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The Bennetts #3
Be Mine Forever
Can a secret crush . . .
Jo Walsh has loved Cameron Mitchell for as long as she can remember. Whether front and center in her life or on the periphery, the tall, brooding artist has made his presence seductively and irresistibly known. But whenever they start to get close, Cam pulls away. Jo's tired of keeping her feelings in a box Cam is afraid to open. If he wants her, he'll have to prove it. And if he doesn't, Jo will need to know the real reason why . . .
. . . become the love of a lifetime?
How do you walk away from your soul mate? Cam wishes he knew. No matter how far he runs from Jo, he can't resist looking back at the silver eyes that seem to see right through him. But as well as Jo thinks she understands Cam, the dark truth about his past is something she shouldn't have to handle. Cam's sure that setting Jo free is the right thing to do. Too bad his heart has other ideas . . .
Jo Walsh has loved Cameron Mitchell for as long as she can remember. Whether front and center in her life or on the periphery, the tall, brooding artist has made his presence seductively and irresistibly known. But whenever they start to get close, Cam pulls away. Jo's tired of keeping her feelings in a box Cam is afraid to open. If he wants her, he'll have to prove it. And if he doesn't, Jo will need to know the real reason why . . .
. . . become the love of a lifetime?
How do you walk away from your soul mate? Cam wishes he knew. No matter how far he runs from Jo, he can't resist looking back at the silver eyes that seem to see right through him. But as well as Jo thinks she understands Cam, the dark truth about his past is something she shouldn't have to handle. Cam's sure that setting Jo free is the right thing to do. Too bad his heart has other ideas . . .
325 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 3, 2015
652 people are currently reading
14537 people want to read
About the author
Kennedy Ryan
83 books35k followersNEWSLETTER:
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AMAZON:
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I write contemporary romance and women's fiction. I always give my characters their happily ever after, but I love to make them work for it! It's a long road to love, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
I am wife to the love of my life, mom to a special, beautiful son, and a friend to those living with autism through my charitable foundation.
bit.ly/KRList
BOOKBUB: bookbub.com/authors/kennedy-ryan
AMAZON:
http://amzn.to/2EX7pgg
FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/KennedyRyanAuthor/
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kennedyryan1/
KENNEDY RYAN BOOKS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/68160...
I write contemporary romance and women's fiction. I always give my characters their happily ever after, but I love to make them work for it! It's a long road to love, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
I am wife to the love of my life, mom to a special, beautiful son, and a friend to those living with autism through my charitable foundation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 502 reviews
February 18, 2016
Amazon US * Amazon UK
BE MINE FOREVER is a friends to lovers story with incredible depth, a brutal history and unrequited love that has spanned almost two decades, surviving through many painful events. It’s a story about acceptance, forgiveness, facing one's deepest demons and letting them go so the life you’re meant to live can be grasped.
Jo is sassy, fierce, compassionate, and loyal and has had a crush on Cam forever, since Jo's extended family took Cam into their lives and made him feel safe. Cam and Jo are an integral part of the first two Bennett books but its book three when their story is told and the light shines brightly on them making this book stand perfectly as a STANDALONE. Equally, knowing the complete history undoubtedly enhanced my enjoyment and appreciation of BE MINE FOREVER. Having devoured the previous two books, I already loved this couple, had seen them experience so much in the previous story and longed to know all the reasons why their love took so long to come to fruition. Jo has so much integrity, she’s always been close to Cam, supportive at all times, in all ways, courageous with her feelings giving him unselfish friendship and love, best friends forever, no matter what. I longed to know exactly why he was closed off to allowing himself the love of the woman who seems to be his soul mate. He always chose other girls, why?
Everything is answered and explored in this story, eloquently and comprehensively leaving the reader in no doubt of the motivation for all his actions. This writer captures the magic of an evolving relationship and attitude; she shows how it must feel to believe you ruin everything you touch. This man has suffered and to subsequently see the relationship of this couple explored and develop is wonderful. I wanted to hear all about the pain that shaped his life and what exactly happened to him. When his painful past emerges through his troubled dreams and the eloquent prose it truly touched me and made me feel completely sick to my stomach.
The inner monologue of Cam and the depiction of so much feeling through the imagery used within the narrative are among the many aspects of this story and the writing of Kennedy Ryan that I love making it a winning 5 star read for me. BE MINE FOREVER is a must for all ROMANCE lovers who crave beauty and depth in their reading and have a passion for friends-to-lovers stories.
Note: This is the third book in the Bennett Series but can definitely be read as a STANDALONE
My review thoughts for the first two books in the Bennett Series:
WHEN YOU ARE MINE.
LOVING YOU ALWAYS.
WHEN YOU ARE MINE (Bennett Series #1)
US http://amzn.to/1Q5EAOX
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00KNC2MFQ
LOVING YOU ALWAYS (Bennett Series #2)
US http://amzn.to/1RjxCok
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00NPCWL4I
★ Teasers created by myself with Stock image I purchased from depositphotos ★
BE MINE FOREVER is a friends to lovers story with incredible depth, a brutal history and unrequited love that has spanned almost two decades, surviving through many painful events. It’s a story about acceptance, forgiveness, facing one's deepest demons and letting them go so the life you’re meant to live can be grasped.
