes, it's that I don't like when it is the <b>main</b> or almost only thing going on.

The main issue I have with the age gap trope for heterosexual couples, this book in particular, is when the woman is the older person of the two and they make her out to be "running out of time." I understand this is a real issue for people who want to have their own biological children, but there is a tendency to make the FMC seem almost desperate for love because of it. Men being the older one in an age gap relationship is almost always seen as sexy, but the woman being older is traditionally perceived as "weird."

That being said, I understand Hart liking that she "knows what she wants" and that is a part of what interests him in her, but I couldn't help but feel like the relationship was almost rushed, almost a bit forced, or again, maybe I just missed the point since I wasn't giving the read my all.

Hart was a paradox of a character as he seemed very mature and caring while also having moments where he showed his age of being in his mid 20s. He was very sweet and caring to Alessia and showed he was not only attentive to her needs but also facts about her.
He left with her when she was not feeling comfortable at a party, he took care of her when she was sick, he remembered things about her like how she has a Little Women quote in her office, and he has so much faith in their relationship and tries his best to be reassuring to Alessia when she is feeling insecure.

I get that Hart had his heart broken by cheaters like Mia and Sophia (maybe Alessia isn't the one for you, her name also ends with ia... jkjk😂), but it seemed like the main reasons he was attracted to Alessia was because she was stable and not after his money. Stability is important and I agree with him that he should be with someone who isn't just with him for money, but it came across like those were the main reasons he wanted to be with her. Yes, he found her attractive, kind, and I am sure there are other things he liked about her, but it was highlighted that he is impressed that she knows what she wants in this stage of her life. ✨She also bought him a water bottle✨

This book makes young women out to kind of be ditsy, shallow, and dumb. This was because of Hart's previous girlfriends and could possibly be due to his wealthy upbringing and the social circles he was brought into because of it, but I just found it to be a little annoying.

As for Alessia, she was her own obstacle and this was the main reason she annoyed me. While I agree with her about ending things with her partner if she doesn't love the person as much as she should but if she is stable and "knows what she wants" the way that Hart seems to think, she needs to stop running from everything that comes her way. I appreciate how this is a common occurrence in real life as we are often times our own worst enemy, but for some reason I just didn't like her.

Sometimes I couldn't tell if she liked Hart because she actually had feelings for him and wanted to be with him, if she was lusting after him, or because he was conveniently there and paid attention to her in a time when she was in "desperation mode" for her age. She even admits to him that one of her biggest fears is to end up alone. This is a valid fear and once that even I have on occasion, but something that she continues to run from, finding seemingly silly reasons for. She goes on about having children and finding a partner, but she literally starts the book saying how she has just ended ANOTHER engagement and eventually starts planning adoption... Going back to her biological clock, Alessia clearly isn't too pressed about having a child be hers biologically, she just wants a child/family.

As far as their relationship goes with the foundation in Kenya, I found this to be a more compelling part of the story that I wish we had more of. This obstacle was more of an interesting story than Alessia's jealousy over Hart previously dating younger women. I also wasn't a fan of how they would chat, he would kiss her, they would talk some more, then they would go separate ways.

PS. Hayes was annoying and the interaction with Mia was awkward and weird.

I feel bad and like maybe I am being too hard on this. As for scoring, maybe if I put more effort and attention into the story, I would've like it more, but as of right now I cannot bring myself to increase the score I have currently.

I love Kendall Ryan and her writing is beautiful however , this plot story line reminds me of the idea of you ! There are to many things that are similar that it out weighs the differences .

A reverse age gap? Sign me up!
I loved this book, it was a sweet and easy romance, easily bingeable!

Alessia is a 37 yrs old at the helm of a nonprofit in Nairobi. Her love life is nonexistent until she meets Hart, the 25 yrs old son of a billionaire investor. Getting involved with him will jeopardize her career....

Love the characters. Hart is charming and Alessia is sassy and strong. Love their relationship a lot. I love a reversed age gap romance. Hart is just terrific. What a swoony sweetie!

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! This is a billionaire romance with a reverse age gap. This is majorly swoon worthy but also sweet. Think billionaire with a golden heart and a woman who is trying to make a difference in the world. I have never read a Kendall Ryan book before, but it will definitely not be my last!

In this book, Alessia is a 37 year old philanthropist who is trying to make a difference in the world through her charity Renewed Promise. Hartford "Hart" is a 25 year old billionaire who meets Alessia in a chance encounter in Italy- only to meet her again during her pitch to his family for a donation for her organization. Alessia is not convinced that being with Hart is a long term reality but decides to have fun with him while it lasts. Their relationship turns into so much more and it's beautiful to watch it unfold.

I loved the way that Kendall wrote characters with such genuine flaws and how love sometimes is worth the sacrifice. Not many romance novels today have their female leads praying and this was something I really appreciated. You can be a strong driven female leader and have faith. It was very refreshing!

I highly recommend if you love a romance with a MMC who is to die for and an FMC that you can look up to! This also has jet setting and luxury mixed in with good old fashioned hard work and trying to make the world a better place.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A fluffy and light romance with an age-gap trope.
The first encounter pulled me in right away, I couldn’t stop reading after that. Hart gave me butterflies. The way he cares for Alessia and carries himself with such confidence around her was just adorable.

I could really feel Alessia’s hesitation too. It’s so relatable. As women, we all have our own insecurities. Even when we say we don’t care about what people think, those rude comments can still sting.

