Everyone should have a chance at forever . . .Twenty-Five Years. That’s how long Odette Peterson called Austin Andrews her best friend. Until he let his mouth ruin it–in more ways than one.Five Minutes. That’s all it took for their friendship to fall apart, leaving her heart a little broken and her life a little emptier.One Hour. That’s the amount of time she agrees to give him to try and find … That’s the amount of time she agrees to give him to try and find his way back into her good graces. Not that she thinks for even one minute that it might work.
It won’t, because . . .
Forever. That’s what Odette’s looking for. Someone to spend her life with; someone who’ll see her as more than just one of the guys. And there’s not a thing Austin can do to stop her.
Except maybe tell her that he loves her . . .
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A best friends to lovers story that really hits all the marks.
Aussie and Odie have been the best of friends since grade school. When their relationship seems to be heating up to a new level, Odie is afraid that Austin is not really boyfriend material and maybe she is right.
“She just hoped that, whatever it was, didn’t end up costing her more than just a few weeks of loneliness.
Because forever would be a long time without her best friend.”
Because Forever is a quiet story with a fairly relaxed pace. It is packed with fun banter and humor that keeps the story entertaining. And the chemistry and romance will keep you swooning.
“If I’m going to risk this, I’m only going to risk it for a chance at forever.”
The Avenue series has been the first books that I’ve read by this author and I’m completely in love with these characters. I’ve loved getting to know them all and now I just can’t wait for Aaron’s story!
-4.5 Stars-
B. Cranford’s Because Forever gave me ALL the feels. You meet Aussie and Odie in About Time and the way their characters are developed in Because Forever makes my heart ache. You laugh with them, cry with them and I even felt the anger and curiosity. The fear of losing their best friends if a relationship doesn’t work and the hope for a forever if they take their chance!
Because Forever has all the feels and at the end of the book I sighed. I wanted more Aussie and Odie, but the book was perfect the way it was. Thank you B. Cranford for yet another AMAZING read!
Your library will not be complete without this series.
One of the best lines ever in a book, “If you’re looking for Forever, why aren’t you looking at me”? That line got me hook, line and sinker. I already liked this book but it was only chapter 3 and I knew I was now in love with this book. I literally swooned and fell head over heels in love with Aussie. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 go directly to him! All that being said it seems Aussie has some issues that need to be rectified before totally handing your heart over to him. Odie has to decide if he is capable of changing some of his ways.
This is such a beautiful story told. in a realistic way. Of course this is a fictional story but the issues that face Aussie and his family are extremely current. So it is very believable.
The book doesn’t have drama in the sense of crime or suspense in that vein. It does possess everyday drama of the heart. It will capture your heart and soul. You’ll be rooting for all the main characters.You will laugh, tear up, swoon, shake your head, possibly utter the words, “Not again”, smile, and sigh when the author brings the heat. The secondary characters are far from secondary. They all play vital roles in the story. I’m hoping there are more books on this family. I really enjoyed this book. Kudos to the author. I definitely will be looking to read more of her work!!
As soon as I started this I was already falling in love with both these characters! Odie and Austin have been best friends since they were 7 or 8, but sometimes you cant see that what you’re looking for is right in front of you.
I love these guys and their banter, Odie is a lady that knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to ask for it (demand it), she can also point out when its not forthcoming. She is fierce and strong whilst keeping her soft centre, willing to admit that sometimes she makes mistakes too.
Austin is adorable, he finally makes his feelings clear and isn’t shy about voicing them at last and trying to convince Odie that he is her forever.
This book has all the feels, I love the candour between the main characters, I also adore all the secondary characters. Finn has already stolen my heart and I look forward to spending more time with this family!
Aussie and Odie have been best friends since they were kids. They did everything together except go to college in the same state. It wasn’t until Aussie didn’t want her dating someone else that he finally makes his move. If there’s one thing friends don’t want to do, it’s potentially ruin a great friendship.
“If you’re looking for forever, why aren’t you looking at me?”
Aussie and Odie at the next level is just something more, not less. It’s forever.
I fell in love with Aussie and Odie from the very beginning of their story. Reading the progression of their relationship was endearing and heartstrings pulling. I also enjoyed catching up with Ashton, Andrew, Aaron, and Simon.
BECAUSE FOREVER by B Cranford is book 2 in The Avenue series. It’s a friends-to-lovers story featuring thirtysomethings Odette and Austin, aka Odie & Aussie.
From the outset, it’s clear these two have feeling for each other. A declaration of love occurs early on and the remainder of the book moves back and forth in time showing memories of Odie and Aussie together as youths as well as them adjusting to the new reality of being a couple. However, there is little of significance that happens to provide tension or test the relationship.
There are some lovely sentiments expressed throughout and our couple definitely have the banter down pat. Characters from the About Time (The Avenue, book 1) appear often and the good relationships between them all continues.
Overall I found BECAUSE FOREVER to be an entertaining, drama free read. I liked it.
