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Forever My Lady
Dio Rodriguez grew up on the streets and knew all too well the hard, cool feeling of the barrel of a gun tucked down the back of his jeans. But his hard exterior softened when he met Jennifer. Jennifer understands Dio like no one else and makes him want to be a better man. Suddenly a drive-by shooting lands Dio in a prison boot camp and sends Jennifer to the hospital. When Dio learns that Jennifer is pregnant, he realizes that he must find a way to turn his life around and return to his lady. But can trainee Rodriguez get his act together among the hardcases in prison? And will Jennifer be waiting for him if and when he does?
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
34 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Rivera
45 books70 followersJeff Rivera is an author and inspirational media personality. He has appeared on national television, radio and print in such outlets as Forbes.com, The Boston Globe, Publishers Weekly, Right On! Magazine, Rotarian Magazine, TMZ, WABC, WNBC, WCBS, SITV, American Latino and NPR.
He also writes or has written for Mediabistro, GalleyCat, Publishing Perspectives, Digital Book World, Examiner, American Chronicle, School Library Journal and the Huffington Post and has been invited to speak and inspire groups all over the world from South Carolina to Nigeria. He has been on panel discussions for The Library Journal, Authors Guild, the Harlem Book Fair and many others.
He is known to have broken the news that Seth Godin was ditching traditional publishing which lead to mentions on hundreds of blogs and media outlets including The LA Times, Fast Company, and New York Observer. His news break that Jackie Collins would be self-publishing the US-version of her eBook lead to mentions in The Bookseller, The Guardian, USA Today and hundreds of other outlets.
His humble beginnings of living in American poverty on welfare and food stamps as the child of a single mother, to his days living in his car and final rise to becoming a published author, journalist and media personality have inspired many.
Rivera created a massive online following before the eBook revolution even existed. He was able to land an agent and a book deal with Warner Books (now known as Grand Central Publishing) within 7 days. He has used the knowledge he gained from this experience to help coach his clients on social media campaigns and has helped over 100 clients take the first step in landing an agent too.
He also writes or has written for Mediabistro, GalleyCat, Publishing Perspectives, Digital Book World, Examiner, American Chronicle, School Library Journal and the Huffington Post and has been invited to speak and inspire groups all over the world from South Carolina to Nigeria. He has been on panel discussions for The Library Journal, Authors Guild, the Harlem Book Fair and many others.
He is known to have broken the news that Seth Godin was ditching traditional publishing which lead to mentions on hundreds of blogs and media outlets including The LA Times, Fast Company, and New York Observer. His news break that Jackie Collins would be self-publishing the US-version of her eBook lead to mentions in The Bookseller, The Guardian, USA Today and hundreds of other outlets.
His humble beginnings of living in American poverty on welfare and food stamps as the child of a single mother, to his days living in his car and final rise to becoming a published author, journalist and media personality have inspired many.
Rivera created a massive online following before the eBook revolution even existed. He was able to land an agent and a book deal with Warner Books (now known as Grand Central Publishing) within 7 days. He has used the knowledge he gained from this experience to help coach his clients on social media campaigns and has helped over 100 clients take the first step in landing an agent too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 10, 2009
Real World Romance From A Man's Perspective
I liked Forever My Lady by Jeff Rivera, because it's not your typical romance. It's about Dio, a Latino gang member called Playboy, whose girlfriend, Jennifer, got shot six times in a drive by shooting meant for him. He was sent to prison boot camp and Jennifer was in the hospital. It's a good story about his struggles at boot camp and how he matured and learned to become a responsible citizen that Jennifer would want to marry. He thinks about her constantly and thinking about their future together is what keeps him going and motivates him to become a better person. The reader learns much about their relationship through the letters they exchange while he is detained. The warning label on the book which says "Parental Guidance, Explicit Language, Adult Situations" almost scared me off but I'm glad I read it. It has a bitter sweet ending. I came to like Dio and pulled for him throughout most of the book. I highly recommend this to both men, women and young adults.
I liked Forever My Lady by Jeff Rivera, because it's not your typical romance. It's about Dio, a Latino gang member called Playboy, whose girlfriend, Jennifer, got shot six times in a drive by shooting meant for him. He was sent to prison boot camp and Jennifer was in the hospital. It's a good story about his struggles at boot camp and how he matured and learned to become a responsible citizen that Jennifer would want to marry. He thinks about her constantly and thinking about their future together is what keeps him going and motivates him to become a better person. The reader learns much about their relationship through the letters they exchange while he is detained. The warning label on the book which says "Parental Guidance, Explicit Language, Adult Situations" almost scared me off but I'm glad I read it. It has a bitter sweet ending. I came to like Dio and pulled for him throughout most of the book. I highly recommend this to both men, women and young adults.
August 18, 2017
I’m certain that I cannot say anything about Mr. Rivera’s first book that has not already been said, other than the fact that I could not put it down and read it in one sitting—very difficult for someone who begins to fidget after only a few minutes in a chair.
Through Jeff’s writing we watch Dio Rodriguez transform, with the help of some caring people, from Playboy, the player, to Dio, the adult, in a matter of months. Through his thoughts and his letters to his jaina, Jennifer, we learn the process by which a young person who has been through emotional and physical abuse, and who has grown up with a gang as “family” overcomes all that, and learns how to deal with the disappointments and joys of life. All it takes for Dio to begin the journey is someone to believe he can do it by believing in himself, a lesson we should all learn.
