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Where Forever Started
What would you do if you saw someone getting beaten up?
Have-a-go hero Barney really should have used his patented superpower—his Very Loud Scream—and not chanced his wobbly, faux bravado. Now he’s dodging a posse of angry yobs, his head reeling from more than the missile that just hit him. Just who is this stranger sprinting at his side?
By the time it’s safe for him and Raf to emerge from their refuge, there’s a definite connection between them. And yet there’s something about Raf’s story that doesn’t quite add up. Will Barney's I-dared-to-believe dreams go up in smoke or is this New Year’s Eve the one Where Forever Started?
Have-a-go hero Barney really should have used his patented superpower—his Very Loud Scream—and not chanced his wobbly, faux bravado. Now he’s dodging a posse of angry yobs, his head reeling from more than the missile that just hit him. Just who is this stranger sprinting at his side?
By the time it’s safe for him and Raf to emerge from their refuge, there’s a definite connection between them. And yet there’s something about Raf’s story that doesn’t quite add up. Will Barney's I-dared-to-believe dreams go up in smoke or is this New Year’s Eve the one Where Forever Started?
90 pages, ebook
First published January 11, 2021
70 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Elsborg
99 books1,671 followersBarbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the south of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Volcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
January 3, 2021
4.5 stars
This was lovely, like a fairy tale. This author surely knows how to write characters you want to hug and protect from the rest of the world. I loved Barney. He is so sweet. Both he and Raf are very endearing characters.
My favorite story in the Winter Wonderland Giveaway so far. And the cover is perfect.
This was lovely, like a fairy tale. This author surely knows how to write characters you want to hug and protect from the rest of the world. I loved Barney. He is so sweet. Both he and Raf are very endearing characters.
My favorite story in the Winter Wonderland Giveaway so far. And the cover is perfect.
April 19, 2021
Sweet, insta-lovey freebie story. Sure, you totally have to suspend belief, but I enjoyed it.
January 4, 2021
4.5 Stars!
Loved this!! Could've read more about Barney and Raf!
Perfect holiday read.
Loved this!! Could've read more about Barney and Raf!
Perfect holiday read.
February 11, 2021
3.25 stars ⭐
November 18, 2024
***Free to buy on Amazon***
Re-read Nov’24
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3.5 Stars
It seems to be a common theme for BE’s characters to have had shitty lives and crappy parents and this was no exception. Barney has not had it easy and just when you think his NYE couldn’t get any worse, he runs into a little trouble whilst helping out a stranger in need.
Barney and Raf don’t have long to get acquainted. Excluding the epilogue, this novella takes place over a 24 hour timeframe. Not being a fan of insta love, I was surprised just how much I liked it.
It may have been a tad unrealistic, with a too good to be true ending, but I didn’t care in the slightest. If anyone deserves a warm and fuzzy HEA, it’s Barney ❤️
Re-read Nov’24
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3.5 Stars
It seems to be a common theme for BE’s characters to have had shitty lives and crappy parents and this was no exception. Barney has not had it easy and just when you think his NYE couldn’t get any worse, he runs into a little trouble whilst helping out a stranger in need.
Barney and Raf don’t have long to get acquainted. Excluding the epilogue, this novella takes place over a 24 hour timeframe. Not being a fan of insta love, I was surprised just how much I liked it.
It may have been a tad unrealistic, with a too good to be true ending, but I didn’t care in the slightest. If anyone deserves a warm and fuzzy HEA, it’s Barney ❤️
January 6, 2021
4,5 stars
That totally worked for me.
Barney is just lovely and sweet, Raf is tall, dark and suitably mysterious, and I could clearly feel the connection between them. On top of it all the cute banter made me smile and chuckle.
Maybe Barney’s difficult situation is a tad overplayed, but it doesn’t matter.
This story is bound to make you feel warm and cosy around your heart and nudge you to believe a little bit in human compassion again. I loved that, in true Christmas spirit, Barney’s selfless kindness is repaid in full in the end.
A lovely, very Christmassy novella with a deeper message.
That totally worked for me.
Barney is just lovely and sweet, Raf is tall, dark and suitably mysterious, and I could clearly feel the connection between them. On top of it all the cute banter made me smile and chuckle.
Maybe Barney’s difficult situation is a tad overplayed, but it doesn’t matter.
