First and Forever is the second book in the Heartache Duet, and must be read after Heartache and Hope.There are no more goodnight kisses. No knocks on windows.No lengthy text messages.No late-night phone calls. And no game day balloons.
There’s just Connor.And Ava.Existing in a world filled with nothing but heartache. While searching the darkness for glimmers of hope. Because with hope, comes … glimmers of hope.
Because with hope, comes magic.
And magic is forever.
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“She was my first everything, and I want her-no, I need her-to be my last everything.”
Heartbroken, sleep-deprived, and probably half delusional from inhaling the first book, I dove in like a starved maniac. I needed to know how this all ended, and without a doubt, it felt like a 10 mile run with these characters once I finished. This Author painted a picture so completely vivid and entertaining, I completely checked out of life for two whole days to binge this gorgeous-ness. I yelled at them, I watched them stumble, fall, get back up, fall again, and had my heart ripped to shreds. Nothing short of pure magic woven in these pages (no pun intended) put it all back together with beauty, grace, and soul-soothing romance. I could eat Connor with a spoon, he’s every young girl’s wildest dream, and the cast of characters left me feeling like I was saying goodbye to old friends once I reached the end. The surprises around every turn, and the genius way it all pulled together left me breathless, in complete awe, and with a book hangover still the next day. BRAVO!!
“I find the spot above his heart, feel the magic beating between us, shaking my foundation…turning my entire world dark. “I love you so much, Connor.”
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
This is one brilliant conclusion to this phenomenal duet. I was just blown away with this one! The words, the emotion, all the feels!! This is everything
Through all the pain and heartache, this book shows that even in darkness love can always light the way.
Jay Mclean broke my heart again but she brought it slowly back together in this beautifully told heartfelt story. The swinging back and forth with emotions had me on the edge of my seat. I did have to put the book down at certain points to compose myself but it was worth every tear.
Please don’t try to read this book without reading Heartache & Hope first, it will ruin your emotional journey with this.
There is so much I want to talk about and say regarding this book and this duet but I don’t want to give too much away and ruin it for you. You need to experience it all yourself, every laugh, every bit of pain, every bit of love, hope, despair, just everything. I know everyone likes to talk about the journey but in this case it couldn’t be more accurate. It is a journey reading this one, it will take you through so much but you will be glad you did.
First and Forever was everything I was wishing for and more. I didn’t think it could top Heartache and Hope, but oh boy was I wrong. I’m drowning in feelings that I don’t know what to do with and I’m not sure how I’m going to review the conclusion to this epic duet. Whatever I say will only scratch the surface of this beautiful love story, so I’m going to keep this short and spoiler free. Simply said, this book broke my heart and then put it back together again, over and over again.
I love the complexity of these characters. They are survivors, all of them. No matter what life threw at them, how many times they got knocked down, how difficult things got, (and things got very difficult), they rose to the challenge and met it head on. Ava and her step-brother Trevor are truly amazing, completely selfless in their actions and I had such respect for them. They make a fantastic team and their strength and dedication blew me away. This young woman’s struggles would see the strongest of us buckle under the strain. The fact that she coped as well as she did is testament to her resilience and devotion.
In the previous book I felt that, in typical teenage style, Connor expected too much from Ava under the circumstances. However, here we see him grow and mature (and not just in the hoping for a growth spurt way!) He has such an incredible spirit, a good man with a big heart and I loved him. Through all the ups and downs, the break ups and make ups, Connor tried his hardest to do the right thing. Yes mistakes are made, but with the best of intentions. Who can honestly say they’ve never made a mistake?
I adored this story, the laughter, the tears and everything in between. Wonderfully written, I didn’t want it to end. My favourite quote, “When the world is at its darkest … that’s when the magic appears.” and that’s what this book was … magic!
