Forever Fighting

Forever Boston #2

by J. Saman

My best friend is the definition of a bad boy. A billionaire celebrity chef and underground boxer wrapped in muscles, tattoos, and mystery.

To me, he's simply Roman Fritz. A little grumpy and a lot broken, but with a heart of gold.

When I catch my fiancé cheating, Roman suggests I join him in Las Vegas for the opening of his restaurant, then on to a resort in Mexico where he's starting another.

It feels like the perfect escape from everything.

Until we wake up married.

We say it doesn't mean anything. That our friendship can handle a little Vegas mishap.

Then we get to Mexico and somewhere between only one bed in our villa and seeing him in a way I never have before, our friendship crosses the uncrossable line.

For five days it's sun, sand, and Roman pushing my limits while taking my body and heart places I never knew were possible.

That is until the world catches up with us and unexpected threats crawl out of dark places.

And just when we think we're done fighting and have finally won, a one-two punch comes out of nowhere, determined to knock us out for good.

What you'll love in FOREVER FIGHTING...
*Celebrity Chef and Underground Boxer
*Sassy ER Nurse
*Grumpy/Sunshine
*Best Friends to Lovers
*Brother’s ex-girlfriend
*Accidental Vegas Marriage
*Forced Proximity (only one bed)
*Vacation Romance
*He is SO Down Bad for Her (My wife!)
*STEAM with k!nk, FEELS, and BANTER
*No cheating and guaranteed HEA

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Romance, He Falls First, Billionaire Romance, Audiobook, Nursing

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2026

About the author

J. Saman is a USA Today and Amazon top 10 bestselling author who writes sassy, swoony, and scorching contemporary romances. She is addicted to Diet Coke, sour candy, and indie rock. She swears way too much (especially after a glass of wine) and has a penchant for sarcasm (or so her husband and children like to tell her).

J. is an admitted lover of second chance romances, enemies to lovers, and the perfect amount of angst. She is best known for writing funny and emotional romances filled with smart, strong women, and sexy alphas who have a softer side - especially for their women.

Want to learn more about J. Saman? You can check out her website http://www.jsamanbooks.com

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Reviews

[Jenn (myspookybookishlife) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
4🌶️

Chef/Underground boxer x sassy registered nurse, accidental Las Vegas marriage, best friends to lovers, force proximity, grumpy/sunshine, brother’s ex-gf, vacation romance.

Roman and Braelyn got such an amazing story!!! They had been best friends since they were younger and they stayed that way for so long, of course fate steps in when you’re at your lowest and brings you closer to the person you need the most!! These two already loved each other, so when Braelyn finds her fiancé in a precarious situation with a woman from work Roman is the one she goes to. He brings her to his house and suggests her coming with him on his restaurant renovation trip to Las Vegas and Mexico and she agrees to go with him and he’s decides this is his chance to get the woman he’s always wanted. But of course the city is chaos strikes and they find themselves married and Braelyn wants it to be hidden until they get home to have it reversed, until they start spending more time together and eventually Roman decides to take it farther and they decide to see where the relationship takes them. Just when they think they can enjoy the time they have together and see where them being together disaster strikes and they do not know how to navigate all the drama that’s coming out in waves and enjoy their new found relationship while fixing it, but ultimately they succeed and come out stronger!!

This story was absolutely beautiful and I loved every minute of it! I’m so happy Roman finally shared his feelings for Braelyn and got the woman and love he deserved! These two had the most funny and sexy banter ever and I was rooting for them the whole way through!!

[JewelsyGoolsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Needed this easy, breezy and super safe story after reading a few duds and a really angsty, cheating story.

This was great until it turned into a crazy episode of General Hospital towards the end and then just suddenly resolved with a HFN ending. Still, I devoured it in a day and it did the pallet cleansing job I needed.

[✨Crystal✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ALC provided by Valentine PR for an honest review✨

Forever Fighting was a messy friends to lovers romance. Roman is best friends with Braylen and Adam, and is even going to be their best man and man of honor at their wedding. But when Braylen comes home early from work and finds Adam cheating, her whole life comes crashing down around her. The first person she goes to is Roman and he goes into bff mode, doing everything he can to help her navigate her breakup and make her happy. Being a famous chef and needed to check out the new restaurants he’s opening, Roman takes Braylen on a much needed vacation to see his new places in Las Vegas and then Mexico. But after a drunken night in Vegas and dare, the both wake up married to each other! Braylen is mortified and says they’ll get a divorce as soon as they can, but what she didn’t know is that her best friend Roman has been in love with her for years and has no plans of letting her out of this impromptu marriage 👀

Roman was a man full of guilt over a past tragedy of losing his brother, and is now full of guilt for betraying his best friend Adam and marrying Braylen. But Braylen has been the light in his life and he’s absolutely head over heels for her. He is straight up a green flag mmc and does everything for her, but it made my heart ache with the hidden truth of his love for her. The slow burn and angst was so tense until they finally gave in, then it got spicy! Roman is a man that knows what he likes, and also is the type to give his woman pleasure 🔥

The audiobook was duet narrated by Erin Mallon and Austin Stone, and they both brought life to their characters with their performances. Forever Fighting was a good name for this book! These two mc’s were fighting friendships, betrayals, past guilts, and feelings to get to their HEA. And in the end they won ❤️

[Stacey's Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Back with our favorite Boston billionaires only to find Braelyn's fiancé in bed with another woman😒 And there is no better person to pull her through the mess than her VERY SEXY chef/underground boxer best friend 🫢 Whisking her away for a couple weeks to escape the fallout seems like the best idea! But when a drunken Vegas wedding enters the chat, all hell might break loose!

Dare I say Braelyn and Roman are my favorite couple is this Boston universe! The way he always shows up for her, always has her back, and has been secretly in love with her for yearssss - it's everything I wanted and more for her. Navigating each other out of the thickness of grief, there was no way they weren't end game!

A spicy, Michelin star masterpiece of best friends to lovers, intoxicating chemistry, and love that will stand the test of time! 🥰

[Vanessasbooksta · Rating 4 out of 5]

The transition from lifelong friends to accidental spouses in Vegas is packed with chemistry, banter, and a tropical getaway to Mexico. The audiobook was a duet format, both narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life.

🧑‍🍳 Billionaire chef x ER nurse
👥 Friends to lovers
🎲 Accidental Vegas marriage
🩹 Grumpy x sunshine
🥊 Underground boxing subplot
🏡 Brother's ex
🌶️ Spicy

Thank you to Valentine PR for the audiobook!

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

these two are so damn precious <3 they need to be protected at all costs <3 <3 <3

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

After meeting Braelyn and Roman in the first book, I was so excited to finally get their story, and Forever Fighting completely lived up to my expectations.

I'm such a sucker for a best friends-to-lovers romance, and J. Saman absolutely nailed it here. The years of friendship between Braelyn and Roman are felt in every scene. Their banter is effortless, their inside jokes are adorable, and there's such a deep level of trust and understanding between them that made their relationship feel incredibly authentic.

