The words “For Lila, forever” adorned the front of the envelope in blue ink, the handwriting all too familiar. But it didn’t matter what it said. I didn’t have the heart to open it.We couldn’t be together. Not after everything …Leaving Rose Crossing, Maine was one of the most painful moments of my life—or at least it was until the day I came face-to-face with Thayer Ainsworth again. After a … Ainsworth again.
After a decade of searching, he’s found me, and he wants to know why I quit my housemaid job and left his family’s island estate without so much as a goodbye. But I’m bound by a devastating secret much bigger than the two of us, and telling him the truth has consequences.
Looking into the eyes of the only man I’ve ever loved, I tell him the only thing I’m allowed to: never contact me again. And when he’s gone, I sit down and finally open his letter.
Only it isn’t a letter at all.
And it changes everything.
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The things I didn’t really like was chapters of the past then a group of chapters present then a group to the past then lastly back the the present, it was getting confusing a few times. The others are The snotty grand grandfather who thinks he can blackmail people to get what he wants and throw money at, the deadbeat father who is Lila’s birth father and how he’s married with a wife that’s expecting twins, again old man snotty bought his way to silence. Oh and ALL the lies, yikes. And for 19 and an 18 year old falling in forbidden love and creating something, it’s so unfortunate that money has to be thrown for lies of disappearing, changing names and to be 3000 away is still to close the the snobby old man. Plus the jealousy of a rich girl not getting the rich grandson where she deceive with a hidden video. DRAMA and so much more.
Thayer and Lila will have you believing in love again. Thayer and Lila’s journey began one summer when she was placed in the custody of her grandparents after the death of her mother. Thayer was drawn to Lila and the more time they spent together the stronger their bond became. When Lila found herself expecting a child, Thayer’s grandfather intervened removing Lila and her grandparents so that Thayer would never know what happened or be able to find them but the power of love will always find away.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Overall:
“It’s like a substantial part of me is missing — and that part of me is her.”
My love for Winter Renshaw began with her P.S. series. She has this way of creating characters that melt your heart into a puddle with their love for each other, even those characters who begin as enemies. Her current book, For Lila, Forever reads a bit different than her previous books, in my opinion.
This is a story of a forbidden, second chance at love. Thayer and Lila, the two main characters, meet on Thayer’s family’s island. Lila’s grandparents work for Thayer’s grandfather on this island, and Lila joins them after the death of her mother. She too becomes a servant for Thayer’s grandfather. At first glance, Thayer begins to fall for Lila. Initially, Lila is wary because Thayer comes from a family of privilege, and that is a life unknown to Lila. Thayer’s grandfather has hung his hopes for the family’s future on Thayer, and his grandfather makes it clear that he is to leave Lila alone. Unfortunately, Thayer sees a strength in Lila and her grief, and he befriends her. He is drawn to her. Likewise, Lila is drawn to them, and over a short time, they fall deeply in love with each other. However, when the summer ends, Thayer must return to Yale. They agree to forgo communicating with each other, as communication is terrible from the island. They commit to each other even in this absence.
The next summer, Thayer returns, and Lila and her grandparents are gone. He is devastated, but refuses to lose hope. He spends the next ten years of his life searching for her, loving no one else. Does he find her? Will she still love him as he loves her? Even more, why did she leave without a trace, without a letter for him? That is the mystery of this story. It is the impetus for charging forward.
Usually, Renshaw’s story’s are decadent in character development. As I mentioned at the beginning, the characters drive a story line that isn’t necessarily offering a new take on a romantic trope. You can’t help but fall in love with her characters, hoping for them to find their HEA. However, For Lila, Forever is different in this sense.
“There’s a gentleness about him, an easiness that I didn’t anticipate. It’s the smoothness of his voice, the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles. He never talks about himself — even during meals. He’s always asking everyone else what they’re doing or what’s going on in their lives. And it’s plain to see he’s the clear favorite among the three grandchildren.”
Thayer is a good guy. We know that, while he grew up with wealth, his father insists in living more simply. Thayer isn’t overly spoiled, and he sees Lila’s grief and wants to help ease her into the life of the island. There is a sensitivity about him. He isn’t a bad guy. Similarly, Lila’s strength comes from being raised by a single mother. She knows who she is, and she doesn’t initially jump into Thayer’s arms, yet she is attracted to his nature. She is guarded for good reason. As a reader, you can’t help but like both of these characters. Yet, they are fairly one-dimensional, not Renshaw’s usual fare. They might be the reason to read the book, but, really, the story is the creative monster of this book.
This story has several twists and turns. Renshaw switches between the past and the present, so we gain the depth of the story. It’s full of secrets that you don’t necessarily see coming, and the ending is perfection, a true HEA. It makes you swoon as Renshaw perfectly creates an emblem of Thayer’s full love for Lila. To be honest, it was my favorite part of the book.
