my heart is absolutely shattered to pieces omg. this was such a ride in the best ways - boarding school setting with two broken boys developing a relationship slowly and steadily? sounds intriguing, right? well, it delivered on everything & more - and on top of that, made me sob big fat tears. i need book 3 in my hands asap.

Whoa, where do I start? I felt like I had been broken into a thousand pieces by the end of Forever We Fall, which is an emotional rollercoaster, but in the nicest manner conceivable. As tragic as it is captivating, Meg Everly's MM romance is dark and hauntingly beautiful.

It was both difficult and enthralling to watch Hota negotiate the harsh, chilly environment of Willoughby Ridge Boarding School; his defiant, carefree demeanor is a front for the trauma and agony he is concealing beneath the surface. Arlo, on the other hand, repeatedly broke my heart. His tale is unvarnished, heartbreaking, and incredibly poignant. Even though he doesn't think he deserves it, he finds comfort in Hota despite the brutal hand life has dealt him.

These two had a beautiful slow-burning romance. Their friendship grew deeper with each snatched gaze, silent moment of connection, and unsaid phrase. All the accolades should go to Everly for her sensitive and considerate handling of Arlo's trauma. Stories that explore male abuse survivors with such sincerity and dignity are uncommon.

I was inconsolable by the time I got to the last page. Weeping? Yes. Snotty tissues? Lots. However, in spite of all the heartache, Hota and Arlo's love is inherently beautiful - it surpasses both fear and suffering.

Get this book if you're ready for a story that will leave you speechless, break your heart, and then put it back together. Just remember that you will need tissues, so keep them close at hand! 12/10, a very emotional and memorable book. 🖤

Forever We Fall by Meg Everly is an intense, emotional journey that balances romance, trauma, and survival with razor-sharp precision. Set in the isolated and eerie Willoughby Ridge Boarding School, the story immerses readers in a dark, tension-filled world where danger lurks in the shadows, but love—fragile and fleeting—glimmers with the promise of salvation. Though it delivers on its premise as a dark MM romance, some pacing issues and underdeveloped side characters hold it back from achieving its full emotional punch.

Hotaru Kido is brash, funny, and impulsive—a protagonist who doesn’t fit into neat categories. His internal monologue is laced with humor and profanity, which adds levity to an otherwise dark narrative, though it can feel overdone at times. His immediate empathy and protectiveness toward Arlo Judge—an enigmatic and broken boy hiding deep scars—set the emotional core of the story in motion. Hotaru’s boldness and unwillingness to look the other way make him an admirable foil to the injustices around them.

Arlo, in contrast, is quiet and haunted, a character weighed down by unimaginable grief and suffering. His vulnerability is written with care, and Meg Everly portrays his pain in a way that feels authentic without veering into melodrama. The growing bond between Hotaru and Arlo—built on quiet moments, hesitant touches, and shared secrets—feels tender and believable, even as the specter of Arlo’s tormentor looms large over them.

The boarding school setting adds to the claustrophobia and dread that permeate the story. Willoughby Ridge is more than just a backdrop—it’s a pressure cooker, a place that isolates its inhabitants and forces them to face their demons without any real means of escape. The power imbalance between students and staff is palpable, making the moments of kindness and connection between the boys all the more poignant.

The dark themes of abuse, loss, and survival are handled with sensitivity, though some readers may find the depiction of trauma difficult to read. Everly doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of Arlo’s situation, but she also highlights the strength it takes to endure and find moments of joy despite the darkness. However, the novel’s intensity can feel overwhelming at times, especially when the plot gets bogged down by repetitive inner conflicts. The middle portion of the book, in particular, drags slightly as the characters’ internal struggles take precedence over forward momentum.

The romance itself is bittersweet—a slow burn that simmers with mutual longing and quiet hope. It’s not about grand declarations but about small, significant moments: a shared joke, a hand on a shoulder, a look that speaks volumes. These subtle touches make the emotional stakes feel real, though the pacing of their relationship sometimes feels rushed toward the climax.

