REVIEW: Be Mine Forever by Kennedy Ryan

In Be Mine Forever by Kennedy Ryan, One of the constants in Jo Walsh’s life is Cam Mitchell. He might be a rising star in the world of art these days, but he’s been her friend since they were tweens–and he’s also the one guy she’s harbored feelings for who’s kept her friend-zoned for years. With everything that’s happened in their lives over the past couple of years, Jo thought now would be their time. Now they would get to see where their attraction takes them. But Cam still pulls away at the sign of anything to do with feelings. She knows he cares for her. She just wishes he would let her in and show her the darkness he’s had to keep hidden for so long before it tears him apart.

‘He might still have some secrets to share, but his heart…it was in every glance, in every touch, in every kiss.’

Cam has spent years being in Jo’s orbit without telling her how he truly feels. It would probably shock their friends and family to find out how deeply in love with her he is–although he knows he should never act on his feelings. There are things in Cam’s past that should stay dead and buried. Some of them, literally. Things that Jo knows absolutely nothing about. And as much as he wants to make her his in every way possible, Cam doesn’t want any of his darkness to mar Jo’s beautiful soul. Even if she says she wants to help him overcome his traumatic childhood. She has no idea the depravity he’s endured. But once he gets a taste of her gorgeous lips and sees the way they fit perfectly into each other’s lives, Cam knows it’s too late to let go of Jo. The only option is to conquer his past head on so they can build their future together.

‘He’d met the love of his life when they were twelve years old. Only took him seventeen years to do anything about it.’

Just when I thought Kennedy Ryan didn’t have another way to rip my heart out and sew it back together again, along comes BE MINE FOREVER. Sweet and tender, heart-rending and traumatic, but also achingly romantic and sexy, Jo and Cam’s story is one that will stick with me for quite some time.

“You are the safest place I’ve ever known.”

CW: View Spoiler »Child abuse & neglect, rape, drug use, murder, loss of child, loss of parent. « Hide Spoiler

BE MINE FOREVER is the kind of unrequited love, friends to lovers romance I adore. Kennedy Ryan created the perfect storm for Cam and Jo as their years-long attraction took center stage at a time when Cam’s past was unfortunately coming back to haunt him. So, as you can imagine, it was angsty. It was complicated. But it was oh so very right when Jo and Cam finally (finally!!) got together. That didn’t stop the naysayers or the many tests their new relationship had to endure–although that’s when their love for each other really started to shine.

As touching and warm as Cam and Jo’s long-term friendship was, Cam’s childhood was like a third person needling their way into the mix, intent on creating havoc. I will warn readers who are sensitive to certain subjects to please read the CW. Some of the trauma Cam went through was harrowing and will shatter your heart into a million pieces. But thanks to Jo’s strength and her belief in Cam–as well as the years of kindness from Ms. Kris, his pseudo-Mom–he did eventually come to terms with it all. There was admittedly a lot of back and forth, will-they-won’t-they throughout their relationship. But Cam and Jo learned from their mistakes while sorting through their own personal baggage so once they did commit to each other, there would be no turning back.

QOTD: Are you a fan of unrequited love stories? Any favorites that come to mind?

Book Info:

Publication: September 1st, 2023 | Forever Yours | The Bennetts #3

Two soulmates may get a second chance at love in this sizzling suburban romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Queen Move.

Can a secret crush . . .

Jo Walsh has loved Cameron Mitchell for as long as she can remember. Whether front and center in her life or on the periphery, the tall, brooding artist has made his presence seductively and irresistibly known. But whenever they start to get close, Cam pulls away. Jo’s tired of keeping her feelings in a box Cam is afraid to open. If he wants her, he’ll have to prove it. And if he doesn’t, Jo will need to know the real reason why . . .

. . . become the love of a lifetime?

How do you walk away from your soul mate? Cam wishes he knew. No matter how far he runs from Jo, he can’t resist looking back at the silver eyes that seem to see right through him. But as well as Jo thinks she understands Cam, the dark truth about his past is something she shouldn’t have to handle. Cam’s sure that setting Jo free is the right thing to do. Too bad his heart has other ideas . . .