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Forever #1-4
The Forever Series
Wanting him was a risk.
Being with him was a dare.
But loving him claimed my existence—my heart, my soul, and my every breath. Until he was gone...
Sebastian Gianni is bad news—mafia bad, according to the rumors at our private college.
My best friend thinks it makes him sexier than he already is. She wants in his pants.
I just want a job from him. He’s told me “no” more than once, but I’m desperate. I need money so I can move far away and follow my own dreams, not the ones planned for me.
I don’t want to like Sebastian. I don’t want to know the secrets behind his dark eyes or why he stares at me like I'm a gift made just for him. I don’t want to know about his tattoos, his private life, his business, why he smells good enough to eat, or what his lips would feel like against mine. I don’t!
He’s off limits. Dangerous, too. Maybe.
My best friend would hate me if I touched him. His psychotic ex-girlfriend would skin me alive. And I’d regret doing anything because what scares me most are the feelings blooming inside me, making me want to taste the forbidden fruit. To explore the desires Sebastian stirs within me, and to risk my heart for moments that can never lead to a forever.
♥Serial romance. 1 story. 4 novellas. Read it from start to finish in this short story collection, and the bonus novella to Risking Forever told from Sebastian's darker perspective.
Being with him was a dare.
But loving him claimed my existence—my heart, my soul, and my every breath. Until he was gone...
Sebastian Gianni is bad news—mafia bad, according to the rumors at our private college.
My best friend thinks it makes him sexier than he already is. She wants in his pants.
I just want a job from him. He’s told me “no” more than once, but I’m desperate. I need money so I can move far away and follow my own dreams, not the ones planned for me.
I don’t want to like Sebastian. I don’t want to know the secrets behind his dark eyes or why he stares at me like I'm a gift made just for him. I don’t want to know about his tattoos, his private life, his business, why he smells good enough to eat, or what his lips would feel like against mine. I don’t!
He’s off limits. Dangerous, too. Maybe.
My best friend would hate me if I touched him. His psychotic ex-girlfriend would skin me alive. And I’d regret doing anything because what scares me most are the feelings blooming inside me, making me want to taste the forbidden fruit. To explore the desires Sebastian stirs within me, and to risk my heart for moments that can never lead to a forever.
♥Serial romance. 1 story. 4 novellas. Read it from start to finish in this short story collection, and the bonus novella to Risking Forever told from Sebastian's darker perspective.
530 pages, ebook
Published June 30, 2019
99 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Tara Gallina
16 books107 followersTara Gallina writes across various romance genres, from new adult and college to small town and fantasy. While most of her books are steamy, she’s also penned a few sweeter titles.
Her stories blend angst, tormented heroes, a hint of humor, and the occasional tear. Many of her stories come alive through settings inspired by her travels.
When she’s not writing, she loves to visit gardens, New England in the fall, European castles, and Caribbean beaches. She has a fairy garden, a Lady Lair for writing, favors the color pink, and only drinks wine that tastes like melted sugar.
She lives in the Sunshine State with her husband, though her two sons have since left for college. Her writing journey began in 2015 when she signed with a literary agent for a young adult retelling. Since then, she’s moved on to publishing steamy romances and hasn’t looked back.
Her stories blend angst, tormented heroes, a hint of humor, and the occasional tear. Many of her stories come alive through settings inspired by her travels.
When she’s not writing, she loves to visit gardens, New England in the fall, European castles, and Caribbean beaches. She has a fairy garden, a Lady Lair for writing, favors the color pink, and only drinks wine that tastes like melted sugar.
She lives in the Sunshine State with her husband, though her two sons have since left for college. Her writing journey began in 2015 when she signed with a literary agent for a young adult retelling. Since then, she’s moved on to publishing steamy romances and hasn’t looked back.
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October 18, 2023💝
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
💝
April 22, 2020
Living a life without freedom to make your own decisions without being judged, to meeting someone living a life rumored to be dangerous and learning that you yearn for this person to be in your life. Could love lead to making irrational decisions that could very well put one's life in danger?