Where the novel stumbles is in its secondary characters and broader narrative scope. The supporting cast, including faculty and other students, often feels like stock characters rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. The headmaster and the tormentor’s motivations, in particular, could have used more depth to make the conflict feel more layered rather than purely villainous.

Despite its flaws, Forever We Fall excels at depicting the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of connection. The ending is both devastating and hopeful, leaving readers with a sense of hard-won survival rather than easy resolution.

Fans of dark romances that explore trauma, healing, and the complexities of love—like Captive Prince or They Both Die at the End—will find much to appreciate in this story. It’s a visceral, heart-wrenching read that reminds us that even in the darkest places, love can still take root, though it may come at a cost.

Unfortunately this book didn't work for me. I didn't find it interesting enough to hold my attention.

Both a prequel and a sequel to Look Don't Touch, this is Hota and Arlo's backstory. Hota is a rebellious, devil-may-care teenager in London, missing Japan, and then to make matters worse, he gets sent to boarding school. Arlo is in hell: his uncle is his tormentor, abuser, captor. He gets an escape when his uncle has to send him to school, where he meets Hota and the pair form a deep bond. Over a few years of school, they fall in love, but their respective trauma make it impossible for their relationship to fully blossom.
Even though I knew exactly where they would end up, I spent the entire 250 pages hoping that somehow it would be different. Oh, it was so painful, in a pleasing way, but still in a terrible way. Especially knowing that we won't have a resolution to the trilogy until February. This was the slowest of burns. Sexy without ever fulfilling their relationship. I also really appreciated that this series deals with a man who's been sexually abused. That's a really underrepresented demographic, and Everly deals with it really respectfully.
Anyways I am now waiting for book three, impatiently.

“I just hate how little of me there is left.”



“Forever We Fall,” by Meg Everly



I absolutely loved the characters. Both were interesting and kept me attached to the story. I love how horrible the home abuse was because I ended up not being able to put the book down to make sure he would have a happy ending, my soul required it. The relationship was so hot and cold but with the trauma it made so much sense. The only thing I didn’t love was the length of the book, I wanted it to be a lot longer, I needed more.



4 out of 5 stars.



Thank you for the Arc, Netgalley.

"Pain I'd live a million times over to have him for forever."

This is a captivating read for fans of complex, emotionally charged, and deeply romantic stories that explore themes of trauma, resilience, and the transformative power of love and connection in the face of adversity.

Such a captivating book. Even though I did not read the first book understanding the story is easy but highly recommend reading book 1.

Gives the back story to the history between Hotaru Kido and Arlo Judge. and their complicated relationship.

Each are broken into pieces due their trauma but together they make each other complete and help build themselves back up and hopefully they can realize that they do belong with each other despite their history.

Does deal with some pretty heavy subject matter and people should DEFINATLY read the trigger warnings. If anyone is struggling with mental health please reach out for help to a trained professional.

ARC Review.

If your heart is not completely SHATTERED by the time you finish this book, you need to go back and read it again. I could not put this book down, apparantly I enjoy torturing my heart and feelings 🙃

I thought book one was good but this —- THIS story is so full of love and sadness and beautiful people. Grab your tissues and whatever else you need when your heart gets obliterated and settle in.

Hota has that carefree, ‘don’t give an eff’ attitude that makes him dangerous because underneath his flirty, comical exterior, that poor boy has so much trauma that hides. Trauma that is not his to bear and yet, he still has SO much love to give and is still such a caring soul.

Arlo — I cried for this man throughout book 1, I cried RIVERS for him throughout this book. Life had taken his heart and soul and shattered it repeatedly, and then shattered those pieces into tiny nothingness and yet, he STILL found a way to open up and learned to trust, learned to love (in his own way) and find ‘his guy’. What broke me in this story is how Arlo felt he was unworthy of Hota, because of horrid things beyond his control. Not to mention he had to become a survivor merely as a kid.

