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Fortune's Island #1
And Then Forever
Love is an extravagance Darcy Williams can’t afford. She prefers the simple life, which includes waitressing at The Love Shack and avoiding temptation. But when a forbidden part of her past steps off the ferry, her safe, guarded existence is turned upside down.
Kincaid Foster has never gotten over his first love. When he sees the wild, beautiful blonde again, dancing her way around The Love Shack, the memories of Darcy’s soft skin, gentle touch, and heated kisses come rushing back. As the privileged son of a wealthy family, Kincaid was too young to stand up to his overbearing father when he and Darcy were together. Now, he’s back on the island—free of the family shackles—and the chiseled, big-time lawyer wants a second chance.
But, Darcy made a promise to keep a secret from Kincaid—a secret that is now a six-year-old girl who looks just like her daddy. If Kincaid finds out about their daughter, Darcy could lose everything. But, she can’t resist the man who stole her heart all those years ago. And it doesn’t take long before both of them realize that anything can happen on a hot summer night.
Kincaid Foster has never gotten over his first love. When he sees the wild, beautiful blonde again, dancing her way around The Love Shack, the memories of Darcy’s soft skin, gentle touch, and heated kisses come rushing back. As the privileged son of a wealthy family, Kincaid was too young to stand up to his overbearing father when he and Darcy were together. Now, he’s back on the island—free of the family shackles—and the chiseled, big-time lawyer wants a second chance.
But, Darcy made a promise to keep a secret from Kincaid—a secret that is now a six-year-old girl who looks just like her daddy. If Kincaid finds out about their daughter, Darcy could lose everything. But, she can’t resist the man who stole her heart all those years ago. And it doesn’t take long before both of them realize that anything can happen on a hot summer night.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2015
12 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Jump
445 books742 followersShirley Jump is a writing instructor and an award-winning, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and USA Today bestselling author who has published more than 80 books in 24 countries. She has spoken all over the world about the power of narrative and how to create compelling books. A former reporter and communications director for a marketing agency, she uses her diverse background to help clients create impactful books that readers can’t down.
She knows the path to publication isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, so to help writers write their best possible book, she offers monthly Manuscript Masterminds through her website, www.WritingCompellingFiction.com.
On her channel, https://YouTube.com/@WritingCompellin..., she unlocks the secrets behind compelling novels and delves into the psychological aspect of overcoming creativity-stoppers like doubt and perfectionism. Follow her channel for more writing exercises, classes, and behind-the-scenes writing lessons or join her Manuscript Mastermind to build your tribe of like-minded writers and receive crucial feedback on your pages.
She knows the path to publication isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, so to help writers write their best possible book, she offers monthly Manuscript Masterminds through her website, www.WritingCompellingFiction.com.
On her channel, https://YouTube.com/@WritingCompellin..., she unlocks the secrets behind compelling novels and delves into the psychological aspect of overcoming creativity-stoppers like doubt and perfectionism. Follow her channel for more writing exercises, classes, and behind-the-scenes writing lessons or join her Manuscript Mastermind to build your tribe of like-minded writers and receive crucial feedback on your pages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 14, 2016
2.5/5
A bit of a letdown. Too much filler. Not enough plot.
This book was excessively long. As the story went on, I found myself less and less eager to continue reading. I admit, I skimmed through many pages looking for something interesting to happen, but sadly, I found none. I don't think I miss anything though. I felt like there was not much going on. Besides, I didn’t find anything new in this book that I haven’t read before. The plot was too predictable, the same old same old…
**Spoiler alert!
One hot summer fling… The heroine got pregnant. The hero’s father was displeased with their relationship and forced her to break up with his son. The hero left without any knowledge of the truth and what his father did. Seven years later, they met again. The sparks were still there between them. He discovered that he had the daughter he never knew existed. But then came the drama. And…as you know, yes, happy ending! Hmm…
Well, I don't know what to say more about this one, but even so, there was certainly potential here. Although my first read by this author didn’t come up to my expectations, I won’t give up on her yet. The synopsis of the next book in this series sounds promising, which I think I’ll probably give it a go one day.
A bit of a letdown. Too much filler. Not enough plot.
This book was excessively long. As the story went on, I found myself less and less eager to continue reading. I admit, I skimmed through many pages looking for something interesting to happen, but sadly, I found none. I don't think I miss anything though. I felt like there was not much going on. Besides, I didn’t find anything new in this book that I haven’t read before. The plot was too predictable, the same old same old…
**Spoiler alert!
One hot summer fling… The heroine got pregnant. The hero’s father was displeased with their relationship and forced her to break up with his son. The hero left without any knowledge of the truth and what his father did. Seven years later, they met again. The sparks were still there between them. He discovered that he had the daughter he never knew existed. But then came the drama. And…as you know, yes, happy ending! Hmm…
Well, I don't know what to say more about this one, but even so, there was certainly potential here. Although my first read by this author didn’t come up to my expectations, I won’t give up on her yet. The synopsis of the next book in this series sounds promising, which I think I’ll probably give it a go one day.
December 28, 2015
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
Darcy Williams had her heart broken seven years ago when Kincaid Foster turned away from her and returned to his life of privilege. He's back on Fortune's Island and she's afraid he'll learn her secret. And, Darcy's not sure she can rein in those feelings she thought dead but now realizes were just dormant.
I enjoyed this story, particularly how it was presented. We learn about the foundation of Darcy and Kincaid's relationship through a series of flashback recollections, strategically placed in the context of the present. It was nice to see how the younger versions of the characters handled similar situations. It also helped me understand the depth of their emotions, which made it easier to accept how quickly they came together after he returned. Their relationship was sometimes sweet, sometimes frustrating and often steamy.
I liked the story, especially because both Darcy or Kincaid shared responsibility for the decisions made seven years earlier. I could understand each of their points of view and found myself going back and forth on who was more to blame, who was more sympathetic. The issues were colored in shades of gray, which made it a more interesting read. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
Darcy Williams had her heart broken seven years ago when Kincaid Foster turned away from her and returned to his life of privilege. He's back on Fortune's Island and she's afraid he'll learn her secret. And, Darcy's not sure she can rein in those feelings she thought dead but now realizes were just dormant.
I enjoyed this story, particularly how it was presented. We learn about the foundation of Darcy and Kincaid's relationship through a series of flashback recollections, strategically placed in the context of the present. It was nice to see how the younger versions of the characters handled similar situations. It also helped me understand the depth of their emotions, which made it easier to accept how quickly they came together after he returned. Their relationship was sometimes sweet, sometimes frustrating and often steamy.
I liked the story, especially because both Darcy or Kincaid shared responsibility for the decisions made seven years earlier. I could understand each of their points of view and found myself going back and forth on who was more to blame, who was more sympathetic. The issues were colored in shades of gray, which made it a more interesting read. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
August 8, 2015
Darcy Williams made some hard decisions seven years ago that resulted in her breaking off her relationship with Kincaid Foster without explanation. Darcy believed that she was doing the right thing, although it broke her heart. Now a single mom raising her daughter on Fortune's Island, she is stunned to see Kincaid once again on the island. Kincaid unknowingly puts everything Darcy values at risk, and she is hopeful that her secret will remain uncovered. Against what she knows is best, she can't resist the feelings that remain between she and Kincaid.
I loved this 2nd chance romance between two great characters. I loved both Darcy and Kincaid, and Emma was precious and added a great deal to the story. The story kept me interested throughout the book, and Fortune's Island was a wonderful setting. I felt very badly for Foster about the secret Darcy kept from him for years, but I understood her reasoning. I liked the way Foster didn't hold it against her, and I thought that Darcy was a good and fiercely protective mother. The relationship and chemistry between Darcy and Foster was great! I'm looking forward to more in this series. Thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I loved this 2nd chance romance between two great characters. I loved both Darcy and Kincaid, and Emma was precious and added a great deal to the story. The story kept me interested throughout the book, and Fortune's Island was a wonderful setting. I felt very badly for Foster about the secret Darcy kept from him for years, but I understood her reasoning. I liked the way Foster didn't hold it against her, and I thought that Darcy was a good and fiercely protective mother. The relationship and chemistry between Darcy and Foster was great! I'm looking forward to more in this series. Thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
August 18, 2015
This ARC was provided to me by INscribe Digital, via Netgalley, in exchange for an Honest Review.
Darcy and Kincaid fall in love on Fortune's Island. She's the gal from the wrong side of the tracks. He's the guy with the silver spoon in his mouth. She wants a better life. He doesn't seem to know how to stand up to his dad. Is this a match made in Heaven or destined to never be?
Years ago, Darcy was scared off from Kincaid when she needed him the most. Kincaid ends up leaving the island to pursue "his dreams"- more like his father's. Now they're both back on the island and she would be just fine if their paths never crossed again. On the other hand, Kincaid would like nothing more to see his long lost love. Will he still be smitten with her when he learns of her "betrayal"?
Kincaid is back on the island with a secret of his own- one he holds a special place in his heart. He has to do all he can to protect this secret. Fortune's Island will become a safe harbor- for as long as he can make that happen.
As for Kincaid's dad, if has his way, will find a way to make sure Kincaid and Darcy never find their happy ending. He's a big bully who has no problem pushing his agenda on his children and planting seeds of doubt in their minds or bending their will to do what he wants. Can they finally stand up to him, once and for all?
