The theme of the Ultimate Reading Challenge for February is a ‘tear jerker’, so I decided to go with Forever Right Now, by Emma Scott. This is my first full-length novel to read by her, and I absolutely loved it!

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Darlene Montgomery has been to hell and back…more than once. After a stint in jail for drug possession, she is finally clean and ready to start over. Yet another failed relationship is just the motivation she needs to move from New York to San Francisco with the hopes of resurrecting her dance career and discovering that she is more than the sum of her rap sheet. As Darlene struggles in her new city, the last thing she wants is to become entangled with her handsome—but cranky—neighbor and his adorable little girl…

Sawyer Haas is weeks away from finishing law school, but exhaustion, dwindling finances, and the pressure to provide for himself and his daughter, Olivia, are wearing him down. A federal clerkship–a job he desperately needs–awaits him after graduation, but only if he passes the Bar Exam. Sawyer doesn’t have the time or patience for the capricious—if beautiful—dancer who moves into the apartment above his. But Darlene’s easy laugh and cheerful spirit seep into the cracks of his hardened heart, and slowly break down the walls he’s resurrected to keep from being betrayed ever again.

When the parents of Olivia’s absentee mother come to fight for custody, Sawyer could lose everything. To have any chance at happiness, he must trust Darlene, the woman who has somehow found her way past his brittle barbs, and Darlene must decide how much of her own bruised heart she is willing to give to Sawyer and Olivia, especially when the ghosts of her troubled past refuse to stay buried.

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Ok, ok, ok! All of my book buddies rave about the awesome that is Emma Scott and her ability to touch her readers’ hearts in so many ways. Although I really have been dying to read her writing, I’ve actually put it off due to my aversion to books that make me cry. At the moment, I’m also thinking how weird that probably sounds. Regardless, the theme of the Ultimate Reading Challenge for February is a ‘tear-jerker’, so I thought this would be an excellent time to read Forever Right Now. While I’m relieved I didn’t need the Kleenex, I absolutely loved this story!

Darlene and Sawyer’s characters were so relatable and lovable. They had so much heart and were incredibly selfless, always thinking of others first. The best was how they never gave up, and I couldn’t help but admire them for their strength!

Darlene didn’t let her insecurities with her past drug addiction hold her back. She had some pretty impressive courage to make her move to San Francisco for a fresh start after all she had been through. Of course, she still had insecurities, but she didn’t let them hold her back and was so dedicated to not falling into her weaknesses of her past.

Everything about Sawyer was amazing! He was such an honorable man, being so young to handle so much responsibility and with his dedication in obtaining a career to provide for Olivia. Sawyer loved his little girl so much, sacrificed everything for her, and was such a super sweet daddy!

Neither Darlene nor Sawyer were looking for a relationship, and although they were attracted to each other, true to their characters, they stuck to their priorities and goals. From that, they first set an even better foundation with friendship, loyalty, and of course, their tremendous love and adoration for Olivia. I loved how their relationship evolved as their love blossomed and grew. It wasn’t an easy road for them, but it felt natural and realistic and made for the sweetest romance!

The writing was so heartfelt, passionate, and well-rounded, giving me all the feels that I enjoy in my reads. There was so much depth to the story, and Darlene and Sawyer’s dual point of views along gave even more insight into their complex characters. The storyline was unique and unpredictable with secrets unveiled that I didn’t see coming at all. The element of suspense kept me intrigued and glued to the pages – I had such a hard time putting the book down!

I really enjoyed the secondary characters in the story as well, as they provided the perfect balance of wit, love, and support for Sawyer and Darlene’s happiness that all friends should have!

This was such a beautiful and really inspiring read! The dedication at the beginning perfectly set the tone.

‘To those fighting secret battles, don’t let your light go out. This one is for you.’

I am very touched by Emma Scott’s writing and really look forward to reading more works by her. I believe The Butterfly Project will be my next read, as I am curious about Darlene’s friends, Zelda and Beckett, and what their story holds!

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Purchase Forever Right Now on Amazon Today!

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Emma Scott is a writer, marathon runner, and caffeine addict, who lives and writes in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has two smart, feisty little girls, a super-supportive husband, and is a demonstrated fan of the Oxford comma. She is also an unabashed Star Wars geek and comic book enthusiast who fell into romance novels when a writing contest prompt turned a 1000-word romantic story into a full-blown novel. She also writes epic fantasy that suffers an epic word count.

She hopes you enjoy her work, encourages readers to leave feedback, and thinks it’s amusing to write about herself in the third person. And if she has a driving force that fuels her work, it’s that love always wins.
xoxo

Follow Emma on her FACEBOOK and TWITTER at @EmmaS_writes to keep up with all of her new releases and information!

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What’s next in store for the #UltimateReadingChallenge???

March’s theme is a ‘New-to-You-Author, which will be great for me to check one of the many authors out there right now! Decisions…decisions…

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