Roman completely stole my heart. This man has been in love with Braelyn for years, and once you see how devoted he is to her, it's impossible not to fall for him. The "there's no one else for me" energy was strong throughout the entire book, and I loved every second of it.

Add in some of my favorite tropes—brother's ex-girlfriend, accidental Vegas marriage, vacation romance, only one bed, and found family—and this book was basically made for me. But beyond the romance tropes, what really stood out was the emotional depth. Braelyn and Roman share a complicated history, and that shared past adds so much weight to their journey. Their intimacy feels earned, emotional, and deeply meaningful because of everything they've already been through together.

The tension, longing, and chemistry between them had me completely invested, but it was their friendship that made this story so special. No matter what life throws at them, these two are each other's safe place, and that made their love story all the more beautiful.

If you love friends-to-lovers romances with years of pining, incredible chemistry, emotional depth, and a hero who is hopelessly gone for his girl, Forever Fighting is definitely one to pick up.

[Lauren Nesic · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ loved it! great chemistry and characters, though a few moments didn’t fully hit. still highly recommend.
🌶️🌶️🌶️: moderate heat, 4 to 6 detailed sex scenes that push beyond vanilla, incorporating light kinks but plot focused.

braelyn’s world falls apart when she catches her fiancé cheating, and the last person she expects to lean on is roman fritz, her billionaire celebrity chef best friend who has always been her safe place. a spontaneous trip meant to help her escape turns into a vegas marriage neither of them planned, and what starts as a mistake quickly evolves into something neither can ignore. as friendship gives way to deeper feelings and long buried attraction finally surfaces, braelyn and roman must decide if they are willing to risk everything for a love that could change their lives forever, especially when unexpected threats from the outside world threaten to tear them apart.

best friends to lovers isn't always my fave but with the added forbidden element and accidental marriage it just hit right! the history and tension just kept me coming back for more. roman was perfection protective, patient, and so hopelessly gone for braelyn, watching him finally get the chance with her was just perfection. their banter was effortless, the chemistry was undeniable, and i loved how their relationship developed from a place of genuine friendship and trust. this was fun while being quite emotional while two people navigate grief and love all at the same time.

the audiobook absolutely elevated this story for me! the duet narration was just perfect for the story and i loved the way it all unfolded.

tropes: it's always been you, ex boyfriend's brother, accidental marriage, secret tattoo
triggers: loss of a loved one, physical assault, stalker

[Luisa Rivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, emotional friends‑to‑lovers story! Starting this book feels like returning to a beloved neighborhood and catching up with people you’ve missed. I love the Fritz family, and Roman and Braelyn’s story pulled me in right away.

They’ve known each other forever, tied together by family and childhood memories, but life has left them both with heartbreak and guilt. When Braelyn’s world falls apart, she runs straight to Roman, and that moment changes everything. Their connection grows naturally — tender, funny, emotional — especially during their trip to Vegas and Mexico, where their relationship finally shifts into something real. That couples massage scene had me laughing (poor Roman!).

There’s drama waiting for them back home, including a messy ex and a stalker‑level “Corporate Barbie,” but through all the chaos, Roman and Brae choose each other. Their families rally, their friends support them, and Roman finally lets go of the guilt he’s carried for years.

In the end, this story is warm, dramatic, romantic, and full of heart. I loved their banter, loved that feeling of being secure in each other, like they know, in a cellular level, that the other one won’t ever hurt them, and that true confidence that goes deep inside. There’s friendship, family, drama, it was funny and emotional, everything that I loved in a book. I loved every minute of this saga — the family bonds, the loyalty, the heartbreak, the healing, and the love that was always meant to be.

[Emmy Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love my men whipped and pining, and Roman Fitz, Michelin star chef and underground boxer is the prime definition of yearning. Now fate is definitely on his side when they get accidentally get married in Vegas and their hotel room only has one bed. Their chemistry was insane, and their history makes everything so forbidden, yet they are so perfect for each other. They’ve both been through trauma, Roman especially since he’s blamed himself for his younger brothers death for years who at the time was Braelyn (the fmc) boyfriend. But he’s been in love and pining for years, and is willing to be man of honor in her wedding even though it hurt his heart, just to make her happy. This plot was diabolical, so much tension as Braelyn starts realising the extent of Romans feelings for her. And so much angst too I teared up multiple times. Those plot twists were also amazing, and had me gripping on edge. Though fighter plot does not come in until much later in the book, it hits damn hard (like literally, yes pun intended). They healed each other in many ways and I also loved how open communicators both Braelyn and Roman are. This book is pure green flag material, such amazing character development, no third act breakup, just pure longing, angst and friends to lovers. I also loved the vegas wedding trope so much and you have to try it! I give this a 4.5/5

[Jennifer Wycech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends to lovers
Accidentally Married
Grumpy x Sunshine
Dual POV - 1st person

Duet narration - Erin Mallon & Austin Stone
Great performance by these two talented narrators.

Book #2 Forever Boston series

Coming home early to find your fiance' messing around with corporate barbie would send anyone running the opposite direction. The plot is somewhat predictable yet still so enjoyable.

Roman our MMC is a rich chef and underground fighter that donates all his winnings to charity. He is grumpy & broody on the outside but there lives a soft and sweet man on the inside. Braelyn is the girl he could never have, he blew his one chance with her years ago. These two are best friends and oh so dang cute together.

I really enjoyed listening to this book. I liked the main characters. Braelyn's ex was a PIECE of work for sure. I am glad they both finally saw his true colors. I love found family and the HEA.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this impressive series, and this Roman and Braelyn’s story.
Braelyn is a sassy ER nurse, and when she finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her, Roman, who is a celebrity chef, underground boxer, and her ex-boyfriend’s brother, suggests she comes to Vegas for the opening of his new restaurant. Roman and Braelyn wake up married, and their friendship turns into so much more.
This is a well written easy to read, emotion roller coaster, with family, friendships, angst, drama, tension, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, friends / lovers, forced proximity, obsession, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, and heartfelt, vacation romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[The Rampant Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Her presence has always been a balm to my unsettled, ravaged heart.”

Thanks to the author and Valentine PR for the gifted e-copy.

This has one of my favorite microtropes, Married in Vegas! In this case it is two besties and I love the dynamic that created. The MMC of course uses it to his advantage to keep his girl and there is a bunch of “my husband,” “my wife,” and “I’m married” flirting.

Vibes: travel, friendship, and yearning
Tropes:
Brother’s Ex
Family/Found Family
It’s Always Been You
Secret Tattoo
Tattooed Chef/Nurse
Vegas Wedding

If you have read any of the Boston series, you will see repeat characters (hello, the Fritz family). It can be read as a standalone.

[Mandy (Bestie Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Forever Boston world! Roman and Braelyn have been besties since they were kids. After Braelyn discovers that her fiance is cheating on her, she turns to Roman. One night in Vegas leads to them getting married and setting off a whole chain of events. Loved it!
Erin Mallon & Austin Stone due an amazing job with the audiobook. I particularly enjoyed how Austin Stone made the ex fiance sound even more douchey.