In this story you'll find:
1. Love
2. Lost
3. Betrayal
4. Lies
5. Abuse
6. Secrets
7. Second chances
Darcy and Kincaid fall in love on Fortune's Island. She's the gal from the wrong side of the tracks. He's the guy with the silver spoon in his mouth. She wants a better life. He doesn't seem to know how to stand up to his dad. Is this a match made in Heaven or destined to never be?
Years ago, Darcy was scared off from Kincaid when she needed him the most. Kincaid ends up leaving the island to pursue "his dreams"- more like his father's. Now they're both back on the island and she would be just fine if their paths never crossed again. On the other hand, Kincaid would like nothing more to see his long lost love. Will he still be smitten with her when he learns of her "betrayal"?
Kincaid is back on the island with a secret of his own- one he holds a special place in his heart. He has to do all he can to protect this secret. Fortune's Island will become a safe harbor- for as long as he can make that happen.
As for Kincaid's dad, if has his way, will find a way to make sure Kincaid and Darcy never find their happy ending. He's a big bully who has no problem pushing his agenda on his children and planting seeds of doubt in their minds or bending their will to do what he wants. Can they finally stand up to him, once and for all?
In this story you'll find:
1. Love
2. Lost
3. Betrayal
4. Lies
5. Abuse
6. Secrets
7. Second chances
October 11, 2015
"A copy of this book has been provided by the author in exchange for an honest review"
Wonderful story!
Full review to come
Wonderful story!
Full review to come
August 31, 2017
I really probably shouldn't read genre romance. I don't like detailed sex scenes and I get easily annoyed with a lot of the tropes that are common in romance these days (although I do gravitate toward babies and marriage of convenience storylines). But every now and then I get grouchy or restless or I run out of books to read and I decide I want a distraction. There's always a variety of genre romance readily available on Overdrive or the Cloud Library, and it's easy enough to download a few to keep me occupied until I break out of my funk or one of my highly anticipated reads becomes available. Because let's be honest, as much as I hate all the predictability and the lusty, heavy breathing, I really do like a well-done romance.
I guess the problem lies in my definition of well-done. I'm not reading for the sex - in fact, I usually skim it or even skip over it completely. What I want is a good story. I want a satisfying, well-developed romance. I want good characters that I can root for and care about. And that's sometimes hard to do in a book that's less than 200 pages long (especially when half of those pages are devoted to what is essentially word porn).
I checked out this book because it uses one of the tropes I do like (baby). Unfortunately, I ran into just about everything I dislike about genre romance while reading it. Call me crazy, but I really struggle to believe that . That's not proof of love. It's lust. The sheer amount of time these two spent thinking about sex was obscene. Literally everything between Darcy and Kincaid - including their child - was predicated on their sexual interactions. And I'm expected to believe that's enough for them to find their happily ever after. Well, I'm old enough and grumpy enough to not want to be sold that kind of lie.
My other big pet peeve about this book is that it suffers from "the woman is always right" syndrome. One of the male characters actually tells Darcy, "Men are idiots...Most of them are too dumb to know their head from their ass." No really, would you like to demean your entire gender some more? I don't think what you said was insulting enough. Let's be honest here. If someone said that about a woman there would be hell to pay. But somehow people seem to think it's okay to stereotype men like that because they peed in our collective Wheaties for too many years or something. Um, really it's not okay. It's immature and vindictive.
The truth is that both Kincaid and Darcy did some pretty stupid things in the name of moving the plot forward - both in the past and the present, and yet Kincaid is the only one who is ever really called out on any of it. Even his own sister throws him under the bus at one point - and I find it completely unfair that he's the only one who's expected to "grow" from his experience.
Ironically, I also see it as further proof that these two crazy kids have no business stepping foot inside a wedding chapel until they can manage to sit down and talk through a few things like adults - without giving up and having sex instead.
I guess the problem lies in my definition of well-done. I'm not reading for the sex - in fact, I usually skim it or even skip over it completely. What I want is a good story. I want a satisfying, well-developed romance. I want good characters that I can root for and care about. And that's sometimes hard to do in a book that's less than 200 pages long (especially when half of those pages are devoted to what is essentially word porn).
I checked out this book because it uses one of the tropes I do like (baby). Unfortunately, I ran into just about everything I dislike about genre romance while reading it. Call me crazy, but I really struggle to believe that . That's not proof of love. It's lust. The sheer amount of time these two spent thinking about sex was obscene. Literally everything between Darcy and Kincaid - including their child - was predicated on their sexual interactions. And I'm expected to believe that's enough for them to find their happily ever after. Well, I'm old enough and grumpy enough to not want to be sold that kind of lie.
My other big pet peeve about this book is that it suffers from "the woman is always right" syndrome. One of the male characters actually tells Darcy, "Men are idiots...Most of them are too dumb to know their head from their ass." No really, would you like to demean your entire gender some more? I don't think what you said was insulting enough. Let's be honest here. If someone said that about a woman there would be hell to pay. But somehow people seem to think it's okay to stereotype men like that because they peed in our collective Wheaties for too many years or something. Um, really it's not okay. It's immature and vindictive.
The truth is that both Kincaid and Darcy did some pretty stupid things in the name of moving the plot forward - both in the past and the present, and yet Kincaid is the only one who is ever really called out on any of it. Even his own sister throws him under the bus at one point - and I find it completely unfair that he's the only one who's expected to "grow" from his experience.
Ironically, I also see it as further proof that these two crazy kids have no business stepping foot inside a wedding chapel until they can manage to sit down and talk through a few things like adults - without giving up and having sex instead.
September 13, 2015
Title: And Then Forever
Author: Shirley Jump
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Year: 2015
Source: Arc was given for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Blurb
Welcome to Fortune’s Island, where the only rule is to follow your heart.
Love is an extravagance Darcy Williams can’t afford. She prefers the simple life, which includes waitressing at The Love Shack on Fortune’s Island and avoiding temptation. But when a forbidden part of her past steps off the ferry, her safe, guarded existence is turned upside down.
Kincaid Foster has never gotten over his first love. When he sees the wild, beautiful blonde again, dancing her way around The Love Shack, the memories of Darcy’s soft skin, gentle touch, and heated kisses come rushing back. As the privileged son of a wealthy family, Kincaid was too young to stand up to his overbearing father when he and Darcy were together. Now, he’s back on the island—free of the family shackles—and the chiseled, big-time lawyer wants a second chance.
But, Darcy made a promise to keep a secret from Kincaid—a secret that is now a six-year-old girl who looks just like her daddy. If Kincaid finds out about their daughter, Darcy could lose everything. But, she can’t resist the man who stole her heart all those years ago. And it doesn’t take long before both of them realize that anything can happen at The Love Shack on a hot summer night.
Review
The story is about Darcy and Kincaid. They both meet when they were teenagers at Fortune Island. They fell in love and had the best time in summer. Kincaid family is rich and owner to almost every part of the island. Darcy instead is poor and works in a dinner as a waitress. When the summer ends many events passes by and force Darcy to break Kincaid heart broken.
Six years later Kincaid returns to the island to help his sister and there he sees his first love again. The attraction between both hasn't change. Kincaid is determined to get Darcy back, he knows that they are meant to be together, but Darcy has a secret she kept for this six years.
This is the first book that I read from Shirley Jump and is also the first book from the series. The story is really great and full of romance. The author did s a great job describing the island and it makes you travel to the place and experience in some way the life of the characters. This book is an easy read and I really enjoy it. Hope the second book is as good and as the author says at the end that the second book retells the story of other interconnected characters.
Author: Shirley Jump
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Year: 2015
Source: Arc was given for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Blurb
Welcome to Fortune’s Island, where the only rule is to follow your heart.
Love is an extravagance Darcy Williams can’t afford. She prefers the simple life, which includes waitressing at The Love Shack on Fortune’s Island and avoiding temptation. But when a forbidden part of her past steps off the ferry, her safe, guarded existence is turned upside down.
Kincaid Foster has never gotten over his first love. When he sees the wild, beautiful blonde again, dancing her way around The Love Shack, the memories of Darcy’s soft skin, gentle touch, and heated kisses come rushing back. As the privileged son of a wealthy family, Kincaid was too young to stand up to his overbearing father when he and Darcy were together. Now, he’s back on the island—free of the family shackles—and the chiseled, big-time lawyer wants a second chance.
But, Darcy made a promise to keep a secret from Kincaid—a secret that is now a six-year-old girl who looks just like her daddy. If Kincaid finds out about their daughter, Darcy could lose everything. But, she can’t resist the man who stole her heart all those years ago. And it doesn’t take long before both of them realize that anything can happen at The Love Shack on a hot summer night.
Review
The story is about Darcy and Kincaid. They both meet when they were teenagers at Fortune Island. They fell in love and had the best time in summer. Kincaid family is rich and owner to almost every part of the island. Darcy instead is poor and works in a dinner as a waitress. When the summer ends many events passes by and force Darcy to break Kincaid heart broken.
Six years later Kincaid returns to the island to help his sister and there he sees his first love again. The attraction between both hasn't change. Kincaid is determined to get Darcy back, he knows that they are meant to be together, but Darcy has a secret she kept for this six years.