I love how strong and capable she is in her career, but when it comes to love, she’s so unsure. It felt real and honest. The plot flows nicely, and their story is actually pretty inspiring. I finished this in one sitting.

If you like “the idea of you”, then read this book!

A Sophisticated Romance That Defies Expectations

In "A Beginner's Guide to Forever," Kendall Ryan ventures into more complex territory, delivering a mature romance that challenges societal norms while whisking readers across the globe. This isn't your typical billionaire romance - it's something far more nuanced.

The story centers on Alessia Moore, a 37-year-old nonprofit executive building schools for girls in Nairobi, and Hart Winthrop, a 25-year-old whose family fortune could make or break her foundation. Ryan handles their age gap with refreshing maturity, never falling into tired cougars-and-cubs tropes. Instead, she creates a compelling dynamic between two equals who happen to be at different life stages.

The international settings shine as more than just exotic backdrops. From Nairobi's vibrant energy to hidden corners of the world, Ryan paints vivid pictures that serve the story rather than distract from it. The author clearly did her homework, weaving in authentic details that make each location feel lived-in rather than tourist-brochure perfect.

What really elevates this book is how Ryan balances the romance with real-world stakes. Alessia's internal struggle between her heart and her mission creates genuine tension - one wrong move could cost hundreds of girls their chance at education. The professional dynamics add layers of complexity that keep you guessing until the end.

Where the book falls slightly short is in the pacing of the third act. Some conflicts resolve a bit too neatly, and a few promising subplots about nonprofit politics get sidelined in favor of the romance. Also, while Hart is well-developed, a few of the secondary characters feel more like sketches than fully realized people.

Despite these minor flaws, "A Beginner's Guide to Forever" proves Ryan can handle weightier themes while still delivering the emotional satisfaction romance readers crave. It's a story about finding love when you least expect it, yes, but also about staying true to your mission while opening your heart to new possibilities.

This is perfect for readers who enjoy their romance with a side of substance and don't mind questioning their own preconceptions about age, love, and what really matters in a relationship.

I really enjoyed this read! I do wish it included more about them getting married as I feel that was randomly just thrown in there quickly. And more context about her pregnancy as that was a huge point in the book.

Not sure if it’s a typo but I did notice she is “wearing camel sandals” not sure if it’s supposed to be camel or caramel.

I recently had the pleasure of reading A Beginner's Guide to Forever by Kendall Ryan, a heartfelt romance that navigates the complexities of love, personal growth, and the courage to embrace the unknown. Ryan's writing style is engaging, effortlessly pulling the reader into the emotional journeys of the characters.

The storyline is well-paced, with relatable protagonists whose chemistry feels authentic and deeply moving. Ryan excels in crafting moments of vulnerability and tenderness, making the characters' experiences resonate on a personal level.

While the novel shines with its emotional depth, some aspects may feel predictable to seasoned romance readers. However, the sincere character development and heartfelt dialogue more than compensate for this.

Overall, A Beginner's Guide to Forever is a touching read that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance looking for a blend of warmth, introspection, and genuine

Just when I thought Kendall Ryan's writing couldn't get any better, she writes this beautiful story. Alessia breaks up with her long-term boyfriend and escapes to Italy to get over him when she runs into a man, Hart, and ends up having an evening of drinks and conversation with him. Imagine her surprise when later on, he shows up as the son of billionaire couple she is trying to get to fund her school for girls in Kenya . He takes an interest in her, but she is hesitant to date him due to the age difference, with him being 25 and her being 38 and ready to settle down and have a child. Allesia is drawn into Harts orbit and they face many challenges along the way. "You were scared, and that's fine because I'm brave enough for the both of us"

I should preface this to say that I'm a big fan of Kendall Ryan's and have read almost all of her backlist throughout the years, so I came into this knowing I would probably enjoy this book. I was right, I loved it!

When in her late thirties Alessia meets mid-twenties Hart, she has everything she could want except a personal relationship and despite not wanting to feel it, she's very attracted to him. Not only is he younger, he's the son of a billionaire she is hoping will help with her passion project.

We watch Alessia deal with the age differences that mean a lot more to her than anyone else, especially Hart, and the conflict of what people will think and the dream of her non-profit school and how she is getting the funding.

I enjoyed the main characters - Hart was a total sweetheart and I loved reading Alessia's growth - in letting go of what everyone else thinks and their expectations and going for what makes her happy, even if it's not conventional.

This was an enjoyable book that was a pleasure to read. A bit different from Ms. Ryan's usual books, but that's not a bad thing either.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

It was a very heartfelt short read. I would have appreciated some chapters from Hart's POV.
I liked it overall, however the many times it was mentioned on Less' insecurities when it came to their age difference seemed to be a bit too much for my liking if I'm being honest. Hart was absolute sweetheart, being very understanding and fighting for their love and having faith enough for the both of them.

Taking this as an ARC I'll ignore the many mispelling and some areas where names were misplaced. I would totally recommend to the readers who enjoy a light, sweet romance where two people in different chapters of their lives come together for a happily ever after.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC!

5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First of all I’m a huge Kendall Ryan fan I’ve read basically read all her books and she’s an auto dad’s author for me. So I was so excited when she announced she had a new book coming and even more excited to read it early! To say I loved this book is an understatement…I’m obsessed. This one was different than her “normal” books and I am so here for it. It was simply beautiful and had me hooked from the first page. Alessia is a 38 year old woman who’s a serious girl boss but then 27 year old Hart comes along and turns her world upside down. I highly recommend this and will tell everyone!