Jo is sassy, fierce, compassionate, and loyal and has had a crush on Cam forever, since Jo's extended family took Cam into their lives and made him feel safe. Cam and Jo are an integral part of the first two Bennett books but its book three when their story is told and the light shines brightly on them making this book stand perfectly as a STANDALONE. Equally, knowing the complete history undoubtedly enhanced my enjoyment and appreciation of BE MINE FOREVER. Having devoured the previous two books, I already loved this couple, had seen them experience so much in the previous story and longed to know all the reasons why their love took so long to come to fruition. Jo has so much integrity, she’s always been close to Cam, supportive at all times, in all ways, courageous with her feelings giving him unselfish friendship and love, best friends forever, no matter what. I longed to know exactly why he was closed off to allowing himself the love of the woman who seems to be his soul mate. He always chose other girls, why?
Everything is answered and explored in this story, eloquently and comprehensively leaving the reader in no doubt of the motivation for all his actions. This writer captures the magic of an evolving relationship and attitude; she shows how it must feel to believe you ruin everything you touch. This man has suffered and to subsequently see the relationship of this couple explored and develop is wonderful. I wanted to hear all about the pain that shaped his life and what exactly happened to him. When his painful past emerges through his troubled dreams and the eloquent prose it truly touched me and made me feel completely sick to my stomach.
The inner monologue of Cam and the depiction of so much feeling through the imagery used within the narrative are among the many aspects of this story and the writing of Kennedy Ryan that I love making it a winning 5 star read for me. BE MINE FOREVER is a must for all ROMANCE lovers who crave beauty and depth in their reading and have a passion for friends-to-lovers stories.
Note: This is the third book in the Bennett Series but can definitely be read as a STANDALONE
My review thoughts for the first two books in the Bennett Series:
WHEN YOU ARE MINE.
LOVING YOU ALWAYS.
WHEN YOU ARE MINE (Bennett Series #1)
US http://amzn.to/1Q5EAOX
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00KNC2MFQ
LOVING YOU ALWAYS (Bennett Series #2)
US http://amzn.to/1RjxCok
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00NPCWL4I
★ Teasers created by myself with Stock image I purchased from depositphotos ★
April 30, 2022
Bear with me.
Many years ago, one of my very good friends had a long-term girlfriend whom he loved something fierce but her mother vowed they would marry only over her dead body.
Reason: the gf was Muslim while my friend was a Christian. It didn't matter both came from very wealthy families or that both were gorgeous inside and out. From our part of Nigeria, inter-faith marriages were hardly encouraged.
What that meant for the rest of us were years of angsty push-n-pull and midnight phone calls with us talking him down from whatever brought on the "I can't live without her" for that day.
It. Was. Exhausting and eventually, they split.
Did they love each other? Absolutely. Was it worth the 10 years of heartache? I wouldn't know. What I do know is that both are married to other people now and we have been spared having to mediate.
This story took me back to that period and at some point, I felt reading Jo and Cam's relationship drama was more detrimental to my well-being.
I don't care if Cam eventually confronts his demons or if Jo grows a backbone, I'm just tired. DNF @ 30%
April 22, 2015
“I can still salvage this.”
“Yes, if you move fast, but Peter seems pretty determined to get the girl.”
Cam abandoned his focus face and narrowed his eyes at Jo’s father, who was conspicuously concentrating on the board between them.
“I meant the game.”
Thank You Kennedy Ryan for giving Cam and Jo the love they both deserve. I'd never settle for them having other than an Epic Story. I knew I liked Jo for a reason, she's strong yet fragile, Cam too.
I want another book featuring Cam and Jo! Ten more books!
February 3, 2015
**Be Mine Forever generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
5 "You're Here." Stars
What you wait for years on a man to reciprocate your deepest desires knowing he might never? Are the most tortured walking amongst us in plain sight or hidden in the shadows?
Be Mine Forever comes as the third contemporary romance book in The Bennett's Saga by Kennedy Ryan, the main characters of which are different from the previous two books. I would not recommend reading this title as a stand alone as you'd miss so much history and back story vital to Cam and Jo's fight for love.
Kennedy Ryan writes tough love stories. The journey to love for her characters wrought with hard choices, forgiveness, self-deprecation, and acceptance. Drawing the reader into the story effortlessly, Ryan shows us an unrequited love story through deep personal revelations, drama, and intense passion with a plot continuously moving. I read this book over the course of 24 hours unable to tear myself away from the the tortured soul of Cameron Mitchell and the light shining from Jo Walsh.
Having met both these characters in the previous two books, I came into Be Mine Forever with preconceived notions about each of them. In an effort to keep this review spoiler-free I won't reveal everything I felt but I will say Cameron had a lot to give me. I wanted Be Mine Forever for Jo. Within the first chapter Kennedy Ryan had my feelings changed and within the first six chapters I fell in love. With the story, with the characters, with the plot.
Cameron Mitchell struggles within himself every single day. Reading the first two books you don't feel the depth of his darkness, here you feel down to your very soul. He's sweet, he's charming, he's witty, he's a dream in this book - a dream laced with shadows violently greying his colorful world. Jo Walsh seemingly surrounds herself in color. Incredibly strong, classy, honest, beautiful, witty, and brilliant - the world at her fingertips - she works hard to preserve her family's traditions. She's worked for half her life to make Cam see the good in himself and the great he gives to her. Jo Walsh is one of my favorite heroines because she is exactly who she says she is, wearing her heart on her sleeve - begging for the love Cam makes her feel in her own soul.
We see all the previous characters make an appearance one way or another reminding us the importance of them all and the love they hold for one another. Walsh and Kerris's story has progressed and through Jo and Cam's eyes we get to witness it in a whole new, cleansing way.
This book made me laugh, it made me hurt, it made my heart pound, it exposed vulnerabilities from the reader just as it did with the main characters. This book gave me what I love most - I tragically beautiful love story. The reminder all beautiful love isn't easy, the road to trust and forgiveness and acceptance starts with yourself and giving that someone who doesn't their own value will eventually be a most treasured gift.
