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lzw's review
5.0
The Fiction of Forever (A Stand by Me Novel Book 2) by Brinda Berry is sweet contemporary romance that will have you smiling by the end! It is written in alternating first person POVs by the two main characters: Gunner & Kiley. This book was so hilarious in parts, and the chemistry between the two just came alive! Kiley is super sassy-absolutely loved her! The book sucks you in from the start, and never lets up! The writing is really fresh, and the characters seem so real-like you know them personally. Really enjoyed this read, and check out the author’s other books from here on out!
jesbruno's review
4.0
The Fiction of Forever is the second book in the Stand with Me series by Brinda Berry. Riley is a matchmaker for her father’s TV show “Forever” and believes everyone should have love. Gunner is a landscaper who doesn't want a relationship because everyone leaves him. Brinda writing is really good; you’re not going to want to put this book down. Riley and Gunner have amazing chemistry, the push and pull from them made this book enjoyable to read. I was a little unsure at first because I will confess I am not a Bachelor fan, so that part didn’t draw me to this book but I ended up really liking even if it was crazy behind the scenes. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
carabellacullen's review
5.0
The Fiction of Forever (A Stand by Me Novel Book 2) by Brinda Berry
Five Stars!!
This is the second book in the Stand by me Novels by Brinda Berry. The book is all about how Gunner and Kiley reunite. It alternates between past flashes and the present time as well as being from two different POV. Gunner battles his inner demons while Kiley unbeknownst to him is doing the same.
Reading this book brought out so many emotions as I read it that I could not put it down. Brinda Berry has a very unique way of bringing the characters to life and setting the backstory along with the present story as you read it. Gunner is an endearing character that you just want to get close to and route for. While Kiley's character really hits home and makes you look in the mirror as I could relate in so many ways with her character. The inner conflicts of each character make this story a page turner as I never wanted to stop reading. This story is a well written forgotten love found story that I for one will want to reread over and over agin. Gunner was Kileys happy ever after and it makes love something to never give up on or stop looking for.
Five Stars!!
This is the second book in the Stand by me Novels by Brinda Berry. The book is all about how Gunner and Kiley reunite. It alternates between past flashes and the present time as well as being from two different POV. Gunner battles his inner demons while Kiley unbeknownst to him is doing the same.
Reading this book brought out so many emotions as I read it that I could not put it down. Brinda Berry has a very unique way of bringing the characters to life and setting the backstory along with the present story as you read it. Gunner is an endearing character that you just want to get close to and route for. While Kiley's character really hits home and makes you look in the mirror as I could relate in so many ways with her character. The inner conflicts of each character make this story a page turner as I never wanted to stop reading. This story is a well written forgotten love found story that I for one will want to reread over and over agin. Gunner was Kileys happy ever after and it makes love something to never give up on or stop looking for.
katie_83's review
5.0
The Fiction of Forever
By Brinda Berry
5 stars
I really do enjoy reading books by this author! I think she has a really great writing style; her books just flow seamlessly and are a pleasure to read. She creates characters that are likeable and you always find yourself wanting the best for them. They are always well developed characters and you can’t help but be drawn into their stories.
The Fiction of Forever is a great second chance romance story featuring Gunner and Kiley. They knew each other when they were young and I could tell straight away that there was something special between them. I really felt for Gunner at the beginning of the story, it was definitely an emotional start to the book. I loved the fact that when they were reunited years later that intense feeling was still there for them. I wasn’t sure I would like Kiley at the beginning but I actually really did. There were some good twists in the story too that made it that more exciting to read. I definitely couldn’t put this book down once I started. This is the third book that I have read by this author and I can’t wait to read more from her in the future. I have read this series out of order and don’t feel like I have missed anything doing it that way but I would always recommend reading a series in order for the bets reading experience! I highly recommend this book – you won’t be disappointed!
By Brinda Berry
5 stars
I really do enjoy reading books by this author! I think she has a really great writing style; her books just flow seamlessly and are a pleasure to read. She creates characters that are likeable and you always find yourself wanting the best for them. They are always well developed characters and you can’t help but be drawn into their stories.