[Kaylasreads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to dnf…
Why does he constantly call her “kid”.
I truly couldn’t get past it.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman Fritz yearned for his best friend, Braelyn, forever. She was set to marry their friend, Adam, but then she caught him in bed with another woman. Braelyn went directly to Roman who invited her to go to Vegas and then to Mexico. They wake up married, which Roman loved! Then they come back to Boston and Adam still wants Braelyn back. While Braelyn is a nurse, Roman owns a bunch of restaurants and he fights in an underground boxing ring, which plays into the parts of the conflict. I liked the characters, romance, and the plot. I liked the conflict and how the story wrapped up. The audiobook was fantastic! Erin Mallon and Austin Stone did a fantastic job!


Thank you to Valentine PR for an ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Laura Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC & ALC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review

I think Forever FightingJ. Saman book so far. I absolutely LOVED getting to know Roman & Braelyn's story; their love melted my heart, I suffered with them because of their pain with Nash, and I fell in love with both of them as characters. I also loved that in this book, the author gave me so many moments with the characters I already love, introduced me to the potential main characters of this series, and included the best plot twists for this fabulous couple.

I have to say that I didn't like Braelyn very much in the first book, and now I feel terrible because I absolutely loved her in this one. I loved reading her as a dedicated nurse, especially the touch her hunches add to her personal story, and enjoyed reading her reaction when she discovered that her fiancé, Adam, was cheating, how Roman is the person she ALWAYS turns to when she's going through tough times, and the story with Nash that led her to form such a strong bond with Roman and Adam.

Roman is, without a doubt, my favorite male character by this author, and it doesn't surprise me because I was dying to read about him since the previous book. It broke my heart to read about him carrying so much guilt after what happened with Nash, how Braelyn always tries to support him, and how the only way he knows how to cope with that pain is by fighting, literally. I also really enjoyed Roman's personality, how he's supposed to be a grumpy guy BUT all that the author gave me were the sweetest, most adorable, and flirty moments with Brae, the way he's completely in love with her and willing to fight for that seemingly lost chance with her. Plus, I LOVED reading how he expresses his love through food and how passionate he is about his work as a chef.

Braelyn & Roman's love story is one of my favorites of the year: I love books where he's been in love with her for years but time never seems to be on his side and I think J. Saman executed this part of their story perfectly, plus the wedding in Vegas element gives these best friends a very interesting and fun twist, giving Roman the opportunity to truly fight for the heart of the woman of his dreams. Another thing I enjoyed about this book is the strong and beautiful friendship that underpins the love Bre and Roman feel for each other, as well as the pain they both experienced after Nash's death (Roman's younger brother and Braelyn's teenage boyfriend).

🎧Audiobook Review🎧

🥊Narrators: Austin Stone & Erin Mallon
🩵Duet Narration
🩺Narration: 5/5

This audiobook is going straight onto my 2026 favorites list!

Forever Fighting was my first audiobook narrated by Austin Stone, and I think that was enough to make him one of my favorite narrators. I loved hearing him laugh whenever the character did, the way he brought to life not only Roman's flirty and funny moments, but also his most vulnerable ones—the anger, pain, and guilt he feels after losing Nash. And of course, the sexy scenes deserve a special mention because they were absolutely perfect.

Listening to Erin Mallon is ALWAYS amazing, and I think this might be my favorite book narrated by her! I think she was the perfect Braelyn: her voice conveyed the strength that this character demonstrated throughout the entire book. I loved hearing her experiencing the best moments with Roman, discovering her true feelings, and finally finding the happiness she always deserved.

🥊Roman: 5/5
🩺Braelyn: 5/5
🥊plot: 5/5
🩺love story: 5/5
🥊secondary characters: 5/5
🩺universe: 5/5
🥊cover: 5/5
🥵: 3/5

ARC & ALC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

Creo que Forever Fighting podría ser mi libro favorito de J. Saman hasta ahora, AMÉ con locura conocer la historia de Roman & Braelyn, su amor me derritió el corazón, sufrí con ellos por su dolor con Nash y me enamoré de ambos como personajes. Además, me encantó que en este libro la autora me diera tantos momentos con los personajes que ya amo, que me dejara ver a los posibles personajes principales de esta serie y que me diera los mejores giros en la historia para esta pareja tan fabulosa.

Tengo que decir que Braelyn no me agradó mucho en el primer libro de la serie, y ahora me siento muy mal porque en este la amé por completo. Me encantó leerla como una enfermera dedicada, especialmente el toque que sus corazonadas le dan a su historia personal, también me gustó mucho leer su reacción cuando descubrió que Adam, su prometido es infiel, como Roman es la persona a la que SIEMPRE recurre cuando se encuentra en momentos difíciles y la historia con Nash que la llevo a formar ese vinculo tan fuerte con Roman & Adam.

Roman es, sin duda, mi personaje masculino favorito de esta autora, y no me sorprende porque me moría de ganas de leerlo desde el libro anterior. Me rompió el corazón leerlo con tanta culpa después de lo que pasó con Nash, como Braelyn trata de ofrecerle su apoyo siempre y como la única manera que tiene de vivir con ese dolor es peleando, literalmente. También disfruté mucho la personalidad de Roman, como se supone que es un hombre gruñón PERO lo único que la autora me dio de él fueron los momentos más dulces, tiernos y coquetos con Brae, la manera en la que esta completamente enamorado de ella y dispuesto a luchar por esa oportunidad a su lado que parecía perdida, además AMÉ leer como expresa su amor a través de la comida y como le apasiona su trabajo como chef.

La historia de amor de Braelyn & Roman es una de mis favoritas del año: me encantan los libros en los que él lleva años enamorado de ella pero el tiempo parece nunca estar de su lado y creo que J. Saman ejecutó esta parte de su historia a la perfección, además el elemento del matrimonio en las vegas le da a estos mejores amigos un giro muy interesante y divertido que le da a Roman la oportunidad de luchar de verdad por ganarse el corazón de la mujer de su vida. Otra de las cosas que disfruté de este libro es la amistad tan fuerte y hermosa que da base al amor que Bre & Roman sienten por el otro, así como el dolor que ambos vivieron después de la muerte de Nash (el hermano menor de Roman, y novio de la adolescencia de Braelyn).

🎧Reseña del audiolibro🎧

🥊Narradores: Austin Stone & Erin Mallon
🩵narración en dueto
🩺narración: 5/5

Este audiolibro va a ir directamente a mi lista de favoritos del 2026!

Forever Fighting fue mi primer audiolibro escuchando a Austin Stone y creo que fue suficiente para que se convirtiera en uno de mis narradores favoritos: me encantó escucharlo sonreír cada vez que el personaje lo hacía, la manera en la que le dio vida no solo a esos momentos coquetos y divertidos de Roman, también a los más vulnerables, a ese enojo, dolor y culpa que siente después de haber perdido a Nash. Y claro que las escenas sexys merecen una mención especial porque fueron más que perfectas.