Be Mine Forever exceeded my expectations greatly in the characters, in the plot, even Ms. Ryan's writing was sharper and while poignant, hopeful at the same time. This a series worth reading and book three is a can't miss.
Favorite Quotes:
"I grew up in hell, and I've lived my whole life ... not quite sure. You are the safest place I've ever known."
"And then I hope you can clear your calendar because I'll probably fuck you into next week."
"...but he had always been first with Jo."
My reviews for the first two book of The Bennett's Series:
When You Are Mine
Loving You Always
January 23, 2024
Spoilers ahead!
I think this may be the worst book in the series. I know it’s old so you could get away with a lot ten years ago but it didn’t sit right with me when Cam was talking about how his PTSD was making him handle women roughly during sex and instead of that being a major concern for Jo, it turned her on. I knew from there, this would be a deeply unserious book. The entire Bennett series seems to use child abuse as character development and in this case, it’s lazy.
The dialogue a bit immature but at least their relationship seems a bit more substantial than Kerris and Walsh’s maybe because they have nearly two decades of history and friendship. (also I despise the spelling of Brooklin and Harlim).
When Jo has a gun put to her head by Cam during a nightmare and it’s handled kinda casually, I spat. Cam is legitimately concerned and all Jo is worried about is being together. check that man into an in patient program, are you crazy?! She goes on to want to have SEX and it’s just a very disappointing turn of events. It’s toxic, low brow writing. Jo completely dissolves as a respectable female protagonist. She seems to disregard what danger she is in and it makes her seem like a naive loser. This cannot be the same woman that is saving all the orphans of the world. It can’t be.
If I didn’t have six more chapters, I’d DNF
The breakthrough therapy session scene we get is rushed and a band aid, the book may have been more interesting if we saw Cam work through therapy at Kerri’s’ suggestion. It wraps up quickly with a flat happy ending.
I think this may be the worst book in the series. I know it’s old so you could get away with a lot ten years ago but it didn’t sit right with me when Cam was talking about how his PTSD was making him handle women roughly during sex and instead of that being a major concern for Jo, it turned her on. I knew from there, this would be a deeply unserious book. The entire Bennett series seems to use child abuse as character development and in this case, it’s lazy.
The dialogue a bit immature but at least their relationship seems a bit more substantial than Kerris and Walsh’s maybe because they have nearly two decades of history and friendship. (also I despise the spelling of Brooklin and Harlim).
When Jo has a gun put to her head by Cam during a nightmare and it’s handled kinda casually, I spat. Cam is legitimately concerned and all Jo is worried about is being together. check that man into an in patient program, are you crazy?! She goes on to want to have SEX and it’s just a very disappointing turn of events. It’s toxic, low brow writing. Jo completely dissolves as a respectable female protagonist. She seems to disregard what danger she is in and it makes her seem like a naive loser. This cannot be the same woman that is saving all the orphans of the world. It can’t be.
If I didn’t have six more chapters, I’d DNF
The breakthrough therapy session scene we get is rushed and a band aid, the book may have been more interesting if we saw Cam work through therapy at Kerri’s’ suggestion. It wraps up quickly with a flat happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2017
I love the Bennett series. So freaking much. From the characters to their stories. Everything is perfection. Yes, this can be read as a standalone but I strongly recommend to start with the first book When You're Mine. I did and it only strengthened my love and connection to the characters even more.
Jo is my kind of woman. Loyal to the bone, strong and loving. Her love for Cam was forever. As a friend and as a confident. I'm so in awe of her strength. To put her love aside just to be his friend and see him happy was both heartbreaking and unbelievably beautiful.
Cam was so lost and broken. He kept his demons hidden away from Jo. Luckily their love was to powerful to keep them apart but their relationship wasn't safe from Cam's past.
Cam's love for Jo was all consuming and when they were together he just wanted to take of her. I loved every moment of them together. I was swooning!
Their journey wasn't easy and Kennedy Ryan made me feel what Jo and Cam did. From gut wrenching horror to sizzling hot passion. I can't rave enough about this book and series. It's the perfect romance filled with angst and well developed characters.
5 BadAssDirtySoulmateStars
Jo is my kind of woman. Loyal to the bone, strong and loving. Her love for Cam was forever. As a friend and as a confident. I'm so in awe of her strength. To put her love aside just to be his friend and see him happy was both heartbreaking and unbelievably beautiful.
Cam was so lost and broken. He kept his demons hidden away from Jo. Luckily their love was to powerful to keep them apart but their relationship wasn't safe from Cam's past.
Cam's love for Jo was all consuming and when they were together he just wanted to take of her. I loved every moment of them together. I was swooning!
Their journey wasn't easy and Kennedy Ryan made me feel what Jo and Cam did. From gut wrenching horror to sizzling hot passion. I can't rave enough about this book and series. It's the perfect romance filled with angst and well developed characters.
5 BadAssDirtySoulmateStars
February 2, 2025
I can't finish this series I need something new
April 1, 2020
Soooooo, I absolutely loved book 1 and 2 of this series - they read as a duet. This book 3 which I thought was going to be a series continuation....abruptly halted into it's own standalone after the first chapter, which was fine. BUT, I just could not form any connection to Jo and Cam being together - it was nada, zilch feels for me. So I did a lot of skimming and avoiding, and finally just forced myself to finish. But I just didn't love them. Not sure I'll pick up the 4th book. I'm satisfied with what I get from the first 2 books!
