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Playing for Love #3
First and Forever
A fun and steamy, soulmate, boy falls first, fake relationship romance by critically acclaimed author Eve Dangerfield
Scottish millionaire and football player, Sloan “Willow” Williams has looked for love in all the wrong places. But the minute he sees Popstar Eden Jade Cartwright, he immediately knows she is The One for him. The problem: her entourage won’t allow him near her, even if Eden feels their connection too.
Aside from an International music career, Eden doesn’t want for anything. She does, however, enjoy being worshiped by Willow, which the giant redhead seems inclined to do. But with a world tour beckoning, now isn’t the time for a boyfriend.
The Solution: They both agree to a short, fake relationship that will boost Eden in the public eye while also allowing them to have a temporary, no-strings affair. But what happens when they both realize they may want their arrangement to turn into something more permanent after the tour?
First and Forever is a contemporary, standalone romance novel by the critically acclaimed author Eve Dangerfield.
"Unapologetically steamy and completely refreshing. First and Forever is yet another reminder we should all be raving about Eve Dangerfield. All. The. Time.” NYT Bestseller, LJ Shen
"Sexy, wrenching, real. Too damn good to stop.” USA Today Bestseller, Amy Andrews
“I want to live in this book. Everything Eve Dangerfield writes is fun and sexy and so real I feel like I’ve lived it myself.” Award-winning author, Adriana Anders
Scottish millionaire and football player, Sloan “Willow” Williams has looked for love in all the wrong places. But the minute he sees Popstar Eden Jade Cartwright, he immediately knows she is The One for him. The problem: her entourage won’t allow him near her, even if Eden feels their connection too.
Aside from an International music career, Eden doesn’t want for anything. She does, however, enjoy being worshiped by Willow, which the giant redhead seems inclined to do. But with a world tour beckoning, now isn’t the time for a boyfriend.
The Solution: They both agree to a short, fake relationship that will boost Eden in the public eye while also allowing them to have a temporary, no-strings affair. But what happens when they both realize they may want their arrangement to turn into something more permanent after the tour?
First and Forever is a contemporary, standalone romance novel by the critically acclaimed author Eve Dangerfield.
"Unapologetically steamy and completely refreshing. First and Forever is yet another reminder we should all be raving about Eve Dangerfield. All. The. Time.” NYT Bestseller, LJ Shen
"Sexy, wrenching, real. Too damn good to stop.” USA Today Bestseller, Amy Andrews
“I want to live in this book. Everything Eve Dangerfield writes is fun and sexy and so real I feel like I’ve lived it myself.” Award-winning author, Adriana Anders
276 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2022
35 people are currently reading
1010 people want to read
About the author
Eve Dangerfield
30 books1,471 followersEve Dangerfield has loved romance novels ever since she first swiped her grandmother’s paperbacks. Now she writes her own stories about complicated women and gorgeous-but-slightly-tortured men. Her work has been described as 'genre-defying,' and ‘the defibrillator contemporary romance needs right now'. And not just by those who might one day need bone marrow! She lives in Melbourne with her beautiful family and can generally be found making a mess.
www.instagram.com/evedangerfield/
www.instagram.com/evedangerfield/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
April 17, 2022
4.5 stars ✨
Holy shit, this was a pleasant surprise. This book was filthy sweet. I liked it as much if not more than Act Your Age.
"I don't want to be a jerk, but I meant what I said. I'm not looking for anything serious. I work crazy hours and I'm not into what I think you're into."
Willow leaned forward, his chest distractingly visible between the V of his shirt collar.
"What kind of girl are you?"
"Did you see me onstage? With the veil and high heels?"
"I did. You were the sexiest thing I'd ever looked at."
Eden froze. He said it so easily, it cut a little. Weren't they supposed to be playing games? Being kinda mean to each other?
Willow wanted to smile but it hurt too bad. He knew Eden saw herself as tough, a badass, but there was so much little girl in her. It was what her fans loved, that mix of innocence and bravado, beauty and catastrophe. She was Peter Pan, living in her trash pile, telling herself she was grownup because she could eat candy whenever she wanted.
The juxtaposition of the golden boy (well accomplished jock, pedigree family, good friends, good career, etc) with the rebellious DJ trying to make it big was delicious.
At first I was afraid I wouldn't be able to relate to either character because I can't relate to being a dj or football player, but the author was brilliant in making the struggles these two went through down to earth. Anyone who has been in relationship should be able to relate to what this couple goes through.
✨ Eden
Is the jaded 25 year old, focusing on her career, and trying to have what she thinks is fun. When the author described the Sunday afternoon blues Eden felt I related so hard to that feeling when I was Eden's age and not sure what I was doing with my life.
Sometimes Eden woke up with a broken heart. The second she opened her eyes on Sunday afternoon, she felt it. The drifting ache. The sense she'd entered the wrong ballroom and been crowned queen of someone else's life.
I was afraid Eden would be unlikable, because she is introduced to the reader with a certain bravado while she's onstage, but the author did an amazing job unraveling her vulnerabilities.
✨ Willow
The 33 year old on the tail end of his football career, ready to fall in love and settle down. Hella idealistic. I suppose some could say he falls in insta-love with Eden, but I've totally met guys like this. Once they get an idea for a girl they start imagining her as their future wife and mother of their children and they go for their dream. I kinda loved how he was described as not the most handsome, and that he had to work to get women. It helped balance out the semi-famous status he had that I'm not typically attracted too.
What was so wholesome about their romance was that these two clearly brought out the best in each other. If anyone has been in bad relationships in your early 20s, I think most can relate to the first time you're in a healthy relationship and the refreshing, though slightly off-balancing experience it is. Since I've started reading romance I can count on one hand how many times I've crushed on the male characters. I read so much toxic shit, most of the time I'm grateful I don't know the men irl. I actually crushed on this guy while reading, and I can't remember the last time I did that.
✨ The smut
Was smokin' hot. Loved the attention to detail of their first kiss ❤️ So, Eve advertised a Victorian doctor role-play scenario on her insta and I was wondering how in the world she would pull it off in a romcom, but she somehow pulled it off. It was both hilarious and hot. I was going to dock a star b/c I still find it unbelievable this dude could role play so well with no prior experience doing that kind of thing, but whatever it was so hot I'm letting it slide.
Btw for those wondering there's no daddy or bdsm kink in this book. Just a couple role-play scenarios, though the h does talk about having a safe word to end the role-play.
✨ The writing
Absolutely stellar. I read so much dark romance with toxic relationships this book made me feel like a human again. I can read a sweet and funny romance, I just need it to be well-written. While this is nothing like a Penelope Douglas or Angel Lawson & Samantha Rue book, the writing was engaging like their books are. The characters have unique personalities, and I know details about them like their favorite kind of foods, clothes to wear, their favorite type of music, etc. The plot felt organic and the character development was executed well. This is definitely different than Act Your Age, but has the same humour and emotional punch to the overall narrative arc.
There were a shit ton of references and I didn't get all of them. I liked the references, but yeah, there's a lot. I think even if people don't get all of them there's enough context. The setting is in Australia, and I forgot what things like a 'can of Mother' was, etc. I really liked that the author didn't water down the references though and this felt v. Australian.
✨ Random thoughts
The wedding dress shtick was on the nose. I get the symbolism and what the heroine was trying to do, but come on'. Djing is hot and sweaty work. I don't see any dj wearing a wedding dress to each show.
I really want Patrick & Cheryl's story next.
Safety:
This is a standalone with a hea :) This is the first book in the series I've read and I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything.
*ARC kindly provided by the author
Holy shit, this was a pleasant surprise. This book was filthy sweet. I liked it as much if not more than Act Your Age.
"I don't want to be a jerk, but I meant what I said. I'm not looking for anything serious. I work crazy hours and I'm not into what I think you're into."
Willow leaned forward, his chest distractingly visible between the V of his shirt collar.
"What kind of girl are you?"
"Did you see me onstage? With the veil and high heels?"
