Forever My Boy

by Heidi McLaughlin

The author of Forever My Girl takes you back to Beaumont, in the novella Forever My Boy

I had my life planned out. I was going to marry my high school sweetheart and be by his side when he was drafted into the NFL.

One moment and everything changed.

He may be gone, but I'll have a part of him forever.

Genres: Romance

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2024

About the author

Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.

In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.

To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com

Reviews

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series as a whole is about first loved and second chances I love these novellas that give glimpses of the past And the relationship of Liam and Josiehas always been passionate but the love of mother and son is the true love. Forever I’ll love Josie

[Michelle Quintana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed it

I read Forever My Girl when it first came out and I've been reading everything related to this series ever since. It was nice reading how things happened from Josie's pov but the scenes with Mason made me sad. I think now that all of the different pov's have been told regarding this time period except for Katelyn.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you read & loved Forever My Girl you have to read this novella.

It was such a cute little read. When I saw the author was putting it out I was so excited, I instantly signed up for the ARC.

I really enjoyed getting the back story in this novella.

Just. Read. It!!

Also this is one of my favorite movies ever (Forever My Girl)

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very glad Heidi McLaughlin decided to give us a glimpse into what Josie Preston went through once Liam Westbury was out of her life, seemingly for good. This bonus book shows Josie's resilience in the face of her being pregnant at 18 and only just starting college in Beaumont. We get to see the intricacies of her close friendship with both Katelyn and Mason and how they guided her through every step of her pregnancy, making sure she never felt alone when all she wanted was Liam by her side.

Josie's reactions to Liam's stress at being at college without Mason by his side were very typical of the caring girlfriend, yet I understood that she questioned her comments to her boyfriend months and years later. It was a tough time for both of them and I was proud of how Josie handled the abandonment she felt after Liam needed to find his own way without her.

With having read every book in this sweet series, I feel as if this book is the true cherry on top, being the missing piece we've all wanted and/or needed. In fact, I was so engaged with Josie's POV that I immediately did a reread of Forever My Girl, wanting to relive the wonderful second-chance romance that is Josie and Liam once again.

For the Beaumont faithful, this is a great addition to this ever-expanding and timeless series and truly gave me the whole story of the love between Liam and his JoJo.

4 stars.

[Melinda Fierro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler Alert Ahead if you have not read Forever My Girl, stop, go back, read first, then return.

I fell in love with the Beaumont Series after watching the movie, finding out there was a book, and then proceeded to read said book and all others that have come after. This Novella follows the book series, not the movie. (Ie if you have only watched the movie, then you should read the original book before reading this novella).

This new entry into the series, showcases Josie's POV of the events before Forever My Girl (AKA the timeframe right after high school beginning of college). It's a solid entry into the Beaumont universe. It is everything those of us invested in this series would want; Josie's state of mind before college, during that fateful fall, and up to the birth of Noah. All the teenager angst, the desire for freedom from parents, the longing for Liam, and the fallout from choices they each made. All the characters are there, and it's both heartbreaking and satisfying for us fans.

As an added bonus, there are some excerpts from other published and upcoming books as well.

Thank you to Heidi McLaughlin, and Buoni Amici Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐲 is the much-anticipated novella by Heidi McLaughlin that features Josie’s POV covering the time period from when Liam left her to Noah’s birth. Fans of 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘺 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭 and the subsequent Beaumont Series have been curious about this for years!! My heart broke for her as she grappled with the weight of her grief over the loss of the future she had planned, as well as this new responsibility she was facing without Liam. I went through a full emotional arc over Mason in this little story as well, because I was sooo mad at him on her behalf in the beginning, but he and Katelyn were such good friends to her, and it really adds even more to the emotional angle of some of the other books for me! This was just such a wonderful perspective to see, that I’m longing to do a full reread of 𝒂𝒍𝒍 the books from this world, but my ARC schedule says no to that right now!😔 I’m determined to find the time for a least a few!😅 If you haven’t met Liam, Josie, and all their friends, you are definitely missing out!

I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#ForeverMyBoy #HeidiMcLaughlin #thebeaumontseries #lovestory #JosiesPOV #novella #ForeverMyGirl

[Anne OK · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 101-page novella gift-wrapped for fans of the Beaumont Series. A delightful and much appreciated addition that is written from Josie Preston’s point of view.

Not a standalone – it’s preferable to have read the Beaumont Series – or at least FOREVER MY GIRL (available on Kindle Unlimited for readers and also as an Amazon Prime movie released in 2018).

