Forever
Forever
Synopsis
Who doesn’t want to believe in true love? Ten years ago, Savannah Edwards agreed to be a contestant on the lesbian dating show When Sparks Fly. The last thing she expected was to fall in love and get dumped on national television. When she’s invited to be the next bachelorette for the ten-year anniversary show, she makes up her mind that this time she’ll show the world that finding true love on television can really happen.
Lauren Lucas breathed life into a show that was on the brink of cancellation. Her charm as the host of When Sparks Fly catapulted it to a nationwide hit. Her own love life is in shambles, but she puts on a dazzling smile and pretends that love isn’t heartbreak waiting to happen.
Every week, Lauren watches Savannah date other women and tries to ignore the spark. When the cameras stop rolling and their attraction becomes impossible to deny, will they take a chance on real-life love and abandon the reality TV fairy tale?
What Reviewers Say About Kris Bryant’s Work
Home
“Home is a very sweet second-chance romance that will make you smile. It is an angst-less joy, perfect for a bad day.”—Hsinju’s Lit Log
Scent
“Oh. Kris Bryant. Once again you’ve given us a beautiful comfort read to help us escape all that 2020 has thrown at us. This series featuring the senses has been a pleasure to read. …I think what makes Bryant’s books so readable is the way she builds the reader’s interest in her mains before allowing them to interact. This is a sweet and happy sigh kind of read. Perfect for these chilly winter nights when you want to escape the world and step into a caramel infused world where HEAs really do come true.”—Late Night Lesbian Reads
Lucky
“The characters—both main and secondary, including the furry ones—are wonderful (I loved coming across Piper and Shaylie from Falling), there’s just the right amount of angst and the sexy scenes are really hot. It’s Kris Bryant, you guys, no surprise there.”—Jude in the Stars
“This book has everything you need for a sweet romance. The main characters are beautiful and easy to fall in love with, even with their little quirks and flaws. The settings (Vail and Denver, Colorado) are perfect for the story, and the romance itself is satisfying, with just enough angst to make the book interesting. …This is the perfect novel to read on a warm, lazy summer day, and I recommend it to all romance lovers.”—Rainbow Reflections
Tinsel
“This story was the perfect length for this cute romance. What made this especially endearing were the relationships Jess has with her best friend, Mo, and her mother. You cannot go wrong by purchasing this cute little nugget. A really sweet romance with a cat playing cupid.”—Bookvark
Against All Odds
(co-authored with Maggie Cummings and M. Ullrich)
“This story tugged at my heartstrings and it hit all the right notes for me because these wonderful authors allowed me to peep into the hearts and minds of the characters. The vivid descriptions of Peyton, Tory and the perpetrator’s personalities allowed me to have a deeper understanding of what makes them tick and I was able to form a clear picture of them in my mind.”—Lesbian Review
“Against All Odds is equal parts thriller and romance, the balance between action and love, fast and slow pace makes this novel a very entertaining read.”—Lez Review Books
“I started reading the book trying to dissect the writing and ended up forgetting all about the fact that three people were involved in writing it because the story just grabbed me by the ears and dragged me along for the ride. …[A] really great romantic suspense that manages both parts of the equation perfectly. This is a book you won’t be able to put down.”—C-Spot Reviews
Temptation
“This book is an emotional roller coaster that you’re going to get swept away in. Let it happen…just bring the tissues and the vino and enjoy the ride.”—Les Rêveur
“This book is a bag of kettle corn—sweet, savory and you won’t stop until you finish it in one binge-worthy sitting. Temptation is a fun, fluffy and ultimately satisfying lesbian romance that hits all the right notes.”—To Be Read Book Reviews
Falling
“This is a story you don’t want to pass on. A fabulous read that you will have a hard time putting down. Maybe don’t read it as you board your plane though. This is an easy 5 stars!”—Romantic Reader Blog
“Bryant delivers a story that is equal parts touching, compassionate, and uplifting.”—Lesbian Review
“This was a nice, romantic read. There is enough romantic tension to keep the plot moving, and I enjoyed the supporting characters’ and their romance as much as the main plot.”—Kissing Backwards
Listen
“[A] sweet romance with a touch of angst and lots of music.”—C-Spot Reviews
“If you suffer from anxiety, know someone who suffers from anxiety, or want an insight to how it may impact on someone’s daily life, I urge you to pick this book up. In fact, I urge all readers who enjoy a good lesbian romance to grab a copy.”—Love Bytes Reviews
“If you’re looking for a little bit of fluffy(ish), light romance in your life, give this one a listen. The characters’ passion for music (and each other) is heartwarming, and I was rooting for them the entire book.”—Kissing Backwards
Forget Me Not
“Told in the first person, from Grace’s point of view, we are privy to Grace’s inner musings and her vulnerabilities. …Bryant crafts clever wording to infuse Grace with a sharp-witted personality, which clearly covers her insecurities. …This story is filled with loving familial interactions, caring friends, romantic interludes and tantalizing sex scenes. The dialogue, both among the characters and within Grace’s head, is refreshing, original, and sometimes comical. Forget Me Not is a fresh perspective on a romantic theme, and an entertaining read.”—Lambda Literary Review
“[I]t just hits the right note all the way. …[A] very good read if you are looking for a sweet romance.”—Lez Review Books
Shameless—Writing as Brit Ryder
“[Kris Bryant] has a way of giving insight into the other main protagonist by using a few clever techniques and involving the secondary characters to add back-stories and extra pieces of important information. The pace of the book was excellent, it was never rushed but I was never bored or waiting for a chapter to finish…this epilogue made my heart swell to the point I almost lunged off the sofa to do a happy dance.”—Les Rêveur
Whirlwind Romance
“Ms. Bryant’s descriptions were written with such passion and colorful detail that you could feel the tension and the excitement along with the characters…”—Inked Rainbow Reviews
Taste
“Taste is a student/teacher romance set in a culinary school. If the premise makes you wonder whether this book will make you want to eat something tasty, the answer is: yes.”—Lesbian Review
Jolt—Lambda Literary Award Finalist
“[Jolt] is a magnificent love story. Two women hurt by their previous lovers and each in their own way trying to make sense out of life and times. When they meet at a gay and lesbian friendly summer camp, they both feel as if lightening has struck. This is so beautifully involving, I have already reread it twice. Amazing!”—Rainbow Book Reviews
Touch
“The sexual chemistry in this book is off the hook. Kris Bryant writes my favorite sex scenes in lesbian romantic fiction.”—Les Rêveur
Breakthrough
“Looking for a fun and funny light read with hella cute animal antics, and a smoking hot butch ranger? Look no further. …In this well written, first-person narrative, Kris Bryant’s characters are well developed, and their push/pull romance hits all
the right beats, making it a delightful read just in time for beach reading.”—Writing While Distracted
“[A]n exceptional book that has a few twists and turns that catch you out and make you wish the book would never end. I was captivated from the beginning and can’t wait to see how Bryant will top this.”—Les Rêveur
Forever
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By the Author
Jolt
Whirlwind Romance
Just Say Yes
Taste
Forget Me Not
Shameless (writing as Brit Ryder)
Touch
Breakthrough
Against All Odds
(written with M. Ullrich and Maggie Cummings)
Listen
Falling
Tinsel
Temptation
Lucky
Home
Scent
Not Guilty (writing as Brit Ryder)
Always
Forever
Forever
© 2022 By Kris Bryant. All Rights Reserved.
ISBN 13: 978-1-63679-030-5
This Electronic Original Is Published By
Bold Strokes Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 249
Valley Falls, NY 12185
First Edition: May 2022
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.
Credits
Editors: Ashley Tillman and Shelley Thrasher
Production Design: Susan Ramundo
Cover Design by Kris Bryant
eBook Design by Toni Whitaker
Acknowledgments
I’m a romantic at heart. I believe in true love and the power of it. How people meet and fall in love fascinates me. The internet, dating apps, reality shows, and even bumping into somebody at the grocery store or the local coffee shop. We’re searching for love the minute we’re born. We date, we break up, we find somebody else who makes our heart flutter, we nurse another broken heart. It’s a cycle, but we are bound and determined to find our soul mate. It all has to do with hope. When I decided to write a book about a dating reality show for lesbians, I wanted to kind of poke fun at reality shows, but at the same time, show that there are people who still believe in finding love and do in such an unorthodox way. We don’t know what to believe. Are the shows real or are people just in it for fame? There are couples who have met on television dating shows and are still together. I thought it would be fun to write that story. The coldness of reality TV vs the warmth of true love.
Here we are, two years into a pandemic and I’m finally finding my stride again. It’s because I have an amazing support group. My family, my friends, my readers, and even my co-workers. I need people to keep me on track. Writing dates with besties Fiona and KB Draper help keep me accountable. Seeing my writer friends again after a zillion years really helped with my mental health. Melissa, GFB, Carsen, Paula, Rey, Morgan, Friz and so many others—thank you for including me in your lives and checking in when mine is upside down. A giant shout-out to my patrons. We are growing and doing amazing things as a group around the world, one shelter at a time. Deb has made 2022 the year of Kris Bryant’s amazing book covers! I’m in love with all of them. Her talent astounds me. Thank you for seeing what’s in my head.
Ashley slashed, and I mean with the sharpest knife, or, you know, a red pen, the last 12,000 words of Forever and told me to try again. I did and I love how this book ends. She’s a genius and I look forward to her edits because she makes me a better storyteller and Shelley makes me a better writer. Without the behind-the-book-scenes help from editors, proofers, typesetters, and designers, our polished books wouldn’t make it into our readers’ hands and hearts. Thank you, Sandy, for working with me on plot points and dreaded blurbs, and thanks to Radclyffe for publishing our books and giving us the platform to share our stories.
My readers are wonderful. Your support has been phenomenal over the years and I want you to know that I see and appreciate every tweet, post, and shout-out on social media. Thank you for your sweet emails and messages. I can’t tell you how important those are to me. You are the best!
Dedication
To my sister
because I will love you forever
Chapter One
“Flickering Wicks, organic candles. This is Jane. How may I help you?” Jane, my best friend and part-time helper, nodded as she listened to whoever had called. “Sure. Just a moment.” She tried to hand the phone receiver to me.
“Tell them I’m not interested.”
“They specifically asked for you. I don’t think it’s a telemarketer.” Jane waved the phone at me as though I didn’t already know I had a call.
“Can you find out who it is?” I was putting together a small bouquet of flowers with a candle order that had to go out today, and it was already almost two in the afternoon.
“Cole Campbell,” she said.
I froze right as I was sticking baby’s breath between a cluster of pink and purple roses that I’d picked up from Wholesale Petals, the flower store next door. The thin stem broke as I squeezed. “No.”
“No, it’s not Cole, or no, you don’t want to take the call? I can’t keep him on hold forever.” She shrugged.
I took a deep breath and waited until the blood flowed back through my icy veins. “No. I won’t take the call.”
“I’m sorry, but Savannah’s busy right now. Can I take a message?”
I didn’t even want her to take a message. I stabbed baby’s breath into the small arrangement until it looked more like a bridal bouquet than an I’m-thinking-of-you-fondly gift. Then I pulled strands out until I found balance. A sharp poke on the back of my arm made me pull back, thinking a bee had stung me. It’d happened before working around flowers. “Ow.” Jane was jabbing me repeatedly with the point of a folded pink note.
“I think you’re going to want to see this,” she said.
“Just throw it on the counter. I have to get this arrangement ready before Andrew leaves for the day.” I wasn’t lying. I liked to get all orders out by two, so if one was delivered to someone’s work, they still had a few hours to show it off. She stared at me until I was done with the floral part of the arrangement. “Can you hand me two rose and chamomile canning-jar candles?” The arrangement, Summertime Romance, included a small wicker basket with roses, two of our small organic candles, customer’s choice, and handfuls of heather and baby’s breath as filler to make it worth the eighty-nine-dollar price tag. Andrew made more money delivering it than I did creating it. Delivery charges were sky-high in the Scottsdale area, but nobody seemed to mind.
“Is it ready?” Andrew threaded his fingers through his sandy-colored hair and pushed it away from his face, then rested his gangly elbows on the counter. The warehouse flower shop next door and I had a pretty good thing going. Andrew, whose parents owned it, delivered for me during the summers and pocketed all delivery charges, and I got all flowers at cost. “It sure is. Here’s the address. And slow down.” He was a good kid, but he liked to speed, and sometimes customers complained.
“Will do, boss. Text me if something else comes in.” He zipped off and guiltily looked back at me when the side of the arrangement hit the entrance door. A quick check, thumbs up, and he disappeared, leaving th
e tiny bell on the door swinging furiously.
Jane and I watched him peel out of the parking lot. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate his need to get people their arrangements,” I said. “It’s just I don’t want him to die or kill anybody in the process.”
“Can we talk about the call now?” Jane followed me back to the sales counter and pointed to the pink slip of paper with more writing than I wanted to see. I dreaded it but was also extremely curious why someone from When Sparks Fly would be calling me. Jane, like everybody else in this town, knew that years ago I was on a dating show, and the outcome was horrific. I took a deep breath and picked up the message.
Cole Campbell
Meador Entertainment
(786) 555-3555
Wants to talk to you about being the flame on an anniversary show. He says you’ll be perfect since you’re a fan favorite and everyone wants to see you get a happily-ever-after.
Call him.
My emotions played tug-of-war with me. The embarrassment of getting dumped on a television show had been awful, but the chance at redemption intrigued me. Ten years ago, Cole was a recruiter for the show and found me poolside and hungover during spring break in Florida. I blamed youth and ignorance for saying yes. Who didn’t want to be on television? I had been twenty-two and not looking for love, but it was exciting to have all eyes on me.
At the time, When Sparks Fly was a new dating show for lesbians, and I was out and proud. I spent the summer after graduation in a posh apartment in the Florida Keys with other lesbians partying, having fun, and dating the same beautiful woman: Katie Parson. At first, it was a competition. We all just wanted to win for the glory and to drink free alcohol as long as possible. When it got down to four of us, something happened. I fell for her. One day I realized the words I rehearsed every day before stepping in front of the cameras were real. I was in love. The handful of faithful viewers thought so, too. I was a favorite to win even though I was young and naive.