Forever

Seaside #3.5

by Rachel Van Dyken

Men fall hard. Rock stars? Fall the hardest.

This is the conclusion to Alec and Nat's story.

I breathed in and out for a few seconds as I waited at the end of the aisle. It felt like I was standing overlooking the edge of a cliff, and the minute I saw my future wife, I was going to freefall.

The music started.

Shit, I was seriously going to pass out.

People stood, Demetri nodded his head and patted me on the back.

And then I saw her.

It was like seeing her for the first time all over again. Memories of meeting her that first day of school had me grinning from ear to ear. The local girl, who didn’t even know who I was the first time she saw me, fell for me. And in return, gave me her heart for safekeeping. I ached to touch her as she walked slowly down the aisle. Her brown eyes met mine. And I lost it. Every single fear that I was holding on to snapped.

Forget drugs.

Forget needing to calm down.

I couldn’t stop my heart from beating out of my chest, and I didn’t want to. I just wanted to touch her, to tell her how pretty she was in her white dress. I wanted to promise her forever, I wanted to be her eternity.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Music, Young Adult

117 pages, Unknown Binding

First published November 4, 2013

About the author

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of mafia and contemporary romances.

Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...

Reviews

[Dannae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) of Forever: A Seaside Novella from the author for my honest review. Well I love Rachel Van Dykens writing so I had high expectations, and knew I wouldn't be let down.
I wasn't, I loved this novella, it was a perfect taste into what we can expect for "Fall", Jaymenson's story!"
I love the Daniel brothers and even though Jaymeson is a giant man whore, I'm starting to love him too!
If you have read the "Seaside Series" you will love this little bonus before "Fall" is released. Its got the wedding and so much more.

[Jill S (Love Affair With Fiction) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What can I say about Forever: A Seaside Novella by Rachel Van Dyken? It was a truly beautifully written story. It was so wonderful to see what was going on with everyone in Seaside. Forever depicts Nat and Alec’s wedding and the day leading up to it. We get to see all of their emotions and preparations - and it was lovely. Of course, we also get to see Demetri, Alyssa and Jaymeson as well. And it would not be Seaside if everything was drama free! This was the perfect dessert course to Shatter (Book #3 in the Seaside Series), allowing us to be a witness to Nat and Alec’s marriage. It is also the perfect appetizer to Fall (The next book to be written in the Seaside series). It will be great fun to see what Rachel Van Dyken has in store for Jaymeson. I predict that boy is going to “fall” hard! Oooh, what a story that is going to be!

If you have read the Seaside novels I highly recommend this book. And if you haven’t, well then I suggest that you go catch up on this excellent series AND then get this book!

I received an ARC of Forever: A Seaside Novella from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Janell Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok it is no big secret that this is one of my all time favorite series. I love Alec, Nat, Demetri & Alyssa and yes even Jaymeson. This was just heaven getting to be with my people again. It was just sweet and romantic and everything you expect from them. It was funny and sexy I just love this group. It was a nice story to bring Shatter & Fall together. Of course I wish it was longer but I'll take whatever I can get. It was sweet watching them prepare for the wedding and all the other story lines that just make you smile. I can't wait to read more about them all in Fall.

Ok so I don't give 5 stars to everyone only my absolute favorites so it does pain me to write one negative thing. I love watching timelines in books and there was just one thing that erked me a little. Not enough to make me stop loving the series but enough that I'm writing it down and I'm sorry for that. *****SPOILER TO SHATTER***** In Shatter when Nat fell they asked how far along she was and they said 12 weeks. Then time had to pass after that for Alec to even propose and get back in her good graces. So in Forever when they said she was only 3 months it killed me. Because they had been planning the wedding for a month so she should be much farther along. Not to mention he was talking about how sick she was at the start of the pregnancy but he didn't know then. I know I'm being silly but it bugged me a little. Sorry Rachel you are one of my absolute FAVORITE authors and I read just about everything you write so I hated writing this.

But like I said this is one of my favorites and thank you thank you so very much for the great read. As soon as I saw it go live I clicked and read and didn't stop. Can't wait for Fall :)

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious, Romance novella that will have you laughing and sighing from start to finish!

I am a die-hard Alec & Nat fan, What can I say - Alec always had my heart. From the start of Forever I was devouring pages, flipping to the next, and laughing out loud so much my kids thought I'd officially lost it. By the half way point I was snorting and crying from laughing so much and trying to contain myself.

Forever is your very own personal invitation to Nat & Alec's wedding festivities. The day before preperation, the bachelor party, and the wedding. You are more than a guest, you are their friend, immersed in their lives and thoughts. Joining them in the celebration of their love after a long and strenuous journey.

