Book: Forever Ago by J Rose
Reviewed by Booksbystarlightandshadows
Rating: 4/5
I knew going in this wasn't going to be an HEA and although I guessed at why that might be it didn't lessen the impact when it happened. The book is read by Big Bear Audio who is a new to me narrator who provided both the female and male narration which I enjoyed.
For most of the book, I struggled with Hallie and Zeke's relationship as it felt a little one sided. There are glimpses of what could be but when things get hard Zeke went straight back to his default coping mechanism. Zeke had an addiction before he met Hallie but I didn't ever feel he was fighting for them in the same way Hallie was. There also seemed to be a lot left off the page like Zeke's relapse and what truly happens at the end. I'd also have liked to have seen more of the connection between Hallie and Zeke developing as it seemed to get really heavy really quick especially when Hallie had never been in a relationship before.
That being said this put me through the emotional wringer; I had bookmarked the quote "little by little we let go of loss, but never love" at the time and when the extended epilogue hit, I burst into tears which took me completely off guard. I wasn't sure of the exact timeline of them being together but knowing Hallie still saw Zeke as the man he could have been after all this time and that he remained her all time love just devastated me. As someone on their own grief journey, I felt so connected to that element of the story even if it made me cry!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read