Quinn James thought he had his life figured out. Successful rock band, sold-out tours, and a future mapped out in front of him. But sometimes life has other plans.
When Sinful Distraction embarks on their biggest tour yet, Quinn finds himself questioning everything he thought he knew about love, loyalty, and what he really wants.
As the miles roll by and the music takes on new meaning, Quinn discovers that the road between where you are and where you’re meant to be isn’t always straight. Some detours lead to dead ends. Others lead to destinations you never saw coming.
Sometimes the best songs come from the most unexpected places. And sometimes the road to forever starts with a single choice to let go of the past.
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.
I’ve met a new book boyfriend and I don’t think I’m going to let him go…
Quinn James has always been one of my favorite side characters of the Beaumont: next gen series. We have seen him struggle to find his place, love his sisters, and rise to stardom like his dad. We have seen him embrace Nola and wish for that “forever” love. But we have seen him broken. I loved this story I loved the struggle. I loved the HEA (spoiler but most Beaumont books end happy!) can’t wait for the next installment but Quinn is gonna be hard to beat
What an awesome story. One day you think you have life figured out, but realize you are the one doing all the work in said relax. Sadly it takes the other party to leave for you to take stock of the situation. Time for yourself, and dealing with your own feelings are not easy, but then no one ever said life was easy. Beautifully written story ❤️.
I will forever have a soft spot for the Beaumont crew. Although I haven't read every book, I've read most of them and I'm always taken aback by the love they have for one another, no matter what. For Quinn James, he was lucky enough to gain an entire family when his dad Harrison got together and fell for Katelyn Powell. And despite all the love and support he has gained from these incredible parents of his, together with his sisters and extended family, I guess I was a bit surprised he hadn't found the true love of his life yet. His prior book, one I neglected to read, showcases his romance with the first woman he adored and now with The Road to Forever, Quinn has to truly dig deep and come out of the fog of losing his beloved Nora, and find his way to some happiness once again.
Again, not knowing of his time with Nora, I felt really bad for Quinn as he discovers why she has been so distant in the last few months. Thankful for his music, his band and the new tour they were embarking upon, I was glad to see Quinn find a soulmate in Justine, and not just as a fellow songwriter and performer. These two had chemistry right from the start, making beautiful music together, whether songwriting late into the night or on stage singing their duets. Justine has her own secrets and I was hoping we'd find out why she ran away from home at such a young age but that never materialized in this book. Perhaps that's being kept for a future update.
In the meantime, however, even though Quinn was unsure if everyone in his band, Justine's band and most importantly his own family, would accept that he seemed to move on so quickly from Nora, I was glad he did what felt right, consequences be damned. I loved that Noah Westbury gave him sage advice from his own experience with almost waiting too long to claim Peyton as his girl. I think the pace of this new relationship was absolutely fine and that sometimes things progress quickly but ends up being the perfect decision for everyone involved. With Justine, he can be himself. Quinn can be vulnerable and she's there for every moment, whether good or bad. They really are great together.
We get glimpses of Peyton and Elle's lives, as everyone waits for both sisters to give birth to the next generation of Westburys and Powell-James'. There is just so much love within this crew and as one who has been there from the start with Forever My Girl, I can't get enough of being able to catch up with Liam, Josie and everyone who makes their world complete.
I will go back and read the first book for Quinn in order to fill in some of the gaps I may have missed. In addition, I need to read the 2nd novella for Nick since his life has also apparently gone a bit sideways as well. While I play catch up, I just want to take a minute to say that this entire series has always left me smiling and it feels like being with old friends which is always a wonderful thing.
Being back in the world of 4225 West and their extended “family” feels like catching up with an old friend. Heidi McLaughlin effortlessly draws you into the warmth and camaraderie of this tight-knit group, and as a fan of these dynamics, I was excited to receive this ARC and dive in again.
In The Road to Forever, Quinn James takes centre stage once more. He’s always been the gentle one—steady, unassuming, and easy to overlook. I’ve always had a soft spot for Quinn. He’s one of those quiet background characters who never caused drama. While others in the 4225 West and Sinful Distraction world dealt with headline-worthy moments, Quinn kind of plodded along, doing his own thing and staying out of the spotlight.
