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Finding Forever

(The Chasing Series #2)

Linda Oaks (Goodreads Author)

3.80 · Rating details · 56 ratings · 29 reviews

What if forever was never meant to be?

Kara Thorn had always been the confident one until the fateful day her heart was shattered. She lost the one person she thought would never walk away….

Devon McGraw, the man who had promised her forever.

When Kara returns to her hometown for a wedding, fate intervenes throwing her and Devon together once again. Their chemistry is stronge ...more

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Published October 29th 2015 by Blue Tulip Publishing

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Oct 31, 2015 Chakash rated it did not like it · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. So unoriginal...Spoilers

I wish I had followed my first mind and not bought the book. Maybe I am getting jaded in my old age (37) and I have read too much. But I like to think I have read enough to know a story written well with an original plot, or a story with a predictable plot written so well it didn't matter. This book hit neither one. While I had moments where I thought I could like the heroine, she was just too much on the weak side. I like her affinity for goddesses and pink. I like her f ...more

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Oct 24, 2015 Annelise Lestrange rated it it was amazing

Shelves: almost-non-fictional, drama, reviewed, romance

Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)

I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D

The Story

Kara never found herself the weak woman type, but that was exactly how she was behaving since her break up with her high school boyfriend, Devon. Years passed and Kara couldn’t bring herself to move on and of course that having to face her ex during her best friend’s wedding wasn’t helping at all, but Brandon would kill her if she ditc ...more

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May 06, 2016 Bookbuster rated it really liked it

“What about alluring? Stunning? Even breathtaking?”

I love the way Linda Oaks brought the characters together, the story was equal in the love, the plot, the twist and the intimacy. The story was refreshing!

when had I turned into such a horn dog? Oh that’s right, just whenever I was around this man.

Kara was devastated when Devon leaves her so unexpectedly, with no reason. Devon had his reasons to take this step in his life. At Brandon’s wedding party when she was drunk and both made out changed e ...more

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Jan 14, 2016 Eve Booksandlooks30 💋 rated it it was amazing

So I read this sometime a while back and Idk I did NOT add it to goodreads!! My very first book by Linda Oaks. This totally captivated my poor little broken heart not everyone gets that happy ending. Love concourse all so they say.

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Nov 01, 2015 Melyssa Winchester rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, contemporary-romance, emotional, happily-ever-after, na-romance, new-adult, parenting, personal-growth, real-life-issues, second-chance-romance

Title: Finding Forever
Author: Linda Oaks
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Standalone Series (Chasing Series)
Rating: ★★★★ ½ Stars

Review

description

I’m a sucker for a second chance romance. When you add a single parent into the mix, or rather a child, it captures me even more. This story had both.

I’ve never had the pleasure of reading a story by this author before, but after being swept away with this one, I can definitely see reading more from her in the future. For that matter, since I know ...more

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Nov 18, 2015 C.C. Ravanera rated it it was amazing

This is the second book to the Chasing Series. In this story, several years had passed since the first book and it focuses on Kara and Devon, two characters we met in the first book.

First off, it can be read as a standalone since the author had provided enough background information about the main characters for the story to make sense. In Finding Forever, we see a broken Kara. She had split up with the man of her dreams and still couldn’t find a way to live a normal life without him.

Around her, ...more

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Oct 30, 2015 Mignon Mykel rated it it was amazing

Shelves: blog-tour-books, contemporary, series, new-adult

Received a copy of the title in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 / 5 stars

Years ago, Devon severed ties with the girl he loved -- and has regretted it ever since. He had his reasons, deep reasons that were rooted in guilt, but he knew Kara was better off without him.

Kara always thought of her friends, she'd be the first to get married. She and Devon had been a match made in heaven until all of a sudden... they just weren't. Now, she's pulled on her big girl, best friend face for not one, but t Received a copy of the title in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 / 5 stars

Years ago, Devon severed ties with the girl he loved -- and has regretted it ever since. He had his reasons, deep reasons that were rooted in guilt, but he knew Kara was better off without him.