February 27, 2015
I have been converted!! I will now #ComeForCam anytime, anywhere ;) Ok….let me back up a second. Be Mine Forever by Kennedy Ryan is book 3 in the Bennett Family Series. Although it can be read as a stand alone, why would you do something so silly?? Please….read When You Are Mine and Loving You Always first, this way you will truly have an understanding of the whole story :) That being said….let’s get to the good stuff.
One sitting….that is all it took for me to devour this book. I am a huge fan of this series and its characters, yet I was skeptical going into book 3, Cam’s story. It is no secret that I have not been a fan of his, but as I just mentioned, I have been converted.
Cam, oh Cam how you have changed me. It took awhile, yes. Even through some of this book I still did NOT care for you and I did NOT see what Jo saw in you. How she pined for you all those years. You were rude, dark & brooding, and downright nasty at times. Well now I see why, I understand all that angst, running, hiding….everything. Oh I’m not going to give anything away here…you need to find out for yourself just how I made a 180 on the CamTrain.
I can say that Jo is the best thing to ever happen to him. She is so strong, independent and funny. She tells it like it is with him once and for all….she wants him and wow…just WOW when she finally lets him know. My heart ached for her knowing that Cam was still hiding his past, I couldn’t imagine what she was feeling.
“He knew her as well as she knew him, and yet he carried so much mystery. His eyes harbored it. And she knew, even though he hadn’t shared yet, that his dreams kept his secrets.”
Cam and Jo being together was so natural. They had been best friends, family even for years and years. They know each other inside out and when they finally succumb to their desires….get a fan because it, is, H-O-T!
“He wanted to crawl into every hole, wanted to lick every crevice, wanted to claim every inch of this perfect body. To erase every trace of any man who had the nerve to come before him. He was fucking feral about this woman and she had no idea.”
They share good times and bad, they share memories and fears. The way that Kennedy Ryan weaves this story is brilliant. Her writing is beautiful and this story is now my favorite of the three. This series has not let me down in any way! All that’s left to say is… I’ll be your closet Cam xoxo
One sitting….that is all it took for me to devour this book. I am a huge fan of this series and its characters, yet I was skeptical going into book 3, Cam’s story. It is no secret that I have not been a fan of his, but as I just mentioned, I have been converted.
Cam, oh Cam how you have changed me. It took awhile, yes. Even through some of this book I still did NOT care for you and I did NOT see what Jo saw in you. How she pined for you all those years. You were rude, dark & brooding, and downright nasty at times. Well now I see why, I understand all that angst, running, hiding….everything. Oh I’m not going to give anything away here…you need to find out for yourself just how I made a 180 on the CamTrain.
I can say that Jo is the best thing to ever happen to him. She is so strong, independent and funny. She tells it like it is with him once and for all….she wants him and wow…just WOW when she finally lets him know. My heart ached for her knowing that Cam was still hiding his past, I couldn’t imagine what she was feeling.
“He knew her as well as she knew him, and yet he carried so much mystery. His eyes harbored it. And she knew, even though he hadn’t shared yet, that his dreams kept his secrets.”
Cam and Jo being together was so natural. They had been best friends, family even for years and years. They know each other inside out and when they finally succumb to their desires….get a fan because it, is, H-O-T!
“He wanted to crawl into every hole, wanted to lick every crevice, wanted to claim every inch of this perfect body. To erase every trace of any man who had the nerve to come before him. He was fucking feral about this woman and she had no idea.”
They share good times and bad, they share memories and fears. The way that Kennedy Ryan weaves this story is brilliant. Her writing is beautiful and this story is now my favorite of the three. This series has not let me down in any way! All that’s left to say is… I’ll be your closet Cam xoxo
May 20, 2025
3.5/5 stars
I loved seeing Cam finally get his story and find out more about him. It was heartbreaking in so many ways and I really enjoyed their romance. The found family aspect in this is also done really well.
I loved seeing Cam finally get his story and find out more about him. It was heartbreaking in so many ways and I really enjoyed their romance. The found family aspect in this is also done really well.
May 29, 2021
This book was pure, heartbreaking magic. Cam, who we know from the first two books, finally shares his story and very damaged past. Jo, this woman, full of fierce love and tender vulnerability. This couple was magic, their love was powerful, their HEA was so satisfying. This book feels like Kennedy had fully realized her writing power for the first time. I LOVED it.
TW for child molestation, drug abuse, death of a parent, sexual assault
TW for child molestation, drug abuse, death of a parent, sexual assault
February 3, 2015
*An ARC was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
NOTE: This is the full and thorough review and it might contain spoilers.
Did you read that right? SPOILERS.
Kennedy Ryan has done it again. With the first two books of this series, she has effortlessly ruined me by unleashing every human emotion I am capable of feeling. She scarred but she healed, she wrecked but she built, she made me cry but she made me so happy, she broke my heart but she glued it together, she gave me pain but she also gave me happily-ever-afters.
From the very moment I met Cameron Mitchell on WYAM and LYA, he had my heart. I’ve waited so long for his story and when I finally had it in my hands (aka my Kindle), I wanted to relish that moment with him. And my, the story effortlessly took me out of the world—again.
I think one of Kennedy Ryan's powers as a writer is the ability to draw readers in the story and make them part of the characters’ lives. I read the story with such familiarity with Jo, Cam, Walsh, and Kerris as if I was part of the family and knew exactly what they meant when they shared private jokes and said stuffs with double meanings. Her characters are so alive, real, and they definitely know how to mark themselves in a reader’s mind.
She knew how to demolish him.
I loved Jo's strength as a heroine. She was sure, composed, honest, frank, and the epitome of courage. But behind that facade is a soft, loving woman whose dream was to be loved back by the man she’s loved for seventeen years. That was Jo’s strength—her capability to give unconditional love. Something broken, pained, and damaged Cam needed in his life.