Because Forever by B. Cranford had all the feels and takes us back to the amazing Andrews family. This time we get Austin and Odette’s story. I loved this friend-to-lovers twenty-five years in the making story!
Austin and Odie have been friends forever. They could always count on each other and eventually it grew to more, though neither ever express their true feelings. Odie decides it is time she finds what she is looking for rather than keep hoping for the impossible. But is it really impossible?
When Odie makes it known she is moving forward, Austin quickly realizes he needs to step it up, but is it too late? I loved getting lost in this story. Odie and Austin had a great foundation in their friendship, they just had to find a way to allow for more. I loved how it was about them, no really crazy outside drama.
Because Forever by B. Cranford is another great book in this series. I not only loved seeing Odie and Austin’s relationship, but their friends and family too. It really takes this series to another level. I am really excited to read more from both this author and series.
4.5 stars! Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Austin and Odette…these two are so sweet, and spicy, and…everything.
They’ve been friends forever. Odie is looking for more – her forever. Aussie wants to BE her forever.
Mix in…a temper, forgetfulness, family, friends, and life….what a most excellent mix.
These two are fabulous, and I’d love to go drink at The Avenue.
This author! I flove her! Just when I think, “There is no way she can top her last book” she does with flying colors and characters.
This is book two in the Avenue series and it’s Austin and Odette’s story. We were introduced to them in About Time. I knew their story was gonna be special and it so is!
Austin and Odette’s friendship has spanned decades. They know each other better than they know themselves.
From Austin’s forgetful tendencies to Odette’s fiery red-headed temper they just work. Their chemistry is amazeballs!
I loved Odette’s take no prisoners attitude when it comes to moving their friendship into something more. Her explanation of what she wants, what she demands is fantastic. I so wish I had her smarts at that age!
From “cuddling lessons” to their hysterically funny texts, especially the text thread about awkward apology cards (that made me laugh out loud and almost shoot the tea I was drinking out of my nose!) You get a bit of everything in this story, wooing, love, humor and oh so swoony sexy times!
The true meaning of family is forefront in this book…”You don’t have to be related to be family” Truer words have never been written. The Andrews’ siblings and the people they love are the true meaning of family and B. writes so eloquently about them.
I have been a fan of B. since I started reading her reviews years ago. When she decided to write on her own, I knew this gal was going places! I will forever be a fangirl of the highest order. Ready with panda puns and breadsticks! You are a bright star B.! I can’t wait to see what you write next!
This is one of those stories that just takes you on the a journey. A journey where best friends decide to be something more. There are no biker clubs, no mafia hits, no kidnappings or abuse….just two people learning to be in a relationship. First off, I love the Andrew Siblings! In book one we got Ashton’s story and now we are getting Austin’s AKA Aussie. Secondly, that cover….love it!
Aussie and Odie have been friends forever but both have always wanted more – they just didn’t want to lose what they had so neither spoke up. But if either had looked closely they would have known….
Every character has quirks and Aussie gets stuck in his head more than any character I every remember reading. It’s really quite cute and different being he’s the male lead. Odie has her hands full (and she loves it) with Aussie. Can these two learn to snuggle and spoon? Who will be the last one to answer with a question? Will Meatball come between our couple?
Another great read from B Cranford. A story with feels and a great epilogue!!
Aussie and Odie! A friends to lovers’ romance that proves real love can handle real life. This was a beautifully written story with all the emotions and thankfully little drama. The second book about the Andrew’s siblings is Austin’s story. He and Odette have known each other forever, but friendship is not what she wants. When Odette announces her intentions to date Meatball McGee, Austin throws his hat in the ring. And since Odette is not only a bartender, but a kick ass boxer, she is ready for the challenge. The banter between these two is endearing and proves how strongly they each feel. Ash, Dunk, Aaron and Simon are along for the ride. We also get some Aaron and Simon love and hopefully see more of their story next. This could be read as a standalone; however, you’ll enjoy it even more after reading the first book, About Time. Enjoy!
Lovely read by B. Cranford.
After more than 20 years of close-knit friendship Aussie’s severe case of foot-in-mouth disease drove him and Odie on the verge of losing the most important relationship of their life. Fortunately they both realise relatively soon – after they start talking to each other again, that is – the romantic feelings they both harbored for many years aren’t unwelcome or unrequited so they start their journey as a couple. Everyone, except them of course, knew they were meant to be together. It was just a matter of time they realised too.
I loved their connection. It was more than bone deep, it was more like on the cellular level. I also liked their banter, their silly games. I also liked that I got to meet with them all again, Aaron, Simon, Ashton, Duncan, they all are essential in this lovely family of theirs and I loved it that way. They all have their rightful place in the story without taking away the spotlight from Odie and Aussie.
All in all Because Forever was a well written entertaining read in The Avenue series.
Although the stories are only slightly interconnected I recommend to start with book one to get to know these great characters as much as possible.