Then came Nola.
Their relationship has always felt a little complicated—never quite as settled or celebrated as some of the others in the group. Fans of the series might’ve picked up on the tension hinted at in other characters’ books, where it’s clear things between them haven’t been entirely smooth sailing. Nola wasn’t exactly embraced by the wider circle, but at the heart of it, she brought something out in Quinn that was new—and worth paying attention to.
With his world shifting—new family connections, unexpected changes on tour, and personal crossroads—Quinn’s story finally gets the depth it deserves.
Now a headline-ready rock star on tour with Sinful Distraction, Quinn is confronted with unexpected detours—both in his career and in his heart. Meanwhile, back home, the Beaumont brood is thriving: sisters becoming mothers, his parents welcoming a toddler into the family... and Quinn, as always, steps up. I’ve always connected with him the most—minus the musical talent, of course—but his resilience and authenticity had me rooting for him the whole way.
One of Heidi’s greatest strengths shines here: her gentle storytelling. The narrative doesn’t just spotlight major plot arcs; it savours the quieter moments—backstage chats, family dinners, reassuring hugs. She doesn’t just promise a happy ending—she shows us why it matters, one small, heartfelt moment at a time.
Watching Quinn navigate his highs and lows, evolving from fringe to front and centre, was deeply moving. I felt his pain. I cheered when he reclaimed his joy. And by the end, I was fully invested in his forever.
I’m hoping we’ll see more from Sinful Distraction and Plum in future books—there are definitely some intriguing dynamics simmering there.
I couldn't wait till this book came out and I was kind of disappointed. As a fan of the Beaumont Series, I have read all the books. This is the second time that Ms. McLaughlin has turned the female character as the antagonist in the story. Let me explain. 'In My Everything' we had Nick hurt after Josie broke off with him and find love with Aubrey. As readers we cheered for Nick and Aubrey and hoped that they were HEA. In 'Everything for Love', Aubrey had been cheating on Nick, leaving him heartbroken. So what we enjoyed as a reader and got invested in Aubrey and Nick, we were turned against Aubrey. Same with Quinn and Nola. In 'Chasing My Forever' we got again invested in Quinn and Nola and fell in love with their opposites attract love story. Now in' The Road to Forever', we find out that Nola was a potential user, no one in the family actually liked her and was cheating on Quinn with her Professor. Seriously? Why couldn't the couple just break up because they were drifting - Quinn to his music and Sinful Distraction and Nola to the world of academics. A clean break like that parting as friends with neither party cheating would have been more preferable. Quinn could have still brooded over the break and mourned the relationship, the wasted time, etc. He could have still wanted to get back with Nola at some point and still find her that she now is better off with her Professor in the park. It's the fact that this is the second time that Ms. McLaughlin has made the "outsider female" the cheater in the relationship is the reason my score is low for this book. Other than that, the development in the relationship with Justine was decent. Also enjoyed the additional epilogue that was emailed as a separate story.
The Road To Forever is book seven in the Beaumont Next Generation series. This is Quinn’s second book where we find out that things in Quinn’s life is not what he was expecting. Quinn has always been the silent & loyal type. Loving his family so fiercely but feels like an outsider at times.
The whole book is done on Quinn’s POV, which I thought was well done. Heidi did an amazing job writing a different side to Quinn. I loved seeing the vulnerability of Quinn in this book. Thinking he had his HEA like his parents & sisters turns out he really didn’t. We see Quinn struggle with his relationship and coming to terms that it’s not what he wants. While he is going through all this, he is on tour dealing with his thoughts & feelings alone, trying his best to perform every night. While his relationship ends he starts building a friendship with a young, new, & talented singer. (FYI: no cheating involved)
I love how Heidi develops Quinn’s character. He was always looking for that forever kind of love. It was a nice twist, to see that not all relationships work and Quinn has to work on himself to see what he wants. That yes there is that love out there but sometimes you have to go through the tough times look at yourself and what you truly want and then see what is right in front of you.
