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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RATING 4.5 STARS
Because Forever is book two in The Avenue series by B. Cranford. This is a friends to lovers romance that can be read as a stand alone although each book in this series features one of the Andrews siblings and they do recur in each other’s books. And trust me when I say that you don’t want to miss any of their stories.
In the first book in this series, I completely fell in love with Ashton, the only girl and the middle child of the Andrews siblings, and Andrew Duncan. Now it’s Austin, the youngest of the three’s turn.
Austin Andrews and Odette (Odie) Peterson have been best friends for twenty five years. If you read the previous book in the series, you already know that ‘something’ happened between them that has caused a break in their friendship. That whatever Austin did, Odie is not forgiving him. It’s been weeks and Austin can’t take it anymore. He wants and needs his friend back. And when his chance finally comes, he’s ready to do whatever it takes to win her back. Only things go better than he could have ever imagined.
Odie is in her thirties and is tired of being alone. She wants to meet her forever guy. She wants the fairy tale. She has always had a crush on her best friend, Austin. But she never thought that he thought of her in any other way than one of the guys. Until she finally let him come over to talk things out and he said the words she never thought she’d hear him say.
I loved this book. Odie and Austin were so perfect together. But I have to say that I am pretty much in love with Austin. He is goofy and swoony and just adorable. He’s got all the words, the sweet ones, and the dirty ones! Both Odie and Austin have loved each other most of their lives. But the time was just never right. They never let the other know. But when Austin finally went for it, he went all in.
I might have talked about this in the review of the first book but what I love most in this series is the closeness of these three siblings. They have an unbreakable bond. There was a moment later on in the book when they are all together that made my eyes water a bit. Not only do we get Odie and Austin’s journey in this book, but we get plenty of new developments with Ashton and Andrew, and some new developments with their oldest brother, Aaron, and his husband, Simon, which makes me so excited to read their story, the third book in the series, For Today.
“She was Odie. The girl he wanted to make his forever.”
Because Forever was so amazing! I absolutely fell in love with Odette and Austin. This book has all the feels! LOVED!!
4 Cranky Stars
You see a lot of books about best friends falling in love with each other but this one stands out. Austin and Odette belong together and even they know it. No real fights on the what if and holding each other at a distance. They charge headfirst into it and its equal parts swoon worthy and funny.
Odie has always loved Austin. She just wants him to see her as a woman not one of the guys. He’s been her everything for over 20 years but not his girl. Now they have a chance to be together she hopes it’s all she built it up to be. Her only issue with Austin is that he forgets everything. I mean he would forget his name if people didn’t call him by it constantly. She’s along for the ride and is loving seeing the Andrews clan evolve and change and she hopes one day that can be her and Austin.
Austin loves Odie. When they were just gangly teenagers she was beautiful to him and now that they are adults he knows this beautiful girl is his forever. He builds up the courage to go to her and lays it on the line and now she is his girl. They are in for the long haul but it’s not without its bumps. One thing Austin knows despite the changes going on in his life Odie is his forever.
I loved these two together. They just knew they were meant to be. It might have taken them awhile, but they made it. I like that the issue of Austin’s forgetfulness is an actual condition just not him being a man. I like that we get to see more of the siblings. Odie was pretty kick butt I mean seriously she was a trainer and took boxing. Austin was such a fun guy with a huge heart. I can’t wait to get to the next story in this series. I adore the Andrew siblings and Odie.
If you’re looking for a beautifully written friends to lovers story with all the feels that’s both funny and hot as hell, you’ll love Odie and Austin. The deep friendship and unconditional love they share combined with the kindle-melting chemistry will suck you in and won’t let you go. It’s a standalone but this entire series is a must read! I want to sit at the bar at The Avenue with all these amazing characters and be their friend. Only Beth can make you laugh, tear up, and overheat on the same page. That’s talent that shouldn’t be missed!
5 “Garfield” stars!!!
A Forever Kind of Love!
