Forever Paired

Forever Bluegrass #19

by Kathleen Brooks

Landon Davies had worked hard to start his own restaurant. It was a very different path than most of his family had taken. He was one of the few family members that were not military or law enforcement. But his hard work had given him a restaurant that was beginning to take off when a woman’s scream in the alley outside his kitchen changed everything.

Kate Ellington had scratched, clawed, and outright fought for where she was in life. She was the first female passing game coordinator in professional football. Some people thought that made her the team’s weak link and a perfect target for exploitation. But Kate refused to cheat, even if it put her life in danger.

When Landon saved Kate in the alley, it didn’t just earn him a kiss. It earned him a target on his back. Now Landon isn’t just taking on restaurant critics, but the crime families who run the sports betting world. As Landon and Kate take the mafia on, they find their reputations, their lives, and their hearts are on the line.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Mystery

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 24, 2023

About the author

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

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


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

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

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

(Bluegrass Fire Series-ongoing)
Spark

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kate!

She is kickass, determined and fits into Keeneston perfectly, however she does doubt both herself and Landon more than once before she realises they are far stronger together. She has no idea just how crazy Keeneston is but is not phased and passes the 'family test' with flying colours.
Another awesome visit to Keeneston...I never doubted it would be.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Forever Paired is the nineteenth book in the Forever Bluegrass series (Bluegrass Book #33) by Kathleen Brooks. ‘Bluegrass’ combines romance and suspense, with a touch of Southern charm.
A few years ago a friend recommended this author, and her many series, to me - as she had devoured every book and absolutely loved them, singing the author’s praises from high from the hilltops. So, being an avid reader who loves discovering new authors and enticing reads, I took my friends recommendations seriously, and started amassing Ms. Brooks many books, with the plan to have a huge binge session/buddy read with my friend. But with so many books on my TBR, and new, exciting ones releasing every week, I always seemed to get pulled into other books- as these just kept piling up.
Since part of my yearly reading challenges for the past few years has been to dust off my TBR pile/s and read the books that have been languishing there the longest, I decided to finally dive in and get the series read. While I did ‘enjoy’ the books for the most part- I didn’t fall madly in love with them as my friend promised that I would. But that’s ok, I am really happy that she loves them as much as she does. But for me, they were just an ‘okay’ read.
With plenty of small-town drama, intrigue, angst, chemistry, humour, community, family, friendship, charm, mystery, tension, danger, emotion, and suspense- the stories are about finding love unexpectedly and love conquering all.
The books can all be read as standalones if you wanted, without feeling ‘lost’ or like you are missing big pieces of the picture. This is because each instalment introduces its own ‘couple’- providing plenty of romance, a dash of suspense, and some sweet development to make your heart flutter.
But I have to be honest, I found there were a few issues which detracted from my overall enjoyment of the stories/series. Such as the ‘wordiness’ which really slowed the flow of the storyline at times, as there was such an overwhelming amount of detail which didn’t really ‘add’ to or propel the story in any way, except to perhaps distract from the plot. I love details, normally- but not when there are pages of descriptions, as things tend to ‘bog’ down and the flow/pace/plot gets lost amongst the detritus- and also leads to some ‘wandering’ storylines. There were also many loose ends, for me- threads that were left hanging, or not fully woven into the storyline- which I found a bit frustrating.
I really wanted to love this series as much as my friend did…. but instead, I was left a little disappointed.
Happy reading! 📚💙

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

Another one falls to the love bug in Keeneston, and it makes me want to live in this town again. I mean, who wouldn't want to live there? We get badass military-type men and women from all walks of life who take care of their own. They are close-knit and will go to the other side of the world if they are needed. I mean, who wouldn't want this type of life? Yeah, you face danger and you may have some injuries, but when things work themselves out it's all worth it. Even the animals are fun to be around.

This is Landon's and Kate's story and it's so worth the listen. Landon is the owner of a restaurant and Kate is the new passing game coordinator for the professional football team. She is the first women's coach to reach this level and soon finds herself approached by some unsavory characters in hopes that they can blackmail and force her into a cheating scam. Landon saves her the first time she goes to his restaurant and they are off to the love race. We see old favorites and are introduced to the newest generation to be born. There is more than one happy ending in sight with this one, and that put a big smile on my face. It's a fun story with just enough action and angst to keep you invested from beginning to end.

Eric G Dove does a stellar job as always and delivers a five-star performance. Can't wait for the next installment!

