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Forward
He promised to love me forever. But when I woke up to find Levi gone without a trace, he broke that promise.
Lara Gould finally has everything going for her. Amazing job, great apartment and a boyfriend who loves her.
That is, until one night when her past and present collide.
The man she thought she’d love forever vanished without a trace seven years ago, breaking her heart. Suddenly Levi has returned and is making some big waves in Lara’s life. But can she trust him? Why did he leave all those years ago?
Her new boyfriend Tom, is perfect. Smart, sexy and adoring with a British accent Lara can’t help but love. When Tom asks her for a future in another country, Lara finds she has a big decision to make.
Who does she move forward with?
The man of her past or the man of her present.
Warning: Strong language and moderate sexual content
Lara Gould finally has everything going for her. Amazing job, great apartment and a boyfriend who loves her.
That is, until one night when her past and present collide.
The man she thought she’d love forever vanished without a trace seven years ago, breaking her heart. Suddenly Levi has returned and is making some big waves in Lara’s life. But can she trust him? Why did he leave all those years ago?
Her new boyfriend Tom, is perfect. Smart, sexy and adoring with a British accent Lara can’t help but love. When Tom asks her for a future in another country, Lara finds she has a big decision to make.
Who does she move forward with?
The man of her past or the man of her present.
Warning: Strong language and moderate sexual content
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2016
159 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
J. Saman
56 books4,114 followersJ. 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://jsamanbooks.com
To receive a free copy of one of my books, subscribe to my newsletter:
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You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!
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TWITTER
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://jsamanbooks.com
To receive a free copy of one of my books, subscribe to my newsletter:
SUBSCRIBE
You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 27, 2016
J. Saman delivered a whammy with this one. I am going to mention some of things that were great about this book, but the biggest one – by far – was the author’s voice. Voice is that elusive thing… “the author’s personality shining through the characters, narrator and descriptions”… and J. Saman does indeed shine in Forward.
To start with, this is about a classic love triangle. If you aren’t into love triangles (and I know several people who aren’t) then this book is not for you. But, if you are even on the fence, you should give this one a try. You won’t be sorry.
In Forward, Lara is in a serious relationship with Tom, whom she loves, when she bumps into Levi, her best-of-all-possible old flame. Worse for Lara, Levi has a really good reason for breaking her heart and is still gorgeous, sincere and in love with her. As you can imagine, Lara is in a tough spot.
The characters are perfectly believable, stunningly real, and you feel their confusion, pain, lust, etc., right along with them. I have to admit, Lara and her roommate cuss like, well, I was going to say “sailors” but I’ve know some sailors and these girls have them beat. At the same time, it seemed natural to them and frankly had me laughing out loud at times. I also loved that Lara was not some twit but was a strong, smart, ambitious woman who I’d probably like to hang out with. There were some pretty steamy scenes but they were well written.
Reading this book was a pleasure. Once into the story (as of the first page – a tribute to the author’s voice), I was in for good. I will be reading more of Ms. Saman’s work! I strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves a well written contemporary romance.
To start with, this is about a classic love triangle. If you aren’t into love triangles (and I know several people who aren’t) then this book is not for you. But, if you are even on the fence, you should give this one a try. You won’t be sorry.
In Forward, Lara is in a serious relationship with Tom, whom she loves, when she bumps into Levi, her best-of-all-possible old flame. Worse for Lara, Levi has a really good reason for breaking her heart and is still gorgeous, sincere and in love with her. As you can imagine, Lara is in a tough spot.
The characters are perfectly believable, stunningly real, and you feel their confusion, pain, lust, etc., right along with them. I have to admit, Lara and her roommate cuss like, well, I was going to say “sailors” but I’ve know some sailors and these girls have them beat. At the same time, it seemed natural to them and frankly had me laughing out loud at times. I also loved that Lara was not some twit but was a strong, smart, ambitious woman who I’d probably like to hang out with. There were some pretty steamy scenes but they were well written.
Reading this book was a pleasure. Once into the story (as of the first page – a tribute to the author’s voice), I was in for good. I will be reading more of Ms. Saman’s work! I strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves a well written contemporary romance.
August 13, 2017
Promises broken, hearts crushed, emotions manipulated and one of the most uneven romantic triangles ever are going to ring every one of your emotional bells, and some notes will sound like fingernails on a chalkboard. J. Saman’s FORWARD is a tale of lost love, lost trust and learning to love again, or should I say, learning to find the right love to create that happily ever after.
Lara and Levi were in love. They were perfect for each other until one night Levi was just gone, and like a thief in the night, he stole Lara’s heart, her self-confidence and the future she thought they both wanted. Years later, Lara is all grown up and planning a future with Tom, a successful British businessman living in New York and she thinks she has gotten over Levi, until he is once again front and center in her life, and he says he still wants her and, “He can explain,” why he ran out on her without a word for seven long years. Does she give him a chance to explain? Should she? Can she believe him? How can he say she is still madly in love with him, even as she vehemently denies it?