Kara always thought of her friends, she'd be the first to get married. She and Devon had been a match made in heaven until all of a sudden... they just weren't. Now, she's pulled on her big girl, best friend face for not one, but two weddings and as hard as she tries to keep Devon and his lady friend away, her friends are his friends, too, and there's simply no avoiding.

I loved Kara and her tequila-makes-her-clothes-off self. With it, she finally gets the nerve to talk to, dance with, just openly gaze at, Devon. Devon is still in love with Kara, but he has commitments now, on top of the guilt, and needs to figure out how to work everything.

These two don't have the easiest of roads -- there are players who kept them apart when they were younger (who switch teams now that they're older), and players who are manipulative and will do anything to keep them apart...then and now. The one thing they do have though, beside themselves, is their friends -- and even when Devon and Kara forget to fight for themselves, their friends step up to do the job.

I was so engrossed in this story. In a period of books that I enjoyed but had to put down to pick up another, this was the one that was read in one sitting, no interruptions.

My biggest disappointment in the story, though, because goodness knows the happy bubble has to pop sometime, was the end. I don't feel that, for the reader, there was proper closure on some of the driving factors that had kept them apart (view spoiler). Devon and Kara said they'd talk, and it wasn't even mentioned in that chapter; only to be breezed over in a semi-paragraph stating that "they did talk" -- I wanted to see the conversation! I felt that with as much build-up as it had and the drama it forced in the story, the reader deserved to experience that closure. ...more

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Oct 13, 2016 Michelle Krystel rated it it was amazing

Finally got his head out of his ass lol.

I never thought Devon and Kara would break up. From the first book they seemed so in love. That it was really hard to come to terms with. But I knew Kara stilled loved him and he had feelings for her. They have a connection like no other. Devon really needed to get his shit together. He had hurt Kara alot more than he realized and that hurt to see her go through all of that. Devon should have never turned her away to begin with. He thought he was doing th ...more

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Mar 30, 2016 Red Cheeks Reads rated it really liked it

A story of second chances and first loves. Kara is left devastated when Devon leaves her so unexpectedly, with no reason and completely broken but when she finally has the courage to talk to him again it seems Devon had his reasons and all is not as it seems; guilt, secrets, true love and hope combine to create a beautiful love story.

“I always thought it would be me. I would be the first, but it never happened that way. Life rarely worked out as planned. All those so called plans that everyon ...more

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Nov 04, 2015 Gina Sevani rated it it was amazing

Finding Forever stole my heart! Linda Oak's is an exceptional writer. Her words flow perfectly and I love the way she tackles character development. I will definitely read whatever this author writes. ***** 5 incredible stars!

I honestly don’t know where to begin with this review for Finding Forever. I was hooked from the first few pages and couldn’t wait to see what happened with this couple. I adored them in Chasing Rainbows and I was excited to get to read more about Devon and Kara.

Devon is SE ...more

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Oct 16, 2015 Megan Bailey rated it it was amazing

Linda Oaks kills it with book 2 in the The Chasing Series. Kara Thorn is all grown up and gets her own book. It's an interconnected stand alone. You don't have to know Addie's story, but I highly recommend it!

I couldn't stop reading this book. When life tries to knock Kara down, she's the kind of girl who straightens her tiara and puts on a fresh coat of lipstick. I really liked her. And it took me five seconds to crush hard on Devon. That boy is lethal.

This book had me all over the place. I wa ...more

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Jun 19, 2016 French Press Bookworm Blog rated it liked it

Shelves: a-little-angst-never-hurt, over-the-top-drama, rushed-storyline

Good. Could have been better. The drama was over the top and my needed. Or at least could have ended with some simple communication skills. Cute moments. But definitely not as good as book 3 in the series.

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Nov 02, 2015 Kim Brewing rated it really liked it

3.5 stars

I did like it, BUT ...
There was no real explanation for the hot and cold from Devon, and I find it hard to believe Blair just gave up. I also hoped Kara bought stock in Kleenex, the girl was constantly crying!