"I did. You were the sexiest thing I'd ever looked at."
Eden froze. He said it so easily, it cut a little. Weren't they supposed to be playing games? Being kinda mean to each other?
Willow wanted to smile but it hurt too bad. He knew Eden saw herself as tough, a badass, but there was so much little girl in her. It was what her fans loved, that mix of innocence and bravado, beauty and catastrophe. She was Peter Pan, living in her trash pile, telling herself she was grownup because she could eat candy whenever she wanted.
The juxtaposition of the golden boy (well accomplished jock, pedigree family, good friends, good career, etc) with the rebellious DJ trying to make it big was delicious.
At first I was afraid I wouldn't be able to relate to either character because I can't relate to being a dj or football player, but the author was brilliant in making the struggles these two went through down to earth. Anyone who has been in relationship should be able to relate to what this couple goes through.
✨ Eden
Is the jaded 25 year old, focusing on her career, and trying to have what she thinks is fun. When the author described the Sunday afternoon blues Eden felt I related so hard to that feeling when I was Eden's age and not sure what I was doing with my life.
Sometimes Eden woke up with a broken heart. The second she opened her eyes on Sunday afternoon, she felt it. The drifting ache. The sense she'd entered the wrong ballroom and been crowned queen of someone else's life.
I was afraid Eden would be unlikable, because she is introduced to the reader with a certain bravado while she's onstage, but the author did an amazing job unraveling her vulnerabilities.
✨ Willow
The 33 year old on the tail end of his football career, ready to fall in love and settle down. Hella idealistic. I suppose some could say he falls in insta-love with Eden, but I've totally met guys like this. Once they get an idea for a girl they start imagining her as their future wife and mother of their children and they go for their dream. I kinda loved how he was described as not the most handsome, and that he had to work to get women. It helped balance out the semi-famous status he had that I'm not typically attracted too.
What was so wholesome about their romance was that these two clearly brought out the best in each other. If anyone has been in bad relationships in your early 20s, I think most can relate to the first time you're in a healthy relationship and the refreshing, though slightly off-balancing experience it is. Since I've started reading romance I can count on one hand how many times I've crushed on the male characters. I read so much toxic shit, most of the time I'm grateful I don't know the men irl. I actually crushed on this guy while reading, and I can't remember the last time I did that.
✨ The smut
Was smokin' hot. Loved the attention to detail of their first kiss ❤️ So, Eve advertised a Victorian doctor role-play scenario on her insta and I was wondering how in the world she would pull it off in a romcom, but she somehow pulled it off. It was both hilarious and hot. I was going to dock a star b/c I still find it unbelievable this dude could role play so well with no prior experience doing that kind of thing, but whatever it was so hot I'm letting it slide.
Btw for those wondering there's no daddy or bdsm kink in this book. Just a couple role-play scenarios, though the h does talk about having a safe word to end the role-play.
✨ The writing
Absolutely stellar. I read so much dark romance with toxic relationships this book made me feel like a human again. I can read a sweet and funny romance, I just need it to be well-written. While this is nothing like a Penelope Douglas or Angel Lawson & Samantha Rue book, the writing was engaging like their books are. The characters have unique personalities, and I know details about them like their favorite kind of foods, clothes to wear, their favorite type of music, etc. The plot felt organic and the character development was executed well. This is definitely different than Act Your Age, but has the same humour and emotional punch to the overall narrative arc.
There were a shit ton of references and I didn't get all of them. I liked the references, but yeah, there's a lot. I think even if people don't get all of them there's enough context. The setting is in Australia, and I forgot what things like a 'can of Mother' was, etc. I really liked that the author didn't water down the references though and this felt v. Australian.
✨ Random thoughts
The wedding dress shtick was on the nose. I get the symbolism and what the heroine was trying to do, but come on'. Djing is hot and sweaty work. I don't see any dj wearing a wedding dress to each show.
I really want Patrick & Cheryl's story next.
Safety:
This is a standalone with a hea :) This is the first book in the series I've read and I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything.
*ARC kindly provided by the author
May 22, 2022
4.5 stars
01/05/2022
I have definitely said this before and I will again and again. Eve Dangerfield has this wonderfully magical ability to make beautiful, heart wrenching couples out of the most unlikely of characters. I don't know how she comes up with her pairings but she makes them work so spectacularly.
Here, we have football player Sloan ‘Willow’ Williams, an incurable romance seeker looking for The One in all the places, wrong and right. The second he lays eyes on Eden Jade Cartwright, he is convinced he finally found Her.
Eden on the other hand, doesn't want attachments of any kind. The only thing that she's pursuing is an international career as a DJ. She wants to write her songs and make her music and dominate the scene.
"Music pulls me out of my head and puts me back in the universe. Onstage I don't have to be Eden. I can be movement. Be music. It's the only time I'm perfectly in the moment and I'm so addicted to it."
That exact description of Eden's feelings for music is precisely how Willow feels about football. And it cements his determination to meet her and somehow make her fall in love with him. And Willow is born under one lucky star, things just seem to work out for him. He knows if he just gets to talk to her he'll have a chance to win her over. And sure enough opportunity comes knocking and Willow will not let it pass him by. All he needs is a break and he gets it.
Eden is trying to get booked for an international tour and Willow is willing to let her use his popularity for clout and leverage. All they have to do is fake a relationship for the fans and if they get to have benefits with each other too, all the better. Willow will do anything in his power for Eden, be it clout, taking care of her, feeding her or fulfilling any and all fantasies she has.
But things aren't as simple as a few Instagram photos and going to events. Soon, feelings gets stronger and realer for both of them. Life crashes in and forces both of them to confront their past in different ways and move forward or stay stuck. Take a chance or play it safe.
Initially I couldn't see how these two fit together but as always Eve Dangerfield worked her magic. And as always I loved the ride! If you love the fake relationship trope and original, hot, kinky, sexy times you should not miss out on this one!
Yay!! I got an ARC!!
01/05/2022
I have definitely said this before and I will again and again. Eve Dangerfield has this wonderfully magical ability to make beautiful, heart wrenching couples out of the most unlikely of characters. I don't know how she comes up with her pairings but she makes them work so spectacularly.
Here, we have football player Sloan ‘Willow’ Williams, an incurable romance seeker looking for The One in all the places, wrong and right. The second he lays eyes on Eden Jade Cartwright, he is convinced he finally found Her.
Eden on the other hand, doesn't want attachments of any kind. The only thing that she's pursuing is an international career as a DJ. She wants to write her songs and make her music and dominate the scene.
"Music pulls me out of my head and puts me back in the universe. Onstage I don't have to be Eden. I can be movement. Be music. It's the only time I'm perfectly in the moment and I'm so addicted to it."
That exact description of Eden's feelings for music is precisely how Willow feels about football. And it cements his determination to meet her and somehow make her fall in love with him. And Willow is born under one lucky star, things just seem to work out for him. He knows if he just gets to talk to her he'll have a chance to win her over. And sure enough opportunity comes knocking and Willow will not let it pass him by. All he needs is a break and he gets it.
Eden is trying to get booked for an international tour and Willow is willing to let her use his popularity for clout and leverage. All they have to do is fake a relationship for the fans and if they get to have benefits with each other too, all the better. Willow will do anything in his power for Eden, be it clout, taking care of her, feeding her or fulfilling any and all fantasies she has.
But things aren't as simple as a few Instagram photos and going to events. Soon, feelings gets stronger and realer for both of them. Life crashes in and forces both of them to confront their past in different ways and move forward or stay stuck. Take a chance or play it safe.
Initially I couldn't see how these two fit together but as always Eve Dangerfield worked her magic. And as always I loved the ride! If you love the fake relationship trope and original, hot, kinky, sexy times you should not miss out on this one!
Yay!! I got an ARC!!