This is the first book that I read from Shirley Jump and is also the first book from the series. The story is really great and full of romance. The author did s a great job describing the island and it makes you travel to the place and experience in some way the life of the characters. This book is an easy read and I really enjoy it. Hope the second book is as good and as the author says at the end that the second book retells the story of other interconnected characters.
September 7, 2015
This is a well-written quick read that will appeal to fans of contemporary women's fiction.
I absolutely loved the island setting of this book and the close-knit community. Darcy and Kincaid met and fell in love when they were just out of high school but fate (and a nasty, manipulative father) was working against them. Both came from dysfunctional family backgrounds though it was on the opposite side of the spectrum.
Kincaid's father has always tried to control him and direct his path in life, and he took it upon himself to get rid of Darcy seven years ago. When Kincaid reappears on Fortune's Island, it's immediately clear that both he and Darcy never got over one another.
Kincaid is pretty relentless in his pursuit of her and the life he has always dreamed of. Darcy caves pretty quickly despite her concerns over her daughter Emma. She is a little sweetheart and Darcy is a fantastic mum.
When everything inevitably comes out into the open, big decisions have to be made. Misunderstandings threaten to tear Darcy and Kincaid apart, but it all works out in the end.
I enjoyed this book and it was very well written and well paced. I liked both Darcy and Kincaid, but Emma stole the show for me. Adorable.
While the plot isn't overly original, and it's pretty predictable, it's still a decent story that is solidly built. Recommended for fans of contemp romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Inkslinger PR in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my blog on 12th September: http://myyanabookobsession.com
I absolutely loved the island setting of this book and the close-knit community. Darcy and Kincaid met and fell in love when they were just out of high school but fate (and a nasty, manipulative father) was working against them. Both came from dysfunctional family backgrounds though it was on the opposite side of the spectrum.
Kincaid's father has always tried to control him and direct his path in life, and he took it upon himself to get rid of Darcy seven years ago. When Kincaid reappears on Fortune's Island, it's immediately clear that both he and Darcy never got over one another.
Kincaid is pretty relentless in his pursuit of her and the life he has always dreamed of. Darcy caves pretty quickly despite her concerns over her daughter Emma. She is a little sweetheart and Darcy is a fantastic mum.
When everything inevitably comes out into the open, big decisions have to be made. Misunderstandings threaten to tear Darcy and Kincaid apart, but it all works out in the end.
I enjoyed this book and it was very well written and well paced. I liked both Darcy and Kincaid, but Emma stole the show for me. Adorable.
While the plot isn't overly original, and it's pretty predictable, it's still a decent story that is solidly built. Recommended for fans of contemp romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Inkslinger PR in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my blog on 12th September: http://myyanabookobsession.com
August 13, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from Tasty Book Tours in exchange for an honest review and as part of the book's blog tour promotions.
I love second chance love stories. I especially love it if there is a child involved. It goes without saying that because this book was all about that, I naturally enjoyed it as much as I can expect. This sweet, contemporary romance novel also had the right amount of heartbreak, secrets, and betrayal. I like the town of Fortune's Island.
There were many things I liked about this book. First, the cover. Don't you just like it? The colors are vivid, relaxing, and the whole picture just gave off a beach, summer vibe. Who would like that? The next thing I liked was the heroine. I can say she was a brave and strong character. To have made the choice that she did back then required courage and self confidence. She was able to raise a wonderful little girl on her own.
Another thing that I liked was the ambiance. Because of the setting, it gave me a relaxed feeling, so I was never stressed the entire time I spent with the story. I'll be glad to recommend this book to anyone who want to read something romantic and sweet but also has a good amount of steam.
I love second chance love stories. I especially love it if there is a child involved. It goes without saying that because this book was all about that, I naturally enjoyed it as much as I can expect. This sweet, contemporary romance novel also had the right amount of heartbreak, secrets, and betrayal. I like the town of Fortune's Island.
There were many things I liked about this book. First, the cover. Don't you just like it? The colors are vivid, relaxing, and the whole picture just gave off a beach, summer vibe. Who would like that? The next thing I liked was the heroine. I can say she was a brave and strong character. To have made the choice that she did back then required courage and self confidence. She was able to raise a wonderful little girl on her own.
Another thing that I liked was the ambiance. Because of the setting, it gave me a relaxed feeling, so I was never stressed the entire time I spent with the story. I'll be glad to recommend this book to anyone who want to read something romantic and sweet but also has a good amount of steam.
December 17, 2020
Not my kind of romance at all. I didn't mind the "secret baby" trope, but I did not like the graphic sex scenes. The scenes just seemed smutty to me and not romantic, with literal use of the "F" word. This was definitely not my kind of book, which is disappointing because I own a couple of unread books by this author. I found this on Audible Plus and will go ahead and listen to the second book in the series just to give this author another more try.
September 2, 2021
Darcy Williams works at the restaurant and bar called the Love Shack.
Kincaid is the rich boy from the other side of the island. They had a romance when they were teens and neither one really got over the other.
Go forward 6 years and Darcy is keeping a secret from Kincaid.
Neither of them could stand up to his overbearing father when they were younger.
Kincaid is now a big time lawyer but wants more out of his life.
He always loved being at Fortune's Island and Darcy is still there.
But now Darcy has a daughter and has kept that secret from Kincaid or she could lose everything.
Darcy and Kincaid must confront the past and decide how they want their future to go.
Fun story!
Kincaid is the rich boy from the other side of the island. They had a romance when they were teens and neither one really got over the other.
Go forward 6 years and Darcy is keeping a secret from Kincaid.
Neither of them could stand up to his overbearing father when they were younger.
Kincaid is now a big time lawyer but wants more out of his life.
He always loved being at Fortune's Island and Darcy is still there.
But now Darcy has a daughter and has kept that secret from Kincaid or she could lose everything.
Darcy and Kincaid must confront the past and decide how they want their future to go.
Fun story!
July 30, 2015
Title: And Then Forever
Author: Shirley ump
Publisher: TKA Distribution
Series: Fortune's Island Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:
"And Then Forever" by Shirley Jump
What I liked about this novel...
It was a wonderful love story of second chance romance in a small town island setting [Fortune's Island]...
What I liked about the lead characters...
Darcy Williams-a wonderful heroine-story where she had to pick herself up and take care of herself,,, not being able to depend on her parents..however, wishing she mattered to find a place in the world and in the end making it through this adversity, secrets ..in her life [being the girl from the wrong side of the tracks] but in the end having much faith and determination to be able to achieve what she wants. Now what was that?
Kincaid Forster-hero-6 ft 2"-privileged ...enters into Darcy's life...but leaves... good lawyer and brother who later returns to the island to help with his sisters situation .... while dealing with 'severe emotional reactions, family issues and conclusions' as the story is brought out so well to the reader. I did have a few problems with this character as he seemed to totally support is sister but with Darcy...I wasn't sure Kincaid was there for Darcy in the beginning as he should have been....why does he seems to accept whatever someone tells him with out asking the right questions to the right person?.....but oh well you will have to pick up this well written story to read and see how it all comes out in the end because there will be some twist and turns in this journey.
Secondary characters: From... Whit & Grace Matheson, Jillian, Carter, Joey, Nona, Emma, Zach, Edgar Foster, Abby, Mooch [dog] to Gordon to name a few that really gives the reader a wonderful, dramatic, with some humor and even a suspenseful romantic read.
Questions asked and will be answered from the read....
What will happen as Darcy and Kincaid come together? As all of the secrets come out...will these
two main characters be able to see the errors they both have made?
What didn't I like about this read?
I discussed this early under Kincaid Forster...[see above]
and
It would have been great to have a epilogue added but since there will a next story that deals with Julian's and Zach's story maybe we will find out a little more of what all happens in the end with Darcy, Kincaid and Emma. I guess I would have liked to have had a wedding for those two!
What was one of my favorite scene in this novel?
"Remember how you asked me a question about your daddy? Darcy said to Emma.
Emma nodded. She hugged her knees to her chest. "It's 'cause there's a daddy daughter picnic
at my school on Friday. And Kayleigh has her daddy coming and Michelle has her daddy
coming and I wanted to have a daddy come too."
"Well, I think that can happen." Darcy glanced at Kincaid, then reached over and took his hand.
The two of them took a deep breath at the same time. "Mr. Foster is my very special friend because...." Darcy's gaze went to Kincaid. She gave him a smile, then turned back to their daughter,
"because he's your daddy."
Would I recommend this contemporary romance to other fans?
Yes! I will also be looking for Book Two in this Fortune's Island Series: Can't Get Over You featuring Jillian and Zach. Thank you to the author for a good read.
I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2015
READ AND REVIEW: AND THEN FOREVER BY SHIRLEY JUMP
AND THEN FOREVER BY SHIRLEY JUMP
Release Date: July 28, 2015
SYNOPSIS
Welcome to Fortune’s Island, where the only rule is to follow your heart. Love is an extravagance Darcy Williams can’t afford. She prefers the simple life, which includes waitressing at The Love Shack and avoiding temptation. But when a forbidden part of her past steps off the ferry, her safe, guarded existence is turned upside down. Kincaid Foster has never gotten over his first love. When he sees the wild, beautiful blonde again, dancing her way around The Love Shack, the memories of Darcy’s soft skin, gentle touch, and heated kisses come rushing back. As the privileged son of a wealthy family, Kincaid was too young to stand up to his overbearing father when he and Darcy were together. Now, he’s back on the island—free of the family shackles—and the chiseled, big-time lawyer wants a second chance. But, Darcy made a promise to keep a secret from Kincaid—a secret that is now a six-year-old girl who looks just like her daddy. If Kincaid finds out about their daughter, Darcy could lose everything. But, she can’t resist the man who stole her heart all those years ago. And it doesn’t take long before both of them realize that anything can happen on a hot summer night.
