I was hooked on this story from the first page and was glad to have found this book.The story begins with heartbreak when Julia and Ethan met in high school and had an intense, passionate love that subsequently succumbed to external forces.Fast forward to two decades later when both have had disparate yet similar life experiences and have met again.They find the attraction is just as strong as ever but now there are untold, damaging secrets and paralyzing fear to be confronted.While I found Ethan's personality to be loving, patient ,understanding and a little too good to be true,you could feel the love he had for Julia emanating from the pages.Julia meanwhile has been living with a cloud of fear hanging over her head, never knowing when she would be forced to face it dead-on while dealing with an uncaring husband.I admire the way the writer dealt with the issue of abuse and its far-reaching effects,but I could not fully embrace all of Julia's actions and behaviors with regards to this.I prayed that the abuser would pay for the despicable acts committed,so I was somewhat disappointed when this did not occur.The mutual friends were supportive when they needed to be and blunt and honest when the situation required it.The book ended on a positive note, rightfully so, and I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this ARC from Netgalley.

Norah Bennett has done an excellent job with R.I.L.Y. Forever. An exceptional romance with a satisfying plot.

A second chance romance story.
The story is well written. Good characters. Sweet story.

DNF. Could not get into the writing style or characters.

Copy provided by NetGalley

I actually read this book twice before writing this review because it was so emotional and romantic. Norah Bennett thank you for putting this story into words. The beginning reconnect between Ethan and Julia shows just how much they meant to each other from the beginning in high school and just how much that affected their entire lives. Secrets that were hidden in the past to protect may end up stopping them from finding their love once again, or will strength guarantee that they will be together forever? The strength that Julia shows for her daughter Lilly is amazingly well written and shows the importance of what unconditional love really is. This book shows that love is the most important ingredient for happiness.
Thank you NetGalley and Norah Bennett for letting me read and review this book.