July 2, 2024
rating: 4.25
not even gonna lie, i already am falling in love with eve dangerfield's writing, but i specifically picked this up for a hysteria role play scene and boy did it DELIVER.
as usual, eve writes delightfully vivid characters and takes a well used trope (fake dating) and puts her own quirky spin on it.
not even gonna lie, i already am falling in love with eve dangerfield's writing, but i specifically picked this up for a hysteria role play scene and boy did it DELIVER.
as usual, eve writes delightfully vivid characters and takes a well used trope (fake dating) and puts her own quirky spin on it.
May 12, 2022
Okay, that was my first read by Dangerfield since the hiatus and have I freaking loved it!!
"Finding sex in a club was easy. Finding good sex was near impossible."
Here is the author I know and love, bringing back her perfectly imperfect and super relatable characters, gosh, have I missed that.
“Quick question, can I clean your apartment?”
"You want to clean my apartment?”
"Like… so badly it’s freaking me out.”
- LOL.
When I first met Willow, I didn't know I would really love him but damn, did he surprise the heck out of me. Same with Eden, or maybe I was just overwhelmed by many new names right from the start (I get overwhelmed by such things). But together? Loved them.
Their kink was hot and well written, their interactions funny and heart-warming, the whole book made me want to reread it right away. And reread it I will.
"She touched his chest, pushing herself against him like a stray cat. He was so broad, a wide plane of muscle and bone wrapped in cotton, and it seemed to her that men were supposed to be made like this."
I'm off to read the second book because now I want to know about grumpy Derek.
PS. Mel, reading this with you made my entire month, thank you, love! xx
Thank Eve for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"Finding sex in a club was easy. Finding good sex was near impossible."
Here is the author I know and love, bringing back her perfectly imperfect and super relatable characters, gosh, have I missed that.
“Quick question, can I clean your apartment?”
"You want to clean my apartment?”
"Like… so badly it’s freaking me out.”
- LOL.
When I first met Willow, I didn't know I would really love him but damn, did he surprise the heck out of me. Same with Eden, or maybe I was just overwhelmed by many new names right from the start (I get overwhelmed by such things). But together? Loved them.
Their kink was hot and well written, their interactions funny and heart-warming, the whole book made me want to reread it right away. And reread it I will.
"She touched his chest, pushing herself against him like a stray cat. He was so broad, a wide plane of muscle and bone wrapped in cotton, and it seemed to her that men were supposed to be made like this."
I'm off to read the second book because now I want to know about grumpy Derek.
PS. Mel, reading this with you made my entire month, thank you, love! xx
Thank Eve for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2022
First and Forever (complete with Victorian Doctor roleplay and a Cinnadom hero) is available everywhere 💜😈
Kindle https://amzn.to/3NQPND9
iBooks https://apple.co/3LMTWGf
Kobo https://bit.ly/3DGz8O5
B&N https://bit.ly/36YuNKa
Google Play https://bit.ly/37zXf4O
Kindle https://amzn.to/3NQPND9
iBooks https://apple.co/3LMTWGf
Kobo https://bit.ly/3DGz8O5
B&N https://bit.ly/36YuNKa
Google Play https://bit.ly/37zXf4O
May 5, 2022
5 STARS!!
Who knew I needed a cinnadom hero like Willow in my life? 🥵🥵 Uh, author Eve Dangerfield did, that's who. And I thought Eden was his perfect match. This book was a huge winner for me!
Before I begin I want to thank LANA for reading this one with me! Our buddy reads are always so much fun. 💜💜
Plot in a nutshell : Footballer, Willow, has been around the block enough times to know that the connection he feels with EDM DJ, Eden, is not something to be casually flung aside.
Gah, from the first moment, the chemistry between these two was an epic fireworks display. My god, that closet scene? Or that Victorian roleplaying? I'm going to need Willow to cure me of my hysteria, LOL.
And can I say that I love this author's sense of humor?
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC copy of this book!
"I don't want to look back and wish I'd tried harder."Oh, yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
Who knew I needed a cinnadom hero like Willow in my life? 🥵🥵 Uh, author Eve Dangerfield did, that's who. And I thought Eden was his perfect match. This book was a huge winner for me!
Before I begin I want to thank LANA for reading this one with me! Our buddy reads are always so much fun. 💜💜
Plot in a nutshell : Footballer, Willow, has been around the block enough times to know that the connection he feels with EDM DJ, Eden, is not something to be casually flung aside.
He'd never been so gone over a girl.Eden, however, has other priorities. He's just not for her, except . . .
He was the epitome of her brother's sporty, posho friends. The kind of guys she'd grown up hating. The kind of guy she couldn't believe women actually fucked. Yet here she was, frothing over one of them. Not just one of them, the pinnacle of the type.Plus, they're not just opposites. They're polar opposites.
He was chivalrous. Nice. Healthy. Probably out climbing a tree while she sat in her own filth.But there's just something about him that she just can't quite shake.
Gah, from the first moment, the chemistry between these two was an epic fireworks display. My god, that closet scene? Or that Victorian roleplaying? I'm going to need Willow to cure me of my hysteria, LOL.
And can I say that I love this author's sense of humor?
She'd been masturbating to YouTube clips of him playing football all week. She'd told herself it was because she was ovulating, but who was she kidding?But while the kink and the humor were top notch, they weren't what made this one special for me. That was all down to the characters and their vulnerabilities and flaws, which played out to perfection within the pages of this book.
He sensed what she really wanted was to be told the opposite - you are nice, you are loved, you are capable of love. And boy had she come to the right man for that. Willow opened his arms wide.I'm telling you, you need Willow and Eden in your lives. Read this book!
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC copy of this book!
May 16, 2022
I was given an ARC by the author. 4.5 stars
THIS RELEASES MAY 4th 2022!!
As a lot of you know, I’m a big fan of this author, as a human being and as a writer. Her stories always make me laugh and swoon. Humor is obviously subjective, though, as is personal preference. I have enjoyed reading every single one of her stories, but just like everyone else, I have my favorites. Degrees of Control and Act Your Age are my favorite books, but my favorite hero has always been Dean from Open Hearts. He is my favorite golden retriever/cinnamon roll, and I suggest Open Hearts for anyone wanting that kind of story. So I cannot believe I’m actually saying this, but…
…Willow is right up there with Dean!!!! 🥺
He is an absolute treasure and must be protected at all costs. I loved him in Return All, but he came across as a bit flighty (because he is, but it is just part of what makes him so lovable). So, I’ll be honest: I love the cinnamon roll heroes, but sometimes I end up resenting the heroine for any conflict (which, as anyone knows, is the hallmark of the romance genre). But that didn’t really happen here, and I think it is because Edie was very relatable to me. The author did something that I very much appreciated: she made this a believable story about a 33-year-old professional athlete and a 20-something professional DJ. She even (gasp!) acknowledged drug use and the unhealthy lifestyle of the club scene, which was basically a trip down memory lane for me.
Eden is actually a fucking mess, whereas Willow is a happy-go-lucky dude that isn’t complicated because he has always gotten his way and nothing unfortunate has really ever happened to him (that’s not entirely true, but it’s still true enough). Eden is basically estranged from her family; Willow loves his dad so much that he calls him every Sunday from the beach so he’ll feel closer to him. Eden lives in a shitty apartment and was just recently able to quit her day job; Willow has a customized Lamborghini as one of his cars. If it sounds like they make zero sense, that’s true. And yes, Willow is a bit guilty of collecting strays, but that is because he genuinely loves helping people. It is just who he is!!!
The fun part about Eve’s stories is usually the kink, and this one is no different. When you read as much romance as I do, it’s fun to come across some interesting scenes that are new to me. I loved Eden and Willow role playing their fantasies because it allowed me to see how far both of them were willing to go to make the other happy. Additionally, it was hot 🥵
But none of what I just wrote can convey the intangibles, so I’ll just say it: this one had the magic 🪄 . The vibe that made me fall in love with this author. Her books are always wins for me, but I know they can’t all be shutouts… after all, I’m a human that has unique preferences and experiences. But this checked all of my personal boxes: The heroine that parties too hard, trying to find a purpose. The golden retriever hero that wants to take care of her. The edgy role play that helps balance out the nice guy hero. The heroine that follows her own dreams, instead of just following along for his. Getting sober for yourself, to be healthy, but not letting sobriety define you. And last, but not least, banishing toxic people, even (especially) if they’re family.