Because Forever is a sweet, funny, and charming love story. It is the best kind of friends to lovers romance, where the hero and heroine value their friendship and connection. Odette (Odie) and Austin (Aussie) know each other better than anyone else in the world. However, the one thing that they have overlooked is that are perfect for one another. The banter between Odie and Aussie is fun, witty, and entertaining. The passion between them surges off of the page. The heat is intense. It burns slowly and then accelerates and combusts. There are moments of anger, doubt, vulnerability, joy, laughter, and love. Ms. Cranford writes great characters that are loveable and relatable. They are layered in human flaws, as well as, sacred intention. I loved following along as Odie and Aussie navigated from friendship to forever; learning to trust the strength of their friendship and love. The journey is beautiful!
I thought Ash and Dunk’s story was the sweetest in About Time (The Avenue book 1). I’m the beginning, I thought Odette and Austin’s story would take that spot, but it didn’t quite make it all the way for me. In the first book we were introduced to Odie and Aussie and Aaron and Simon, whose relationship we also see evolve. This book has the full range of emotions from the very beginning and gets you in the feels. It’s a sweet romance about best friends (Odie and Aussie) who take the next steps toward their relationship. I will say, it does get a little syrupy sweet at times. The romance aside, this book has a love story, the foundation of which was laid in About Time. It’s the love of siblings who stand by one another with unconditional love even when it hurts, the love of friends who are steadfast and strong with support and are also family, and there is new love, too. It can be read as a stand alone, but it helps to read them in order because it sets us up with the characters and their nicknames, so it’s a little easier to follow. I think this is definitely worth the read.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.
I’m developing a huge thing for friends to lovers story lines. It’s strange how in real life I don’t see this happening but in books its always just so perfect.
Aussie and Odie were ridiculously cute together. I loved them since the first book and this was a perfect way to grow that love. I loved that they know how each one ticks and what to do to make them laugh and forget hard times. I especially love that she boxes in spare time – such a badass woman 🙂 And when she let her walls down just a bit…aaaa such a sweet thing.
“I don’t want a better version of you.” Her words made his heart punch against his chest – slamming hard like it was trying to escape. And then she said the words he’d been waiting to hear from her forever. “ I just want you.”
As for Aussie; I loved his way of loving her. I loved that he tried to be better for her. I love his funny bone; “You’re an idiot.””Yeah, but I’m your idiot!”
I love his love for his siblings. And that epilog: “Do you think, maybe, you’d agree to marry me and be my best friend forever? Because forever with anyone else doesn’t sound like nearly as much fun.”
I fell in love with this series with the first book and now the love keeps growing and that’s why i’m giving it a 4,5*. I’m super excited for Aaron and Simon’s story.
****Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Because Forever by B. Cranford is packed full of feels. I absolutely devoured this book. Cranford knows exactly how to hook her readers and draw you into her amazing characters.
Odie and Aussie have to be two of my favorite characters of all time! I love that they have been friends for years and know each other so well, but still don’t know the depths of how the other feels.
Cranford lets this story unfold and a perfect pace. I seriously want to just start all over and revel in all that is Odie & Aussie. Why?! Because this book leaves you with a happiness in your heart you didn’t even realize you were missing.
“If you’re looking for forever, why aren’t you looking at me?!”
5 Stars!!!
Everything a romance should be
Aussie and Odie are pretty much the ideal couple. Oh, except for her temper and obliviousness, and his forgetfulness that makes her feel, well, forgotten.
They’ve grown up together, been best friends their whole life. Best friends until Aussie kisses Odie in a fit of temper over her going on a date. With someone else. Deeper feelings are slowly revealed, and to no one’s surprise in their respective families, they decide to give it a try. But you know, they’re Aussie and Odie so things don’t always go as planned despite their best intentions.
I loved this book, and I love this author. B. Cranford writes characters that you want to be friends with, you want to hang out in the bar they own. The characters are strong and funny, vulnerable and flawed. A perfectly lovely romance.
“If you’re looking for forever, why aren’t you looking at me?”
