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Always a Marine #14

Marine Ever After

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Marine Paul Torres is used to women who enjoy the pleasure of the moment and whom he can bed with a wink and a smile. But with so many of his friends settling down, he’s turned on by the allure of finding the right partner as well. Even more so when he meets Lillianna Hansen while attending a wedding. After a passionate night, Paul wakes to find her gone and though he wants more than a one-night stand with the alluring Lily, his limited leave is up and he’s forced to return to active duty. All Lillianna thought she wanted was a good time. But Paul’s attention—even from thousands of miles away—is hard to resist, and while she tells herself repeatedly she doesn’t want a relationship with a Marine, she can’t deny the consequences of their passionate night. When she finds out she’s pregnant, she’s forced to reach out to Paul. But is she ready to let the father of her child be her Marine Ever After….

101 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2013

9 people are currently reading
235 people want to read

About the author

Heather Long

269 books2,297 followers
I love books. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Books were my best friends when I was growing up. Books didn’t care if I was new to a town or to a class. They were always there, my trustiest of companions. Until they turned on me and said I had to write them.

I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.

After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.

Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.

Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.

One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.

I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!

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5 stars
66 (35%)
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51 (27%)
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50 (27%)
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14 (7%)
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4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for namericanwordcat.
2,440 reviews439 followers
June 12, 2014

Have you ever taken a big spoonful of what you think to be yogurt and once it is in your mouth you discover you grabbed the sour cream. And no how much you normally love sour cream, you are a repulsed. You spit in ungraceful on to the floor and down your shirt in some sort of convolution. You could have grabbed a tub of Cool Whip and your body has the same reaction.

This is sadly what happened to me with Marine Ever After. I thought I was getting a Marine, One Night Stand, Opps I am Pregnant Interracial Love Story. Yea! Clapping.

But instead, that is what the outside looked like, but on the inside was a BSDM romance.

Huh.

I can give you a list of light BSDM books I like and some heavy ones as well but I wanted yogurt!

The writing is good and I like the characters but even after I cleaned myself up and adjusted my taste buds for what the book had to offer I never could fully believe that our hero hangs out in BDSM clubs on his downtown overseas. This part of the book really just didn't feel right and distracted me the love story.

I haven't read the other books in this series so long time readers may have known what to expect but this one just didn't work out for me.
Profile Image for Tamara.
Author 16 books364 followers
July 10, 2013
Lillianna and Paul were perfect together! I loved the fact that while Lillianna was a strong independent woman on the outside, but loved giving up control in the bedroom. I was also happy to see her make Paul work for a place in her life. She refused to accept a marriage that wasn't based on love.
For his part Paul was a stand up guy. He was hot, sexy and honorable. I was pulling for him all the way.
There were also some amazingly sentimental moments in Marine Ever After. I won't give spoilers, but tears stung my eyes more than once during this read, and they were the wonderful happy kind.
Another GREAT Marine story by the fabulous Heather Long.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.5k reviews545 followers
June 28, 2013
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this one when I started. I didn't really care for Lilliana at the start, I hated how judgmental she was. I also didn't really see the attraction between her and Paul. However I was won over as they were forced to date long distance, Germany to Texas. I think the distance helped them out by forcing them to really get to know each other instead of relying on sex. I did like the ending, loved that Paul wore Lilliana down to get what he wanted.
Profile Image for Diana Tan.
270 reviews8 followers
July 10, 2013
This is the first book I read by Heather Long and I can tell you that I am already looking forward to reading more books from this author. I love Marine Ever After! I love Paul's and Lily's passion. Their chemistry is too strong to resist. This is a fun, heartwarming and feel-good read that I highly recommend!!!
Profile Image for Pet.
3,805 reviews9 followers
March 19, 2018
I always wince in a story where the words, dominate, obey and submit are used, in bed or out I know those words have no place in a lasting relationship. Time has taught me that only true partnership can survive the test of time.
But --and its a very long buuuuut--, I enjoyed this story, for some reason Paul did not make me want to hit him with a 2 x 4.
Mostly because while those words are a part of his repartee it's actually Lillianna that holds the reigns in that relationship. The other stuff are just words.
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Fitzgerald.
753 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2020
These are small reads. Since book 7 or 8, the author's put more into building up the character's dialog and relationship rather than just fill the book up with explicit sex scenes. The author is getting better with her writing.
Profile Image for Romance Novels in Color.
347 reviews247 followers
August 7, 2013
Ms. Heather Long has done it again; she has written another keeper, Marine Ever After, which I could read over and over again. It’s about a bridesmaid and a groomsman who hit it off so well during their first encounter, they have a one night stand. However, this one night stand is not arranged by the esteemed matchmaker and owner of 1Night Stand, Madame Evangeline, who has helped many men and women in Long’s Always A Marine series find their perfect match and their own brand of happily-ever-after. Instead, this one night stand is a culmination of Marine Paul Torres and Nurse Lillianna Hansen’s, stimulating conversation and sizzling sexual attraction for each other.