In "The Forever Series: New Adult Forbidden Romance," by Tara Gallina, we're introduced to Ainsley and Sebastian, two young adults through a random encounter to realizing how much they need each other. Total strangers living opposite aspects of life discover they have something in common that hits the depths of their soul, freedom. Neither of them knew this simple encounter would soon open doors of opportunities for them, together. Ainsley lives with her mother, which they don't have the best mother-daughter relationship and cannot wait to move out of the house. Sebastian lives a life of crime, as bloodline prince of the most powerful Sicilian Mafia, yet doesn't feel that life is for him and wants out.
By meeting each other, they uncover hidden truths and bonded on an understanding that no one else would fathom. Despite the differences between them, they still accepted the other for who they truly are, without adding to the many stresses of their individual lives. They clung together to create a better world within the bubble they shared and did whatever necessary to protect their peace. Salvatore Gianni the Sicilian Mafia crime boss and Sebastian's father wasn't the best person, all he cared about was power and aligning his family with the other Italian family to become even stronger. The race for putting plans in motion for Sebastian to walk away from all that he had been groomed to become, was quite the challenge but worth it in the end.
I enjoyed reading this book, had a fair amount of action, romance while shedding the necessary light of an actual Mafia. I learned interesting things from what could be going on in a crime family of power. I was hopeful throughout the book for the happiness and freedom of both Ainsley and Sebastian. I recommend everyone who would be interested in a great romance series that would leave you at the edge of your seat.
In "The Forever Series: New Adult Forbidden Romance," by Tara Gallina, we're introduced to Ainsley and Sebastian, two young adults through a random encounter to realizing how much they need each other. Total strangers living opposite aspects of life discover they have something in common that hits the depths of their soul, freedom. Neither of them knew this simple encounter would soon open doors of opportunities for them, together. Ainsley lives with her mother, which they don't have the best mother-daughter relationship and cannot wait to move out of the house. Sebastian lives a life of crime, as bloodline prince of the most powerful Sicilian Mafia, yet doesn't feel that life is for him and wants out.
By meeting each other, they uncover hidden truths and bonded on an understanding that no one else would fathom. Despite the differences between them, they still accepted the other for who they truly are, without adding to the many stresses of their individual lives. They clung together to create a better world within the bubble they shared and did whatever necessary to protect their peace. Salvatore Gianni the Sicilian Mafia crime boss and Sebastian's father wasn't the best person, all he cared about was power and aligning his family with the other Italian family to become even stronger. The race for putting plans in motion for Sebastian to walk away from all that he had been groomed to become, was quite the challenge but worth it in the end.
I enjoyed reading this book, had a fair amount of action, romance while shedding the necessary light of an actual Mafia. I learned interesting things from what could be going on in a crime family of power. I was hopeful throughout the book for the happiness and freedom of both Ainsley and Sebastian. I recommend everyone who would be interested in a great romance series that would leave you at the edge of your seat.
January 9, 2020
Are you a romantic?
If so, then read this enthralling romantic story entitled "The Forever Series" by Tara Gallina.
Ainsley is a college student and Harper is her best friend. Ainsley accidentally meets Sebastian Gianni. Nathan, Sebastian's friend, helps Ainsley get hired as Sebastian's receptionist at his auto body shop after she loses her job as a nanny. Harper is thrilled when they both get invited to Sebastian's house party. Welcome to the party! Down your jello shot and join the casual conversation! Harper likes Sebastian. Ainsley won't admit to liking Sebastian since he is her boss and her best friend, Harper, likes him. Nathan likes Harper. Will this love triangle work out?
I bet your heart will be filled with compassion when you read about Ainsley's life struggles with her parents divorce; getting into college; finding a steady, well-paying job; moving out of her parent's house; finding love; dealing with the mafia, etc?