Lara loves, Tom, right? Reliable, lovable, stable and loyal, plus he wants to whisk her away to London for a year when he is temporarily transferred back home. Almost sounds too good to be true, and you know what that could mean...and yet...
Levi is cocky, knows Lara inside and out, understands her and he really did have a pretty good excuse for his vanishing act, but is the hero of young Lara’s dreams able to become the hero of Older Lara’s dreams? Maybe that is all he ever can be, just a dream, maybe it is time for Lara to move FORWARD, or risk becoming the victim of another hit and run heartache, again.
J. Saman had me, hook, line and sinker as Lara’s heart is almost torn into pieces until she realizes only one man can be the duct tape that will make her whole again! What a story, what a presentation, what a mess and yet, every step of the way, J. Saman made me believe this was happening and feeling just as confused as Lara…although I have to say, I think she chose to move FORWARD in the very best way.
Publisher: Pronoun (April 26, 2017)
Publication Date: April 26, 2017
Genre: N/A Romance
Print Length: 350 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 21, 2017
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.
I have to say I was immediately hooked from the summary. There were so many awesome themes. 1. love triangle 2. the perfect boy 3. some from her past comes back and tries to ruin everything she has (okay, that is probably not his intentions but it could seem like it. How could I possibly resist reading this book? Let me just say that the book did not disappoint me! This is is about Lara and she currently has an awesome British boyfriend named Tom. They have been together for 2 years. It is going great until her ex-boyfriend, Levi, comes back to her life. Levi left Lara 7 years ago without a word, just left in the middle of night, no break up. Who does that? Lara was heartbroken, devastated, and broken when this occurred. Now, she kind of protects her heart. She is lucky to have even have let Tom in. With Tom, you can trust that he'll never hurt her and he loves her. He needs to go to London for a job and wants her to go. Lara isn't sure if she could drop everything for a year and go. She is working to get her Masters and she is a nurse practitioner. Levi turns out to be a medical student. The more she encounters Levi, the more she is pushed to go to London. Levi is back and he is back for good. He wants to make it work with Lara but obviously she has a boyfriend and a great life. How is this going to work out? Who will she end up with? Everyone should read this! This book is an awesome book. I was so hooked that I devoured the book in a couple of hours. I could not put it down until I knew what happened. I absolutely love it! Y'all should give it a try!!!!
I have to say I was immediately hooked from the summary. There were so many awesome themes. 1. love triangle 2. the perfect boy 3. some from her past comes back and tries to ruin everything she has (okay, that is probably not his intentions but it could seem like it. How could I possibly resist reading this book? Let me just say that the book did not disappoint me! This is is about Lara and she currently has an awesome British boyfriend named Tom. They have been together for 2 years. It is going great until her ex-boyfriend, Levi, comes back to her life. Levi left Lara 7 years ago without a word, just left in the middle of night, no break up. Who does that? Lara was heartbroken, devastated, and broken when this occurred. Now, she kind of protects her heart. She is lucky to have even have let Tom in. With Tom, you can trust that he'll never hurt her and he loves her. He needs to go to London for a job and wants her to go. Lara isn't sure if she could drop everything for a year and go. She is working to get her Masters and she is a nurse practitioner. Levi turns out to be a medical student. The more she encounters Levi, the more she is pushed to go to London. Levi is back and he is back for good. He wants to make it work with Lara but obviously she has a boyfriend and a great life. How is this going to work out? Who will she end up with? Everyone should read this! This book is an awesome book. I was so hooked that I devoured the book in a couple of hours. I could not put it down until I knew what happened. I absolutely love it! Y'all should give it a try!!!!
Want to read
August 9, 2018💝FREE on iBooks today (8/9/2018)!💝
Blurb:
He promised to love me forever. But when I woke up to find Levi gone without a trace, he broke that promise.
Lara Gould finally has everything going for her. Amazing job, great apartment and a boyfriend who loves her.
That is, until one night when her past and present collide.
The man she thought she’d love forever vanished without a trace seven years ago, breaking her heart. Suddenly Levi has returned and is making some big waves in Lara’s life. But can she trust him? Why did he leave all those years ago?
Her new boyfriend Tom, is perfect. Smart, sexy and adoring with a British accent Lara can’t help but love. When Tom asks her for a future in another country, Lara finds she has a big decision to make.
Who does she move forward with?
The man of her past or the man of her present.
Blurb:
He promised to love me forever. But when I woke up to find Levi gone without a trace, he broke that promise.
Lara Gould finally has everything going for her. Amazing job, great apartment and a boyfriend who loves her.
That is, until one night when her past and present collide.
The man she thought she’d love forever vanished without a trace seven years ago, breaking her heart. Suddenly Levi has returned and is making some big waves in Lara’s life. But can she trust him? Why did he leave all those years ago?
Her new boyfriend Tom, is perfect. Smart, sexy and adoring with a British accent Lara can’t help but love. When Tom asks her for a future in another country, Lara finds she has a big decision to make.