What I struggled with the most in this book is the love affair between Thayer and Lila. As the character development was different in this book, I wanted to understand the reason Thayer was so drawn to Lila initially. We know they make eye contact for the first time and he knows: she is his soulmate. And in romance, this is usually acceptable. However, I’ve come to expect more from Renshaw, I think. I wanted a bit more development of that love affair. There are certain authors whom I’ll accept “love at first sight” and quickly jumping into bed, but Renshaw oftentimes takes us on a more twisty, turny journey towards that end. In this book, I was left a little disappointed by how quickly they come together. Again, I think this book is more about the creative nature of this story, and I easily forgave her for this.
“From the moment I saw her, something called to me. I believe now that it was her soul calling to mine. She’s my soulmate.”
If you love a side of angst with a sweet hero and strong heroine in your romance, then you will absolutely love For Lila, Forever. Winter Renshaw has written a story that captures you and pulls you through Thayer and Lila’s story over time. In the end, you will be fully satiated by their “happily ever after.”
4.5 Stars
I enjoyed this second chance story. Despite all the obstacles, Thayer never gives up on Lila.
This Story alternates between past and present. I really enjoyed the chapters in the present as well as Lila’s chapters in the past however Thayer’s chapters in the past had a little extra detail for me.
When Lila’s mother passes and she’s sent to live with her grandparents on the island where they work, she certainly never expected to meet, and fall for, Thayer, the big boss’ favorite grandson. She’s unsure of Thayer and his motivations at first. On the surface he seems like a kind, if preppy and gorgeous, guy. But she’s known guys like that her whole life, and they rarely end up being as good as Thayer seems to be. So she’s naturally wary, and closes herself off at first. It doesn’t help that the big boss warned her and her grandparents that she’s not to get close to his grandchildren or all their jobs are on the line. Yep, he’s a real piece of work…
But, young love is nothing if not persistent, and soon they’re sneaking around and falling in love like 18 and 19-year-olds tend to do. But Thayer’s set to return to college in a few weeks and Lila’s only future is still on this island. Can they survive the long distance and the time? And what happens when Thayer comes back home next summer and Lila and her grandparents are gone, without a word? Will Thayer spend the next 10 years looking for his soulmate or forget her as the time goes by? What of the huge secret Lila’s keeping and CANNOT reveal or she’ll lose everything?
I was surprised at how sweet For Lila, Forever was, at how sweet Thayer was. I’m used to Winter Renshaw’s more alphahole type heroes, so for Thayer to be so darn sweet and kind was a surprise, albeit a very good surprise. I didn’t connect as much with Lila, as she just wasn’t as developed, or perhaps, not as likable, as Thayer, but she and Thayer made a great couple. All in all, I’d call For Lila, Forever a sweet, poignant second chance, first love kind of romance. If this is your jam, I highly recommend you download your copy today.
Lots of angst and drama. Personally, I would have liked more heat (it’s almost a clean romance) to warrant the amount of emotional turmoil. And Thayer is almost too saintly for me!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4*
Thayer’s family comes from money and every summer they all vacation on his Grandfathers Island.
Lila’s mum has died so she has no option but to live with her grandparents who happen to be the caretakers on the island. His grandfather is controlling but nobody is aware of how far he will go to get his own way. A 19 year old boy an 18 year old girl warned to stay away from each other.
A story of secrets and deception.
Let me just say that For Lila, Forever is by far the best book I have read in a very long time. Yes, it is filled with more than 50 chapters, but you will sail through this finely crafted story about Lila and Thayer, two young adults who feel an attraction for each other as she works as a housemaid for his wealthy grandfather. There’s a sweet romance, intrigue, sadness, loss, misunderstandings and just the best surprises and twists and turns. The story covers more than ten years as these two lose each other through the conniving of his grandfather. There are secrets to learn as Thayer and Lila discover each other again and find that some things never change. To say that I fell in love with these two characters is putting it mildly.I cannot wait to discover more books by Winter Renshaw! I lightly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A heartwarming love story. They fell in love too young and they were forced to separate for ten years. But Thayer has been trying to locate Lila all this time, because she vanished ten years ago. When he finally finds her again he will discover the truth and will fight to be with Lila even if they come from two different worlds. I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it
Bringing you plenty of angst and heartache, this book gives you a good case of the feels. The plot was good, but offered no surprises. The characters were likable and I found it impossible not to feel for them both. I will say I was not a fan of how the book was broken up into past and present.
They were supposed to stay away. It was never supposed to become a summer romance that would lead to forever.
Lila arrived on the island after her mother died. She finds herself living with her grandparents and working for the wealthy Mr. Bertram. The only rule was to stay away from his grandsons.
Thayer spent every summer of his life on the island. No internet, time to unwind and disconnect from technology and bond with family. Until he sees Lila.
Thayer was warned to stay away too. However, once Thayer decided he wanted something, he was unstoppable. He wanted to get to know Lila and maybe more.
A beautiful story of forbidden love, the lengths people will go to when they have a plan and the ultimate deceit. They shared a love that was never supposed to happen. Obstacles kept them apart. But true love never dies. They never gave up hope. Soul mates always find a way.