Cam had a special talent for ruining beautiful things. Like the dark, beautiful images he painted on the sides of condemned buildings, destined for the wrecking ball. He was the wrecking ball.
Cam was a man of the present trapped in his dark and painful past. That darkness was holding him back from the light that he saw in Jo’s existence. He was haunted by the memory of a man who molested him when he was ten and the brutal flashbacks caused him to exhibit bad behaviours, at one time, even holding a gun to Jo’s head. Reading about it felt like I experienced it and there were times when I had to close my eyes and steady my breathing because the pain was slashing brutally in my chest. It was that affective.
“I should know these things.”
“I don’t know every detail of your life. No one does.”
“These are not details, Cam. These are essentials. I want your essentials.”
Together, they sparked a flame of love, passion, and longing that existed for so long but has never been acknowledged. They were two very different people from two very different worlds, but they filled each other’s void like no other person in the world can. I loved how they knew each other so much that they finish each other’s sentences. I loved how deep they knew each other, sharing unspoken truths that no one shared except the two of them. I loved how Jo had no fear of Cam, taunting him for the truth even after Cam built his walls so strongly. I loved how she was willing to do everything to climb up those walls just to be with him, and how Cam tried to break his own walls just to be with her.
All her emotions—hurt and hope, fear and disappointment—lay trapped beneath a thick layer of ice. Drowning.
When I started reading, I prepared myself for an emotional wreck I will go through. Kennedy Ryan did that to me on the first two books and I'm sure she won't take mercy on this third one but God, I was already sobbing like a baby at 16% of the story. 16%! That’s not even a close to half of the book. But she didn’t stop there. I was also sobbing at 27% and then when I reach 50%, I declared myself emotionally wrecked. Kennedy Ryan knows pain and how it could consume a person. She knew feelings too, because she could awaken them, play with them, even. She will make you feel and she will make it last.
What was so great about light? Light exposed. It hurt your eyes. It showed your flaws. And your scars.
The story tackled the issue of PTSD on Cam’s traumatic childhood. I've read stories of characters like Cam in other romance novels. I've cried for them and rose through the pain with them. But this book brought me deeper. It dared to go deeper. Into Cam's thoughts, into his pain, his strength, and his past. Up until reading this book, I realized other books tackled the surface of the effect of such trauma to a person. This one right here took you to the experience itself. Mixed with the writer's amazing prowess, you will experience with Cam, feel Cam's pain and fight with Cam. This story did not romanticize with the sheer purpose of pleasing readers. It spoke of truth--brutal, honest, but free. It allowed the characters to tell their story, placing readers in a situation that won’t just let them read, it will let them experience.
NOTE: This is the full and thorough review and it might contain spoilers.
Did you read that right? SPOILERS.
Kennedy Ryan has done it again. With the first two books of this series, she has effortlessly ruined me by unleashing every human emotion I am capable of feeling. She scarred but she healed, she wrecked but she built, she made me cry but she made me so happy, she broke my heart but she glued it together, she gave me pain but she also gave me happily-ever-afters.
From the very moment I met Cameron Mitchell on WYAM and LYA, he had my heart. I’ve waited so long for his story and when I finally had it in my hands (aka my Kindle), I wanted to relish that moment with him. And my, the story effortlessly took me out of the world—again.
I think one of Kennedy Ryan's powers as a writer is the ability to draw readers in the story and make them part of the characters’ lives. I read the story with such familiarity with Jo, Cam, Walsh, and Kerris as if I was part of the family and knew exactly what they meant when they shared private jokes and said stuffs with double meanings. Her characters are so alive, real, and they definitely know how to mark themselves in a reader’s mind.
She knew how to demolish him.
I loved Jo's strength as a heroine. She was sure, composed, honest, frank, and the epitome of courage. But behind that facade is a soft, loving woman whose dream was to be loved back by the man she’s loved for seventeen years. That was Jo’s strength—her capability to give unconditional love. Something broken, pained, and damaged Cam needed in his life.
Cam had a special talent for ruining beautiful things. Like the dark, beautiful images he painted on the sides of condemned buildings, destined for the wrecking ball. He was the wrecking ball.
Cam was a man of the present trapped in his dark and painful past. That darkness was holding him back from the light that he saw in Jo’s existence. He was haunted by the memory of a man who molested him when he was ten and the brutal flashbacks caused him to exhibit bad behaviours, at one time, even holding a gun to Jo’s head. Reading about it felt like I experienced it and there were times when I had to close my eyes and steady my breathing because the pain was slashing brutally in my chest. It was that affective.
“I should know these things.”
“I don’t know every detail of your life. No one does.”
“These are not details, Cam. These are essentials. I want your essentials.”
Together, they sparked a flame of love, passion, and longing that existed for so long but has never been acknowledged. They were two very different people from two very different worlds, but they filled each other’s void like no other person in the world can. I loved how they knew each other so much that they finish each other’s sentences. I loved how deep they knew each other, sharing unspoken truths that no one shared except the two of them. I loved how Jo had no fear of Cam, taunting him for the truth even after Cam built his walls so strongly. I loved how she was willing to do everything to climb up those walls just to be with him, and how Cam tried to break his own walls just to be with her.
All her emotions—hurt and hope, fear and disappointment—lay trapped beneath a thick layer of ice. Drowning.
When I started reading, I prepared myself for an emotional wreck I will go through. Kennedy Ryan did that to me on the first two books and I'm sure she won't take mercy on this third one but God, I was already sobbing like a baby at 16% of the story. 16%! That’s not even a close to half of the book. But she didn’t stop there. I was also sobbing at 27% and then when I reach 50%, I declared myself emotionally wrecked. Kennedy Ryan knows pain and how it could consume a person. She knew feelings too, because she could awaken them, play with them, even. She will make you feel and she will make it last.