Through Jeff’s writing we watch Dio Rodriguez transform, with the help of some caring people, from Playboy, the player, to Dio, the adult, in a matter of months. Through his thoughts and his letters to his jaina, Jennifer, we learn the process by which a young person who has been through emotional and physical abuse, and who has grown up with a gang as “family” overcomes all that, and learns how to deal with the disappointments and joys of life. All it takes for Dio to begin the journey is someone to believe he can do it by believing in himself, a lesson we should all learn.
June 28, 2012
Love, faith and hope was the glue to the pages of Forever my Lady. Dio Rodriguez was definitely a diamond in the ruff. Gang banging on the streets of the sin city Las Vegas Nevada almost costed him his life. Literally he had to shed alot of skin in order to become the man he was destined to be. He tried to survived his pride but losing the battle to serving time. The time he served was short but long considering the fact he never felt love other than his childhood sweethear Jennifer. Jennifer was the blood that pumped through his veins, she was by his side no matter what. Those promises were all he had to live on while trapped in a boot camp for a year. He learned tough love, patience and a mountain of faith while trapped inside himself and locked down mentally, physically and emotionally.
He learned how to be faithful by writing letters home to Jennifer and patiently waiting on her response. While waiting his trials and tribulations caused him to have will power and respect. Enough faith to dream big while behind bars. He kept his eyes on his prize of being an artist; until he was tested with the crash of his lifetime. Jennifer having dreams of her own while fighting a recovery from a drive by shooting. She dreamed of being a superstar, a wife and a mother. She and Dio had high hopes but in her mind it was two different roads. Dio kept his heart set on just that. While in boot camp he learned how to be a big brother to his cell mates something that he couldn't be with his own brother Daniel. He learned how to respect a male figure something that he didn't do with his own father and learned how to love a mother figure someone that he hated with all his heart, but ultimately he believed.
The once hate he grew to love turned into unconditional love. Being locked up changed Dio's life forever. He kept Jennifer in his heart until the day he was release. He planned to take care of her and their family, he wanted so badly to be the man that he dreamed of. He changed, he loved and he believed in his dream. Although he learned very quick that his dreams were only for him to believe in. He had hope, faith and love. His world had ended in order to begin. He had no clue if Jennifer would be there on the other side of the gates or his mother waiting with open arms. Through it all he kept his eyes on his dreams. His dream of becoming an artist.
What did you like best about this book?
It was consistent the moral of the story was visible and it was realistic.
What did you dislike about this book?
It could have been longer.
How could the author improve this book?
Keep writing. Over all this book was a really good read. I enjoyed it. The author got the point across and it was parallel to real life.
He learned how to be faithful by writing letters home to Jennifer and patiently waiting on her response. While waiting his trials and tribulations caused him to have will power and respect. Enough faith to dream big while behind bars. He kept his eyes on his prize of being an artist; until he was tested with the crash of his lifetime. Jennifer having dreams of her own while fighting a recovery from a drive by shooting. She dreamed of being a superstar, a wife and a mother. She and Dio had high hopes but in her mind it was two different roads. Dio kept his heart set on just that. While in boot camp he learned how to be a big brother to his cell mates something that he couldn't be with his own brother Daniel. He learned how to respect a male figure something that he didn't do with his own father and learned how to love a mother figure someone that he hated with all his heart, but ultimately he believed.
The once hate he grew to love turned into unconditional love. Being locked up changed Dio's life forever. He kept Jennifer in his heart until the day he was release. He planned to take care of her and their family, he wanted so badly to be the man that he dreamed of. He changed, he loved and he believed in his dream. Although he learned very quick that his dreams were only for him to believe in. He had hope, faith and love. His world had ended in order to begin. He had no clue if Jennifer would be there on the other side of the gates or his mother waiting with open arms. Through it all he kept his eyes on his dreams. His dream of becoming an artist.
What did you like best about this book?
It was consistent the moral of the story was visible and it was realistic.
What did you dislike about this book?
It could have been longer.
How could the author improve this book?
Keep writing. Over all this book was a really good read. I enjoyed it. The author got the point across and it was parallel to real life.
September 6, 2014
I absolutely love this book
It's actually the book that got me back into reading.
My cousin received an autographed copy of this book from Jeff a few years back. I remember being there when she got it & seeing her all excited when she opened it. When I asked her what it was she told me she'd found this book just looking up pictures online and when she read the synopsis, wrote an email?? to Jeff asking for a copy. Well, the first thing I noticed was the beautiful cover, so I read the blurb and knew I had to read it. I immediately asked her if I could borrow it after she was done and she agreed.
This book is just amazing. Not only did I love the story, but I clicked with the characters right away. They were real to me, the emotions it brought out it me were real. It is so beautifully written. The way the characters transform, how they mature, It's realistic. Life isn't always easy, this books shows us that, but it also shows us that we have the power to change it.
In all honesty, this book met many hands. It was passed around to all our mutual friends, the ones that were in school with us anyway. We would also let them know it was at our local library in case they didn't want to wait for the current person to finish it. The book was lost eventually, I guess one of the girls really loved it. I bought my own copy, which sits proudly on one of my shelves.
Though, Mr. Jeff, the last words in that book were:
"To be continued..."
I'm still hopeful that there will be a second book. If not, well, I guess it's fine. Even though the ending ripped my heart out. lol. No, but I'm serious.
A must read.
It's actually the book that got me back into reading.
My cousin received an autographed copy of this book from Jeff a few years back. I remember being there when she got it & seeing her all excited when she opened it. When I asked her what it was she told me she'd found this book just looking up pictures online and when she read the synopsis, wrote an email?? to Jeff asking for a copy. Well, the first thing I noticed was the beautiful cover, so I read the blurb and knew I had to read it. I immediately asked her if I could borrow it after she was done and she agreed.