5 Magical Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
First and Forever by Jay McLean is the second book in the Heartache Duet and what a wrap up it is. There is something about this duet that is unlike other stories. That certain something that grabs your heart and doesn’t let it go. The story as a whole is breathtaking. It’s the little details in this story that pull out all the emotion and make you feel along with these character. It is powerful. This book has it all, from the moments of feeling hatred toward a certain character to swoon-worthy moments and everything in between. I wanted to cry with them, laugh with them, be angry with them and so much more.
I am not going to rehash the story because then it would give stuff away and I just can’t do that.
Connor and Ava have not had it easy but finding each other has given them hope for better things to come. But life is work and sometimes that work can pull you down even more. Sometimes you have to step away even though your heart doesn’t want you to.
I have to admit that at times during this story I wanted to slap Ava. I felt she was coming across as brat but at the end I got it and it worked.
I loved how Jay Mclean incorporated even the secondary characters stories’ throughout. We got to see their endings except for two friends that I would love to read more about.
A great, heartfelt story that is a must-read.
Fuuuuuu… (OK, I have to stop there but you get the point.)
This second part of the Heartache Duet is aaaaaa-mazing! Each page kept getting better and better as it broke my heart over and over, healing it twice over in the process. Lather, rinse, repeat and I was a glutton for each and every moment of it. Jay has a way with words and characters and stories like no one else out there. Her way of bringing real life alive with all her magic is unbelievable. I’m so honored to be able to read anything she writes. Thank goodness she keeps writing! (Please, Jay, don’t ever stop!) Ava and Connor deserve ALL the MAGIC! You won’t be disappointed by this heartfelt duet with this couple that overcomes some tragically broken parts of their lives only to heal and grow beautifully as their story together unfolds.
Awesome ending! Conner 4Ava!! I had to suspend reality for a few aspects of this story, ie: sleeping over at each others houses, but I read to escape reality. Once I reminded myself that it’s just a book, I loved it all. Conner and Ava really stuck with me long after the book was finished.
There is a reason why Jay McLean has been called the Queen of teen angst. First and Forever is proof of her ability to wring every single emotion out of me including falling headfirst and hard for Ava and Connor. Oh my. This continuation of their heartbreaking love had me glued to my Kindle, almost hesitant to keep turning the pages. But I had to keep going even when all hope seemed to be lost and the light between them turned dark.
What a story. These two selfless kids, finding ways to protect the other, yet hurting one another nonetheless. I felt their pain. I cried at their triumphs and surprising defeat but held on because a love like theirs is not one to be cast aside so easily. And thank goodness both Connor and Ava are equally stubborn and kept that love deep in their souls even when they were miles apart.
I understood Ava and the whys of her actions. She’s only 18!!! All the responsibility, all the guilt, I’m not sure how she managed to do it all every single day for the past few years. But watching as she found a new normal and holding her head up higher even when she was on her last legs was something to be admired. She is a survivor! And worthy of being loved.
And then there’s Connor. Oh that young man. What a keeper he turned out to be. I adore him as much as Ava and Mama Jo do. How could you not? He is more than just a sexy baller. He is a survivor as well and a fierce protector of those he cares for. I am still in awe of all he has done for his girl and her family. He is simply sublime.
This book showcases the depth of McLean’s talent at digging deep and exposing the despair of being young and in love when the world keeps throwing fouls over and over again. But the sheer will and tenacity that Ava and Connor have showed they are stronger than any detour they happened upon. With a myriad of secrets that seemed insurmountable to overcome, it’s truly a wonder I’m sitting here smiling through my tears as I read the final words.
This is duet not to be missed. With secondary characters in Rhys, Karen, Corey and especially Trevor and Jo, this gutwrenching story obliterated my heart and then painstakingly put it back together. And I couldn’t be happier. Do yourself a favor and start with Heartache and Hope and then hold on tight as you experience the gripping conclusion that is First and Forever.
5 huge stars!
First and Forever is a great read. It amazing me how Jay’s characters can go from happy and funny to sad and depression back to happy in just a little amount of time. My emotions where all over the place when reading this one. Life isn’t always a bowl of froot loops and sunshine and I feel like this book with it’s ups and downs is a reminder how life has it’s ups and downs too and to to dwell too much on the bad.