As Ainsley learns more about Sebastian's father and his family ties to the mafia, she becomes more concerned for her safety, but her love for Sebastian continues to grow. Ainsley learns about Sebastian's father and his family history throughout this book. Marina, Sebastian's soon to be wife as "betrothed" by the parents of both Sebastian and Marina to join the families, creates problems for Ainsley. Ainsley eventually finds that her life is in danger. Will Marina succeed with her plans to destroy Ainsley or will love conquer all?
You will enjoy reading this book to find out!!! A page- turner for sure!!!
Teens and adults.
If so, then read this enthralling romantic story entitled "The Forever Series" by Tara Gallina.
Ainsley is a college student and Harper is her best friend. Ainsley accidentally meets Sebastian Gianni. Nathan, Sebastian's friend, helps Ainsley get hired as Sebastian's receptionist at his auto body shop after she loses her job as a nanny. Harper is thrilled when they both get invited to Sebastian's house party. Welcome to the party! Down your jello shot and join the casual conversation! Harper likes Sebastian. Ainsley won't admit to liking Sebastian since he is her boss and her best friend, Harper, likes him. Nathan likes Harper. Will this love triangle work out?
I bet your heart will be filled with compassion when you read about Ainsley's life struggles with her parents divorce; getting into college; finding a steady, well-paying job; moving out of her parent's house; finding love; dealing with the mafia, etc?
As Ainsley learns more about Sebastian's father and his family ties to the mafia, she becomes more concerned for her safety, but her love for Sebastian continues to grow. Ainsley learns about Sebastian's father and his family history throughout this book. Marina, Sebastian's soon to be wife as "betrothed" by the parents of both Sebastian and Marina to join the families, creates problems for Ainsley. Ainsley eventually finds that her life is in danger. Will Marina succeed with her plans to destroy Ainsley or will love conquer all?
You will enjoy reading this book to find out!!! A page- turner for sure!!!
Teens and adults.
May 14, 2020
Consider me pleasantly surprised by how good this was. The Forever Series was actually a really fun read. It was so intriguing, I flew through it despite having such a large amount of work to do this month.
I couldn't put it down for too long, before my mind started to wonder what was going to happen next.
My expectations going into this was not that high, especially because I've had some very mediocre, if not plain horrible, reading experiences lately. Surprisingly, this wasn't trashy or cringey in any way. The story flows and develops at a steady pace, building up tension, suspense and action with each volume that you read. It would have driven me insane had I not had all volumes to read. That being said, I would suggest people read at least the first three volumes together to get the full effect of the story. The "romance" develops at a good pace, nothing is too rushed, with feelings and random behaviour coming out of nowhere to further the plot. Everything flowed perfectly! There were some things that may have been a tad bit unrealistic, but what do I know about the mafia and how they operate or how people would behave being a part of this world.
Honestly I give this series a 4.5 star rating.
A lot of adult romance books in this genre come across as very forced, cringey and off putting, but Tara did a really good job at making this feel real. Also, the romance elements, were so good! I just love how organic Sebastian and Ainsley's relationship was.
NOTE: I have not read Vol 4 yet, which is from Sebastian's perspective. BUT, I will write a more in-depth review for this on my blog, including my thoughts on Vol 4.
I couldn't put it down for too long, before my mind started to wonder what was going to happen next.
My expectations going into this was not that high, especially because I've had some very mediocre, if not plain horrible, reading experiences lately. Surprisingly, this wasn't trashy or cringey in any way. The story flows and develops at a steady pace, building up tension, suspense and action with each volume that you read. It would have driven me insane had I not had all volumes to read. That being said, I would suggest people read at least the first three volumes together to get the full effect of the story. The "romance" develops at a good pace, nothing is too rushed, with feelings and random behaviour coming out of nowhere to further the plot. Everything flowed perfectly! There were some things that may have been a tad bit unrealistic, but what do I know about the mafia and how they operate or how people would behave being a part of this world.
