Forever: Book Review & Giveaway
Forever (Temptation #3)
Published By: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: January 28, 2014
Page Count: 336
Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound
Source: ARC Kindly Provided by Publisher via NetGalley
Audience: Young Adult - Contemporary Romance
Reading the final novel in a series is always bittersweet. On the one hand, I wanted to find out how Rose and Noah's story ended, but on the other hand I didn't want to walk away from these characters. From the first chapter of Temptation, I have been enthralled with the torrid love affair between Rose and Noah. The tension between the two families and the clash of cultures made this romance intensely intriguing. I wanted these two to end up together, but with so many obstacles in their path, I wasn't sure that things would work out that way. I won't tell you how things end up, but I can't say enough positive things about this series. I loved every moment.
I was pleasantly surprised to see Noah and Rose mature in this installment. I was frustrated by some of the choices these two made in Belonging so it was nice to see them thinking logically and trusting one another again. I also began to see them as young adults rather than teenagers in love. They both have evolved so much since the first novel; I enjoyed watching this process unfold. Also, their romance always has a tendency to evoke slight swooning. If this series had been around when I was a teen, I know I would have wanted a Noah of my very own.
In addition to Rose and Noah, I also love the romance between Sam and Summer. Sam has always been one of my favorite characters; he is snarky, protective, and athletic. He cares deeply for his family and friends. Sometimes his overwhelming desire to keep Rose under wraps can make him a bit overbearing, but his heart is always in the right place. I love that he has truly met his match in Summer. She keeps that boy on his toes and provided some much needed comic relief to break some of the more serious moments.
In addition to the romance, I have always loved the emphasis that Hopkins places on family and friendship in this series. I love that the portraits she paints of both Rose's and Noah's family seem realistic. I can't imagine how two such differing cultures would react to their children falling in love. The friendships are also realistic and heartfelt. I have grown attached to all of these characters. I would love to see Sam or Justin get their own novel.
In spite of my deep affection for this series and the characters, I did find that Forever took on a somber note from time to time. There were even moments that caused me to shed a few tears. One moment in particular was extremely difficult and had me reaching for tissues. It is a true testament to Hopkins' writing that she made me care so deeply about these characters that I experienced such strong emotions. Not every author can elicit such a response in readers. Hopkins' also created an agonizingly delicious sense of tension throughout a majority of Forever. I polished this one off in less than 24 hours because I had to know what was going to happen.
Again, I love this series. I loved the characters. I loved the romance and relationships. I loved the conflict and tension. I loved the setting. I loved learning about the Amish culture. I loved every moment I spent with Rose and Noah.
One Last Gripe: I was so frustrated by all the trouble caused by Constance and her family.
My Favorite Thing About This Book: Rose and Noah - I loved losing myself in their story.
First Sentence: It was dark except for the light slicing through the gaps in the barn boards.
Favorite Character: Noah, but Sam is a close second
Least Favorite Character: Constance
All I want is my happily-ever-after.
That's all I've wanted since meeting Noah Miller.
From the day we met, the world has tried to keep Noah and me from being together, but now that I'm carrying his child, no one will be able to tear us apart. Or so I hope. But Noah and I have made some mistakes along the way, and the consequences are impacting the people we love. Worse, there's a storm on the horizon, and it's sure to cause serious devastation.
If we can get through this, we'll finally be Rose and Noah; a family, forever.
But first we have to survive the road ahead. And happily-ever-after is a long way off.
Belonging - Book 2 on Goodreads
About Karen Ann Hopkins
A native of New York State, Karen Ann Hopkins now lives with her family on a farm in northern Kentucky, where her neighbors in all directions are members of a strict Amish community. Her unique perspective became the inspiration for the story of star-crossed lovers Rose and Noah. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, giving riding lessons or tending to a menagerie of horses, goats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs and cats, she is dreaming up her next romantic novel.
Tour Schedule
Monday, January 20th - Absorbing the Content - Review
Tuesday, January 21st - Sassy Book Lover - Review
Wednesday, January 22nd - Mangamania Cafe - Character Interview
Thursday, January 23rd - Ramblings From This Chick - Guest Post
Friday, January 24th - Andi's Young Adult Books - Author Interview
Monday, January 27th - Literary Me - Author Interview
Tuesday, January 28th - Crossroad Reviews - Review
Wednesday, January 29th - Books I View - Review
Thursday, January 30th - Actin' Up with Books - Review
Friday, January 31st - Books Complete Me - Review
Monday, February 3rd - No Bent Spines - Character Interview
Tuesday, February 4th - Paranormal Opinion - Review
Wednesday, February 5th - Bittersweet Enchantment - Review
Thursday, February 6th - Curling Up With a Good Book - Author Interview
Friday, February 7th - Behind A Million and One Pages - Review
Monday, February 10th - The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club - Guest Post
Tuesday, February 11th - Jenuine Cupcakes - Review
Wednesday, February 12th - Jeanz Book Read N' Review - Review
Thursday, February 13th - Deal Sharing Aunt - Guest Post
Friday, February 14th - Lost Time Reading - Review
Monday, February 17th - Into The Hall of Books - Review
Tuesday, February 18th - Swoony Boys Podcasts - Review
Wednesday, February 19th - My Favorite Things - Guest Post
Thursday, February 20th - Reading Lark - Review
Friday, February 21st - Tien's Blurb - Author Interview
Monday, February 24th - Kimberly Faye Reads - Guest Post
Tuesday, February 25th - Book Whales - Guest Post
Wednesday, February 26th - A Bookish Escape - Review
Thursday, February 27th - That Girl Reads - Review
Friday, February 28th - Books Marks The Spot - Author Interview
Contest Info:
We have lots of exciting prizes, so make sure to follow the tour for more chances to win every day! Up for grabs is both a $100 Amazon Gift Card and a $50 Amazon Gift Card, plus copies of the following Harlequin TEEN titles: Heartbeat, The Queen’s Choice, White Hot Kiss, Anything to Have You, Secret Diamond Sister and Grim. Please enter via the Rafflecopter form. Giveaway is open to US/Canada.
I'm really enjoying following your tour, learning more about you and your books. Is this the final book in this series or do you have more planned?
ReplyDeleteKaren, I hope there will be more books in the series! I'd love to write stories about some of the other characters that readers fell in love with during Rose and Noah's journey. We'll have to wait and see, but I've got my fingers (and toes) crossed. :)
DeleteLOVE the cover model's boots. And the sky. It's pretty. Can't wait to read! XD
ReplyDelete**Rachelle**
Love the cover!!!!
ReplyDeleteAshley A
ash_app@hotmail.com
Just a reminder - please don't include spoilers in your comments! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the Romero and Juliet theme in this book Forever. The only difference is that Forever has a HEA ending. Thanks for the book description and fabulous giveaway.
ReplyDeleteNice review
ReplyDeleteAmazing review !
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read this one.
<3
Love the cover!!!
ReplyDeleteI have had so much fun following this tour and every review has only made me want to read the series more!!! Thank you so much for being a part of this <3
ReplyDeleteI've really enjoyed keeping up with the tour for this book. I absolutely loved it and it has become one of my favorites. :)
ReplyDeleteReally enjoying following this through! I haven't been commenting, but reading. I also commented on your interview with Courtney after this
ReplyDeleteCheck out my book review of A High Wind in Jamaica: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/2014/02/a-high-wind-in-jamaica-book-review.html