This can be read as a stand-alone, but will have spoilers from the previous two books in the series.
Quotes
”When are you gonna realise when you constantly say you’re in love with everyone, people stop believing you?”
“Willow, do you get sick of being wrong about women?”
“Hey, no one I’ve fucked has ever robbed me.”
“You’re so lucky your fans don’t know you. Sometimes I think about how many people want to be your friend and hang out with you and this is what you’re actually like.”
“What can I say? I like dads. I like how defeated they are. I like how they all know how to make mash.”
“Let me get this straight-you fingered her.”
“Yes.”
“Then you went for a rum and coke and a dance?”
“Yes.”
“Weren’t you like…” Psycho held his forearm between his legs like a club.
“I tucked it back. It was fine.”
He wasn’t pretty, but God she liked staring at him. His eyes were gentle. There was no other word for it. He looked kind. If your car broke down, this was the guy you’d want to pull over and help. And if you needed ten bucks, Eden had no doubt Willow would loan it to you and never mention it again.
Eden was killing him. She was draining the life out of him, crushing it, and snorting it like coke. This was his fantasy, his ugly, twisted batshit fantasy, and she was making it come true in ways he hadn’t thought possible.
He wanted to cut the crusts off Eden’s sandwiches and carry her around so she didn’t hurt her feet. He could watch her perform every night and never get bored. He constantly worried about the fact she survived on vape smoke, vodka, and candy.
It was what her fans loved, that mix of innocence and bravado, beauty and catastrophe. She was Peter Pan, living in her trash pile, telling herself she was grown up because she could eat candy whenever she wanted.
“I like you too.”
“Okay, well, hearing you say we have a fake relationship makes me want to die.”
“That’s the deal we made. You said you were fine with it. It was your idea.”
“Well maybe I’m a fucking idiot, have you ever considered that?”
She turned and there he was, his red hair rumpled, his bow tie loose around his neck. He beamed at her, a bit ugly, a bit handsome, a bit boyish, a bit royal. Always smiling, always looking at her like she was the only woman in the world.
“I don’t know what I can say to make you believe me, but everything we’ve done together- it’s all new for me. It’s all different. You’re the first person I can see myself being with forever.”
She’d written a song about him. How fucking romantic. He decided to listen to it later, when he was free to cry like a baby.
He’d divorce a million perfect wives to sit in traffic on his way to Eden’s gigs, to tease her into eating Brussel sprouts. At her grumpiest and most distracted, she made him happier than anything he could have dreamed up. She was real.
THIS RELEASES MAY 4th 2022!!
As a lot of you know, I’m a big fan of this author, as a human being and as a writer. Her stories always make me laugh and swoon. Humor is obviously subjective, though, as is personal preference. I have enjoyed reading every single one of her stories, but just like everyone else, I have my favorites. Degrees of Control and Act Your Age are my favorite books, but my favorite hero has always been Dean from Open Hearts. He is my favorite golden retriever/cinnamon roll, and I suggest Open Hearts for anyone wanting that kind of story. So I cannot believe I’m actually saying this, but…
…Willow is right up there with Dean!!!! 🥺
He is an absolute treasure and must be protected at all costs. I loved him in Return All, but he came across as a bit flighty (because he is, but it is just part of what makes him so lovable). So, I’ll be honest: I love the cinnamon roll heroes, but sometimes I end up resenting the heroine for any conflict (which, as anyone knows, is the hallmark of the romance genre). But that didn’t really happen here, and I think it is because Edie was very relatable to me. The author did something that I very much appreciated: she made this a believable story about a 33-year-old professional athlete and a 20-something professional DJ. She even (gasp!) acknowledged drug use and the unhealthy lifestyle of the club scene, which was basically a trip down memory lane for me.
Eden is actually a fucking mess, whereas Willow is a happy-go-lucky dude that isn’t complicated because he has always gotten his way and nothing unfortunate has really ever happened to him (that’s not entirely true, but it’s still true enough). Eden is basically estranged from her family; Willow loves his dad so much that he calls him every Sunday from the beach so he’ll feel closer to him. Eden lives in a shitty apartment and was just recently able to quit her day job; Willow has a customized Lamborghini as one of his cars. If it sounds like they make zero sense, that’s true. And yes, Willow is a bit guilty of collecting strays, but that is because he genuinely loves helping people. It is just who he is!!!
The fun part about Eve’s stories is usually the kink, and this one is no different. When you read as much romance as I do, it’s fun to come across some interesting scenes that are new to me. I loved Eden and Willow role playing their fantasies because it allowed me to see how far both of them were willing to go to make the other happy. Additionally, it was hot 🥵
But none of what I just wrote can convey the intangibles, so I’ll just say it: this one had the magic 🪄 . The vibe that made me fall in love with this author. Her books are always wins for me, but I know they can’t all be shutouts… after all, I’m a human that has unique preferences and experiences. But this checked all of my personal boxes: The heroine that parties too hard, trying to find a purpose. The golden retriever hero that wants to take care of her. The edgy role play that helps balance out the nice guy hero. The heroine that follows her own dreams, instead of just following along for his. Getting sober for yourself, to be healthy, but not letting sobriety define you. And last, but not least, banishing toxic people, even (especially) if they’re family.
This can be read as a stand-alone, but will have spoilers from the previous two books in the series.
Quotes
”When are you gonna realise when you constantly say you’re in love with everyone, people stop believing you?”
“Willow, do you get sick of being wrong about women?”
“Hey, no one I’ve fucked has ever robbed me.”
“You’re so lucky your fans don’t know you. Sometimes I think about how many people want to be your friend and hang out with you and this is what you’re actually like.”
“What can I say? I like dads. I like how defeated they are. I like how they all know how to make mash.”
“Let me get this straight-you fingered her.”
“Yes.”
“Then you went for a rum and coke and a dance?”
“Yes.”
“Weren’t you like…” Psycho held his forearm between his legs like a club.
“I tucked it back. It was fine.”
He wasn’t pretty, but God she liked staring at him. His eyes were gentle. There was no other word for it. He looked kind. If your car broke down, this was the guy you’d want to pull over and help. And if you needed ten bucks, Eden had no doubt Willow would loan it to you and never mention it again.
Eden was killing him. She was draining the life out of him, crushing it, and snorting it like coke. This was his fantasy, his ugly, twisted batshit fantasy, and she was making it come true in ways he hadn’t thought possible.
He wanted to cut the crusts off Eden’s sandwiches and carry her around so she didn’t hurt her feet. He could watch her perform every night and never get bored. He constantly worried about the fact she survived on vape smoke, vodka, and candy.
It was what her fans loved, that mix of innocence and bravado, beauty and catastrophe. She was Peter Pan, living in her trash pile, telling herself she was grown up because she could eat candy whenever she wanted.
“I like you too.”
“Okay, well, hearing you say we have a fake relationship makes me want to die.”
“That’s the deal we made. You said you were fine with it. It was your idea.”
“Well maybe I’m a fucking idiot, have you ever considered that?”
She turned and there he was, his red hair rumpled, his bow tie loose around his neck. He beamed at her, a bit ugly, a bit handsome, a bit boyish, a bit royal. Always smiling, always looking at her like she was the only woman in the world.
“I don’t know what I can say to make you believe me, but everything we’ve done together- it’s all new for me. It’s all different. You’re the first person I can see myself being with forever.”
She’d written a song about him. How fucking romantic. He decided to listen to it later, when he was free to cry like a baby.
He’d divorce a million perfect wives to sit in traffic on his way to Eden’s gigs, to tease her into eating Brussel sprouts. At her grumpiest and most distracted, she made him happier than anything he could have dreamed up. She was real.
