CarolineBecoming a teen mom at sixteen was not what I expected, but then again, neither was being a single parent. Still, I wouldn’t change my past because that boy is my world.Hockey is the only thing my son seems to care about, so I work two jobs to make sure he can play. I’d do anything to make sure he doesn’t suffer because of the bad decisions his father made.When he won a whole summer of … won a whole summer of hockey training, I knew in my heart he was going to have an amazing time.
What I wasn’t prepared for was meeting his new summer coach. He was magnetic, powerful, and a player—in all forms of the word. If my life had taught me anything up to this point,
it was how to avoid making bad decisions, and Justin Stone was the definition of a bad decision.
I could never be a woman his family approved of. Even if I wished I could be. [JS1]
Justin
Growing up as the son of a hockey God is one thing. Growing up as the brother of a second hockey God is another. I had big skates to fill, so it was a good thing I loved every second of it.
Summer was my off time, my time to let loose, but when they ask me to coach a hockey camp for underprivileged kids, I couldn’t say no.
But when she walked in holding a little boy’s hand, my heart stopped beating. Or maybe it started for the first time. T
hey were a package deal, and I knew this—wanted it more than I’ve ever wanted anything. It didn’t take long to realize that no matter what happened,
I would do anything to protect them.
She is the only one I want to be with.
When push comes to shove, I have to prove to everyone that this is my choice, and This is Forever.
[JS1]This seems awkward. Can you just delete?
more
Overall Grade: 1/2
“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.
Justin pushed this to 5 stars.
This was a 4.5 star read for me and then Justin really stood up for Caroline and even more so for himself and I was like throw my hands in the air…YES!!
This is a great send-off for the Stone men and women. They love and protect fiercely and play hockey with a passion as well. This one occurs during the off season, so instead of game play – you get to see the side of Justin who runs a hockey camp for underprivileged kids. That’s where Caroline and Dylan come in.
Caroline was stubborn, but I liked the way Justin found a way into her life and her heart. “I feel a lot of things for you, Caroline, but sorry isn’t one of them.” Dylan was a pretty cool kid and just made this story.
The entire Stone clan is in this one, so their banter back and forth was great to see. Big family love in all its forms. There are some serious moments with Caroline’s ex and some heartwrenching moments – also due to the ex – but overall the story was sweet with devotion and love.
I highly recommend this series – every single book was an enjoyable read and I love this family of characters!! Sweet epilogues as well – especially loved Epilogue Two’s ending!!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
I’m really not sure where to start and how my words can do this book justice!!!
I finished This is Forever a few days ago but it’s taken me this long to put some words together. This author is one of my favourites but with this romance she has taken her writing to a whole new level . This book touched me on so many levels, it’s everything you want and expect in a great read and so much more…. I was captivated from the first page, I knew from the start this was going to be one of those special reads, the ones you never forget and really don’t want to end. I don’t want to write a review that’s full of spoilers you need to read this book with no preconceived ideas with no expectations, you need to experience this love story first hand but what I will tell you is the characters will steal a piece of you heart, you will fall hard for Justin Stone because he is the man we would all love on our arm. Let’s not forget Caroline and her adorable son Dylan who I’m sure will melt your heart like he melted mine. This is Forever is the perfect title for this story of love, friendship and family and as this romance unfolds I’m sure you will smile, you will giggle, you will swoon and you will shed a tear. I guess all that’s left to say is please one click this MUST READ. This is a book that will certainly at the top my best reads of 2020…..
I never wanted this story to end!! I love Justin! Instead of being the bratty youngest in the family, Justin Stone learned from example and he has grown up to become a generous, caring and respectful man.
Caroline is a single mom struggling to break ties with a toxic ex. Her son Dylan is a gifted young hockey player attending a camp that Justin runs.
“She shrugs. “It’s just another speed bump in the road.” I look at her and wonder what road she is on because there are craters in her road, and I suddenly want to pave them all.”
This story delivers in aces!! All the feels, all the swoon, a heroine to love and sweet young Dylan who steals the show!
One hundred percent this is my new favorite story by this author. A definite must read!!