Rachel Van Dyken also gives you some more time with Alyssa & Demetri, and pumps you up for Jaymeson's story that is coming soon! A pick me up to hold you over and get you your Seaside fill ;)

I received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Conclusion to Nat and Alec’s story was beautiful, stirring and hilarious! What more could you ask for when seeing two people that were meant to be together solidify their relationship and make their claims in front of one and all. This was an amazing read and I am so honored that Rachel gave me an ARC of this book to review. I will say you will need tissues and be prepared to laugh. This will leave you wanting more and ready for Jaymeson’s story!! All of the characters were still as amazing as in the previous stories. Alec and Nat were still growing into the man and woman they were meant to be. They will be the couple to follow and use as an example of how to live. Such an awesome story! 5/5

[Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing novella from the Seaside Series about Alec and Nat's wedding! It may be shorter than the other books but didn't lack the emotional punches that Van Dyken is known for. I truly enjoyed the rock star wedding and the fun that they had before and after the ceremony. Nat surprised me and Jaymeson well let's just say that we get to know Jaymeson more! There always seems to be some sort of Demetri problem and I loved the way that he resolved this one! Van Dyken definitely gives us a great story in a short amount of pages and this is a must-read for any Seaside Series fan! I was very happy that I got to 'attend' Alec and Nat's wedding!
I received a copy of this book for free, this is my honest review.

[T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome story!! Loved it!

This is the story of Alec and Nat's wedding and what the future holds for Demetri, Alyssa, and Jaymeson.

Talk about A-MA-ZING!!!

Love getting to see the things that transpire with this crazy bunch the day before the wedding! Oh Alyssa and Nat...you naughty girls! :)

It's great to see how Alec and Demetri are growing up and changing into amazing men! SWOON!

Oh Demetri you sly dog you, I absolutely love what Demetri does!

I can't wait for Fall to see Jaymeson's story....you whorish boy...you will be tamed! :)

[Nancy Metsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was wonderful. All kinds of happy stuff. I love Nat and Alec's wedding. That was so romantic. The fact that they made up their own vows eight there in the moment was so cute. FINALLY Demetri finally got his s*it together and asked Alyssa too marry him. The brothers have been through so much, and too see them mature and find their happily ever afters was awesome. Now I can't wait for Jamyson's story!!! Rachel ROCKS!!! And I truly mean that

[SB CS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just freakin love this series. Alec and Demitri have had my heart for a while and I can't get enough of them. If only they were real. I can't wait for Jaymeson's story. Definitely worth reading if you want to have a great time.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet novella. I laughed and cried. I love her books. My favorite author

[Seeshel kettler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely perfect! I can't say enough about this series. It's one of my favorites. I laughed out loud just like so many of the authors other books. Great book to the series.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was sweet, loved how both Natalee and Alec did what they could for the other. The wedding was great, loved the vows. By the end I was glad that Demetri manned up and got his girl.

[Djana Cajic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy tears all over the place!!! My review will be a couple of quote's as I trully cannot put it better than has already ben put by wonderfull Rachel!


ALEC & NAT <3

“Strength is a funny thing.” He paused for a moment to clear his throat. “We assume it’s solely from within ourselves — and forget that a lot of times, it takes someone else holding our hand to pull us through it. Alec.” His gaze left mine. “She’s not just your wife. Nat is your partner. When you’re weak… She’s strong. When she’s weak, you’re her rock. Marriage isn’t just a union — it’s a partnership. Never again will you have to walk through life’s trials alone — because you have each other.”

“Nat.” The pastor’s warm smile put me at ease. “You are the crown of creation. You were created not only to be a complement to your husband, but to be his encouragement, his beauty, his pearl, his most treasured part of himself. For when you marry, you become part of him. Your souls no longer traverse the world independently, but interdependently — entwined with one another. With that being said, I have a question for each of you.”


“I do,” Alec said again. “I take her.” He turned to face me. “I’ll take her when she’s sick, if she gets cancer, if she gets in a terrible wreck and doesn’t even remember my name. I’ll make it my purpose to convince her again, every single day, that she’s the love of my life, that she’s the reason I even want to live. I promise to provide for her, to take care of her always. I promise to put her needs above my own. I swear to never leave her side — ‘til death parts us.”

“—I take him.” I interrupted just like Alec did. “I promise to be his voice of reason when someone thinks it’s funny to un-alphabetize his music. I’ll stand by his side when people may criticize him. I’ll always encourage him, love him, take care of him when he’s grumpy and sick.” Demetri coughed out a laugh. “I’ll kiss him every morning and every night — I’ll be true to him and only him. I’ll take care of his heart, but mostly, I’ll swear my life to his, until the day we die.”

“Nat,” Alec’s voice croaked in the microphone. “This is for you.”


