REVIEW: A Beginner’s Guide to Forever by Kendall Ryan

A Beginner’s Guide to Forever by Kendall Ryan: Alessia has spent years pouring her heart and soul into something bigger than herself, building schools for girls in Kenya. Her love life? Well that’s a whole different story, one that Alessia is beginning to think might never materialize into anything. But fate has a funny way of throwing her a curveball when she least expects it in the form of charming and confident Hart Winthrop, the son of her new billionaire donner. Hart is bold, grounded and determined not to be underestimated due to his young age, especially by the woman that captivates his heart from the very first moment she walked into the boardroom. Soon what started as a reluctant working relationship slowly begins to morph into something that neither of them expected… but exactly what they both needed…

A Beginner’s Guide To Forever surprised me in the best way possible, going in I had expected this to be just a silly cute romcom, but did we get so much more from Alessia and Hart. This was a beautiful journey of timing, finding a connection that breaks barriers and emotional risk, simply put one heck of a good read. As always Kendall Ryan delivers loveable characters that have relatable journeys and a connection that you can’t help but root on. This was the perfect combination of soft and sweet with a dash of angst. Though I do think that there were a few missed opportunities to really lean into their travels and bring to life the different places that they traveled to. Though this is such a minor thing.

Alessia and Hart, were both so easy to love. Both main characters had a very mature and relatable nature to them. They were not perfect by a long shot but it was their flaws and fears that made following them as they opened up all the more beautiful. I instantly found myself loving Alessia, not only was she so determined and driven but her mission was one with purpose and for the betterment of so many young girls. I really enjoyed getting to see her finally making some time for herself after spending so much of her life giving to others. Getting to see her lower her guards and allow her softer more venerable side to show was truly really beautiful to read. I liked the fact that her character wasn’t some jaded female lead but simply guarded and reserved. Now for our hero, Hart. I just loved the fact that we got a younger hero, its not the most common thing to find in books but I loved the way Ryan portrayed Hart and the age gap. I really liked the fact that Hart was not your typical rich, arrogant billionaire, but instead he was actually very grounded and self aware. We get to see him show that he is mature beyond his age and that he appreciates Alessia for the independent woman that she is, and not try to change her or dominate her. Hart simply supports her the best way that he can, even if that means simply being by her side.

I loved the build up between Alessia and Hart, there was no unexpected drama between these two, it was just two people trying to navigate their feelings while also trying to navigate the timing of their connection. I really enjoyed the slow build up of their connection and the quite way in which they showed up for each other. We get to see Hart show up for Alessia without expectation or ego, he simply wants to be there for her and to support her, which in turn allowed Alessia to be more open to the possibility of a future with Hart. While there is definitely some spice in this book, it more on the soft tender side, which I found worked for the overall tone of this book.

I definitely enjoyed reading A Beginner’s Guide To Forever and the soft emotional journey that we got to take with Alessia and Hart. If you are looking for a cute but rewarding romance then this is definitely a book that you need to check out!

Book Info:

Publication: January 1, 2025 | Montlake |

Alessia Moore, a thirty-seven-year-old powerhouse at the helm of a nonprofit in Nairobi, is tirelessly working to build a school for girls. Professionally, she’s thriving, attracting investors to support her mission. But her love life is nonexistent, and she’s starting to wonder if the one even exists for her.

When she meets Hart Winthrop, the twenty-five-year-old son of a billionaire investor poised to support her foundation, she’s unprepared for the pull she feels. Hart is confident, intelligent, and charming. But there are issues—he’s too young for her, and getting involved with him could jeopardize everything she’s worked for.

As fate takes them across the globe—from glamorous cities to hidden corners of the world—what begins as a forbidden fling grows into something neither of them expected, leaving Alessia to wonder…Should she break her own rules for a chance at something real?