-5 Stars!!-
*4,5 stars*
I’m just loving this series and what a great way to end it! I really enjoyed this book and the story of Justin and Caroline. One that will definitely sweep you of your feet and make you feel all the emotions!
Caroline is a single mom who tries to do everything she can for her son. Although she can’t afford a lot of things, she tries her best to give him everything he needs. When he gets a chance to go to a hockey camp that Justin Stone organises, it’s something that will change their lifes for good.
When Justin first lays eyes on Caroline and her little boy, it is like something switches inside him and he’ll try to do whatever he can to get close to her. But with Caroline’s past burning her so badly and still getting in her way, it’s not easy for her to let her walls come down. Slowly but surely, their relationship is changing and they seem to get closer each day. Will he find a way to get her to let her guard down? And will she finally be able to let her past behind her?…
This is a series that just gets better with each new book. The Stone family are fast becoming one of my favourite book dynasties ever. Justin is the youngest of the Stone children who has inherited the best traits of his parents Cooper and Parker. This was a story that went at pace mostly because when Justin meets Caroline he wastes no time making his intentions clear but in the most adorable ways. His attempsts to win her over made me smile. It as hard not to back him when he was so patient supportive with enough romance to make you swoon. Caroline has a past that won’t let her go but her determination and love for her son is what keeps her fighting. One of my favourite parts of the story was being along for the ride as Dylan fell in love with Justin it was good to read about a strong supportive role model. Seeing Cooper and Parker again just made me wish I could start the series all over again and if you haven’t read the Something So series I recommend you give the books a read.
This was such a great book!!! I don’t want to give too much away because its definitely worth the read. Can Caroline trust another man in her life not to break her or her son’s heart? I enjoyed reading this story and the few steamy scenes between these two. All around it was a great love story.
I finished This Is Forever days ago, but haven’t been able to think of the right words to fully encompass the perfection that is Justin and Caroline’s story. You see, this book is so much more than a love story. I mean, of course it’s a love story with the most beautiful HEA on the planet, but it is so much more than that. It’s story about overcoming the hardest of obstacles. It’s about second chances. It’s about following your heart. And it’s about loving yourself enough to allow someone else to love you too. I cried so many tears over this book – happy and sad. And by the final page, I was praying (quite loudly) that this isn’t the final story in one of the best fictional families I’ve had to the utmost pleasure of reading.
Story Line: Caroline is a single mom. She found out she was pregnant at just 17 years old. She raised her son Dylan practically on her own from day one. And their story isn’t for the faint of heart. Our sweet Caroline did everything and anything for her boy and for that reason alone, she’s my favorite of NM’s heroines. I’m a mama to two amazing kids, so when I read about a struggling mom and the hurdles she clears to make her child happy, I am hook, line and sinkered. Then you add Justin, who is probably the most swoon worthy alpha man ever. And you’ve got a recipe for one of the best books I’ve ever read in my entire life. These characters are so beautifully developed – so well rounded and lifelike, I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t living in a beautiful dream.
Interaction: When Caroline and Justin first meet, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Well, not for Caroline at least. But from that first moment, I knew this was going to be an incredible ride. Caroline’s struggle with self worth was something I related to on every single level. As a mom, we put our kids first. That’s what you do from the moment you become a parent. So the hardships she endured – every single one of them – I felt deep to my core. I cried reading so many of the details of her life. I cried for her and I cried with her. Thankfully Justin was exactly the man I knew he would be. He was sweet, yet firm with her. He was understanding yet caveman all at the same time. He was the perfect contradiction to the alpha man stigma. I cannot believe how hard I fell for this family, you guys. I’m seriously head over heals for these men and their families. I swore I wouldn’t play favorites, but Justin made it impossible. He’s the one, y’all.