Who does she move forward with?
The man of her past or the man of her present.
August 13, 2016
Forward
J Saman
I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
Oh my goodness! What a perfect story FORWARD by J. Saman is. I was hooked on Lara and her life from the very first chapter. Lara is a nurse in a Boston hospital and she has the perfect life. She also has a perfect boyfriend of two years, a Brit named Tom who adores her. Her life is right where she wants it to be until one night when her past comes crashing back to her in the ER where she is working. She needs to stitch up the hand on Levi, a guy who broke her heart and destroyed her seven years ago.
Lara wants nothing to do with Levi Katz and she tries to get out of stitching him up but no one else will do it. All those emotions from seven years ago come rushing back to her and she is going to have a panic attack if she doesn't calm down. FORWARD is definitely the way she wants to move, not backwards when Levi shredded her heart. Can life get any worse? Oh, on top of seeing the guy who destroyed her seven years ago Tom tells her that he needs to go to England for a year and wants Lara to go with him. She meets Levi a few days later and he explains what happened to make him leave.
Lara is torn. How can she go to England for a year when Levi has just found her after all this time? She always thought Levi was THE ONE and when he left, she cried for three days straight. It took her many years to get over him and to even think about trusting someone else with her heart. Eventually she did and that guy was Tom. Now here he is telling her he has to go and he wants her with him. What is Lara going to do? Doesn't she love Tom now? Isn't she over Levi? Why should it matter that he is back?
FORWARD had me reading like a mad woman, swiping the pages like crazy and holding my breath. I was instantly invested in Lara and really wanted her to just tell Levi to go to hell and for her to leave with Tom. But after hearing Levi's explanation and what happened, I knew I was a goner......sorry Tom. J. Saman has once again left me in tears and crying for more. I now know I will devour everything this awesome author writes and do it all easily with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes.
J Saman
I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
Oh my goodness! What a perfect story FORWARD by J. Saman is. I was hooked on Lara and her life from the very first chapter. Lara is a nurse in a Boston hospital and she has the perfect life. She also has a perfect boyfriend of two years, a Brit named Tom who adores her. Her life is right where she wants it to be until one night when her past comes crashing back to her in the ER where she is working. She needs to stitch up the hand on Levi, a guy who broke her heart and destroyed her seven years ago.
Lara wants nothing to do with Levi Katz and she tries to get out of stitching him up but no one else will do it. All those emotions from seven years ago come rushing back to her and she is going to have a panic attack if she doesn't calm down. FORWARD is definitely the way she wants to move, not backwards when Levi shredded her heart. Can life get any worse? Oh, on top of seeing the guy who destroyed her seven years ago Tom tells her that he needs to go to England for a year and wants Lara to go with him. She meets Levi a few days later and he explains what happened to make him leave.
Lara is torn. How can she go to England for a year when Levi has just found her after all this time? She always thought Levi was THE ONE and when he left, she cried for three days straight. It took her many years to get over him and to even think about trusting someone else with her heart. Eventually she did and that guy was Tom. Now here he is telling her he has to go and he wants her with him. What is Lara going to do? Doesn't she love Tom now? Isn't she over Levi? Why should it matter that he is back?
FORWARD had me reading like a mad woman, swiping the pages like crazy and holding my breath. I was instantly invested in Lara and really wanted her to just tell Levi to go to hell and for her to leave with Tom. But after hearing Levi's explanation and what happened, I knew I was a goner......sorry Tom. J. Saman has once again left me in tears and crying for more. I now know I will devour everything this awesome author writes and do it all easily with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes.
November 2, 2016
After reading Start Again, I couldn't wait to curl up on the sofa and begin Forward. Saman knows how to tug at your heart strings by creating realistic characters that will keep you invested in the story up until the very end. For example; Lara~a strong independent female lead, Tom~her sexy British boyfriend and Amara~her sassy BFF. Oh, and I can't forget Levi~Lara's first love. Without him, we couldn't move Forward...
Lara thought she had the perfect life. Until, the boy from her past suddenly appears in the ER late one evening. Levi was her one true love who suddenly left without a word. Emotions rise to the surface as she stitches his hand while her thunderous heart betrays her. Could she still have feelings for the one who left her behind?
Lara loves Tom and she's secure in his love for her. She knows he would never walk away like Levi did all those years ago. Their relationship is rock solid. Or so she thinks, until Tom asks her to move to London with him. Lara knows she'd have to put her career on hold if she went with him. Could she give up nursing for the man she loves?
In the beginning, I found myself rooting for Tom. Sorry, I love a sexy Brit! Who doesn't love that accent? Swoon..Then once the story unfolded, I rooted for Levi. Personally, I was torn between both! Regardless, in the end, Saman does a wonderful job of giving us a HEA..
I highly recommend this book to all lovers of contemporary romance. Steamy scenes so must be 18+.
