I know what it’s like to bleed. To have so much pain you can barely breathe. My entire life got burned down in flames, and now I’m nothing.
My escape? Friends, booze, and willing women. They make me feel numb. Better yet, they keep me distracted from the memories that plague me.
When a curvy brunette walks into my tattoo shop I immediately recognize the sad look in her eyes. Pain. Regret. Grief.
But I’m drawn to her, wanting to be near her all the time. Maybe it’s because we have something in common. A broken heart.
Harlow has just about as many walls around her as I do. We’re both ruined, but despite being shattered into a million pieces, the more time we spend together the more she’s beginning to show me what hope looks like. It’s terrifying.
If I keep on pursuing her, there are only two ways this could end. We’ll either help each other mend, or we’ll destroy the last bit of humanity we have left.
Jennifer Labelle resides in Canada with her husband and three beautiful children. After her third child she became a stay at home mom. In her busy household Jennifer likes to spend her down time engrossed in the stories that she creates. She is an active reader of romance (especially historical), mystery and anything paranormal. With an education in Addictions work she's decided to take a less stressful approach in life and hopes that you enjoy, as she shares some of her imagination with all of you.
It's always interesting when completely broken people find one another and create a new whole. Harlow is a psychologist and writes an advice column. Her world crashed several years ago when she and her daughter were hit by a drunk driver. She made it; her daughter didn't. She worked very hard to dig out from the darkness. Toby proposed the night his tattoo shop burned and killed his fiancee. He punished himself for years and felt like he didn't deserve happiness. He drank a lot, screwed a lot of different women. He kept himself mired in the darkness. But Harlow wants a tattoo, and a friend of a friend puts her in touch with Toby's tattoo shop. Toby is immediately smitten, but he thinks he can't make any promises. Harlow is content to just be in the moment, but just as Toby is ready to make it more, he finds something that makes him believe she betrayed him, so he breaks it off. This sort of plunges Harlow back into the darkness, and when she goes missing, it wakes Toby up to the asshole he's been and how much he loves her. Thankfully everything works out, but man, Toby was a jerk! I was glad Harlow made him work for her trust again.
Having read Chasing Butterflies and Crazy Cowgirl, I was super excited to read Toby's story, and Jennifer Labelle did not disappoint at all.
My heart broke for Toby and even Harlow, after getting to know her loss as well. These two had a lot in common and even more chemistry.
I really enjoyed seeing them both come out of their shells and heal from their pasts. Their relationship, which was something very new to both, wasn’t an easy one but it was definitely meant to be. The losses they both had endured only made them stronger and connected them on a deeper level.
I loved Harlow's magazine column and kind of want updates on most of her cases LOL!
As for the secondary characters, I love the group's vibe. Carson specifically made me giggle with his pick-up lines so I am SUPER excited for his book!
Great writing, characters, and story! Go one-click!
This is the first book in a new series from this talented author, and what fantastic introduction this is. From the moment that Harlow walks into Toby’s tattoo shop, he is drawn to her as he recognises that she is as broken and tormented as he is. This is a beautifully written love story about loss, grief, pain, taking chances, and is an emotional roller coaster ride throughout. This is not for the feint-hearted as the subject matter is dark and heavy, but it is so worth the read. Looking forward to reading more from this author, and I recommend her work.
Forever with you is book 1 in the Misfit Tattoo series. I don’t know where to start with this book other than to say it had me captivated from the start and Toby and Harlow’s story’s would be enough to break the toughest of us all. Underneath all the heartache lies a love so strong that was meant to be. The only problem is that Toby doesn’t think he deserves happiness and self destructs the relationship at a point where Harlow is all in. Will they get a HEA or will Toby let the past consume the future. 5 star read.
This has been a CRAZY busy week for me on multiple levels, but as a true bookworm, I found my center with a delicious book, Forever With You.
Or, should I say, as centered as I can be considering the weight of this book. Holy moley, where to start?
Anyone who knows even the TINIEST bit about me knows that I have a super, ultra, mega soft spot in my heart for broken characters. Especially broken boys. They are one million percent my catnip. It almost feels like an understatement to call Toby broken. Like... this boy has been SHATTERED to the point his pain was damn near palpable. I can't get into all the spoilery goodness here and tell you what that boy went through, but my heart just could not take the pain.
Did I mention that Toby is a tattoo artist? Yeah, because I needed the boy to be more attractive, he is a blanking artist and has tats. Basically he was built for me.
And I'd just like to mention that Toby... has a bit of a wild streak however if you can at all see what he's been through and still be angry with him for maybe drinking too much and possibly sleeping with one or two (dozen) many girls, then you clearly do not understand him.
Oh, but this boy has met his match in Harlow. Both with a dark, painful past (yes, folks, Harlow is rocking her own brand of broken) and OH. MY. GOSH. When they connect the chemistry is instantaneous and off the flippin' charts! These two could strike up a fire in the Antarctic. Steamy feels like too small of a word to encompass their passion and desire.
Granted when you've got someone like Toby who is hotter than Hades and in desperate need of being taken care of... can you really blame Harlow?
Yes, I realize I've made my Toby bias pretty obvious here. Moving on...
Forever with you is such a heart breaking story from the first page my emotions were already all over the place . This would be the first book that I have read by Jennifer Labelle and I can't wait to read more by her the Misfit series is going to be a must read as soon as available so excited to know more about all the characters . Toby and Harlow have witnessed true pain everything they have been through and faced just really got to me , loved the fact that we got to get both point of views and to see what the other was going through . Can't wait to read what's next excited to read more books by the author . I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book **************************************** hero= 9 heroine= 9 secondary characters= 9 Chemistry=10 steam= 8 romance=5 humor=3 darkness level= 5 action=3 mystery=3 enjoyment= 10 angst=3 story line= 10 Story ending=10 character development= 10 pacing= 10 cover= 10 Blurb =10 Stars = 4 Is this part of a series =yes Can it be read as a standalone = yes would I recommend this book=yes would I re read this book= yes would I read future books by this author= yes
I absolutely love the passion and emotion that Jennifer puts into each and every one of her books, and this one was no exception. From the moment we met Toby, I was rooting for him to get his happy ending after going through such a horrific tragedy. I knew his story would be emotional and that it would take a special woman to finally break down his walls and help him heal his broken heart. Harlow was perfect for Toby in every way. She has been through a tragedy that no one should ever have to endure and to honour her daughter, she is getting a unique and beautiful tattoo done. When Toby and Harlow met, you could tell they had chemistry but as the days went on and they got to know each other better, we quickly got to see that there was something really beautiful happening between them. However, the past has left them both with deep scars, both physically and emotionally and sometimes it's hard to move on and learn how to love again. Will Toby and Harlow get their happy ending? You will have to read this phenomenal book to find out the answer to this question! Don't miss out on the first book in the Misfit Tattoo series!!
This was a great story about healing after tragedy and learning how to cope but move on as well. Both Toby and Harlow have gone through very traumatic experiences in their lives that have made them hesitant to move on or make changes. After a chance meeting through friends, the two begin to develop a friendship and feelings while Toby creates a tattoo for Harlow that is reflective of her trauma. As their friendship develops, feelings start to happen in addition to the chemistry that had always been there, and they decide to be together and see where it goes but without long-term commitment because of their pasts. However, the longer they are together, the more the feelings develop, and when Harlow tells Toby how she now feels, he doesn’t take it in the way she expected and he breaks her heart. With the help of their friends, Toby realizes the error of his ways, but the question is if it will be realized soon enough. Overall, this was a good read! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Forever With You is the first book in the Misfits Tattoo series and this book is one that will at times shatter your heart to pieces. Two people who understand loss are drawn to each other. Toby is drowning in his darkness and masking his pain. Harlow is trying to break free and finally find happiness, turning her scars into beauty is the first step. As guilt takes hold and emotions run high, one will run and the other will be left broken. Their story will hold you captive, your emotions will be chaotic and you will be hoping these two find their forever together. If you are after a story that makes you laugh, cry, swoon and fall in love then this is a definite must read.
Harlow and Toby both know about loss. They have each experienced a devastating loss in their lives and have the hard shell around their exteriors to prove it. Harlow has moved on to become a writer for a publication and Toby finds solace in his new tattoo shop, drinking and willing women. When they meet, they each know that they are drawn to each other. What follows is a journey that both of them didn't see coming. I will say that I did have some issues with some of the prose in this book. It was supposed to be set in the Mid-West, but you could tell from certain phrases that the author was not American. Think it would have been better if it had been set from where she is from and not the U.S. Did enjoy it otherwise.
This is the first book in the Misfit Tattoo Series and it pulls you in from the first page. The subject matter is heavy and tears your heart out, but just as quickly mends it all back together again. I adore Harlow and Toby's Story, its full of love, fear, heartache, devotion and friendship. Their emotional pasts have us feeling all the feels. You will definitely need a box of tissues while you read this. An amazing read and I can't wait for book 2.
The beginning threw me off really quick, not my thing for threesomes, I don’t even like to read about it.
After that, the story moves along. No real complications, one short break up, but maybe if it was a little longer they���d be more conflict/angst or happy times. Overall, good read. I’m excited for Carson.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
~ Two beautiful broken souls drawn to each other from the moment they met.~
This was an amazing and beautifully written story. Our hero, Toby, is the broken celebrity tattoo artist who blames himself for the death of his fiancee'. Since her death, he had been using work, women, and alcohol to dull the pain. But the moment he met Harlowe, he knew that she was different, and that his life would never be the same. Toby admired her strength, and I must say that I did too. I loved that she was able to find herself again after such a terrible loss. Harlowe's spirit and everything about her was like a bright and awesome light, and I loved seeing the relationship between her and Toby blossom. Their connection, their chemistry, everything about them was amazing.
