This is Forever is the fourth book in @natashamauthor’s This Is series. We finally get the story of Justin Stone, the baby of the Stone family. I was so excited when Natasha announced this one and I am happy to say it did not disappoint.
This book had a few cliches: poor single mom meets rich, handsome, playboy and it’s love a first sight. I am actually a fan of these cliches as long as they are well done. This one was definitely well done. Caroline is a single mom of an eight-year-old son. She is strong and independent, almost to a fault. Justin Stone is a professional hockey player who runs a hockey camp for underprivileged children. Caroline and Justin meet at this camp and Justin is immediately intrigued. He finds himself fiercely protective of both Caroline and her son. As the three spend time together Caroline must decide if she can let Justin in or if it is more important to be independent and Justin must decide if he is prepared to break down her walls or if he should give up his fight for her heart.
I loved this one! Justin and Caroline were perfect together and I could not put this down because of that. If you are a fan of sports romances definitely pick this five star up
- Dylan (the child) literally does nothing the entire novel except for eating - Caroline doesn’t do anything but cry and give her son snacks - Justin is the only somewhat likeable character
They fell in love so quickly, and towards the end the plot felt so rushed. This story could’ve gone so realistically and different with the characters background and personality. Idk expected more from it
“I would have found you. Without you, there is nothing.”
How does one choose to read a book from a new author? Some of us choose it from a cover. There is something about it that grabs our attention, and we one-click it. For others, myself included, it’s the blurb, the story synopsis that pulls at a thread of curiosity. Or maybe it’s the reputation of the author: he/she is your unicorn author or an author who makes you one-click fast because their her books feed your book addiction. Whatever your reason, you find yourself opening the page and finding yourself in a world beyond your own.
For me, I’m a sucker for story. For this review, you should know that I am new to Natasha Madison. I read the blurb for This is Forever and knew that it would be my book crack: hockey player, single mom, impoverished conditions. What’s not to love? When I was chosen to read it as an ARC for an honest review, I was ecstatic. I love reading new to me authors because they expose me to more and more romance. It affords me the opportunity to read other styles of writing, and it adds to the scope of my reading and writing. And Natasha Madison…well, she didn’t disappoint with this book. It was everything I was hoping for.
This is Forever continues Madison’s This is series. In this book, Justin, the youngest of the Stone family, is living his life. It’s the off-season, and he is scheduled to continue to work on his skills, along with hosting a hockey camp for underprivileged kids for his foundation. As he arrives at camp, he meets Dylan, one of his campers, and Caroline, Dylan’s mother. From their first meeting, Justin finds himself drawn to Caroline. He feels a strong connection with her and her son. As the story progresses, Justin falls more and more in deep with Caroline, and he wants to protect them at any cost. As a single mom, Caroline is conditioned to take care of her son. Living in poverty and just getting by, she believes sacrifice and hard work will help them survive. Yet, at each turn, she finds more problems. When Justin enters her life, he wants to help her, but she struggles to accept his aid, her pride driving her decisions. Spending more time together, Caroline finds herself falling in love with Justin. However, is she worthy of him? Can they have a life together, or will Caroline’s past end any future for them?
For me, Justin is my favorite in this story. Madison constructs this hero who is equal parts compassionate, insightful, and a warrior. This is a man who is willing to sacrifice himself for Caroline and Dylan. He’s easily caring, and he falls deeply for Caroline quickly. That’s probably my favorite part of Justin. While Madison tries to slow his interest for Caroline down, this is impossible. His character becomes wrapped around the finger of Caroline and her son, and it’s a beautiful thing to read. He becomes literate in Caroline, and his ability to read her easily and respond accordingly makes you fall easily for him as the hero.
While Justin is the highlight of the story, Caroline is enigmatic. She is equal parts strength personified and prideful. It’s her pride that creates the tension of this story. What ends up happening between Justin and Caroline is a constant negotiation. Since Justin learns to read Caroline so well, much of the story is Justin anticipating her responses and offering her other solutions. Honestly, sometimes, this can feel onerous. As a reader, you want Caroline to simply accept him. Yet, it’s Caroline’s character in these moments that force you to appreciate her strength and tenacity. Madison’s crafting of Caroline is a clear nod to the power of a woman’s spirit. In this, Caroline becomes the perfect challenge for Justin.
Natasha Madison’s This is Forever is a vivid reminder of family. In this book, she illustrates the idea that family doesn’t have to be constructed through DNA. Justin’s compassion and sacrifice for Dylan and Caroline become more familial than the ties of Dylan’s biological father, Andrew, to his son. It’s this lesson that adds depth to Caroline and Justin’s romance, adding gravity to Madison’s romance. If you’re a fan of hockey player heroes and single mom heroines, then you’ll love Natasha Madison’s This is Forever.
This book is probably one of my favorites of the series. I loved Justin and Caroline's story. And how could you just not love Dylan!!!
This is definitely an insta-love but it's done so well. You almost don't realize it's happening. Justin is exactly what Caroline needed in her life. She's strong and very independent so it's hard for her to accept help, but Dylan is thriving being around Justin.
I will say, I was a little irritated with Parker and Cooper in this one. I was shocked how they tried to encourage Justin to walk away from Caroline. Thankfully, Justin put them in their place and it was very short-lived. I mean I get it from a parent aspect, but that was not how they've acted in any of the other books. They've been nothing but supportive with all of them, so this should've been no different. However, Matthew supported Justin and I loved it! It was great to see how close their relationship was.
Grab the tissues, because this one was a tear-jerker. It's so good though.
Ok. Loved all of the other books. But this one.... whew. I loved it from the very first page. It was really a great story, on top of all the fun stuff. Loved this series and will probably read more.of Natasha Madison in the future.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This one really has it all! Each new book in this series is about a member of the Stone family and boy are they a family. Justin Stone is so charming and even though he is a hockey star he still makes the time to help underprivileged children with his summer camp. I love the interest he took in Dylan and his mom Caroline. They are poor but he never treats them that way nor does he judge them for it. In fact, he goes out of his way to help them. His soft side is much more than his father or brother but that doesn't mean he is the same sort of alpha man they are.
While Caroline never excepted to be a single parent, she is doing the best she can. Her son's health and happiness is the top priority in her mind. She does whatever she has to in order for him to be able to play the hockey he loves so much. While Justin is generous towards her and Dylan, Caroline doesn't take advantage of that in any way. I think that is why I loved her as a character so much.
They were both well written characters and this book was one that I couldn't put down. I loved every second of the ride and romance that happened between Justin and Caroline. Although I must also add that Dylan is simply delightful. If you read only one book this year, then this needs to be that book.
I'm not sure how this book landed on my Kindle but IT WAS AMAZING and I'm so glad I read it. Even better, I have the entire backlist of this author to binge!
Nothing gets me like a protective, loving hero paired with a strong woman. This story checked all of my boxed.