By the end of this book, I looked like a raccoon that had been run over with my snot and tears but the love and heartache that was written between these pages was so BEAUTIFUL, that I felt like the main MC was breaking my heart, and it was my pain to bear right along with him. I wanted to jump through the pages to help this beautifully broken man and heal together.

12/10, a perfect heartbreaking story🖤

I think the most important thing to know about this book is that it’s NOT a stand-alone. This is in the middle of a what will be a MMF coupling. Book one is MF and set in present day with the characters in their 30s and this book (MM) goes back in time to when our guys were 15-18 and in a boarding school. The 3rd book will take place back in the present and feature all 3 characters.

If book one was a difficult read due to all the trauma, this book is torture due to it. I’m around 40% and while I enjoy seeing Hota and Arlo’s dynamic in the past this is going to take me awhile to read and because this arc is due I’m just doing a short check in review so my feedback ratio doesn’t suffer any more. I am enjoying it but it’s a bit off putting to read at times due to their ages when they are popping boners and getting off in the shower. But they also act older than they are. The convos they are having are not ones that I’d think 15 year olds would be having. Other than that though I do enjoy it and I’ll update this once I’m done.

Forever We Fall is book 2 in the Pieces of Us Trilogy by Meg Everly. I devoured the first book in the series and immediately knew I needed this part of the story in a way I couldn’t live without it and I was right. Arlo and Hotaru’s story is heartbreaking but oh so beautiful. They both have demons trying to destroy them as they attempt to maneuver life.

I NEED THE LAST BOOK OF THIS SERIES NOW!

ARC Review of Forever We Fall by Meg Everly
* * * * *
I am so happy I dove into this series. Book One had me hooked, but with this second edition to the trilogy, I am now craving for the third installement. We reach further back into Arlo's history with Hotaru, and how Arlo dealt with one of is demon that still haunt him years later.

Hotaru was shunned by his family, and troubled by one mistake that had him lose his mother forever. It was a twist of fate and ticking off his teacher that had him meeting Arlo, his new roomie, a supposed mute.
Hotaru saw past the silence.
He saw the pain Arlo was in and the monster that hurt him.
A bond is formed between them. Nothing of just physical craving but sealed by a secret both would carry with them.

Loved it! It was dark and dirty and erotic.
Hotaru is snarky and charming loves to sexually explore. Before boy's school it was strictly girls, now with his new experience he's opening up himself to more and getting into some kinky stuff. Arlo as introduced in the first book, is not comfortable with touching. However, thanks to Hotaru, he's not shutting down and still letting him in.
How much I wish to explain but cannot because it would spoil! I only seriously recommend you start with the first book, then go with this one. Very eager for the third book to come out and see what happens next.

This was a strong sequel in the Pieces of Us series, it had that element that I was expecting and enjoyed the overall feel of this. It continued the story perfectly and felt like it was the same world. Meg Everly does it again in this universe and was engaged with the overall concept of this. It had everything that I was looking for and glad I got to read this.

Forever We Fall is the second book in the Pieces of Us series written by Meg Everly.

Expected publication date is November 26, 2024.

*Extreme child abuse
*Boarding school
*Coming of Age

While this is the second book in the series, this book takes the readers back to when the two main characters first met at school.

This book is so heartbreaking and difficult to read. Arlo did not deserve to suffer through the torture that was administered to him by his uncle. My heart hurt so much for him throughout this book.

Hota tried his best to be there for Arlo, he did everything that a young man could do to help heal Arlo. It just wasn’t enough. I truly hope in the next book they can find their happily ever after with each other.

This book does end on a cliffhanger. Hopefully in the final book of the series we will get to see some happiness between the throuple! I was hoping for just a little bit more of a physical connection between Arlo and Hota but I understand why it never transpired due to the traumatic experiences that Arlo suffered through.

Even though this series is heartbreaking, it is extremely well written and definitely spicy!

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Arlo (MMC) & Hota (MMC)

Forever We Fall by Meg Everly is book two in the Pieces of Us Series.
Everly’s writing is sharp, engaging, and witty.
The writing in this novel is amazing!!! From the first page of this book I knew that I was going to love the characters,

Book Review: Forever We Fall by Meg Everly
Meg Everly’s Forever We Fall plunges readers into a gripping and deeply emotional dark romance that explores love, trauma, and survival. Set in the secluded and oppressive world of Willoughby Ridge Boarding School, this dark MM romance unflinchingly portrays the resilience of the human spirit and the unlikeliest of bonds formed in the harshest of circumstances.

An Intense Setting
The boarding school setting is a character in itself, with its eerie isolation and suffocating atmosphere. Everly skillfully uses Willoughby Ridge to evoke a sense of entrapment, amplifying the tension as the characters navigate their struggles. The school becomes a microcosm of pain, secrecy, and forbidden connections, underscoring the novel’s darker themes.

The lack of female presence, aside from the headmaster’s secretary, contributes to the sense of otherness and alienation, making the relationships that do form even more intense and meaningful.

A Dual Perspective
The story alternates between the perspectives of Hotaru Kido and Arlo Judge, two boys from vastly different worlds whose lives intertwine in unexpected and profound ways.

Hotaru Kido is an angry, rebellious outsider whose biting humor and sharp observations make him instantly compelling. Beneath his bravado, however, lies a sense of loneliness and a desire to protect those he cares about—a trait that makes him both endearing and relatable. His voice brings a necessary edge and levity to the story, balancing its darker elements.
Arlo Judge, by contrast, is a fragile, haunted character who has endured unimaginable suffering. His vulnerability is heart-wrenching, and Everly’s depiction of his trauma is raw and unflinching. As he slowly begins to trust Hotaru, readers are taken on a deeply moving journey of healing and connection.
Together, their relationship becomes the emotional core of the novel—a powerful, forbidden love story that challenges them both to confront their demons and fight for each other.

Themes of Trauma and Resilience
Forever We Fall is not a light read. It delves into themes of abuse, power dynamics, and survival with stark honesty. Arlo’s trauma is handled with sensitivity and depth, showing the lingering effects of violence and the immense courage required to overcome it.

Hotaru’s role as both protector and partner emphasizes the importance of agency and consent in their growing bond. Their connection feels earned, as it develops slowly through shared moments of vulnerability and mutual understanding.

Forbidden Love and Power Dynamics
The romance between Hotaru and Arlo is fraught with tension—not just because of their circumstances but also because of the power imbalance created by Arlo’s abuser. Everly navigates this dynamic with care, ensuring that their relationship remains grounded in mutual respect and support. Their love is a beacon of hope amidst the darkness, offering moments of tenderness and beauty that shine through the novel’s grittier aspects.

Strong Characterization
The supporting cast, though not as richly developed, adds layers to the story. The headmaster and his secretary provide a foreboding presence, while other students at the school range from antagonists to bystanders, further emphasizing the isolating and predatory nature of the boarding school environment.

A Dark, Unflinching Tone
Everly does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of her characters’ lives. The writing is visceral and evocative, drawing readers into the intensity of each moment. At the same time, the novel is careful not to glorify or romanticize the pain it portrays. Instead, it focuses on the strength and resilience of its characters, making their eventual triumphs all the more rewarding.

Potential Criticisms
While Forever We Fall is a gripping and emotionally charged read, its heavy subject matter may not be for everyone. The graphic depictions of trauma and abuse, while handled thoughtfully, are intense and could be triggering for some readers. Additionally, the pacing occasionally falters, with some moments of reflection or exposition slowing the story’s momentum.

Final Thoughts
Meg Everly’s Forever We Fall is a dark, powerful romance that balances raw emotion with moments of hope and redemption. Hotaru and Arlo’s love story is one of courage, vulnerability, and the healing power of connection. For readers who appreciate intense, character-driven narratives that delve into the complexities of trauma and recovery, this novel is an unforgettable experience.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Recommended for fans of dark romances that prioritize emotional depth and nuanced character development.