Paul meets Lillianna at Luke and Rebecca’s wedding. Luke and Rebecca are the first couple of the Always A Marine series, who utilize Madame Evangeline’s service, reunite with each other after years of separation, and decide to get married. So I guess I must concede that the shrewd Madame Evangeline should get some credit for Paul and Lily connecting with each other. They have a wonderful night of passion but the next morning Paul finds himself all alone, wishing the connection he feels with Lilly could have gone beyond just one night. He tries to get Lily’s contact details, but to no avail. Only a few days later, he takes up active duty in Germany.

Though Lily is a bit more stoic than Paul is, she finds it difficult to keep her mind from thinking about his sense of humor, his Alpha tendencies, and his touch. About three months after, she discovers she’s pregnant and after much hesitation she contacts her baby’s father, Paul. Paul is delighted when he learns he’s soon to be a father, and does all he can to convince Lily to make a more permanent arrangement. Of course, being the strong-headed woman Lily is, she resists. But how long can she do so when Paul proves over and over again how wonderful life can be if they live it together?

The day to day grind of working at a hospital, the poignant scene at the airport, the way the Marines band together to help Paul win Lily, Paul and Lily’s reunion after months of separation, the contrast between loving someone from a distance and loving the person up close and personal, all make for a wonderfully satisfying read. And wait until you read what A Dummies Guide to Loving A Marine is all about; it’s simply fascinating.

Marine Ever After is Long’s fourteenth installation of the Always A Marine series, and like its predecessors can be read as a standalone. Fans would be delighted to see some of their favorite heroes and heroines from earlier books either being mentioned or making guest appearances in this story. It’s not very likely they’ll tire of this series in the near future. So, in a nutshell, I’ll simply say, “Keep them coming, Ms. Long! Just keep them coming!”

-Reviewed by Roxy
Profile Image for Sarah.
240 reviews3 followers
June 21, 2013
It's no secret that I am a huge fan and supporter of Heather Long's Always a Marine series. There are so many reasons that I have fallen for Heather's Marines, but most of all it's the way that she writes their stories without glorifying their Military service and downplaying the effects of their service. She isn't afraid to touch on the "taboo" topics such as DV, sexual assault, PTSD, and various others.

I am gifting one lucky winner a copy of this book. Go to my blog to fill out rafflecopter.

In this story, we briefly see Luke ad Rebecca again at their wedding, where Paul and Lillianna were part of the wedding party. In the beginning of this story, I was slightly concerned because I didn't connect with Lillianna. Though I think it was because she didn't really like Luke. In Lillianna's defense, I understand that Luke hurt Rebecca many years ago and she is/was concerned for her friend. What can I say, I have a soft spot for Luke! Although, Lillianna did change my perception of her and I truly adored her character. She is a strong, independent woman who is as stubborn as any one of our Marines in this series!

Paul, our featured Marine, is on a quick leave and make Luke and Rebecca's wedding as a last minute guest since Brody couldn't make it. I loved that he was taken by Lillianna the minute he saw her. I thought the Paul was respectful to Lillianna, so much so that he was able to break down some of that walls that gave Lillianna the snob vibe to me.