It’s so wonderful seeing the 4225 West family together again. The banter, laughter and the found family that Heidi writes so well. The Beaumont Series & the spin off series is one of my favorite rock romance found family series. It’s comforting, fun, and makes you feel like you are part of the family.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 is the 7th book in the Beaumont Series: Next Generation by Heidi McLaughlin, featuring an emotional second story for Quinn, where he learns that when things aren’t what they seem to be or should be, it’s ok to allow yourself to reevaluate and have hope again. This is definitely a book I never expected to read, and never knew I needed! My heart was well and truly broken on Quinn’s behalf, and I felt a little like I was channeling a Mama Bear Katelyn as I got angry for him!🫣😅 He’s just been through so much over the years and this was just infuriating! You think you know people (or characters), right? Gah! However, this book was a beautifully written journey of finding joy again in oneself, in your passion, in your family, and eventually in love. The extended Beaumont crew is one of favorite families to visit. They come with guaranteed laugh out loud moments, true undying loyalty, and such a sweetness that is hard to describe, no matter what emotional turmoil is happening around them. To see the men of 4225 West still madly in love with their wives, even as their kids are working on building families of their own is a trip of it’s own! I’ve been swooning over Liam Westbury for years!😂😂 It was also fun to watch the rock tour dynamic, along with more of those friendships and bonds with Quinn’s band Sinful Distraction and their opening act Plum. Quinn truly came alive in this book, and to truly appreciate how wonderful this was, I recommend reading the rest of the next generation series for all the context! You won’t regret it!
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Road to Forever is book 7 in the Beaumont Next Generation Series. I have been a big Quinn fan since the beginning. In this book we find out that things in his life aren't going the way he expected them to and follows his band as they go on tour and how he navigates his personal life.
Heidi has such a way of taking her books in directions I never expected and Quinn's is no exception. Quinn has always been the loyal, quiet one who almost stood in the background of the twins. The book is written from Quinn's POV and while I love a dual POV book, you really don't miss it here. Quinn' learns that his relationship is not what he thought it was or wanted to be. His emotional journey to understanding that some things fall apart so others can fall together was incredibly written. I found myself cheering for Quinn so hard. He realized that he wanted what his parents had, what Noah & Peyton and Ben & Elle had and letting go of the past set him free to what was truly meant to be.
Getting to see all the Beaumont favorites is always like coming home to a family reunion. I loved seeing Peyton & Elle become moms and the family coming together for that. The Road to Forever was exactly the book I needed.
The Road to Forever by Heidi McLaughlin is book 7 in the Beaumont Second Generation series and an update on Quinn James from Chasing My Forever.
Quinn James is the quiet musician who loves his family, his fiancée, and his band mates with his whole heart. When something isn’t working he try’s to fix it on his own and pours his feelings out in the songs he writes and sings. He’s also like his father Harrison and falls in love fast and forever. This story had me crying, laughing and sometimes frustrated, all things that makes a great book for me. Reading this was like going to a family reunion and catching up with everyone and meeting the newest generation (hmm? 3rd generation stories to come?). Also, it was great getting to know the members of his band Sinful Distraction and their opening act Plum better.
NOTE: if you have not read the Beaumont and the Beaumont 2nd generation series I wouldn’t start with this book, you will be so lost. The James/Westbury/Davis family is too much to jump into without the background. Download a copy of the suggested reading order and do not miss reading these books. You will thank me later.
I loved Quinn's story! I have to admit the beginning is a bit depressing and kind of hard to dredge through but it was a fundamental part of the book.
Having read most of the series, sorry but I just CANNOT read Mason's book, it's just to heartbreaking and I know I will cry through the entire book, it was great to catch up with the whole gang. Seeing both Noah, Peyton, Elle and Ben get their babies finally was amazing. Especially after everything Peyton and Ben went through.
Anywho, Quinn felt like the odd man out but his sisters adore him. He was ready to settle down and love someone but it seemed like an impossible dream in the beginning. It was inspiring how Justine was there to help him through his problems with Nola. He needed that support to come to realize who he really was. Justine patience and love taught him how to live and love for himself and it was reflected in his/their music.
My husband and I married within months of meeting so the ending makes perfect sense to me. I can definitely relate!! Eden qualified for the Olympics, hopefully we'll get her book next?