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March 15, 2023
It's been far too long (almost a year!!! How time flies) since I read this book for me to write a proper review, but I do remember that it was the best installment in this series. And I even remembered the heroine's name without having to check the blurb, which is a real testament to the impression she left on me.
Eden is basically a manic pixie dream girl who encounters the hero, football player Willow, when she's DJing at an event. The lust is instantaneous. Apparently they end up in a fake relationship - this bit, I don't really remember - but I do remember how incredibly sweet the hero is. He's head over heels straightaway, while she's all tortured and pushing him away. One of my favourite dynamics.
I do hope Dangerfield continues this series, since (astonishingly enough) her mafia RH trilogy isn't really interesting me.
Eden is basically a manic pixie dream girl who encounters the hero, football player Willow, when she's DJing at an event. The lust is instantaneous. Apparently they end up in a fake relationship - this bit, I don't really remember - but I do remember how incredibly sweet the hero is. He's head over heels straightaway, while she's all tortured and pushing him away. One of my favourite dynamics.
I do hope Dangerfield continues this series, since (astonishingly enough) her mafia RH trilogy isn't really interesting me.
January 9, 2023
I'm going to be as honest as ever, the only reason I ended picking this one up is because I've read this author before and enjoyed her writing. I knew I'd find some edgy atypical characters, a kinky dose of steam as well as good romance arc. It delivered on all accounts.
BUT THIS COVER THO.
NO.
Yes, all caps hating this cover. It's not that it's an illustrated cover, it's the style of illustration gives me kiddie story vibe and I hate it. It took me some time looking past it and actually start the book. It made it hard for me to project and imagine what the characters could look like in my mind. I was so stuck on that cover it almost ruined it for me.
I loved loved Willow in this story, he's one of the best simp heroes I've read, so much so it was hard sometimes to understand why he was shipping and pining for Eden so much. I was rooting for him to get his girl but at the same time wondered if the girl was a good choice for him? did she even deserve Willow? Not sure.
Eden was an interesting character but definitely more of an acquired taste. And when I started really liking her the author had the strange idea to make her the biggest slob ever depicted.
Descriptions of the filth she lived in made me gag. Girl, no. Living in a 2 rooms apartment for over a year and never vacuuming the once? Crusty dishes on every surface? Food packaging littering the whole place? Clothes lying in this stuff? No. No. No.
I ended finishing this story side looking Eden, wondering if she had showered today or change clothes. Intimate scenes were forever tainted with my doubt about her hygiene. Vagrants have better hygiene than this girl, surely.
Overall a nice story that wasn't safe from my nitpicking ways. YMMV!
BUT THIS COVER THO.
NO.
Yes, all caps hating this cover. It's not that it's an illustrated cover, it's the style of illustration gives me kiddie story vibe and I hate it. It took me some time looking past it and actually start the book. It made it hard for me to project and imagine what the characters could look like in my mind. I was so stuck on that cover it almost ruined it for me.
I loved loved Willow in this story, he's one of the best simp heroes I've read, so much so it was hard sometimes to understand why he was shipping and pining for Eden so much. I was rooting for him to get his girl but at the same time wondered if the girl was a good choice for him? did she even deserve Willow? Not sure.
Eden was an interesting character but definitely more of an acquired taste. And when I started really liking her the author had the strange idea to make her the biggest slob ever depicted.
Descriptions of the filth she lived in made me gag. Girl, no. Living in a 2 rooms apartment for over a year and never vacuuming the once? Crusty dishes on every surface? Food packaging littering the whole place? Clothes lying in this stuff? No. No. No.
I ended finishing this story side looking Eden, wondering if she had showered today or change clothes. Intimate scenes were forever tainted with my doubt about her hygiene. Vagrants have better hygiene than this girl, surely.
Overall a nice story that wasn't safe from my nitpicking ways. YMMV!
April 28, 2022
4.5 stars.⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amazing...review coming soon. This might be my favorite one yet. Willow and Eden you seriously rock!!!
Thank you Eve Dangerfield for the ARC.
This series was to die for!!!!
I am so hyped up right now....I think I am going to start a reread of "Act Your Age" one of my all time favorite reads.
Amazing...review coming soon. This might be my favorite one yet. Willow and Eden you seriously rock!!!
Thank you Eve Dangerfield for the ARC.
This series was to die for!!!!
I am so hyped up right now....I think I am going to start a reread of "Act Your Age" one of my all time favorite reads.
May 4, 2022
You can read this as a standalone... but i rec read th other 2 books to get more background on the characters.
I love Willow aka Salone he was everything you want in a book boyfriend yes he dated alot and said he wanted the one many times but he was sure head over heels in loveee with Eden and he was such a cute guy gentlemen he was my fave character in the story. As for Eden it took me awhile to like her there was something that didn't click with me and their relationship I hated how she acted and her being horny for other men was meh to me.
But the spice!!! Lordddd that doctor part 🔥🔥🔥🔥
And his fantasy was so spicy to.
Slight ow/om drama, no cheating, slight secondary character, sexy times, no virgins (H is sorta manwhore but doesn't show anything)
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶.5
Slowinsta
Age gap
23h/33H
Slight push away from h
Safe sex
Role playing (different scenes)
Anal sex/play
Degradation kink
Mentions drugs
Hea
Epilogue
I love Willow aka Salone he was everything you want in a book boyfriend yes he dated alot and said he wanted the one many times but he was sure head over heels in loveee with Eden and he was such a cute guy gentlemen he was my fave character in the story. As for Eden it took me awhile to like her there was something that didn't click with me and their relationship I hated how she acted and her being horny for other men was meh to me.
But the spice!!! Lordddd that doctor part 🔥🔥🔥🔥
And his fantasy was so spicy to.
Slight ow/om drama, no cheating, slight secondary character, sexy times, no virgins (H is sorta manwhore but doesn't show anything)
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶.5
Slowinsta
Age gap
23h/33H
Slight push away from h
Safe sex
Role playing (different scenes)
Anal sex/play
Degradation kink
Mentions drugs
Hea
Epilogue
April 23, 2022
This book was such a fun time! I’ve read a handful of Eve Dangerfield books now and they always deliver on a feel good time. First and Forever was no exception! Set in Australia, a popular footballer, Sloan “Willow” Williams (33), and an up-and-coming EDM DJ, Eden Jane aka “Bunny Descent” (25).
I loved this relationship, Eve always delivers on the steamy times and dirty talk. Willow is so gone for Eden before he even meets her, he can’t wait to get an introduction and show her how much he can do for her. Eden is a little more stand-off-ish to relationships but her open and honest communication with Willow was so refreshing. Willow is described as a cinnadom hero and it is so accurate! The way he wants to please Eden and show her a good time but also take care of her and feed her tacos, was just perfection. There is also some delicious Victorian doctor/hysteria roleplay in this that was the best thing ever! 🔥 This is the 3rd book in a series but they are all standalones and can be read on their own. You do see some overlap of side characters but I wasn’t lost at all. We even get a little bit of a fake relationship happening between Willow and Eden. I just had a great time with this read and these 2 characters, their journey was a delight!
Thank you so much to the author for an e-ARC. All thoughts in this review are my own. First and Forever has a publish date of May 4, 2022.
I loved this relationship, Eve always delivers on the steamy times and dirty talk. Willow is so gone for Eden before he even meets her, he can’t wait to get an introduction and show her how much he can do for her. Eden is a little more stand-off-ish to relationships but her open and honest communication with Willow was so refreshing. Willow is described as a cinnadom hero and it is so accurate! The way he wants to please Eden and show her a good time but also take care of her and feed her tacos, was just perfection. There is also some delicious Victorian doctor/hysteria roleplay in this that was the best thing ever! 🔥 This is the 3rd book in a series but they are all standalones and can be read on their own. You do see some overlap of side characters but I wasn’t lost at all. We even get a little bit of a fake relationship happening between Willow and Eden. I just had a great time with this read and these 2 characters, their journey was a delight!
