Everlasting

by Kassidy Carter

When Payton’s abusive boyfriend takes things too far, she has no other choice than to turn to her brothers’ best friend and local cop, Hunter. He is the last person Payton thought she could trust to help her, but he may end up being the perfect one.

Hunter has always treated Payton like a little sister. He’s kept her at arm’s length while hiding his true feelings. When he finds out the abuse Payton has been hiding from everyone, he makes it his job to make sure she’s safe.

Spending so much time together brings the two closer and feelings start to change. Will Hunter be able to keep Payton safe from danger? Or will love get in the way and hurt them both?

170 pages, Paperback

First published March 24, 2015

About the author

Kassidy Carter lives in Florida with her Husband and two daughters. You can normally find a book in her hands or doing activities with her daughters. She has a passion for reading and will read just about anything. Her favorite kind of stories to read are one's with happy endings. She has always wanted to write, but the fear of getting started and not being good enough has stopped her...until now. If you want to find out more about Kassidy or follow her and her writing adventures, here are the links for her Facebook and Goodreads

Reviews

[Michele A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this book was good and I enjoyed the plot, however, this book needs some editing. There were too many times there were grammatical errors, past and present tenses used in the same sentence and just misused words. I also had a hard time following who was speaking in parts of this book and had to re-read some passages again to try and make sense of it. Payton was a waitress in a diner but rarely worked at all during this book which left me confused as to how she made ends meet living on her own. There were many passages in this book that were useless to the story and just left me wondering why they were there. Hunter was a cop and felt because of his life being constantly at risk he couldn't take a chance on falling in love. Payton references losing her mother and the impact that it still has on her life but I had a hard time connecting with her. Both Hunter and Payton had lost a parent young but each had different scars. Even with her protective brothers and father, Payton made some really questionable choices throughout this book and seemed like an adolescent instead of an adult woman. The fact they felt they could make her move back home was a bit over the top. When Hunter and Payton finally get together we get the build up of their exes conspiring to rip them apart. How Payton could put herself into the situation she found herself in was hard to believe. Once we get the conclusion to that part of the story it felt rushed. We got how Emily took care of Payton but got a brief glimpse of her and Hunter. It had a nice ending but I needed more interaction between Hunter and Payton in order to feel their "love" for one another. I just didn't really feel the connection.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Payton and Hunter, the start of an awesome series

I really enjoyed this story!
Payton has an incredible family and I am excited to read more about them.
Hunter is a bad ass and I think he was the perfect fit for Payton. I liked how he didn't really avoid how he felt about Payton, and although there is plenty of drama, I didn't feel that any of it took away from the story and that is what made me enjoy it so much.
I loved the suspense and the mystery about what would happen next along with the growing relationship between these two characters.

How Hunter and Payton came together was awesome! I loved how it was blossomed by circumstances and Matt's upcoming wedding. The intensity between these two characters was well written and the steamy parts were tastefully done. Just right!!

Payton has a bastard of an 'ex' and waiting for something to happen made me keep turning the pages. You know it's a good story when you love to hate the bad guy!

It took me some time to get comfortable with the writing voice as it does with lots of other books I have read but once I got into it, I really didn't want to stop reading.

I look forward to the next installment in the series! Well done Kassidy Carter!

[Ashley Jasper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always equal parts hopeful and nervous to try out a new author since I never know what I am going to get. I have to say that I was delighted to read this book. Kassidy Carter went for it big in her first novel. The story is fast paced and touches on some heavy topics.

Everlasting follows the story of Payton. I liked her as a character, she was bold and funny while still having some vulnerability to her. She is struggling to get away from an abusive relationship and turns to someone she knows she can trust, her brothers best friend, Hunter. Hunter is a great character; protective, good looking, fearful and loyal to a fault. He has been hiding his feelings for Payton for years but when she is in danger all bets are off. He goes out of his way to protect her and as they spend more time together, neither one can deny their feelings. I enjoyed their progression from friends to lovers. It took a while for them to get together but when they did, their connection was undeniable.

That being said, Payton and Hunter frustrated me to no end. The constant back and forth, together, I'm scared, together, I can't do this just about drove me up a wall. There were a few moments that had me laughing as well. Most of those came at the hands of Matt and James, Payton's brothers. They gave the book the lightness it needed to break up the heaviness of Payton's situation. They also provided another relationship in the book which allowed me to connect with Payton more fully. The sibling relationship was very realistic.