[Michele A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate is hired on as a football coach by Will and Mo. She moves to town and meets Landon right away. She is threatened and it seems like history is repeating itself. She is quickly learning that everyone she meets is almost always related to Landon. He is intrigued by her to say the least. He knows he wants to get to know her and doesn't hesitate to do that. I liked how he didn't play games and went for it. As usual, the whole town gets involved in trying to know their business. When the people responsible step up their game against Kate, Landon enlists even more help to find out who is behind this game rigging scheme they are trying to set up. It was an interesting book. I liked how Kate stepped up for Ahmed and gave him game analogies to get him through his fainting when someone goes into labor in front of him. The Rose Sisters' special tea even makes another appearance in this one.

[Lisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate had landed the job of a lifetime as the first woman offensive football coach of QB’s in the NFL. She was excited about moving to Kentucky, she was proud of herself and looking forward to starting a new chapter in her life. She goes to attend her first coach meeting/Dinner. They meet at Landon Davies restaurant. She get out of her car to only be attacked and threatened to fix games. Landon she her being attacked and decides to help her. She shaken up but doesn’t want to say why she was attacked. She doesn’t want to be in any trouble or lose her job. However her and Landon get connected and start to hangout. She trust him enough with information. He promised to help her. Keeneston to the rescue.

[Carlise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I loved Kate….she was funny, smart, and was a great match for Landon. Her skills on the football field were impressive. Landon wasn’t ready to find his HEA but when is anyone ever ready in Keeneston.

When Katy is threatened Landon and the rest of Keeneston come to her rescue. Not that a girl from Texas need rescuing, but it’s nice when you have the support of your boyfriend and his family and you haven’t even attended family dinner.

Kathleen always weaved a wonderfully funny take filled with sarcasm, sassiness, intrigue, laughter, and a good old fashioned crime spree. This one was no different.

I always enjoy visiting Keeneston.

[NotTheTea · Rating 3 out of 5]

🏈🍴Who the heck kiss a stranger and get embarrassed afterwards? I hate "I don't know why I did that" trope.


🏈🍴I'm not liking how Kate is handling the guys. Sure she's not cowering but she's being a bit boring with her half a page speeches every other time when she needs to assert dominance.


🏈🍴I don't want to know every single family history of everyone who appears in the book. I understand they're from previous books but still.


🏈🍴They're overdoing the dinner thing. Honestly anyone would run if a whole town of family started interrogating someone like that because that poor person was just trying to date one of them.


🏈🍴It was enjoyable anyway.

[Tracey Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the feels

For those that are new to Kathleen’s Keeneston family, you don’t have to have read the other to enjoy it, but you will read this and then want to go back and discover all the rest.
For regulars at the Blossom Cafe, you won’t be disappointed (we never are). Gossip galore, sizzling passion, babies born, more cousins than we can poke a stick at and a Davies family dinner to beat them all.
Some great cross overs between her other series, and tears of sympathy and happiness.
By the way, of course she can shoot - she’s from Texas!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nailed it!

This book is perfectly timed as I love how it displays a woman as a professional football coach and some of the struggles that could really happen. I love how the girls take her in and the Keeneston family supports her as one of their own. And then you have Landon who is a chef with his own restaurant, but because of who his family is, he is also so much more. This story is another amazing blend of suspense, humor, small town family, animals in baby carriers, and romance of course.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate and Landon were so cute. I don’t think there is a book in this series or by Kathleen Brooks that I won’t love. Simply because for me it’s like watching the next episode of my favorite show.

Kate reminded me of the coach everyone deserves, she’ll give it to you straight but also do what’s best for you. The relationship she built with her players was great.

Landon.. we’ll I’m gonna need him to be a real person and cook for me. He had this sweet nice guy side, but then was also very much a Davies. Loved that.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS
Another winner by this author! This entire series has been fantastic. I felt that the interaction with the towns people and Davis' clan was less then in previous books but still there but in a new way. I did miss the Rose sisters though they were not too involved. The "family dinner" and the way it panned out was good. Landon and Kate were perfect for each other. The entire baby birth was hysterical with Ahmed and the way the next book was set into motion was good. Of course, the panty dropper is still around!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new favorite of this series. Of course I love them all but this one has all the feels. Kate was strong, kind and determined to succeed in a career dominated by men. She was smart and knowledgeable about the game and was a true leader. Landon was smitten from the beginning and was a beautiful soul. Two beautiful people brought together in the land of love, Keeneston. I really enjoyed how Kate made friends so effortlessly, especially Anyah. Looks like lots of new happenings to look forward to in the next book.

[Hazel and Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever and ever

I have loved this entire series from the start layne and walkers story was the best in my mind. Not as much family interaction or interference as the other books had (which I thourghly enjoyed ) we have married in English and Irish recently would love to see a Scottish or Welsh in-law too. Can't wait for the next book (poppy & zinna )and to the continuation of this series with kale Cassidy and Colton

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

no super hero n soldiers, just a chef and coach, it’s simply that i love it much.