This was such a fun friends to lovers romance.
Aussie and Odie have been friends most of their lives. She is wanting to find a husband and all he has ever seen is her. Watching them transition between a friendship to a relationship was such a sweet ride. They truly put aside their reservations to give their hearts what they wanted.
The angst in this book was low which is very rare. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. In this book, it definitely worked.
I fell in love with the secondary characters. The banter between these two characters and the Aussie’s family was hilarious. It honestly made the book for me. I love watching characters interact and cut up with one another.
I can’t wait to read more from this series.
– An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.-
5 Star review of Because Forever (The Avenue # 2) by B.Cranford
This is a well written story that tugged at the heart strings and is a friends to lovers story; full of hopes and dreams and one that I recommend.
Austin (Aussie) Andrews and Odette (Odie) Petersen have been best friends for over two decades and all it takes is 5 minutes to ruin their friendship.
They are both in love with each other but have no idea that their feelings are reciprocated. When a misunderstanding leads to a kiss, they have no idea how to proceed. Odie wants it all, the grand love of her life, not to be seen just as one of the boys. The family and friends that surround Aussie and Odie are fantastic characters and it was great to see familiar faces.
Odie is a strong woman who knows what she wants and goes about getting it and I loved her. This was a sweet and romantic story about learning to love and trust.
One of the things I admire about Ms.Cranford’s writing is that her characters are easy to relate to and in no way perfect, they have flaws just like me.
Because Forever is a beautifully written love story, full of humour and some angst. It will bring a smile to your face and have you cheering for Aussie and Odie to get their happily ever after.
We saw teasers of Odette and Austin’s friendship possibly turning into something more (or less?) in About Time and Because Forever more than did justice to this long-time coming friends to lovers love story. I adored how Odie knew exactly what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself and ask for it, even if it meant risking losing the one man she has always loved. Austin trips over his own romantic feet a few times, but is determined to be who and what she needs. Forever. This is a love story not even Aussie could forget!
Somehow B. Cranford gets better with every book. This relatively new author writes with the ease and excellence of a veteran. Her ability to draw you in and keep you there for an entire book speaks of the talent that Ms. Cranford has evidently been keeping secret from us for many years!
Odie and Aussie have been best friends all their lives, so who better to spend your life with than someone you already love? Unlike many friends to lovers stories, Because Forever does not spend the majority of the book with ongoing conflict or turmoil. It is a realistic look at what can happen you look at someone you already love and realize that that love is changing. Once again Ms Crawford creates characters that are easy to know and love and whom you could see yourself spending a Saturday night with. We also get another look into the life of Andew (Dunk) and Ashton and their growing family.
If you have not yet taken a journey with B. Cranford, do yourself a favor and do so now. You will not be disappointed.
Aussie and Odie. These two will work their way into your heart and stay there. We met both characters in About Time and could feel the spark of something more than friendship amidst Ash and Dunk’s story. There’s a lot to love here, but some things that stood out for me – it was not even remotely the standard “friends to lovers” story. Their friendship is deep. Both have baggage, and they’ve known each other since they were kids. There didn’t seem to be that “huzzah!” moment where they realized there was something more. It was more organic than that. Also, the natural banter between them feels real – like people who have known each other forever and can finish their thoughts. This is hard to convey in writing, and this author does it so well.
Yes, there’s some angst. Anyone who read the first book knows the backstory, Aussie’s is the hardest part of the story, but with a smart, sensible approach, he has handled a lot of sh!t with humor and aplomb. Odie is working her way towards something – of which she is not sure.
These books have humor, love, heart and depth. Characters are three-dimensional, and you love them, including the side characters. I can’t wait for Simon’s story. OK, it’s technically Aaron’s story, but we all know who the hero is there.
This book is standalone, but please read Book 1, too.
New to me author, really good book! I loved Odie and Aussie’s story, and I loved that as it grew we learned their history! Great love story of best friends into lovers. Can’t wait to read more!