Ava and Connor go through so much. They both have tremendous things to work through. I was so rotting for them to push through and find happiness. Some characters surprised me, like I thought someone was nice and decent but no they really aren’t and one character I expected not to like and I actually liked them. Ava and Connor are to characters that touched my heart and i so wanted to jump through the pages and give them a hug.
First and Forever is part two in the story and you must read Heartache and Hope first. Both books are amazing and you should definitely read this duet.
I am completely over myself over here. This is a duet that you don’t want to miss out on.
Can I say this book deserves a THOUSAND stars!!!!
I’ve read books where I fall in love with the alpha’s or hero’s but my god, Connor has climbed that ladder so fast and is now my number 1 guy.
I was so passionate about this couple and I cried sad tears and I cried happy tears, I literally sobbed and I swooned with Connor and Ava.
I have had read some really good books this year, this has been the best year for me with reading and the Heartache Duet has been by far one of the best duets I’ve read this year.
So much goodness is in my heart right now after reading this book. Jay McLean did one hell of a job with this story and can’t wait to read more from here.
I knew when I started reading the first page of the first book, Heartache & Hope, that I was gonna fall in love with this Duet. And I did…because I know myself and this is definitely one of my all-time favorite authors. If she would re-write the phonebook I would probably have to give it 5 stars and read it over and over again 😉
Let me start out by saying that these books can not be read as stand alones. You need to read the first book before starting the second. Things won’t make much sense if you don’t.
The previous book left us with quite the cliffy and I was so happy when this one arrived on my kindle, because I had to know what would happen next.
Now I am gonna keep this review very ague because if there is one thing I have learned from reading Jay McLean’s books, is that they are best enjoyed when you go into them blind. So I don’t want to spoil anyone’s enjoyment.
All you really need to know is that you are in for some serious (teenage) angst, heartache, tears and most definitely love….Because that is the most profound emotion when it comes to this story…LOVE.
We should all be so lucky and have a Connor in our lives.
I have finished this Duet days ago and it is still on my mind. It definitely packs a punch and leaves you breathless. I can’t recommend it highly enough. It sure as hell deserved a spot on my “all-time favorites of 2019” list.
Go and one-click you guys !!! You won’t be sorry !!
When the world is at its darkest, that’s when the magic appears.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
“When the world is at its darkest, that’s when the magic appears”.
This is the second book in this duet series and this one just blew me away; I thought it was even better than the first one! So much angst but also love in a world of darkness but somehow there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, even if you don’t see it yet. I adored Connor and Ava and actually was sad to see the book ending but what an amazing story it was!
When the world seems to fall apart around Connor, it takes everything in him to keep going but it’s hard when the girl he has fallen deeply for keeps him at a distance, now more than ever. But love has a funny way showing up and when Ava is going through a hard time, their relationship seems to grow stronger every day. Each moment they are trying to spend with one another and try to enjoy those moments but when something happens, Ava will have to make a choice that will change their future course… Will they find their way back to one another in the end?…
ALL THE FEELS! I don’t know how she does it. Jay McLean continues to bring us the very BEST of Young Adult.Romance She is the queen of teen angst! Connor and Ava’s story will send you on an emotional journey of heartache, longing, fear, hope, and happiness. This book was everything I was hoping it would be and so much more. The magic is REAL! The Heartache Duet is the story to read this summer! A MUST READ of 2019!
Review by Lys
GAH! Jay McLean has proved, once again, that she is the master of angsty teen romance. Thank goodness First and Forever picks up shortly after the first part of the duet because my heart was in shambles. And, mini spoiler alert, things get a lot worse for these two before they get better.