When these two finally reconnected, Lillianna blurts out something that could be a potentially bad thing for Paul, at least in her eyes. Paul, being who Paul is, tries and continued to try to show Lillianna how he felt but it took time. With Paul being in Germany when he finds out, Lillianna is not sure how he will react. When Paul is able to get an early leave, he is able to surprise Lillianna. I loved watching the two of them get to know each other while being in different countries, through emails, skype, and phone calls.
Profile Image for Sassy Moms Say Read Romance.
781 reviews16 followers
January 16, 2014
Sarah's Review
It's no secret that I am a huge fan and supporter of Heather Long's Always a Marine series. There are so many reasons that I have fallen for Heather's Marines, but most of all it's the way that she writes their stories without glorifying their Military service and downplaying the effects of their service. She isn't afraid to touch on the "taboo" topics such as DV, sexual assault, PTSD, and various others.

I am gifting one lucky winner a copy of this book. Rafflecopter form below.

In this story, we briefly see Luke ad Rebecca again at their wedding, where Paul and Lillianna were part of the wedding party. In the beginning of this story, I was slightly concerned because I didn't connect with Lillianna. Though I think it was because she didn't really like Luke. In Lillianna's defense, I understand that Luke hurt Rebecca many years ago and she is/was concerned for her friend. What can I say, I have a soft spot for Luke! Although, Lillianna did change my perception of her and I truly adored her character. She is a strong, independent woman who is as stubborn as any one of our Marines in this series!

Paul, our featured Marine, is on a quick leave and make Luke and Rebecca's wedding as a last minute guest since Brody couldn't make it. I loved that he was taken by Lillianna the minute he saw her. I thought the Paul was respectful to Lillianna, so much so that he was able to break down some of that walls that gave Lillianna the snob vibe to me.

When these two finally reconnected, Lillianna blurts out something that could be a potentially bad thing for Paul, at least in her eyes. Paul, being who Paul is, tries and continued to try to show Lillianna how he felt but it took time. With Paul being in Germany when he finds out, Lillianna is not sure how he will react. When Paul is able to get an early leave, he is able to surprise Lillianna. I loved watching the two of them get to know each other while being in different countries, through emails, skype, and phone calls.
Profile Image for Sheri.
266 reviews43 followers
June 26, 2013
Paul was this dashing dominant Marine from the beginning and I very much fell in love with him. Lily was such a strong heroine, and I definitely understood how she felt and I liked her. She knew what she wanted or so she thought and watching her fall for Paul was great. They are both strong characters and they butt heads, but watching them bend and fall in love was an amazingly entertaining experience.

This was one sexy story yet so sweet at the same time. This is probably one of my all-time favorites of Ms. Long's Always a Marine series. We got to catch up with past characters and I absolutely adored that. Though I do believe this could be read as a standalone I do recommend the whole series. Ms. Long gives an in depth look into the life of a military spouse in just a quick glimpse in this story, and it almost brought me to tears. I know that for me, a story that can induce actual emotion is a story I remember for a long time.

Overall a story I can see myself reading again when I want a sweet and sexy comfort read.

Originally posted: http://loveofbookends.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Jen.
3,633 reviews
November 4, 2013
"Marine Ever After" is one of my favorite "Always a Marine" stories. It was beautifully written and the story line was different from the others in the series. I wasn't sure if lead characters Paul and Lily had chemistry in the beginning but after a page or two, these two definitely have the kind of pull necessary to make their being together believable. ^.^

Paul and Lily meet during Luke and Rebecca's wedding and their mutual attraction towards each other comes to a head when they decide to sleep together after the reception. Lily leaves the next morning and neither of them have a way to get in touch with each other (especially since Luke and Rebecca are on a REALLY long honeymoon) and Paul flies off to Germany for his next assignment. Communication lines are once again open due to an unforeseen circumstance and I love the maturity that these two characters had while dealing with said circumstance. ^.^

Definitely one of the best in the series. It had me grinning by the end. Loved it! It gets 5/5 stars from me. ^.^
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,732 reviews525 followers
July 14, 2015
Words: 34,430

Captain Luke Dexter and Rebecca Rainier from Once Her Man, Always Her Man are getting married! Marine Paul Torres is one of the groomsmen and Lillianna Hansen (College Roommate and friend of Rebecca's) is a bridesmaid, they have been partnered up and Paul couldn't be happier.
They spend an enjoyable time at the wedding together and decide to continue it at his place. After a hot night of some D/s play she sneaks out without a word. Fast forward 11 weeks later and she finds out much to her surprise that she's pregnant.