From a couple of books in this series, things didn't seem right between Quinn and Nola. He knows something is wrong but when there is a lack of communication, it's hard to figure it out. When his band Sinful Distraction goes on tour, Nola refuses to go. She leaves him a surprise when he leaves on tour, which catches him off guard. He's heartbroken but yet hopeful at the beginning of the tour. As time goes on, he starts writing songs, hoping Nola might hear them. Justine is a constant by his side and the music they write together is magic. When Quinn finally sees Nola, things don't go as planned but it ends up freeing for him. My heart broke for Quinn in his first book and it broke again for him in this book. I loved the ending of this book and I hope there are more novellas with all of them.
Heidi McLaughlin delivers another emotionally satisfying read with Road to Forever. Her writing is smooth, engaging, and easy to get into.
The story follows Quinn, a musician who ends up rethinking his path after a broken engagement. What begins as heartbreak becomes something more hopeful when he forms an unexpected bond with someone new on tour. There is friendship, personal growth, and the kind of supportive community Heidi writes so well.
The pacing and character development are solid, but some of the themes feel a little familiar. If you have read other McLaughlin books or are a regular romance reader, you may see where things are going. Even so, the journey is still enjoyable and heartfelt.
If you are looking for a feel-good romance with depth and a musical setting, this one is worth picking up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Road to Forever gives as a second story for Quinn giving us an emotional story that shows it is ok to acknowledge when things don't feel right in a relationship and to understand not all are made for forever. A story that takes us on a journey as Quinn deals with these feelings alone and still tries to perform on tour. As a new friendship forms between him and a new talent it gives hope and joy that happiness can be found once again. Quinn's character was brought to life in this book and he completely steals your heart. I loved the family dynamics in this story that added an extra layer and depth. Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster ride of emotions with this story, as you will honestly experience each and every one possible.
This is the 7th book in this next generation series, and this is Quinn and Justine’s story. Quinn thought he had everything in life that he needs, with a successful rock band, sold out tours and his future all mapped out, until life throws a curveball into the mix. Quinn finds out that things in his life are not what they seem, and has him questioning his life, but a new talent brings hope and happiness back into his life once more. This is a beautifully written easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, loyalty, challenges, twists and turns, secrets, intrigue, revelations, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and captivating addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is Quinn's second book in the next gen series. I am sooo happy for him! Nola was just a bit off from the start. You can't help who you love but she had secrets and she has this loyalty to her family that seems like Quinn was never going to be a part of.
We get to the see his band on the road again. Quinn trying to mend a broken heart. Great friends and family interactions. Maybe the chance at love???
Great scenery. Great sibling love. Fabulous world building as they travel the country.
Could not be happier for Quinn as this story unfolds.
Great addition to the series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quinn James has always been the quiet rockstar, following in his dad's footsteps with his band Sinful Distraction. There's a lot he needs to unpack mentally, and out on the road is the best place for him to compartmentalize. He finds talking to another bandmate helps him realize what he already knows. I love that we got more of Quinn’s story. He’s been through so much, I felt the emotions he was feeling, the laughter he shared with friends and family. Getting more of the Beaumont crew as a whole is one of my favorite things about this series. They’re a close knit group who always has each other’s back. I’m always ready for more Beaumont, and the Next Gen series is one of my favorites. If you haven't started this series, what are you waiting for?
The Road to Forever is book is book 7 in The Beaumont Series: Next Generation by Heidi McLaughlin. This is Quinn and Justine’s story and I think this is my favorite of the series. I’ve always had a soft spot for Quinn and for him to get his true happily ever after makes me so happy. I love how much he loves his family. Family doesn’t have to mean by blood. True family comes from love and always being there for each other. I absolutely loved having all the precious babies being born that just makes this awesome family even stronger and better. This book was amazing and I can’t recommend it enough.
Once again I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment of the Beaumont Series: Next Generation. It is likely a testament to Heidi's writing that for the first half of the book I wanted to throttle Quinn and throw the book out the window. She does such a great job of making the character's feelings and personality show. Quinn's angst and emo side was really well-written and brought the reader down with him. The payoff of reading the second half was definitely worth the effort. It's always fun to re-enter the Beaumont world.
Many thanks to Heidi and Buoni Amici for the ARC copy in return for an honest review!