Rip, another lines just shown me he is smarter one, see through everything and choose what he wants, who’s say we are the smartest?

so many on and on, the cousin sisters then FBI agents, Cassidy, Kale, Colton, and the side characters too.

glad this one is more normal, no ridiculous lines, love Kate taught A how to be focus when Abby give birth, so does Grandpa taught D being a scary clown to help Abby

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing read

Another amazing read from Kathleen London and Kates story was awesome the love the both of them shared even though the danger they were in only get stronger loved how Kate surprised Keenston when most of landons family asked if she could shoot and of course most Texans can shoot.
It was great to hear what was going on with the rest of the Keenstonites.
Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
What a wonderful birthday gift I got

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hail Mary

Landon was so sweet and gone. Kate was the special ingredient missing in his life. I enjoyed most the way he was able to read her and lightly call her out on her stuff. He encouraged her to open up and let him all the way in. Showed her that the weight of the world is not all on her shoulders, he can carry some.

Best moment of all was Kate helping and being motivational to all my friends in Keeneston

[Kelly Lon-don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love everything about the Keenston crew!

This town and its patrons never let me down. These books are a mix of romance, mystery, community and humor. What’s not to love about a town filled who falls in love quickly, does everything they can to support each other, and tell their deepest secrets over a few glasses of “special tea?” Start from the beginning of the series and fall in love with this clan like I and many of my friends have….

[Vicki Quisenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a great read

Kathleen Brooks always delivers a wonderful story. I love the town of Keenston and can't wait to visit all of my friends again and again. Landon and Katie's story is so heart warming and I absolutely love the fact that football is such a major part of this book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit fast paced, but still really good

I'll admit I am a fan. Having read all books in the series and the series preceding and intermixed, I really enjoyed this book. While I felt the pace was a bit faster than usual for her installments, I still got the good laugh, a swoon moment, and a little misty eyed. Excellent escape in a book! 5 stars!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong female with a southern charm ready to make the tough choices.

I live for the next story to follow the Kingston families. This one does not disappoint with adventure, love and heroin that can save herself with a little help from her new found family not by blood but by choice.

[Kelly Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspense HEA Romance

Kathleen Brooks has done it again, another great book in the Bluegrass Series.

Forever Paired is book 19 in the series and sees Landon gets his HEA with the introduction of Kate the new QB coach for the Lexington Thoroughbreds.

This was a great read, had me hooked from the first to the last word.

[Kirstie Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that with a Kathleen Brooks book you will always get a strong kick ass woman and Kate fits this perfectly, even more so in the male dominated world of football. Loved this, thoroughly entertaining with some hot romance and mystery and intrigue and of course all the shenanigans you come to expect with the town of Keeneston!

[Glenda Thedens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever series.

This series along with the Bluegrass series are totally fantastic. Every book is filled with amazing characters, great settings, love, humor and danger. Kathleen Brooks is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I would recommend all of these and the Shadows Landing series also. Great read and it's a quick fun read.

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I think this is my favorite book of the series. Landon has long been a great character. He is steadier than some of the cousins yet fun and loving. Kate is fascinating. She battles a male dominated field yet maintains her compassion and has a supportive way to her. They are great alone but really seem to bring out the best in each other!

[Ronda Blanke Geiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever Paired

I loved Landon and Kate's story. Landon has always been in the background and this story really showcased him and his personality. Kate is a sweet southern girl with a mind wrapped a round football. They make a great pair! The twists and turns are in this book but they seem more subtle and more revealing. I cannot wait for Poppy and Zianna's book!

[Pierre J Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Brooks always deliver

This was such a sweet story and I love catching up with all the regulars. Landon and Kate were made for each other. I love the background references about football. This book felt short for some reason like we needed a few more chapter but if you love Keeneston then you won’t mind

[Suzanne Ethredge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Keeneston Winner

I've loved all of the Bluegrass Brothers books. I especially liked this one because of the strong female lead and unusual profession. The only thing I would've liked to see more if is the strong family involvement. There wasn't quite as much of it in this book.

[Emily Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

Keeneston is the place to be. The series sucks you in and keeps you coming back. The characters become friends that make you smile and laugh with lots of suspense and action. This time Landon and Kate are the main characters who are the betting pool. Love this book and the entire series!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so freakin good that I end up devouring the book within a few hours than I’m sad because it’s ended. Kate is so awesome especially the way she helped Ahmed. Landon is so cool and calm. This series has become my family and I’m so invested in their lives like grandma Marcy. lol

[Beckie Johnson Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down.

I absolutely loved Landon & Kate's story. I only stopped long enough to deal with a snowplow issue. Thank you, Kathleen, for writing another great book about Keeneston.