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One Night Forever #2
Never Say Forever: MAI DIRE PER SEMPRE
Gentile signor Hayes,
mi dispiace che ieri tu mi abbia trovata a galleggiare nella tua vasca da bagno. E che non avessi idea che stavo badando alla casa. Mi scuso anche per essere sgattaiolata fuori dal tuo letto cinque anni fa senza lasciarti il mio nome…
Sei stato la mia avventura segreta di una notte. In un’altra vita, avremmo potuto essere anime gemelle. I ricordi di quella passione ancora oggi scaldano i miei sogni. Fingerò di non notare come mi divori con gli occhi e di ignorare come ciò mi fa sentire.
Sei ricco, carismatico, sensuale in modo peccaminoso e brucio ogni volta che sussurri il mio nome. Ma non posso cedere. Non di nuovo. So che nascondi qualcosa.
Non sono più quella ragazza. Non spreco più i miei baci, perché alle madri single non sono concessi simili lussi. Ma perché dev’essere così difficile resisterti?
Non avevo in programma di innamorarmi di te, e scoprire chi sei davvero potrebbe devastarmi.
mi dispiace che ieri tu mi abbia trovata a galleggiare nella tua vasca da bagno. E che non avessi idea che stavo badando alla casa. Mi scuso anche per essere sgattaiolata fuori dal tuo letto cinque anni fa senza lasciarti il mio nome…
Sei stato la mia avventura segreta di una notte. In un’altra vita, avremmo potuto essere anime gemelle. I ricordi di quella passione ancora oggi scaldano i miei sogni. Fingerò di non notare come mi divori con gli occhi e di ignorare come ciò mi fa sentire.
Sei ricco, carismatico, sensuale in modo peccaminoso e brucio ogni volta che sussurri il mio nome. Ma non posso cedere. Non di nuovo. So che nascondi qualcosa.
Non sono più quella ragazza. Non spreco più i miei baci, perché alle madri single non sono concessi simili lussi. Ma perché dev’essere così difficile resisterti?
Non avevo in programma di innamorarmi di te, e scoprire chi sei davvero potrebbe devastarmi.
558 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2024
2835 people are currently reading
1433 people want to read
About the author
Donna Alam
45 books2,132 followersDonna Alam is a #7 Amazon Kindle store and USA Today bestseller. A writer of love stories with heart, humour, and heat, she aspires to sprinkle a little joy into the lives of her readers. When not bashing away at her keyboard, she can often be found hiding from her responsibilities with a book in her hand and a mop of a dog at her feet.
Hear all the news by joining her newsletter below or pop in and say hello in her private reader group, Donna Alam's Lambs.
Lambs - https://bit.ly/DALambs
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Hear all the news by joining her newsletter below or pop in and say hello in her private reader group, Donna Alam's Lambs.
Lambs - https://bit.ly/DALambs
Donna's Newsletter - https://subscribepage.com/e6z5p6
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
March 2, 2021
This is the book version of a soap opera.
• The flowery bordering on cringey descriptions and general writing.
• The flamboyant and unnatural dialogue.
• The over the top emotionality.
• The stereotyped characters who act a certain way without a logical basis and only in order to create unnecessary drama.
• The ridiculous twists and secrets.
• The length of the story - 600 pg.
I skimmed a lot because it took forever for a particular scene to play out since there would always be a beat around the bush and use pretty words approach.
• The flowery bordering on cringey descriptions and general writing.
• The flamboyant and unnatural dialogue.
• The over the top emotionality.
• The stereotyped characters who act a certain way without a logical basis and only in order to create unnecessary drama.
• The ridiculous twists and secrets.
• The length of the story - 600 pg.
I skimmed a lot because it took forever for a particular scene to play out since there would always be a beat around the bush and use pretty words approach.
March 22, 2021
After reading all the 5-star reviews, I thought I had hit pay-dirt -- but that wasn't the case. It did have a good premise and some interesting characters with potential to be expanded, but all in all it wasn't what I expected and a little too much in some areas and not enough in others. And top it off with a bunch of neglectful editing problems, and it was pretty much sunk at that point.
February 26, 2021
Well, I can say "Forever". As I will forever be a fan of this author and her superb books which just keep getting better and better, and NEVER SAY FOREVER delivers in kind.
Donna Alam is my undisputed Queen of witty banter and blisteringly hot and heady romance!
Yet, what I specifically loved so much about this story, aside from her wonderful characters and heart warming hard won HEA, is the underlying message here, about self worth and self image and how important it truly is to love and value ourselves.
Something, I believe not all of us do well enough!
Both our determined and stubborn heroine Fiadh (Fee) and our swoony, passionate and hedonistic hero Carson, we met in Donna's last book LIAR LIAR, but at that stage they hadn't met each other.
A chance encounter leads to a steamy night of anonymous pleasure and a parting of ways in what was meant to be one night only to remember. But when there's this much obvious chemistry, can the universe really let that go? Well, this author at least cannot!!
Fast forward 5 years and cue a hilarious scene complete with a hot bath, some fine whiskey and a generous amount of nakedness, and Fee and Carson's fiery love story begins anew.
This is a tug-of-war of dynamic emotions and secrets that will have you furiously turning the pages to keep up.
Not a short story by any means, but there is so much fabulous detail and necessary explanation and as a result you will feel these characters deeply and become invested in their tenuous union at every stage of it's development, including the painful departures (I may have cursed this author out loud a few times!).
Fee's feisty little daughter Lulu is an absolute standout for me. Both riotously funny and heart warningly endearing, we could all take a page from her manual on life! Though her kleptomania might well be one trait we should all avoid!!
Together with her signature cameo appearances of Remy, Rose and Everett (whom I'm looking forward to seeing in his own book soon? *hint, hint*) from LIAR LIAR which only added to the appeal in this story, Donna has written, what for me, is again another fabulous 5 star read!