The Fiction of Forever is a great second chance romance story featuring Gunner and Kiley. They knew each other when they were young and I could tell straight away that there was something special between them. I really felt for Gunner at the beginning of the story, it was definitely an emotional start to the book. I loved the fact that when they were reunited years later that intense feeling was still there for them. I wasn’t sure I would like Kiley at the beginning but I actually really did. There were some good twists in the story too that made it that more exciting to read. I definitely couldn’t put this book down once I started. This is the third book that I have read by this author and I can’t wait to read more from her in the future. I have read this series out of order and don’t feel like I have missed anything doing it that way but I would always recommend reading a series in order for the bets reading experience! I highly recommend this book – you won’t be disappointed!
lisa01's review
5.0
The Fiction of Forever (A Stand by Me Novel) by Brinda Berry
Rated 5 stars
This is a great book that completely kept my interest. Let me just start off my saying I loved Gunner and I really enjoyed reading his thoughts on stuff throughout the book. Actually I thought the names of the two main characters were a perfect fit for them. Also the title I didn’t understand it until I read the book. It has so much more meaning now! Perfect!
This is not my first Brinda Berry book and honestly some I have loved and others are well liked. This one she did a wonderful job on so Yes I loved this book! All the different characters and Kiley's little dog. Also the reference to a certain movie ( which shall remain nameless because I don’t like to spoil other readers fun) is excellent! Within the first few chapters I have been sad, irritated, surprised, laughed and felt sorry and ashamed for Gunner. Look at all that emotion in only the beginning? That makes me so excited to keep reading about Gunner and Kiley.
Holy smokes! When Gunner and Kiley kiss on his sofa it is so...so Bow Chica Wa Wa! Reading all the thoughts running through his head...I don’t know whether to read faster to see where this goes or slow way down to monopolize on the feelings. Decisions! Decisions!
That is one of the reasons I loved this book. Gunners thoughts mixed with his feelings. An excellent combination. Ok yes Gunner and Kiley have chemistry. Kiley does not hide what she wants out of life but Gunner is a little “gun shy”. Ha ha get that?! So that is one of the things that keeps the reader going.
This is the second book in the Stand By Me series and there will probably be reading enjoyment if you have read the first one. I have not and it really didn’t slow me down nor did I have any stumbling blocks. I enjoy the writing style. It flows, is easy to read and keeps me entertained. I didn’t even realize how much time had passed while reading.
Ps I love the line about Gunner sauntering to the vehicle because sometimes a guy needs a closer look at a snake. Ha ha! It cracked me up how he just kept going on and on about it.
Rated 5 stars
This is a great book that completely kept my interest. Let me just start off my saying I loved Gunner and I really enjoyed reading his thoughts on stuff throughout the book. Actually I thought the names of the two main characters were a perfect fit for them. Also the title I didn’t understand it until I read the book. It has so much more meaning now! Perfect!
This is not my first Brinda Berry book and honestly some I have loved and others are well liked. This one she did a wonderful job on so Yes I loved this book! All the different characters and Kiley's little dog. Also the reference to a certain movie ( which shall remain nameless because I don’t like to spoil other readers fun) is excellent! Within the first few chapters I have been sad, irritated, surprised, laughed and felt sorry and ashamed for Gunner. Look at all that emotion in only the beginning? That makes me so excited to keep reading about Gunner and Kiley.
Holy smokes! When Gunner and Kiley kiss on his sofa it is so...so Bow Chica Wa Wa! Reading all the thoughts running through his head...I don’t know whether to read faster to see where this goes or slow way down to monopolize on the feelings. Decisions! Decisions!
That is one of the reasons I loved this book. Gunners thoughts mixed with his feelings. An excellent combination. Ok yes Gunner and Kiley have chemistry. Kiley does not hide what she wants out of life but Gunner is a little “gun shy”. Ha ha get that?! So that is one of the things that keeps the reader going.
This is the second book in the Stand By Me series and there will probably be reading enjoyment if you have read the first one. I have not and it really didn’t slow me down nor did I have any stumbling blocks. I enjoy the writing style. It flows, is easy to read and keeps me entertained. I didn’t even realize how much time had passed while reading.
Ps I love the line about Gunner sauntering to the vehicle because sometimes a guy needs a closer look at a snake. Ha ha! It cracked me up how he just kept going on and on about it.
bwagner's review against another edition
4.0
The Fiction of Forever by Brinda Berry is the second story in the A Stand By Me series. This story is about second chances. This story is excitement, compassion and laughter. This story will make you realize that when you are facing a second chance you can either go for it or walk away.