Escuchar a Erin Mallon SIEMPRE es algo maravilloso, y creo que este podría ser mi libro favorito narrado por ella! Creo que fue la Braelyn perfecta, su voz me transmitió esa fortaleza que este personaje demostró a lo largo de todo el libro, me encantó escucharla pasando los mejores momentos con Roman, descubriendo sus verdaderos sentimientos, y encontrando por fin la felicidad que siempre debió tener.

🥊Roman: 5/5
🩺Braelyn: 5/5
🥊trama: 5/5
🩺historia de amor: 5/5
🥊personajes secundarios: 5/5
🩺universo: 5/5
🥊portada: 5/5
🥵: 3/5

[Audio book lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

🥊🔥 One Vegas mistake. One lifelong friendship. And one man who’s been in love with her all along. 🔥🥊

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Spice-meter: 🌶️🌶️🌶️☆☆ (3/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Duet
Series: Forever Fighting (interconnected standalone)
HEA: Yes

J. Saman absolutely nailed the balance between emotional depth, sizzling chemistry, and romantic suspense in Forever Fighting. What starts as a best-friends getaway after heartbreak quickly spirals into something far messier, far more emotional, and infinitely more consuming. Between the accidental Vegas marriage, years of buried feelings, and the forced proximity in Mexico, this book had me completely hooked.

And honestly? Roman and Braelyn’s connection is what makes this story work so well. Their relationship feels lived-in. Comfortable. Real. You can feel the years of friendship underneath every interaction, every joke, every moment of tension. Nothing about their romance feels rushed because the emotional foundation was already there long before either of them crossed the line.

It was also so good getting glimpses of the whole family again, especially Skylar and Aston after book one. J. Saman really excels at creating that found family atmosphere where everyone feels connected and important to the story.

The Story

Forever Fighting is so much more than a steamy friends-to-lovers romance. Beneath the chemistry, banter, and accidental marriage chaos is a deeply emotional story about healing, timing, grief, and finally allowing yourself to want the person who’s always been standing beside you.

Roman is the definition of “looks dangerous, loves deeply.” Billionaire celebrity chef by day, underground boxer by night, and emotionally wrecked golden retriever underneath all the tattoos and grumpiness. Watching him completely unravel over Braelyn in the most devoted, protective, down-bad way possible? Elite behavior.

Braelyn balances him perfectly. She’s strong, sarcastic, caring, and emotionally grounded, but still vulnerable after everything she’s been through. Their dynamic feels effortless because they already know each other so completely. The chemistry is immediate, but it’s the emotional intimacy that really sells the romance.

And yes, the tension absolutely tensioned.

Between the “my wife” energy, only one bed setup, vacation vibes, and years of unresolved feelings bubbling to the surface, this book delivers exactly the kind of romance that slowly consumes both characters until resistance becomes pointless.

🎧 Narration

Performed in duet by Erin Mallon and Austin Stone, and they truly understood the assignment.

Austin Stone was fantastic as Roman, capturing every layer of his personality perfectly. The confidence, the possessiveness, the emotional vulnerability underneath all the bravado… it all came through naturally. He especially nailed Roman’s protective, slightly obsessive devotion to Braelyn.

Erin Mallon brought so much personality to Braelyn. She made her feel witty, emotional, strong, and incredibly relatable without ever overplaying the drama.

Together, they created a performance that felt immersive, emotional, and incredibly easy to binge. Their chemistry translated beautifully into audio, and they handled both the emotional moments and the banter effortlessly.

What I Loved

✔️ Best friends to lovers done right
✔️ Years of emotional history that make the romance believable
✔️ Roman being aggressively in love with Braelyn
✔️ The balance between emotional depth and steam
✔️ Found family dynamics throughout the story
✔️ Vacation romance vibes with forced proximity
✔️ The “my wife” energy after Vegas
✔️ Protective MMC with hidden emotional softness

Tropes & Vibes

✔️ Best Friends to Lovers
✔️ Accidental Vegas Marriage
✔️ Grumpy x Sunshine
✔️ Brother’s Ex-Girlfriend (years ago)
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Only One Bed
✔️ Celebrity Chef MMC
✔️ Underground Boxer
✔️ Vacation Romance
✔️ Protective / Obsessed Hero
✔️ Found Family
✔️ Dual POV

Final Thoughts

Forever Fighting is emotional, steamy, heartfelt, and full of the kind of romance that feels earned because of the history behind it. Roman and Braelyn’s relationship works so well because their friendship is already the foundation, making every romantic moment hit harder.

J. Saman did a fantastic job weaving years of love, grief, loyalty, and unresolved feelings into a story that feels layered rather than overly dramatic. Add in sizzling chemistry, strong found family vibes, emotional healing, and just enough suspense to raise the stakes, and this became such an addictive read.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Other women are gray, while Braelyn is painted in every color."~Roman😚

"His heart is a secret. A beautiful, magical place. And I get to see it."~Braelyn🤩

"Braelyn is my lighthouse. She's the beacon that guides me home."~Roman🥰

"Roman won't burn for me. He's the guy who burns down the world for you."~Braelyn😍

🏥🥊🏥🥊🏥🥊🏥🥊🏥🥊🏥🥊🏥🍱♾️♾️😝

Forever Fighting is a story of a man that is exactly living up to that image. It's a consistency from start to finish. I got curious about Roman from Book 1: Forever Undone, where he made his appearance and knew there's more to him than meets the eye. You can read this book as a standalone. It's a part of a bigger interconnected series.

Roman Fletcher Fritz, 33, chef/secret ungrounded boxer is a man dealing with his past and trying to ignore it, to a degree, at this point in his life. The man's extremely wealthy but doesn't act like it. He carries a burden. Survivor's guilt. Which reminded me of a movie called Ordinary People. Except here, Roman's the older brother who lost his younger brother, Nash, in a sailing accident. I think it happened almost 10yrs ago(?). The thing is the story didn't dwell on it, bring it up often, or have a deep conversation between him and Braelyn over it. She said something one time and that's about it. Mostly they bring up the fun and naughty times. Braelyn was Nash's girlfriend of 2yrs at that time. And Roman blames himself for what happened out on the water during a storm.⛈️⛵🛟 🆘 There's no PTSD mentioned but I think Roman has it. Now the story is a sloww burn. There's not much action, more drama, a tiny bit of twists, but those played out at the very end, which you will figure out the who but not necessarily the why. It gets complicated. I won't spoil that here. I kind wanted more of the unknown to happen along the way. Build up the threats more instead of at the end.

I like Roman. He's the s*xy bad boy with a broad set of skills that pushes limits.🪢👗🪢 Roman likes to dominate and have control, he broods, he's blunt, he's driven by his secret desires for Nurse Braelyn Albright, 27. His obsession for her grows and festers.😈😈😈 He has the fever!😛 Yes, his brother's former girlfriend is his everything. There's a BDSM k!nk, safe word, etc. Everything is consensual.