This story is bound to make you feel warm and cosy around your heart and nudge you to believe a little bit in human compassion again. I loved that, in true Christmas spirit, Barney’s selfless kindness is repaid in full in the end.
A lovely, very Christmassy novella with a deeper message.
January 17, 2021
*le sigh*
Really lovely.
I love Barb's writing...I'm swept away every time.
I loved Barney and Raf...both are charming and a little bit cheeky.
And I loved their HEA...it left me with a beaming smile on my face.
A short story full of heart that is sure to touch yours.
Really lovely.
I love Barb's writing...I'm swept away every time.
I loved Barney and Raf...both are charming and a little bit cheeky.
And I loved their HEA...it left me with a beaming smile on my face.
A short story full of heart that is sure to touch yours.
January 12, 2021
I feel like such a cynic at the moment, but this story was so unbelievable, the little reality dictator in my uber logical brain would not shut up:
I didn't like the twist in the story at all. It was so very Pretty Woman. I was just waiting for Barney to storm into his flat channeling Julia Roberts, like, Remember me? Treating me like crap? Well, it was a big mistake. Big. HUGE.
Anyhoo, I agree Barney is very sweet, and Raf is just perfect. And, yes, there's a true HEA in the epilogue.
Maybe if the story had been better fleshed out and we'd also had Raf's POV, I would have liked it more.
I didn't like the twist in the story at all. It was so very Pretty Woman. I was just waiting for Barney to storm into his flat channeling Julia Roberts, like, Remember me? Treating me like crap? Well, it was a big mistake. Big. HUGE.
Anyhoo, I agree Barney is very sweet, and Raf is just perfect. And, yes, there's a true HEA in the epilogue.
Maybe if the story had been better fleshed out and we'd also had Raf's POV, I would have liked it more.
October 5, 2021
Fanciful winter story that will melt your fairy-tale heart !
New Years Eve in the UK, is where circumstances have Barnet all alone. He left his shared apartment to get away from his awful roommates, and now he's rescuing a beating victim. When the bad guys run, Barney takes Raf to safety, they talk, they are chased, and then safe at the business Barney cleans for one of his jobs.
We watch these two work together, get along, laugh, and relate.
Raf doesn't tell much, but he's obviously homeless. He and Barney pass the hours cleaning, eating Barney's home cooked baked goods, build snowmen and enjoy each other's company.
This sweet short story is eye-opening, heartwarming, and thought-filled. It's a winter tale that fills your heart with hope, and we have a marvelous epilogue.
I liked the self sufficient Barney and Raf turns out to be so much more!
ENJOY !
=====
New Years Eve in the UK, is where circumstances have Barnet all alone. He left his shared apartment to get away from his awful roommates, and now he's rescuing a beating victim. When the bad guys run, Barney takes Raf to safety, they talk, they are chased, and then safe at the business Barney cleans for one of his jobs.
We watch these two work together, get along, laugh, and relate.
Raf doesn't tell much, but he's obviously homeless. He and Barney pass the hours cleaning, eating Barney's home cooked baked goods, build snowmen and enjoy each other's company.
This sweet short story is eye-opening, heartwarming, and thought-filled. It's a winter tale that fills your heart with hope, and we have a marvelous epilogue.
I liked the self sufficient Barney and Raf turns out to be so much more!
ENJOY !
=====
January 13, 2021
I liked this, but I thought the big reveal was VERY unrealistic.
I did like the romance and I thought Barney and Raf were very cute together. But I still had a hard time getting over why Raf was homeless.....
I did like the romance and I thought Barney and Raf were very cute together. But I still had a hard time getting over why Raf was homeless.....
April 25, 2024
4 Stars!! Cute, slightly angsty holiday romance. 🥰 It had a melancholy beginning, but had a pleasant ending.. Enjoyed it!!
January 6, 2021
OMG this is so satisfying read. A dream comes true, a modern fairy tale and adorable lovely couple.
I really loved and adored Raf and Barney!
Where Forever Started marked as Holiday book you need to read a million times!
This just wonderful...
And it's Barbara Elsborg!
This story is part of The Winter Wonderland group giveaway on Prolific Works.
January 25, 2021
This was cute! I agree with all my friends, good and bad, I totally agree. Me though? I'm just going with fate and a touch of Winter magic.
I am super happy for both of them.
The only thing I couldn't really stomach was Barney's Father. He didn't deserve the page time he got.