Honestly I give this series a 4.5 star rating.
A lot of adult romance books in this genre come across as very forced, cringey and off putting, but Tara did a really good job at making this feel real. Also, the romance elements, were so good! I just love how organic Sebastian and Ainsley's relationship was.
NOTE: I have not read Vol 4 yet, which is from Sebastian's perspective. BUT, I will write a more in-depth review for this on my blog, including my thoughts on Vol 4.
October 10, 2019
OMG this series is absolutely amazing and I couldn't put it down and it was so addictive. I loved Sebastian and Ainsley and how they interacted with each other even though they both were going through so much in there lives and there chemistry and connection was of the charts hot and I couldn't get enough of them. There are so many emotions running through this story that I found myself in tears many times and I absolutely loved reading Sebastian's point of view. This is the first time that I have read anything by Tara but definitely not the last she is an incredible author and amazing writer and I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series. This book took me in right from the first page and doesn't let you go you have to keep turning the page's to see what happens next. I definitely recommend you read this series and you will definitely not be disappointed.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy Of This Amazing Series.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy Of This Amazing Series.
September 14, 2019
A delightful read! You can’t help but root for Ainsley and Sebastian! They are by far two of my favorite romance novel couples of all time! What I loved most, was that they weren’t just characters on a page looking for love. They were like real people with complex issues they needed to overcome in order to ultimately find happiness. Loved it so much!
November 10, 2019
I voluntarily read a advanced Reader's copy of this book for a honest opinion.
A new to me author The Forever Series by Tara Gallina a group of 4 or 5 books. I enjoyed everything about these books. The character development was perfect for the storyline. I can't wait to read more about these characters.
A new to me author The Forever Series by Tara Gallina a group of 4 or 5 books. I enjoyed everything about these books. The character development was perfect for the storyline. I can't wait to read more about these characters.
January 29, 2022
After reading all these books, I’m unsure how I feel about them. I felt like I have already read the books before even though I haven’t. Maybe it was because I have read some that are similar? I’m unsure. I did like the writing style of the books. The characters were a little hard to get into but once I did, I had a good time reading it. I think Sebastian was my favourite character.
April 24, 2020
I got completely lost in this series. I have a big soft spot for a bad boy good girl romance and this definatley hit the spot. It was such an easy read that I found myself up till the early hours itching to know where it was going. The ending was a tad predictable but overall it was an enjoyable read.
July 26, 2020
Enjoyable read..
The story was shown instead of being told. Enjoyed the flow and romance development. Glad that there was no cheating on this one. The mc was spunky and funny. The h was hot and sweet. Didn't care for the bf and how desperate financially the mc was. Great writing style and characters development. Captivating read for sure.
The story was shown instead of being told. Enjoyed the flow and romance development. Glad that there was no cheating on this one. The mc was spunky and funny. The h was hot and sweet. Didn't care for the bf and how desperate financially the mc was. Great writing style and characters development. Captivating read for sure.
November 4, 2019
4 stars
I am a sucker for mob romances and this one was no different. Loved the 2 main characters and some of sides. Hated the best friend! What a b! This was my 1st book (books?) from this author and I can’t wait to gobble up more!
Thanks to netgalley and publisher for my free copy.
I am a sucker for mob romances and this one was no different. Loved the 2 main characters and some of sides. Hated the best friend! What a b! This was my 1st book (books?) from this author and I can’t wait to gobble up more!
Thanks to netgalley and publisher for my free copy.
January 12, 2020
One of my favorite series!!!!
April 18, 2020
Really enjoyed the chemistry between these two. The ending seemed rushed but I liked it overall.
August 3, 2022
“You being here, and being you makes everything better.”
What a fantastic, emotional and, at times, heartbreaking trip! This is the complete story of Ainsley and Sebastian. It starts when they meet in Risking Forever, continues to build in Daring Forever and concludes in Claiming Forever, all three told from Ainsley’s point of view. Then we get an entire extra book where we have the chance to see everything again, this time from Sebastian’s much darker point of view. So great to have them all together in one set.
The story is wonderful, tons of emotion and action, fantastic characters, intrigue, anticipation and woven throughout is the relationship between Ainsley and Sebastian, two people who should have never fallen in love, but did. I can’t begin to express just how enjoyable and satisfying their story is.
What a fantastic, emotional and, at times, heartbreaking trip! This is the complete story of Ainsley and Sebastian. It starts when they meet in Risking Forever, continues to build in Daring Forever and concludes in Claiming Forever, all three told from Ainsley’s point of view. Then we get an entire extra book where we have the chance to see everything again, this time from Sebastian’s much darker point of view. So great to have them all together in one set.
The story is wonderful, tons of emotion and action, fantastic characters, intrigue, anticipation and woven throughout is the relationship between Ainsley and Sebastian, two people who should have never fallen in love, but did. I can’t begin to express just how enjoyable and satisfying their story is.
January 6, 2023
When I read the preview for the Forever Series, I thought this sounds like a good book. WOW! Was I wrong. This series was AMAZING and now I can't wait to read the remaining books in the series because I'm sure they will be just as AMAZING!
Ainsley was down on her luck when she runs into Sebastián. They couldn't have ever imagined the connection they had. But with his family and what's expected of him, can she just be happy with what he can give her or will it end and they lose their happily ever after? Their flirting and the way they care for each other makes you keep reading. Loved loved loved Ainsley and Sebastián. And there were a few tears shed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ainsley was down on her luck when she runs into Sebastián. They couldn't have ever imagined the connection they had. But with his family and what's expected of him, can she just be happy with what he can give her or will it end and they lose their happily ever after? Their flirting and the way they care for each other makes you keep reading. Loved loved loved Ainsley and Sebastián. And there were a few tears shed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 7, 2023
I am reading this author for the first time and I went in blindly but I must say I really liked the authors writing style . The Forever Series is a collection of four books which tells us Ainsley and Sebastian. Ainsley is a likable and relatable character. I dont want to give away any spoilers but this was a fun weekend read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Looking forward to checking out more books by the author
December 14, 2020
The Forever Series
This books was a disappointment after reading all of the 4/5 star reviews. It has to many foul, crude, words for my taste. I skimmed through most of the book and found it didn’t move me much.
I’m so glad I didn’t purchased this book, and won’t be reading any more books from this author.
This books was a disappointment after reading all of the 4/5 star reviews. It has to many foul, crude, words for my taste. I skimmed through most of the book and found it didn’t move me much.
I’m so glad I didn’t purchased this book, and won’t be reading any more books from this author.
January 5, 2023
I really enjoyed reading Ainsley and Sebastian. It is a well written story with dynamic characters that are inspiring and drew me right into their lives. I connected with them and found myself cheering for this couple!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
November 11, 2022This is 3 books in one. I liked it. I enjoyed the characters. I will say I wasn’t a fan of our main lady’s bff…. She made me upset they were friends in the first place.. but other than her, I enjoyed the books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2025
2.5 okay read but could've been better. h was so cringy at times
May 31, 2022
Awesome 👍 riveting read
December 2, 2024
challenging, dark, emotional, funny, mysterious, sad, tense & fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75 ⭐
* Manhoe x Virgin 🤡
* Mafia
* Narc-BFF
* NA
* 🌶
* Kindle Unlimited
4⭐ Risking Forever
4⭐️ Daring Forever
3.5⭐️ Claiming Forever
3.5⭐️ Sebastian - Risking Forever
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Kidnapping, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
Moderate: Body shaming, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Classism
Minor: Child abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75 ⭐
* Manhoe x Virgin 🤡
* Mafia
* Narc-BFF
* NA
* 🌶
* Kindle Unlimited
4⭐ Risking Forever
4⭐️ Daring Forever
3.5⭐️ Claiming Forever
3.5⭐️ Sebastian - Risking Forever
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Kidnapping, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
Moderate: Body shaming, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Classism
Minor: Child abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
November 5, 2019
The Forever Series...
