Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Have Me Forever
AUTHOR: Ally Blythe
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 388 pages
RELEASE DATE: March 7, 2023
BLURB:
How does one find himself in a compromising situation with his ex-girlfriend’s father? Well, turn to him for comfort when she stomps on your heart—sneak in a little kiss— wait. That wasn’t supposed to happen.
Elias Ruiz plays life safe, which means never rocking the boat with his overbearing parents. Enter Noah Baker, famed author, English Professor, and his girlfriend’s father. He’s friendly, caring, and always knows how to put people at ease. But Eli’s parents hate Noah, which means he should avoid him at all costs. Eli tries, but soon the Baker house feels like home. It probably doesn’t help that Eli is a huge “Bakehead,” a diehard fan with a crush… on Noah’s written word? But what starts as innocent admiration quickly turns to passionate, reckless fun.
Despite the risk, they keep falling into each other’s bed. It’s a terrible idea. The complications are endless and he’s questioning everything he thought he knew about himself. When feelings get involved, he has to decide if he’s going to deny a part of who he is, or give in to the secret he’s hidden for so long. But what option does Eli have if he wants Noah forever?
Have Me Forever is a bi-awakening MM, ex-girlfriends father, age gap romance with searing heat, no cheating by the MC’s, and a HEA.
This book may be triggering for those with negative coming out experiences. Derogatory language is used against the LGBTQIA+ community by side characters. And, manipulation and negative role expectations set forth by family members are prominent throughout.
REVIEW:
Have Me Forever has a catchy blurb that intrigues, but the story doesn’t live up to its billing. The storyline has promise, but it isn’t fully realized as important context is not pulled forth while conversely too many words are used to tell the story. But the biggest issue for me was my inability to connect with Elias and Noah. I didn’t like them together, and I really didn’t feel any particular affinity for them apart either. They are character sketches that aren’t filled in with the color and life of their personalities, so we’re left with a superficial romance that isn’t fluidly developed. I was looking for something more mature and thoughtful in the story and while the plot is interesting, it’s too surface-level with unpleasant relationship dynamics to resonate. That being said, I see potential in Blythe’s writing. This story, however, was a miss for me.
RATING: 
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