Then Gia had let Beppe into her life so easily, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. She’d held him when he’d hurt so badly he’d thought he might die; she’d talked him down when he’d been so angry he’d considered doing something he’d regret for the rest of his life. Gia had saved his life.At least once he needed to be strong for her.This right now, this moment, was theirs. It belonged to them, not to abusive or dead fathers, not to guilt, regret or sorrow, not to the past or the future.But will their love survive when tragedy separates them? “I have to go, Gia. I’m tired and I feel empty. I know you need me, but I have nothing left to give you. I need to heal.”“I miss you so much it’s hard to breathe.”NowBeppe was still Gia’s closest friend. But they’d never be anything more than that again. Remembering what it felt like to have the person you love most in the world torn away from you still hurt. Gia was determined never to be put into that position again. There was never lack of love, but can Beppe win Gia’s trust again?Forever“When I was broken you gave me pieces of yourself and made me whole again.”Then, Now, Forever is the second novel in the Heartbeat series. It can be read as a stand alone title.Recommended for mature readers 17+ die to language, sexual situations, violent and graphic scenes.
Teodora Kostova writes romance where every heartbeat matters. She’s an award-winning, bestselling author, a linguist fluent in four languages, and a Creative Writing graduate with a weakness for broken characters who kiss slow and love loudly. When she’s not writing, she’s probably watching anime, trying to score tickets for a musical, or analysing a friend’s natal chart over strong coffee.
Then, Now, Forever is the second book in the Heartbeat Series. What I love most about both books in the series not only does it have a strong romance to tell but also a story that is very emotional all in one. It’s a perfect combination in what I look for in a book. Gia and Beppe have a special connection and a different romance then what I have read before. I absolutely LOVE BEPPE and I know you will too.
We are first introduced to Gia & Beppe in the first book in the series In a Heartbeat. I really enjoyed their characters and couldn't wait to start their book. Gia is one of my favorites; she is a strong character who goes through a lot in her life and meeting and falling for Beppe wasn't always easy but she was able to find hope in Beppe.
I do not think you need to read the first book to enjoy In a Heartbeat but I would highly recommend it because Gia and Beppe are first introduced and meet In a Heartbeat and you will have a better understanding of who they are and how their story begins.
Gia & Beppe have to endure so much in their relationship; it is full of of ups & downs. Teodora Kostova does it again, creating a beautiful story with beautiful characters that everyone will fall in love with. I am a sucker for romances that the couple have to struggle for their HEA. Then, Now, Forever also had a bit of suspense and worked well in the story. It has a little bit of everything all in one.
I loved both books in the series but found myself loving Then, Now, Forever more so. I absolutely love the title and it fits perfectly for the book.
I give Then, Now, Forever (Heartbeat #2) 4 Stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
When reading In A Heartbeat I would never have been able to guess all the background that was involved in Beppe and Gia's relationship.
This book was written in 3 parts, Then, Now, Forever and it was a necessity to make this book as intense and detailed as it was.
Then:
Beppe was 6 when he fell in love with an eight year old Gia as she was patching up his knee. From that moment on she was 'His Gia'.
Beppe didn't have a good homelife, his father would beat him up on the regular and there wasn't anything he could do about it. Whenever he needed fixing up he would go to Gia's house and she would take care of them for him.
When Gia was 16 her Dad died and Beppe was there to comfort her when she needed it most. That is where their relationship as a couple started.
"It's just us now. It's always been us. You and Me, OK?"
When Beppe was 16 his dad beat him so badly that he was put into the hospital. he almost didn't make it and needed to leave Genoa to go with his grandfather. He was an empty shell and he knew that he needed to get better, he knew Gia would be okay. It was only 10 months he would be away and he would take to Gia every day. How bad could it be?
Beppe ended up staying away for almsot 2 years. It was the best thing he could have ever done for himself...but only one problem....he lost Gia in the process and he was heart broken.
"Gia was his core, his base, his centre, His."
Now:
3 years later and Beppe never stopped loving Gia. She was the only girl that had his heart and he was the only guy that Gia let in.
Gia kept Beppe at a friendly distance because her heart wouldn't be able to take it if he ever left again.
Gia tries to move on from Beppe, but that only leads her to more trouble.
One thing Gia is prepared for is Beppe not giving up on making her his.
Forever:
"He wanted her as his partner, his other half, his soul mate, his future."
This book had me feeling every emotion, so much was involved in this book and many times I thought I wasn't going to find the HEA. Beppa and Gia had loved each other forever, but sometimes you can't be with the one that you love. We saw that in this book many times. Just when I thought Beppe and finally succeeded, we were thrown a curveball.
Next book is Lisa and Gino's story, we were given a sneak peak at what we can expect and I am wishing for an early release, because I CANNOT WAIT. So excited.
Goshhhhhh!! I'll voice my feelings on release day... ----------------------------------------------------------------------- “Because I love you so much that if I let go of the reins and let it all out, it will consume me.” “Let it,” Beppe said.