Now I got a tiny bit confused b/c if I remember correctly, in Book 1 Braelyn was noticing Roman as more than her best friend. Yes, she's involved with her jerk of a boyfriend Adam, engaged to him, but that girl noticed Roman as more. Here, all of that doesn't exist. What happened to those moments?🤷🏻 Braelyn caught Adam cheating on her. Now she's running to her bestie for support. I didn't like Adam. He's annoying, which is the point.😆 Roman will do anything to keep Braelyn, finally make a move after wanting her for 6 long years. And what better timing than her accompanying him on opening more of his restaurants in Vegas and Mexico.🛫🎰🌴🏩🌴🌊🌊 Again, things get a little crazy and very steamy, bold, and desperate.🔥🔥🔥💋

"Only me, Braelyn. Never him again. No one f*€¥ing else but me."~Roman🫨

The guy has it bad so I didn't understand the back and forth confusion. The wishy-washiness of Braelyn.🤔 Hot then cold. That their *slight spoiler* Vegas wedding shouldn't have taken place.💒 I wish I hadn't married him. Her words. She acts a certain way in her thinking but she says she wants to share his bed and explore all that Roman wants to give to her. And boy, does he give it to her.🌋🌋🌋🤣🤣🤣♨️♨️♨️👅

I wanted more romance. More flirting like the truth or dare game in the pool. Adult conversations instead of guessing. There's no way that Braelyn couldn't figure it out. It got a little frustrating with her character. Roman more than proved himself, he shows his deep dark feelings for her, but for some reason, I didn't feel like Braelyn would go the distance for him. Above and beyond. I don't mean just the physical. Why can't your best friend also be your husband? It's not that far-fetched. I hope that makes sense.

"Braelyn, I'm in love with you. God, baby, the way my heart beats for you. You have to feel that. I know you do."~Roman😻 We all felt it Roman.😂

I won't tell you exactly how it ends. There are 2 epilogues. Different family members pass throughout the story. I'm glad Roman got his overdue HEA. I enjoyed the story. I recommend it. I'm looking forward to reading the next one. I love the book cover.😘😘 Happy reading. *•>§<•*❤️‍🩹❣️❣️❣️❤️‍🩹

🚩🚩Read the TWs. 18+ read.🚩🚩

👨🏽‍🍳🌠👩‍⚕️Thank you to Ms Saman and Valentine PR for an early book. The opinions shared here are my own.👩‍⚕️🌠👨🏽‍🍳

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 huge stars!

This is the most gorgeous love story! An unrequited love, best-friends-to-lovers romance with an accidental marriage and forced proximity, it’s full of chemistry, passion, and deep, heartfelt emotion. I fell in love with these characters and I adored their story so much.

This is book #2 in the Forever Boston series. There is character crossover from the first in the series, and larger tie-ins with Saman’s other series which is a treat for fans. But you can very easily read this book as a standalone.

Roman and Braelyn are best friends, but they have a bit of a weird dynamic. She dated his brother in high school until his tragic death, and she is now engaged to one of their other best friends. And Roman has been secretly, crazily in love with her for years. When Braelyn discovers her fiancé cheating on her, it’s Roman who comes to her rescue. Wanting nothing more than to protect and care for his girl, he invites her along on a business trip to get her out of town for a while. When they wake up married in Vegas, it adds yet another strange layer to their relationship. But it’s the following week in Mexico, when they are shacked up in a villa with only one bed, that things slowly but steadily begin to change.

“You make everything…better. Special. Honestly, I think you’re the best thing to ever happen to me.”
My heart thumps painfully in my chest, and I return her look with one of my own. “You are to me,” I tell her, wondering if she can hear it in my voice. The fucking hope I feel right now simply being with her and hearing her say that.

OMG, I couldn’t get enough of these two! They have the best relationship – fun and teasing, and so much love between them. Roman may look like a tattooed badass, but he has a huge heart, and it’s all for Braelyn (lucky girl). He had given up on his dreams of a future with her, and watching him wrestle with his feelings and finally gather the strength to start opening up to her made my heart melt. And Braelyn handles the situation so well. She reacts exactly as you would expect as she starts to feel an attraction to her best friend, while still dealing with the breakdown of her engagement, but she works through it sensibly, and the changes to their relationship felt genuine and realistic, and I was completely swept away.

“God, baby, the way my heart beats for you.” He covers my other hand on his chest and presses it in. “You have to feel that. I know you do.”

I loved the fun, the flirting, the teasing, the push and pull, and the absolutely sizzling chemistry between these two. The anticipation builds wonderfully, and I was desperate for them to finally make the move. And when the romance really gets going, it’s so freaking steamy. Roman is a bit of a beast in the bedroom with a dominant kinky streak, and these two are on fire together! But so much more than that is the emotion. I could feel the love and intense longing, and my heart was so invested in their story.

“Did you ever think that I could be your best friend and the love of your life? That they’re not mutually exclusive but build on one another? I am your best friend. Your friendship means everything to me. But I’m also in love with you, and that’s been the plight of my life.”

They talk about how they’re feeling and what they want to explore together and I loved their openness. They do have drama to face and some issues to overcome, but they handle it maturely, always trusting each other, and I loved watching them work through everything to find their happy ending.

“There will never be anyone else but you. You’re always the one I love, the one I fight with, but most importantly, the one I’m forever fighting for.”

This is a gorgeous read. It’s fun, sexy, beautifully heartfelt and endlessly swoony, and I loved it so much.

5 stars!

An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.

[Brenda Denisse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really disappointed in this read.

I was very interested in the premise of this book especially because I love a good "friends to lovers" trope. But the way this played out just really bothered me.

Braelyn the FMC spent the ENTIRE book comparing Roman (MMC) to her ex. And honestly this girl needs therapy. Not only did she decide to date her dead boyfriend's best friend but then she moved on with her dead boyfriend's brother. Also the term "best friend" is thrown around very willy nilly in this book effectively diminishing its meaning.

SPOILER ALERT 🔔

Our girl Bray finds her fiancé cheating and decides to go on a work trip with her best friend Roman to get away from the situation. We find out that Roman has planed this big move to Europe that he didn't tell Bray about because it was scheduled to happen after her wedding because he's been madly in love with her for years and years.

My guess was that our FMC & MMC were going to find out they had some feelings for each other on vacation and we'd watch them explore those feelings in Europe. Mainly for the sake of the timeline of heartbreak and healing as our girl apparently was with her fiancé for YEARS and is blindsided and devastated after she found him cheating. Mind you she states time and time again that she never not once saw this coming. She loved him through and through and Roman was never even a thought in her mind.

Well I was very wrong. They wasted NO time. It was like a version of insta love. Just a couple days into the trip. I'm pretty sure the entire timeline of this book is 4-5 week after she found her ex of YEARS, who also was her dead boyfriends best friend, was cheating on her with a coworker. Not only that but her entire reason for the fake marriage was someone dared her.... yup that's it. Someone dared her and she just COULDNT pass that up. Are we so fr?

Another thing, there was so much unnecessary medical jargon in this book. Like it was actually so unnecessary to name every single code and acronym possible.

Also yall, his nickname for her is "kid". Yes "KID" 🤮🤮🤮 absolutely tf not. What was the thought process behind this choice.