This book is just amazing. Not only did I love the story, but I clicked with the characters right away. They were real to me, the emotions it brought out it me were real. It is so beautifully written. The way the characters transform, how they mature, It's realistic. Life isn't always easy, this books shows us that, but it also shows us that we have the power to change it.
In all honesty, this book met many hands. It was passed around to all our mutual friends, the ones that were in school with us anyway. We would also let them know it was at our local library in case they didn't want to wait for the current person to finish it. The book was lost eventually, I guess one of the girls really loved it. I bought my own copy, which sits proudly on one of my shelves.
Though, Mr. Jeff, the last words in that book were:
"To be continued..."
I'm still hopeful that there will be a second book. If not, well, I guess it's fine. Even though the ending ripped my heart out. lol. No, but I'm serious.
A must read.
July 1, 2009
Hailed as the Book Pick of the Year by Mi Gente magazine and the Best Urban Fiction and new Author of the Year by Mahogany Book Club Media Review, Mr. Rivera's, "Forever My Love",is a modern-day tale of young love and betrayal.
Dio Rodriguez,aka Playboy,has no choice but to turn his life around if he wants to keep his lady, Jennifer Sanchez. They decide to run away from the slum of northeastern Las Vegas and pursue their dreams in Los Angeles. There is a drive-by shooting at the border which leaves Jennifer in the hospital and Dio in a prison boot camp for one year.
We follow Dio through the levels of boot camp as he faces daily ridicule and racism. The only thing that sustains him is knowing he has Jennifer's love. With the help of a strict drill instructor and the head of the kitchen, Dio faces his bad choices of the past and begins to rely on himself, turning his anger into manhood.
Jeff Rivera has written a loving story about people who have very little chance at succeeding in the world. Even his minor characters are full dimensional and in some way help to transform a boy into a man.
I would recommend this book to adults who would like to glimpse a life they may not be familiar with and most definitely, to teens. They will learn that bad choices affect their lives in ways they don't immediately see and give hope that if they have made similar bad choices, there is hope to change.
This is a very entertaining, well-written novel and I hope to hear more from Jeff Rivera.
Dio Rodriguez,aka Playboy,has no choice but to turn his life around if he wants to keep his lady, Jennifer Sanchez. They decide to run away from the slum of northeastern Las Vegas and pursue their dreams in Los Angeles. There is a drive-by shooting at the border which leaves Jennifer in the hospital and Dio in a prison boot camp for one year.
We follow Dio through the levels of boot camp as he faces daily ridicule and racism. The only thing that sustains him is knowing he has Jennifer's love. With the help of a strict drill instructor and the head of the kitchen, Dio faces his bad choices of the past and begins to rely on himself, turning his anger into manhood.
Jeff Rivera has written a loving story about people who have very little chance at succeeding in the world. Even his minor characters are full dimensional and in some way help to transform a boy into a man.
I would recommend this book to adults who would like to glimpse a life they may not be familiar with and most definitely, to teens. They will learn that bad choices affect their lives in ways they don't immediately see and give hope that if they have made similar bad choices, there is hope to change.
This is a very entertaining, well-written novel and I hope to hear more from Jeff Rivera.
March 30, 2012
I had a difficult time with this book. I absolutely loved the writing, and think that Jeff is very talented in bringing the reader right into the emotional turmoil Dio and Jennifer feel toward each other. Jeff gets the reader excited to see how Dio grows into the man we know he can be and the whole time you're hoping that Jennifer see's his growth too. What I had a hard time with was more of a personal battle. Most of the time when I was reading this, I was just irritated with Dio and his whining about his gang lifestyle. I kept thinking, "Dumbass, you made that choice, now live with the consequences and grow up." It took me talking with a friend who had actually experienced the gang lifestyle to truly appreciate the intricate depth of this book. Looking past my own blindness and into the deeper levels of family dynamics the gang lifestyle offers, I better understood where Dio was coming from, and therefore I appreciate his frustrated struggles.
I'd love to know how Dio's doing now, and if he continued to grow and progress or if he retreated back into the gang lifestyle. That, to me, is the work of a great author. Being connected to the characters enough to want to know more about them makes the book enjoyable. I'm glad I picked this book up and decided to check out something that was so out of my comfort zone. Great read that I'd recommend to anyone who is looking for a realistic glimpse into the gang lifestyle.
I'd love to know how Dio's doing now, and if he continued to grow and progress or if he retreated back into the gang lifestyle. That, to me, is the work of a great author. Being connected to the characters enough to want to know more about them makes the book enjoyable. I'm glad I picked this book up and decided to check out something that was so out of my comfort zone. Great read that I'd recommend to anyone who is looking for a realistic glimpse into the gang lifestyle.
December 17, 2008
Dio Rodriguez knows no other way of life then to strike first and strike hard. Maybe that’s why he now finds himself serving time at a prison camp. One of Dio’s bad decisions almost cost him the life of his girlfriend, Jennifer. As Dio waits out his time till his release, the rest of the world is passing him by. Dio believes that no matter how much time or how far, Jennifer and he may be separated, they will always be soul mates or will they? Will Dio come out a changed man or end up the same old Dio. Can or does Jennifer even want Dio back? All these questions will be answered in Forever My Lady.