I’ve always loved authors who just get better with every book they write, Teodora is one of those who accomplishes that to the max! Her writing is great, and I like the fact she makes me think I have brains.
I mean, I loved Max’s story, but Beppe’s was full of the things I looooove in a book!! Romance, action, and I just loved the plot; I had a movie playing in my head.
Gia is a good character, sometimes I felt annoyed as hell at her reluctance but otherwise she’s a pretty cool chick :D
I just wanted to keep swooning over Beppe… *Le sigh*
‘I love you – then, now, forever. B.’.
Somebody hold me down please…
The glimpses I got from Max and Stella’s lives I liked, and Teodora MUST be working on another book for them, she HAS to, I mean, do I have to make it a command? I can, I totally would…
Now, something, or someone who has me REALLY curious is Lisa…. And the Gino situation… I want to know more about them, so much more.
“What the hell happened to your arm?” Gino asked and Lisa almost fell off the window sill.
I almost had a cardiac arrest on that part because HE TALKED!! OMG I squealed like a 12 year old on a Justin Bieber concert.
If you need sneak-a-peeks of how you will probably react, here are my reactions:
7%: "I already love it!"
8%: "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH BEPPE'S DAD?! I'll kill him!! :@"
27%: ""He planned on making those cracks even bigger until there was a Beppe-shaped hole he could slip through.
I LOVE Beppe <3"
40%: "*sigh* and there she goes... Gia being an ass... I can't never catch a break!"
Now, why did my updates stop at 40%, simple, I was too engrossed in the book and couldn’t put it away, in fact, it took me about 3.5 hours to finish it.
Anyways, if you want a good story, different, refreshing and well written, Teodora Kostova is sure to deliver for you.
Absolutely LOVED!!!! Gia and Beppe's story is epic!!!
Well, let me begin by saying that Teodora's first novel, In a Heartbeat, blew me away. I was so captivated by her writing style and the story was PHENOMENAL. So, how will book 2 compare to that? When I first met Beppe in IAH, I wasn't sure I would enjoy a whole story about him. *chuckles* Well, guess what?? Never underestimate a brilliant talented writer. Teodora stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the ballpark. Her amazing attention to details, her well developed characters, and the absolute genius in her plotline has you falling head over heels in Then, Now, Forever. From the prologue (and let me say, this prologue reaches in to your heart and squeezes it, making sure you are truly feeling for these characters) to the very last pages in the epilogue, each chapter leading further and further in to the lives of Gia and Beppe, you are enthralled. After this book, I really feel like Max, Stella, Gia, Beppe, and Lisa (plus a new fella that has popped up on the block) are my family. When they hurt, I hurt. When someone does them wrong...you know the motto...mess with one of the family, you deal with the WHOLE FAMILY!!!
Then, Now, Forever gave everything to us. I had no idea where it was going or if things were going to work. Between the heartache and struggles all I could hope for was that HEA. Did I get it?? HA!! Like I am going to give that away....I will tell you a little more about our wonderful couple. Gia and Beppe are a people that feel, love so strongly. But, many times their feelings are worn on their sleeves and when this happens, things are interpreted wrongly and the world crumbles. Soooo, by the end of this book, what were my thoughts of Beppe? Had they changed??? Yeah...most definitely...my perception of Beppe had changed. The old saying of "Don't judge a book by its cover", well I should have listened to that. I will have to let you see how amazing he is by reading the book.... Full of passion and humor, Then, Now, Forever is a suspenseful tale that will FOREVER be a part of my favorites list!!! A definite MUST READ!!!
As you know I never reveal a storyline. But I will tell you that Gia and Beppe are two HOT characters. I loved them. I cheered for them, cried for them, and got angry for them. An emotional roller coaster with a stunning storyline.