BUY LINKS
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Then-Forever-Fo...
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/and-t...
Google Play Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Ibooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/and-...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...
REVIEW: AND THEN FOREVER BY SHIRLEY JUMP
And Then Forever by Shirley JumpMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A slow start to what turned out to be a fabulous story. Darcy has always wanted someone to care enough to want to look out for her. It broke my heart that the people she should have been able to rely on let her down. And Then Forever is the story of a woman who is used to looking out for herself but secretly has always wished to matter to someone. This girl was a strong cookie. To be hurt and tossed aside so many times and manage to keep putting one foot in front of the other. That took real faith and courage. Shirley Jump, I salute you for creating a heroine that stayed strong in the face of adversity without needing to be rescued by anyone but herself. So although the hero was nice, I applaud the heroine. Received an ARC of And Then Forever in exchange for an honest review.(www.goodreads.com/review/list/2555691...)
AND THEN FOREVER BY SHIRLEY JUMP
Release Date: July 28, 2015
SYNOPSIS
Welcome to Fortune’s Island, where the only rule is to follow your heart. Love is an extravagance Darcy Williams can’t afford. She prefers the simple life, which includes waitressing at The Love Shack and avoiding temptation. But when a forbidden part of her past steps off the ferry, her safe, guarded existence is turned upside down. Kincaid Foster has never gotten over his first love. When he sees the wild, beautiful blonde again, dancing her way around The Love Shack, the memories of Darcy’s soft skin, gentle touch, and heated kisses come rushing back. As the privileged son of a wealthy family, Kincaid was too young to stand up to his overbearing father when he and Darcy were together. Now, he’s back on the island—free of the family shackles—and the chiseled, big-time lawyer wants a second chance. But, Darcy made a promise to keep a secret from Kincaid—a secret that is now a six-year-old girl who looks just like her daddy. If Kincaid finds out about their daughter, Darcy could lose everything. But, she can’t resist the man who stole her heart all those years ago. And it doesn’t take long before both of them realize that anything can happen on a hot summer night.
BUY LINKS
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Then-Forever-Fo...
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/and-t...
Google Play Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Ibooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/and-...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...
REVIEW: AND THEN FOREVER BY SHIRLEY JUMP
And Then Forever by Shirley JumpMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A slow start to what turned out to be a fabulous story. Darcy has always wanted someone to care enough to want to look out for her. It broke my heart that the people she should have been able to rely on let her down. And Then Forever is the story of a woman who is used to looking out for herself but secretly has always wished to matter to someone. This girl was a strong cookie. To be hurt and tossed aside so many times and manage to keep putting one foot in front of the other. That took real faith and courage. Shirley Jump, I salute you for creating a heroine that stayed strong in the face of adversity without needing to be rescued by anyone but herself. So although the hero was nice, I applaud the heroine. Received an ARC of And Then Forever in exchange for an honest review.(www.goodreads.com/review/list/2555691...)
August 14, 2015
Seven years ago, Kincaid Foster was on the brink of stepping in the life that was his due and hid duty as a privileged son of a wealthy family and even though his torrid relationship with Darcy Williams gave him reason to have second thoughts, ultimately he followed the path that had been laid out for him - an Ivy league college and a high-powered career. But not before leaving Darcy with something to remember him by. Now Kincaid has had enough of his life as a high-priced lawyer and has returned to Fortune Island for some respite. Seeing Darcy again and the overwhelming memories of his time with her make him long for a second chance with her.
Darcy was always aware that, coming from the wrong side of the tracks, her relationship with Kincaid had an expiration date and when threatened with the loss of her unborn child, she let him walk away without any explanation on the condition that she kept her pregnancy a secret from him. Now he's back and the island is too small to keep her secret, but she's going to try!
AND THEN FOREVER is a really great start to the series, an enjoyable second chance story with very likable characters, a lovely setting and very little drama. Both Kincaid and Darcy made the choices that made sense at the time they made them and without much bargaining power, they really couldn't have done things differently. Now they have another chance to make their relationship work, but only if they can get past their issues and manage the burden of Kincaid's responsibility to his family. By the way, I think his father was very OTT in his quest to prevent Kincaid from giving up his future for Darcy and I really wish he got to pay somehow for his role in keeping them apart.
The legend behind the dollar bills on the wall of the bar adds a cute element to the story. I usually don't care much about book covers, but I really like this one and it makes me crave a day at the beach very badly!
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Darcy was always aware that, coming from the wrong side of the tracks, her relationship with Kincaid had an expiration date and when threatened with the loss of her unborn child, she let him walk away without any explanation on the condition that she kept her pregnancy a secret from him. Now he's back and the island is too small to keep her secret, but she's going to try!
AND THEN FOREVER is a really great start to the series, an enjoyable second chance story with very likable characters, a lovely setting and very little drama. Both Kincaid and Darcy made the choices that made sense at the time they made them and without much bargaining power, they really couldn't have done things differently. Now they have another chance to make their relationship work, but only if they can get past their issues and manage the burden of Kincaid's responsibility to his family. By the way, I think his father was very OTT in his quest to prevent Kincaid from giving up his future for Darcy and I really wish he got to pay somehow for his role in keeping them apart.
The legend behind the dollar bills on the wall of the bar adds a cute element to the story. I usually don't care much about book covers, but I really like this one and it makes me crave a day at the beach very badly!
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
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September 14, 2015
**An advanced copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
My Rating: 3 Coffee Cups!!
This was definitely one of those light summer reads. Nothing more, nothing less. It in all honesty kinda makes me think of the movie Mystic Pizza (one of my favorite 80s chick flicks). And that's not necessarily a bad thing at all. If you want something easy to read while on vacation, with a HEA and without many twisty turvies this is perfect. I prefer my happy endings with a side of some gut wrenching and heart hurting, but in that I can be a little bit of a masochist. With that said, this book wasn't necessarily what I was looking for when I read it. Which is neither the book nor Shirley Jump's fault, I just needed more.
This book is set in Fortune Island, Massachusetts a fictional island near Plymouth. Which is another reason I opted to read this. I've lived in various parts of Massachusetts myself and have friends who live in vacation towns near Cape Cod so know the Townie vs. Tourist mentality pretty well. And this town almost serves as a third main character in the story.
Darcy grew up on the mainland. Always dreaming of living on the smaller Fortune Island. To the point where the moment she turned 18 she hopped on the ferry in search of a job. And she finds one at the local hole in the wall bar/grill The Love Shack. Where she meets the love of her life Kincaid.
Kincaid is the rich boy. The one whose family owns the big mansion on the island, whose father is a big shot who would do anything to not let him slum it with the local, beautiful waitress. No matter the cost. And despite the love that Kincaid feels for Darcy, he's young and desperate for his father's approval so is easily swayed.
This story goes back in forth from when they first met to the present day, 6 years later. When Darcy and Kincaid are a little bit older and their backbones have grown just a little bit thicker and their love hasn't diminished one tiny bit.
My Rating: 3 Coffee Cups!!
This was definitely one of those light summer reads. Nothing more, nothing less. It in all honesty kinda makes me think of the movie Mystic Pizza (one of my favorite 80s chick flicks). And that's not necessarily a bad thing at all. If you want something easy to read while on vacation, with a HEA and without many twisty turvies this is perfect. I prefer my happy endings with a side of some gut wrenching and heart hurting, but in that I can be a little bit of a masochist. With that said, this book wasn't necessarily what I was looking for when I read it. Which is neither the book nor Shirley Jump's fault, I just needed more.
This book is set in Fortune Island, Massachusetts a fictional island near Plymouth. Which is another reason I opted to read this. I've lived in various parts of Massachusetts myself and have friends who live in vacation towns near Cape Cod so know the Townie vs. Tourist mentality pretty well. And this town almost serves as a third main character in the story.
Darcy grew up on the mainland. Always dreaming of living on the smaller Fortune Island. To the point where the moment she turned 18 she hopped on the ferry in search of a job. And she finds one at the local hole in the wall bar/grill The Love Shack. Where she meets the love of her life Kincaid.
Kincaid is the rich boy. The one whose family owns the big mansion on the island, whose father is a big shot who would do anything to not let him slum it with the local, beautiful waitress. No matter the cost. And despite the love that Kincaid feels for Darcy, he's young and desperate for his father's approval so is easily swayed.
This story goes back in forth from when they first met to the present day, 6 years later. When Darcy and Kincaid are a little bit older and their backbones have grown just a little bit thicker and their love hasn't diminished one tiny bit.