Donna Alam is my undisputed Queen of witty banter and blisteringly hot and heady romance!
Yet, what I specifically loved so much about this story, aside from her wonderful characters and heart warming hard won HEA, is the underlying message here, about self worth and self image and how important it truly is to love and value ourselves.
Something, I believe not all of us do well enough!
Both our determined and stubborn heroine Fiadh (Fee) and our swoony, passionate and hedonistic hero Carson, we met in Donna's last book LIAR LIAR, but at that stage they hadn't met each other.
A chance encounter leads to a steamy night of anonymous pleasure and a parting of ways in what was meant to be one night only to remember. But when there's this much obvious chemistry, can the universe really let that go? Well, this author at least cannot!!
Fast forward 5 years and cue a hilarious scene complete with a hot bath, some fine whiskey and a generous amount of nakedness, and Fee and Carson's fiery love story begins anew.
This is a tug-of-war of dynamic emotions and secrets that will have you furiously turning the pages to keep up.
Not a short story by any means, but there is so much fabulous detail and necessary explanation and as a result you will feel these characters deeply and become invested in their tenuous union at every stage of it's development, including the painful departures (I may have cursed this author out loud a few times!).
Fee's feisty little daughter Lulu is an absolute standout for me. Both riotously funny and heart warningly endearing, we could all take a page from her manual on life! Though her kleptomania might well be one trait we should all avoid!!
Together with her signature cameo appearances of Remy, Rose and Everett (whom I'm looking forward to seeing in his own book soon? *hint, hint*) from LIAR LIAR which only added to the appeal in this story, Donna has written, what for me, is again another fabulous 5 star read!
Read
March 22, 2023Dnf 25%
I persevered with this as I mistakenly believed it was my top fave trope and once I got into it, I’d be able to ignore the tedious banter that slowed down the story and irritated me. Nope.
I persevered with this as I mistakenly believed it was my top fave trope and once I got into it, I’d be able to ignore the tedious banter that slowed down the story and irritated me. Nope.
April 10, 2021
EYE-CROSSING SEDUCTION -- ONE PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS, THE OTHER PUTS ON THE SKIDS
“When I’m not with you, dream is all I do”
[The classic hit song ALWAYS by Erasure (with lyrics) has all the feels about Carson’s love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9JNl...]
What girl wouldn’t dream of a guy like Carson? First, dirty talking Remy happened to me in Liar, Liar … and now sex whisperer Carson Hayes III (Remy’s friend) upends my world in Never Say Forever. I’m absolutely bursting for this lush and ultra guy. A hero with tormented secrets -- dirty ones -- and a heart of gold that just wouldn’t let me go. As shameless as he is good, Carson is seared into my memory. His inner thoughts throughout the book made my day. And he can twirl a girl like a baton in the sack without breaking a sweat. He went all-out in pursuit of Fee and made my head spin. [His dirty secret was more familiar than shocking though.]
“I’d wondered what his kiss would feel like, but I hadn’t imagined it might ruin any that followed. I’ve been messed around so much by men and I desperately want this to be different. Defining. A moment when I stop letting life happen to me and instead make it happen. I have never had a man make me feel this. This beautiful. This wanton. This free. A girl might lose her mind to a man like this. It’s perfect, every second of this torture, every brush of his breath, and ever halting whispered compliment. I could let him fuck me forever.”
A steamy one-night stand in France (romance ALWAYS has me at France!) between rich/enigmatic Carson and yoga instructor Fee. A second chances reunion in a strange twist of fate. A scrumptious kid. A book filled with eye-crossing seduction. And one seriously stubborn woman. It all beguiled and frustrated me at once, when Fee comes back into Carson’s life in an hysterical and inventive way. The romantic pursuit isn’t all fun and games, but there are tons of laughs.
Fee’s the weak link and refuses to follow her heart. This chick couldn’t get out of her own way with wrong decisions and repetitive denial of her feelings. Even after they shared truths and said claiming things with sexual intimacy, she backtracked. Not “seeing” Carson at all, not opening herself up … and for what? She was inconsistent: wimpy and unsure around Carson, but a strong spitfire able to put a guy who hits on her at work in his place.
Little Lulu. Fee’s kid was golden – a funny, smart, hothead with a ‘tude that only a tiny tyrant can pull off. Adorable to the max and the comic relief in the romance. She and Carson were a real pair. [FYI: speech impediments aren’t cute or funny. Still, her use of “w” for “r” was wildly inconsistent and unnecessary in the story. Her dialogue by itself was priceless.] She can’t help getting into trouble with her “sticky fingers”, and I don’t mean food. Her antics and child’s naïveté were hilarious.
It started out mind-blowing, flattened out with separation and filler, then picked up again after 50%. The last 10% threw in some shock value that resolved too fast off page. Epilogue: Perfect. And Remy and Rose are even part of the story in a superficial way.
This author writes with such originality of phrasing, wit, and some of the best sex, romance, characters, and dialogue I’ve ever read, but she needs a better editor for story execution. In truth, my rating should be 3 stars for the parts that went wrong (too long, editing and proofreading issues, filler scenes/dialogue, repetition), but I just can’t bring myself to do it because of the perfection of the hero, the romance, and the kid. This was one of the most hard-fought and hard-won romances by a hero. Carson pulls out all the stops and Fee puts on all the skids, and he’s the one that makes the whole story worthwhile, besides the kid.
“You are mine. This body and your wild heart. You were made for me.”
“When I’m not with you, dream is all I do”
[The classic hit song ALWAYS by Erasure (with lyrics) has all the feels about Carson’s love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9JNl...]