Para quem já leu o primeiro livro "Num piscar de olhos", Beppe e Gia, foram citados diversas vezes, porém o rolo deles ficou muito mal explicado. Mas, agora nesse livro cheio de amor, vamos conhecer desde o inicio toda a história dos dois. Para entendermos toda a história, o livro é divido em três partes: Antes, agora e sempre. Nosso casal protagonista, se conhece ainda criança, quando Beppe tinha seis anos e Gia oito anos. Eles eram vizinhos e com o passar do tempo se tornaram melhores amigos, e junto com Max, irmão de Gia, tornaram-se um trio inseparável. Mesmo sendo muito jovens, os três sofreram abalos que o ganhar maturidade precocemente. Beppe e sua mãe sofriam violência doméstica. Ninguém imaginava, que em casa, após as portas fechadas, Marco Orsino, pai de Beppe, tornava-se um mostro. Gia e Max decidem apoiar de forma incondicional, escutam e consolam toda raiva e magoa que Beppe passou ao longo da vida, além de cuidar de todos os seus ferimentos. "Sua Gia o havia deixado entrar na vida dela com facilidade, como se fosse a cosa mais natural do mundo. Sua Gia o havia segurado quando ele se sentiu tão machucado que pensou que podia morrer. Sua Gia o tinha acalmado quando ele ficou tão irritado que pensou em fazer algo de que se arrependeria para o resto da vida. Sua Gia tinha salvado sua vida." Porém, Gia e Max, apesar de estarem presentes nos momentos que Beppe mais precisou, também sofriam. Desde novos, conviveram com o câncer do pai. Com apenas quatorze anos, Max teve que cuidar das necessidades do pai, enquanto a mãe trabalhava para sustentar a casa e os filhos. Juntos, os três passaram a se ajudar e a apoiar um ao outro. Com o passar dos anos, Beppe e Gia tornaram-se inseparáveis e amizade tornou-se algo mais, com medo de estragar a amizade, ele nunca tentou, mas ao perceber que Gia tinha interesse, decidiu investir. "Os lábios dela encontraram os dele novamente e ela o beijou com tanto fogo e desespero que Beppe se perdeu nela. Em sua Gia. Ele a amava e sempre lhe daria tudo que ela precisasse" Mas como o destino adora interferir nas coisas, uma grande reviravolta acontece e Beppe abandona Gia e vai embora para Toscana morar com seu avô, alegando que precisa se recuperar. Gia até compreende a atitude, mas emocionalmente ela não consegue lidar muito bem. Ela fica bastante abalada e se fecha emocionalmente, fazendo com que ele se feche e não deixa ninguém se aproximar. Ela até se envolve com outros homens, mas nunca entra em nenhum relacionamento sério. Agora já adulto, estudante de Direito, Beppe, se tornou um homem muito bonito e popular entre as mulheres, mas nenhuma delas é Gia, nenhuma nunca irá ocupar o lugar dela, e a meta da sua vida é reivindicá-la. "– Nenhuma delas é você" Apesar de ainda serem amigos, a amizade nunca mais foi a mesma, a tensão sexual entre os dois é nítida, e Gia sabe disso muito bem, por isso, disposta a tirar Beppe de sua vida de uma vez, ela mergulha de cabeça em seu trabalho e em um novo relacionamento, porém a pergunta que fica é: Até quando isso irá dar certo? "Antes, Agora e Sempre" é o segundo livro da série Heartbeat. Tem a participa��ão de personagens do primeiro livro da série, "Num piscar de olhos", mas pode ser lido separadamente. É a história completa de Beppe e Gia – com um final. Um romance contemporâneo jovem adulto, recomendado para leitores com mais de 17 anos, devido à linguagem, atos sexuais e caras italianos incrivelmente gostosos. A história é narrada em terceira pessoa, apesar de amar a narrativa em primeira pessoa, não foi nada que me incomodasse durante a leitura. A escrita da autora é tranquila e bem fluida. Teodora sabe colocar emoção e drama na história, mas sem deixá-la arrastada. Seguindo o padrão do livro anterior, a capa ficou incrivelmente linda (o que não é de se espantar vindo da Editora Charme, que sempre produz capas maravilhosas!) A editora também fez um excelente trabalho com a revisão, diagramação e traduz, tudo muito impecável! Além disso tudo, a trama traz uma mensagem incrível sobre perdas, superação e aceitação, e quanto a família, não importa como seja composta, é essencial em nossas vidas, sem dúvidas é uma ótima recomendação de leitura.
We had the immense pleasure of working very closely with Teodora on this book. We were beta readers and we loved every minute of the process. So, you guys are lucky that you're fans of my blog because you get a sneak peak review before ANYONE ELSE! Hot off the presses! I've been DYING to share this book with you guys and I hope you love it as much as I do! Below you'll find a quick Q&A Kam and I did for the beta read review. Joint reviews are so fun! Easy to read? Kam: Just like in her last book, In A Heartbeat, Teodora tackles the ever complicated third-person-omniscient and does a great job. The paragraphs flowed together, the emotion of the characters all came through, and even the world building scenes were on point. Amber: This book is an incredibly easy book to get into. The characters are so lifelike that you feel like you’re reading about someone that you know personally, so yes. Easy to read! Good plot progression? Kam: Even though Teodora tells the story is a not-so-unique way, she still does it in a way that provokes you to keep reading. We get the past, the present, and the future all in one great package, and even though the story doesn’t end the way you’ll want it to, it still moves along greatly. Amber: Teodora picks up this story with some of the secondary characters (Gia and Beppe) who we meet in the first book as secondary characters. This time, they are the primary characters. The plot progression is great because you still get glimpses of what the characters from In A Heartbeat are up to, all while watching the relationship from this series go through its ups and downs and inside outs.
Believable characters? Kam: These are all the characters we met in its companion novel, In A Heartbeat, save the few new members of the family. I did notice a small character difference in Gia from the previous book, but I’m attributing it to character development. All in all, though, we meet a great cast of people, and they are all very real. Amber: Yes. Teodora is amazing at getting you inside the head of the characters she writes about. There were times where I felt like I was sitting right next to Beppe or Gia and I felt like I was just hanging out with my friends. They’re pretty awesome people. They have their flaws, just like me and you – and I think that makes them even more believable. Too bad they aren’t real! Grammar issues? Kam: The only thing you might have trouble with is the odd placement of commas, which aren’t wrong, they’re just…odd. The lingo’s a little different for our American friends to understand, since it has European slang and terms. But still, it’s nothing a little elbow grease on the reader’s part can make smoother. Amber: Like Kam said it’s a bit of an adjustment going from what we (as Americans ) read from our American counterparts. However, if you can’t catch on to the lingo and figure it out – I’m really concerned for you! Just pretend you’re in the UK listening to those crazy Brits speak.
Would you recommend to someone? Kam: Definitely! I wouldn’t consider it a contemporary, specifically, but I would recommend it to someone who likes them. It also has romance, and who doesn’t love that? Amber: Without a doubt. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves romance, loves a struggle, loves heartbreak, loves feeling… you know, all of those things – especially if you’re over 17! Overall rating: Kam: Overall, I’m gonna give it a nice solid 4/5 stars. Definitely better than In A Heartbeat, but with the same loveable people and an added touch of suspense. Amber: I’d give it a 4.5/5. Half a point for the lack of pictures. HAHA! Kidding, I go with a 4.5 because the book gets confusing for a few pages in a couple of sections (but it definitely clears it up as quickly as it became confusing.) It’s not a common occurrence but it happened a couple of times, just in certain scenarios. However, by the time I was saying “wait. What?” Teodora was answering my question, so really I don’t have a leg to stand on by taking .5 off. ;) Favorite Quote(s)? Kam: “The most important thing in my life is keeping me in Genoa. You. When I say I'm not leaving again, I mean it.” – Beppe "You may reject me now, again, but I'll keep fighting for you." – Beppe (I love Beppe, guys) Amber: “I’ve been trying to get over how much I miss you. And how much I need you to cope with everyday life.” – Beppe “I love you so much that if I let go of the reins and let go, it will consume me.” …. “let it.” Gia and Beppe “When I was broken, you gave me pieces of yourself and made me whole again.”
Then, Now, Forever will always be one of the books that is dear to my heart. It’s one of those books you want to read again and again knowing that you are going to cry but forging on anyway. It was an emotional rollercoaster!!! One minute I’d be blaming Beppe and in the next I was begging Gia to take him back. Their love story is a hard and tragic one, but it is a beautiful story. It is believable and that just makes it more enjoyable to read. Although there were times I wanted to stop reading because I was so heart broken. Do not go into this book thinking you are going to get sunshine and rainbows. Every relationship has its up and downs and some of them are harder than others, like Gia and Beppe. The trials they have to face to be together. I will always admire them.
WOW that was deep. :D Let’s get to a more fun topic, Beppe. *wink* Beppe you smexy Italian!!!! Beppe is ALL MALE!!!!!!! What I love the most about him is his optimism. He never gave up even when he was almost a goner. No he is not perfect but he learns from his mistakes and you have to admire that. He knows what he wants and he goes for it even if he thinks he might get hurt.
Gia: Has been through a lot on her short years, but so has Beepe. They comfort each other, if you see Gia, Beppe is not far behind. They were inseparable, they were each others rocks. They both helped the other get trough the toughest of times. And then the unexpected happens and tears them apart. Gia is strong for the most part but there is only so much one girl can handle. I would have done the same thing she did and try to move on, even when you still love him. At least she tired but she could never shake him. And then Beppe comes back into her life OH HAPPY DAY. Well it wasn’t for her, but for me MEEP.
Some people will come into your lives and leave but some people will be there from Then, Now, and Forever.
Overall: A Book that will Now and Forever be in my heart. I loved Gia and Beepe’s Story. If you are looking for emotional damaged characters this book is for you. If you are looking for a romance that packs a punch this book is for you. But really this book is for everyone. :D
5 STARS!!!!!
Quotes:
“I didn’t slam the phone.”
Beppe raised his eyebrow mockingly.
“You can’t slam the phone these days. I had to be content with touching the screen forcefully.”
“Looking back, I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t love you. You’re as much a part of me as my own soul, because when I was broken you gave me pieces of yourself and made me whole again.”
AND ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES FROM THE BOOK
I love you so much that if I let go of the reins and let it all out, it will consume me.
A gifted copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. To view Vanessa's full review, visit http://fallinginfall.blogspot.com.