Laundry: I cannot rave enough about the angst, heat, passion and total hotness that NM brings to her novels. Seriously. How can one scene be so freaking hot is beyond me. She has a gift, really. Justin and Caroline have chemistry that is beyond comparison. I felt their connection deep within my bones. At one point, I turned to my husband and read a bit of Justin’s “moves” to him. His response? “Whatever, that dude’s not real. If you want real, you can get your D right here”. UGH definitely not something sexy as all Hades Justin would say. Thankfully, I can read real fairy tales on repeat 😉
Depth: When I said this story is beautifully rounded, I was not exaggerating. Each character is deliciously complex and completely life like. You can literally picture each and every sculpted inch of Justin with utter precision. I’m not kidding. Like not even a little bit. Let’s not forget Caroline and Dylan. Their story is one I promise you I will never forget. Caroline’s strength, integrity and class are something to reach for. I pray I am as strong of a mother as she is. And Dylan? If my son (who is 2) doesn’t turn out to be as freaking awesome as Dylan is, I’m going to be kicking myself for years and years to come. Dylan is the son we all need. I love him like he’s my own, honestly.
Even as I sit here re-reading this review, I know it doesn’t do This Is Forever justice. I could go on and on for years raving about how this story is embedded in my soul. How I can’t stop thinking about Caroline’s journey to forever. How if anyone deserves a happily ever after it’s these two characters. How this love I was able to witness first hand is everything I have ever hoped for. See? I can’t even form full sentences I’m so enthralled. Bottom line? This is Forever will forever be one of my favorite books of ALL TIME.
There are so many things I want to say about This is Forever, but it is hard to find the right words to describe how much I LOVED this story. Not only is this my favorite book of this series, but it is my favorite Natasha Madison book to date! Justin Stone stole my heart and ran away with it. This story was EVERYTHING I could have wanted and more!
Justin is running a hockey camp, which is how he meets the sweetest little boy Dylan, who also has some AMAZING hockey skills. Though, not only Dylan captured Justin’s attention, it is his mother Caroline. There was an instant connection. Justin was drawn to Caroline and Dylan. He felt protective of them. He wanted to help them, even more so once he finds out that Caroline is a single mother and Dylan’s father is a scumbag.
Not only did I completely fall in love with Justin, but Caroline. She is an amazing mother to Dylan. She is hard working and doing every thing she can to make sure he is happy and healthy. She is stubborn though when it comes to accepting help, especially from Justin. She wants to remain independent and doesn’t want to have to rely on anyone else.
Justin and Caroline together. Ugh. I LOVE THEM. They have so much chemistry and are truly perfect for one another. Justin, Caroline and Dylan all instantly bonded and formed an instant family that you can’t help but love. Justin is the type of person that Dylan needs in his life. Plus, Caroline and Dylan instantly bonded and connected with the entire family.
There was some drama, LOADS of swoony moments, laughs, and tears. This is Forever is a book I truly wanted to go on forever. A MUST READ and a TOP READ for 2020.
Sometimes you just know when you start reading a book it is going to be something special that touches your heart. This is Forever is one of those books! I have never wanted a heroine to find her way out of the darkness more than I wanted it for Caroline. She deserves so much goodness after all she has overcome. She and her sweet, adorable son, Dylan should have a chance a peace and happiness. So, when Justine shows up in their lives he turns their world upside down.
When you look up the definition of what a hero is the name Justine should be listed. He not only runs a hockey camp for underprivileged children but he has such a big heart in so many other ways. When he meets Caroline and Dylan he is simply drawn to both of them in ways he can’t explain. He is attracted to Caroline but he adores her son and the best part is that he protects what is his even if Caroline fights him most of the time. She doesn’t know what it is like to trust and rely on someone else, but slowly Justine is breaking down her walls and showing her that he is trustworthy, reliable and that he truly cares for her and Dylan.
This is Forever is another powerful Natasha Madison book! Justin is amazing. Caroline is so strong and an incredible mom. Their story is beautiful! I laughed, I cried, I felt for all of them. The This Is series has been wonderful characters who I fell in love with. Justin’s story is perfect!
I loved the scenes with Matthew and Justin and Justin and his parents. I love how he is drawn to Caroline and he doesn’t know why, he just is. Caroline has had a hard life and her relationship with Dylan is just real. Dylan is a great kid who loves his mom and hockey.
What Natasha Madison gives readers once again is a book that makes you feel and want to love those in your life. It is swoony scene and swoony scene with family love and support. They fight and love for each other, they tease each other, they are real with each other and that is what Justin offers Caroline and Dylan.
I have so many highlights in this book. This book just a must read and a top 2020 book for me. Thank you Natasha for giving readers another incredible book!