What girl wouldn’t dream of a guy like Carson? First, dirty talking Remy happened to me in Liar, Liar … and now sex whisperer Carson Hayes III (Remy’s friend) upends my world in Never Say Forever. I’m absolutely bursting for this lush and ultra guy. A hero with tormented secrets -- dirty ones -- and a heart of gold that just wouldn’t let me go. As shameless as he is good, Carson is seared into my memory. His inner thoughts throughout the book made my day. And he can twirl a girl like a baton in the sack without breaking a sweat. He went all-out in pursuit of Fee and made my head spin. [His dirty secret was more familiar than shocking though.]
“I’d wondered what his kiss would feel like, but I hadn’t imagined it might ruin any that followed. I’ve been messed around so much by men and I desperately want this to be different. Defining. A moment when I stop letting life happen to me and instead make it happen. I have never had a man make me feel this. This beautiful. This wanton. This free. A girl might lose her mind to a man like this. It’s perfect, every second of this torture, every brush of his breath, and ever halting whispered compliment. I could let him fuck me forever.”
A steamy one-night stand in France (romance ALWAYS has me at France!) between rich/enigmatic Carson and yoga instructor Fee. A second chances reunion in a strange twist of fate. A scrumptious kid. A book filled with eye-crossing seduction. And one seriously stubborn woman. It all beguiled and frustrated me at once, when Fee comes back into Carson’s life in an hysterical and inventive way. The romantic pursuit isn’t all fun and games, but there are tons of laughs.
Fee’s the weak link and refuses to follow her heart. This chick couldn’t get out of her own way with wrong decisions and repetitive denial of her feelings. Even after they shared truths and said claiming things with sexual intimacy, she backtracked. Not “seeing” Carson at all, not opening herself up … and for what? She was inconsistent: wimpy and unsure around Carson, but a strong spitfire able to put a guy who hits on her at work in his place.
Little Lulu. Fee’s kid was golden – a funny, smart, hothead with a ‘tude that only a tiny tyrant can pull off. Adorable to the max and the comic relief in the romance. She and Carson were a real pair. [FYI: speech impediments aren’t cute or funny. Still, her use of “w” for “r” was wildly inconsistent and unnecessary in the story. Her dialogue by itself was priceless.] She can’t help getting into trouble with her “sticky fingers”, and I don’t mean food. Her antics and child’s naïveté were hilarious.
It started out mind-blowing, flattened out with separation and filler, then picked up again after 50%. The last 10% threw in some shock value that resolved too fast off page. Epilogue: Perfect. And Remy and Rose are even part of the story in a superficial way.
This author writes with such originality of phrasing, wit, and some of the best sex, romance, characters, and dialogue I’ve ever read, but she needs a better editor for story execution. In truth, my rating should be 3 stars for the parts that went wrong (too long, editing and proofreading issues, filler scenes/dialogue, repetition), but I just can’t bring myself to do it because of the perfection of the hero, the romance, and the kid. This was one of the most hard-fought and hard-won romances by a hero. Carson pulls out all the stops and Fee puts on all the skids, and he’s the one that makes the whole story worthwhile, besides the kid.
“You are mine. This body and your wild heart. You were made for me.”
February 25, 2021
Never Say Forever by Donna Alam a tasty treat of a five-star read. Well, what do I say, I have never come across a man this author created that I haven’t fallen in love with even a tiny little French kiss amount like I have Charles. (I know, when even the fantasy does not find me manly enough, I still find love in my heart for him) But honest to goodness the woman finally did it, I have one I wouldn’t even touch with someone else. The best news is that man is not the delicious, delectable Carson Hayes III, thankfully I can still dream about him, and his yummy, yummy pancakes. There is just something about the way this author describes men, I mean others may use the same words, but the way they are strung together creates the most amazing visual picture in your mind, the tiny details like which pocket the sunglasses are in, or the way the sun catches a hair, the pinch of a short it all paints the most delightful picture that just makes you drool. Carson and Fee are just simply divine, the chemistry is off the charts, but even though they may be just sublime. The main character that won my heart over so hard was Lulu honest to goodness I called my friend to ask if she had been talking to the good lady herself as Lulu is a carbon copy of my god daughter, the little lady who is 6 going on 60 I swear. Its spooky, but just like my little Soph Lulu won my heart and my laughter, it could also be as she is the only person in the world as clumsy as I am. This story like all of the works by this author have won a special part of my heart. Thank you for your amazing words once again.
March 30, 2021
Usually I follow a very specific format for my reviews, but I just need to rant about this one. 😁😁😁
Sure, Lulu was adorable and the epilogue was sweet! That’s all it has going for it!
But Carson crossed so many boundaries. Fee was incredibly adamant that she wanted to move out because she was not comfortable living in his apartment anymore, AND HE PAYS OFF HER FUTURE LANDLORD SO HER FUTURE APARTMENT FALLS THROUGH!! He shows up at her work even after she’s pushed him away, he pays off the babysitter so he can be home with her child when Fee returns from a date. He lied to her. She said she did not want to be with him multiple times. When it’s told from Carson’s POV, it’s never, “oh fee is dedicated and great mom.” Its, “She’s sexy when she’s angry at me. I like the chase. She will be mine weather she wants it or not!” 🤮🤮
But oh poor Carson had a bad Grandpa and mean brother 🥺🥺🥺
NO BITCH!!
THAT IS NOT A VALID EXCUSE!
He is a rich, self absorbed, sex obsessed, man child.
Plus the author tries to paint him as this white knight who raises money for women’s charities because his grandpa abused women,
BUT CARSON GASLIT AND MANIPULATED FEE INTO STAYING WITH HIM!!!!
Can we just not promote this type of relationship? Can we not have him worshiped and get his way in the end?
Sure, Lulu was adorable and the epilogue was sweet! That’s all it has going for it!