What was so great about light? Light exposed. It hurt your eyes. It showed your flaws. And your scars.
The story tackled the issue of PTSD on Cam’s traumatic childhood. I've read stories of characters like Cam in other romance novels. I've cried for them and rose through the pain with them. But this book brought me deeper. It dared to go deeper. Into Cam's thoughts, into his pain, his strength, and his past. Up until reading this book, I realized other books tackled the surface of the effect of such trauma to a person. This one right here took you to the experience itself. Mixed with the writer's amazing prowess, you will experience with Cam, feel Cam's pain and fight with Cam. This story did not romanticize with the sheer purpose of pleasing readers. It spoke of truth--brutal, honest, but free. It allowed the characters to tell their story, placing readers in a situation that won’t just let them read, it will let them experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2024
I def liked this a lot more than the first 2 in the series
November 30, 2024
Why 6 stars?
Immediate 5 stars if I cry, and 6 if I cry more than once!
Format:
📖 Paper book & 📱 Kindle
Ratings:
Overall: 6/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 6/5
Ending: 6/5
🚨 Trigger Warnings: 🚨
- Self harm
- Child abuse & neglect
- Child molestation
- Drug use
- Death
- PTSD/trauma
Summary:
Book 3 of The Bennett Series that follows Joanne Elizabeth Walsh and Cameron Mitchell's story (y'all know I love a whole name LOL).
In this book we learn more about the trauma that Cam experienced as a child and how that affects the man he is today. We also experience more of Jo in her element as a strong business woman who learned so many lessons from her Aunt Kris; but also a kind, compassionate, loving and beautiful person inside and out.
What I Loved:
- The love that these two human being have shared for one another since they were CHILDREN unfolded in such a beautiful way
- My heart ached for both of them throughout the book, was shattered into a million pieces then Gorilla glued back together
- This was by far the book I related to the most in the series. I'm not sure if I'm prepared for book 4
Memorable Quotes:
- Your viewers can go f*ck themselves.
- Anyone ever tell you that you're bossy? Yeah, I told them to shut up or I'd fire them.
- Meet my third party. Dr. Jack Daniel's.
- You knit? That's kind of hot old lady.
- Remember I said I was going to worship you? I was wrong. I think the first time I'm gonna have to f*ck you.
- I grew up in hell, and I've lived my whole life...not quite sure. You are the safest place I've ever known.
- Did I mention that I'm in love with you?
- Is this still mine? Is your heart still in my hands?
- Page 252-253, just...the whole thing!
- The scars on her wrist told him she hadn't always been quick to laugh, and sometimes, she might laugh so she wouldn't cry
- She took care of everyone else, and for some reason, he was the only one she ever allowed to take care of her.
- No, I'm one of those guys who will beat the living shit out of any preppy d*ckhead who thinks he can steal my girl.
- No on else protects you. You have to protect yourself.
- And from now on, you have a hard day, you come to me. I'll be your closet.
- When you've run in the dark for so many years, you relish the light and love every day in the sun
TikToks:
https://www.tiktok.com/@beeanca411/vi...
https://www.tiktok.com/@beeanca411/vi...
https://www.tiktok.com/@beeanca411/vi...
https://www.tiktok.com/@beeanca411/vi...
January 31, 2015
This is my first book from this author, and I absolutely love it! She has a unique writing style that draws you in and keeps your attention from beginning to end. This book earns a definite five stars from me.
Jo Walsh, is a kick ass heroine. She is a no nonsense, doesn't take crap from anyone kind of girl. She is strong willed, speaks her mind, and gives as good as she gets. She has been in love with Cam for forever and has been watching from the sidelines with her unrequited love.
Cameron (Cam) Mitchell is our tortured hero. He is a good guy that has been dealt some very crappy cards in life. He has a dark, painful past that still haunts him. He sees and knows of Jo's love, but doesn't think he is good enough for her.
We read about them in this third book by Kennedy Ryan. We watch their struggles and root for them. We will fall hopelessly in love with Cam.
Ms. Ryan did an amazing job with the topics this book touches. A lot of times, an author will go a bit overboard, and instead of getting the point across. Instead, I will be completely put off. On to of that, our characters are well developed with the right touch of flaws. Add that to the perfect amount of angst and you've got yourself a win win book! I recommend one clicking this baby when it goes live!
*I WAS GIVEN AN ARC BY NET GALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
Jo Walsh, is a kick ass heroine. She is a no nonsense, doesn't take crap from anyone kind of girl. She is strong willed, speaks her mind, and gives as good as she gets. She has been in love with Cam for forever and has been watching from the sidelines with her unrequited love.
Cameron (Cam) Mitchell is our tortured hero. He is a good guy that has been dealt some very crappy cards in life. He has a dark, painful past that still haunts him. He sees and knows of Jo's love, but doesn't think he is good enough for her.
We read about them in this third book by Kennedy Ryan. We watch their struggles and root for them. We will fall hopelessly in love with Cam.
Ms. Ryan did an amazing job with the topics this book touches. A lot of times, an author will go a bit overboard, and instead of getting the point across. Instead, I will be completely put off. On to of that, our characters are well developed with the right touch of flaws. Add that to the perfect amount of angst and you've got yourself a win win book! I recommend one clicking this baby when it goes live!
*I WAS GIVEN AN ARC BY NET GALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
April 20, 2020
What an angst fest!