Loved this book so much. I have to say I think this is my new favourite. I couldn’t put it down till I finished. I was pulled in from the beginning till the end and I can’t even be sorry I ignored everything else around me whilst I was reading. I loved how the story unfolded and the chemistry between the characters was off the charts. I enjoyed the glimpses of the previous characters in this series aswell throughout the book. An absolutely fantastic story.
Justin Stone is 24 years old and is part of the Stone family NHL legacy. All of his life he has been compared to his father Cooper and older brother Matthew plus all of his brother-in-laws as well. Now he has decided to start a summer camp for kids less fortunate to have the ability to play with “pros”.
Caroline Woods is a single mom to Dylan and she works two jobs for him to be able to play hockey. She barely makes ends meet and lives paycheck to paycheck trying to do her best but is constantly brought down by her ex Andrew.
When Dylan ends up attending Justin’s camp, Justin is immediately attracted to Caroline. Yet Caroline wants Justin as far away from her life as possible, knowing it won’t end well. Can Justin convince Caroline to give him a chance or is her past too much of a mess for her to get involved with anyone?
OMG – I absolutely loved this book and didn’t want to ever put it down!! As a single mom of two kids who play hockey this book was like a fairy tale and I only wish I could find someone like Justin in real life.
Right from the beginning I loved Justin and his ability to do good with the kids that really need it. Sports are so expensive (as I personally know) and so when someone offers something like that it makes such a difference to kids. I loved how much Justin was able to give the kids and the people he had working for him. Well, maybe there was one woman who I didn’t like at all but I knew Justin would handle her.
Caroline was someone I could relate to on a lot of levels. Luckily my ex was not a druggie but at the same time he has not made my life easy and I can 100% relate to the financial struggles that she faced. She worked her butt off to provide for Dylan and really hated taking handouts but knew when it was absolutely necessary to do so. I hated everything that Andrew subjected to and how he really didn’t care that his life put them in danger. I found Caroline strong yet she had that side of her that was so vulnerable because of Dylan and she put herself last always.
I loved how protective Justin was of Caroline instantly and although Caroline kept him at a distance he was gradually able to inject himself into her life when he saw how much she was struggling. He never treated her like a charity project but legitimately fell for her and wanted to help her out as much as he was able to. That made me happy and Justin did whatever he could do to help her without making it seem like it was a forced handout although Caroline really didn’t want to accept any of it.
My heart went out to Caroline with everything she had to endure from Andrew. I was so upset for the danger he put her and Dylan in and for everything that he did in the book. There were times that I was absolutely shocked for what he did but the end wasn’t a total shock as he really just didn’t care.
I understood why Justin’s parents were worried about their relationship as Caroline did have a lot of baggage and as a parent I could see why they thought things were moving so fast. Yet I knew Justin was in it for the right reasons but the stuff going on was pretty heavy with all of the discussions and how it almost divided his family.
When the incident in front of the church happened I really started freaking out as I knew something big was going to happen and boy was I right. I was not expecting what happened to happen and then everything that spiraled out of control after that. I was freaking out that Caroline was going to do something rash but I was glad she was stopped. I was so mad at Justin’s team for not even knowing what was going on before making a statement.
Justin’s decision at the end totally shocked me but I was so happy for what he did!! The end was so heartwarming and I really hope we get more as I am loving this series!!
Justin , Justin, Justin, you have taken the top spot away from your father in my eyes…..I loved his character. He is by far my favorite hero from the Something So Right series, this story was a long time coming, as so worth the wait.
It’s heartbreaking, soul searching, sweet and oh so sexy. Caroline is my hero, Natasha Madison has written such a wonderful heroine in her, and Dylan he was such a sweet boy. From the first chapter I was sucked in and didn’t want it to end, word of advice keep the tissue box handy, you’re gonna need it. Makes us all want to be a part of the wonderful Stone family. It was great to catch up with all the characters from the other stories. We can only hope we will get the third generation and their stories.
Once I started this story I fell in love with the storyline, the words, Justin, Caroline, Dylan and Natasha Madison. An amazing 6 star heartfelt masterpiece.