The plot twist of the whole book was so hollow... it was really such a stretch... I was genuinely so confused why the author couldn't find literally anything else to explain the villains motives.

Finally the ending just really pmo. The random bit about her pregnant friend being aggressive shoved into a table by a coworker leading her to an emergency c section and then nothing else happened? Like why did that need to take up several chapters of the book??? That made no sense. Or the set up plan with Roman and his boxing? (I won't even get into how dumb the whole side plot of Roman being an underground boxer is * eye roll *) by the epilogue we got no closure about the Europe thing. Nothing about the villain and it was overall incredibly anticlimactic that I was almost certain I'd missed a chapter.

Ps: if my rich husband told me to take a break from work for a year to travel Europe with him, I'd weep happy tears and turn my resignation in expeditiously. But no not Braylyn because she's not like other girls. A job is so much more important than having a life.

I really wanted to like this book. But ultimately it needed a better more honest editor to help our author out.

[Krissi Boggess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher-and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Spoilers!

-best friends to lovers
-celebrity chef and underground fighter
-nurse
-forced proximity/one bed
-grumpy x sunshine
-ex-boyfriends brother
-he falls first-and HARD

Let’s face it, if J Saman writes it-I’m inhaling that **it. She never disappoints. This time we get Roman and Braelyn’s story. I love all of the characters in the second generation Boston world and especially how they all tie in together. I love that they are always there for their people and love them fiercely. And everyone deserves a Roman in their life.

Roman is such a beautiful, broken man. After going through the loss of Braelyn's boyfriend and Romans brother-their relationship grew stronger and was extremely strong and impenetrable. I normally don’t read, or like for that matter, friends to lovers. But I longed for Roman and Braelyn to get their HEA. He has loved her for so long, and though the time was never right-he did the honorable thing and took her in whatever relationship he could with her. His guilt over having feelings for her were just so heartbreaking. He was happy to settle for a friendship with her-as long as she was in his life. He was just waiting for his chance to tell her how he felt-the time was just never right for him.

“I know exactly what would have happened. You just weren't ready for it.” *swoon*.

I loved how strong their relationship was and how he was always there for her.

After she comes home early from work, Braelyn catches her fiancé in bed with another woman, and of course, she runs to her person. Roman was right there waiting for her-always waiting for her. Roman is a world class chef opening new restaurants and has to go and oversee the construction. Roman offers her the chance to come with him to get away from her problems. While in Vegas-on a dare, they get married in Vegas. Of course, Braelyn is trying to find a way to get a divorce after. Roman is happy to finally have a shot at being with her.

"I'm married to the love of my life and to her it's fake."

The way their relationship blossoms from then on out, was just *chefs kiss*-and kiss he did.

“I’m forever fighting for you because winning you has been impossible.”

Roman was seriously down bad for her. He even gets a tattoo for her. She also gets a tattoo-but I’m not sure how I feel about it. But not enough to deduct a star. I really liked the chemistry between Roman and Braelyn and how their story was well fleshed out.

I was not expecting the plot twist-and that is the reason I love her books. I recommend her to just about everyone. Reading books with a third act breakup is so tiring. Not everything has to have that kind of climax.

If you are into best friends to lovers, forced proximity and a man who would do anything for his wife-I definitely recommend this book.

[Stephanie Chapin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of Forever Fighting Book 2 in the Forever Boston by J. Saman This book is part of an interconnected series but can definitely be read as a standalone. I love J Saman's books so much she is one of my favorite authors and this book was fantastic. This is a 5 star 10 out of 10 read for me. I absolutely loved and devoured this book. I was hooked from the first page. This book gave me all the feels. I was swooning, laughing, and at times my heart was breaking but then it was being put back together it is so incredibly good. I also loved the times of drama, suspense and angst. Also there was a twist I definitely did not see coming. This is Roman and Braelyn’s story. I love them both so much. My heart aches for them and the loss they both suffered in the past and the guilt Roman carries because of it. I love how much Roman cares about Braelyn, she’s it for him and I love the secret tattoo he has for her. I am obsessed with him calling her his wife. I love that they are best friends, they have been through a lot together and are always there for each other. I love Braelyn’s confidence and sass and I love her and Roman’s banter. I love all the side characters in this book too and how everyone is connected and literally one big family. This is a slow burn, spicy, accidental Vegas marriage, billionaire, celebrity chef/ underground boxer mmc, ER nurse fmc, grumpy/sunshine, best friend’s to lovers, brother’s ex girlfriend, tattooed mmc, forced proximity, 6 year age gap, only one bed, vacation romance. Set in Boston. Roman Fritz is 33 he is a billionaire world renowned famous chef who also participates in underground boxing on the side. Braelyn Albright is 27 she’s an ER nurse. Roman and Braelyn are best friends. He has been in love with her for awhile but he felt the timing was never right to make a move and then she started dating one of their close friends abd he missed his chance. When Braelyn finds her fiancé cheating on her only weeks before their wedding Roman is the one she turns to. She agrees to go with him to his restaurant opening in Vegas and then to Mexico where he’s creating another restaurant. They wake up married in Vegas after having a wild night out. They go to Mexico where their suite only has one bed, they play a spicy game of truth or dare and lines gets blurred and feelings begin to shift. Roman is done waiting he wants Braelyn and isn’t upset they are married. He decides now is the time to go for it and see what they could be. Braelyn is scared of getting her heart broken again but also wants to see what they could be. But between a secret he hasn’t told her yet, her ex fiancé trying to get her back, and a social media scandal and them navigating being best friends and married things get complicated for them. I love their HEA and how even though they have a third act complication they don’t have a third act break up. I love them together. I love this book and highly recommend it

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read nearly every book she writes and I’ve listened to just as many. I have to say when I tell you this was probably my top three, I mean it! At first, it was slightly slow in the moving throughout the beginning of the plots. When I opens up more and these characters, Roman & Braelyn get heated up and communicate it’s probably one of the best love stories. Roman is the elder brother to Braelyns ex boyfriend. But she’s also end up being the ex fiancée of his best friend after she finds him (not Roman, cheating). Which gives Roman the idea to invite Brae to Vegas and Mexico for his restaurant travels. While in Vegas on a drunken dare they get married. Over the time of Vegas and Mexico they explore the intimate and romance between them which is even better since they are best friends. Roman has loved her for years and never felt like he was ready to ask her to be his. Only to sacrifice his wanting her for her happiness when Adam (we hate him) asked her out first. The emotions that Roman has within his heart and mind are so, so heavy. I love the way he and Braelyn are always talking things through it’s probably the best communication in a couple so far! Over the time in Mexico their relationship is leaked. Which sparks their families and friends finding out before they get the chance to decide what they wanted everyone to know. After they get home and the dust settles Brae finds out things about Roman has been keeping a secret because he doesn’t know how to tell her. Knowing if he’d been honest early on she wouldn’t have given him and her a chance. After everything with the heartbreak of Adam and other information you learn in the plot. She’s very very fragile. Honestly, I do not blame her I’ve been there before and that sort of betrayal from Adam is the kind that makes you question all things from everyone. Braelyn gets upset and when Roman gets her to listen and stay he and she still end up with even more heavy! Truly this book was so well written that my emotions were on a roller coaster! The last 4-6 chapters are probably my favorite chapters of the entire book! The narrators were insanely good! I’ve listen to a lot of Austin Stone narrated books and the way he talks and performs is just amazing! Down to the way he imitates the sounds a girl would make for an exciting moment when describing how much the MMC loved that about the FMC. Erin Mallon is always a phenomenal narrator for the FMC in all the books she’s narrated for! The way she makes you feel like Braelyns emotions are your own in this book—probably her best work! The spicy level is 5/5 and the overall of the book is 5/5!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for an advanced reader copy review and am voluntarily leaving a review. I purchased this book for preorder as well knowing I was going to love it!