Forever My Lady is Jeff Rivera’s debut novel. Author, Jeff Rivera, brought lots of raw emotions, depth to both the characters and storyline, and a no holds bar attitude. Because of all these elements that worked so well together is why I loved reading Forever My Lady. I really got into the plot as well as feeling like I was experiencing everything Dio went through, right along with him; all the way to the very end. Be prepared to clear yourself some time, because as soon as you start reading Forever My Lady, you will have a hard time wanting to put it down. So find a nice, quiet place to sit down; feed the animals and send the rest of the family away as you are going to love this book. I anxiously await Mr. Rivera’s next novel.
Forever My Lady is Jeff Rivera’s debut novel. Author, Jeff Rivera, brought lots of raw emotions, depth to both the characters and storyline, and a no holds bar attitude. Because of all these elements that worked so well together is why I loved reading Forever My Lady. I really got into the plot as well as feeling like I was experiencing everything Dio went through, right along with him; all the way to the very end. Be prepared to clear yourself some time, because as soon as you start reading Forever My Lady, you will have a hard time wanting to put it down. So find a nice, quiet place to sit down; feed the animals and send the rest of the family away as you are going to love this book. I anxiously await Mr. Rivera’s next novel.
November 16, 2008
I have to say this book stuck with me for a while. It was utterly realistic, dark, and a little disturbing at points. But it portrayed the real world. I really connected with Dio and found Jennifer realistic and deep as well, though only fully in as few scenes. The antagonists had motives and secrets, and I liked how Dio didn't come back to his town and become automatically a saint.
I feel this book was written by someone who really knows life and can come up with a good story while fighting though.
I feel this book was written by someone who really knows life and can come up with a good story while fighting though.
September 5, 2009
This story voices the feelings of many persons in challenging environments. The characters learn coping skills to offset the deleterious consequences of abuse, poverty, and rejection. When their learning succeeds, the psychological fetters holding them from success fall away. Numerous inspirational messages emphasize the possibility of college graduation, desirable employment, and lasting love. The adolescents graduate after displaying acceptable behavior in difficult circumstances. The readers' guide discussion questions wrap up the moving story.
May 1, 2009
This book wasn't what I thought it was going to be. When Jeff Rivera came to my school and talked to my fellow student's and I, I didn't really think much of the book at the moment. Then he read us a few pages and I was hooked. I immediately went out and bought the book and devoured it in a few days. It was actually very good and insightful. Not to mention touching. Forever My Lady is a must read for all who love the power of love.
April 16, 2013
It was well written and had a good premise...but I really struggled for some reason. I didn't like Dio or Jennifer individually or as a couple. A lot of slang was used in their dialogue with no reference or translation of what was actually meant. It was a book that I wanted to like but just didn't by the end.
February 1, 2009
This is a gripping tale exposing the raw emotions from the male's view of fatherhood, first love, hurtful parents, etc. I really liked this book because of the growth and development that our protaganist experiences.
Read
February 6, 2009This had to be one of the best books I've read so far this year. I finished this book in no time soon, I couldn't put it down. It was a deep love story that allowed you to get into a young couples head, that allowed you to visualize love in a different way. I would definitely re-read this.
May 23, 2008
I loved it. It was a great book about love and sacrifice.
June 28, 2012
What a awsome book
December 26, 2020
It was a good read
Wou!x like to see more like it short read will look up more books by Mr Rivera thank you for your time
Wou!x like to see more like it short read will look up more books by Mr Rivera thank you for your time
August 27, 2013
Forever My Lady is such a unique take on contemporary romance, no doubt in part due to the fact that it is written by a man. The story is told largely from the point of view of Dio and I found it truly refreshing to read a book of this genre from the perspective of a man.
This is not a light and fluffy novel, but raw and rather gritty at times. It doesn't gloss over the emotions and choices that the characters make, but shows them in a way that keeps them real. The entire book takes place within cultures and lifestyles that I know next to nothing about, and I really enjoyed that. That is the point of fiction sometimes, to transplant you from what you know and put you somewhere new and different. The Latin culture, the gang lifestyle, being sent to prison boot camp... these are completely new areas to me, but the author does such a good job creating these things that my lack of knowledge means nothing.
Dio is a good boy gone wrong... or so we hope. He loves his girlfriend Jennifer, but there is no question that he has made some bad choices, landing him in prison boot camp for them. Jennifer is a good girl, coming from a religious family that doesn't tolerate the gang banging ways of Dio, no matter how much he loves their daughter. There were times during the book when I just wanted to reach inside and grab him and shake some sense into him before he totally screwed up his life. But you couldn't help but feel for him, too.
There were a few of the less central characters that I really loved. While the story didn't focus on these characters, they had stories of their own that I really fell into. Simon, Dio's friend and prison mate, was one of those characters. He was not at all equipped for prison culture and it showed. He was such a tragic character and I felt for him throughout the book. Louise was another character I loved, an unlikely mother figure for Dio in the prison boot camp. Her story, too, was tragic at times, but her kindness to Dio was heartwarming. And Jackson, the DI for Dio's group in prison, was far deeper and more compassionate than I ever would have imagined.
The ending is what really got me. Based on the prologue, I thought I knew where it was all going to go. I was wrong. The ending was a complete surprise to me. I liked it because I learned to love Dio, but it left me wanting to know how the future played out for him!
Things to love about Forever My Lady...
--Dio. He was more than a little bit of a bad boy, but you couldn't help but love him and feel for the hard life he has lived by such a young age.
--The depth of the characters, especially the supporting cast. Even without being of central importance, they were fully developed characters that I felt for.
Things I wanted more of...
--Dio's future after prison. I can't talk too much about that without running the risk of spoilers, but I was proud of him at the end and wanted to see how his life turns out.