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Jan 25, 2016 Keivida Rountree rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. *Some Spoilers*

I was given this book free in exchange for an honest review. Assuming you have read the other reviews given about this book, I'll leave out the synopsis. I have not read the first book in the series.

This author is up-and-coming into her own in the romantic genre. Oaks has the erotic scenes down pat and her supporting characters have true depth. For a short novel, that is a great accomplishment. Many short novels have names for plot devices rather than characters and history. I als *Some Spoilers*

I was given this book free in exchange for an honest review. Assuming you have read the other reviews given about this book, I'll leave out the synopsis. I have not read the first book in the series.

This author is up-and-coming into her own in the romantic genre. Oaks has the erotic scenes down pat and her supporting characters have true depth. For a short novel, that is a great accomplishment. Many short novels have names for plot devices rather than characters and history. I also really loved that the main character spoke in first person, a tactic that usually helps me put myself into the main character's shoes.

On a purely technical note, there were a few grammar mistakes; no big deal. Even George R. R. Martin has those. The transitions between chapters were great, each end leaving you with a tasty bit of information, enticing you to read another.

The main characters, Devon and Kara, in my opinion, have little maturity when handling the situation in which they find themselves. And Blair could have been a masterful opponent to Kara if Kara had a bit more spine. This is my main issue.

However, I understand heartbreak; I understand trauma. The only thing you can do when you've been blasted with headliner news about your loved one is *maybe* breathe. But then, Kara is very different than the woman I am. No doubt, I've handled stress as badly as she did when I was her age. (She's 24 and I'm 28.) Kara is super sweet, endearing, and beautifully kind. Noting those characteristics, I understand her sensitivities and reactions. I do not have the same reactions and I'm afraid it held me back from immersing fully into the book. She doesn't have the experience to react to her trauma in any other way, hence the emotional rollercoaster.

Devon is a statuesque piece of man flesh that sometimes speaks enough to drive Kara to the nutty house. He is the second main character of Finding Forever, next to Kara. There are some rationales given to the reader for Devon's actions: stubbornness, feeling responsible to a fault, guilt. Besides being a somewhat decent father, he does not seem to have a personality beyond his lust for Kara. However ideal, his motivation for pushing Kara away in the first place seems decent, it truly speaks to how weak he believes Kara is at handling stressful situations. Overly protective, much? Conversation between Kara and Devon feels lackluster, but the reader can easily feel the love that Kara has for him.

Reading the first book in the series is on my list of things to do since I seem to have a difficult time understanding the "Why" behind their love.

I have read hundreds of romance novels and I recognize this plot line. I truly don't mind the story or how it is told. There is a great blossoming talent in Linda Oaks. I enjoyed the story very much, despite my nit-picking and cried a few times. (Father abandonment issues, anyone? Just me? Okay...) I don't believe in-depth psychology is a field in which every aspiring writer should be a professional, but I hope that the main characters have another novel coming their way where they have a chance to develop into the heroes they could be! ...more

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Nov 05, 2015 Tina rated it really liked it

When you start reading Finding Forever, you jump right into the thick of things. You start this story running and you do not stop till the end. This book is packed with an emotional punch, one that allows the reader to understand the history between the characters and hope for their reconciliation. I found myself enjoying the story, well written and emotional, one that drew me in and kept me reading into the night.

Kara and Devon. These two have a history that is wrought with passion, connection, When you start reading Finding Forever, you jump right into the thick of things. You start this story running and you do not stop till the end. This book is packed with an emotional punch, one that allows the reader to understand the history between the characters and hope for their reconciliation. I found myself enjoying the story, well written and emotional, one that drew me in and kept me reading into the night.

Kara and Devon. These two have a history that is wrought with passion, connection, and massive heartache. As you read this story, you understand and experience their history and what transpired in the past. Linda Oaks does a great job of sharing their backstory, one that is woven throughout the story in such a way that you know what you need to at the right moment but you never doubt what they had in the past was real. At first I felt like there was quite a bit to take in. Within the first chapter you are thrust into a circle of friends, ones that have such history. There are so many people and so many memories and emotions weaving in and out. When the pieces come together, you realize that this story is going to be good. I appreciated the characters and situations in this story. You see how they have all matured, especially the two main lovebirds, learning from the past and attempting to find footing in the present and future.