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb Story & Narration🎧Captivating & Emotional!

Forever Fighting
Forever Boston, Book 2
By: J. Saman
Narrated by: Austin Stone, Erin Mallon

J. Saman pens another fabulous novel in her “Forever Boston” series, an enthralling friends-to-lovers romance that captivates your attention and tugs at your heartstrings the entire time. This second book is Braelyn and Roman Fritz’s story, the two have history and have been best friends for years, and strengthened after a tragedy bonded them even tighter. Their feelings for one another morphed into something more, but she was engaged to marry another of their friends, Adam. With the wedding date approaching, Roman was planning to spend time out of the country, expanding his restaurant business in Europe. Then the unthinkable happens, and Braelyn’s heart is broken when she finds Adam in their bed with another woman. Roman is there for her and suggests she travel with him on his work trip to Vegas and then Mexico to get away, which she agrees to. These two were perfect together and for each other, and it was great watching them realize it and take their relationship to another level. The complexity of these characters is incredible, and I loved learning more about them, including why Roman, a successful superstar chef, became an underground fighter and put himself in the ring. Adam shows his true colors, and I would have loved to see Roman have a few minutes in the ring with him, Braelyn definitely dodged a bullet with that one. This masterfully crafted, multi-layered story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, witty dialogue, heartwarming moments, surprising twists I did not see coming, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. As always, the writing, plot, and world-building are incredible, as are the character growth and development. J. Saman, thank you for another fantastic story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Austin Stone and Erin Mallon did a fantastic job voicing the characters, having a complete understanding of who they were portraying and performing each role naturally and with perfection. Stone nailed it as Roman, showcasing every facet of his personality, from his confidence to his vulnerabilities and all in between, and he did the same in Adam’s role and was just as amazing, playing the arrogant fool. Mallon’s Braelyn was spot-on, perfectly sassy, fierce, and relatable. Both were fabulous performing the roles of the side/secondary characters too. They set the ideal tone for the story, and their expressive performance conveyed all the characters’ emotions, making you feel them all. These versatile voice artists’ storytelling is superbly entertaining, and their captivating delivery keeps you hooked to the story and is a pleasure to listen to.

[b cozy book lounge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much I read it in a single day and honestly could not put it down. I did a dual read with the audiobook, and it made the experience even better.

My heart absolutely broke for Roman. A top chef and underground fighter, he carries so much pain and guilt over the death of his brother, Nash. The trauma has haunted him for years, affecting not only his relationship with his parents but also the way he sees himself. Roman blames himself, and that weight sits heavily on everything he does. Underneath his hard exterior, though, is someone deeply loyal, caring, and completely gone for one person, his best friend, Braelyn.

Braelyn was once Nash’s girlfriend, but after his death, her bond with Roman strengthened into an incredibly deep friendship. Now a nurse, engaged to Adam, and only weeks away from her wedding, her world completely unravels when she comes home early and catches her fiancé cheating. And of course, the one person she runs to is Roman.

What follows was everything I love in a romance. The best friends-to-lovers journey was written so beautifully, packed with banter, tension, longing, and so much emotional push and pull. When Roman suggests Braelyn join him on a work trip to Las Vegas and Mexico to check on his new restaurants, things take a turn after a soft opening, an afterparty, too many drinks, and one life-changing dare, a marriage. Add forced proximity, one bed, unresolved feelings, and years of hidden love, and I was completely invested.

Roman’s yearning for Braelyn? Absolute chef’s kiss. This man has loved her forever, so caring for her and putting her first feels natural to him, while Braelyn struggles to process everything, from her recent engagement ending to wondering whether Roman, a man who doesn’t really “do relationships,” could actually mean forever. The emotional tension between them was written so well that I felt every moment of uncertainty, hope, and fear.

I especially loved watching Braelyn become Roman’s sunshine, helping him slowly see that Nash’s death was never his fault. Their emotional growth together felt so genuine and heartfelt.

There’s also an element of suspense throughout, with the possibility of everything unravelling at any moment, which kept me completely hooked. And yes, the spice was HOT 🔥 while still balancing all the emotional depth perfectly.

Only a small thing missing an appearance from Olivia Fritz, still one of my favourites from this world, always such a fun bonus.

🎧 The audiobook elevated this story even more. Austin Stone and Erin Mallon absolutely nailed Roman and Braelyn. Austin perfectly captured Roman’s intensity, vulnerability, and the quiet heartbreak beneath his tough exterior; you could truly feel his longing and devotion for Braelyn. Erin Mallon brought so much warmth, emotion, and authenticity to Braelyn, making her inner conflict feel incredibly real. Together, they brought the banter, chemistry, tension, and emotional moments to life so perfectly that I was completely immersed in their story.

This book had everything: angst, yearning, friendship, heartbreak, healing, tension, spice, and so much heart. One of those stories that completely takes over your life while reading.

[Gabrielle Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ALC review

Forever Fighting is another five-star winner from J. Saman, and at this point, I should probably stop being surprised when she completely wrecks me emotionally.

Roman and Braelyn had me invested from the very first chapter. Best friends brought together by a tragic event in their past, they've spent years building a relationship rooted in trust, loyalty, and unconditional support. The only problem? Roman has been in love with Braelyn for most of that time, and life has never given them the right opportunity to become more.

When Braelyn discovers her fiancé cheating just two weeks before their wedding, her world comes crashing down. Looking for an escape, she agrees to join Roman on a work trip to Las Vegas and Mexico. After one night of drinking, dares, and questionable decisions, they wake up married and suddenly the feelings they've both been avoiding are impossible to ignore.

Roman absolutely stole my heart. His love for Braelyn is unwavering, patient, and selfless. Watching him carry years of feelings while always putting her happiness first was both beautiful and heartbreaking.

"I'm married to the love of my life and to her, it's fake."

Tell me why that line alone almost took me out. 😭

The emotional payoff in this book is incredible because the foundation of their relationship is so strong. Their friendship makes every romantic moment feel earned, every confession more meaningful, and every obstacle that much harder to endure.

And then there's Roman himself. The secret tattoo? Swoon. The unwavering devotion? Swoon. The "my wife" energy? ABSOLUTE SWOON.