July 28, 2015
This book was recommended to me and not having read a Shirley Jump novel before, I was curious. The author does not disappoint. This is a wonderful story of a first love reunited, with a delightful twist of an unknown daughter. The author creates wonderful suspense by not introducing the "secret" daughter for a good bit of time, enabling us to get to know Darcy and Kincaid as the individuals, and former lovers that they are, without introducing the complexity of a sweet, bubbly six year old child. I love how Kincaid struggles with wanting, and desperating NEEDING his father's love, and wanting the life and love that he wants for himself, and the fact that these are disparate objectives. He realized as a teen that he couldn't get one while having the other, and after being pushed away from Darcy, he leaves, seeking for his father's love and approval by achieving the goals his father has set for him. When he returns to the island, he is confronted with old friends, old loves, and old feelings, and his deeply held desires for his life come bubbling back up to the surface. And as Kincaid finds himself caring for an old, lost dog and nurturing a fresh life for "Mooch", he is also nurturing the deeply-held desires for his life and does some soul-searching of his own. In true romance novel fashion, the author throws a few twists and turns at the couple, inevitably forcing them apart until one, or both of them, realize that their love is more important and stronger than anything trying to force them apart.
We also get a nice introduction to Fortune's Island and the wonderful inhabitants there and the author introduces us to some other delightful characters that we KNOW we'll be reading more about in future books from Fortune's Island.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We also get a nice introduction to Fortune's Island and the wonderful inhabitants there and the author introduces us to some other delightful characters that we KNOW we'll be reading more about in future books from Fortune's Island.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2015
Darcy William's walked away from the love of her life six years ago because she thought it was the best thing to do at the time. Kincaid Foster was a privileged islander home for the summer and she was a newly independent young woman working as a waitress in a small island restaurant, struggling to find her place in the world. After Darcy discovers their summer romance has left her pregnant she is hit with the dilemma of trying to decide if she should tell Kincaid about the baby or end their relationship and let him return to college and follow the path to success that his father has laid out for him and keep the news from him. But before she really has a chance to consider all of her options his father shows up on her doorstep and makes her a offer she really can't afford refuse. So after being bullied into keeping the baby a secret Darcy ends things with Kincaid and sends him packing back to school. She is then left to raise their daughter on her own, never expecting to see Kincaid again, so when he waltzes into the Love Shack she is met with the surprise of her life...
This was my first experience with this author's work, and I have to say that I absolutely loved this book, so much so, I plan to keep up with the additional installments in the series! This book had my attention from the first page and didn't let go until the very end! It had everything a good romance book should have and then some!!!
I highly recommend you make a visit to Fortune's Island and meet these amazing characters...they will have you smiling the whole way through, and maybe blushing a little too!!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by TKA Distribution in exchange for a honest review.
This was my first experience with this author's work, and I have to say that I absolutely loved this book, so much so, I plan to keep up with the additional installments in the series! This book had my attention from the first page and didn't let go until the very end! It had everything a good romance book should have and then some!!!
I highly recommend you make a visit to Fortune's Island and meet these amazing characters...they will have you smiling the whole way through, and maybe blushing a little too!!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by TKA Distribution in exchange for a honest review.
July 15, 2016
You know I've read a lot of books with similar plots but this one was quite a bit nicer with the angst not going too far. The dad's deal was pretty solid and he was a jerk but this all tied out with genuine communication with all characters. I always like how the next book's character dovetails with the current. I pretty much want the next book with that.
December 30, 2015
This is a well-written story with characters who are flawed human beings, but very believable. The plot is not unique, but Ms Jump does an admirable job with it.
This is my first Fortune Island novels, but I shall be looking for more.
This is my first Fortune Island novels, but I shall be looking for more.
February 7, 2022
2.5 Stars for me!
My rating range of this story... 2 - 3 Stars
If significant, why? The MCs, in their Mid-20s, still act like petulant children and the h repeats the... If I tell the H that he is a dad, I will lose my daughter at least 50 times.
Main Character Ratings...
H = 6/10
h = 3/10
Narrator Rating(s)
M = n/a
F = 5/10
If below 5/10,why? I sped the book up to 1.35 and the narration was good. It was still a bit slow at times but very clear.
Was cheating involved? No
Any major triggers to be aware of? No
If Comedy... Type? n/a
Genuinely Funny
Cringe Inducing
Just No!
Angst Level? Please Stop
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
3 Stars for me!
Internal Monolog? OMG... Please Stop! Aargh!
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
Scenes with heat... Yes
What point does it start? 40%
How much of the story? 5%
Anything beyond M/F? No
If yes, explained
Heat Rating... 7/10
Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2
Normal to Descriptive 3-5
Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7
Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
The back story... The MCs have a whirlwind romance when they were both 18 until the h unexpectedly breaks it off without an explanation. 7 years later, he is back with his sister and wants to rekindle the relationship... but the h keeps pushing away.
The Romance... The bulk of the romance takes place off of the pages when they were 18. It is mainly lust and attraction in the story.
The drama explosion.. The H's daddy creates problems.
Did it feel Real, OK or contrived? Ok
Was it OTT? Of course!
Separation involved? No
Was it resolved properly or rushed? Properly with a huge Hallmark Style ending.
Final Notes... Both MCs are idiots. He is unwilling to challenge daddy face to face and she is unwilling to see that they are both grown ups. She did nothing but push and it was frustrating when the author had the h put the blame on the H for going back to finish a case that was in process before he left. A lawyer needs to close out cases or transfer them to others and notify all involved of the changes. She also justified withholding critical information that would have kept the unnecessary misunderstanding from the story. This is something that a normal person would divulge to justify why they made the decision to withhold a child from the parent.
HEA or HFN? HFN
My rating range of this story... 2 - 3 Stars
If significant, why? The MCs, in their Mid-20s, still act like petulant children and the h repeats the... If I tell the H that he is a dad, I will lose my daughter at least 50 times.
Main Character Ratings...
H = 6/10
h = 3/10
Narrator Rating(s)
M = n/a
F = 5/10
If below 5/10,why? I sped the book up to 1.35 and the narration was good. It was still a bit slow at times but very clear.
Was cheating involved? No
Any major triggers to be aware of? No
If Comedy... Type? n/a
Genuinely Funny
Cringe Inducing
Just No!
Angst Level? Please Stop
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
3 Stars for me!
Internal Monolog? OMG... Please Stop! Aargh!
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
Scenes with heat... Yes
What point does it start? 40%
How much of the story? 5%
Anything beyond M/F? No
If yes, explained
Heat Rating... 7/10
Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2
Normal to Descriptive 3-5
Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7
Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
The back story... The MCs have a whirlwind romance when they were both 18 until the h unexpectedly breaks it off without an explanation. 7 years later, he is back with his sister and wants to rekindle the relationship... but the h keeps pushing away.
The Romance... The bulk of the romance takes place off of the pages when they were 18. It is mainly lust and attraction in the story.
The drama explosion.. The H's daddy creates problems.
Did it feel Real, OK or contrived? Ok
Was it OTT? Of course!
Separation involved? No
Was it resolved properly or rushed? Properly with a huge Hallmark Style ending.
Final Notes... Both MCs are idiots. He is unwilling to challenge daddy face to face and she is unwilling to see that they are both grown ups. She did nothing but push and it was frustrating when the author had the h put the blame on the H for going back to finish a case that was in process before he left. A lawyer needs to close out cases or transfer them to others and notify all involved of the changes. She also justified withholding critical information that would have kept the unnecessary misunderstanding from the story. This is something that a normal person would divulge to justify why they made the decision to withhold a child from the parent.
HEA or HFN? HFN
January 8, 2021
This book was entertaining. Not deep, not life changing, not inspiring. It’s like a Hallmark movie. Entertaining, but not a page turner.
April 7, 2021
I struggled through this story because of the bad narration.
What could have been a sweet and relaxing love story was ruined by the different voices the narrator with her old voice tried to create
What could have been a sweet and relaxing love story was ruined by the different voices the narrator with her old voice tried to create
August 25, 2022
Audible narrator was terribly slow. Had to skip to the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2015
What a hidden treasure And Then Forever is . . . I loved it from start to finish and I cannot wait to read more from Shirley Jump.
Told mainly in dual POV, And Then Forever tells the story of Darcy and Kincaid and their second chance at making it work. First we meet Darcy, a woman in her late twenties, from the wrong side of the tracks, who’s working as a waitress in a ‘shack’ on Fortune’s Island, “the forgotten stepchild of the islands surrounding the humble state where the Pilgrims first landed”. From the first time she showed us her thoughts I fell in love with her. Darcy is a strong, independent heroine who’s managed to remain grounded and find somehow of a happiness no matter how her start in life was. I was impressed by her ability to adapt, despite everything she’s been through; she’s one incredible, awe inspiring main character.
In comes our hero, Kincaid Foster, and we get transported into the past, a common one both Darcy and himself share. We get to see what happened to this loving couple and why after seven years the attraction between the two is as hot as it was before. I adored Kincaid – he’s not your typical alpha male, he isn’t ashamed of showing vulnerability and he’s wearing his heart on his sleeve. He’s in a continuous struggle to get his father’s admiration and be the son he always wanted. But when something unexpected happens he isn’t scared to stand against him and fight for everyone he loves.
The relationship between Darcy and Kincaid flowed naturally. What started as a summer fling when they were only 18 grew into a mature and passionate summer ‘affair’ in the present. But the secret that Darcy has been withholding from her lover is what made their relationship that much more momentous this time around. I loved seeing them get to know each other all over again, go on a little date here and there, and the intimate moments between the two were called for and not only added because that’s the norm in contemporary romance.