March 28, 2025
This was so heavy and heartbreaking and I loved it.
May 29, 2025
3.5 Stars......I enjoyed this one more than the 1st duet in the series. The relationship between Cam and Jo was more organic. They had a history and were really great together. My only issue was the way the ending was handled. I'm glad Cam made the decision to get help but I really didn't like the way Jo handled it. He asked for time and space to heal, which was understandable considering all the trauma he had been thru. Jo was a bit inconsiderate and I felt like no1 gave Cam the support he needed.
February 26, 2015
Yes! Yes! It was all I could do to keep from screaming! What an incredible love story this is! Omg! Yes this book ended the way I'd hoped that it would, with some incredible twists, of course.
If you've read Book 1-When You Are Mine & Book 2-Loving You Always then you know the road that Jo and Cam have been on or not on for 17 years. If you haven't read them, you can still love, respect and enjoy their journey in this book.
What she has done with these characters is tear-stinging-the-corners-of-my-eyes brilliant. There are moments I wanted to throw my kindle, moments I wanted to scream "but she loves you" "but he loves you!" It's not your average mushy love story. There is both darkness and light.
All I can say is Cameron Mitchell's character was developed to the max! Well done Kennedy Ryan!!! I highly recommend this as a five-star read!!!
If you've read Book 1-When You Are Mine & Book 2-Loving You Always then you know the road that Jo and Cam have been on or not on for 17 years. If you haven't read them, you can still love, respect and enjoy their journey in this book.
What she has done with these characters is tear-stinging-the-corners-of-my-eyes brilliant. There are moments I wanted to throw my kindle, moments I wanted to scream "but she loves you" "but he loves you!" It's not your average mushy love story. There is both darkness and light.
All I can say is Cameron Mitchell's character was developed to the max! Well done Kennedy Ryan!!! I highly recommend this as a five-star read!!!
Want to read
October 2, 2014OMFG THERE'S A BOOK 3 I CAN'T I CAN'T I CAN'T OMFGGGgGGGG
January 16, 2015
My laptop crapped the bed so I can only copy and paste the link to my blog where I wrote the review http://heather-andrews.blogspot.com/2...
February 25, 2024
I jumped out of my skin when I ripped the brown paper to shreds and your name peaked out at me from a pink cover as my Blind Date with a book for Valentines Day. Thank you so much @jonathanballpublishers .
What a treat!!! It turns out Kennedy and I, Jo and Cam doubled up for love day.
I found myself in New York City I know, again. Maybe I need to find myself an apartment here soon. I seem to be hobo-ing around corners. Any suggestions? Okay, wait let me introduce you to my new friends - Cameron Mitchell the inegmatic Graffiti artist and Jo Walsh the powerhouse boss lady heiress.
Jo has loved this man longer than some marriages last. Cam has well skirted around the feelings his known runs deeper than most friendships go. One weird request from his best friend brings them face to face and a little vulnerable. Cam has nowhere to run and Jo nowhere hide when somehow they end up sharing an apartment and all either of them can imagine is the other one naked.
As you can imagine the apartment no matter how many square feet was much too small to house all the thoughts and feelings either of them had words for.
Cam is stuck in the dark when Jo takes his hand and forcefully drags him into the light where the rest of their lives wait.
It's a beautiful book. I really enjoyed it. Shout out to the person who picked this book for me 🙋🏽♀️
Go get it.
Full review on my blog ✌🏽
Have a great Sunday, Love Cece xx
What a treat!!! It turns out Kennedy and I, Jo and Cam doubled up for love day.
I found myself in New York City I know, again. Maybe I need to find myself an apartment here soon. I seem to be hobo-ing around corners. Any suggestions? Okay, wait let me introduce you to my new friends - Cameron Mitchell the inegmatic Graffiti artist and Jo Walsh the powerhouse boss lady heiress.
Jo has loved this man longer than some marriages last. Cam has well skirted around the feelings his known runs deeper than most friendships go. One weird request from his best friend brings them face to face and a little vulnerable. Cam has nowhere to run and Jo nowhere hide when somehow they end up sharing an apartment and all either of them can imagine is the other one naked.
As you can imagine the apartment no matter how many square feet was much too small to house all the thoughts and feelings either of them had words for.
Cam is stuck in the dark when Jo takes his hand and forcefully drags him into the light where the rest of their lives wait.
It's a beautiful book. I really enjoyed it. Shout out to the person who picked this book for me 🙋🏽♀️
Go get it.
Full review on my blog ✌🏽
Have a great Sunday, Love Cece xx
February 22, 2019
Spectacular!
All the feels. I loved these characters and their journey.
Beautifully written with some tough topics and also some important topics.
I just finished and my mind and heart is still in their world. I'll come back with hopefully a good review for Jo and Cam ❤
All the feels. I loved these characters and their journey.
Beautifully written with some tough topics and also some important topics.
I just finished and my mind and heart is still in their world. I'll come back with hopefully a good review for Jo and Cam ❤
December 14, 2019
A good but sombre story with a hea I liked it a lot.
February 19, 2015
Eeeeep! Kennedy breaks my heart every damn time. Thank you so much.
Review can also be found here: http://www.hopelessbooklovers.com/blo...
My love for Kennedy Ryan reaches the skies, even the universes that we don’t know yet. Her latest book came out and before it even came out I already wanted it so badly.
We meet Cam and Jo in the previous books, in Walsh and Kerris’ love story. Cam was Kerris’ husband for a while and Jo was Walsh’s cousin. Between When You Are Mine and Loving You Always, so MANY THINGS HAPPENED I ALMOST LOST MY HEAD. AND MY HEART. If you want to know how everything went down and how Cam came to be the person he is in Be Mine Forever, read the previous two books.