******
I wanna tell you, but there’s so many words to say. I wanna tell you, but the words get in the way. It’s all there on the tip of my tongue. My heart’s so full, brain goes numb. So I’ll just ask you.

Do you? I do, me too. I promise I will be there as the years go by. And I’ll be faithful to you till the day I die. Just to have and to hold your hand makes me the luckiest man, so now I’ll ask you, do you? I do, me too. So now I ask you, do you? I do, me too. So many pieces of paper, crumpled up and thrown away. So many I’ll do it laters. Gotta get the nerve… Why such crazy behavior? Gonna say my vows today. I can’t wait. Oh baby, I do. I do. I love you.

The chords changed and then he started another song. I’m never giving up on you — I’m loving you forever — here’s my heart, take my soul and my body too. I live and breathe for you — want to die right beside you — hold my hand as we walk through this journey into eternity together. I was just learning to love, when you walked in my life. Now my greatest accomplishment will be to have you as my wife. I’m sorry I’m so undeserving of your love — but I’ll promise you Forever and pray it’s enough. Yes, I’ll promise you Forever and pray it’s enough.
******

"My world exploded just as Alec asked for the third time, “Your name?” “Who cares?” “That’s my girl.” He chuckled and then all laughter stopped as he made me his over and over again murmuring his love into my ear until we both fell asleep."


DEMETRI & LYSS

“I’m good with water, though I think my girlfriend may need a shot of whiskey after she realizes what I’m about to do.”

“This girl, she’s everything to me, and well… I want her to know how much I love her — she needs to realize that she’s my life, my soul, my everything — but here’s the thing. As a musician, it’s hard for me to convey with mere words what I really feel. I mean, how does a person describe the sunset to someone who’s never seen it? How do you describe love when what you feel is so incredible that you can’t form words? Honestly, I’m convinced words that describe how I feel about Alyssa — they only exist in Heaven, not here. So, with that being said… Lyss, I choose you.”

******
When we’re born into this world, we don’t really get a say. Little boys and little girls handed brand new families. There comes a time in life when we finally get to choose. And I choose you. I choose you.

We can’t give our two cents of how tall we want to be, we don’t get an opinion on our ethnicity, but the one we spend our life with, that we get to choose. I choose you. I choose you.

I choose you to be by my side. I choose you to hold me at night. It’s the biggest decision, I’m about to get right, and I choose you. I choose you.

Everybody has one. A choice they have to make. Half human half heaven, that decides the family tree.

I was worried I wouldn’t know what to do when I was in these shoes, kneeling here it’s clearer than the sky is blue, that I choose you, I choose you. With so little we control, thank God it’s in the rules, we get to choose and I choose you.
******

“Lyss,” I whispered. “I’m not eloquent. We can agree on that. I’d like to think I’m romantic, but honestly, right now — I’m just done. I can’t… I can’t put into words how I feel, what you do to me, how much I love you. Love seems like such a weak word. It doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about you. You’ve started a fire in me, and I’m freaking obsessed with the slow, painful burn. I choose you. I choose us. Will you be my wife? Will you choose me too?”

“Never said I was the smartest rock star on the planet.” “Nope, but you are the hottest.” She grinned and grabbed my hand. “I love you Dem.” “Love you too, sweetheart.”



----------------------


And then there is this new begin of falling...

Jay & Priscilla

"I slipped off the Vince Camato heels, my damn hands shaking like I was Prince Charming or some other shitty fairy tale character."

"And that’s when I realized. I’d never kissed a girl before."

"Being the hero? I only know how to act like it — living it is a completely different scenario — one I’m not willing to attempt. I don’t think I could handle it.Giving a part of my soul to another human in hopes that they’ll accept every piece of what makes me who I am."

[Romancing the Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Crystal
Book provided by the author

I can tell you that I did a lot of breathing myself with this book. After reading Shatter I wondered if this day would really come for Alec and Nat. It seemed everything was going great until everything shattered and I am holding my breath to see if this book will make it through without something happening. Will these two make it?

Their love has been a fairy tale for me. They have made it through so much and finally all the darkness comes off to bring the light, which is their love shining through. Now I won't tell you how much I cried with this book. I just will say that I had a huge box of tissues at hand and carried them along with my kindle around. That means I was walking back and forth.

I liked how much Demetri and Alyssa was for them and making the wedding happen. So you see how much the three of them had made it and you realize how much they have grown up. Of course you need some laughter in your lives and that is what this story is about. Is it the last we will see of these four? Man I hope not. I can say that this has been such a wonderful series so far.

