Book Review: The Problem With Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

A story about friendship, survival and finding your voice

Growing up, Mallory Dodge learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime. Now, after years of homeschooling, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at a public high school. But she never imagined she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.

It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet soon it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory must make a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants and the truths that need to be heard.

This was the first book of my #2018FWTBRPick – May Edition (you can read all about all about my plan on tackling my overflowing TBR this year right here!).

I rarely read NA books – mostly because it is that age for those stupid decisions that your gut says will have major consequences but believing that you were invincible – and somehow, I can’t stand to see the characters I fall in love with making those decisions anyway!

But this book – The Problem With Forever – I read this book within a day of starting of it and that is a testament of how brilliantly talented Ms. Armentrout actually is.

This story is told in the POV of Mallory aka Mouse – a girl who suffered immensely in her young childhood but fortunately she was never alone but after another tragedy; she and her best friend are separated. Its years later, and finally Mallory is in a place to handle a public school after being home – schooled. What she didn’t expect was to come face to face with the one person who saved not only her life but her sanity in her childhood.

Rider Strong was the boy who loved and protected Mouse, his best friend through the crappy life they had in foster care. But after a horrible tragedy, he lost her and has had to live without knowing what had happened to her. So, when he comes face – to – face with Mouse again, his joy knows no bounds!

Even with the drama of a girlfriend; it’s easy to see the connection between Mallory and Rider – and it shows to everyone else as well. While the foundation of their friendship remains strong, it is the feelings that they both have for each other that surprises them.

I adored reading Mallory and Rider’s story; but what would have made it better was if we had gotten a POV from Rider – I need dual POV in my stories like air; especially ones that I actually end up loving!

So, now I am gonna go and get another NA book by Ms. Armentrout – just to see if this was a one hit wonder!