At first I was frustrated with Kara and her pining. But as the story progresses you begin to understand why she cannot let Devon go and it all clicks into place. There is no closure and no peace from what happened. She was hit by an emotional freight truck out of nowhere and she never truly dealt with the fall out. The more you learn the more you understand. When these two reconnect, you feel Kara’s confusion and her longing. Watching the story unfold in her POV allows us to walk side by side with her as she attempts to muddle through the reality of what happened and where they are now. It was both sweet and heartbreaking to watch her put all the pieces together. Her heart is wide open and her strength is quiet and true.

The romance between these two is the main focus of what is happening. The story revolves around what happened years ago and the moments that spurred those reactions. Watching the truth unfold was really well done. Things come out into the open and everything clicks in place. The reactions are genuine and the result of the truth is tough to swallow. When Kara and Devon get a chance to reconnect it is something they desperately need. As the reader, you cheer them on to their HEA and hope for them to realize that together is the best way to be.

I will definitely be looking for more from Linda Oaks, hoping that there are more stories about the other characters in this book. The family and friends that you meet in this story are profound to what is happening, enriching the main storyline. Finding Forever is a beautiful story of second chances, hope, heartache, and love. It is a book that is well paced, well written, and sweet. ...more

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Apr 26, 2016 Itsy Bitsy Book Bits rated it it was amazing

WOW GREAT READ!!
Best friends and boyfriends are the most exciting things in high school. You think things will always stay the same as in life goes on. But being an adult is the hardest thing you will ever have to accomplish. She is now going back to the one place she swore she would never return to. Kara is on her way back home to her best friend’s wedding. They have planned their weddings since they were young girls. She is excited but Kara carries a heavy emotional load with her. Knowing s WOW GREAT READ!!
Best friends and boyfriends are the most exciting things in high school. You think things will always stay the same as in life goes on. But being an adult is the hardest thing you will ever have to accomplish. She is now going back to the one place she swore she would never return to. Kara is on her way back home to her best friend’s wedding. They have planned their weddings since they were young girls. She is excited but Kara carries a heavy emotional load with her. Knowing she will see the one person that she loves more than life itself and who made her run for her sanity has her nerves on edge. She always thought it would be her getting married because she loved him so much. At the time she knew Devon loved her too. When he is the victim of a horrible tragedy he refuses to see Kara, no explanation. With a heavy heart she had to get away from his memory and try to start anew. The problem is that was an impossible task, day and night he was all she thought about, so going back home is becoming a difficult task but for Addie, her best friend, she would do anything. When she see’s Devon Kara is determined to find out the answers she deserves. When Pandora’s Box is open lies come spilling out and new discoveries come to light. Lies in the name of love are still lies. Kara stumbles upon one of the biggest life changing events that she was never told about and this devastates her. All these people that she has known all her life keep saying it was to protect her or it was for her own good that things were kept from her. With all this new information Kara is determined to set things right and fight for what she wants and needs, but to do so she has to see someone who is a total stranger to her but has had a big influence on her life. Here’s to Goddess Pink lipstick read this book to find why.
Linda Oaks has nailed it with this book. What an emotional roller coaster ride. I love these characters and this read is amazing. Thanks Linda Oaks for this enjoyable book. ...more

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Oct 31, 2015 Chianti Summers rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviews

Given an ARC for an honest review. To have your heart crushed and realize that you are strong enough to start putting it back together. That is what Kara decided to do. People grow up, maybe have some regrets and become guarded. As time passes and then brings you back together that is when you are hit with the feelings again. Kara and Devon have a chemistry that cannot be denied. You get laughter and maybe a few tears with Finding Forever. Really you have to decide how you feel about all these c ...more

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Feb 26, 2016 Kerry-Louise rated it it was amazing

ARC for an honest review.
This is a second chance romance.

Years ago Devon Mcgraw broke the heart of the girl who loved him with all her heart with no reason, just kicked her out of his hospital room telling her they were over.

