Forever Country

Forever Bluegrass #24

by Kathleen Brooks

Holt Everett is still the same small-town guy he always was, even though he’s now a country music superstar. However, there are some perks to being young and famous. Including buying his new house right outside of Nashville. Hello parties, friends, and women! Until late on the first night at his new home when someone literally came banging on his door looking for help.

Annaleigh Astore works for her family’s company as an entertainment agent. She’s been getting vague messages that might be threats and feeling as if someone is watching her. She’s beginning to think she’s paranoid since no one else seems concerned. Late one night, she knows there’s someone following her as she takes a run on her family’s property. Too far from home, she makes a dash to ask her new neighbor for help.

Annaleigh’s parents seem more concerned with signing Holt Everett to their agency than taking the threats seriously, so Holt has no choice but to bring Annaleigh to Keeneston. But what happens in Keeneston doesn’t always stay in Keeneston, as a video of Holt and Annaleigh goes viral. As their relationship heats up, so do the threats. The question who will win and who will die?

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Suspense, Chick Lit

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2025

About the author

Kathleen Brooks is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Kathleen's stories are romantic suspense featuring strong female heroines, humor, and happily-ever-afters. Her Bluegrass, Bluegrass Brothers®, Forever Bluegrass®, and Shadows Landing Series feature small-town charm with quirky characters while her Women of Power Series shows that behind every sexy billionaire is a man strong enough to love her! Then hang onto your seat for the wild and mysterious ride in the thrilling Web of Lies Series and a little magic in the Moonshine Hollow Series.

Kathleen is from Kentucky, where she graduated from Centre College and then later received her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Kathleen still resides in Kentucky with her family and houseful of animals.


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Book Order:
(Bluegrass Series-complete series)
Bluegrass State of Mind
Risky Shot
Dead Heat

(Bluegrass Brothers Series®-complete series)
Bluegrass Undercover
Rising Storm
Secret Santa, A Bluegrass Series Novella
Acquiring Trouble
Relentless Pursuit
Secrets Collide
Final Vow
All Hung Up, Novella
Bluegrass Dawn, Novella
The Perfect Gift, Novella
The Keeneston Roses

(Forever Bluegrass Series®-complete series)
Forever Entangled
Forever Hidden
Forever Betrayed
Forever Driven
Forever Secret
Forever Surprised, Novella
Forever Concealed
Forever Devoted
Forever Hunted
Forever Guarded
Forever Notorious
Forever Ventured
Forever Freed
Forever Saved
Forever Bold
Forever Thrown
Forever Lies
Forever Protected
Forever Paired
Forever Connected
Forever Covert
Forever Burning
Forever Lasting
Forever Country
Forever Remembered

(Bluegrass Fire Series-ongoing)
Spark

(Shadows Landing-complete series)
Saving Shadows
Sunken Shadows
Lasting Shadows
Fierce Shadows
Broken Shadows
Framed Shadows
Endless Shadows
Fading Shadows
Damaged Shadows
Escaping Shadows

(Shadows Landing: The Townsends- ongoing series)
Face-Off
Targeted
Rescued
Heated
Escaped
Fractured
Claimed

(Paige Turner Bookworm Series- complete)
Adventures of a Bookworm
Misadventures of a Bookworm
The Adventurous Bookworm

(Moonshine Hollow- complete series)
Moonshine and Murder
Moonshine and Malice
Moonshine and Mayhem
Moonshine and Mischief
Moonshine and Menace
Moonshine and Masquarades

(Web of Lies- complete)
Whispered Lies
Rogue Lies
Shattered Lies

(Women of Powe-complete)
Chosen for Power
Built for Power
Fashioned for Power
Destined for Power

Reviews

[Victoria Sturlini · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUCH A DELIGHTFUL BOOK!!💚❤💙💛💜

