Overall Grade: A-
Tropes: brother’s best friend; best friend’s sister; small town; unrequited until it’s not; fated/soulmates; opposites attract; fake marriage
Jessica Peterson’s I Wish We Had Forever is the perfect exclamation point to a series that has stolen the hearts of many, including mine. A story in her Harbour Village series, her newest book tells the story of Abel, the friend of the heroes in the first two books of the series, and Jen, the younger sister of Tuck from book 2. Peterson has crafted a narrative that delves deep into the emotional struggles of two souls meant to be more, but Abel’s past and family have taught him that he “isn’t enough” for Jen. The tension between Abel’s clear love and attraction for Jen and his reticence to pursue her for something more is a heart-wrenching journey. You want to reach into the story and comfort him, telling him he is worthy of Jen’s brand of “good girl” love. Peterson uses the character of Abel to incite your emotions because his denial is painful to endure at times.
The heat of the book comes from Jen’s willingness to accept his idea of a fake marriage. In fact, this is one of Peterson’s steamiest since Abel likes it rough and dirty. When Jen and Abel decide to get it out of their system, it lights the pages on fire. Peterson vacillates between their $exfest and their emotional entanglement.
Thankfully, I Wish We Had Forever has the Harbour Village crew to add dimension to Abel and Jen’s story. From the tension between Tuck and Abel to the fatherly advice of Tuck and Jen’s father, Joe, readers find themselves on a roller coaster of emotions. As Joe shows Abel the truth about himself, he recognizes that he has loved and will always love Jen, mitigating their final coupleship. For me, Joe and Abel’s talk was the impetus for my tears in this story because Abel just wants to love and be loved by the love of his life.
Jessica Peterson’s I Wish I Had Forever provides the perfect ending to her Harbour Village series. It stands as a powerful testament that love, when given a chance, can conquer our pasts and set us up for a beautiful future. It’s a beacon of hope, reminding us that love has the power to heal and transform, if we simply allow it.
In love and romance,
Professor A
Professor Romance 