My recommendation: A fascinating and refreshing read! I really enjoyed this!
This is not a light and fluffy novel, but raw and rather gritty at times. It doesn't gloss over the emotions and choices that the characters make, but shows them in a way that keeps them real. The entire book takes place within cultures and lifestyles that I know next to nothing about, and I really enjoyed that. That is the point of fiction sometimes, to transplant you from what you know and put you somewhere new and different. The Latin culture, the gang lifestyle, being sent to prison boot camp... these are completely new areas to me, but the author does such a good job creating these things that my lack of knowledge means nothing.
Dio is a good boy gone wrong... or so we hope. He loves his girlfriend Jennifer, but there is no question that he has made some bad choices, landing him in prison boot camp for them. Jennifer is a good girl, coming from a religious family that doesn't tolerate the gang banging ways of Dio, no matter how much he loves their daughter. There were times during the book when I just wanted to reach inside and grab him and shake some sense into him before he totally screwed up his life. But you couldn't help but feel for him, too.
There were a few of the less central characters that I really loved. While the story didn't focus on these characters, they had stories of their own that I really fell into. Simon, Dio's friend and prison mate, was one of those characters. He was not at all equipped for prison culture and it showed. He was such a tragic character and I felt for him throughout the book. Louise was another character I loved, an unlikely mother figure for Dio in the prison boot camp. Her story, too, was tragic at times, but her kindness to Dio was heartwarming. And Jackson, the DI for Dio's group in prison, was far deeper and more compassionate than I ever would have imagined.
The ending is what really got me. Based on the prologue, I thought I knew where it was all going to go. I was wrong. The ending was a complete surprise to me. I liked it because I learned to love Dio, but it left me wanting to know how the future played out for him!
Things to love about Forever My Lady...
--Dio. He was more than a little bit of a bad boy, but you couldn't help but love him and feel for the hard life he has lived by such a young age.
--The depth of the characters, especially the supporting cast. Even without being of central importance, they were fully developed characters that I felt for.
Things I wanted more of...
--Dio's future after prison. I can't talk too much about that without running the risk of spoilers, but I was proud of him at the end and wanted to see how his life turns out.
My recommendation: A fascinating and refreshing read! I really enjoyed this!
July 1, 2013
Reviewed by: Celia
Member of Livin' la vida Latina
Review: What's a jaina? Not being too familiar with the Chicano slang, that was my first question right from the start of this book. And what was a ruca? Admittedly, I found myself scratching my head at these words, but, at the same time, I couldn't help but be drawn to the raw boldness of the dialogue, a dialogue drooling with a refreshing wit and fierce overtone.
"Forever My Lady" is the story of Dio, a young Latino from the barrio who has always been judged by his vulgar and robust appearance, but that all changed as soon as he met Jennifer―his lady. No one could really understand the love he had with her, especially not her parents, who were "like cold tamales that used to be piping hot." (25) It seemed that they would be together forever...until that frightful night that separated them, sending him to prison camp and her to the hospital. Suddenly, she realized that Dio was NOT the guy for her, that she could do better. And who wouldn't think that they could do better than a trouble-making thug? Still, Dio believed that she was the one and would do whatever it took to get her back.
His letter begging her to give him another chance was the same song performed by any gangster after a BIG screw up. Any promise to "straighten up" would be useless and would leave him right in the same spot. I honestly hoped that Jennifer wouldn't fall for it. I thought that they should both forget about each other and get on with their lives. How naive is it think that someone could wait for you for 50 years? But Dio was a spicy pepper that wouldn't give, even with all that crap he put up with in the prison camp. Perhaps it was his undying love that helped him get through the camp, which was where he meets some funny odd-ball characters, all with their own story of how they got to be where they are. Even the sweet, little Jennifer has her story. This book is just a closet full of secrets.
Rivera's powerful words fill the reader with a fierce empathy. You can't help but feel a little pride as Dio begins to succeed little by little. As time goes by, Dio begins to gain compassion and learns to see that behind a rough exterior lies a beating heart of humanity.
A story of strength, resistance, and will power. A perfect liking to Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" with its colorful array of characters set against a backdrop of a gritty and desolated world, working like burros for a better life.
Member of Livin' la vida Latina
Review: What's a jaina? Not being too familiar with the Chicano slang, that was my first question right from the start of this book. And what was a ruca? Admittedly, I found myself scratching my head at these words, but, at the same time, I couldn't help but be drawn to the raw boldness of the dialogue, a dialogue drooling with a refreshing wit and fierce overtone.
"Forever My Lady" is the story of Dio, a young Latino from the barrio who has always been judged by his vulgar and robust appearance, but that all changed as soon as he met Jennifer―his lady. No one could really understand the love he had with her, especially not her parents, who were "like cold tamales that used to be piping hot." (25) It seemed that they would be together forever...until that frightful night that separated them, sending him to prison camp and her to the hospital. Suddenly, she realized that Dio was NOT the guy for her, that she could do better. And who wouldn't think that they could do better than a trouble-making thug? Still, Dio believed that she was the one and would do whatever it took to get her back.
His letter begging her to give him another chance was the same song performed by any gangster after a BIG screw up. Any promise to "straighten up" would be useless and would leave him right in the same spot. I honestly hoped that Jennifer wouldn't fall for it. I thought that they should both forget about each other and get on with their lives. How naive is it think that someone could wait for you for 50 years? But Dio was a spicy pepper that wouldn't give, even with all that crap he put up with in the prison camp. Perhaps it was his undying love that helped him get through the camp, which was where he meets some funny odd-ball characters, all with their own story of how they got to be where they are. Even the sweet, little Jennifer has her story. This book is just a closet full of secrets.
Rivera's powerful words fill the reader with a fierce empathy. You can't help but feel a little pride as Dio begins to succeed little by little. As time goes by, Dio begins to gain compassion and learns to see that behind a rough exterior lies a beating heart of humanity.
A story of strength, resistance, and will power. A perfect liking to Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" with its colorful array of characters set against a backdrop of a gritty and desolated world, working like burros for a better life.
May 20, 2013
The story is about a young man, Dio, who has to serve a sentence in 'Prison Boot Camp' while his girlfriend, Jennifer, recovers from a drive by shooting that she was a victim of. Their relationship struggles with getting over what happened, however not just the accident but everything else that lead them to that moment. Will Dio let go of his past and become the man Jennifer needs him to be?
This kind of story is something i would not generally go for however i really enjoyed it. It was well written with my interest being piqued from the beginning. Although the story was slower paced, it held moments of suspense where i was holding my breath.
At first i really disliked Dio's character because i found him to be selfish and obnoxious with a bit of a victim mentality. However as the story progressed, i really enjoyed seeing his growth, even though he stumbled a couple of times.
I did find that the intermingled Spanish interrupted the flow of reading for me as i am unfamiliar with the language, however i did get used to it and i understand that it makes the story more believable.
I was a little disappointed by the ending, not because it was a bad ending, but because i felt it was rushed. It didn't do the rest of the book justice, especially as the rest of the book was slower paced - it didn't really match.
Overall i really enjoyed reading the book and i would definitely recommend it to both males and females, especially if you're looking for an urban kind of love story.
This review is based on a digital copy provided by the author.
www.readingforthemasses.wordpress.com
This kind of story is something i would not generally go for however i really enjoyed it. It was well written with my interest being piqued from the beginning. Although the story was slower paced, it held moments of suspense where i was holding my breath.
At first i really disliked Dio's character because i found him to be selfish and obnoxious with a bit of a victim mentality. However as the story progressed, i really enjoyed seeing his growth, even though he stumbled a couple of times.
I did find that the intermingled Spanish interrupted the flow of reading for me as i am unfamiliar with the language, however i did get used to it and i understand that it makes the story more believable.
I was a little disappointed by the ending, not because it was a bad ending, but because i felt it was rushed. It didn't do the rest of the book justice, especially as the rest of the book was slower paced - it didn't really match.
Overall i really enjoyed reading the book and i would definitely recommend it to both males and females, especially if you're looking for an urban kind of love story.
This review is based on a digital copy provided by the author.
www.readingforthemasses.wordpress.com
May 27, 2013
I was asked by the author of this book to read it, give feedback and write a review. So here it goes! But do be aware there a few spoilers within this review!
This is a very well written story about a young man, Dio serving time in a prison boot camp and desperately trying to repair his relationship with girlfriend Jennifer, who was nearly killed in a drive by shooting. Forever my Lady chronicles his journey from gang member and drug dealer to respectable citizen, all in the name of his girl.
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this all that much. It seemed so romantic to me when I read the synopsis and I’m not a hug fan of romance, but I ended up enjoying it quite a bit! The story is really uniquely told and the writing is excellent. I was really very impressed. The character development was really impressive! You were really able to see Dio grow and change throughout the novel and it was quite easy to get attached to him.
The supporting cast of characters weren’t quite as strong as the main. Dio’s fellow prisoners didn’t develop quite as much as Dio and frankly, I didn’t really care all that much about them. Dio’s friend Simon had a pretty major storyline, but I just didn’t care.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, even though I wasn’t expecting to. It’s a lovely cheap Kindle read that I would recommend to anyone wanting a good story.
3.5/5 stars
Book review blog: http://thebookgirlblog.wordpress.com/
This is a very well written story about a young man, Dio serving time in a prison boot camp and desperately trying to repair his relationship with girlfriend Jennifer, who was nearly killed in a drive by shooting. Forever my Lady chronicles his journey from gang member and drug dealer to respectable citizen, all in the name of his girl.
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this all that much. It seemed so romantic to me when I read the synopsis and I’m not a hug fan of romance, but I ended up enjoying it quite a bit! The story is really uniquely told and the writing is excellent. I was really very impressed. The character development was really impressive! You were really able to see Dio grow and change throughout the novel and it was quite easy to get attached to him.
The supporting cast of characters weren’t quite as strong as the main. Dio’s fellow prisoners didn’t develop quite as much as Dio and frankly, I didn’t really care all that much about them. Dio’s friend Simon had a pretty major storyline, but I just didn’t care.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, even though I wasn’t expecting to. It’s a lovely cheap Kindle read that I would recommend to anyone wanting a good story.
3.5/5 stars
Book review blog: http://thebookgirlblog.wordpress.com/
June 17, 2009
I’m struggling with why I can’t give this book a complete “thumbs up.” I like the plot, dialog, and the methods used to tell the story.
Maybe it’s because I can’t figure out what this story is. It’s billed as “urban fiction” but does not quite fit that as most of the story takes place inside a boot camp format prison. In a sense it’s also a romance, but one that’s told entirely from a male viewpoint. The titles “Jennifer” or “Obsession” would have worked well as it’s about one guy’s obsession with continuing, and then rekindling, a relationship.
I felt the author tried too hard to be Latino, and to a lesser extent, Latina, and it came across as false. It’s like talking with a teenager who is tossing out words trying to be hip, cool, or tough, and is oblivious to that everyone sees through the façade. It’s possible this was deliberate and was showing that many people project a tough or hard outside while being soft on the inside by doing exactly that with the overall story.
