The Problem With Forever

The Problem with Forever – Jennifer Lynn Armentrout – Harlequin Teen – Published 17 May 2016

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Synopsis

For some people, silence is a weapon. For Mallory “Mouse” Dodge, it’s a shield. Growing up, she learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime.

Now, after years of homeschooling with loving adoptive parents, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at public high school. But of all the terrifying and exhilarating scenarios she’s imagined, there’s one she never dreamed of—that she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.

It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet the deeper their bond grows, the more it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with the lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory faces a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants, and the truths that need to be heard.

My thoughts

As with all of Jennifer Lynn Armentrout’s stories, I enjoyed this book. It has a great mix of romance and self-discovery. The storyline is both heart wrenching and heartwarming. I love stories where the protagonists have to fight against great odds to succeed, and Mallory and Rider have certainly had to contend with a lot. It makes their story of friendship and survival all the more appealing.  

It took me a little while to fall back into the routine of reading Armentrout’s writing style. This book is heavy on Mallory’s internal thinking, and in some places I wished it would just hurry up and get moving. That said I still enjoyed the dramatic build up and romantic tension, which is rather addictive, and I liked the ending.

I can see the potential of a tie-in novel featuring Mallory’s best friend, who has a tough journey before her and an intriguing love interest.

More information

Category: Young adult fiction.

Genre: Contemporary.

Themes: Social issues, family, friendship, romance, foster care, foster parents, abuse, high school.

Reading age guide: Ages 14 and up.

Advisory:  Sexual references. Infrequent coarse language,  f***, s***. Drug use. Descriptions of violence, abuse and fights.

Published: 17 May 2016 by HarlequinTeen

Format: Hardcover,  paperback, ebook. 480 pages.

ISBN: 9780373212057

Find it on Goodreads