But Carson crossed so many boundaries. Fee was incredibly adamant that she wanted to move out because she was not comfortable living in his apartment anymore, AND HE PAYS OFF HER FUTURE LANDLORD SO HER FUTURE APARTMENT FALLS THROUGH!! He shows up at her work even after she’s pushed him away, he pays off the babysitter so he can be home with her child when Fee returns from a date. He lied to her. She said she did not want to be with him multiple times. When it’s told from Carson’s POV, it’s never, “oh fee is dedicated and great mom.” Its, “She’s sexy when she’s angry at me. I like the chase. She will be mine weather she wants it or not!” 🤮🤮
But oh poor Carson had a bad Grandpa and mean brother 🥺🥺🥺
NO BITCH!!
THAT IS NOT A VALID EXCUSE!
He is a rich, self absorbed, sex obsessed, man child.
Plus the author tries to paint him as this white knight who raises money for women’s charities because his grandpa abused women,
BUT CARSON GASLIT AND MANIPULATED FEE INTO STAYING WITH HIM!!!!
Can we just not promote this type of relationship? Can we not have him worshiped and get his way in the end?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2021
This was so good! Fee and Carson's story is amazing because it's so well-written. They are so perfect together. I had a good laugh reading these two because of their banter. And I couldn't get enough of Fee's adorable daughter, Lulu. She made it more enjoyable to read the story. Can't say the same for her mother sometimes though. I felt for Carson whenever she pushes him away constantly. Overall, it was still an amazing read.
March 3, 2021
DNF @ 71%
I loved how this started out but it quickly turned into a long drawn out story. There's a lot of fluff here and I just couldn't finish it. I think this book could have been cut in half.
I loved how this started out but it quickly turned into a long drawn out story. There's a lot of fluff here and I just couldn't finish it. I think this book could have been cut in half.
March 5, 2021
Oh wow.
After the very good Hot Scots series, i read some standalones from Donna Alam and had some various feelings. Some good, some that had me kind of : ok, good, but...
I was waiting for this new release and i got hooked-up in the story from the beginning.
Before reading this standalone, i would suggest you read Liar Liar first, as characters crossover in this book.
Carson meets Fee in a very weird way ( like all Donna's couples are, if you think of it) and chemistry is immediate. But he has baggage, and not a light one. So does she. Hers comes in the form of a very spirited little girl.
Story goes through tropes as parenting, trust and family issues that can weight very heavy on your personal life.
Donna's humour is all through the book, so are her steamy scenes. These are her marks and her fans won't be disappointed. Get ready for the rollercoaster that this book is. I loved it.
After the very good Hot Scots series, i read some standalones from Donna Alam and had some various feelings. Some good, some that had me kind of : ok, good, but...
I was waiting for this new release and i got hooked-up in the story from the beginning.
Before reading this standalone, i would suggest you read Liar Liar first, as characters crossover in this book.
Carson meets Fee in a very weird way ( like all Donna's couples are, if you think of it) and chemistry is immediate. But he has baggage, and not a light one. So does she. Hers comes in the form of a very spirited little girl.
Story goes through tropes as parenting, trust and family issues that can weight very heavy on your personal life.
Donna's humour is all through the book, so are her steamy scenes. These are her marks and her fans won't be disappointed. Get ready for the rollercoaster that this book is. I loved it.
February 24, 2021
Wowsa all i can say is OMFG Mr Carson Hayes is just one swoony hot alpha.
I new from the moment i met Carson and Fee in Lair Lair i would love them.
Fee and Carson met accidently when Fee had been stuck on the side of the road with a flat tyer.
Carson was a sweet talker and had Fee weak at the knees the moment she met him. She didnt stand a chance.
After there hot steamy one night and Fee running out and to hope not to see again. She found her self 5 years later staying at his house.
Fee moved to New york with her 4 year old daughter Lulu to learn buisness.
Lulu was such a bundle of joy to read. I loved her attitude and the way she made everyone know she was around and was the boss haha.
Fee and Carsons chemistry was just off the charts HOT!!!!
I new from the moment i met Carson and Fee in Lair Lair i would love them.
Fee and Carson met accidently when Fee had been stuck on the side of the road with a flat tyer.
Carson was a sweet talker and had Fee weak at the knees the moment she met him. She didnt stand a chance.
After there hot steamy one night and Fee running out and to hope not to see again. She found her self 5 years later staying at his house.
Fee moved to New york with her 4 year old daughter Lulu to learn buisness.
Lulu was such a bundle of joy to read. I loved her attitude and the way she made everyone know she was around and was the boss haha.
Fee and Carsons chemistry was just off the charts HOT!!!!
March 17, 2021
Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU
Five years ago in France, Fee spent the hottest night of her life with a stranger and sneaked out of his room the next morning without leaving a way to contact her, without leaving her name, leaving nothing. Now she's a single mom temporarily staying at a friend of a friend's place and whom does she have a reunion with but her hot stranger, who, as it turns out, isn't a stranger any longer, considering he's a friend of her friend. Yeah...
Carson has never forgotten that night with the beautiful stranger. He's thought about her so often over the years, and now she's here, in his place. He's not about to let her get away from him this time. He has secrets, though, that he's never revealed, and then there's the identity of her daughter. Who is the father?
Sexy, intriguing and suspenseful. Carson and Fee's story is rife with tension and secrets making that tension even thicker. I really enjoyed reading their second chance, but I have to say that Fee's daughter Lulu is the very best part of their story. She steals every scene she's in, even some that she's not in. She's adorable, precocious and entirely too intuitive.
ARC via Candi Kane PR for an honest review.
Review / Blog Tour: Live Through Books Blog.
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February 19, 2022
Not your typical single mom cliché. I loved it!
I received an ALC of this book for an honest review.
The Writer:
This was a new to me author and I have to say I am looking forward to more of her books. Her style of writing is totally my jam. Great storyline, comedy, drama, second chances, HOT sex, and love. Her play with words was hilarious. The use of certain descriptive words like “blueberry fluff muffins” had me in stitches.
As the many layers of the main characters were unraveled, I was slowly drawn in. What a wonderfully clever weaving together of a story. The twists and turns held my attention throughout. I could feel all the emotions of the characters coming off the page. The internal monologues were brilliantly done. The sexual tension and the actual sex were 5 star “HAWT”. The banter between Carson and Fee was witty, captivating, and hilarious at times. The inner monologues helped define the characters. Added to this, little Lulu is my favorite child character ever.
The narration:
As an ardent listener to audiobooks, I can tell you, the narration of a story can enhance or detract from the quality of a book. In this case, it was the former. This story was brought to life in a beautiful, honest, and amazing way.
This was my first listen to the female narrator, Zara Hampton-Brown, and I am impressed. Seems like the role was written specifically for her. She voiced the different characters with perfection, switching seamlessly between accents. Even the squeaks and chuckles which were part of each character’s personality were on point.
Joe Arden…what can I say, his voice was pure seduction. No surprise since he is one of the best. I just can’t get enough of him. Together they made this wonderful story come alive in the best of ways. They added depth and heart to their characters and made me love this book even more.
I received an ALC of this book for an honest review.
The Writer:
This was a new to me author and I have to say I am looking forward to more of her books. Her style of writing is totally my jam. Great storyline, comedy, drama, second chances, HOT sex, and love. Her play with words was hilarious. The use of certain descriptive words like “blueberry fluff muffins” had me in stitches.
As the many layers of the main characters were unraveled, I was slowly drawn in. What a wonderfully clever weaving together of a story. The twists and turns held my attention throughout. I could feel all the emotions of the characters coming off the page. The internal monologues were brilliantly done. The sexual tension and the actual sex were 5 star “HAWT”. The banter between Carson and Fee was witty, captivating, and hilarious at times. The inner monologues helped define the characters. Added to this, little Lulu is my favorite child character ever.
The narration:
As an ardent listener to audiobooks, I can tell you, the narration of a story can enhance or detract from the quality of a book. In this case, it was the former. This story was brought to life in a beautiful, honest, and amazing way.
This was my first listen to the female narrator, Zara Hampton-Brown, and I am impressed. Seems like the role was written specifically for her. She voiced the different characters with perfection, switching seamlessly between accents. Even the squeaks and chuckles which were part of each character’s personality were on point.
Joe Arden…what can I say, his voice was pure seduction. No surprise since he is one of the best. I just can’t get enough of him. Together they made this wonderful story come alive in the best of ways. They added depth and heart to their characters and made me love this book even more.
February 20, 2022
**Audiobook Review**
Never Say Forever by Donna Alam was a passionate strangers to lovers romance that did crazy good things to my heart. Fee and Carson's romance had many laughs, some angst, lots of spice, and several swoony moments that captivated my attention from start to finish. This was my first Donna Alam book, and it will not be my last.
Joe Arden and Zara Hampton-Brown narrate this audiobook, and are simply pure perfection bringing Fee, Carson, and little Lulu (Gah, I just love her!) to life. Zara is a new to me narrator, and I adored her performance of Fee. Zara portrayed Fee's passions and dedication to her daughter with such fervor so that you couldn't help but fall in love with her determined spirit. Carson Hayes is such a complex hero with many dark secrets from his past which shape the man he is today. Joe Arden portrays all of these complexities including Hayes' dominant, protective, and seductive sides brilliantly. Also, Joe's British kid accent is adorable! Fee and Carson have a fiery, alluring chemistry that is irresistible and will burn up your earbuds!
Overall, I LOVED this audio and story. If you enjoy a strangers to lovers romance with a hunky alpha male, a fierce single mother, one steamy night in France, a sweet adorable little princess named Lulu, a touch of deception, hidden secrets, laugh out loud moments with "adult" toys, cute witty banter, even more steamy times, memorable side characters, and a swoon-worthy HEA that will leave your heart super happy, then you will love Carson and Fee's story. Donna Alam, you have a new fan, and I'm looking forward to more!
Never Say Forever by Donna Alam was a passionate strangers to lovers romance that did crazy good things to my heart. Fee and Carson's romance had many laughs, some angst, lots of spice, and several swoony moments that captivated my attention from start to finish. This was my first Donna Alam book, and it will not be my last.
Joe Arden and Zara Hampton-Brown narrate this audiobook, and are simply pure perfection bringing Fee, Carson, and little Lulu (Gah, I just love her!) to life. Zara is a new to me narrator, and I adored her performance of Fee. Zara portrayed Fee's passions and dedication to her daughter with such fervor so that you couldn't help but fall in love with her determined spirit. Carson Hayes is such a complex hero with many dark secrets from his past which shape the man he is today. Joe Arden portrays all of these complexities including Hayes' dominant, protective, and seductive sides brilliantly. Also, Joe's British kid accent is adorable! Fee and Carson have a fiery, alluring chemistry that is irresistible and will burn up your earbuds!
Overall, I LOVED this audio and story. If you enjoy a strangers to lovers romance with a hunky alpha male, a fierce single mother, one steamy night in France, a sweet adorable little princess named Lulu, a touch of deception, hidden secrets, laugh out loud moments with "adult" toys, cute witty banter, even more steamy times, memorable side characters, and a swoon-worthy HEA that will leave your heart super happy, then you will love Carson and Fee's story. Donna Alam, you have a new fan, and I'm looking forward to more!
Did not finish
March 13, 2021This book just isn't doing anything for me. Not even very far but I feel like it jumped from an internal thought to suddenly the hero was there. Just not for me. Moving on.
February 27, 2021
Just didn’t do it for me
Read the 5 star reviews and thought I was in for something decent .. all I can say I will never get my time back ..
Read the 5 star reviews and thought I was in for something decent .. all I can say I will never get my time back ..
February 25, 2021
Never Say Forever
Written by: Donna Alam
Donna Alam captured my heart, my laughter and my soul with this couple.
From their original meeting on the side of the road where Carson saved Fee and her flat tire to their back and forth banter and their instant attraction I knew I was in for one heck of a read!
Five years after that night they will come together again, very unexpectedly, Fee in Carson’s bathtub and Carson finding her there! Fee recognizes him right away, as for Carson, well he remembers every moment they spent together that night in St. Odile. Fee remembers as well. Oh she remembers the pleasure and the attraction and the best sex in her life, she also remembers it’s because of Carson and the things he said to her that she was able to change her direction in life. Add into this mix a 4 year old whirlwind of a girl who looks just like Carson and you know this book is going to be special.
LuLu is the 4 year old everyone wishes they had, sassy, funny and a good judge of character. She is a princess, a movie connoisseur and a matchmaker! She also can easily spot a jerk when one confronts her.
The relationship between Carson and Fee is built off sexual tension, they were together for one night and they both knew they wanted more, but that night changed them both. Their pull towards each other is like the steam relief cracks around a volcano, the hot steam seeps out of the cracks to relieve the pressure but the reality is deep down inside, there is molten hot emotions that frequently bring these two people to a release and then the pressure starts all over again until the next time.
Relationships however, aren’t built solely on sexual attraction, it’s built on trust, faith, communications and love. For Carson and Fee there is the attraction but they also both are lax on the other three. No that’s wrong, I think they genuinely do love each other, but the rest is what keeps causing fractures between them. Just when we hope the worst is behind them Alam throws in a wrench that could end their relationship for good.
I loved this book, I loved LuLu, I understand Fee and I know Carson really is a good person and deserving of these two ladies. I highly recommend Never Say Forever.
Written by: Donna Alam
Donna Alam captured my heart, my laughter and my soul with this couple.
From their original meeting on the side of the road where Carson saved Fee and her flat tire to their back and forth banter and their instant attraction I knew I was in for one heck of a read!
Five years after that night they will come together again, very unexpectedly, Fee in Carson’s bathtub and Carson finding her there! Fee recognizes him right away, as for Carson, well he remembers every moment they spent together that night in St. Odile. Fee remembers as well. Oh she remembers the pleasure and the attraction and the best sex in her life, she also remembers it’s because of Carson and the things he said to her that she was able to change her direction in life. Add into this mix a 4 year old whirlwind of a girl who looks just like Carson and you know this book is going to be special.
LuLu is the 4 year old everyone wishes they had, sassy, funny and a good judge of character. She is a princess, a movie connoisseur and a matchmaker! She also can easily spot a jerk when one confronts her.
The relationship between Carson and Fee is built off sexual tension, they were together for one night and they both knew they wanted more, but that night changed them both. Their pull towards each other is like the steam relief cracks around a volcano, the hot steam seeps out of the cracks to relieve the pressure but the reality is deep down inside, there is molten hot emotions that frequently bring these two people to a release and then the pressure starts all over again until the next time.
Relationships however, aren’t built solely on sexual attraction, it’s built on trust, faith, communications and love. For Carson and Fee there is the attraction but they also both are lax on the other three. No that’s wrong, I think they genuinely do love each other, but the rest is what keeps causing fractures between them. Just when we hope the worst is behind them Alam throws in a wrench that could end their relationship for good.
I loved this book, I loved LuLu, I understand Fee and I know Carson really is a good person and deserving of these two ladies. I highly recommend Never Say Forever.
February 25, 2021
Before now he was always the man she shared a very memorable night with, they shared no names, no phone numbers, it was just a night of fun. He was that sultry little thought that rested at the back of her mind, the one she let her mind wander to every now and again. Her dirty little secret so to speak. And it was supposed to say that way... that is until he comes wandering through the bathroom door and steals the breath from her lungs.
At first it doesn't seem real, there is no way the man she met in the French countryside could be standing in the Manhattan apartment she and her daughter have been staying in. Then she learns that he is the owner of said apartment, and that their lives have ties to one another. This can't be happening, her little secret has now find it's way to the light of day...
Never Say Forever is a the story of a woman who stepped out of comfort zone one night and had the greatest night of her life, but the next morning she acted as if it had never happened. She didn't know a single detail about him other than how he kissed, made her blush, and of course how he left her smiling more than she ever had. After that night her life changed in ways she never saw coming, and she had to alter her life path a bit, but that is what you do when you are a parent. Now her and her daughter are braving a new world, far away from friends and family, and hoping it is the fresh start they need. She is determined to not let anything derail her new life, well, that is, until her handsome secret comes wandering back into her world. Seeing him again was unexpected and it's evident that he has knocked her carefully planned world off it's axis, but I had to admire the way she fought hard to hold it together.
These two were meant to find one another again, and I for one am happy that they did because their journey made for quite the enjoyable literary escape. It was emotional, steamy, funny, and so good on the heart! Definitely one of the best first reads that I have experienced in a while! Highly recommend this one, it's characters are destined to find their way into your heart and leave it forever marked!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
At first it doesn't seem real, there is no way the man she met in the French countryside could be standing in the Manhattan apartment she and her daughter have been staying in. Then she learns that he is the owner of said apartment, and that their lives have ties to one another. This can't be happening, her little secret has now find it's way to the light of day...