Liam Westbury left his hometown and his long-time girlfriend, Josie Preston, to become country music superstar Liam Page. Ten years later, a close friend’s death brings him back for a funeral where he’ll come face-to-face with the girl he left behind and face some shocking personal revelations as well.

There are always two sides to a story and now it’s Josie’s turn. Her point of view is an in-depth emotional look at her life and all that transpired during the turbulent years that Liam was gone.

A wonderful closure to the happily-ever-after of Josie and Liam!

[DayLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to thank Heidi McLaughlin for the ARC.

We finally get Josie’s POV during the time she & Liam start college apart till she gives birth to Noah. For a novella, this hit me in all the feels. It’s been a while since I visited these characters, and I felt like I came home. Seeing what Josie went through with being mad at Mason for dumping Liam to finding out she is pregnant and then having her world shattered when Liam broke her heart, broke my heart. And seeing him become a success and trying to grapple with losing him and Liam not knowing he has a son. And seeing Mason again. Oh did I cry. Especially during the delivery.
Heidi’s writing always brings the emotions with her books but especially with the Beaumont family. After reading this, it’s time to revisit this family again.

[Linda Wildman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice

Really liked this viewpoint. I find when I reread a story I have different opinions on how it plays out or what the characters do. I like that she realized where they failed to know each other. She must not have realized how much football was influenced by his father. Mason could have been upfront with him before the college choice. There is a lot about Liam's choices that were not smart but he was a teen and had no adult to guide him when his gma died. He will feel those mistakes as the years go by. I just don't think he loved her like he thought considering how quickly she is replaced and if a tragedy hadn't brought him home he wouldn't have returned. This is a nice book to add to the journey.

[Stephanie Crews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi McLaughlin returns to the beloved world of Beaumont with Forever My Boy, a heart-wrenching yet beautifully hopeful love story centered on Josie and Liam. This installment carries the weight of life’s unexpected turns while celebrating the enduring power of love, family, and second chances.

McLaughlin masterfully balances the emotional depth of Josie’s struggles with the hope of rediscovery and healing. The narrative is rich with heartfelt moments, bittersweet memories, and a community of characters fans will recognize and love. As Josie and Liam’s paths cross again, readers are reminded that sometimes love finds a way, even through life’s most unexpected detours.

[Jennifer Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart!!! For anyone that has read any of the Beaumont Series books, grab the tissues. Forever My Boy gives us Josie's POV from high school graduation to the time she gives birth to Noah and everything in between. I always thought the world of Josie, but to see how she handled losing the love of her life and the future she thought they had together. To stand up to the Westbury's even when it was painful and to do it all with such grace.

I wanted to HAAAAATE Mason at the beginning all over again but the way he stood by Josie and was such a rock for her, you can't help but love him. I loved this novella so much. It gave me so much more to love about my favorite series!!!

[Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful addition to the series. This is not a stand alone. You will have needed to read at least Forever My Girl before this one. Great Novella giving us Josie's POV from the very beginning. The love between Josie and Liam truly stands the test of time. The book gives us a better look at that first year of Liam being away from Josie and all she went through.

Fans of the series will love this intimate look and young Josie and her friends.

Great addition to the series as a whole!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Heidi McLaughlin returns to the beloved world of Beaumont with Forever My Boy, a heart-wrenching yet beautifully hopeful love story centered on Josie and Liam. This installment carries the weight of life��s unexpected turns while celebrating the enduring power of love, family, and second chances.

McLaughlin masterfully balances the emotional depth of Josie’s struggles with the hope of rediscovery and healing. The narrative is rich with heartfelt moments, bittersweet memories, and a community of characters fans will recognize and love. As Josie and Liam’s paths cross again, readers are reminded that sometimes love finds a way, even through life’s most unexpected detours.
"

[Stephenee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read overall, but I was a bit confused on where it fit in with the series - it was a bit out of order and redundant to other books that this author has written in this series. I wish there were more of a guideline to the stories and that the character's had a bit more development to them as the series progressed. There is a lot of drama, angst and disappointment and the reader can't stop reading it - it's like they just couldn't stop because they might miss something if they did. Overall this was a good read that the reader wants more of. Add it to your TBR list - you won't be sorry.

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all those that loved Forever My Girl, this much anticipated novella, Forever My Boy gives us Josie’s POV. As we finally see the emotions that Josie went through as the realization of the future she had planned is no longer, your heart will break and the tears will fall. As you ride the waves of emotions with Josie your heart and soul are at times left feeling like they have been torn apart. This story gives you a whole different perspective and is the definition of there are always two sides to a story.