There was so much back and forth between Ava and Connor that I kept waiting for them to either get it together for real this time or end it once and for all. But this is Connor and he doesn’t ever go down without giving it everything in him. I loved his relentless pursuit of his dreams. All of them, including Ava. Even the things he was doing in secret were all leading up to his end game. He struggled a lot with all the pressure he was putting himself under but he wouldn’t let himself stop. He couldn’t. And poor Ava. She carried the weight of the world on her young shoulders. Couple that with raging hormones and a broken heart and she found herself drowning. And the only place she found comfort was Connor.
Half-truths. Full-out lies. Secrets. Answers. Friendships. Dreams. Family. They were all wrapped up in Ava and Connor’s story. But it was the small moments that stood out the most. Connor’s talks with his dad. And Connor with Ava’s mom were some of the best.
Jay McLean didn’t hold back with this duet. The banter. The hope. The fear. The love. I could feel it all. As much as First and Forever destroyed me while I was reading it- over and over and over and over again, I am so sad that Connor and Ava’s journey has come to its end. Because these two, together, were money.
What an epic story! A top 10 read of 2019! The writing style is flawless. YA at its best. The FEELS this storyline will evoke. Connor and Ava’s journey is a page turner and you won’t want to put it down. I absolutely loved how Jay McLean weaves in several tough subject matters with thoughtfulness and sheds light on how it’s needed and lacking nationwide. I adored Ava, swooned over Conner and loved all the characters. I highly recommend this must read!
PURE JAY MAGIC AGAIN. Ugfh again i loved these two. They got my emotions going. Hell this whole book did. I felt so many things. I definitely found another 2 parents i love from Jay’s books. Connor’s dad, Corey was so good of a character. I mean he will never top Tom Preston or Logan’s dad but he’s pretty dang close. And Ava’s mom, Jo she’s such a strong woman no matter what anyone thought of her. This was a great ending to this duet. I can’t wait to have these on my shelf one day!
Captivating! Connor and Ava have worked their way into my heart and they’re never leaving!!! I can’t recommend this book enough!!
This is the EPIC end of the Heartache Duet. This book is also a dual POV which is something I love. The love story of Conor & Ava is full of deep feelings and surprises that will keep you reading through the whole book waiting to get to the end and find out. I highly recommend to read the first book Heartache and Hope in order to really understand what is going on in this book.
Jay McLean is one of my top favorite author and she did not disappoint me whit this one, so if you want to ride a roller-coaster of feelings, read this duet. It is worth the tears and heartache.
Five Boo stars for Ava and Connor !!!
Jay didn’t disappoint!!!
Everything that I’ve written in review for the first book in this duet is equally valid for “First and Forever” !
Ava’s and Connor’s story is a kind of love story that many people secretly want to be true and to be their LOVE STORY with HAPPILY EVER AFTER!!!
“If you look for a book that will show you, no matter how life can be difficult, we all can find light in the dark times only if we believe in magic and love, this is the book for you !” – ABookLover73, “Heartache and Hope” (review)
Highly recommended!!!
Every time I open a Jay McLean book I tell myself “no more crying” and “I won’t let her turn me into an emotional mess again”. The thing is, I fail. Every single time no matter how much I try to prepare myself.
First and Forever was nothing less of a heartbreaking, angst-filled, beautiful written masterpiece.
Connor and Ava. They are special. Their love is one of kind- so bottomless. Their connection- so strong.
All the feels. Laughter. Tears. MAGIC. A story that will stay with me until my last breath.
This is book 2 in the Heartache Duet, and picks up straight after book 1, Heartache and Hope, which must be read first.
What an absolute stunning duet this has been, beautifully written, poignant and heartfelt – all about love, family, friendship, strength, hope, dreams and growing up – full to the brim of every emotion possible, it was quite simply an awesome read, one of the best duets I have read this year.
No spoilers for this, its best to go in blind, and just immerse yourself in the story line. Be prepared for lots of emotions, angst, drama, love, heartache and tears…. my heart was left in tatters numerous times before it was rebuilt again. It’s definitely one of those reads that will stay with me for a long time. Everyone in their life deserves a Connor, if only we were all so lucky!!
A massively well deserved 5 star epic read – you won’t be disappointed!