Thank you so much to the author for an e-ARC. All thoughts in this review are my own. First and Forever has a publish date of May 4, 2022.
May 5, 2022
When it comes to romances that are bingeable, witty, and spicy af, Dangerfield always hits it out of the park. I also appreciate her unique characters who sometimes have to stumble their way towards character growth and a well-deserved happy ending.
Our heroine Eden is, to put it lightly, a hot mess. She works as a DJ and is dedicated to building her career (as well as building the layer of trash and dirt covering her little apartment). And unbeknownst to her, she’s had a huge fan in our hero, professional football star Willow, for quite a while now.
I adored Willow; he was big, ginger, Scottish, and described as not being overly handsome (which THANK YOU for giving us a hero that doesn’t fit the typical outrageously attractive stereotype). What Willow does have is charm, loads of it, and he turns it on Eden the second he’s able to finally get face-to-face with her. What results is an initial encounter that had me needing a fan and cold shower.
This book included tropes such as age gap, fake dating, cinnamon roll hero who doesn’t hesitate to take charge when needed, insta-love (which typically I avoid but once again Dangerfield makes me enjoy tropes I’d usually scoff at), and in a refreshing twist we have a heroine who doesn’t think she’s good enough for the hero and therefore is terrified to commit. Also add in some kink elements and dirty talk that are always a sure (and hot af) thing with this author, and I had a grand time devouring this novel! There was a roleplay scene in this involving medical kink and the heroine’s “hysteria problem” and wow…let’s just say I didn’t realize it was a fantasy I needed until that scene!
I’ve read 5 books by Eve Dangerfield now, and all of them have been 4 and 5 stars, making her one of my favorite romance authors. I’m thrilled that she let me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, so thank you Eve!
Our heroine Eden is, to put it lightly, a hot mess. She works as a DJ and is dedicated to building her career (as well as building the layer of trash and dirt covering her little apartment). And unbeknownst to her, she’s had a huge fan in our hero, professional football star Willow, for quite a while now.
I adored Willow; he was big, ginger, Scottish, and described as not being overly handsome (which THANK YOU for giving us a hero that doesn’t fit the typical outrageously attractive stereotype). What Willow does have is charm, loads of it, and he turns it on Eden the second he’s able to finally get face-to-face with her. What results is an initial encounter that had me needing a fan and cold shower.
This book included tropes such as age gap, fake dating, cinnamon roll hero who doesn’t hesitate to take charge when needed, insta-love (which typically I avoid but once again Dangerfield makes me enjoy tropes I’d usually scoff at), and in a refreshing twist we have a heroine who doesn’t think she’s good enough for the hero and therefore is terrified to commit. Also add in some kink elements and dirty talk that are always a sure (and hot af) thing with this author, and I had a grand time devouring this novel! There was a roleplay scene in this involving medical kink and the heroine’s “hysteria problem” and wow…let’s just say I didn’t realize it was a fantasy I needed until that scene!
I’ve read 5 books by Eve Dangerfield now, and all of them have been 4 and 5 stars, making her one of my favorite romance authors. I’m thrilled that she let me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, so thank you Eve!
April 13, 2022
4.5 stars
First and Forever is book 3 in the Rebirth series and while I haven't read the previous two books it didn't change my enjoyment of it. So before I begin I will say Chapter 1 had me rethinking reading this book because I didn't think I could like either Willow or Eden but boy was I wrong. This is one of those books where I loved them both, their connection was fantastic and their chemistry was smoking hot. Overall, First and Forever was an awesome book and I look forward to rereading it.
First and Forever is book 3 in the Rebirth series and while I haven't read the previous two books it didn't change my enjoyment of it. So before I begin I will say Chapter 1 had me rethinking reading this book because I didn't think I could like either Willow or Eden but boy was I wrong. This is one of those books where I loved them both, their connection was fantastic and their chemistry was smoking hot. Overall, First and Forever was an awesome book and I look forward to rereading it.
April 24, 2022
I haven’t had much free time recently, but when Miss Eve reaches out and ask if you’re interested in reading her new book, you say yes.
And I’m really glad I did.
I just love how the author was able to peel back the layers of Eden and just show us her vulnerability, because when I first met Eden. I wasn’t a fan to be honest, I like relating to my female characters and I found myself leaning more towards Willow which was funny it also doesn’t hurt that the steamy moments were a hit. Because of the talented Miss Eve, having read this book. I’m completely blown away.
Willow and Eden just brings out the best in each other. I was swooning at their little moments. Especially the one scene where it was about to go down with Francis and Willow. Read it and you’ll find out what happened. (;
May 6, 2022
This was unexpected, Eve is a new author for me and I wanna thank her for reaching out and providing me the ARC for this book.
At first I thought that I wouldn’t like Eden, but at the story progressed, I could relate to her and her vulnerabilities.
And then we have Willow, I loved him from the very beginning, even though he is a football player and famous, he is portrayed like an actual human, not someone that is unrealistic and gets to to everything and everyone he wants.
I was not expecting the spice, at all!! It was so good!! I loved the role-plays 🥵 🔥
This is book 3 of the series, so I’ll definitely read the previous ones!
ARC provided in exchange of my honest opinion
At first I thought that I wouldn’t like Eden, but at the story progressed, I could relate to her and her vulnerabilities.
And then we have Willow, I loved him from the very beginning, even though he is a football player and famous, he is portrayed like an actual human, not someone that is unrealistic and gets to to everything and everyone he wants.
I was not expecting the spice, at all!! It was so good!! I loved the role-plays 🥵 🔥
This is book 3 of the series, so I’ll definitely read the previous ones!
ARC provided in exchange of my honest opinion
April 20, 2022
Eden Jade is an up-and-coming EDM DJ who goes by the name Bunny Descent. Sloan “Willow” Williams is a famous Scottish-Aussie footballer with a large social media following. Willow discovers Bunny Descent at one of her shows and develops an infatuation. After convincing a friend to introduce them, Willow and Eden have a sexy hookup in a coat closet. Eden isn’t looking for a boyfriend, but Willow wants to spend more time with her so they agree to be in a fake relationship so he can boost her celebrity status through social media.
I always love Eve Dangerfield novels because they’re spicy but emotional. The Victorian doctor roleplay scene was so hot and I particularly love how Willow enthusiastically took on the challenge to fulfill Eden’s secret fantasy. Eden was previously in a traumatic relationship as a teenager and has an abusive family that leads her to be immature and Willow devotes his time to helping her better herself through simple changes like eating vegetables, getting adequate sleep, and cleaning her apartment. These same hang-ups make her feel unlovable, and she resists the change in their relationship from fake couple to real lovers. Eden is unlikable in many scenes, but she experiences character growth throughout the book. I like that she learns to take care of her person and love herself outside of the relationship. Towards the end of the book, it was also nice to read about two adults who re-prioritize their lives in order to be together, because real relationships take work and commitment. The only thing I really wasn’t a fan of were all the degrading comments about Willow’s “ugly face,” when he really isn’t ugly at all.
I always love Eve Dangerfield novels because they’re spicy but emotional. The Victorian doctor roleplay scene was so hot and I particularly love how Willow enthusiastically took on the challenge to fulfill Eden’s secret fantasy. Eden was previously in a traumatic relationship as a teenager and has an abusive family that leads her to be immature and Willow devotes his time to helping her better herself through simple changes like eating vegetables, getting adequate sleep, and cleaning her apartment. These same hang-ups make her feel unlovable, and she resists the change in their relationship from fake couple to real lovers. Eden is unlikable in many scenes, but she experiences character growth throughout the book. I like that she learns to take care of her person and love herself outside of the relationship. Towards the end of the book, it was also nice to read about two adults who re-prioritize their lives in order to be together, because real relationships take work and commitment. The only thing I really wasn’t a fan of were all the degrading comments about Willow’s “ugly face,” when he really isn’t ugly at all.
June 20, 2022
Damn, I thought I saved my review for this months ago. Guess not🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
Let me get just one thing real clear here - Willow is not, I repeat - he is not BASIC. He has shit taste in women though in my humble opinion. He's like that total sweetheart you had a crush on for ages but never actually spoke to. Only to find out upon finally dating him that he has a kinky side.
Eden though? Man... I could not connect with her. She reminds me of all those child stars that went off the rails and couldn't step off the destructive path. Yes, there are reasons. There is always a reason. But I couldn't feel it for her, you know?
The interaction between her and Willow was interesting though. They were like oil and water. Did not go together on paper (no pun intended) but worked as a couple nonetheless. Sometimes to an unexpected degree.
I guess that's what I liked about this book. That surprising dinamic between totally different people that just might have more in common than you'd think.
Another good one from Eve. More to come.
Over and out
Let me get just one thing real clear here - Willow is not, I repeat - he is not BASIC. He has shit taste in women though in my humble opinion. He's like that total sweetheart you had a crush on for ages but never actually spoke to. Only to find out upon finally dating him that he has a kinky side.
Eden though? Man... I could not connect with her. She reminds me of all those child stars that went off the rails and couldn't step off the destructive path. Yes, there are reasons. There is always a reason. But I couldn't feel it for her, you know?
The interaction between her and Willow was interesting though. They were like oil and water. Did not go together on paper (no pun intended) but worked as a couple nonetheless. Sometimes to an unexpected degree.
I guess that's what I liked about this book. That surprising dinamic between totally different people that just might have more in common than you'd think.
Another good one from Eve. More to come.
Over and out
May 4, 2022
In my humble opinion this is the BEST book in the series! Willow and Eden are magic on the page. Willow is a serial dater who gets alot of crap from his teammates. But, one fateful night at a DJ concert he gets his wish with the beautiful Eden and the rest is a beautiful and erotic love story.
Eden is a party girl DJ who is on the cusp of being famous. Making her music and touring is all she wants. Then walks in this big, loud, bear of a football player and instantly they connect. Then we get to the meat and potatoes of this book and find out why Eden is the way she is. You could not ask for a more supportive, sexy, no one messes with my woman Willow. He makes all other men pale in comparison. Eve Dangerfield is BACK! I cannot wait for more from her. I love this series and I hope we get more from some from the Rebirth series 5+ Stars.
Eden is a party girl DJ who is on the cusp of being famous. Making her music and touring is all she wants. Then walks in this big, loud, bear of a football player and instantly they connect. Then we get to the meat and potatoes of this book and find out why Eden is the way she is. You could not ask for a more supportive, sexy, no one messes with my woman Willow. He makes all other men pale in comparison. Eve Dangerfield is BACK! I cannot wait for more from her. I love this series and I hope we get more from some from the Rebirth series 5+ Stars.
April 16, 2022
No one gives me a book hangover like Eve Dangerfield because I usually get them while I'm reading. First and Forever had me feeling hungover after two chapters.
First and Forever is the third standalone in the Rebirth series. Eden Jade is a workaholic with one of the coolest jobs ever - a trance DJ, aka a professional partier and EDM aficionado - but is stuck in the up-and-coming phase. Frustrated by her career standstill, she has a "fuck everything" moment and hooks up with Sloan "Willow" Williams, a doofy and sweet, giant redheaded AFL player who has a massive crush on Eden, after meeting at an afterparty and unintentionally catches feelings for him despite swearing off love and relationships.
When tabloids catch a glimpse of Willow and Eden one night and the unexpected clout quickly boosts her popularity, the pair agree to fake date to help Eden's budding career turn mainstream and ensure she'll stay in lovesick Willow's life for at least six more months.
I thought F&F's predecessor, Return All, was my favorite Dangerfield novel, but this... *multiple chef's kisses* how do I even talk about this without making it seem like I was paid to hype it up?! Fuck it. I loved every moment, truly. Eden's ambitious and unintentionally reckless lifestyle is a perfect fit for Willow's protective and nurturing, yet dominant personality. Their chemistry is believable, their conflict is authentic, and their story is just a sweet, escapist ride that made my heart feel so full. Not a single moment dragged, nor did a joke or story beat fall flat, it was simply perfect and I didn't want it to end.
Post-hiatus Dangerfield is truly spectacular. Her writing has never been sharper and more consistent. If you're a romance lover and have never read one of her novels, you're missing out. There's plenty of steam and kinks you'd never think you'd find appealing (uhh, how do I casually tell my boyfriend I'm now into Victorian doctor roleplay after reading this? 😅) but most importantly, the characters are always real people with genuine struggles that spark believable conflict. It's part escapism, part smut, part poignant and emotional, and overall worth the read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, all the stars.
Thank you SO much to Eve Dangerfield + NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
First and Forever is the third standalone in the Rebirth series. Eden Jade is a workaholic with one of the coolest jobs ever - a trance DJ, aka a professional partier and EDM aficionado - but is stuck in the up-and-coming phase. Frustrated by her career standstill, she has a "fuck everything" moment and hooks up with Sloan "Willow" Williams, a doofy and sweet, giant redheaded AFL player who has a massive crush on Eden, after meeting at an afterparty and unintentionally catches feelings for him despite swearing off love and relationships.
When tabloids catch a glimpse of Willow and Eden one night and the unexpected clout quickly boosts her popularity, the pair agree to fake date to help Eden's budding career turn mainstream and ensure she'll stay in lovesick Willow's life for at least six more months.
I thought F&F's predecessor, Return All, was my favorite Dangerfield novel, but this... *multiple chef's kisses* how do I even talk about this without making it seem like I was paid to hype it up?! Fuck it. I loved every moment, truly. Eden's ambitious and unintentionally reckless lifestyle is a perfect fit for Willow's protective and nurturing, yet dominant personality. Their chemistry is believable, their conflict is authentic, and their story is just a sweet, escapist ride that made my heart feel so full. Not a single moment dragged, nor did a joke or story beat fall flat, it was simply perfect and I didn't want it to end.
Post-hiatus Dangerfield is truly spectacular. Her writing has never been sharper and more consistent. If you're a romance lover and have never read one of her novels, you're missing out. There's plenty of steam and kinks you'd never think you'd find appealing (uhh, how do I casually tell my boyfriend I'm now into Victorian doctor roleplay after reading this? 😅) but most importantly, the characters are always real people with genuine struggles that spark believable conflict. It's part escapism, part smut, part poignant and emotional, and overall worth the read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, all the stars.
Thank you SO much to Eve Dangerfield + NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
April 26, 2022
First and Forever is my second read from Eve Dangerfield, I read Return All last year. I think I liked this one a little more than the last. I didn’t love it but the book was real spicy and a quick and fun read so I’m not mad that I read it or anything.
If you are here for the spice, you have come to the right place. There’s a whole lot of steam in this book, including a Victorian doctor role play scene, some degradation kink, 🍑 stuff, plus plenty of consent and checking for safewords. Willow is a total simp for Eden and they were super cute together.
The book was a good time and I’d definitely read more from this author in the future.
Release date is 5/4, I received an advance copy of the book from the author on NetGalley.
If you are here for the spice, you have come to the right place. There’s a whole lot of steam in this book, including a Victorian doctor role play scene, some degradation kink, 🍑 stuff, plus plenty of consent and checking for safewords. Willow is a total simp for Eden and they were super cute together.
The book was a good time and I’d definitely read more from this author in the future.
Release date is 5/4, I received an advance copy of the book from the author on NetGalley.