Every time I finish reading a book by Kathleen Brooks I give a sigh of contentment and appreciation for the wonderful reading experiences that she always gives to us! This was another loving, sweet, funny, and exciting story. All our favorite people from Keeneston were there with their quirkiness, affection, loyalty and unconditional support for each other! There were a lot of cute and funny incidents and happenings in this book which made me smile in delight..... The blossoming love between Holt and Annaleigh was so romantic and heartwarming..... Holt was the perfect partner to have...who doesn't like a man who declares his love without any embarrassment.... This book was so entertaining I didn't want it to end....but as usual Kathleen gave us a beautiful epilogue and a perfect finish to a perf!ect book. 😇

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

another Masterpiece

I can’t wait for a new Kathleen Brooks book to come out and my only disappointment is that I gobble it up in no time. Another fantastic read as usual. I thought for sure I knew who it was, so convinced, only to be surprised then mad at myself for not figuring it out sooner. LOL.

The way Brooks not only introduced new characters and have them intertwine so well with everyone but how she takes you back to old friends, getting to visit and see what the twins been up to is just pure magic.

Keeneston is my home away from home

[Brittany Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg Holt is amazing!

This is one of my favorite releases although I say that with almost every one of Kathleen's books. This story flew by and I couldn't believe how quickly I read it. I love catching up with my favorite characters and I love seeing the Davies family stepping up for their friends. Holt was amazing and he has such a different background than the rest of the characters in his generation. That made his story something special, but seeing everyone help out felt like we were back home with family. Another must read book!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great trip to Keeneston.

If you like your romance with laughs, small town quarks and danger, this is for you.
Welcome to Keeneston where everyone knows your business but will stand by you know matter what. And even help get rid of the bodies if need be. This town does blink when it comes to handling the paparazzi or stalkers.
So settle in for a wild ride that will have you wishing for Rose Sister's Special Tea and a moving van to join them in Kentucky.

[Jeannie Jerolis · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome as always

Loved this story! I can’t tell which was my favorite part though! Either the introduction at the cafe or the awards show. ( I listened on audible before reading ). There are so many things to unpack and so much that happens in it I will definitely do another go through because I’m sure I missed something!! I’m so sad that the Forever series is almost over 🙁😭 it can be read/listened to as a standalone but you really need to read/listen to all the previous books to get the depth of the characters. While I am sad Forever is ending, I am so looking forward to the Guard and Firemen. Loved the little peeks we were given to them!

[Elizabeth Lawless · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Kathleen Brooks Series and I normally am not that interested in books about music, actors or sports heroes but I enjoyed this story. I fell in love with the main characters (Holt and Annaleigh) and secondary cast (his family, Maddie and Colt) and their interactions. I laughed out loud more than once with the Keeneston crew! Another winner for Forever Bluegrass. Now I guess I will have to read Knox's story even if he is a sports star.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen does it again! You would think after so many books, the plots would become stale - but they do not! Holt and Annaleigh's story is filled with love and intrigue. And the Keeneston family. Bedazzled va-jay-jay, smacks with brooms and wooden spoons, and a priest that is a hottie and REALLY a priest! ;) Loved learning bits about the music industry, the contracts, and business side of things. Kathleen does a great job of teaching me through her fictional stories. I absolutely recommend this book and all of the others, too.

[Lujuna Brown-Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holt Everett is a true small-town born gentleman from Keeneston, and he has the manners to prove it. He is the son of two famous parents, Trey Everett (football player) and Taylor Jefferies (actress). He grew up with real values, even though he comes from money. The "Family village" of Keeneston and Shadows Landing made sure of that! He's a rising star in the Country Music world and falls in love with Annaleigh Astore, who works in the entertainment business as a signing agent.

They meet after Annaleigh is running from a stocker out to bring her harm. Holt, being the type of man he is, steps up to help protect her. She is everything he's looking for, and he's everything she ever wanted. It's another strong love story that lingers long after you've finished reading.

Kathleen Brooks has given us a wonderful, strong series with many wonderful, loving characters. There is nothing bad to say about this series. Each book pulls you into this world and makes you want to live there forever. PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING!!

Eric G. Dove brings each character to life, and he even sings! Talk about diving into the magic of the story! I loved it!

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book part of series this features Holt Everett and small town guy with famous parents. Holt grows up to be a country music star just hitting his fame. He meets and falls insta-love with Annaleigh Astore when she runs to his door at night as someone is chasing her. The falling for each other is super fast in this book (I would have preferred more build up) but if you have read some of the other books you know the background of the local families so it was believable.

Annaleigh Astore is daughter of well know (not in a good way) talent agents who are awful people so everyone thinks she is with Holt to sign him to a contract. Her parents lie and use her, her co-worker who the parents want her to marry says she is sleeping her way to the top. When she FINALLY decides it's time to stand up for herself she and her friend Maddie decide to start their own agency.

There is drama, a stalker, rotten parents and brother on her side. There are wonderful supportive family and town on his side. The mystery is finally solved at the country music awards with LOTS of action, a shooting, a murder and nice HEA a few months later.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Tropes: Small-town romance, celebrity & normal, romantic suspense
Spice Level: 🔥🔥

Holt Everett, a famous country music superstar, buys a house just outside Nashville and ends up neighbors with Annaleigh Astore, an entertainment agent who literally stumbles into his life while fleeing from a stalker. It’s classic Kathleen Brooks—cozy small-town romance vibes with just the right touch of suspense.

Holt’s easygoing charm kicks into protective overdrive the moment Annaleigh shows up at his door. Their chemistry is sweet and natural, even if it sparks a little fast, and the viral run-in that follows adds to the fun. The book delivers that trademark Keeneston warmth, especially with the quirky townsfolk who keep things lively, while the lurking stalker threat adds an extra layer of tension.

If you’re craving a small-town romantic suspense with a touch of celebrity glitter, this one hits the spot. Just a heads-up—it’s best enjoyed if you’ve read earlier books in the series, otherwise all the familiar faces might feel a bit overwhelming.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read by Kathleen Brooks. I wish this town was real so I could visit! Oh heck I would move there!! This is Holt's book. We are introduced to Annaleigh who quickly becomes the center of Holt's universe. I loved all the characters and the funny banter throughout the book. I especially loved the scene at the cafe where Annaleigh was introduced to the Rose sisters tea! I laughed so hard. The ending with Aniyah was the best when she whipped out her gun in the middle of the awards show. Good lord that was funny. As the story unfolded, it was not easy to figure out the bad guy but in the end I did. it was nice that Keeneston came to the awards you know there is just so many times the town can get shot up! I loved how everyone welcomed Annaleigh and that was it she had a family thank goodness because hers were horrible. I love how Maddie and Cody got together. The one thing I missed were the moms thinking they were the matchmakers and picking the next one when we all know who the real matchmakers are!

[Carlise · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome story.

Holt was such a southern gentleman. I can’t even believe he was a bad boy in his youth😊. When he meets Annaleigh and immediately becomes her “knight in shining armor”, this starts a quick romance that includes hiding from a stalker, her parents, and the press. When Holt takes her to the one place she will be safe, we get a hefty dose of Keeneston and laughter.

Annaleigh is the only good person in her family and somehow she’s picked up a stalker. Running to Holt’s house next door, was jus5 the opportunity she needed to find her HEA and her new career path. Now if only someone would stop trying to kill her, all would be great.

This story is funny, romantic, and exciting. We got to see behind the world of country music and visit with our Keeneston family. What can be better than that.

[Julie Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite author!!

Ms. Brooks you never disappoint! You are my favorite author. Each book has me crying one minute and laughing the next.
Holt left Kingston after graduating to pursue his dream of becoming a country music star.
One night a beautiful woman bangs on his door for help, because she was being chased by a mad man. Holt took one look and knew she was the one.
Kingston is an awesome little town full of love and great people! Must read! Start at the beginning…
Im not giving anything else away.. must read… note you wont sleep because you wont be able to put the book down!!! I cannot wait till your next book!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's finally found family....

... there's nothing better than being part of the Keeneston family!
I love that Holt doesn't judge Annaleigh by her parents underhanded and dirty tactics, he allows her to prove herself and supports her completely every step of the way. It's a beautiful instalove about trust, following your heart and embracing your dreams - with a side of crazy courtesy of Keeneston and our favourite cast of over the top yet lovable characters.
Another fantastic addition to the most amazing series.

[Lisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holt is definitely the man. He Lookout for Annaleigh, who at first was a stranger to him. Annaleigh was a music agent, who worked for her family Agency that didn’t appreciate her much. When she had a stalker they didn’t care or believe her. All the family wanted was for her to flirt with men they wanted to sign as a New Artist. But she had a stalker that had a history and was willing to kill to have her. But Holt had all of Kneenston and they had her back. Exciting story the usual drama that make you unable to stop reading.

[Michele A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annaleigh and Holt's story was a good read. He was a country singer and she was an agent who also liked to act as a mentor to up and coming country music singers. Her parents and brother were horrible. They acted like it was the 1950's and she was an accessory, not an asset. Their chemistry was pretty instant, which is typical for a Forever Bluegrass book. There was drama and she needed help from her stalker. The Rose Sisters and the rest of the town stepped up to help Holt and Annaleigh when things got dicey. The ending was perfect for these 2.

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his arms

Kathleen Brooks books always give me the laughs, protection, action, and love that I need. Holt and Annaleigh story was a little deeper because of the family dynamic she was raised or forced in.

This was cute and classy. Both my men appeared, and the loudness that happens when I read her stories was ever present. Knox went long and hit his target. Best part ever.

[Ria Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Done it again

So far there is NOTHING I won't read, re-read or can put down, Kathleen is a brilliant writer and once again couldn't out the book down, loved how Holt and Annaleigh met, loved the new characters brought in and of course the rose sisters still doing their thing.
Highly recommend but you must read from the start of series to truly understand all the connections

[Ravenlyn7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

never a bad book.

Have all her books and always order next one in advance. Really enjoyable read. Yes a bit fantastical but everyone needs a good honest romantic, hometown read. High feel good factor.

[Nancy Cerezo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just WOW!

Great story line as always and totally engaging!!! Excellent use of characters and leaves you guessing who ‘done it’!!! Love all things Kathleen Brooks=). I highly recommend reading this book and all its predecessors 😊

[Linda DeAngelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holt is a hit!

Kathleen is truly an amazing author! The way she makes us feel like we are a part of the Keeneston family and involved in their lives. Too bad the Rose sisters can’t take care of the real life paparazzi!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Kathleen Brooks books, they are quick and so easy to read. Each books has their main characters but when Keeneston gets involved it’s the best parts. It’s great seeing all the Keeneston people involved and seeing the families grow. Holt and Annaleigh make a grow couple and a future power house in the music industry.

[Sondra Wayman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Kathleen brooks never fails and Knox and Annaleigh are great additions to our Keenston family…and Imlove seeing the others move on In their loves…
And has Sebastian grown! Love the story and wish we could live in Keeneston!

[Sharon Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!!!

This series is amazing! It is one of the best that I have read!!The characters, their friends and families are so fun! Kathleen does a great job with this series, it never gets old! Each book is so entertaining and a page turner!!

[Becky Hedge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever Country

Excellent book. Very highly recommend to everyone. Kathleen Brooks books never disappoints. Excellent story line holds your interest and attention making it hard to put down. Can't wait for book #25.

[Glenda Thedens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner.

Kathleen Brooks has done it again, Forever Bluegrass series never disappoints. The characters are so fun to catch up with in every new book along with the new additions. Story lines are interesting with twists not expected and surprising. A great read.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding reas by Brooks as expected. Time for another start to finish reread, me thinks. That will be #11 if you're interested. Yes. These are my go to books for setting a positive tone in my world.

[Penny Harbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Kathleen Brooks did it again. Love, Laughter, Keeneston, Families, and one Beautiful HEA. That’s what you get from start to finish in every book. Thank You for letting us into your Beautiful Mind.

[Kate Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all her books but this series is my favorite. Ever time a new one comes out I can’t wait to dive in. Every few years I start over and read them all again in order. It is truly coming home to a warm hug.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Kathleen Brooks at her best. Lots of interesting info on the music industry and full of the wonderful characters of Keeneston, KY. A great mystery as usual. You can't miss with Kathleen's books!