Never Say Forever is a the story of a woman who stepped out of comfort zone one night and had the greatest night of her life, but the next morning she acted as if it had never happened. She didn't know a single detail about him other than how he kissed, made her blush, and of course how he left her smiling more than she ever had. After that night her life changed in ways she never saw coming, and she had to alter her life path a bit, but that is what you do when you are a parent. Now her and her daughter are braving a new world, far away from friends and family, and hoping it is the fresh start they need. She is determined to not let anything derail her new life, well, that is, until her handsome secret comes wandering back into her world. Seeing him again was unexpected and it's evident that he has knocked her carefully planned world off it's axis, but I had to admire the way she fought hard to hold it together.
These two were meant to find one another again, and I for one am happy that they did because their journey made for quite the enjoyable literary escape. It was emotional, steamy, funny, and so good on the heart! Definitely one of the best first reads that I have experienced in a while! Highly recommend this one, it's characters are destined to find their way into your heart and leave it forever marked!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
March 5, 2021
I want to start out this review by saying that I'm a HUGE fan of Donna Alam, and that won't change. However, Never Say Forever really wasn't my cup of tea, and I seriously hate saying this but this is where we are. I'm sure the length played a big part in all of this because it wasn't filled with things I thought were needed so I started skimming pages which isn't something I like to do so it upset me. And I sure didn't like the hero, Carson so that made it even harder to not skim. Fee & Carson had a hookup one night, and it's something that she never forgot, and he said he hadn't either but I call BS on that but I won't tell you why. He comes across her path in a very vulnerable position, so the new journey begins but both of them become very difficult at different times. However, Fee's tiny human daughter totally stole the show for me with all of her sassiness. I'm going to keep this short and sweet because this is only my opinion, and I hope you decide for yourselves instead of going by my review. {3.5 STARS}
February 25, 2021
"Only they saw you shine. And they were envious."
Donna Alam never fails.
All of her books that I have read have always left me wanting more and this one is definitely no different.
One thing I love about her books is how they are interconnected in some little way. Characters from other books/series popping up or getting a mention.
I love how Carson was given his own story, I love his character development, the depth of his personality and how easy it was to fall in love with him.
He looks as handsome as the devil. And twice as sinful.
And boy, was he sinful. Deliciously dirty with his words and his actions.
The development of their story didn't leave me wanting, even if Fee did leave me a little angry. I got it. She was protecting herself but come on. CARSON HAYES IS A GOD.
Each part of this book, the side characters, the children, the setting, it's all perfectly constructed that you feel like you're stepping into the pages. Feeling what they are feeling, living what they are living and praying like hell they make it!
"I am the poet. You, my darling, are the poetry."
Towards the end of the book, I did begin to panic. The drama that unfolded, the walls and obstacles they had to face together, I wasn't sure how it was going to end and the end was drawing in.
But of course, like always, the HEA is satisfying - no more than satisfying, it's the type of HEA that leaves you with a goofy smile on your face and a swoon in your heart.
This is why Donna Alam will always have a spot amongst my favourite authors.
Donna Alam never fails.
All of her books that I have read have always left me wanting more and this one is definitely no different.
One thing I love about her books is how they are interconnected in some little way. Characters from other books/series popping up or getting a mention.
I love how Carson was given his own story, I love his character development, the depth of his personality and how easy it was to fall in love with him.
He looks as handsome as the devil. And twice as sinful.
And boy, was he sinful. Deliciously dirty with his words and his actions.
The development of their story didn't leave me wanting, even if Fee did leave me a little angry. I got it. She was protecting herself but come on. CARSON HAYES IS A GOD.
Each part of this book, the side characters, the children, the setting, it's all perfectly constructed that you feel like you're stepping into the pages. Feeling what they are feeling, living what they are living and praying like hell they make it!
"I am the poet. You, my darling, are the poetry."
Towards the end of the book, I did begin to panic. The drama that unfolded, the walls and obstacles they had to face together, I wasn't sure how it was going to end and the end was drawing in.
But of course, like always, the HEA is satisfying - no more than satisfying, it's the type of HEA that leaves you with a goofy smile on your face and a swoon in your heart.
This is why Donna Alam will always have a spot amongst my favourite authors.
February 26, 2021
Fate brings Carson and Fee together five years after their anonymous night of passion. Neither forgot about the other but did not know who the other was or how to contact them. If you've read other books by Donna Alam you'll recognize some of the secondary characters. Especially delightful were Remy and Rose, hopefully one day they'll have their own story. The book is a good one that is well written with strong, interesting characters. Fee's four year old daughter was adorable and added so much to the story. The chemistry between Fee and Carson was explosive. This book can be read as a standalone. I read an arc via Bad Boy Update and am voluntarily leaving an honest voluntary review.
March 3, 2021
Spiralling HEA
"Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic." - Oscar Wilde
Fee - 25 yet old trying to call her friend Charles in a very disconnected place.... stuck upside a mountain and lostin the middle of the French countryside. Not only lost, but stranded with a flat tired Fiat and a dead phone. Following a triad of colorful spews in which happens upon her.
Monsieur Chevalier running from a past I'm driving up the mountain comes across her. Between exchanged innuendos but truthfulness, and without exchanging names they intertwine for the evening with her slipping like a ghost outside of the room she rented for the night.....
5 years later finds Fee with her 4-year-old daughter, Eloise (Lulu), surreptitiously with her best friend, Rose, helping her find a place temporarily for the evening when all else fell through in New York after not only trying to move to a new house, the school for her child and country from leaving England.
Being a small world that it is, the owner of the lodging Fee finds herself in belongs to one Carson Hayes III... Her one night Monsieur who also has no forgotten about her.
With feelings not long forgotten and a past rife with dark secrets waiting to be exposed, this read had so many twists, turns drowning in those secrets hidden from not only each other, but their mutual friends.