From the beautiful cover, to the fact that I loved the first book, In a Heartbeat, I knew I had to read this book. Then, Now, Forever tells the untold story of Gia and Beppe. We first learned about these two in the first book as Max’s sister and his best friend. There was chemistry between the two that you wanted to know about but were too focused on Max and Stella to figure out. Well these two get their own story and let me tell you it’s an emotional one! There are three parts to the story as the title suggest; Then is part one and explains how they met, Now retells their story during the first book and Forever is part three. Then (part one) starts off when six year old Beppe meets eight year old Gia; she offers to clean his knee and insists on taking him home to meet Max and they become best friends. Flash forward eight years to the death of their father, Gia seeks comfort that only Beppe can give and its then that their friendship turns into a relationship. While their relationship may be going strong, Beppe’s home life is anything but happy. Constantly being beaten by his father while his mother did nothing to help, Gia and Max become his family and refuge, begging him to run away and stay with them. Beppe knows his father would only hunt him down and being a minor he has no choice but to stay and take it. One night just beating Beppe isn’t enough and his father stabs Beppe, killing Beppe’s mother and then himself. While recovering in the hospital, Gia never left Beppe’s side but was filled with worry about what would happen next with Beppe: where would he go and how could she keep him out of the foster system? Out of the blue, Beppe’s grandfather comes back into his life offering to take him home to Tuscany to stay until he turned eighteen. With no choice but to go, Beppe must leave those he loves for a family he thought he never had. Heartbroken, Gia understands his need to leave and promises to wait for Beppe until he can come back. Beppe knew he wasn’t emotionally ready to go home yet and chooses to stay with his grandfather, breaking the rest of Gia’s heart in the process. In Now (part two), Beppe is back and he is instant on getting back what he lost, but finds out that the Gia he left might not be the same Gia he had grown to love. I will stop right here because any more from this part will give away the third part of the story, Forever, so just go and buy the book to find out what happens next! You’ll get to see Max, Stella and Lisa as well and find out more about how they are doing. So hurry and go get this one I recommend it!
From the beautiful cover, to the fact that I loved the first book, In a Heartbeat, I knew I had to read this book. Then, Now, Forever tells the untold story of Gia and Beppe. We first learned about these two in the first book as Max’s sister and his best friend. There was chemistry between the two that you wanted to know about but were too focused on Max and Stella to figure out. Well these two get their own story and let me tell you it’s an emotional one! There are three parts to the story as the title suggest; Then is part one and explains how they met, Now retells their story during the first book and Forever is part three. Then (part one) starts off when six year old Beppe meets eight year old Gia; she offers to clean his knee and insists on taking him home to meet Max and they become best friends. Flash forward eight years to the death of their father, Gia seeks comfort that only Beppe can give and its then that their friendship turns into a relationship. While their relationship may be going strong, Beppe’s home life is anything but happy. Constantly being beaten by his father while his mother did nothing to help, Gia and Max become his family and refuge, begging him to run away and stay with them. Beppe knows his father would only hunt him down and being a minor he has no choice but to stay and take it. One night just beating Beppe isn’t enough and his father stabs Beppe, killing Beppe’s mother and then himself. While recovering in the hospital, Gia never left Beppe’s side but was filled with worry about what would happen next with Beppe: where would he go and how could she keep him out of the foster system? Out of the blue, Beppe’s grandfather comes back into his life offering to take him home to Tuscany to stay until he turned eighteen. With no choice but to go, Beppe must leave those he loves for a family he thought he never had. Heartbroken, Gia understands his need to leave and promises to wait for Beppe until he can come back. Beppe knew he wasn’t emotionally ready to go home yet and chooses to stay with his grandfather, breaking the rest of Gia’s heart in the process. In Now (part two), Beppe is back and he is instant on getting back what he lost, but finds out that the Gia he left might not be the same Gia he had grown to love. I will stop right here because any more from this part will give away the third part of the story, Forever, so just go and buy the book to find out what happens next! You’ll get to see Max, Stella and Lisa as well and find out more about how they are doing. So hurry and go get this one I recommend it!
Ahhh....I don't even know where to begin this review. Sooooooooooo much happens in this book. And I was only like 52 pages in and all I kept thinking is OMG there are like 200 pages left what is she going to write about? Well let me tell you I was not disappointed. I had so many emotions in this book. First we meet Gia and Beppe when they are young children. We first meet these two under bad circumstances. Beppe's father is a horrid man who doesn't deserve to breath air. And unfortuneately his mother isn't any better. Gia d her brother Max tend to care for Beppe when his father loses control....which unfortunately happens a lot. As time goes on Gia and Beppe become super close and when tragedy strikes in Gia's family they get even closer. So close in fact that they are each other's firsts.
It's interesting because these two never really have a relationship with each other, but they're together. But as time goes on more bad things happen in their lives and between different circumstances they end up separated for a few years. As they grow up even more and more time passes so many changes take affect. Beppe has become a man whore and Gia....well she never let's anyone in.
It seems fate keeps playing a part with Gia and Beppe because they somehow always keep coming together. But while they keep coming into each others lives it just never seems to be at the right moments. Gia ends up dating a new guy and OMG I thought Beppe was going to blow a gasket. And there was this one part when after it happened I was like OMG no....ahhhh....I can't help them.......AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH and then when someone found out about this particular indient I was pretty much yellin at my nook...oh shit....oh shit...he's going to beat the hell out of them.....and when things went down I felt like I was watching a boxing match and I was screaming again. I was very vocal for this book, but I think that was because I was so invested in this book that I felt like I've known the charcters for forever.
Teodora created amazing characters that you can't help but relate to and want to get to know them. I fell in love with Gia and Beppe's story and the complications and struggles and stolen moments they sometimes had. Again so many emotions with this book, but it was well worth it!! This book was AMAZENLY written and I can't give it enough praises. And you have this need to finish this book to fully understand the journey that Gia and Beppe have had. Will they finally end up together? Or will fate be cruel and just keep bringing them into each others lives to just not be able to make it work. Well go get your copy to find out.
4.5 stars. THIS IS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT, PEOPLE! Teodora, I love you. Seriously.
Although you don't have to read In a Heartbeat to understand this story, I would recommend you do, due to the fact that they are first introduced in that book and you can get a first glimpse! This was such a beautiful story about fate, strength, friendship, struggles, forgiveness, love, growth, and family.There was not one thing about this book that I disliked (except for Beppe being fictional). Although I loved Max and Stella's story, I feel like this one obliterated it (IMO)! The love and understanding Gia and Beppe share is so damn perfect.
Something I really enjoy about Teodora's writing is how real and raw it is. The story and the characters are jagged and have imperfections but are human and lovely and real. The way all the characters speak, interact, and curse is absolutely perfect.
One of the main things I loved about this book is how deep it goes into their backgrounds. We learn SO much about Gia and Beppe. And we understand why they acted the way they did in book one of the series, In a Heartbeat.
There was some CRAZY drama in this book! I was so enthralled by the pacing and the story and then, BAM, Betsy down! Seriously, I couldn't put this book down!
Gia is so great!She is incredibly strong and determined. To be honest, I wasn't the biggest fan of her in the first book but from the first time I was introduced to her in Then, Now, Forever, I fell in love with her character! And Beppe. BEPPE!!! Such a sexy, kind, passionate, haunted man. I am absolutely in love with him- and here I thought Max was perfect. Sorry, Max #sorrynotsorry.
The things these two have to endure in life and in their relationship and friendship is just amazing. And it's so inspiring that in spite of constant ups and downs, they still manage to be there for one another over and over again. This book was super hot and beautiful and funny and heart-wrenching. Please read it!
Let me just start by saying Beppe had some HUGE shoes to fill because I was completely and totally in love with Max (from T's first book "In a Heartbeat). I mean I knew I'd like Beppe because Teodora is fabulous, but I really didn't expect to love him as much as I did. Ok so let's discuss this story so y'all can see what I'm talking about.
As in the first book, Then, Now, Forever is a beautiful love story painted on nothing less than a stunning canvas. So breathtakingly stunning I felt like I was right there with the characters *sigh* Beppe's life has been hard to say the least, he hides behind the protective wall he's built around himself in order to keep his fragile heart safe. Feeling completely broken and unworthy, Beppe even walks away from the best thing that's ever happened to him, Gia........
Gia is unwilling to go through the devastation of having her heart torn away from her, again. She's been there for Beppe every step of his miserable life. She knows they are more than friends, they are each other's soul mates. But can she get through the emotional roadblocks Beppe has guarding his heart??
So as you may have guessed I LOVED this book!!! I mean how can you not?? Beppe & Gia's back stories and so intense I was completely drawn into their lives and pulled for their relationship. Speaking of relationship.....WHOA!!! Beppe and Gia had a burning passion for each other that just sizzled and then burned white hot!! They started as friends ( with mutual attraction) The sexual tension was pulled so tight, I was just waiting for it to snap with an audible crack! Oh and did I mention Max and Stella were in this book too! I love when authors do this, its so much fun to check back in with your favorite characters!! Then, Now Forever is a sexy, romantic, sizzling MUST read!!!
Then, Now, Forever is the most amazing sequel I have read in a long time. I mean In A Heartbeat BLEW me away but TN&F totally took my heart and ran away with it. Gia and Beppe are just trying to figure this love thing out. They have there issues from their past and they have struggled with the demons of life but the one constant they had was each other. They were there for each other and loved each other and took care of each other and that was what was most important until Beppe needed some time to heal on his own. When he decided he needed to be by himself and heal himself that broke Gia and man did I want to rip his cojones off! He hurt her Gia and she started building her wall back up and not let anyone in.
Gia let Beppe into her life in every way. He was her everything and she loved him and she healed him or so she thought. So when Beppe said he needed time and space and he needed to heal on his own Gia gave him that. Yes she was devastated and heart broken but she would never do anything to hurt Beppe more than what he was feeling. So Gia placed her walls up and she kept them that way. When Beppe came back and wanted to rekindle what they had Gia is guarded. But the one thing Gia and Beppe have is their friends and they support them through all the tough times they go through.
I have to say that Teodora totally took my breath away with this sequel because I saw Beppe in a different light and I wanted to reach out and hug him and take away all his pain. He did what he did for a reason and yes he and Gia still have their rough days but together they can make it through it anything. Want to know what happened to Beppe and Gia, want to know if they got back together..... well you have to read it to find out!
If you are a follower of my Facebook page you will more than likely have some idea of the sheer power this book has held over me. During the book I have experienced so many different emotions, that I feel as though I have truly been there watching this all transpire in front of my very eyes. I also may need to speak with my Dr and get him to medicate me for the next week.
This book is the second in the heartbeat series but this can also be read as a standalone. I, myself have not read the first book in the series but my curiosity is now piqued and I look forward to reading more from Teodora Kostova. This is Beppe and Gia's story and I can assure you it is one not to be missed. The story is about two people broken and torn apart by circumstances out of their control. I love the way this story is broken up in to their past, their present and their future, also the use of flashbacks gives you a great insight in this book.
Beppe has a past that haunts him and will continue to haunt him unless he learns that he has to let go over who he thought he may end up becoming. I absolutely love Beppe's journey and the person in which he becomes. He is a character that everyone will love and respect whole heartedly, although I have to admit there were times I really wanted to throw something at him and make him see sense for some of his smart arse remarks. Then there's Gia, my god sometimes I found myself getting so frustrated with her stubbornness I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her until she saw sense. I believe that's it truly magical that Teodora can evoke such responses from her readers.
Have you ever read a book that had you bawling once you had finished it because it was just so perfect? Because despite how much tragedy struck the couple the story followed- all the hours spent sad due to their circumstances- completely paid off because it's one of the most beautiful stories you've ever read?
Those were my feelings about Then, Now, Forever. I fell in love with the author's writing after In a Heartbeat and I anxiously awaited Beppe and Gia's story. I knew it was going to be good, but I wasn't prepared for just how amazing it was. (Which is saying something because I adored In a Heartbeat) I can't remember breaking down after reading a book like that before because the characters got the happy ever after that they deserved like I did with this book. Your heart breaks for Beppe and Gia the entire story, but you can't help but cheer them on the entire time.
Teodora writes with such passion that it flies off the page. I felt incredibly strong emotions while reading Then, Now, Forever because it's a book that constantly switches from sensual, to tragic, to happy and back- building up until you reach the magic that is the end of the story. The fact that the story is broken up into three sections- Then, Now, Forever is brilliant. I loved getting the detailed back story and loved getting glimpses of things that happened 'In a Heartbeat', but told through other perspectives. That and seeing characters from the previous book made the story so much more enjoyable.
If you liked In a Heartbeat, you will love Then, Now, Forever!
All I have to say it that I so want to move to Italy! LOL. Teodora has done it again. She has taken my heart and pulled it through the wringer and then put it all back together again to give me the happily ever after I love so much.
Beppe and Gia were favorites of mine while reading In A Heartbeat (see my review here). Beppe is Max's best friend while Gia is his older sister. We still get to see plenty of Max, Stella and Lisa in this book, but the journey is purely Beppe and Gia's - and what a journey it is.
Beppe meets Gia for the first time when he is six outside of Gia's house. Gia being the older sister, sees Beppe crying and asks what is wrong. He has fallen and is all scraped up, fearing going home to a father who takes everything out on him. So Gia cleans him up and helps him to hide the scrapes so he won't get in trouble. This starts their friendship. As the years pass, Gia and Beppe become closer and their friendship eventually turns into love. As always, life gets in the way. Both of them going through tragic events that ultimately tears them apart.
Their love for each other never faltering, they both are lost, not knowing how to mend the broken pieces between the two of them. What always survives is their friendship, even through other relationships.
This book takes you through the evils of abuse, the highs of a pure love and the frustration of time and opportunity passing them by. I get sucked into Teodora's books and can not wait for more to come!
Soulmates Gia and Beppe made me crazy!!! SOOOO much wasted time when they truly belonged together since that very first day on the sidewalk. Gia frustrated me in that she didn't understand Beppe's need to get away and be with his grandfather and Beppe frustrated me in that he couldn't heal and see her at the same time so she didn't close her heart off to him as she did. He had to work so hard to show her his love was forever. Beppe had such a sad and severe childhood and he came through so strong and caring. If only calling the police were the solution so long ago so much would have been different....bad choices change so much in life. This book left me wanting more light moments which I felt were more abundant in book one even thought it also dealt with another sad central theme. I also was missing Max when I thought for sure he needed to be there both for his sister and her problems and for Beppe. As Beppe's best friend, when we didn't know if he would be around much longer I was hoping Max would have shown up. I have to re-read book one as I know Lisa's relationship was somewhat explained and to prepare for her story. Silvio intrigued me also..would like to tag along with him, particularly that one fine day where karma catches up with a certain someone. Epilogue was so sweet, thank you again Teodora Kostova for keeping love (and Italy) alive for me.