On top of everything else good going for this couple, Harlowe and Toby both had such a wonderful support system. It made it clear how important and fortunate it is to have good friends to love you, care for you, and stick by your side even when things seem bleak and hopeless.
This was a very emotional book. It's about grief and loss and also healing. You will not be disappointed in this book, but make sure you have your tissues handy.
So ready to go through the book and choke Toby for her... Harlow has been dealt such pain and was willing to try and make it work for her and then he does that.. I am glad they got back together and all but I wanted to slap him for all of them...
I have been wanting to read Toby James story and I was not let down. I read Chasing Butterflies and Cowgirl Crazy which he had a small secondary role. Toby James story is so much better than those two! The depth this book goes is incredible!
Deducted a star for a few words that killed the sex scenes for me. They literally killed the mood while reading.
This is a beautiful, stunning, and absolutely gorgeous story about two broken people, who have given up on love, overcoming their pasts to find solace in each other. They both came so close to death and lost the ones they loved the most. To see the pain these characters have gone through is gut-wrenching, but also eye-opening to the immense amount of strength Jennifer has shown through her characters.
Harlow is one of the strongest heroines I’ve read about. She’s overcome the grief of losing her daughter and decided to finally make a step towards remembrance. She has taken her pain and loss and fueled it towards helping others overcome their hardships. And she is the perfect person to help Toby finally realize that he is allowed to move on from his past and no longer feel responsible for the death of his fiance. But can she help him love again?
Toby has completely given up on love after suffering the loss of his fiance. He refuses to get close to anyone in fear that he will lose another loved one. When Harlow comes into his shop looking to finally move on from her past by covering her scars with something beautiful he can’t help but be drawn to her. He understands her pain and why she wants to make a huge step in moving on, but can’t find the strength inside himself to do the same. He knows he’s getting close to Harlow and it terrifies him. He’s run from his past, will he run from Harlow, too?
Toby and Harlow are two broken souls destined to intertwine and regrow through love and acceptance. Their story is raw and passionate. It will have you bawling your eyes out and sitting on the edge of your seat hoping that this couple will finally get a happy ending to their sorrowful stories. And the Misfit group is such a caring group of characters that will also steal your heart and have you hoping for a book about each one of them. They are the caregivers, the comedians, and the fiercely loyal companions. This was an amazing first book in what’s to come of the Misfit Series by Jennifer Labelle. I’ll be drying my tears and patiently waiting for Carson’s story because it’s bound to have lots of laughs and cheeky moments.
Loved reading this book. Great story line with lots of love and drama. Really liked how close everyone and how they cherish their friendship. Love the ending. Can't wait to read the next w.Highly recommend reading.
"I’m ready to say goodbye to the past You’re going to be my second chance My lady to love forever and more So here I am reaching out to you You’re holding my heart It’s yours to store You showed me I deserve to feel more" Grand words from a grand gesture. Seriously my favourite part of the story.
Harlow and Toby's story was (for lack of a better word) intense. Their pasts, sad. Their pain, palpable.
Not gonna lie, I nearly cried. I needed a minute to collect myself a couple of times while reading their story. There are some very heavy topics discussed in this story but - good lord - it was superbly written.
They are everything to each other, two broken pieces that somehow fit together and - my goodness - was it a pleasure to read.
An "all the feels" book that will reel you in from page one.
This was my first time reading Jennifer's work but I am already looking forward to Carson and Tate's story.
1. “Palmed her boobs”? Wow, that’s a sexy description. 🙄 2. I didn’t like the scene where Toby went to a strip club with his buddies and was admiring the stripper and thinking how hot and sexy she was. 🤬 3. The conflict was ridiculous and completely manufactured. Toby claimed to feel “betrayed” and “violated” because Mel had shared his story with Harlow before he did. I could understand him being mildly upset with Mel but it made no sense for him to be so angry at Harlow. 🙄 And, it REALLY pi$$ed me off when Harlow begged for his forgiveness when she had done nothing wrong. 4. Toby said that he regretted walking out on Harlow the same day and realized how wrong he was yet he left her heartbroken for a week and only went back to her when he did because her friends thought she was missing. 🤬🤬🤬
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It was nice to read a book about a group of guys who are not afraid of love or being with one person for the rest of their lives. My biggest issue with this book, although not a big one here, are the idiosyncrasies of a foreign writer. Things like realise instead of realize and university instead of college. I wish writers would just write books that take place in a location that they know, so these types if things don't happen. She also didn't give Harlow enough time to complete school to be a psychologist in the US. There is also little chance of making a living only writing a column for a local newspaper. I just would rather see a more realistic background for Harlow. Overall, this is a good read, if you can ignore the logistical issues.
I found this book to be a pretty decent read. I didn’t enjoy it as much as Chasing Butterflies but it was good. At no time does he mention Carlys sister which I found odd. Anyway the timeline was a little off between stories. Enjoyed it though.