The book missed an opportunity to explore the ethics of a social worker who gets into a relationship with a client that happens to be in a particularly vulnerable position. That leaves an opening for a follow-up story and as I did enjoy this story I’d likely read a follow-up to see what happens with the characters.
Maybe it’s because I can’t figure out what this story is. It’s billed as “urban fiction” but does not quite fit that as most of the story takes place inside a boot camp format prison. In a sense it’s also a romance, but one that’s told entirely from a male viewpoint. The titles “Jennifer” or “Obsession” would have worked well as it’s about one guy’s obsession with continuing, and then rekindling, a relationship.
I felt the author tried too hard to be Latino, and to a lesser extent, Latina, and it came across as false. It’s like talking with a teenager who is tossing out words trying to be hip, cool, or tough, and is oblivious to that everyone sees through the façade. It’s possible this was deliberate and was showing that many people project a tough or hard outside while being soft on the inside by doing exactly that with the overall story.
The book missed an opportunity to explore the ethics of a social worker who gets into a relationship with a client that happens to be in a particularly vulnerable position. That leaves an opening for a follow-up story and as I did enjoy this story I’d likely read a follow-up to see what happens with the characters.
June 16, 2014
I enjoyed this book and think it is a great read for young adults. The book contains many different aspects of life in general and lessons to be learned. Dio was a troubled young man with a terrible upbringing. His story shows just how much one's upbringing can affect their life choices. I loved that Dio was able to actually learn and change during his time in boot camp. I hate what happened between him and Jennifer while he was there. I didn't have too much faith in Jennifer as a person. I understood her need and desire for wanting more in life and wanting Dio to change his lifestyle. What I didn't like was how she didn't give him as much of a chance to change. It was almost as thougth she didn't really believe in Dio. Sometimes it also seemed like she was passing judgment on Dio which was completely unfair because he never passed judgment on her for her past. They each chose to survive the best way they could when they found themselves on the streets and without their families. However, it seemed like once Jennifer got away from the streets, she couldn't wait for Dio to do the same. But, these things happen in life. Overall, I believe this is a great story to show young adults that often times second chances are given and you have to make them count when you receive them.
June 3, 2014
Dio Rodriguez is part of a Latino gang. The gang is basically his family until he meets Jennifer. But then a drive by happens and Jennifer takes six bullets that were meant for Dio. Dio goes to prison where he learns that Jennifer is pregnant. He realizes how important Jennifer is to him and decides to step up and be the person that Jennifer needs.
I had mixed feelings going into this story. I personally don’t have any love for gangs. So when I started reading the story I was frustrated and irritated about Dio’s laments of the gang. I was also lost with the Spanish slang. Half the time I was guessing what was being said.
Having said that, I had to take a step back and look at the story as a whole. This is a really good story about someone changing their life around for someone they loved. It was well written and kept me turning the pages to find out if Dio had it in himself to change or if he would fall back into the gang life.
This is a really good book. I think this is one that many people will like. It’s definitely one you will want to check out.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I had mixed feelings going into this story. I personally don’t have any love for gangs. So when I started reading the story I was frustrated and irritated about Dio’s laments of the gang. I was also lost with the Spanish slang. Half the time I was guessing what was being said.
Having said that, I had to take a step back and look at the story as a whole. This is a really good story about someone changing their life around for someone they loved. It was well written and kept me turning the pages to find out if Dio had it in himself to change or if he would fall back into the gang life.
This is a really good book. I think this is one that many people will like. It’s definitely one you will want to check out.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2013
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After I completed "Forever My Lady", I went to post a review, glancing at the other reviews of the same book. I was astonished at the vast majority of 5 star reviews, and nearly as many 4 star reviews. I found this book extremely irritating. The story itself, when stripped to the bare bones, isn't terrible. Unfortunately, it is told in such a repetitive way it was difficult not to put it down. Dio is consistently thick-headed, and seems oblivious to other people's feelings for much of the novel. Jennifer is self-righteous and pitiful. The letters between them (especially from him to her) are frustratingly peppered with Spanish slang, and I found myself searching for context clues to figure out what they were trying to say to each other, because I don't speak Spanish. The ending, though rewarding, was abrupt and unbalanced with the rest of the story. By the time I got through it, I just didn't care about any of them or their selfish lives any more.
After I completed "Forever My Lady", I went to post a review, glancing at the other reviews of the same book. I was astonished at the vast majority of 5 star reviews, and nearly as many 4 star reviews. I found this book extremely irritating. The story itself, when stripped to the bare bones, isn't terrible. Unfortunately, it is told in such a repetitive way it was difficult not to put it down. Dio is consistently thick-headed, and seems oblivious to other people's feelings for much of the novel. Jennifer is self-righteous and pitiful. The letters between them (especially from him to her) are frustratingly peppered with Spanish slang, and I found myself searching for context clues to figure out what they were trying to say to each other, because I don't speak Spanish. The ending, though rewarding, was abrupt and unbalanced with the rest of the story. By the time I got through it, I just didn't care about any of them or their selfish lives any more.
April 9, 2013
"An Interesting Story"
Dio Rodriquez is 18 years old, a street-smart kid raised in the slum area of northeast Las Vegas. He enjoyed hanging with the gang, the kids he grew up with, smoking and doing other things these rough kids did. But the best thing he loved most of all was his relationship with Jennifer. He loved her very much, but that love did not prevent him from getting into trouble, nor changing his lifestyle. He faced much harassment, racial discrimination, and his broken family. His actions and anger got him placed in a juvenile detention camp for a year. During that year his only sanity was his thoughts of Jennifer. This encampment was tough and very structured to help the kids mature and be responsible. The way the author has written the ending scene in the beginning of the story keeps one glued to the end. And the end will surprise you. Why? Because you'll realize that it is the beginning of Dio's life. There is much Spanish slang in this novel which I didn't understand, but it did not deter me from the basic, very moving story. The story really did impress me.