Because Forever was a wonderful friends to lover romance. I’ve read all of Beth’s books and so far, this is my favorite. I loved the relationship they had as friends and even more so as lovers. There is very little angst in this story – only small issues that needed to be worked through. They compliment each other perfectly. The first few chapters were hard for me to get in to but once the story really started – I was invested. I WANTED to see them get their happy ever after. If you are looking for a light-hearted feel good story – this is the one for you!
Aussie and Odie are such wonderful characters! They are just so “real” with the same faults and strengths I see in myself and others. That makes it so easy to relate to them and really get invested in their story I stayed up way too late reading this book because I couldn’t wait to find out how their relationship played out and it was definitely worth missing sleep! The writing is excellent and the author really develops the characters rather than following a scripted (aka boring) friends to lovers storyline. I hope we get to read Aaron and Simon’s story next!
GOD BLESSED ME WITH THIS BOOK AND I’M FOREVER GRATEFUL!
Austin Andrews has been in love with his best friend for years but she has absolutely no clue. So he pins for her in silence waiting for the right moment he can express his love.
But he messed up.
He kissed her and then said some things he probably never should have. That earned him months of silence on Odie’s end. Now he’ll do anything to get another chance with her. He’ll have to convince her that he means business, that he values her more than anyone else in the World, that his love for her is forever .
I love these two so freaking much I never want to let go.
So I was hyped about Odie and Aussie while I was reading About Time and man oh man was my little fangirl heart happy to read about them. It’s a friends to lovers romance but it is also about finding your people and doing everything in your power to do right by them. I love all these characters so much and they’re so close to my heart that I feel everything that they do. That’s Beth’s superpower. She makes you feel everything tenfold and you love every damn bit of it.
Aussie and Odie are just meant for each other and I was cheering for them since day one. I can’t tell you how overjoyed I am to read Beth’s stories. They fill my heart with unicorns and rainbows and chocolate waffles all at once. I AM IN LOVE, people and I’ll bask in it all my life.
Friends to lovers is paved with heat and snark…
I couldn’t wait to dive into Odie and Austin’ story after reading About Time, the first in this series. Stories with men and women who can have great conversations, laugh at themselves and each other, and argue and love their way through life? Yeah, sign me up, Forever!
I love a snarky good romance and this author delivers a great friends to lovers story with humour, heat and family blended together into a read in one-sitting story! Odie and Austin quickly became my new favourites (it seems each couple is getting a turn) as they boarded that crazy train called love for an emotion-filled ride that saw highs, lows and everything in between. Their friendship spanned decades (decades, people) and the courage for Odie to declare her more than friends wishes made me cheer! From there, were so many sweet moments and funny scenes (my texting never looks like that – though I wish it did!) that the misty moments caught me in the feels even harder…
Family, love ad real life made these characters feel not only genuine but familiar in a way that makes me wish they were as real as they felt. I’m so happy there are good friends waiting for their full story and I will be waiting with my kindle at the ready!
*Reviewed for 1-Click Addict Support Group
The main thing I love about B. Cranford’s books, including this one, is that they all feel different from most romances I read. They feel different because the characters are more real and their flaws are more believable. The characters are flawed not in the dramatic way, but in the aren’t-we-are-all-a-little-flawed and no-one-is-perfect way. I can relate to these characters and their situations, and that is refreshing. This book is about Austin and Odette (Aussie and Odie). They have been best friends their entire life. They have supported each other and they have fought like any best friends. When Odie decides to date someone, it leads to a fight and re-evaluation of feelings. This is a beautifully written book of how best friends learn to become more to each other and learn how to really love each other. This book is endearing, emotional, and just a beautiful story. You get so much with this book. There is funny banter, sweet moments, stressful situations, and sexy times. I love both of these characters, individually and as a couple. They are just perfect together. I also cannot express how much I love the siblings and their relationship with each other. Every time I read about any interaction the siblings have with each other, I want to be a part of that family. If you want a fantastic, heart-warming, all-the-feels kind of book, then this one is definitely one to read.