When things came to a head, I wasn't expecting them to get as intense as they were. The situation with Payton and her ex, Keegan escalated quickly. I knew that there would have to be some sort of final showdown but I wasn't prepared for that at all. The action was intense and had my heart racing. Thankfully, there was no question left unanswered. And the ending, if I didn't like Hunter before, he sealed the deal with his surprise to end all surprises. It showed just how far he had come from the start to finish of this book.

Everlasting is a non-stop ride. I laughed, held my breath, wanted to hit something and laughed some more. As previously mentioned, there are some heavy topics covered in this book. If abuse or violence is a trigger for you, then you might want to skip this one. Kassidy Carter put it all out there in her debut. I look forward to seeing more of this gang in the future, especially James!

[Leah Knott · Rating 1 out of 5]

I loved the story line in this book but the writing could have used some work. Everyone's thoughts were conveyed from a first person point of view so there were way too many sentences starting with "I" and with the switching between characters I got confused sometimes as to who was thinking what. The dialogue between characters could have used some work, I found that their use of words was a bit too grandiose and unnatural, people don't talk like this especially in a social setting, they aren't worried about making sure that their sentence construction is perfect. I also got irritated with having to keep going backwards to a previous scene every time the viewpoint switched from one character to the next, I would rather read the entire book from one viewpoint and if the author felt it necessary then write another book from the other character's point of view. This could be a great story with a little editing.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter's Vow: “Payton there is not a day I don't think about you. I love you and promise you I will be here for you no matter what life throws at us. You are always going to be my everlasting love.”



So I woke up 3:30 am and couldn't sleep so started this, and I couldn't leave it until I just finished it now (8:30am).
I thought I was bored of romance novels, but damn this is good.
It sad that Payton had to go through so much shit with her abusive EX-Boyfriend ( which is totally an arse, and not the cute kind of arse a British boy says)
Anywase, after running through a hell of a lot of breath taking, deathly events her and her newly boyfriend Hunter ( her brother Matt's BF), they finally got married and damn what a proposal it was lol.
The feeling you get while getting ready for your best friend and brothers wedding and suddenly being told that they actually got married a week ago and it's actually your wedding your attending is just speechless.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Everlasting!! For an author's first book this was well written and organized.
The characters were realistic and relatible. You just couldn't not fall for them. Payton is sweetheart that is in a crappy relationship. I feel so bad that she is going through this abuse, but on the other hand it's frustrating when all you want to do it yell at her to leave him.
Hunter is a local cop and Payton's brother's hot best friend. Off the bat I love it already. The brother's best friend makes it so forbidden and off limits. Hunter is a darling that just wants to make sure Payton is safe and who couldn't love a guy for that.
All in all, this book was a great read and I would recommend that you buy it. You wont regret this purchase.

[Kelly with Sugar Shack Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a great debut!!!

I was instantly intrigued with book, just by the cover and then blurb, boy I am glad I too a chance on this one! I was completely sucked into this story, Kassidy's writing and story was wonderful! I loved all the characters, especially Hunter!! This story was filled with a great plot, some drama and angst, and of course a great love story with lots of amazing chemistry!

I would definitely recommend this to everyone and I for one can not wait for more from Kassidy!! I am secretly hoping for James story!!

[Raquel Auriemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is Kassidy's debut novel. The story was a good one and I can see great potential. There were some things that could use some polish and editing to fix a few things. I'm looking forward to reading more from Kassidy.

[Thai Holman]

Hunter

New author for me and I must say surprised me with this book. It was great writing, wonderful story, loved the characters. And the plot keeps you in the story. I didn't know what was going to happen next and didn't want to put down.

[Laura Hampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come closer to release date.

[Nothing Like A Good Book!!!! wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!! I needed a whole box of tissues!!!! I just loved it!!!!

[Stefanie Nelson hetland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hated for it to end!

Loved this book! The end felt a little rushed but maybe that was because I didn't want it to end. I am looking for more from This author!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story line kept my attention. The editing needed some help. The characters were very likeable and I will read the next book Kassidy writes.

[Jeannette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book

This was a great book to read. I liked the characters and their story line. I hope to read more from this author.

[Amy Vandal · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed

[Tracy Lundy-Munn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everlasting by Kassidy Carter is a standalone book and my first book by this author. The storyline was solid and well thought out. Loved the best friend's little sister storyline that truly hit the spot. The characters were well developed and had depth, emotion and lots of chemistry. Looking forward to more books by this author.