The chemistry between these two is fantastic, but what I appreciated most was the trust and communication that existed between them. Their relationship felt mature, healthy, and deeply respectful while still delivering plenty of tension and romance.

"I'm Forever Fighting for you, because winning you has been impossible."

As if I wasn't already crying.

The audiobook narration deserves special recognition because it was perfection. The narrators captured every ounce of longing, heartbreak, humor, and chemistry between Roman and Braelyn. Their performances elevated an already wonderful story and made it impossible to stop listening.

If you love friends-to-lovers romance, years of pining, forced proximity, drunken Vegas weddings, and a hero who has been hopelessly in love with the same woman forever, Forever Fighting absolutely belongs on your TBR.

Thank you J. Saman and Valentine_pr for the ALC 🙌

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

When nurse Braelyn leaves work early her world is turned upside down when she catches her fiancé, Adam, in their bed with another woman just weeks before their wedding. Reeling from the betrayal and unsure of what to do next, she turns to the one person she trusts most for comfort, her best friend, Roman Fritz, a chef by day and underground fighter by night. What she doesn’t realise though is that Roman has secretly been in love with her for years. Wanting to help her escape the heartbreak and the inevitable gossip, Roman convinces Braelyn to join him on a trip to Las Vegas and Mexico where he’s about to open new restaurants. Of course, things don’t go quite as planned, and their spontaneous adventure leads to complications - as everyone knows what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay there, especially when alcohol, impulsive decisions, and wedding chapels are involved making for a fun and entertaining story.

This was such a heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance featuring two characters who were clearly meant for each other. I loved the history between Braelyn and Roman. Their friendship felt authentic, and the emotional layers added depth to their relationship. In the past, Braelyn had dated his younger brother until his tragic death, a loss that left Roman guilt stricken over his inability to save him. That guilt, combined with his loyalty to his brother meant his reluctance to act on his feelings for her in the past was understandable until she became engaged to another man and it was too late for him. Now that she’s no longer with Adam, Roman is determined not to let this chance slip away, despite Adam asking for his help in winning Braelyn back. After all, perhaps the third time really is the charm. However, with Adam scheming to reclaim Braelyn and a mysterious woman intent on sabotaging her happiness, the drama surrounding them continues to escalate. The chemistry between Braelyn and Roman was sizzling, and their banter was one of the highlights of the book. I loved seeing him finally grab the chance to pursue the woman he’d loved for so long. The story also delivered a sprinkling of drama to add a little tension and throw a couple of bumps intheir road to happiness.

As with many of J. Saman’s novels, this book delivers a romance filled with strong family dynamics, witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and a hero who falls hard and isn’t afraid to show it - Roman is a perfectly swoon-worthy bad boy hero making Forever Fighting a wonderful addition to the Forever Boston series.

[Jasmine]

Some romances make you smile. Some make you swoon. And then there are the friends-to-lovers romances that have you practically begging the characters to stop running from what has been right in front of them the entire time.

Forever Fighting was absolutely one of those books.

Roman and Braelyn have been best friends for years, and watching their relationship finally shift into something more was such a satisfying journey. The chemistry between them was there from the very beginning, but what made this story work so well was seeing all the years of friendship, trust, and hidden feelings layered underneath every interaction.

Roman completely stole my heart.

As a celebrity chef and underground boxer, he has this larger-than-life presence, but underneath all of that is a man who has been carrying feelings for Braelyn for far longer than he’s willing to admit. Watching him try to ignore those feelings, convince himself they would never work, and then completely fail at staying away from her made for such an entertaining and emotional read.

Braelyn was equally easy to root for. As an ER nurse, she’s strong, compassionate, and grounded, which balanced Roman’s personality perfectly.

And then there was the accidental Vegas marriage.

The morning-after scene had me laughing so hard. Roman casually admitting that she “kind of missed his lips” during the wedding kiss was exactly the kind of humor and charm that made their relationship feel so natural. Their banter was one of my favorite parts of the entire book.

I also really enjoyed the complicated dating history and connections surrounding the characters. It added an almost drama-series feel to the story without becoming overwhelming. Instead, it gave the book its own unique personality and made the emotional payoff even more rewarding.

I experienced this story through both the ARC and audiobook, and the narrators were absolutely perfect choices for Roman and Braelyn. They brought so much life, emotion, humor, and chemistry to the characters that I found myself completely immersed in their story.

By the end, I was simply happy to see these two finally stop fighting what had always been there. Sometimes the best love stories aren’t about finding the right person—they’re about realizing the right person has been beside you all along.

⭐️ Overall Rating: 4.75/5
🔥 Burn Level: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 4/5
💧 Emotional Impact: 4/5

Thank you to Valentine PR, J. Saman, and the audiobook team for the opportunity to read and listen to this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elif Hazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

ꜰᴏʀᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜰɪɢʜᴛɪɴɢ || ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ

“𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝔂. 𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼.”

✨4/5
🌶️4/5

Oh, my heartbroken Roman. His closest friend, the love of his life, is about to get married, and he has to put up with it. He’s even willing to let his heart bleed just to see Brae happy, My favorite person in the world. The woman who never fails to see light through the dark and make everything shiny and bright. but part of him still wonders what might have been if he hadn’t turned Brae down all those years ago; he imagines himself by her side. And the very reason he turned her down was his fear of making Brae unhappy…

“ℐ 𝒹𝑜𝓃’𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓇𝑒𝑔𝓇𝑒𝓉.”
𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦,
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵?

When Brae finds out her fiancé has been cheating on her, Roman suggests they go to Vegas and Mexico together to cheer her up. One night in Vegas, whilst they’re drinking like mad and celebrating the restaurant’s opening, Roman’s staff convince them both that they need to get married. – Everyone knows Brae because Roman’s always talking about her – Roman isn’t Roman without Brae – and here comes my favourite bit… they get married in Vegas.

“𝘐’𝘮 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘥. 𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴. 𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥.”

I absolutely love the fact that they are each other’s safe place and the bond between them. They are each other’s soulmates.

𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢,

“𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘨𝘶𝘺, 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐’𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

For Brae, Roman is always that safe haven. Everyone who is certain that Roman would do anything for her does everything, but Roman does it only for Brae

𝑅𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑤𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑛 𝑚𝑒. 𝐻𝑒’𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑢𝑦 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑠 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢.

Roman’s decision to complete the half-infinity tattoo he had done with Brae in mind the moment she said ‘I love you’. Because for Roman, infinity begins with Brae

“ 𝘐’𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘉𝘳𝘢𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳.”

The way Roman loves Brae is so special and beautiful that, as far as he is concerned, the world is one thing and Brae is another; 𝑂𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑦, 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝐵𝑟𝑎𝑒𝑙𝑦𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑟. life only has meaning with her.

“𝘉𝘳𝘢𝘦𝘭𝘺𝘯, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶.𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

✨ Celebrity Chef x Nurse
💞 Friends to Lovers
🔥 Age Gap
🥀 Dead Brother’s Ex Girlfriend
🏝️ Vacation Romance
🎰💍 Vegas Wedding Romance