Lara thought she had the perfect life. Until, the boy from her past suddenly appears in the ER late one evening. Levi was her one true love who suddenly left without a word. Emotions rise to the surface as she stitches his hand while her thunderous heart betrays her. Could she still have feelings for the one who left her behind?
Lara loves Tom and she's secure in his love for her. She knows he would never walk away like Levi did all those years ago. Their relationship is rock solid. Or so she thinks, until Tom asks her to move to London with him. Lara knows she'd have to put her career on hold if she went with him. Could she give up nursing for the man she loves?
In the beginning, I found myself rooting for Tom. Sorry, I love a sexy Brit! Who doesn't love that accent? Swoon..Then once the story unfolded, I rooted for Levi. Personally, I was torn between both! Regardless, in the end, Saman does a wonderful job of giving us a HEA..
I highly recommend this book to all lovers of contemporary romance. Steamy scenes so must be 18+.
May 14, 2017
I have found a new author to read in J. Saman. I will sometimes (ok a lot) of times while reading a book skip to the end to see what will happen, but with this book I just kept turning the pages too caught up in Lara and feeling every emotion right along with her that I just didn't want to miss anything. I hurt with her I cried with her. I can't express enough with words how wonderful this story is. I didn't want it to end. I loved Lara, I loved Levi and I loved Tom someone was going to get hurt and bad it just had to happen but through it all I was Lara's cheerleader.
February 13, 2017
Damn. Forward was quite a ride. I was impressed by Lara – her voice was tremendously appealing. Witty, feisty, extremely relatable. I mean, chocolate, pho, bubble baths, Manhattans, nachos, and a filthy mouth? Yup. I’d be her friend. Even when I was getting annoyed at her for s***-shaming her coworker, she immediately scorned herself for it, which was really cool – you don’t often see that in romance novels. I like the fact that the author didn’t fall all the way into the “all other women are skanks and they’re awful!” trope, ‘cause I hate that.
From the first page and the first signs of conflict, you’re convinced that Lara’s feelings are genuine. You believe in her confusion. You certainly feel her devotion to her career. And while the opening scene sets you up for bad news about Tom, their relationship builds and grows throughout the book until you don’t know who to root for! I will say, I was Team Tom for 98% of the story. Levi came off as a creepy stalker in the beginning, and then I thought he was super manipulative and frustrating and just urghhh. But, of course, you could see that he was trying to do right by Lara, but his feelings kept getting in the way, which gave him some leeway in my eyes.
The side characters were charming. From Tanya to Amara, I was sold. Sue was great, and I really liked that hipster bartender too – actually, I might have been Team Bartender…
A few things kept me from giving this book 5 stars. Something really didn’t sit right with me about Levi’s reason for leaving. The explanation was sound in terms of giving him a foolproof excuse but…I don’t know. It seemed like it belonged in a suspense or thriller novel instead of a romantic novel? The story was so rooted in reality that to suddenly be hit like WHAM with this wild, action-packed, craziness put me off a bit. Not that things like that don’t happen in real life (sorry, I really don’t want to spoil the book for anyone!) – but it just didn’t seem to “fit” in the story. It was too foolproof, if that makes sense. No loose threads – and real life is full of loose threads! And it comes back at the end with a real WTF moment…I don’t know. I just wasn’t buying it. (Okay I can’t hold back. One spoiler
Other than that, I thought that some chapters were given more attention and care than others. It could definitely use some editing, and sometimes I felt the writing was a bit lackluster, which was a shame because the author is clearly a super talented writer! And I wish Levi had been a little more sympathetic. I can totally see being hung up on your high school love but…yeah, he was a bit of a dolt at times! Seems like the writer recognized the challenges in his character, and I applaud the fact that, at the very least, he was waaaaaaaaaaaay sexier than Tom ;)
100% recommend this book to anyone. It kept me engaged from the first page to the last, and with a bit of polishing it could shine even brighter! I’ll be looking for more books from this author…as long as she keeps writing female characters like Lara, I’ll be drawing myself a bubble bath and pouring myself a Manhattan while I load up my Kindle.
From the first page and the first signs of conflict, you’re convinced that Lara’s feelings are genuine. You believe in her confusion. You certainly feel her devotion to her career. And while the opening scene sets you up for bad news about Tom, their relationship builds and grows throughout the book until you don’t know who to root for! I will say, I was Team Tom for 98% of the story. Levi came off as a creepy stalker in the beginning, and then I thought he was super manipulative and frustrating and just urghhh. But, of course, you could see that he was trying to do right by Lara, but his feelings kept getting in the way, which gave him some leeway in my eyes.
The side characters were charming. From Tanya to Amara, I was sold. Sue was great, and I really liked that hipster bartender too – actually, I might have been Team Bartender…
A few things kept me from giving this book 5 stars. Something really didn’t sit right with me about Levi’s reason for leaving. The explanation was sound in terms of giving him a foolproof excuse but…I don’t know. It seemed like it belonged in a suspense or thriller novel instead of a romantic novel? The story was so rooted in reality that to suddenly be hit like WHAM with this wild, action-packed, craziness put me off a bit. Not that things like that don’t happen in real life (sorry, I really don’t want to spoil the book for anyone!) – but it just didn’t seem to “fit” in the story. It was too foolproof, if that makes sense. No loose threads – and real life is full of loose threads! And it comes back at the end with a real WTF moment…I don’t know. I just wasn’t buying it. (Okay I can’t hold back. One spoiler
Other than that, I thought that some chapters were given more attention and care than others. It could definitely use some editing, and sometimes I felt the writing was a bit lackluster, which was a shame because the author is clearly a super talented writer! And I wish Levi had been a little more sympathetic. I can totally see being hung up on your high school love but…yeah, he was a bit of a dolt at times! Seems like the writer recognized the challenges in his character, and I applaud the fact that, at the very least, he was waaaaaaaaaaaay sexier than Tom ;)
100% recommend this book to anyone. It kept me engaged from the first page to the last, and with a bit of polishing it could shine even brighter! I’ll be looking for more books from this author…as long as she keeps writing female characters like Lara, I’ll be drawing myself a bubble bath and pouring myself a Manhattan while I load up my Kindle.
March 24, 2019
My first time with this author and it was free. It’s been six months since I picked up a book so I needed to start off slow and this was perfect. It was a second chance, on the lighter side, quick read.
September 28, 2018
A Disappointment
I really tried to love these characters, but in the end, couldn't. Lara, our 26 year old main character, keeps two men dangling because she "loves" them both. And they are both good men. She isn't the strong female lead that Saman says she is. Wishy-washy would be my description. And she is still having hot sex with Tom, the current lover, almost to the end. Certainly wouldn't have liked her first love, Levi, to be doing the deed with another woman, I can tell you. Levi deserved more than he got with twit Lara.
Cannot recommend this book. And Saman should find a better editor. I hate finding errors.
I really tried to love these characters, but in the end, couldn't. Lara, our 26 year old main character, keeps two men dangling because she "loves" them both. And they are both good men. She isn't the strong female lead that Saman says she is. Wishy-washy would be my description. And she is still having hot sex with Tom, the current lover, almost to the end. Certainly wouldn't have liked her first love, Levi, to be doing the deed with another woman, I can tell you. Levi deserved more than he got with twit Lara.
Cannot recommend this book. And Saman should find a better editor. I hate finding errors.
June 3, 2017
Things finally seem to be coming together for Lara. Her boyfriend Tom has asked her to move to London with him for a year. They'd be living together and headed for marriage, but just when she should be the happiest her old boyfriend Levi comes back into the picture. After hearing why he left in the first place, she is more sympathetic, but now she must choose...
This is a great contemporary romance, and the storyline is unique enough to really pull you in and keep you guessing. It offers more than just a love story -its a story of personal growth and the process of healing.
This is a great contemporary romance, and the storyline is unique enough to really pull you in and keep you guessing. It offers more than just a love story -its a story of personal growth and the process of healing.
November 30, 2016
This was such a great romance novel!
I loved all the characters in this book. Lara was really likable, and I loved that she had a choice between two really good guys rather than having an obvious villain from the start. The plot moved quickly, and I read most of it in one day! It definitely kept me guessing till the end.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written romance novel with realistic characters.
I loved all the characters in this book. Lara was really likable, and I loved that she had a choice between two really good guys rather than having an obvious villain from the start. The plot moved quickly, and I read most of it in one day! It definitely kept me guessing till the end.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written romance novel with realistic characters.
May 18, 2018
I have no idea where I got this book, whether from a freebie email or post but damn am I glad I did. What a fantastic story with love triangles, drama, sass and sarcasm. Some very unexpected turn of events had me falling in love with these characters. Hoping there is a book two!!
July 28, 2017
This is an amazing story! Lara and Tom are happy, content, and moving forward (albeit slowly) until Lara's past love comes crashing back into her life. I really enjoyed J. Saman's writing style and I was intensely invested in these characters as the story unfolded. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
May 4, 2018
This was really good. I'm glad the author had a really legitimate and conscious reason for the separation. I'm glad that this story wasn't about the woman flip flopping between men, and she truly wanted to move forward. You do love who you love though, but if you can't see a forever with that person no matter the circumstances that's your sign to let go and move on.
August 21, 2016
Forward is a novel by J. Saman. It is very realistic and fun to read. The plot it simple and yet complex. There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing as to what will happen next. There are several really interesting twists that make you want the book to continue on.
Lara Gould is finishing up her masters as a Nurse practitioner and working full time as a nurse at the ER in New York City. Luckily she lives only four blocks from the hospital in an apartment her parents bought for her as a graduation gift. She and a fellow nurse Amara live together and work together. Lara has been dating Tom for two years and things are getting serious between them. Lara isn’t sure she wants to move too fast; but she knows she does love Tom. Then, to her horror, her ex-boyfriend returns after seven years. He had simply disappeared from her life seven years ago and now has returned. Why? What does he want?
This is a book that simply must be read.
Lara Gould is finishing up her masters as a Nurse practitioner and working full time as a nurse at the ER in New York City. Luckily she lives only four blocks from the hospital in an apartment her parents bought for her as a graduation gift. She and a fellow nurse Amara live together and work together. Lara has been dating Tom for two years and things are getting serious between them. Lara isn’t sure she wants to move too fast; but she knows she does love Tom. Then, to her horror, her ex-boyfriend returns after seven years. He had simply disappeared from her life seven years ago and now has returned. Why? What does he want?
This is a book that simply must be read.
June 19, 2017
I have been a huge fan of J Saman for the past two years. And this book, although not my favourite, has some major squealing and amazing parts. And all those belong in the present.
I did not like Levi, for some reason. I love Lara herself and Tom. And Amara. J Saman's men are goals.
Overall, this is what I expected from an author I love. The story just flowed and flowed. I caught my breath quite a few times because of the unexpectedness.
I did not like Levi, for some reason. I love Lara herself and Tom. And Amara. J Saman's men are goals.
Overall, this is what I expected from an author I love. The story just flowed and flowed. I caught my breath quite a few times because of the unexpectedness.
May 12, 2016
Really fun read. Loved the characters!
June 9, 2017
Um, wow.
First. I am a SUCKER for a good love triangle when delivered to me flawlessly. This one was delivered on a silver platter.
Lara is amazing and her "voice" is brilliant, and J. Saman has a new super-fan in me. And the guys, Levi and Tom - had me sympathetic to them both - which is a first for me. I usually have a "team".
Overall, I loved reading this book. I pretty much devoured it in a day and a half.
First. I am a SUCKER for a good love triangle when delivered to me flawlessly. This one was delivered on a silver platter.
Lara is amazing and her "voice" is brilliant, and J. Saman has a new super-fan in me. And the guys, Levi and Tom - had me sympathetic to them both - which is a first for me. I usually have a "team".
Overall, I loved reading this book. I pretty much devoured it in a day and a half.
July 18, 2017
Wow... my heart hurts for all the characters involved. I love when a book does that but wow, for a while I have to, as Lara did at the end, take a few moments to assimilate all those feelings of loss, found, love, loss...
I'm not a big fan of love triangles. It typically seems forced-to-resolution with me in other stories, but this one resolved well.
I LOVED when It was good. It was all good! LOL
I'm not a big fan of love triangles. It typically seems forced-to-resolution with me in other stories, but this one resolved well.
I LOVED when It was good. It was all good! LOL
August 7, 2017
I loved this book. Ms Saman is becoming one of my favorite authors. It is a wonderful second chance romance with a love triangle and lots of romance and suspense.
September 3, 2018
A good read! I love strong female characters!
May 1, 2021
Wow! Lara and Levi were everything! I'm so happy they got their second chance! I couldn't get enough of them! I really didn't want it to end! I'm definitely going to miss these two. 😭💙
November 1, 2018
Awesome read
It is a good love story. Add Levi to the mix and you almost know from the start that Tom doesn't stand a chance a forever love with Lara. The chemistry between Lara and Levi is sexy. It makes you want them to end up together in the end. I'd enjoy reading a sequel to Lara and Levi's story.
Now on to "Beautiful Potential".
It is a good love story. Add Levi to the mix and you almost know from the start that Tom doesn't stand a chance a forever love with Lara. The chemistry between Lara and Levi is sexy. It makes you want them to end up together in the end. I'd enjoy reading a sequel to Lara and Levi's story.
Now on to "Beautiful Potential".
June 21, 2018
A remarkable story that tugged on my heartstrings. While I've never experienced what Lara has, the author wrote her character so well, it was very easy to put myself in her place. Both Tom and Levi's characters along with the secondary ones were believable and made the entire story read smoothly.
December 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this story!! I loved the layout, the plot twists, and the characters!
Levi steps back into Lara's life, and just expects things to be the way they were 7 years ago when he left unexpectedly. Lara is dating someone else that's now asked her to move to London with them.
Levi doesn't give up on her, and Amara, her bestie, helps along the way. Tom, the current BF, proposes, but what does Lara do? Does Lara go and be with Tom in London, or does she stay and start a new life with Levi, and his sister Tanya?
Levi steps back into Lara's life, and just expects things to be the way they were 7 years ago when he left unexpectedly. Lara is dating someone else that's now asked her to move to London with them.
Levi doesn't give up on her, and Amara, her bestie, helps along the way. Tom, the current BF, proposes, but what does Lara do? Does Lara go and be with Tom in London, or does she stay and start a new life with Levi, and his sister Tanya?
January 7, 2020
4 stars
I'm slowly going back and discovering all of this author's previous books. This is the first book and wrote. It is fascinating to see how far she has come in her writing because this is good but not as good as her latest books. This book had potential but I just wanted more.
I'm slowly going back and discovering all of this author's previous books. This is the first book and wrote. It is fascinating to see how far she has come in her writing because this is good but not as good as her latest books. This book had potential but I just wanted more.
October 11, 2016
*E-book is received from author in exchange for an honest review*
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤( 4 stars)
Forward is a captivating read, packed with a very interesting love triangle angst and romance that you would absolutely love to indulge.
❣ My Opinion❣
In all honesty, I am actually not a big fan of love triangle tropes usually because the person I'm rooting for always lose and left me upset and disappointed but surprisingly, Forward is an exception and I'm delighted that I've read this story.
Initially I kind of think Levi is a bit creepy with him following Lara around and demanding she talked to him but only for a little because I like the idea that he and Lara had a past together. I really am such a sucker for that kind of romance I don't know why.
Anyway, initially I was thinking that Tom is such a wonderful guy and he really is a perfect boyfriend to Lara but as the story gradually shift focus to Levi I've found myself shifting my liking to Levi's character as well. So when the story ended I'm happy that I wasn't feeling upset with the person Lara ends up with. In fact, I am pretty much stoked the way it ended and I feel genuinely happy for the male and female lead characters.
On a side note though, I actually cried when Lana and Tom broke up because break ups are always sad and that scene felt so real but at the same moment, there is also a part of me want to do a happy dance for Levi so I don't know what that makes me :S
Things that I love about the book:
1. I love how Levi understands Lara so well. I am so digging the way he seems to always know what she is feeling. Or even when she is lying lol. I believe that's the way it should if we truly love someone.
2. I am also liking Tom's character although he does not ends up with Lara. He really is a perfect boyfriend aside of him being so busy. He is sweet, caring, gentleman, rich, British, and he buys groceries while he let her girlfriend take a rest. And did I mentioned he is rich and British? :P
3. The ending is sooooo nice! I love it so much. It makes the story feels satisfying and fulfilling.
Things that I can live without from the book:
1. I like Tom's character a lot but there is this scene where I dislike him. It's the scene when Tom is playing with Lara's ring finger when they haven't even got engaged yet. It's rather disturbing and spooky of Tom doing that.
2. I know I said I love the ending so much but I don't really like it when I don't know the mystery of Levi's grandfather. But he is not the main character so no biggie.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is that this book is really worth a read. Its a bit angsty but a good one so it would be perfect for those who loves a good angsty romance with a good looking British and an irresistible future Doctor :)
My review is also posted at my blog:
http://sweetheartreads.blogspot.com/2...
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤( 4 stars)
Forward is a captivating read, packed with a very interesting love triangle angst and romance that you would absolutely love to indulge.
❣ My Opinion❣
In all honesty, I am actually not a big fan of love triangle tropes usually because the person I'm rooting for always lose and left me upset and disappointed but surprisingly, Forward is an exception and I'm delighted that I've read this story.
Initially I kind of think Levi is a bit creepy with him following Lara around and demanding she talked to him but only for a little because I like the idea that he and Lara had a past together. I really am such a sucker for that kind of romance I don't know why.
Anyway, initially I was thinking that Tom is such a wonderful guy and he really is a perfect boyfriend to Lara but as the story gradually shift focus to Levi I've found myself shifting my liking to Levi's character as well. So when the story ended I'm happy that I wasn't feeling upset with the person Lara ends up with. In fact, I am pretty much stoked the way it ended and I feel genuinely happy for the male and female lead characters.
On a side note though, I actually cried when Lana and Tom broke up because break ups are always sad and that scene felt so real but at the same moment, there is also a part of me want to do a happy dance for Levi so I don't know what that makes me :S
Things that I love about the book:
1. I love how Levi understands Lara so well. I am so digging the way he seems to always know what she is feeling. Or even when she is lying lol. I believe that's the way it should if we truly love someone.
2. I am also liking Tom's character although he does not ends up with Lara. He really is a perfect boyfriend aside of him being so busy. He is sweet, caring, gentleman, rich, British, and he buys groceries while he let her girlfriend take a rest. And did I mentioned he is rich and British? :P
3. The ending is sooooo nice! I love it so much. It makes the story feels satisfying and fulfilling.
Things that I can live without from the book:
1. I like Tom's character a lot but there is this scene where I dislike him. It's the scene when Tom is playing with Lara's ring finger when they haven't even got engaged yet. It's rather disturbing and spooky of Tom doing that.
2. I know I said I love the ending so much but I don't really like it when I don't know the mystery of Levi's grandfather. But he is not the main character so no biggie.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is that this book is really worth a read. Its a bit angsty but a good one so it would be perfect for those who loves a good angsty romance with a good looking British and an irresistible future Doctor :)
My review is also posted at my blog:
http://sweetheartreads.blogspot.com/2...
October 30, 2016
I received Forward by The author in exchange for an honest review.
*THERE ARE SOME SPOILERS*
This is the second novel by J. Saman that I have read, and I love it just as much (if not more, than Start Again, I can't decide!). Lara, whose character I love, is the protagonist of the story. She's been broken since her past, and even though she thinks she's completely healed, she isn't. There's just one thing, or someone holding her back, that even she can't see. To save an innocent life, Levi would have to leave the love of his life in the middle of the night with no explanation. Even though he succeeded, it didn't take the pain away or change how he felt about Lara.
I love Lara's personality, from her wittiness and dirty mouth, to the way she wants to help people. She is portrayed as a strong, independent woman just trying to move forward in her life with Tom. I really liked Tom's character, (except for a few instances after he moves away) and I feel like he was great for Lara for the time being. Once Levi came back into the picture, I just knew that the two of them were meant to be.
In the end, when things were just not working out between Lara and Tom, (and I was rooting for her to be with Levi) I still cried as if I knew these people personally. Even though it wasn't meant to be for Lara to move forward in life with Tom, it doesn't mean I didn't adore him. He was the perfect gentleman, and truly did care for Lara.
Most people have experienced a love triangle at least once in their life, and the scenarios used in Forward seemed just as real.
If you're looking for a novel that's full of wittiness, true love, suspense and that'll keep you laughing, Forward is the one for you!
*THERE ARE SOME SPOILERS*
This is the second novel by J. Saman that I have read, and I love it just as much (if not more, than Start Again, I can't decide!). Lara, whose character I love, is the protagonist of the story. She's been broken since her past, and even though she thinks she's completely healed, she isn't. There's just one thing, or someone holding her back, that even she can't see. To save an innocent life, Levi would have to leave the love of his life in the middle of the night with no explanation. Even though he succeeded, it didn't take the pain away or change how he felt about Lara.
I love Lara's personality, from her wittiness and dirty mouth, to the way she wants to help people. She is portrayed as a strong, independent woman just trying to move forward in her life with Tom. I really liked Tom's character, (except for a few instances after he moves away) and I feel like he was great for Lara for the time being. Once Levi came back into the picture, I just knew that the two of them were meant to be.
In the end, when things were just not working out between Lara and Tom, (and I was rooting for her to be with Levi) I still cried as if I knew these people personally. Even though it wasn't meant to be for Lara to move forward in life with Tom, it doesn't mean I didn't adore him. He was the perfect gentleman, and truly did care for Lara.
Most people have experienced a love triangle at least once in their life, and the scenarios used in Forward seemed just as real.
If you're looking for a novel that's full of wittiness, true love, suspense and that'll keep you laughing, Forward is the one for you!
November 12, 2016
I love the fact that Saman has written a very strong female main character. I love the fact Lara clearly knows who she is, and isn't afraid to be herself. She is ambitious, career driven, and yet vulnerable.
I really appreciated that the two males, Levi and Tom are poles apart from one another. That automatically made it easier for me to pick my own personal favourite between them. That is, until my favourite started doing a few things I found a little unnerving!
In fact, both of the men I found quite flawed at times, and yes human=flawed, but personally I would have been running far, far away from Tom with his crazy-arsed ideas of women not working and Levi's almost stalking tendency. In the city for three years and keeping tabs on her all that time? Can you say 'stalker'?
But this only goes to show that I was getting invested in this book. If an author can get a visceral reaction from me about their characters then they're doing something very right. And Saman has done a lot right here.
The one thing I did find very off-putting and it is my one big negative for this book was the language. Yes, there is a warning about strong language and I am by no means a prude, but I found it excessive. I didn't find Lara and her best friend referring to one another as a c**tling or b***h on the occasions they did as endearing or as a sign of their friendship. I found it crass and unnecessary. The language the rest of the time didn't bother me in the slightest, but these moments were really quite jarring.
This aside, it was a good read. Didn't quite hit the heights of being a stellar read, but well worth the hours spent.
I really appreciated that the two males, Levi and Tom are poles apart from one another. That automatically made it easier for me to pick my own personal favourite between them. That is, until my favourite started doing a few things I found a little unnerving!
In fact, both of the men I found quite flawed at times, and yes human=flawed, but personally I would have been running far, far away from Tom with his crazy-arsed ideas of women not working and Levi's almost stalking tendency. In the city for three years and keeping tabs on her all that time? Can you say 'stalker'?
But this only goes to show that I was getting invested in this book. If an author can get a visceral reaction from me about their characters then they're doing something very right. And Saman has done a lot right here.
The one thing I did find very off-putting and it is my one big negative for this book was the language. Yes, there is a warning about strong language and I am by no means a prude, but I found it excessive. I didn't find Lara and her best friend referring to one another as a c**tling or b***h on the occasions they did as endearing or as a sign of their friendship. I found it crass and unnecessary. The language the rest of the time didn't bother me in the slightest, but these moments were really quite jarring.
This aside, it was a good read. Didn't quite hit the heights of being a stellar read, but well worth the hours spent.
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