I really enjoyed The Road to Forever. Fans of the beloved Beaumont series have been waiting for Quinn’s book, and Heidi McLaughlin does not disappoint. We’ve watched him grow up in the background of other stories, and now it’s finally his turn in the spotlight. As Sinful Distraction hits the road on their biggest tour yet, Quinn finds himself facing the kind of questions that don’t have easy answers. Love, loyalty, and the direction of his life all come into focus in a way he didn’t see coming.
This book is full of heart, music, and those moments of self-discovery that remind us why we fell in love with the Beaumont world in the first place. There are detours, doubts, and the occasional emotional sucker punch, but they all lead to a destination that feels earned and real. Watching Quinn let go of the past to figure out what truly matters was well worth the wait. It’s a great addition to your book collection. Happy Reading...enjoy!
Oh, how i love an emo and broody Quinn. I have been a not huge liver of Nola for a hot minute, and finally, our boy Quinn sees the light. Nola isn't a bad person, but she is just not Quinns person.
When Quinn and his band get ready to head out on tour, Nola drops the bomb that she isn't going. She is over playing second fiddle to Quinns family, and she needs space. While on tour, Quinn keeps his relationship drama to himself, but Justine, the singer of Plum, takes notice. She becomes the ear and shoulder for Quinn. And when he realizes that he and Nola are finished, she becomes someone he can count on.
Peyton and Elle have their babies, and Quinn navigate life as an outsider in his own family. He and Justine grew closer, and he figured out she might be his person.
Thank you, Heidi, for taking us back to the world of Beaumont and more of this second generation.
I have been looking forward to this book for a while, and it didn't disappoint. This is a second book for Quinn and an emotional rollercoaster as we see him discover all is not what it seems in his relationship with Nola and the impact this has on his personal and professional life. Quinn has always felt a little detached, like the odd one out in his family, but there is nothing they wouldn't do for him and him them. Can Quinn finally find a love like his parents and sisters have, and has she been closer than he thought all along.
Quinn James was engaged to the woman he thought would be his forever. She had a lover who was her professor, and he did not see the signs. He never noticed that Justine James was in another band that his sister managed had feelings for Quinn. He was heartbroken and was going to tour with his band. he made a plan to win her back, even though he was dying inside because he had built his life around her. Justine was there to support him and write music with him help him move on.
The reason I gave this three stars has nothing to do with the plot. It’s a great love story. The problem was that I did not know it was an age-gap romance story. Personally and I might get a lot of hate but I hate age-gap romances. I don’t like them overall but it has unfortunately been the big theme for me. I can’t get over it. Again, love the story. Hate the age gap. And I’m sorry if I offend anybody who sees this.
Only McLaughlin can break through to the heart and haunt the soul. The Road to Forever is an angsty dance with destiny. Quinn and Nola take the long route to happily ever after. That road is paved with deep emotions, self discovery and taking risks. From abundant missteps to paving the way for happiness, ever heartache is a lesson learned and a hope revealed.
I’m so obsessed with Quinn James and the whole Beaumont crew. My heart went out to Quinn, everyone is so happy and him not knowing what tomorrow would bring. But with amazing bandmates/friends and family, Quinn got what he finally deserved. Another amazing book with phenomenal characters that everyone should definitely one click.
I love this author and the entire Beaumont series! This book, however, just felt OK. I really love Quinn and his loyalty and devotion to his entire family. The writing in this one, where he hid some stuff, didn’t seem to be on character for him. I don’t know if it’s because the book felt rushed or because it wasn’t a dual POV but it left me wanting more than it gave me
This book was so amazing. I believe this is my new favorite by Heidi!!!! This is Quinn's story and let me just say that was a hell of a ride. Quinn James is the kind of guy that younger me would have loved to meet. He's just perfect, he's my new book boyfriend
Perfect continuation of one of my favorite series. Quinn has always been the quiet one and it was time for his story to be told. When Nola met Quinn she was lying to him, but he fell for her any way. I love how much the entire family supports him and shows up!!! Great book!
This is one of my favorites of the series. Quinn getting the HEA he deserves makes me so happy, I love Justine and how she was just there for Quinn when he needed someone the most and was just there to listen or to just be.