Justin is a professional hockey player who sponsors a hockey camp for kids. Caroline is struggling to make ends meet. She wants to give the best to her son. She works 2 jobs just to keep a float but life keeps throwing her unexpected curves. This is their journey.
Once I started this story, I had a difficult time putting it down. I read half straight through the night. It’s so addicting and captivating. I was emotional after just a couple chapters in. It’s an heartfelt and heartwarming story. These characters latched themselves to my heart, mind, body and soul. This storyline is beautifully executed. Bottomline this is a must read.
This story is the 4th book in the series This Is. Rest assured it can safely be read as a standalone. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this amazing story.
This Is Forever was such a great read! I loved it alot! Justin Stone, the youngest Stone kid was the swooniest and perfect man. I seriously loved him. He might be my favorite Stone. Caroline was a sweet woman. They had amazing chemistry and were just perfect together! Justin was really sweet to Dylan. I loved his relationship with him. I wish this series never ends! Definitely recommend!
If there was such a thing as a standing ovation in book reviews, that is what Natasha Madison would get for This Is Forever. The crowd would be clapping wildly, throwing flowers at her feet and thanking her liberally for not only this book, but the complete Stone Family legend.
Justin’s story is one that a lot of us have waited for patiently, because we knew, KNEW that Natasha would give our boy a truly memorable one. No disappointment for this fan.
Justin and Caroline had an instant attraction that could not be denied, no matter how hard Caroline tried to resist. As irresistible as their story was, it was only enhanced by Justin’s relationship with Dylan. The story of these three finding their way was everything that you could want in a book.
5 Stars
Oh my Goodness!! This book is pure perfection from the first page! Justin Stone, the youngest Stone sibling, finally gets knocked off his feet and it is just beautiful to witness. This couple’s story has it all…sweetness, sexiness, sadness and one of my favorite things, humor. I refuse to give even one SPECK of this story away, as we fans have been sitting on pins and needles awaiting Justin’s HEA. I will say, you will enjoy every word of this book and in the end, you will be even more in love with the Stone family (I know you didn’t think it was possible) when the final epilogue is done. Well done, Ms. Madison, you hit this one “out of the park,” or should I say, “into the net!”
Cara – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
5 Star Review This Is Forever (This Is #4) by Natasha Madison
Where do I start? This book is everything and so much more. It is also my most favourite book by Natasha Madison to date and that’s saying something because I love her writing. From start to finish Natasha Madison wove such an engaging story that I couldn’t help but be hooked.
I fell hard and fast for Justin Stone, he is one of my all time top book boyfriends. Not only is he hot, but he is totally swoon worthy and the love, care, support and protection he gives to single mum Caroline and her adorable son Dylan melted my heart.
I loved how all in Justin was and how focused he was in knocking down Caroline’s walls as he fought to prove he was the man who would become their everything.
The relationship he has with Dylan brought me to tears, it was so special. In fact Dylan steals the book in my opinion.
The chemistry between Justin and Caroline was off the charts and so smoking hot and you could almost feel the air sizzling as you read their story. However, it is the love story that is the focus that took this book to another level.
This is Forever is a story of of friendship, love, family and one I simply couldn’t put down. There is so much emotion that this book reached my soul and the epilogue brought me to tears and was perfect.
If you haven’t read Natasha Madison before then run do not walk to one click this book which I highly recommend.
Get ready to swoon! Justin isn’t what I would call an alpha, but if you mess with his woman, you better watch out! She is a single mom struggling to make ends meet and he is an NHL star. Opening day at a youth hockey camp and the two crossed paths and little did they know their lives would never be the same again. This doesn’t have all the angst, but there are walls built that need to be knocked down. The fact that he was a bit of a playboy does cause her to proceed with caution, but she also has an unsavory past that she fears will make him run for the hills. There is so much sweetness in this book. There are a few sour moments as well, so no worries about getting a tooth ache. 😉 There is also plenty of humor included.The characters are wonderfully written as is the book as a whole. Oh and did I mention she was a single mom? Yeah, just wait til you see Justin with her child. It reads easily and rather quickly… of course that may be because you won’t want to put it down. There is some sexual content, though only a small amount. This book isn’t about their sexual relations. While this is part of a series, each book can be read as a stand alone and features a different family.
*I received an ARC of this book.