One thing that enjoyed the most in this book was the role family played. Family plays a huge role in both our heroes lives, but also for all the side characters. Throughout the book we got to see that family isn’t necessarily someone blood related, but the people you love and love you back, the ones who give you unconditional support when needed and never let you go. On this note, I have to point out that I was intrigued by all the subplots – Abby, Kincaid’s sister and her abusive relationship, and Jillian and her man problems – and I’m really excited and curios to read about them in future books.
One little problem I had with the book, was the repetitiveness of some phrases, and sometimes it felt a little cliche, but for me that didn’t take away from the story and the writing in general. Apart from that the writing was great: with striking descriptions, that made me jealous of everyone living on that little MA island, different points of view so we can get inside other characters minds during important scenes and with a series of surprising, yet incredible song mentions.
All in all, And Then Forever is a page turner, a book that I had to read cover to cover so I can see if Darcy and Kincaid will finally get their HEA ‘at the love shack’. If you’re looking for a wonderful second chance romance, this book won’t disappoint. A perfect 4 star read from a new to me author, who I’ll add to my favorites shelf after this book .
***ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
Told mainly in dual POV, And Then Forever tells the story of Darcy and Kincaid and their second chance at making it work. First we meet Darcy, a woman in her late twenties, from the wrong side of the tracks, who’s working as a waitress in a ‘shack’ on Fortune’s Island, “the forgotten stepchild of the islands surrounding the humble state where the Pilgrims first landed”. From the first time she showed us her thoughts I fell in love with her. Darcy is a strong, independent heroine who’s managed to remain grounded and find somehow of a happiness no matter how her start in life was. I was impressed by her ability to adapt, despite everything she’s been through; she’s one incredible, awe inspiring main character.
In comes our hero, Kincaid Foster, and we get transported into the past, a common one both Darcy and himself share. We get to see what happened to this loving couple and why after seven years the attraction between the two is as hot as it was before. I adored Kincaid – he’s not your typical alpha male, he isn’t ashamed of showing vulnerability and he’s wearing his heart on his sleeve. He’s in a continuous struggle to get his father’s admiration and be the son he always wanted. But when something unexpected happens he isn’t scared to stand against him and fight for everyone he loves.
The relationship between Darcy and Kincaid flowed naturally. What started as a summer fling when they were only 18 grew into a mature and passionate summer ‘affair’ in the present. But the secret that Darcy has been withholding from her lover is what made their relationship that much more momentous this time around. I loved seeing them get to know each other all over again, go on a little date here and there, and the intimate moments between the two were called for and not only added because that’s the norm in contemporary romance.
One thing that enjoyed the most in this book was the role family played. Family plays a huge role in both our heroes lives, but also for all the side characters. Throughout the book we got to see that family isn’t necessarily someone blood related, but the people you love and love you back, the ones who give you unconditional support when needed and never let you go. On this note, I have to point out that I was intrigued by all the subplots – Abby, Kincaid’s sister and her abusive relationship, and Jillian and her man problems – and I’m really excited and curios to read about them in future books.
One little problem I had with the book, was the repetitiveness of some phrases, and sometimes it felt a little cliche, but for me that didn’t take away from the story and the writing in general. Apart from that the writing was great: with striking descriptions, that made me jealous of everyone living on that little MA island, different points of view so we can get inside other characters minds during important scenes and with a series of surprising, yet incredible song mentions.
All in all, And Then Forever is a page turner, a book that I had to read cover to cover so I can see if Darcy and Kincaid will finally get their HEA ‘at the love shack’. If you’re looking for a wonderful second chance romance, this book won’t disappoint. A perfect 4 star read from a new to me author, who I’ll add to my favorites shelf after this book .
***ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
September 11, 2015
Originally posted at Daydreaming Books.
**I received a digital copy of this book from InkSlinger PR as a part of the book tour in exchange for an honest review.**
I really loved this book. The story was filled with different, heartwarming emotions and I fell in love with all the characters, they were simply headstrong and unique in their own way, they had their fair share of faults but you can’t help but fall in love with them.
Summary-
Darcy and Kincaid fell hard for each other in Fortune’s Island when they were young but situation forced them to go different ways which broke their hearts. Darcy was pregnant with Kincaid’s child but his father threatened her he would take the child away forever if she told Kincaid. So she broke up with him and he left without a fight. Now after years he is back in the same Island. She tries hard to resist him, most importantly keep her daughter a secret but secrets have a way of coming out. Now Kincaid has to make a decision- will be fight for Darcy and embrace his daughter or will he walk away once again.
Plot-
I have come across this plot line many times before but I simply loved how it was executed here. It was a wonderful story of second chance romance where the story kept me interested throughout the book, and Fortune’s Island was a wonderful setting. I felt emotionally attached to the story and it’s characters. It unfolded in a beautiful way. The chemistry between Darcy and Kincaid was undeniable and although I felt the romance was a tini-tiny bit less but I loved it. Although the main focus was on Darcy and Kincaid’s life, there were a few other POVs of other characters as well that gave a better view of all the lives in Fortune’s Island. I loved how the book ended, it simply melted my heart and left me wanting for more.
Characters-
I loved, loved the main protagonist, Darcy. She was a wonderful character I fell in love with. She was strong, passionate, caring and fiercely loved her daughter, she was the whole world to her. Darcy had a terrible childhood, her mother barely spared her a glance and that’s why she promised herself she would be a good mother and hell she was one of the most awsome mother a child could have! I felt bad for Kincaid about the secret Darcy kept from him for years, but I understood her reasoning. I loved Kincaid as well, although he had a tendency of running away, giving up without reasoning or a fight but I was glad he took his second chance seriously and fought hard for her. I loved it when he finally stood up for himself and took a chance in life and love. Both the characters developed and matured throughout the book. Emma, their daughter was another character I adored, she was soo cute, bubbly and chirpy. I loved all the other side characters as well, they were like a second family to Darcy in the Fortune’s Island. They were really great, supportive and caring.
Writing style-
The writing was simple and beautiful. It was easy to read and I breezed through the book quite easily. I couldn’t wait to finish the book cause I wanted to know how the characters made their decesions and where it brought them and how things unfolded. The pace was neither too fast nor too slow, it was even throughout the book. This was the first book I read by this author and I really loved it, I’m definitely looking forward to read the other books written by her.
Overall-
The plot was good yet predictable but things were executed uniquely which made me love it. The characters were simply mind blowing, each of them had their own unique attributes, specially Darcy was my favourite. The writing was smooth and beautiful and the pace was even throughout the book. I really enjoyed reading this book. And Then Forever is a beautiful start to a series. I really look forward to read the next book in this series about Julliana and Zach.
Recommend it?
Definitely yes if you love second chance romances with an emotionally gripping plot and awsome characters.
**I received a digital copy of this book from InkSlinger PR as a part of the book tour in exchange for an honest review.**
I really loved this book. The story was filled with different, heartwarming emotions and I fell in love with all the characters, they were simply headstrong and unique in their own way, they had their fair share of faults but you can’t help but fall in love with them.
Summary-
Darcy and Kincaid fell hard for each other in Fortune’s Island when they were young but situation forced them to go different ways which broke their hearts. Darcy was pregnant with Kincaid’s child but his father threatened her he would take the child away forever if she told Kincaid. So she broke up with him and he left without a fight. Now after years he is back in the same Island. She tries hard to resist him, most importantly keep her daughter a secret but secrets have a way of coming out. Now Kincaid has to make a decision- will be fight for Darcy and embrace his daughter or will he walk away once again.
Plot-
I have come across this plot line many times before but I simply loved how it was executed here. It was a wonderful story of second chance romance where the story kept me interested throughout the book, and Fortune’s Island was a wonderful setting. I felt emotionally attached to the story and it’s characters. It unfolded in a beautiful way. The chemistry between Darcy and Kincaid was undeniable and although I felt the romance was a tini-tiny bit less but I loved it. Although the main focus was on Darcy and Kincaid’s life, there were a few other POVs of other characters as well that gave a better view of all the lives in Fortune’s Island. I loved how the book ended, it simply melted my heart and left me wanting for more.
Characters-
I loved, loved the main protagonist, Darcy. She was a wonderful character I fell in love with. She was strong, passionate, caring and fiercely loved her daughter, she was the whole world to her. Darcy had a terrible childhood, her mother barely spared her a glance and that’s why she promised herself she would be a good mother and hell she was one of the most awsome mother a child could have! I felt bad for Kincaid about the secret Darcy kept from him for years, but I understood her reasoning. I loved Kincaid as well, although he had a tendency of running away, giving up without reasoning or a fight but I was glad he took his second chance seriously and fought hard for her. I loved it when he finally stood up for himself and took a chance in life and love. Both the characters developed and matured throughout the book. Emma, their daughter was another character I adored, she was soo cute, bubbly and chirpy. I loved all the other side characters as well, they were like a second family to Darcy in the Fortune’s Island. They were really great, supportive and caring.
Writing style-
The writing was simple and beautiful. It was easy to read and I breezed through the book quite easily. I couldn’t wait to finish the book cause I wanted to know how the characters made their decesions and where it brought them and how things unfolded. The pace was neither too fast nor too slow, it was even throughout the book. This was the first book I read by this author and I really loved it, I’m definitely looking forward to read the other books written by her.
Overall-
The plot was good yet predictable but things were executed uniquely which made me love it. The characters were simply mind blowing, each of them had their own unique attributes, specially Darcy was my favourite. The writing was smooth and beautiful and the pace was even throughout the book. I really enjoyed reading this book. And Then Forever is a beautiful start to a series. I really look forward to read the next book in this series about Julliana and Zach.
Recommend it?
Definitely yes if you love second chance romances with an emotionally gripping plot and awsome characters.
August 5, 2015
This is my first book by this author and the first in her new series about Fortune's Island.
The book is about Darcy, the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, and Kincaid, the boy from the right side of the track, even if he himself doesn't find the grass that green on his side either. Darcy and Kincaid is in the book all grown up and still hurting from the scars their summer fling seven years ago left behind. When Kincaid returns to the island because of personal reasons beyond Darcy, she runs scared. Because Darcy has a secret and it's a secret that can wreck her world if Kincaid ever finds out.
The plot screamed betrayal from not page one, but pretty early in the book. And as with all books about betrayals I sat with my heart n my throat watching the plot unfold into dangerous territory, fearing if it would ever get solved to my own satisfaction.
Darcy as a person I loved. She was easy going ,fun to be around and as everybody kept saying a good mother. The good mother part we didn't get to see so ofthen though, which is sad because kids can bring so much into a book. They can tell us things we didn't even figure, break our hearts in a way adults are unable to, they add a different dimension. I missed that part of the book, where Emma broke my heart.
Kincaid was all over confused. I loved the big brother part of him, but mostly he seemed confused about life, about Darcy, about what his choices were. I think Abby, his sister, hit it on the head when she told him he was scared. He certainly was. Scared about what he might gain, scared of what he might lose, scared of his father, of Emma, of Darcy, of the future he wanted. I could easily write a paper on the things Kincaid was scared of. And it's good, mostly, because a man who is scared of something is able to feel a whole lot, but at the same time I just wanted him to find the balls to take charge of his own life, the way Darcy did at eighteen.
Emma was adorable. I easily connected her to my younger cousin and the way she and Mooch connected just increased her adorableness (is that even a word?). Still as I said earlier, I missed Emma's input on the story, I missed her childish, but heartbreaking confessions.
Secondary characters with their own parts always throw me off, regardless of author. Even here I had difficulty to connect with Abby and Jillian. I felt as if the two were too shallowly written. At least Jillian is going to get her own book, I don't know with Abby, so maybe they were just supposed to be teasers to what's to come. Still, it would have given more to both this book and the next if they would have gotten more depth to them, more intrigue. If you give them their own thoughts in a book that isn't their own, you should give me a little more insight. I didn't feel sorry for Jillian, because even knowing about her bad relationships I couldn't connect with her. As was with Abby. With her I just... I don't know. I felt as if I just floated by her thinking poor woman and that was it. Where is that gut wrenching feeling you should have when reading about that kind of things? And no, you have to read yourself if you want to know what things. No spoilers.
Overall the build up of the main story was bigger than the fall. Then again, the end kind of makes sense in a way. Because after all it was not anybody's fault. Just two kids scared of an unwritten future and a meddling father scared of a world where he would not have control. The heartbreak wasn't total in the end and a part of me missed that crying I love with these kinds of books, the kind of crying the frees you from the knots that form while reading.
Still it was a solid read and it is to recommend for romance readers. You will most definitely not be bored. Easily a 4 for the main story, 3.5 for the lack of connection with the secondary characters.
I recieved a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book is about Darcy, the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, and Kincaid, the boy from the right side of the track, even if he himself doesn't find the grass that green on his side either. Darcy and Kincaid is in the book all grown up and still hurting from the scars their summer fling seven years ago left behind. When Kincaid returns to the island because of personal reasons beyond Darcy, she runs scared. Because Darcy has a secret and it's a secret that can wreck her world if Kincaid ever finds out.
The plot screamed betrayal from not page one, but pretty early in the book. And as with all books about betrayals I sat with my heart n my throat watching the plot unfold into dangerous territory, fearing if it would ever get solved to my own satisfaction.
Darcy as a person I loved. She was easy going ,fun to be around and as everybody kept saying a good mother. The good mother part we didn't get to see so ofthen though, which is sad because kids can bring so much into a book. They can tell us things we didn't even figure, break our hearts in a way adults are unable to, they add a different dimension. I missed that part of the book, where Emma broke my heart.
Kincaid was all over confused. I loved the big brother part of him, but mostly he seemed confused about life, about Darcy, about what his choices were. I think Abby, his sister, hit it on the head when she told him he was scared. He certainly was. Scared about what he might gain, scared of what he might lose, scared of his father, of Emma, of Darcy, of the future he wanted. I could easily write a paper on the things Kincaid was scared of. And it's good, mostly, because a man who is scared of something is able to feel a whole lot, but at the same time I just wanted him to find the balls to take charge of his own life, the way Darcy did at eighteen.
Emma was adorable. I easily connected her to my younger cousin and the way she and Mooch connected just increased her adorableness (is that even a word?). Still as I said earlier, I missed Emma's input on the story, I missed her childish, but heartbreaking confessions.
Secondary characters with their own parts always throw me off, regardless of author. Even here I had difficulty to connect with Abby and Jillian. I felt as if the two were too shallowly written. At least Jillian is going to get her own book, I don't know with Abby, so maybe they were just supposed to be teasers to what's to come. Still, it would have given more to both this book and the next if they would have gotten more depth to them, more intrigue. If you give them their own thoughts in a book that isn't their own, you should give me a little more insight. I didn't feel sorry for Jillian, because even knowing about her bad relationships I couldn't connect with her. As was with Abby. With her I just... I don't know. I felt as if I just floated by her thinking poor woman and that was it. Where is that gut wrenching feeling you should have when reading about that kind of things? And no, you have to read yourself if you want to know what things. No spoilers.
Overall the build up of the main story was bigger than the fall. Then again, the end kind of makes sense in a way. Because after all it was not anybody's fault. Just two kids scared of an unwritten future and a meddling father scared of a world where he would not have control. The heartbreak wasn't total in the end and a part of me missed that crying I love with these kinds of books, the kind of crying the frees you from the knots that form while reading.
Still it was a solid read and it is to recommend for romance readers. You will most definitely not be bored. Easily a 4 for the main story, 3.5 for the lack of connection with the secondary characters.
I recieved a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2015
Received a copy for an honest review through Tasty Book Tours; original posting can be found at:
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...
I love feel-good contemporary romances -- the ones that are just straight through, no gimmicks, contemporary romance. AND THEN FOREVER fits that bill.
Growing up, Darcy wasn't aware that there were tracks, nor that she lived on the wrong side of them. It was middle school before she realized the difference but rather than pine over the clothes and the friends she could have, she raced to the end of the wall, past the point where tourist stopped, and sat, watching over the water toward Fortune's Island. As a child, she made a promise to herself that some day... Someday she'd venture out there and be happy.
At seventeen, she got her mother's signature and did just that.
She immediately fell in love with the little island and started working at The Love Shack, where she made lifelong friends who became essentially the family she never really had. Looking toward tradition, she even stapled a dollar to the wall of happily ever after, making a wish: D+K=4 eva
But he left the island and she and her broken eighteen year old heart fought to get past it.
Now, some years later, she's still working at The Love Shack, and who walked in but Kincaid Foster, the boy she foolishly thought she'd been in love with.
Kincaid's back on the island for his sister -- because someone has to stand beside her. Their father is a ruthless lawyer and Kincaid has been in his back pocket for years in hopes of acceptance. But right now Abby needs him more, so here he is, back on the island he never thought he'd return to.
One of the first faces he sees, and then promptly tries to ignore, is Darcy's while he's dining at The Love Shack. Some things don't change, he quickly learns, and one of those things is his attraction to spitfire Darcy.
I love these two. I loved how they fought against one another and held each other at arm's length, trying to keep themselves guarded. Darcy has secrets, and if she wants to keep her daughter in her arms, she's better off keeping Kincaid away.
This was a story of finding one another again, and learning that sometimes you need to go with your heart rather than your head. Both Kincaid and Darcy have the 'grass is greener' mentality:
Darcy, growing up, wanted what Kincaid had.
Kincaid, having grown up in the money world and the world where your father controls your every move, wanted the wild abandon that Darcy had.
Even though both Darcy and Kincaid had done growing up in the past seven years, they are both still ruled by fear -- fear of loss, fear of nonacceptance, and fear of not being good enough.
My only (minor) issue with the book was that in the end, their fight ended too quickly and wasn't truly talked about. I felt that the scene could have dug a little deeper and been more filled out. However, I'm hopeful that we'll see this little family in the other books of the series!
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...
I love feel-good contemporary romances -- the ones that are just straight through, no gimmicks, contemporary romance. AND THEN FOREVER fits that bill.
Growing up, Darcy wasn't aware that there were tracks, nor that she lived on the wrong side of them. It was middle school before she realized the difference but rather than pine over the clothes and the friends she could have, she raced to the end of the wall, past the point where tourist stopped, and sat, watching over the water toward Fortune's Island. As a child, she made a promise to herself that some day... Someday she'd venture out there and be happy.
At seventeen, she got her mother's signature and did just that.
She immediately fell in love with the little island and started working at The Love Shack, where she made lifelong friends who became essentially the family she never really had. Looking toward tradition, she even stapled a dollar to the wall of happily ever after, making a wish: D+K=4 eva
But he left the island and she and her broken eighteen year old heart fought to get past it.
Now, some years later, she's still working at The Love Shack, and who walked in but Kincaid Foster, the boy she foolishly thought she'd been in love with.
Kincaid's back on the island for his sister -- because someone has to stand beside her. Their father is a ruthless lawyer and Kincaid has been in his back pocket for years in hopes of acceptance. But right now Abby needs him more, so here he is, back on the island he never thought he'd return to.
One of the first faces he sees, and then promptly tries to ignore, is Darcy's while he's dining at The Love Shack. Some things don't change, he quickly learns, and one of those things is his attraction to spitfire Darcy.
I love these two. I loved how they fought against one another and held each other at arm's length, trying to keep themselves guarded. Darcy has secrets, and if she wants to keep her daughter in her arms, she's better off keeping Kincaid away.
This was a story of finding one another again, and learning that sometimes you need to go with your heart rather than your head. Both Kincaid and Darcy have the 'grass is greener' mentality:
Darcy, growing up, wanted what Kincaid had.
Kincaid, having grown up in the money world and the world where your father controls your every move, wanted the wild abandon that Darcy had.
Even though both Darcy and Kincaid had done growing up in the past seven years, they are both still ruled by fear -- fear of loss, fear of nonacceptance, and fear of not being good enough.
My only (minor) issue with the book was that in the end, their fight ended too quickly and wasn't truly talked about. I felt that the scene could have dug a little deeper and been more filled out. However, I'm hopeful that we'll see this little family in the other books of the series!
August 13, 2015
And Then Forever by Shirley Jump is the 1st book in her new Fortune’s Island series. I have read and enjoyed reading Shirley Jump novels, and looked forward to reading the start of this new series. I am happy to say that this was a fun, quick and enjoyable read.
Darcy Williams is our heroine and a wonderful one at that. We learn early on that Darcy was not happy as a child, as her mother never really paid much attention to her. As soon as she was old enough, she left home for the nearby Fortune’s Island, and lived life to the fullest, since she was totally independent and fun loving. Darcy, who has been a waitress at The Love Shack bar and restaurant from the start, is perfectly happy doing what she does, not to mention the owners and friends have become her family.
Kincaid Foster, who comes from a wealthy family, fell in love with Darcy years ago, and out of nowhere, she wrote him to say goodbye, since he was only there for the summer. Now 7 years later, he returns to the island with his pregnant sister. When he visits The Love Shack, he sees Darcy, and the feelings he felt before arisee quickly. She is shocked to see him, and does her best to avoid him. Kincaid never understood why she pushed him away, but what he doesn’t know is Darcy has a secret.
Though Darcy does her best to keep her distance, the romance slowly begins to heat up again. Darcy fears for Kincaid to find out her secret, and of course, when at the beach he discovers she has a child now 6 years old. Kincaid automatically can see the resemblance to both him and Darcy, and knows Emma is his. Darcy tries to explain that he was going away to college, and his father expected him to join the firm in the future. She did not want to ruin his life.
What she doesn’t tell him is that his father forced her to take some money to take care of the child, with threats to take away Emma, if she ever told Kincaid. What follows is a sweet romance between Kincaid and Darcy, and his happiness to be with both her and Emma. He realizes that being on Fortune’s Island makes him happy and content. He considers giving up his wealthy life in NY, and staying with Darcy and Emma, whom he has fallen hard for. But there still some secrets that will threaten their relationship. Will Kincaid understand why Darcy was afraid to tell him about his father, and forgive her?
The secondary characters are very good, and a few we expect to have stories told about them in future books. We get some snippets from Kincaid’s sister, Abby and Darcy’s friend, Jill. There will be more fun to come on Fortune’s Island. Shirley Jump has written a sweet and emotional story in And Then Forever, and I look forward to the next book.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Darcy Williams is our heroine and a wonderful one at that. We learn early on that Darcy was not happy as a child, as her mother never really paid much attention to her. As soon as she was old enough, she left home for the nearby Fortune’s Island, and lived life to the fullest, since she was totally independent and fun loving. Darcy, who has been a waitress at The Love Shack bar and restaurant from the start, is perfectly happy doing what she does, not to mention the owners and friends have become her family.
Kincaid Foster, who comes from a wealthy family, fell in love with Darcy years ago, and out of nowhere, she wrote him to say goodbye, since he was only there for the summer. Now 7 years later, he returns to the island with his pregnant sister. When he visits The Love Shack, he sees Darcy, and the feelings he felt before arisee quickly. She is shocked to see him, and does her best to avoid him. Kincaid never understood why she pushed him away, but what he doesn’t know is Darcy has a secret.
Though Darcy does her best to keep her distance, the romance slowly begins to heat up again. Darcy fears for Kincaid to find out her secret, and of course, when at the beach he discovers she has a child now 6 years old. Kincaid automatically can see the resemblance to both him and Darcy, and knows Emma is his. Darcy tries to explain that he was going away to college, and his father expected him to join the firm in the future. She did not want to ruin his life.
What she doesn’t tell him is that his father forced her to take some money to take care of the child, with threats to take away Emma, if she ever told Kincaid. What follows is a sweet romance between Kincaid and Darcy, and his happiness to be with both her and Emma. He realizes that being on Fortune’s Island makes him happy and content. He considers giving up his wealthy life in NY, and staying with Darcy and Emma, whom he has fallen hard for. But there still some secrets that will threaten their relationship. Will Kincaid understand why Darcy was afraid to tell him about his father, and forgive her?
The secondary characters are very good, and a few we expect to have stories told about them in future books. We get some snippets from Kincaid’s sister, Abby and Darcy’s friend, Jill. There will be more fun to come on Fortune’s Island. Shirley Jump has written a sweet and emotional story in And Then Forever, and I look forward to the next book.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
December 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I love second chance romance, and I also love getting in on the beginning of a new series. Fortune’s Island is certainly a beautiful, interesting place when the people are friendly (for the most part), the beach is beautiful and the chances for love to work the second time around are very good.
Darcy and Kincaid were young summer lovers. She had made her way to the island determined to create a life for herself and found love with Kincaid. He was college bound, but his love for Darcy was real and he would stand up to his father in order to keep her in his life… or so he believed. He didn’t get the chance to find out when he was dumped by Darcy. Wounded he went off to college not knowing he left a broken-hearted woman on the island, one who soon would give him a daughter he’d never know about – thanks to dear old dad’s interference.
Darcy should have known Kincaid would return one day. She chose to not think about that possibility over the years. She had created a good life on Fortune’s Island. She had good, strong friendships, work that she enjoyed and every single day thanked God for her beautiful daughter, the little girl who looked so much like her daddy that it often broke Darcy’s heart. Now he was back on the island, and everyone’s life was about to change.
I really enjoyed Darcy. She had been a young woman in a stressful situation who created a good life for herself and her daughter. One full of good friends and the beauty of Fortune’s Island. Her strength, sense of self-worth and devotion to her daughter in spite of everything that is tossed at her is amazing.
Kincaid returned to the island a far different man then the young college student he was when he left. He will discover much about his life back then, truths that might hurt for a bit but the ending result of finding his daughter will make up for much. He wants a second chance at the love of a lifetime, and now no one is going to stand in his way.
I enjoyed And Then Forever very much. The story deals with young love and the results of a parent’s meddling – and finding true family no matter what life tosses in your way. Second chance love is possible when couples realize the rewards far outweigh the risks. Take a chance on this one and find a love story to bring tears to your eyes and a smile to your heart.
*I received an e-ARC of And Then Forever from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
I love second chance romance, and I also love getting in on the beginning of a new series. Fortune’s Island is certainly a beautiful, interesting place when the people are friendly (for the most part), the beach is beautiful and the chances for love to work the second time around are very good.
Darcy and Kincaid were young summer lovers. She had made her way to the island determined to create a life for herself and found love with Kincaid. He was college bound, but his love for Darcy was real and he would stand up to his father in order to keep her in his life… or so he believed. He didn’t get the chance to find out when he was dumped by Darcy. Wounded he went off to college not knowing he left a broken-hearted woman on the island, one who soon would give him a daughter he’d never know about – thanks to dear old dad’s interference.
Darcy should have known Kincaid would return one day. She chose to not think about that possibility over the years. She had created a good life on Fortune’s Island. She had good, strong friendships, work that she enjoyed and every single day thanked God for her beautiful daughter, the little girl who looked so much like her daddy that it often broke Darcy’s heart. Now he was back on the island, and everyone’s life was about to change.
I really enjoyed Darcy. She had been a young woman in a stressful situation who created a good life for herself and her daughter. One full of good friends and the beauty of Fortune’s Island. Her strength, sense of self-worth and devotion to her daughter in spite of everything that is tossed at her is amazing.
Kincaid returned to the island a far different man then the young college student he was when he left. He will discover much about his life back then, truths that might hurt for a bit but the ending result of finding his daughter will make up for much. He wants a second chance at the love of a lifetime, and now no one is going to stand in his way.
I enjoyed And Then Forever very much. The story deals with young love and the results of a parent’s meddling – and finding true family no matter what life tosses in your way. Second chance love is possible when couples realize the rewards far outweigh the risks. Take a chance on this one and find a love story to bring tears to your eyes and a smile to your heart.
*I received an e-ARC of And Then Forever from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
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