I have to say this was a great quick read with some steamy scenes. I like the way the author laid out all her options and why she came to the decision she did. I look forward to seeing this couple again in future books in this series.
Profile Image for Gail.
572 reviews36 followers
October 19, 2013
This story was short and sweet. My Sister and I both read it, and she told me she enjoyed it because the characters were mature and handled the circumstances really well. I totally agree with her.
In this story a one night stand that began at a wedding reception, leads to a rather sweet affair mostly experienced via telephone conversations and skype due to the male lead being deployed in the Marines. Sorry if I spoiled the surprise- the two characters do end up together. I was pleased that there wasn't anything over dramatic or traumatizing that led to them getting together. A lot of the other romances I read usually involve some high octane action and ridiculous situations, so it was nice to read something that was relatively normal and could basically happen to anyone. I give this author a thumbs up, and I plan to read some of her other books from this series.
Profile Image for Donna.
4,148 reviews57 followers
June 20, 2013
Paul is a slick Latin lover but his night with Lillianna leaves him wanting more than a one night stand. As an Army brat Lillianna knows what the military lifestyle is and wants nothing to do with it. Paul needs to convince Lillianna that loving a Marine is not the same as being an Army brat. Some folks write military romance and gloss over the reality of loving someone who serves at the convenience of the government. It isn't easy. There are separations, odd hours, moving, anxiety over duty and duty stations, leaving friends, making new friends, etc. It is hard to put all of that into a love story but Heather Long not only does it she makes it part of the romance. This is a fantastic series and each story seems to get better and better.
Profile Image for Kristin.
128 reviews5 followers
September 15, 2013
Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! After one night of steamy passion, Lillianna walks away from her hot Marine Paul thinking that there one night would be all they would have. But fate intervenes brining Paul and Lillianna together again...sort of, Paul is deployed and has the daunting task of courting the woman that he fell in love after their one night. Being in the military I loved how Ms. Long captured how intense relationships between lovers become when their communication is limited due to time and distance. I enjoy military themed romances, but this is by far one of my favorites. This is a keeper!
Profile Image for ツ Renée.
208 reviews25 followers
February 8, 2014
Paul’s dominance and confidence were utterly sexy. He and Lily were hot together. I liked her, but she was exasperating. Fought their relationship to the very end. Then … sweet capitulation. I’m glad she declared her love for him first – he more than proved he was worthy of it. They had a beautiful HEA.

I loved seeing Matt at the wedding. It was an awesome moment seeing how far he’s come in his recovery.
Profile Image for Christine.
Author 15 books5 followers
February 7, 2015
Now in audio: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Mar...

I really enjoyed 'Marine Ever After' - I would give it 5 stars but I'm just not personally into baby stories. Again, the characters are wonderful, and the story is more of growth in a relationship, not instantly falling in love - which makes it more realistic.
Profile Image for Deborah.
516 reviews23 followers
December 10, 2013
What a wonderful little romance, short and sweet with plenty of heat. It is just the thing if you need something lighter but with enough oomph to make your heart go pitter-patter. I am going to have to go and check out Ms. Long's other books in the series. I do love a man in uniform...or out of it.
157 reviews6 followers
June 30, 2013
My favorite of her marine series so far... Paul is a sexy, gorgeous marine who knows what he wants and goes for it.
Profile Image for Kandy.
60 reviews4 followers
July 25, 2013
I love he Marine series. I liked this book because it added a new twist..I won't give it away, you must read this book!!! As usual a great story line & very well written.
Profile Image for Angela Hunter.
30 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2013
I really love all of Heather's books I have ready so far in this series!!
8 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2014
Loved it

I really enjoyed reading this novel. I wish they had been more of it, particularly about their life in Germany.
Profile Image for Carole.
1,507 reviews17 followers
February 19, 2015
Did not really like the Heroine, or the odd twist of him being a Dom (sort of), but it turned out to be a very nice love story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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