Just when i don’t think it can get any better this author writes her next book and once again I’m saying this is the best to date !!! If you love friends to lovers you won’t want to miss this story.
Aussie and Odie have been best friends since they were kids they grew up together and were only seperated for their college years now back in the same town how will Aussie deal with Odie dating and what will happen when a kiss and a misunderstanding take this couple that are meant to be together forever…………
This book has it all the banter is perfect and the characters have depth but what really makes this a five star read is this authors beautiful writing. B.Cranford makes you feel part of this brilliant family you feel like you are catching up with old friends, you laugh with them and you cry with them. This book had mt emotions all over the place but in the end I was left with that fuzzy feeling I love to feel at the end of a perfect read looking forward to more from the family and The Avenue Series.
Rating – All the stars
“If you’re looking for forever, why aren’t you looking at me?”
If you can read this book without falling for Austin Andrews, I think you accidentally got the wrong book. I was really excited when Because Forever hit my Kindle. But let me tell you, it far exceeded my expectations. I love this whole group, but Aussie is book boyfriend perfection, and he and Odie couldn’t be more perfect for one another. The love they share, even when times were tough (or was it especially when times were tough?) was so evident.
When About Time came out, I fell in love. I absolutely adored Ash and Dunk, and their story caused me to fall head over heels for this whole family. I don’t think I made it even halfway through their story when I started getting excited for Aussie and Odie’s story. The friendship they shared, and the tension that followed had me more than a little intrigued.
Meeting these characters and really getting to know them throughout this book was delightful. Aussie is a man who knows what he wants and goes for it. He may be forgetful, but one thing he is certain of is his love for Odie. I love the way he strives to be better for her. He wants to be the man she deserves and wants to prove that there is no other man for her. His wooing was perfection and had me swooning! The connection he already shared with Odie was so strong from years of being best friends that the transition to lovers was delicious.
Odie knew where she wanted her life to go, but she was a bit oblivious to what was right in front of her. I love that she stuck up for herself, but also learned how to let down her guard and work through problems along the way. She was smart and funny and loved with all she had. While she had some insecurities, she grew throughout the story, and I loved watching her learn to see Aussie in a new light and embrace the love they shared.
Cranford has this uncanny ability to create characters that are so real. Aussie and Odie weren’t perfect. They had their own fears and flaws and struggles, but their love was perfect. Perfect in its ability to overcome differences and perfect in its ability to learn from one another and compromise. I love that while these two had been best friends for years, they still had to learn how to love and be loved by one another in a new way when they decided to transition into a romantic relationship.
Reading this book brought all the feels. I laughed, I swooned, and my heart broke a little along the way. Not only did I love Aussie and Odie’s story, I absolutely adored seeing the other characters from this group. I love that they are so close and their stories are so intertwined. While you could read this story as a standalone, I definitely recommend reading About Time first. Not only do you meet Aussie and Odie there, it is a fantastic story that will cause you to fall in love with this whole group. I can’t wait to see what is yet to come with these characters!
Because Forever is a sweet and simple friends to lovers romance. I really liked the innocent and easy growth of Aussie and Odie’s relationship. Their time together is fun and sexy. Their issues not too complicated but needed to work through nonetheless. The writing is charming and getting to revisit The Avenue and all the fun characters is extra special. I can’t wait for the next installment of the series.
About Time (the 1st book in the series) introduced us to this fantastic family. I quickly fell in love with them and couldn’t wait to see what the author had in store for us in book 2. B. Cranford definitely did not disappoint with Aussie and Odie’s story. Friends to lovers is a classic trope but, Because Forever, has just become my favorite. The foundation of their relationship was built on their really strong friendship. It was fun to read how it evolved into a sweet, humorous, sizzling, loving relationship. I am a sucker for a book that makes my heart sigh and then has me laughing on the very next page and this had that in spades. Well done!
This book was a struggle for me to get through. I found it wordy and it was a challenge for me to stay interested. There’s not much in terms of actions, more like inner monologues of thoughts and feelings. I kept waiting for something monumental – or even interesting – to happen, but felt like it never did. I didn’t ever feel like I knew or cared much about the characters, either. Overall, I felt like it was needlessly wordy: long passages that I had to re-read because I couldn’t understand what was being said. A bit of a disappointment for me.
Because Forever (The Avenue Series Book Two) by B. Cranford is a contemporary, friends to lovers romance. Having really enjoyed book one, About Time, I was really looking forward to the second book. For me though, it just didn’t quite live up to the first one. I’m not sure why, but I had difficulty connecting with Aussie and Odie, the main characters. As a result, I found myself less invested in their story.
I really liked revisiting with characters from the previous book. The relationship and witty banter between the Andrews siblings continues to be simply fantastic. It was a lot of fun to read their interactions with each other. There wasn’t very much conflict for Aussie and Odie to overcome on their journey to a happily ever after. Their transition from friends to lovers was sweet and simple. Overall, it was an entertaining and enjoyable read.
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. *