[The Smutbrarians · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the night when Payton is at the mercy of her abusive boyfriends hands, she calls the police to try and get someone to come save her. What she wasn't expecting was Hunter, her big brother’s best friend and local cop, to show up. After seeing what Payton was victim to, Hunter makes it his personal job to protect Payton. Old crushes are brought to light at a time when neither one of them expected it. Will the timing work out for both of them or will life, insecurities, and past mistakes get in the way and keep these two apart?

When I received a copy of Everlasting by Kassidy Carter I couldn't wait to dive into. This particular storyline (littler sister and old brother’s best friend in love) is one of my all time favorites. I loved that the heroin was a strong character who knew and took acceptance of her choices in life but was also real by showing concerns regarding trusting someone again. Our hero of the book is good looking and charming (deadly combination) but feels it is his duty to protect Payton from himself and job. These two characters are faced with challenges that can either bring them together or pull them apart. As the story unfolds and develops there were many times I just couldn't help but keeping cheering these two individuals on.

This story touches on some heavy subjects while also bringing in angst, humor, and love. Kassidy did a great job at weaving all of these aspects into a great romance story that readers will enjoy

[Akeisha -Til' The Last Page BB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by: Akeisha

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


This is Kassidy's debut novel and I thought for a first book she did a really good job. The story flowed well and you could not help but fall in love with the characters and their stories.

Everlasting is a tale of boy likes girl and girl likes boy but they are both too afraid to act upon their true feelings. Both Payton and Hunter has been friends for years. When Payton is left bloody and in need of help Hunter shows up and instantly he doesn't want to leave her side.

I liked all the drama that was included in the story, it kept me on my toes. The story was very easy to read which made it enjoyable. The secondary characters can definitely get a book, there is an interesting story there.

Overall, a good debut novel and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a new author.

[Raj · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

It was exciting at first, I was lovin it. I kind of like that the guy was a 'runner.'For him, he's not enough for the heroine. After they got together.. I got bored. I lost interest in the story.

I read this last April 17, and now it's June 3, I don't even remember the story so I'm just writing whatever it is that I wrote on my S note.

Here's the other line that I wrote, which I don't really get...

I got bored... When the love scene was......... Skipped, I was disappointed but I know there'll be one? but nada!

Maybe I was expecting to read a love scene but there was none? yeah, maybe.

[Kristina Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked he premise of the book and the characters. Sadly, I got to 58% and I just can't finish it :(. The characters are starting to get under my skin and are quite annoying. But the main reason I quit this book is because of the grammar. There are many grammatical errors and the lack of contractions. Example: I am sorry. I was not being creepy. It got to the point where I was having re-write the sentences because people just don't talk without using contractions!
I'm certain I'll check this author out again, because the idea of the story was good. I would love to know what happens with the couples in the book, but I just can't do it. :(

[Have Coffee Need Books · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reads like a deposition. Words have no emotion. The voice is one dimensional. Writer doesn't seem to grasp the broken psyche someone dealing with trauma or violence and the developing of PTSD. The low energy makes the conversations read like someone feeding lines to the characters. The lack of conjunctions make the dialogues robotic. Do not, did not, cannot.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If the writing had been better the book would have gotten 4 stars. But the writing was kind of crap. The way the dialogue was written, isn't how people actually talk in my opinion. Besides that the story was short and sweet.

[Tina V · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the premise of the book, however, had a hard time with some of the dialogue and connecting with the characters. Overall, good debut novel and would be interested to read James's story.

[Jamie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at about 4%. I'm confused about the high rating of this book, it was actually incredibly painful to read.

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[c patel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok

The story line itself was interesting but it's not particularly well written. Several mistakes in the writing. Not worth the money.

[Jessica CW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hunter and Payton grew up together, secretly loved each other but didn't dare cross those lines because she was his best friends little sister. Plus he refused love due to seeing the experience his mom has with it.

Until she makes a domestic abuse call....

This book was up and down for me. There were many grammar issues, poor use of words and it felt juvenile to me. I liked the romance but it felt incomplete. And Payton's situation with her ex pissed me off, first her loved ones were blaming the victim then she doesn't get stronger she trades in her independence for being rescued by Hunter. He runs hot and cold. Which doesn't make sense considering he's a cop. Enjoyed most of the plot though.

Some entertaining pieces but overall it just needed more editing and thought.