[Red Panda Reads]

In what world is a 19 year old not being ready for marriage equal to being an ass? Alyssa needs to reign in the tears welling in her eyes because Demetri is unsure he is ready to propose. You are teenagers for f*ck's sake. What is the rush? You may have all the feels, but it is unlikely you have had adult conversations about kids, finances, where to live, how to manage fame, etc. It's more than sex. If you want to have sex with Demetri, have sex with him. Do not act so desperate for a lifelong commitment that entails so much more. And as much as I have come to like Alec and Natalee, they are also too young. Glorified teen (she still is at least) marriage is not a thing.

I hate it when Alec or Demetri is referred to as a "rock god." They are not. They are in a boy (band) duo that started in middle school. Tween pop. On the cover of a teen idol magazine. This is the furthest image from rock god as one can get and still be in the same industry.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book #4 of the seaside series. Alec and Nat have finally made it to their big day after everything they have been through. But they must get past the rehearsal dinner, and bachelor/bachelorette party - with all the surprises.

I really enjoyed the first 3 books in the series (Strung, Tear, Pull) and even though Shatter was a bit over dramatic, it kept with the same feel. At the time of Forever I feel like Nat & Alyssa only became immature and spoiled. They were strong characters until this point. The story it self was still great but the characters hit a bit of a nerve.

The Audio was very well done. Both Narrators did a great job with performance and keeping the characters easy to tell apart.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again; I LOVE Alec and Nate. So it’s natural that I would love this novella chronicling their wedding day. As you might guess, anything involving Alec and Demetri means shenanigans and Nat in her current state has a short fuse to put up with his crap. But it is sweet, a little sappy, but a lot of fun.

Forever is a short novella and can be read very quickly. It is told in a first person POV from both Alec and Nat’s points of view. A must if you love Alec and Nat! Finally, their happily ever after!

[Dana Hankinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall the story was cute of these amazing characters. I was just bothered by a couple of things - 1) Before Priscilla leaves the after party she talks about having brothers. But in the Fall book of this series, she only has one sister. and 2) Nat gets in the hot tub.....WHILE PREGNANT. Such a big no-no for all of the attention that was paid to Alec smothering her with what she should and shouldn't do while pregnant and he lets her go in a hot tub? SMH

[Kylie Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, my Kindle app told me this was after Fall. Soo ofc I read it in that order. I’m still glad I read it though.

Nat and Alec’s wedding was seriously the sweetest thing ever. I, however, really wish there was more to Alyssa and Demetri’s story. Like it just doesn’t end….

However, I just learned that there’s a prequel to the brothers coming to Seaside on Wattpad, so I’m definitely excited to go read that before starting a new series!

[Coryann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun little story! Somehow I accidentally skipped this one in the series so I am reading it last. It didn't really ruin anything but certain things in later books now make more sense! I have really enjoyed all of this series! Definitely worth the time. I am only giving it a 3 because it's a novella and you can't really get too into it with how short it is.

[Pansy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent bedtime story

This should have been listed as book four, not five. Then maybe it wouldn't have felt so superfluous. For those of you who like sappy, you will love this. A wedding, a proposal, and a rejection. A decent enough bedtime story for pleasant dreams. Just read it before Jaymeson's story. You will like it even better.

Okay, so only on Amazon is it listed as book five. If I had seen this first, I may have read it in the proper order. *sigh* That is what happens when one gets into a series years after it is written. Things get out of order. After all, I read Capture first.

[Melissa Schaub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book that ties Nat and Alec up in a cute little bow. Brings some closure to Demetri and Alyssa’s story and sets up Jamison’s mess that is to come and holy deal I can’t wait! Glad we got to see this snippet of their lives!

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever (Seaside #3.5) was a good read by Rachel Van Dyken. This book is the conclusion to Alec and Nat’s story. In this book you see Alec and Nat getting married. I really loved reading Alec and Nat’s story and cant wait to read more by the author.

[Natasha Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

so cute! loved this Novella. we got to see Alec and Nat finally get married.

We got o see Demetri finally get himself together and propose to Alyssa

and This is the start of when Jaymeson and Priscilla meet. we get a glimpse of what’s under Jaymesons superficial act.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading about Nat and Alec’s wedding and the prelude into Jaymeson and Pris’s story, and also Demetri’s proposal. I love these people!

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the continuation of Alec and Nat’s story and their wedding. I loved this and the banter between everyone. We also get the preview for Jamison’s story.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok I did read it but I needed a book quickly so it happened. Really done now. Nothing wrong but too easy and predictable.

[Gussy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute interlude for the series

[Beachbaby]

In boxed set - "The Seaside Series: Boxed Set"

[Autumn Breier · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 out of 5 Stars

Forever is book 3.5 in the Seaside Series. I really liked Forever and can't wait to continue with the series. I loved Alec and Nat.