Kiley Vanderbilt is a young woman who has grew up with everything she has ever wanted. She is engaged to someone she doesn't seem to happy with but it is what is expected of her. She is trying to get ready for a party she is having at her house when she comes across him. She knows that she knows him but from where? What will happen when she finds out he is an old schoolmate? When they come to a compromise, what will happen between them? Is she as untouchable as he thinks she is? What will happen if she gives in to him? Will she follow through on her plans? Will she prove she is more then just a spoiled daughter?
Gunnar Parrish is a young man who has just moved back to Nashville, has had a crush on her forever. There will be no one else for him but her. When she challenges him to take a spot on a show she is hosting, will he take it? He knows that she is off limits but will he convince her that what she really wants is more? Will she get him to play by her rules?
Kiley and Gunnar's story is one of second chances and realizing what you really want. Their story will take you on a journey that you will want to ride along on, just to see what happens with them. What will happen to them when the media shows their face? Will they let each other get away or will they take their second chance?
This is my second read by Brinda Berry. Brinda lives in southern US with her family. She loves to surf the internet, writing and to laugh. She writes about strong women and swoon worthy men. She loves peanut butter cookies, flip flops and good friends. This story is a fast reading story that you will want to read until the last page in one sitting. I know that you will love Kiley and Gunnar as I have. I highly suggest this story as I know you will enjoy it as much as I have.
Kiley Vanderbilt is a young woman who has grew up with everything she has ever wanted. She is engaged to someone she doesn't seem to happy with but it is what is expected of her. She is trying to get ready for a party she is having at her house when she comes across him. She knows that she knows him but from where? What will happen when she finds out he is an old schoolmate? When they come to a compromise, what will happen between them? Is she as untouchable as he thinks she is? What will happen if she gives in to him? Will she follow through on her plans? Will she prove she is more then just a spoiled daughter?
Gunnar Parrish is a young man who has just moved back to Nashville, has had a crush on her forever. There will be no one else for him but her. When she challenges him to take a spot on a show she is hosting, will he take it? He knows that she is off limits but will he convince her that what she really wants is more? Will she get him to play by her rules?
Kiley and Gunnar's story is one of second chances and realizing what you really want. Their story will take you on a journey that you will want to ride along on, just to see what happens with them. What will happen to them when the media shows their face? Will they let each other get away or will they take their second chance?
This is my second read by Brinda Berry. Brinda lives in southern US with her family. She loves to surf the internet, writing and to laugh. She writes about strong women and swoon worthy men. She loves peanut butter cookies, flip flops and good friends. This story is a fast reading story that you will want to read until the last page in one sitting. I know that you will love Kiley and Gunnar as I have. I highly suggest this story as I know you will enjoy it as much as I have.
shannonlovesbooksandreading's review against another edition
4.0
The Fiction of Forever by Brinda Berry is such a great story! It is the 2nd book in the A Stand by Me series. It can be read as a standalone, as I didn’t even know there was one before this. Brinda Berry is a new to me author and I can’t wait to read more! Very entertaining and sweet read!
The Fiction of Forever is about non believer of happily ever afters, Gunner and fairy tale dreaming Riley. Gunner and Riley have known each other since elementary school. They started crushing on each other shortly after that, but each one didn’t know how the other felt until high school. One night at a party and everything changes. Some miscommunication and tragic life events makes for regrets and misunderstandings. But as adults can things be fixed? Or are they destined to just be friends?
I loved the characters of Gunner and Riley, at the beginning, when they were young and innocent. As adults there were a little too real, not very nice and a little jaded, but I guess that means that Brinda Berry did a good job describing them. She also made me fall for Gunner and Riley! Know what else Berry did? She created evil characters too. Ones you really want to throat punch!
“If I don’t keep my hands busy, I may succumb to punching him in the throat for the feminist remark.”
This story is set in a reality TV series. Riley is the co host who's trying to find Gunner’s forever love. Berry has written some interesting twists that keep you guessing. Will Gunner find his forever? Is it Riley?
I highly recommend this book! And if the other stories are even close to being this good, I can’t wait to read them!
The Fiction of Forever is about non believer of happily ever afters, Gunner and fairy tale dreaming Riley. Gunner and Riley have known each other since elementary school. They started crushing on each other shortly after that, but each one didn’t know how the other felt until high school. One night at a party and everything changes. Some miscommunication and tragic life events makes for regrets and misunderstandings. But as adults can things be fixed? Or are they destined to just be friends?