Arc received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Cover: 5 stars Sex/Steaminess : 2 stars but it's a NA book so you don't expect much sex. Storyline : 5 stars Characters : 5 stars Overall average : 4.25 stars
Personal rating : 5 stars.
Book Pairing:- M/F Did it give me a book hangover :- Yes Is this a review book or personal read :- Beta Read but it would have been a personal read anyway.
Why did I read this book?
I was privileged to be asked to Beta read this book and I jumped at the chance.
What I liked about the book.
* Beppe is so loveable. I just wanted to wrap him in a blanket and hold him. * The writing and story line flowed well and it was very easy to get lost in the book. * Although it featured characters from the first book it was a totally different story with only a mild recap. This was purely Beppe and Gia instead of a constant recap of Max and Stella.
What I didn't like about the book.
I have already said this to the author but I felt a character which was included at the end of the book needed to be included a bit more. It seems he was just added to the story but not really included.
Would I read more from this Author?
Yes, I have already added the nest book to my wishlist for when it's out.
Would I recommend this book?
Yes. To anyone that enjoyed the first book, In A Heartbeat and to romance readers in general.
I feel in love with Teodora Kostova's first book: In a heartbeat. I wanted to badly to read Beppes & Gia's book. I got the ARC from Teodora and I began reading this little baby. And let me tell you I could not put it down. I finished it in record time and I was so sad it was over. Teodora has a gift with writing that makes you feel like you know the characters and you go through what they go through. You feel their pain, their love and you are happy when they are happy. I love that about these books, I loved everything about these books! I knew from the beginning that Beppe's story was going to be a heartbreaking one. He had such a horrible childhood but he still managed to be such an amazing and lovable man. His love for Gia was so beautiful. And I was at times so annoyed with Gia and her stubbornness, she drove me quite wild seriously but in the end she made up for it big time. I love all these characters and I can't wait for Lisa and Gino's story.
Thank you Teodora for making me so happy with these books and for the ARC!! I've said it before and I'll say it again, You are amazing!!!
Sometimes re-reads don’t work out and this is one of those times. I remember enjoying THEN, NOW, FOREVER back in 2014 but my feelings have definitely changed.
I didn’t really like Gia. Her reason for not being with Beppe when he comes back and how she treated him didn’t sit well with me. She says time and time again they are just friends but then runs to him for everything. Sleeps at his house (even when she has a boyfriend) and flirts. She was the queen of mixed signals and after awhile it got old.
Then the whole mafia, my ex turns out to be crazy plot was just silly and didn’t make much sense besides to add drama.
All in all a pretty uneventful reread and the worst part is Lisa’s book isn’t even written and I don’t see that happening anytime soon, boo. 3 stars!
Wow Teodora did it again. In this instalment you get Beppa's and Gia's story. You do not have to have read In A Heartbeat to get this book but as they are both lovely stories I would recommend reading it too. In this story we find out that Beppe's life is tough. I can't believe what the poor man had to go through right up until the last few chapters. Your heart bleeds for him. Throughout the story you see the struggles that this couple go through in order to be with each other. It's not a happy romance from the start there is pain and struggle but that's what makes you fall in love with the characters even more. You have old friends like Max and Stella and new faces as in Silvio. I can't wait to see what's next from Teodora. A must read for lovers of romance.
4 swoon worthy, romance worthy stars!!! What a wonderful compliment to the first book in the Series, In a Heartbeat. The stories spiraled so well around each other it was captivating. The sequence of this book was perfection. There were twists and turns, frustration and anger, suspense and action, happiness and pain,...but most of all an undying love story that brought goosebumps. AAwwww...Beppe! Sweet, sweet Beppe! His character was troubled, vulnerable, smart, and oh so sexy. Even though I found Gia a tad bit frustrating, I grew to love her character. I found myself rooting for her to finally trust in herself and Beppe. (This book could have been 5 stars. For me, I need more HEAT to go a full 5 stars ;)
I was very intrigued with Bepe and Gia's story when I read In a Heartbeat where you are introduced to them for the first time in Gia's brother Max's and Stella's love story. Even though this is the second book in the series its very much a stand alone book, you would have no problem reading this book without having read the other book. Their story is epic and classic Boy meets Girl they fall in love, Boy looses Girl and has to fight his ass off to get Girl back.
Read my full review of Then, Now, Forever when it goes live on Oct 30 2013 as part of the Then, Now, Forever virtual book tour www.ordinarygirlzbookreviews.weebly.com
Teodora Kostova je sadista. Takhle ošklivě jednat s hlavníma postavama. Čekala jsem, kdy je všechny vrhne z útesu. Ale konce prostě umí. Jednoznačně 5 hvězdiček, lepší jak první díl.