As their past starts spiralling with the present creating an unknown future, it takes their combined love to overcome the shaky and convoluted lies and secrets to find their HEA.
"Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic." - Oscar Wilde
Fee - 25 yet old trying to call her friend Charles in a very disconnected place.... stuck upside a mountain and lostin the middle of the French countryside. Not only lost, but stranded with a flat tired Fiat and a dead phone. Following a triad of colorful spews in which happens upon her.
Monsieur Chevalier running from a past I'm driving up the mountain comes across her. Between exchanged innuendos but truthfulness, and without exchanging names they intertwine for the evening with her slipping like a ghost outside of the room she rented for the night.....
5 years later finds Fee with her 4-year-old daughter, Eloise (Lulu), surreptitiously with her best friend, Rose, helping her find a place temporarily for the evening when all else fell through in New York after not only trying to move to a new house, the school for her child and country from leaving England.
Being a small world that it is, the owner of the lodging Fee finds herself in belongs to one Carson Hayes III... Her one night Monsieur who also has no forgotten about her.
With feelings not long forgotten and a past rife with dark secrets waiting to be exposed, this read had so many twists, turns drowning in those secrets hidden from not only each other, but their mutual friends.
As their past starts spiralling with the present creating an unknown future, it takes their combined love to overcome the shaky and convoluted lies and secrets to find their HEA.
February 28, 2021
Worth a million stars!!!
There’s a reason why this book is the #1 best seller on Kindle, it is positively AMAZING! What can I say that many have already said, but I will anyway. This book was captivatingly beautiful, witty, and passionate. It touched my soul and heart. Carson is emotionally broken from his past and Fee guards her heart to protect herself and her daughter. But when their love for another overtakes them it is so heartwarming and profound. Add a wonderfully and incredibly BOLD little girl named Lulu to the mix and you have magic.
A page turner that will have you laughing, crying and just absolutely loving these characters and their intriguing and intense story.
I also really enjoyed the crossover characters Remy and Rose from Liar Liar another beautiful book by the incredibly talented Donna Alam.
Thank you for sharing NSF with all of us it is truly a treasure!
There’s a reason why this book is the #1 best seller on Kindle, it is positively AMAZING! What can I say that many have already said, but I will anyway. This book was captivatingly beautiful, witty, and passionate. It touched my soul and heart. Carson is emotionally broken from his past and Fee guards her heart to protect herself and her daughter. But when their love for another overtakes them it is so heartwarming and profound. Add a wonderfully and incredibly BOLD little girl named Lulu to the mix and you have magic.
A page turner that will have you laughing, crying and just absolutely loving these characters and their intriguing and intense story.
I also really enjoyed the crossover characters Remy and Rose from Liar Liar another beautiful book by the incredibly talented Donna Alam.
Thank you for sharing NSF with all of us it is truly a treasure!
July 21, 2025
⭐️
🔥🔥🔥
I picked this up bc it’s supposed to be a “secret baby” trope, but the secret baby is not the MMC’s! The FMC was unknowingly already pregnant when she had a one night stand with the MMC! I really disliked both MCs, and there really wasn’t much going on other than that the MCs family was horrible, and a lot of unnecessary drama with the FMC constantly pushing away. I really struggled to stick with it, and majorly skimmed, but it wasn’t even worth that! 😣
🔥🔥🔥
I picked this up bc it’s supposed to be a “secret baby” trope, but the secret baby is not the MMC’s! The FMC was unknowingly already pregnant when she had a one night stand with the MMC! I really disliked both MCs, and there really wasn’t much going on other than that the MCs family was horrible, and a lot of unnecessary drama with the FMC constantly pushing away. I really struggled to stick with it, and majorly skimmed, but it wasn’t even worth that! 😣
April 7, 2022
I am mixed about this story.
I loved the premise of it, however, it didn't live up to my expectations that I was hoping for. Some parts of the story were good, others, I had to force myself through because it came across as cheesy. This was my first book by this author. Even though this story was not a favorite, I could see that this author has skill and makes it that I will look up more of her other works at another time.
I loved the premise of it, however, it didn't live up to my expectations that I was hoping for. Some parts of the story were good, others, I had to force myself through because it came across as cheesy. This was my first book by this author. Even though this story was not a favorite, I could see that this author has skill and makes it that I will look up more of her other works at another time.
March 2, 2021
Okay.
Not my favourite. I felt the start was trying too hard to be funny, the ending was like "Huh, it's over?" and the book was riddled with minor errors; missing articles and prepositions, wrong tenses etc. Plus the communication mishaps where just one extra sentence in a conversation could skip a load of drama is old hat now.
I still enjoyed the story overall but I've definitely read better by this author.
Not my favourite. I felt the start was trying too hard to be funny, the ending was like "Huh, it's over?" and the book was riddled with minor errors; missing articles and prepositions, wrong tenses etc. Plus the communication mishaps where just one extra sentence in a conversation could skip a load of drama is old hat now.
I still enjoyed the story overall but I've definitely read better by this author.
June 15, 2021
REALLY ENJOYED
I thought this book was very good. Loved the characters, the storyline, the angst, and the humor that had me laughing out loud several times. I recommend this book.
I thought this book was very good. Loved the characters, the storyline, the angst, and the humor that had me laughing out loud several times. I recommend this book.
June 27, 2021
LUV, LUV, LUVED!!
I truly love this authors work. This story had me laughing so much. You won't be disappointed with this author
I truly love this authors work. This story had me laughing so much. You won't be disappointed with this author
November 27, 2022
5✨ rtc
- the intensity
- how the author writes
- became a favorite
- it made me feel. like really really feel.
- how my friends gave 1 star.
- the intensity
- how the author writes
- became a favorite
- it made me feel. like really really feel.
- how my friends gave 1 star.
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