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A review by bookish_sheila
Forever Black by Sandi Lynn
3.0
Ellery Lane’s life in New York takes a nosedive when her boyfriend leaves her in their tiny apartment. After a chance encounter with a drunken stranger, she unknowingly crosses paths with Connor Black, a wealthy, emotionally detached CEO. Their worlds collide, leading to an unconventional friendship and an eventual love story, though not without its share of drama, secrets, and heartbreak.
What I Loved:
- Ellery’s sass and resilience: Her fiery personality kept things interesting, especially when clashing with Connor’s icy demeanor.
- The friendship-first approach: Their slow development from strangers to friends added a layer of authenticity to their connection.
- Connor’s vulnerability: Watching his transformation from closed-off to emotionally open was rewarding.
- Some genuinely sweet moments: Especially when Connor stood by Ellery during her chemo.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
- Dysfunctional relationship dynamics: The constant fighting and unresolved issues felt repetitive and toxic. The explosive arguments lacked meaningful resolutions, making their "happy ending" feel unearned.
- Ellery’s secret and Connor’s reaction: The handling of her illness was frustrating, with both characters acting immaturely at critical moments.
- Rushed ending: The progression from emotional chaos to an HEA felt abrupt, missing the depth needed to make it satisfying.
- Psychic aunt subplot: This was an odd addition that detracted from the overall realism.
Favorite Moments:
- The road trip to Ellery’s uncle’s funeral, where they shared quieter, more intimate moments.
- Connor stepping up during Ellery’s chemo treatments, showcasing his softer side.
Favorite Quotes:
- “You are different, Ellery, and you scare me. You make me feel things I never have before.”
- “I’ve never loved anyone like I love you, and no matter what we’ve been through or are going to go through, that will never change.”
Why it’s not 5 stars:
Despite the emotional moments, the over-the-top drama and unresolved conflicts made it hard to fully invest in the story. The rushed pacing and unnecessary subplots diluted the impact of key emotional beats.
Final Thoughts:
Forever Black has its moments of charm and intensity, but it struggles with balance. If you enjoy dramatic romance with high stakes and emotional twists, this might be worth a read. However, be prepared for a few eye-rolls and a relationship that’s more chaos than chemistry.
What I Loved:
- Ellery’s sass and resilience: Her fiery personality kept things interesting, especially when clashing with Connor’s icy demeanor.
- The friendship-first approach: Their slow development from strangers to friends added a layer of authenticity to their connection.
- Connor’s vulnerability: Watching his transformation from closed-off to emotionally open was rewarding.
- Some genuinely sweet moments: Especially when Connor stood by Ellery during her chemo.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
- Dysfunctional relationship dynamics: The constant fighting and unresolved issues felt repetitive and toxic. The explosive arguments lacked meaningful resolutions, making their "happy ending" feel unearned.
- Ellery’s secret and Connor’s reaction: The handling of her illness was frustrating, with both characters acting immaturely at critical moments.
- Rushed ending: The progression from emotional chaos to an HEA felt abrupt, missing the depth needed to make it satisfying.
- Psychic aunt subplot: This was an odd addition that detracted from the overall realism.
Favorite Moments:
- The road trip to Ellery’s uncle’s funeral, where they shared quieter, more intimate moments.
- Connor stepping up during Ellery’s chemo treatments, showcasing his softer side.
Favorite Quotes:
- “You are different, Ellery, and you scare me. You make me feel things I never have before.”
- “I’ve never loved anyone like I love you, and no matter what we’ve been through or are going to go through, that will never change.”
Why it’s not 5 stars:
Despite the emotional moments, the over-the-top drama and unresolved conflicts made it hard to fully invest in the story. The rushed pacing and unnecessary subplots diluted the impact of key emotional beats.
Final Thoughts:
Forever Black has its moments of charm and intensity, but it struggles with balance. If you enjoy dramatic romance with high stakes and emotional twists, this might be worth a read. However, be prepared for a few eye-rolls and a relationship that’s more chaos than chemistry.