I loved the characters of Gunner and Riley, at the beginning, when they were young and innocent. As adults there were a little too real, not very nice and a little jaded, but I guess that means that Brinda Berry did a good job describing them. She also made me fall for Gunner and Riley! Know what else Berry did? She created evil characters too. Ones you really want to throat punch!
“If I don’t keep my hands busy, I may succumb to punching him in the throat for the feminist remark.”
This story is set in a reality TV series. Riley is the co host who's trying to find Gunner’s forever love. Berry has written some interesting twists that keep you guessing. Will Gunner find his forever? Is it Riley?
I highly recommend this book! And if the other stories are even close to being this good, I can’t wait to read them!
angelahayes's review against another edition
4.0
4 Stars
The Fiction of Forever is the second book in the Stand By Me series, by Brinda Berry. It is a New Adult/ Contemporary second chance at love romance.
Kiley and Gunner have known each other for most of their lives. For Gunner, she was the girl of his dreams- everything he could have ever wanted. They get a chance to explore their feelings one night, an experience that will be seared into their memories, forever.
Before they can see whether a relationship can blossom and where it may lead them, fate intervenes and Gunner seems to vanish without any explanation.
Fast Forward several years and we find Gunner has become a successful landscaper with his own thriving business. He has moved back to Nashville and is hired by Kiley’s father to do some landscaping at his stately home.
Kiley has recently been cast in her father’s reality/dating show ‘Forever’ (similar to The Bachelor) as the matchmaker and wants to make a name for herself. She is engaged, with her wedding only weeks away.
A chance encounter reconnects them both, and Gunner finds himself agreeing to be the new bachelor on her show. She is excited because she thinks he will increase the ratings of the show. But he sees it as his second chance with Kiley.
Her relationship with her controlling fiancé isn’t going well and Kiley decides to break off her engagement. This manoeuvres her into the arms of Gunner. Their chemistry is intense and they both try to fight their attraction. Gunner has issues from his past that leave him with no desire for love or marriage and Kiley has already been hurt by him once and isn’t sure she can trust him again and is also worried about the show’s integrity.
Kiley’s job is to find compatible women to match him with. Gunner ends up subconsciously comparing the women with Kiley and finds something ‘wrong’ with all of them. She starts to wonder about the possibility of him finding his true match and the possibility of losing him all over again.
When a social media controversy brings a lot of chaos- the misunderstandings have the potential to tear them apart. Will they find their true match in each other, or will fate one again intervene?
Ms. Berry has written a very funny, light-hearted, romantic, and quite entertaining story. I found her concept and story were quite original- the idea of using the game show as a backdrop to her storyline was quite genius.
The characters were well written, fully developed and likeable. I love the witty banter and the hilarious internal dialogue.
It has a fast pace and flows well. An overall easy read, I read it in a few hours. The story is told from a duel POV- Kiley and Gunner’s. The backstory is told in the form of flash backs. It can be read as a standalone, as it ends in a H.E.A.
A reality TV show, quirky and funny ‘contestants’, a sexy bachelor in love with the host, a few misunderstandings, social media interest and past issues to contend with; and you have the recipe for a great story.
I will be interested in reading the rest of the series.
Thank you Ms. Berry!
The Fiction of Forever is the second book in the Stand By Me series, by Brinda Berry. It is a New Adult/ Contemporary second chance at love romance.
Kiley and Gunner have known each other for most of their lives. For Gunner, she was the girl of his dreams- everything he could have ever wanted. They get a chance to explore their feelings one night, an experience that will be seared into their memories, forever.
Before they can see whether a relationship can blossom and where it may lead them, fate intervenes and Gunner seems to vanish without any explanation.
Fast Forward several years and we find Gunner has become a successful landscaper with his own thriving business. He has moved back to Nashville and is hired by Kiley’s father to do some landscaping at his stately home.
Kiley has recently been cast in her father’s reality/dating show ‘Forever’ (similar to The Bachelor) as the matchmaker and wants to make a name for herself. She is engaged, with her wedding only weeks away.
A chance encounter reconnects them both, and Gunner finds himself agreeing to be the new bachelor on her show. She is excited because she thinks he will increase the ratings of the show. But he sees it as his second chance with Kiley.
Her relationship with her controlling fiancé isn’t going well and Kiley decides to break off her engagement. This manoeuvres her into the arms of Gunner. Their chemistry is intense and they both try to fight their attraction. Gunner has issues from his past that leave him with no desire for love or marriage and Kiley has already been hurt by him once and isn’t sure she can trust him again and is also worried about the show’s integrity.
Kiley’s job is to find compatible women to match him with. Gunner ends up subconsciously comparing the women with Kiley and finds something ‘wrong’ with all of them. She starts to wonder about the possibility of him finding his true match and the possibility of losing him all over again.
When a social media controversy brings a lot of chaos- the misunderstandings have the potential to tear them apart. Will they find their true match in each other, or will fate one again intervene?
Ms. Berry has written a very funny, light-hearted, romantic, and quite entertaining story. I found her concept and story were quite original- the idea of using the game show as a backdrop to her storyline was quite genius.
The characters were well written, fully developed and likeable. I love the witty banter and the hilarious internal dialogue.
It has a fast pace and flows well. An overall easy read, I read it in a few hours. The story is told from a duel POV- Kiley and Gunner’s. The backstory is told in the form of flash backs. It can be read as a standalone, as it ends in a H.E.A.
A reality TV show, quirky and funny ‘contestants’, a sexy bachelor in love with the host, a few misunderstandings, social media interest and past issues to contend with; and you have the recipe for a great story.
I will be interested in reading the rest of the series.
Thank you Ms. Berry!
hncald78's review
4.0
This is an enjoyable read. Gunner and Kiley are imperfect characters with somewhat predictable back stories and character flaws. However that does not take away from the charm of the story or the development of the plot. You will be charmed by the tale the author weaves and the situations that our main characters find themselves in. The pace is steady and the chemistry is believable. This is a fun read and steady page turner. Once you start reading it you will have difficulty putting it down.
capa105's review against another edition
3.0
Read full review HERE
I’ve had this book on my kindle for ages, given that I requested it from Netgalley over an year ago… either way, I finally decided that it was time, and I was expecting great things, because I’d read another book by the same author and loved it. Well, I didn’t love this one, unfortunately, but it was an okay book.
The writing was good, but the plot just didn’t quite do it for me. I’m not a fan of reality shows, or any kind of dating shows, to be honest, so I should have known better than to request this book, because that’s what it’s based on. But I don’t know. It still lacked something substantial, you know?
Another thing is that I wasn’t crazy about either of the main characters. Gunner was crazy about Kiley when he was younger, but when he sees her again, not knowing the person she is, he judges her left and right. Even if at the same time he’s super attracted to her. Kiley felt like a bit of a weak character to me, she lacks some serious backbone.
The relationship was cute at times, and I kind of understood the connection, but it started out of nowhere, and the ride was so bumpy and nonsensical. I mean, Kiley’s job was to match Gunner to other girls, when he told her he wanted HER. She wanted him, but still kept matching him up, then got super upset because he was filling in his role? o_O
Everyone was a bit dumb, to be honest. Still, it was an entertaining, a bit mindless story. Not a bad book, but very meh…
I’ve had this book on my kindle for ages, given that I requested it from Netgalley over an year ago… either way, I finally decided that it was time, and I was expecting great things, because I’d read another book by the same author and loved it. Well, I didn’t love this one, unfortunately, but it was an okay book.
The writing was good, but the plot just didn’t quite do it for me. I’m not a fan of reality shows, or any kind of dating shows, to be honest, so I should have known better than to request this book, because that’s what it’s based on. But I don’t know. It still lacked something substantial, you know?
Another thing is that I wasn’t crazy about either of the main characters. Gunner was crazy about Kiley when he was younger, but when he sees her again, not knowing the person she is, he judges her left and right. Even if at the same time he’s super attracted to her. Kiley felt like a bit of a weak character to me, she lacks some serious backbone.
The relationship was cute at times, and I kind of understood the connection, but it started out of nowhere, and the ride was so bumpy and nonsensical. I mean, Kiley’s job was to match Gunner to other girls, when he told her he wanted HER. She wanted him, but still kept matching him up, then got super upset because he was filling in his role? o_O
Everyone was a bit dumb, to be honest. Still, it was an entertaining, a bit mindless story. Not a bad book, but very meh…
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