Was it good? Yes, sure
Was it special? Not quite
I'll start off by saying that the storyline was rather cliché. Seriously I almost read the exact same story a while ago. And can anyone tell me why the mafia is so popular these days? I don't quite get it but I'll just roll with it for now.
So the story is about Harper who almost hits Sebastian (her future love interest) with a door and then things evolve based on that particular encounter. Sebastian is very egnigmatic there are rumors running around saying he's a part of the mafia (which he is) and just overall people aren't sure what to make of him, he's no like the other boys. Perfect love interest am I right?
Harper needs a job, Sebastian proposes her to work for him and that's how she will discover that the rumors aren't just rumors. And so the story goes on.
I really liked the writing style it was smooth which gave me the opportunity to finish the book in just a day. Before I knew it I had finished the whole thing.
The characters were a whole different story. I mean truth be told I wasn't very taken with them, I just wasn't emotionally invested anything could've happened to them and I just wouldn't have cared. The only remotely interesting character if you ask me was Nathan even though he has a questionable taste in girls.
Would I recommend this book? Yeah, if you're into romance and aren't expecting an extraordinary story. Don't get me wrong I've read way worse but I also have read much better books.
Before I finish I would just like to add that I really enjoyed reading the first chapters through Sebastian's eyes, it's always fun to read how the other party percieved the events that took place. It gives more depth to the story.
#NetGalley
Was it good? Yes, sure
Was it special? Not quite
I'll start off by saying that the storyline was rather cliché. Seriously I almost read the exact same story a while ago. And can anyone tell me why the mafia is so popular these days? I don't quite get it but I'll just roll with it for now.
So the story is about Harper who almost hits Sebastian (her future love interest) with a door and then things evolve based on that particular encounter. Sebastian is very egnigmatic there are rumors running around saying he's a part of the mafia (which he is) and just overall people aren't sure what to make of him, he's no like the other boys. Perfect love interest am I right?
Harper needs a job, Sebastian proposes her to work for him and that's how she will discover that the rumors aren't just rumors. And so the story goes on.
I really liked the writing style it was smooth which gave me the opportunity to finish the book in just a day. Before I knew it I had finished the whole thing.
The characters were a whole different story. I mean truth be told I wasn't very taken with them, I just wasn't emotionally invested anything could've happened to them and I just wouldn't have cared. The only remotely interesting character if you ask me was Nathan even though he has a questionable taste in girls.
Would I recommend this book? Yeah, if you're into romance and aren't expecting an extraordinary story. Don't get me wrong I've read way worse but I also have read much better books.
Before I finish I would just like to add that I really enjoyed reading the first chapters through Sebastian's eyes, it's always fun to read how the other party percieved the events that took place. It gives more depth to the story.
#NetGalley
October 4, 2019
I received this free eARC novel from NetGalley. This is my honest review.
I reviewed each book individually after I read then so here are the separate reviews:
#1: Risking Forever - http://jeracalea.blogspot.com/2019/10...
#2: Daring Forever - http://jeracalea.blogspot.com/2019/10...
#3: Claiming Forever - http://jeracalea.blogspot.com/2019/10...
#4: Sebastian - http://jeracalea.blogspot.com/2019/10...
Overall I'm glad I got a chance to read this series.!
I reviewed each book individually after I read then so here are the separate reviews:
#1: Risking Forever - http://jeracalea.blogspot.com/2019/10...
#2: Daring Forever - http://jeracalea.blogspot.com/2019/10...
#3: Claiming Forever - http://jeracalea.blogspot.com/2019/10...
#4: Sebastian - http://jeracalea.blogspot.com/2019/10...
Overall I'm glad I got a chance to read this series.!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews