Review: The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Problem with Forever
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
pub 5/17/16 by Harlequin Teen
YA - Contemporary

Even though I've been a Jennifer L. Armentrout fangirl forever (hah, pun not intended!), even I'll admit that it's easy to recognize similarities between her books, characters and love of phrases like "douche canoe". But The Problem with Forever was the first time that every single thing about it felt completely different from her previous works, except for the fact that it was downright addicting. She created a story that focused solely on two people, the tragedy that shaped each of them and how the freedom to finally love one another could help them both.

Mallory "Mouse" Dodge and Rider Stark were two scared foster kids in a bad home and something separated them, neither knowing what happened to the other. Mallory ends up being adopted by two doctors who love her and want the best for her. So after years of homeschooling and struggling with speaking, a symptom of her PTSD, they support her when she decides to go to a regular public school. It's here that she crosses paths with Rider, the boy who always protected her, for the first time in years. Seeing each other brings back an immediate reconnection, old feelings (and some new ones like attraction!) and old habits. He's ready to step back into his role of protector and what I loved was seeing Mallory try to break that cycle. Even though their relationship is vital to the book, it's not what it's about. It comes down to Mallory trying to literally find her voice and that's what I rooting for the most. There's so much for her to embrace about herself and so many people to stand up to. It was a very candid and realistic look at how hard it is to speak up even when you desperately want to and how there's no success too small when you finally do.

But I won't lie, the romance between Mallory and Rider was definitely a highlight and filled with sweet and steamy moments! I loved following each of their individual stories and of course when they interacted with one another. Plus we get to know important people in their life like Rider's friends (adored them!), Mallory's BFF (adored her too!) and the adults who have become family to each.

Do I recommend?

Absolutely! I was impressed and surprised for this and look forward to JLA releasing more like it!