July 15, 2022
Loved this. DJ party wild child Eden, charming golden retriever football player Willow, Victorian doctor role playing, just delightful. Willow takes such good care of Eden and is utterly besotted with her
May 6, 2022
this book was really really really good
ok so its kinda a love at first sight/fake relationship type of story
super sweet wholesome with some spicy/ dirty talking (but not too much)
there was role-playing scenes that spiced up their fake dating/dating/friend thing
Eden and Willow are so much opposites in some ways but alike in other but they are def perfect for each other
fun read that I didn't want to put down but life happened and I finished it in 3 days lol
the ending was sooo perfect
I would like to thank the publisher, author and NetGalley for allowing me to get an ARC of this book to read and voluntarily post an honest review.
ok so its kinda a love at first sight/fake relationship type of story
super sweet wholesome with some spicy/ dirty talking (but not too much)
there was role-playing scenes that spiced up their fake dating/dating/friend thing
Eden and Willow are so much opposites in some ways but alike in other but they are def perfect for each other
fun read that I didn't want to put down but life happened and I finished it in 3 days lol
the ending was sooo perfect
I would like to thank the publisher, author and NetGalley for allowing me to get an ARC of this book to read and voluntarily post an honest review.
June 12, 2022
Sweet!
This was the lovely and hot story of Willow and Eden.
Willow is a football player who sees a DJ and is convinced she is the one. As he is a lucky guy, opportunities arise and he has the chance to get together with Eden. He sizes the opportunity and things start to move, though both of them have to transform a bit about themselves, for him it's the choice of what to do with his career as it comes close to its end and for her is a question of dealing with her trauma, her family, her starting success and her wishes for her own life.
Both Eden and Willow are such dear characters, he is all sweet, tender, caring, there's this caring daddy vibe without the actual trope or role playing. Though, as it is with some books by Eve, there is a lot of role playing. Eden, while having to get over heavy emotional stuff she is lovely, loving, and when she fights for herself and stands her ground she is a powerhouse. Her taking her life into her own hands is a beautiful sight to witness.
There are a lot of hot scenes, a lot of sweet moments, the funny and charming guys from the team make a comeback and Eden's friend are equally nice and make great supporting characters.
All in all, this was a lovely read!
I received a copy of this in order to offer my personal view on it.
This was the lovely and hot story of Willow and Eden.
Willow is a football player who sees a DJ and is convinced she is the one. As he is a lucky guy, opportunities arise and he has the chance to get together with Eden. He sizes the opportunity and things start to move, though both of them have to transform a bit about themselves, for him it's the choice of what to do with his career as it comes close to its end and for her is a question of dealing with her trauma, her family, her starting success and her wishes for her own life.
Both Eden and Willow are such dear characters, he is all sweet, tender, caring, there's this caring daddy vibe without the actual trope or role playing. Though, as it is with some books by Eve, there is a lot of role playing. Eden, while having to get over heavy emotional stuff she is lovely, loving, and when she fights for herself and stands her ground she is a powerhouse. Her taking her life into her own hands is a beautiful sight to witness.
There are a lot of hot scenes, a lot of sweet moments, the funny and charming guys from the team make a comeback and Eden's friend are equally nice and make great supporting characters.
All in all, this was a lovely read!
I received a copy of this in order to offer my personal view on it.
June 26, 2024
This may have one of the greatest role play scenes I have ever read and I will not spoil it for future readers. This has a lot of what I love about Eve Dangerfield (snappy dialogue, kink that "goes there") while also plenty of things I kind of roll my eyes at (she's overindulgent sometimes or makes jokes that just aren't even funny after 2007). I will absolutely reread this one again.
April 20, 2022
Arghhhhh I loved it, it was so fun, and manages to be sweet AND so filthy, as always with an Eve Dangerfield book.
First and Forever is about Eden and Willow, two opposites attracted to each other. She is a DJ that is having fun, partying all night and Willow is a ginger football player that is her fan and is head over heels for Eden since the beginning.
This is the second book by eve with a nice dude, a gentle giant and I'm here for that, i love that type of characters.
It also includes tropes that I love:
Cinnamon roll hero
Musician heroine (she's a DJ)
Age Gap
Role Play
Thanks to Xpresso Book Tours and Eve Dangerfield for providing me with a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
First and Forever is about Eden and Willow, two opposites attracted to each other. She is a DJ that is having fun, partying all night and Willow is a ginger football player that is her fan and is head over heels for Eden since the beginning.
This is the second book by eve with a nice dude, a gentle giant and I'm here for that, i love that type of characters.
It also includes tropes that I love:
Cinnamon roll hero
Musician heroine (she's a DJ)
Age Gap
Role Play
Thanks to Xpresso Book Tours and Eve Dangerfield for providing me with a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2022
Not sure I can convey how thrilled I was to get an ARC of First and Forever by Eve Dangerfield, but I absolutely LOVED this book! I wanted to reread it Immediately after finishing it. I didn’t know that I needed to read about a lost DJ that’s putting herself back together while falling for a loveable ginger football player who just wants to take care of her and buy her tacos, but I really REALLY did. And so do you. ALL the stars for sexy times (as ever w/ ED) including a variety of really well nuanced and super hot role play scenes —you’re going to want to thank her as well for the new fantasies, because they are delightful! This book was sweet, real, funny and HOT. Gotta say, I’m a sucker for a fake relationship trope AND when the hero falls right away at first, and then harder and harder— and when the heroine makes him work for it! I really loved Eden and Willow, this was the absolute perfect story for them. Side note, love to see normalizing therapy for personal and relationship growth in novels! God, this book was so good. I plan to buy a paperback copy as well because it’s one of those books you just need a copy of on your shelf too. Read it read it!!
April 11, 2022
I got the honor of beta reading First and Forever. it kept me engaged all through out. Willow and Eden's chemistry is amazing. Very bold of her to ask for a one night stand. I think that if she tried to have a serios relationship with Willow, it would work. I'm so glad it did at the end.
In all honesty, I haven't read a book of Eve Dangerfield in a while. I think the last book I read was Act Your Age (which I adore). Since I don't read a lot of third person stories, I was confused during the first chapter. By the time I finished chapter 2, I knew who the important people in this story was.
The roleplays... O. M. G. Those were AMAZING! I cannot begin to imagine how awkward it would be to do something like that with, practically, a stranger. I feel like that's such an intimate dynamic between a couple and trust is so important between the participants. I loved that despite the awkwardness, they loved every second of it. I think it's also one of the things that brought them closer together.
May 23, 2022
“I don’t want to look back and wish I’d tried harder.”
I don’t even know where to begin from!
I’m too caught up in all these emotions to write something that can really describe what I’m feeling.
This couple really played a number on me.
These two are the most different people I know.
On one side there’s Sloan “Willow” Williams , a football player, the star on the field who’s obsessed with finding the one.
On the other side we have Eden Jade Cartwright , who’s looking for a way to realize her dream of becoming a famous Dj.
“I want to survive. I’m just not fussed about staying alive.”
They are absolutely the opposite, but as always you can’t escape the laws of physics: opposite attracts whenever you accept it or not.
It’s inevitable!
This was absolutely a crazy, full of feelings ride.
The chemistry and passion were absolutely off the charts.
“She was Peter Pan, living in her trash pile, telling herself she was grown up because she could eat candy whenever she wanted.”
I won’t spoiler anything, you should definitely go blind into this one and just enjoy the ride! You won’t regret it!
I gave it absolutely 5 stars!
I hope you’ll enjoy it like I did!
*ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW *
I don’t even know where to begin from!
I’m too caught up in all these emotions to write something that can really describe what I’m feeling.
This couple really played a number on me.
These two are the most different people I know.
On one side there’s Sloan “Willow” Williams , a football player, the star on the field who’s obsessed with finding the one.
On the other side we have Eden Jade Cartwright , who’s looking for a way to realize her dream of becoming a famous Dj.
“I want to survive. I’m just not fussed about staying alive.”
They are absolutely the opposite, but as always you can’t escape the laws of physics: opposite attracts whenever you accept it or not.
It’s inevitable!
This was absolutely a crazy, full of feelings ride.
The chemistry and passion were absolutely off the charts.
“She was Peter Pan, living in her trash pile, telling herself she was grown up because she could eat candy whenever she wanted.”
I won’t spoiler anything, you should definitely go blind into this one and just enjoy the ride! You won’t regret it!
I gave it absolutely 5 stars!
I hope you’ll enjoy it like I did!
*ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW *
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