Now after both her best friends weddings Kara Thorn finally has the courage to talk to Devon...
This was an emotional rollercoaster for Devon, he is still in love with Kara but the secrets and guilt have kept him away..

Once the truth and all the meddling have stopped and the ...more

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Jan 14, 2016 Innergoddess_Booklover rated it it was amazing

First book I read by the lovely Linda Oaks and I honestly loved it.
kara and Devon were it for each, Devon was everything for Kara until there was a almost fatal accident witch changed both of their lives.
You see I always say if your meant to be with someone no matter what obstacles you go thru in a relationship..if your meant to be with that person is meant to be..
Some people might say that Kara was weak for the things that happen in the story but
Kara wasn't weak..any woman who has been heartb ...more

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Oct 16, 2015 Danielle ⚾️ (Danielle's Escape) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc-arr-beta

4.5 Forever Stars!

Sometimes pushing back Harder helps you win and grab what was yours to begin with.
When Devon comes to realize what he really wants and needs he pushes back too. When you do let go sometimes what belongs to you does come back, just sucks when we go through all the emotions and crap to figure it out. Everyone hates hurting the person they love is there a reason behind it?! I was flipping pages to find the answer.
I also loved we got glimpses into Addie and Jake! I have missed th ...more

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Oct 31, 2015 Shameca Smith rated it it was amazing

5 STAR READ!!

This was the first book I've read from Linda and I loved it. Devon has always loved Kara for as long as he's known, but when something happens he ends up pushing her away and they don't see each other for years. Kara can't get over how Devon broke her heart, but she knows that she cannot get over him either. She wants to keep him at a distance because she does not want to feel that way every again. But now her best friend is getting married and they are forced to be in the same pla ...more

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Feb 08, 2016 Booknerdingout rated it liked it

This book is a little hard to rate. I wanted to love it. The writing wasn't terrible. In fact, there are parts I really enjoyed. But I felt like there were too many characters and stories going on. And I never understood where Devon was coming from or why he was hot & cold with Kara. Maybe if the book included his pov, I might have got a better understanding of him. .. & trust me he's a hot man, that I wanted to understand ...more

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Nov 10, 2015 Abigail Leighann rated it it was amazing

I think it's great. Linda did an outstanding job! Can't wait for more! ...more

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Sep 01, 2018 Stephanie Howard rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 13, 2021 Louise rated it did not like it

Just no !
Lovely writing, but absolutely no to the spineless heroine ! It had so much angst promise I couldn’t wait, but sadly it went 180 so disappointing

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Nov 02, 2015 Jen rated it it was ok

If you're familiar with my reviews, you'll know that I have a lot of four- and five-starred reviews and even a handful of five-plus-starred ones and that it pains me when I have to give a book anything less than four stars. So, believe me when I tell you that I feel terrible about saying that Finding Forever by Linda Oaks, the first book in the Chasing series, simply didn't connect with me. Even when a book uses a familiar story line or trope, you look for something different and fresh. Sadly, t ...more

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Mar 31, 2016 Cheri rated it really liked it

Are Secrets just painful lies? That is Kara's question. She has come back to town for one of her BFF's wedding. Now she has to face the man who devastated her life. Four years ago she thought it would be her wedding with Devon. She'd see him because her other BFF is married to his best friend. So begins the week of heaven and hell.

There is still so much heat between them even though she doesn't know why he sent her away with no explanation. She wants to put him behind her, but one touch and she ...more

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Oct 31, 2015 Raj rated it did not like it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 14, 2016 Dallison rated it it was ok

Very poor writing.

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Syreeta rated it really liked it
Aug 24, 2018

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About Linda Oaks

Linda Oaks

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Linda Oaks loves chaotic romances with happily ever after’s. She believes the road to true love is always complicated. She has a passion for sweet tea, chick flicks, fuzzy socks and eighties big hair bands. When she’s not writing, she can be found spending time with her family, reading, fishing or lying in a hammock in her front yard daydreaming. She resides in Eastern Kentucky with her husband, t ...more