[Robin Dowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I never knew i needed but definitely did! Josie's POV was a gap that needed to be filled. This novella was a quick and heartfelt view into what she was feeling when Liam left, and all she experienced without him. It brought back memories, it brought us back to the OG Beaumont days, it brought back our favorite characters, it brought back Mason! I am very grateful Heidi McLaughlin wrote us Forever my Boy, i have personally formed a new love for Josie, and give her much more respect for all she went through before we met her in Forever my Girl!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josie though she had her life planned out for her, and that is to marry her high school sweetheart, Liam, and be by his side when he is drafted into the NFL, but in a blink of an eye everything changes.
This is a well written story which is an easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, engaging and realistic characters, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, and fun addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any plans for her future included Liam however Josie realized that might not be true when he leaves to pursue his dream of college and football and she is given a surprise that changes the course of her life.

With this story we are given a deeper understanding of all the challenges and successes that she went through as well as given insight to those people who were there for her and played such an important part in her life.

She takes us on an emotional journey that includes family, friends and a love meant to stand the test of time.

[JLBBM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever my Boy by Heidi McLaughlin is a short novela finally given us Josie’s perspective from the time Liam leaves for college to the birth of Noah. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the entire Beaumont crew but after reading this book I realized I didn’t really know Josie’s point of view as well as I thought. This is a perfect book to slide into the series to enhance your Beaumont reading experience. Now I want to start at the beginning and reread the series.

[Sue Negrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prequel to Forever my Girl.
Jojo and Liam are HS sweethearts, ready to go off to college. He’s going to UT to play football. He leaves and misses her so much he comes home and they forgot a condom he leaves, Jojo can’t get ahold of him, he charges his number. They don’t know what happened to him until flyers are being passed out with Liam’s picture he’s a rock star. Jojo has the baby but he doesn’t know.

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally Josie's tells her tale of what exactly she felt when Liam left and she found out she was pregnant. Although this may be short, it certainly does not lack in the emotions of the turbulent time. Each page puts you right inside the ups and downs of the relationship falling apart and those that stood by Josie when the chips fell down. High emotions and high entertainment.

[Nancy Gennes Metsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun and sad at the same time.
I have to say I may love Liam Westbury, but I hated him in this book. Josie's POV was really eye opening. She gained strength she didn't even know she had. I can't imagine what it was like for her going through the pregnancy with out Liam. But the support system she did have saw her through

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever My Boy reintroduces us to “baby” Josie, Liam, Katelyn, and Mason. If you have read Forever My Girl (and the rest of the Beaumont series) then you NEED to read this novella. And if you haven’t read the rest of the Beaumont series…read those first before reading this one.

Before finding out about this book; I didn’t realize there was something missing in Liam and Josie’s story. I am so glad that Heidi wrote this novella.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever My Boy by Heidi McLaughlin is Josie’s POV from Forever My Girl. This book is when Liam left until the birth of Noah. If you loved Forever My Girl as much as I did, then you will definitely love this book. I love Josie so much more after reading this book. This book made me cry and made me smile. I can’t recommend this enough. So good and deserves so many more than 5 stars.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever My Boy

Being together with your teenage sweetheart, thinking you are each other’s future. Little do you know it doesn’t always work out that way. Broken hearts, sometimes you have to heal your own heart, after trying hard to reach out after other person cuts all ties. Amazing story, so much heart, everlasting friendships.

[Jackie Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved getting to read about Josie's POV from the time Liam left for college until the time Noah was born.

The support she received from Mason was amazing and of course Kaitlin was there for her through it all.

Both Josie and Mason's parents were there for her while Liam's mom appeared shocked when she ran into Josie and she absolutely knew that Josie was pregnant.

4.5 stars

[Steph Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC read
I love the Beaumont series so much. And this little novella of Josie’s journey to being a mom was just what the story needed.
Its super short but filled with so so much that its nist perfect

[Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog*** · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short novella was everything I wanted to be and more. I read Forever my Girl by Heidi McLaughlin a long time ago, but it has always been one of my top five reads, so to have this preview of before that book is just the icing in the cake.

[Julie Healey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. It was amazing to read things from Josie's POV. If you've read Forever My Girl, this is an added bonus you should read. If you enjoy or even love first love and second chance reads then this series and added novella is right up your alley.

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally

This Novella is everything I was hoping it would be. I loved seeing Josey's pov on this situation. It still made me cry even though I knew how this would end. Also love seeing more of her and Mason's friendship.