Dio Rodriquez is 18 years old, a street-smart kid raised in the slum area of northeast Las Vegas. He enjoyed hanging with the gang, the kids he grew up with, smoking and doing other things these rough kids did. But the best thing he loved most of all was his relationship with Jennifer. He loved her very much, but that love did not prevent him from getting into trouble, nor changing his lifestyle. He faced much harassment, racial discrimination, and his broken family. His actions and anger got him placed in a juvenile detention camp for a year. During that year his only sanity was his thoughts of Jennifer. This encampment was tough and very structured to help the kids mature and be responsible. The way the author has written the ending scene in the beginning of the story keeps one glued to the end. And the end will surprise you. Why? Because you'll realize that it is the beginning of Dio's life. There is much Spanish slang in this novel which I didn't understand, but it did not deter me from the basic, very moving story. The story really did impress me.
April 30, 2015
Dio, a young Mexican man is in a youth reform camp in Forever My Lady as he slowly begins to realize that he has the power within himself to change his life and he dreams of a life with his girlfriend, Jennifer. The book tells of the frustrations of young men that come from homes that are far from ideal. His father died when he was young and his mother drank and became abusive toward him. The gang offered acceptance and a second home like it does for so many young men that grow up in this type of environment.
The guard/trainer is hard on the boys in his squad and pushes them as hard as he can. Dio is challenged and does what is expected of him, even when it is hard for him both physically and emotionally. He earns his GED and graduates from high school to be released to find a job and turn his life around.
The reality of the story as Dio tries and has set backs and his changing attitude toward life is inspirational making this sad comment on the lives some of the young people live in this country a novel to give them hope.
The guard/trainer is hard on the boys in his squad and pushes them as hard as he can. Dio is challenged and does what is expected of him, even when it is hard for him both physically and emotionally. He earns his GED and graduates from high school to be released to find a job and turn his life around.
The reality of the story as Dio tries and has set backs and his changing attitude toward life is inspirational making this sad comment on the lives some of the young people live in this country a novel to give them hope.
February 28, 2011
This book is becoming better as i read it, i usually dont want to stop reading it once i start. The thing i most like about it is it is a real life situation, many poeple go through what Dio is going throug. The story of long disatance love, and a sore heart. This book brings up many other conflicts that children now at days go through such as, drugs, racism, violence, love, broken hearts, prison, and gangs. All of the problems Dio (the main charactor) has, makes for a good, interesting chapter. I plan on finishing this one up pretty soon, mabe sometime this week. I want to start on some other books i am waiting to start reading. This book gives you a feeling after like you were there and experienced it with Dio. The racism in this book is sad, but it also gives you a prospective on how it is to be young in this world now at days.;
May 16, 2013
I thought that this was a descent love story but could use some work on the storyline.
First, the beginning of the book is actually the end of the book. I would rather have had all the back story first then the ending. But instead we got the ending twice.
And I loved the love letters between Dio and Jennifer while he was in boot camp, but I didn't understand half of them because they were in Spanish. Not that its a bad thing, but for someone who doesn't understand the language you kinda loose the feelings.
And I would've liked to have a bit more information on Dio's mom and brother once he gets out of boot camp. More on how Dio and his mom resolved their issues.
I did have times where I just wasn't interested in reading anymore, and I did want to quit reading a few times but I kept going.
( I was given this book by the author for an honest review)
First, the beginning of the book is actually the end of the book. I would rather have had all the back story first then the ending. But instead we got the ending twice.
And I loved the love letters between Dio and Jennifer while he was in boot camp, but I didn't understand half of them because they were in Spanish. Not that its a bad thing, but for someone who doesn't understand the language you kinda loose the feelings.
And I would've liked to have a bit more information on Dio's mom and brother once he gets out of boot camp. More on how Dio and his mom resolved their issues.
I did have times where I just wasn't interested in reading anymore, and I did want to quit reading a few times but I kept going.
( I was given this book by the author for an honest review)
December 21, 2014
Thank you Jeff Rivera for treating Dio and Jennifer's emotions with the seriousness they deserved.
A teenage love affair can be so intense it can destroy your young life or give you strength to change everything...and move on.
Please let there be a sequel, there just have to be one after the ending was just a little quick, like not told to the end. We know that Dio by the end is a strong personality, as he learns to forgive.
Teenagers should read this book.
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Note: This review is written by a non-native speaker, so there may be mistakes. Forgive me in advance.
April 24, 2010
Similar to Upstate by Buckhanon, Rivera gets to the heart of a love gone wrong when bullest and street violence take over their lives. Dio and his girl, Jennifer, were in the wrong place when Jennifer was shot six times (and lived) while Dio went to a prison boot camp. Most of the story is told through letters between Dio and Jennifer with honesty and love-loss. But when Dio gets out, he realized that life moved on without him, including Jennifer who was pregnant with Dio's child, but is marrying another.
"Baby, you know I'm sorry about everything that happened. You saw I tried to take the bullet for you. Didn't you? You know it's not my fault, right?"
"Baby, you know I'm sorry about everything that happened. You saw I tried to take the bullet for you. Didn't you? You know it's not my fault, right?"
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