I wasn’t very “in love” with Cam before BMF. With everything that happened in those books, I was not really thrilled, if you want to say it like that, to see him again. But as always Kennedy changes my mind with those AMAZING TEASERS TUESDAYS and you know what? Cam’s story needed to be said for you to understand him and why he was that way. I didn’t even think about it in the first two books, about all the hardship Cam went through and all of his demons inside of him.
Be Mine Forever is the story of Cam and Jo. Friends turned lovers. /cough MY FAVE TYPE OF ROMANCE. Jo has been in love for Cam for some time… MANY YEARS. I don’t even know how Jo does it. I love her. She’s such a model to follow in her footsteps. Everything she does, she does it to do good and her actions speak louder. All throughout the book, I fell in love with Jo a little bit more until I just wanted to give her a hug and tell her everything was going to be okay.
WARNING: There are some parts in Cam’s flashbacks that are intense and I felt sad and horrible in Cam’s place. If you can’t handle violence, I do not recommend you to read this. I don’t want to spoil anything by putting this but I think it needs to be said. I mean if you go and read it and find those scenes not quite what you want, then that would be so bad for you and I don’t want to cause you any displeasing or Kennedy. Because she writes her books for people to feel happy. And this book is Cam and Jo’s happiness.
So yeah there’s lots of ups and downs but definitely worth the wait.
Review can also be found here: http://www.hopelessbooklovers.com/blo...
My love for Kennedy Ryan reaches the skies, even the universes that we don’t know yet. Her latest book came out and before it even came out I already wanted it so badly.
We meet Cam and Jo in the previous books, in Walsh and Kerris’ love story. Cam was Kerris’ husband for a while and Jo was Walsh’s cousin. Between When You Are Mine and Loving You Always, so MANY THINGS HAPPENED I ALMOST LOST MY HEAD. AND MY HEART. If you want to know how everything went down and how Cam came to be the person he is in Be Mine Forever, read the previous two books.
I wasn’t very “in love” with Cam before BMF. With everything that happened in those books, I was not really thrilled, if you want to say it like that, to see him again. But as always Kennedy changes my mind with those AMAZING TEASERS TUESDAYS and you know what? Cam’s story needed to be said for you to understand him and why he was that way. I didn’t even think about it in the first two books, about all the hardship Cam went through and all of his demons inside of him.
Be Mine Forever is the story of Cam and Jo. Friends turned lovers. /cough MY FAVE TYPE OF ROMANCE. Jo has been in love for Cam for some time… MANY YEARS. I don’t even know how Jo does it. I love her. She’s such a model to follow in her footsteps. Everything she does, she does it to do good and her actions speak louder. All throughout the book, I fell in love with Jo a little bit more until I just wanted to give her a hug and tell her everything was going to be okay.
WARNING: There are some parts in Cam’s flashbacks that are intense and I felt sad and horrible in Cam’s place. If you can’t handle violence, I do not recommend you to read this. I don’t want to spoil anything by putting this but I think it needs to be said. I mean if you go and read it and find those scenes not quite what you want, then that would be so bad for you and I don’t want to cause you any displeasing or Kennedy. Because she writes her books for people to feel happy. And this book is Cam and Jo’s happiness.
So yeah there’s lots of ups and downs but definitely worth the wait.
September 19, 2015
4 1/2 stars!
This truly has become one of my favourite series. The writing is wonderful, emotional, articulate, intelligent. Heartfelt and romantic.
I loved catching up with favourite characters, this time it was Jo and Cam. It was great getting inside Cam's heartbreaking head, but for me, Jo steals the show. She is the kind of strong, smart heroine that I love to read. She has been in love with Cam most of her life. She wants him. But she doesn't need him.
I felt the first two books had a lot more intensity, but still, I adored this, and consumed it quickly. I finished the epilogue with a huge smile on my face, wanting to hug my iPad. My heart was full.
This truly has become one of my favourite series. The writing is wonderful, emotional, articulate, intelligent. Heartfelt and romantic.
I loved catching up with favourite characters, this time it was Jo and Cam. It was great getting inside Cam's heartbreaking head, but for me, Jo steals the show. She is the kind of strong, smart heroine that I love to read. She has been in love with Cam most of her life. She wants him. But she doesn't need him.
I felt the first two books had a lot more intensity, but still, I adored this, and consumed it quickly. I finished the epilogue with a huge smile on my face, wanting to hug my iPad. My heart was full.
December 30, 2024
"Be Mine Forever" by Kennedy Ryan is a heartfelt, emotionally charged romance novel that beautifully explores the complexities of love and relationships. Ryan weaves a compelling story that delves into the characters' vulnerabilities and celebrates the strength found in genuine connection. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, adding depth and intensity to the narrative. The author skillfully navigates themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience, making the reader root for the characters' happiness. With its engaging plot and well-developed characters, "Be Mine Forever" is a captivating read for those who enjoy the mix of passion and emotional depth found in romance novels.
January 12, 2024
The only reason I've continued this series for this long despite not enjoying it, is that it's Kennedy Ryan and I want to trust her. This installment did show more potential for me than the first two books. I really dislike Cam as a character, but if I had cared about him, I would have probably enjoyed this romance quite a bit. In this book there was still too much drama without the care I've come to expect from Kennedy Ryan, though.
nope
April 21, 2024So you’re telling me that Cam has his own book after I just read about him sexually coercing his wife in book one??? Ain’t no way. WHY IS EVERYONE GLANCING OVER THAT?!? WHY IS NO ONE MENTIONING IT?? AM I CRAZY?????!!!
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