Another great story from the author. A strong, resilient woman who did what needed to be done to survive and protect her family. A truly good man led by his heart. He went after what he wanted, but was always sweet and caring. He never compromised his morals and never gave up on her. You’ll love this story!
There was a lot to like about this book. It was an interesting story with well drawn characters, told from different perspectives. However, most of it takes place in the past when Thayer & Lila were young adults with only the last quarter told in present day. I don’t mind a 2nd chance love story but because so much of this was in the past it felt much more of a young/new adult story than I was expecting.
Heartstrings: pulled. Gut: punched. Jaw: dropped.
This isn’t a laugh out loud book, this is a scream & gasp out loud book. There were many “OMG!’s” “whaaat?!” and “NO. WAY!” I think there was even a “shut the f__ up!”
A heart wrenching story of young love, a rotten old rich patriarch guy, deep family secrets, and more. It was awesome! Told in time chunks of past (10 years ago) and present, it totally sucks you in and you won’t be able to put it down. I feel emotionally worn out – both happy and sad.
What I loved most about this story is that the characters were both one hundred percent loyal to each other even though they were intentionally separated for ten years. Neither of them moved on or even passed the time with someone else just because they couldn’t be with the one they truly loved and wanted to be with. I loved that Thayer never stopped looking for Lilah. He never gave up on them. I mean, the story had all of the qualities of a fairytale. There was innocence, falling for someone who was unrealistically perfect and out of your league, tragic separation, unexpected pregnancy (which isn’t really fairytale-like), threats and deceit from the evil grandfather. It was a sweet and wonderful story of young, lasting love, but what made it perfect was the loyalty they had to each other, and, of course, the happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another outstanding love story from this author! I loved the alternating POVs and the book being organized into parts that took us between time periods. I definitely wanted to keep reading to find out how they finally got back together and found their HEA. I highly recommend! *I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’ve been on a bit of a summer romance/second chance binge, and I was pleasantly surprised when this fell right inline with that.
I absolutely loved For Lila, Forever. There are so many emotions at play, a few twists that you don’t expect. Lila & Thayer have such a strong connection, but still have that yin-yang thing going because they come from such opposite worlds. Thayer’s grandfather was so controlling and manipulative that I couldn’t stand him and I didn’t even feel a little bit bad for him at the end. Everything he did was for his own benefit not to protect his family or to make anyone’s life any better. And he obviously would have known that just a year or two after it all happened but 10 years later he was still being a puppet master and didn’t fix anything.
I always hate the big time gaps in books like this. Instead of a couple of years or so, a decade passes from the beginning of the story to the end. But I still loved it. One of the best I’ve read.
Such a robust second chance story that will leave you stunned in some places and weepy in others. Lila arrives in Rose Crossing to live and work with her grandparents on a private island. The island’s owner, Howard Bertram, surrounds himself with his family during the summers. That’s when Lila meets Thayer. He turns out to be a more down-to-Earth person that she imagined a pre-law Yale student who summers on a private island would be. See how their love forms and how their lives get torn apart by shocking secrets. Can they find their way back to each other or is it too late?
I enjoyed this story very much. Books about what I perceive to be wasted years always get to me but Thayer was faced with the impossible and didn’t even know it. I do wish that we had a little more of Ed at the end. I’m sure Thayer would have wanted to see him but understand that we focused more on the main characters. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
Amazing read! It’s a journey for Lila and Thayer to travel. Their spark and their relationship… it’s sweet, and real. I was full of emotions while I flipped pages, needing that story. I was pulled in and wish I could have been there with them.
After the death of her mother, Lila travels to the secluded island of Rose Crossing to live with her grandparents where they are the housekeeper and groundskeeper for a millionaire family. Thayer is the golden child grandson, visiting the island for his summer break from Yale. What starts as a summer romance changes both of their lives.
This story is beautifully written, as I’ve come to expect from a Renshaw story. I loved Lila’s strength and I fell in love with Thayer. There’s a full cast of characters and all are fully developed. There’s a wide spectrum of emotions (grief, love, heartbreak, and more) and many heartwarming moments that made me smile. And while there is a commonly used trope in full form here, there’s an added layer of complexity woven into the story that still managed to surprise me with the reveal.
The heat level is low but the romance is high. The love they had for each other stood the test of time, and I absolutely loved that. The ending felt a little rushed and left me with a few lingering questions. I wanted more time with Lila and Thayer together, as a couple in the present time.
Overall, this is another wonderful romance from this author that’s worth a read.
This was okay for me. I’m not a fan of the back and forth timeline. Although this one was broken up into decent parts of past and present, I would have like the past parts together, and then the present story. Thayer and Lila are okay together, but I felt like there was more between them when they were younger. There’s not a lot of heat to this story, and while that’s not a deal breaker for me, I just didn’t feel the chemistry between them. While this wasn’t my favorite by this author, the ending was sweet, and I was happy to see these two get their HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.