Thank you to all the authors who participated in this Winter Wonderland event and contributed a free read. It was truly the best way to start 2021.
I am super happy for both of them.
The only thing I couldn't really stomach was Barney's Father. He didn't deserve the page time he got.
Thank you to all the authors who participated in this Winter Wonderland event and contributed a free read. It was truly the best way to start 2021.
April 12, 2021
This one reads a bit like a modern fairy tale, with a twist that is improbable but satisfying, and a Cinderella guy very deserving of something better. Normally I'm not a fan of insta-love, but if I just let myself go along with the narrative, the author's smooth storytelling and appealing characters made it a fun read.
October 18, 2021
Such a cute sweet Christmas romance.
Barney is simply adorable, he’s not been dealt the best hand but he takes everything in his stride. It’s impossible not to fall in love with him.
This was a beautiful read.
Barney is simply adorable, he’s not been dealt the best hand but he takes everything in his stride. It’s impossible not to fall in love with him.
This was a beautiful read.
January 17, 2021
4.25 stars
Utterly charming. Hilarious banter. Best short romance I’ve read in a long time. Barney was worth his weight in gold. Bravo, Ms. Elsborg.
Utterly charming. Hilarious banter. Best short romance I’ve read in a long time. Barney was worth his weight in gold. Bravo, Ms. Elsborg.
December 14, 2021
✽ 4 STARS ✽
This was really short story. Author Barbara Elsborg proved that even a very short story can make sense, be interesting and without a lack of details. It was kind a magic story as it's suitable for this Christmas time. Raf hides something, but even though it was worth reading.
This was really short story. Author Barbara Elsborg proved that even a very short story can make sense, be interesting and without a lack of details. It was kind a magic story as it's suitable for this Christmas time. Raf hides something, but even though it was worth reading.
January 26, 2021
Un poco ridículo y absurdo, ah pero qué bonito y divertido 😂 🥰
November 19, 2021
This was a cute story set at New Year's Eve and beyond, and I enjoyed reading it, even if it's a wee bit on the insta-love side. I liked the MCs quite a bit, and felt for Barney from the get-go. Give this a try.
January 5, 2021
❤️❤️
A coup sûr, cette nouvelle fera partie de mes préférées de la série <3
« Where forever started », c'est l'histoire de la rencontre entre Barney, seul pour le soir du nouvel an, et de Raf, un homme sans abri.
Je n'en dirai pas plus pour ne pas trop en dévoiler. Cette nouvelle est courte, mais l'auteur a su dire l'essentiel et faire passer de jolies émotions.
Barney est un homme si touchant, gentil. Ses colocataires sont exécrables avec lui, il les supporte tant bien que mal. Heureux de pouvoir avoir un moment de paix le soir du réveillon en allant chez son père, le pauvre se rend compte au dernier moment qu'il a été oublié.
Sa rencontre avec Rafe va chambouler sa nuit, mais pas que...
Une jolie nouvelle, vraiment j'ai adoré découvrir ces personnages ! Je ne voulais presque pas la finir trop vite et savourer un peu plus longtemps cette jolie histoire. Certes, tout va vite à la fin, on est dans de l'insta love, mais de l'insta love qui marche, qui a bien fonctionné chez moi.
Barney et Rafe sont deux jolis personnages.
C'était émouvant et touchant... Bref, une nouvelle que je pourrais relire ❤️
A coup sûr, cette nouvelle fera partie de mes préférées de la série <3
« Where forever started », c'est l'histoire de la rencontre entre Barney, seul pour le soir du nouvel an, et de Raf, un homme sans abri.
Je n'en dirai pas plus pour ne pas trop en dévoiler. Cette nouvelle est courte, mais l'auteur a su dire l'essentiel et faire passer de jolies émotions.
Barney est un homme si touchant, gentil. Ses colocataires sont exécrables avec lui, il les supporte tant bien que mal. Heureux de pouvoir avoir un moment de paix le soir du réveillon en allant chez son père, le pauvre se rend compte au dernier moment qu'il a été oublié.
Sa rencontre avec Rafe va chambouler sa nuit, mais pas que...
Une jolie nouvelle, vraiment j'ai adoré découvrir ces personnages ! Je ne voulais presque pas la finir trop vite et savourer un peu plus longtemps cette jolie histoire. Certes, tout va vite à la fin, on est dans de l'insta love, mais de l'insta love qui marche, qui a bien fonctionné chez moi.
Barney et Rafe sont deux jolis personnages.
C'était émouvant et touchant... Bref, une nouvelle que je pourrais relire ❤️
January 6, 2021
Also lovely..
https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/8...
All these FREE books to try in the Winter Wonderland Giveaway!!! May be the time to try out new authors.
https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/8...
All these FREE books to try in the Winter Wonderland Giveaway!!! May be the time to try out new authors.
January 1, 2021
Enchanting
Barney commits a good deed and it changes his life forever. Raf is more than what he seems.
I’m glad this was my 1st read of the year.
Total positive story that I loved!
Barney commits a good deed and it changes his life forever. Raf is more than what he seems.
I’m glad this was my 1st read of the year.
Total positive story that I loved!
September 1, 2025
3,7 ⭐️ rounded up
If this would have been a full book I’d probably DNF it. I’d cringe and roll my eyes and be bored.
But. As this tiny thing had only 62 pages and didn’t even try to pretend more than it was (a short, simple sweet thing), I liked it a lot.
It was very sweet and naive and. Just a nice little modern fairytale ☺️
If this would have been a full book I’d probably DNF it. I’d cringe and roll my eyes and be bored.
But. As this tiny thing had only 62 pages and didn’t even try to pretend more than it was (a short, simple sweet thing), I liked it a lot.
It was very sweet and naive and. Just a nice little modern fairytale ☺️
March 30, 2021
4.25 stars. I love the way Barbara's mind works with these little novellas. One of the characters is always intrinsically good [think Jonty or Pasha 💜🧡], and the other sort of morally ambiguous but still not bad or nasty.
Barney is our intrinsically good character in this cute story, and Raf is the older character who has had more life experience and doesn't particularly think too much of others. Their meeting is...well, read this lovely little novella for yourself although if you don't do it today, the freebie might have disappeared I think.
Barney is our intrinsically good character in this cute story, and Raf is the older character who has had more life experience and doesn't particularly think too much of others. Their meeting is...well, read this lovely little novella for yourself although if you don't do it today, the freebie might have disappeared I think.
January 26, 2021
A great book! Excellent banter. For being a novella, it has a nice full story with a long epilogue. While Raf was a bit of a mystery until near the end, Barney was a sweet character who I just wanted to hug and take home with me. Just like the guy on the cover which fits perfectly!
May 2, 2021
A cute and sweet fairy tale
December 5, 2021
Sweet romance. :) It started out quite sad but then spun into a lovely fairy tale. All in all not very realistic and too insta for my liking but who cares around this time of the year. ;)
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
July 29, 2022
Unrealistic. But so effin cute!!!
This is a short romance novel with quite a few laughs and even though they're in love within 48 hours is rather garish, I couldn't help but gush along with them. Barney and Raff are adorable, I want to follow them around all the time for the cute. Yeah, I really did enjoy this.
The writing was clean and easy to read, I could put it down and pick it up after days and still remember the plot and what had happened.
Good for an afternoon read in the sun.
This is a short romance novel with quite a few laughs and even though they're in love within 48 hours is rather garish, I couldn't help but gush along with them. Barney and Raff are adorable, I want to follow them around all the time for the cute. Yeah, I really did enjoy this.
The writing was clean and easy to read, I could put it down and pick it up after days and still remember the plot and what had happened.
Good for an afternoon read in the sun.
February 7, 2021
Very sweet story. Barbara Elsborg does sweet and snowy and seasonal really well.
Trademark Elsborg cheerful and humorous MCs with the ability to touch a reader's heart.
Suspected where this was going. Actually hoped it would. It then did. Liked it because of it. The world needs kindness and happiness.
Trademark Elsborg cheerful and humorous MCs with the ability to touch a reader's heart.
Suspected where this was going. Actually hoped it would. It then did. Liked it because of it. The world needs kindness and happiness.
December 7, 2021
Perfect Barbara Elsborg holiday romance!
I love the twists and turns Barabara Elsborg builds into this story, it's original, romantic, and unputdownable. The very best way to spend a holiday evening. Highly recommend.
I love the twists and turns Barabara Elsborg builds into this story, it's original, romantic, and unputdownable. The very best way to spend a holiday evening. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews