What do you think?
Rate this book
Forever Love #1
Forever Dark
One tragic night.
One backseat promise shattered forever.
Madison Thomas is shouldering guilt she may never forgive herself for. Her darkness has consumed her for three years and slowly seeped into every part of her life.
She’s relying on substance.
She’s trying to be brave when all she’ll ever be is bent.
Cash Bryant, a college quarterback with a promising career, wants to show Madison there’s still hope. He’s her one sliver of light that never fades.
He wants to let go. He needs to let go… before she destroys him completely.
There’s something about the girl wearing hoodies to hide her dark eyes that reminds him of the girl he fell forever in love with.
In the shadows of their blue-lit mornings, she makes him weak, steals the beat in his chest, and he’s reminded of the girl he used to know.
Author's Note: This book was previously available as Forever Love with Megan Smith. We have separated the books into two standalones, Forever Dark and Forever Light. You will see that both stories follow the exact same time frame and include the same group of friends but while you read something in Forever Dark you will see some extra interaction in Forever Light, Landon and Macy's story.
One backseat promise shattered forever.
Madison Thomas is shouldering guilt she may never forgive herself for. Her darkness has consumed her for three years and slowly seeped into every part of her life.
She’s relying on substance.
She’s trying to be brave when all she’ll ever be is bent.
Cash Bryant, a college quarterback with a promising career, wants to show Madison there’s still hope. He’s her one sliver of light that never fades.
He wants to let go. He needs to let go… before she destroys him completely.
There’s something about the girl wearing hoodies to hide her dark eyes that reminds him of the girl he fell forever in love with.
In the shadows of their blue-lit mornings, she makes him weak, steals the beat in his chest, and he’s reminded of the girl he used to know.
Author's Note: This book was previously available as Forever Love with Megan Smith. We have separated the books into two standalones, Forever Dark and Forever Light. You will see that both stories follow the exact same time frame and include the same group of friends but while you read something in Forever Dark you will see some extra interaction in Forever Light, Landon and Macy's story.
234 pages, ebook
First published November 19, 2014
21 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 11, 2016
Warning: May be some spoilers.
This was a very difficult read. It was dark, gritty and real. It showed the consequences of one mistake that effected 6 lives, leaving 5 to deal with the aftermath. There are hella many difficult themes present and throughout the story, you're gonna be experiencing an array of emotions that you just don't know how to handle.
Madison and Cash had their forever in the palm of their hands, after graduating high school and Cash winning the last football game, they were more than excited to start celebrating their victory with their 4 best friends. But when a fatal accident left one dead, the 5 friends are left reeling.
Fast forward 3 years, Cash and Madison attend the same school. But they are no longer together or the same people they were then. Both of them carry so much guilt after Steven's death, they're just going through the motions of life but not really living it. Cash keeps himself occupied with football, still being the star quarterback, while Madison has turned to drugs and meaningless sex to cope.
Neither have forgotten the love they shared before everything went South yet they're not ready to go down that road again. It's just too hard, reminding them of what they lost. Until Cash finds out she's been using cocaine and fucking her dangerous drug dealer. He finally realizes he has to put a stop to it and win his girl back.
Boy is it a long, dark road for them both. Lots of drugs, sex and betrayals are what goes on. I found myself frustrated alot with them, but also felt their pain. Mostly I was frustrated with Madison. Cash was broken just like she was and yet he was faithful to her. For 3 years. He came close to fucking other girls but never actually went all the way. He couldn't. It felt wrong to him. He just wasn't that kind of guy. But Madison fucked everyone...on his football team and Cash's best friend Landon. It was heartbreaking to see her hurt him continuously. Over and over again. I wanted to shake some sense into him, that he deserved better, that she wasn't worth it. I wanted to bitch slap her to the moon. She was just horrible to him. She didn't deserve his loyalty, his heart that she destroyed.
In the end, she eventually got her shit together and started working on getting clean. I just thought she was too far gone to really change her ways, however, I think people can change if they have the support and desire to do so.
She definitely had the support.
I really enjoyed the dual pov's but at times, it felt repetitive. Either way, I liked watching them struggle with their chemistry and sexual tension. Dear God, there was alot of sex, not that it bothered me, and it was hot. I didn’t necessarily like reading about all the sex Madison had with other guys, though so I sorta skimmed those parts.
I loved the supporting characters; Landon, Alexa and Macy. Their lives were effected by the accident as well and I appreciated how the author demonstrated the changes, and made it feel real. When you're a bunch of teenagers, drinking and driving, out for a wild and fun night, you just don't imagine what harm it could do. Or how it can change your entire life.
Maybe you do but at the moment, you just don't care. You just wanna be a reckless teen, celebrating great successes with your friends for one night. You don't consider the dangers until it's too late. It happens. It's real life. And the author did a great job of painting a messy picture when tragedy strikes.
I'll definitely read Macy and Landon's story in Forever Light , though not sure when yet since I have so many others to read first. I'm still intrigued enough to want to know how their story goes.
Nevertheless, this was a great story about first love, loss in the wake of tragedy and second chances when all hope is lost.
This was a very difficult read. It was dark, gritty and real. It showed the consequences of one mistake that effected 6 lives, leaving 5 to deal with the aftermath. There are hella many difficult themes present and throughout the story, you're gonna be experiencing an array of emotions that you just don't know how to handle.
Madison and Cash had their forever in the palm of their hands, after graduating high school and Cash winning the last football game, they were more than excited to start celebrating their victory with their 4 best friends. But when a fatal accident left one dead, the 5 friends are left reeling.
Fast forward 3 years, Cash and Madison attend the same school. But they are no longer together or the same people they were then. Both of them carry so much guilt after Steven's death, they're just going through the motions of life but not really living it. Cash keeps himself occupied with football, still being the star quarterback, while Madison has turned to drugs and meaningless sex to cope.
Neither have forgotten the love they shared before everything went South yet they're not ready to go down that road again. It's just too hard, reminding them of what they lost. Until Cash finds out she's been using cocaine and fucking her dangerous drug dealer. He finally realizes he has to put a stop to it and win his girl back.
Boy is it a long, dark road for them both. Lots of drugs, sex and betrayals are what goes on. I found myself frustrated alot with them, but also felt their pain. Mostly I was frustrated with Madison. Cash was broken just like she was and yet he was faithful to her. For 3 years. He came close to fucking other girls but never actually went all the way. He couldn't. It felt wrong to him. He just wasn't that kind of guy. But Madison fucked everyone...on his football team and Cash's best friend Landon. It was heartbreaking to see her hurt him continuously. Over and over again. I wanted to shake some sense into him, that he deserved better, that she wasn't worth it. I wanted to bitch slap her to the moon. She was just horrible to him. She didn't deserve his loyalty, his heart that she destroyed.
In the end, she eventually got her shit together and started working on getting clean. I just thought she was too far gone to really change her ways, however, I think people can change if they have the support and desire to do so.
She definitely had the support.
I really enjoyed the dual pov's but at times, it felt repetitive. Either way, I liked watching them struggle with their chemistry and sexual tension. Dear God, there was alot of sex, not that it bothered me, and it was hot. I didn’t necessarily like reading about all the sex Madison had with other guys, though so I sorta skimmed those parts.
I loved the supporting characters; Landon, Alexa and Macy. Their lives were effected by the accident as well and I appreciated how the author demonstrated the changes, and made it feel real. When you're a bunch of teenagers, drinking and driving, out for a wild and fun night, you just don't imagine what harm it could do. Or how it can change your entire life.
Maybe you do but at the moment, you just don't care. You just wanna be a reckless teen, celebrating great successes with your friends for one night. You don't consider the dangers until it's too late. It happens. It's real life. And the author did a great job of painting a messy picture when tragedy strikes.
I'll definitely read Macy and Landon's story in Forever Light , though not sure when yet since I have so many others to read first. I'm still intrigued enough to want to know how their story goes.
Nevertheless, this was a great story about first love, loss in the wake of tragedy and second chances when all hope is lost.
November 27, 2014
3 Forever Love Stars!
Wow! Six teenagers. Three boys and three girls. All have been friends and in love for most of their lives. Then one night everything changes. Now we have five teenagers. All broken after a night that went wrong. One is broken because she loses the love of her life. Two are broken because it was their fault the car swerved into incoming traffic. Three turn to drugs and alcohol trying to numb the pain and guilt. This means two are left to pick up the pieces. This went on for three years after the accident.
Why not a 5 star?? I struggled with this book. Not sure if I was going to finish it. I kept coming back to it. lol I think it's because every chapter felt like the same thing happened over and over. I liked the beginning and loved the end. Not so much the middle. lol Will I read the next one when it comes out...probably:-)
Wow! Six teenagers. Three boys and three girls. All have been friends and in love for most of their lives. Then one night everything changes. Now we have five teenagers. All broken after a night that went wrong. One is broken because she loses the love of her life. Two are broken because it was their fault the car swerved into incoming traffic. Three turn to drugs and alcohol trying to numb the pain and guilt. This means two are left to pick up the pieces. This went on for three years after the accident.
Why not a 5 star?? I struggled with this book. Not sure if I was going to finish it. I kept coming back to it. lol I think it's because every chapter felt like the same thing happened over and over. I liked the beginning and loved the end. Not so much the middle. lol Will I read the next one when it comes out...probably:-)
October 20, 2014
Note: I read these books together as a series, so the review is written with both books mentioned.
This series just completely broke me. I knew it was going to be a rough ride, but I am not sure I was prepared to fully live through it several times. What these two authors did separately and together was amazing. It was heartwarming and touching and it was completely heartbreaking. I haven’t quite recovered from it yet. Somehow these two authors took one truly tragic event and told two completely separate stories so completely entangled, it is hard to tell who wrote which story. But together they have written one of the most beautiful series that has touched my hearts and passed through my hands in a while.
The first story, Forever Dark, begins this set of events that just gripped my heart. I was crying time and time again in this story. But with all the sadness, you just wanted the characters to see the light. Six friends, one night and events that cannot be erased. Events that would forever change each moment for them. It will test them, watch them struggle, and leave them to deal with everything in the only way they know how. This is the story of Cash and Madison. These two were everything to one another. They had their best friends, they had one another, they had it all. Then in the blink of an eye, everything has changed.
Now struggling to get through the day to day that they have given themselves, they are just trying. Cash is hanging on for their story to begin. He wants their love to be given a chance to struggle and survive when it . Madison, Just wants to forget. She was part of the reason the events of the night happened the way they did and she has never dealt with it. Instead turning to the one place she knows she can escape from it all. It is a gripping story of Cash hanging on to a love he knows can last forever and Madison holding on to an escape from it all.
This book takes a hard look at what drugs can do to someone. They may seem to help with the pain, but when they take over your life and cause so much pain for everyone involved, you just hope she finds her way out of the darkness that has consumed her. It is heartbreaking and moving, but more than that, it was a tough look at the long road back to “normal.” It was admitting that Madison had a problem, it was helping her find her way out.
My heart hurt over and over again for Madison, for Cash and for the love that was slipping by them. Is it possible for them to find their way out of this and let a new life begin? Or have they lost Madison forever?
When I hit the second book in the series, I thought I had it held together. OF course, that was false hope. There is no way you can come back from a tragedy that just shook everything up in these character’s lives. Even after the three years that they have all been struggling, there is one thing, or person, that none of them will forget.
This is Landon and Macy’s story. Though all of the characters are interwoven so tightly from their small hometown and the tragedy of that one night, they have all dealt with it so completely differently. Landon turned to Madison. He wasn’t looking for comfort, but he understood what she was going through. To feel the force of guilt is hard to face alone, but that guilt is felt from Landon stronger than any other. But instead of turning to the woman he loves, Macy, he finds himself connecting with Madison.
Macy is trying to find the strength to be everything to Landon but finds it so hard when he is looking to any thing or any one other than her. She is breaking inside but the force of guilt is all consuming and has taken over Landon’s life. He has never forgiven himself for the events of that night and he has never asked for forgiveness from those that were most affected.
As I said at the beginning of this review, this book broke me. It tore my heart to pieces over and over again. And the one that lost his life that night is also the only one that can bring them back together. But is it too late?
My heart hurt for a good portion of both of these books, but together these books were so incredibly powerful A harsh look at reality in the eyes of those effected the most. I loved this series.
Now… here was my big (minor) issue with the second book (and it is really small)… I know it happens, but I struggled each time a secondary character’s name was mentioned. It actually made me cringe a little each time Declan Collins name was brought up. It was a hard point for me to get beyond because Declan Collins in my world is a tatted singer in one of my favorite series, by a different author. Not a football player. It is a little thing, but because it was in one of my all time favorite books, I did find myself struggling a bit. Did it ruin the book for me? No. There was so much more going on and such bigger issues to deal with that I didn’t factor it into my rating at all. It was just a sticking point for me. But everything else that happened, quickly made it easy to get over. It is a small thing in the events of such tragedy and heartache, but it did catch me off guard.
Overall I absolutely love these books. This is a unique way to write a series and it worked very well for these authors. I cried a lot and I felt a lot deep down for all of these characters. It is a hard series to read because the content is powerful. But it is told in such an amazing way, that you just can’t stop reading because you have to know what happens to these characters. Five tearful and touching stars!
This series just completely broke me. I knew it was going to be a rough ride, but I am not sure I was prepared to fully live through it several times. What these two authors did separately and together was amazing. It was heartwarming and touching and it was completely heartbreaking. I haven’t quite recovered from it yet. Somehow these two authors took one truly tragic event and told two completely separate stories so completely entangled, it is hard to tell who wrote which story. But together they have written one of the most beautiful series that has touched my hearts and passed through my hands in a while.
The first story, Forever Dark, begins this set of events that just gripped my heart. I was crying time and time again in this story. But with all the sadness, you just wanted the characters to see the light. Six friends, one night and events that cannot be erased. Events that would forever change each moment for them. It will test them, watch them struggle, and leave them to deal with everything in the only way they know how. This is the story of Cash and Madison. These two were everything to one another. They had their best friends, they had one another, they had it all. Then in the blink of an eye, everything has changed.
Now struggling to get through the day to day that they have given themselves, they are just trying. Cash is hanging on for their story to begin. He wants their love to be given a chance to struggle and survive when it . Madison, Just wants to forget. She was part of the reason the events of the night happened the way they did and she has never dealt with it. Instead turning to the one place she knows she can escape from it all. It is a gripping story of Cash hanging on to a love he knows can last forever and Madison holding on to an escape from it all.
This book takes a hard look at what drugs can do to someone. They may seem to help with the pain, but when they take over your life and cause so much pain for everyone involved, you just hope she finds her way out of the darkness that has consumed her. It is heartbreaking and moving, but more than that, it was a tough look at the long road back to “normal.” It was admitting that Madison had a problem, it was helping her find her way out.
My heart hurt over and over again for Madison, for Cash and for the love that was slipping by them. Is it possible for them to find their way out of this and let a new life begin? Or have they lost Madison forever?
When I hit the second book in the series, I thought I had it held together. OF course, that was false hope. There is no way you can come back from a tragedy that just shook everything up in these character’s lives. Even after the three years that they have all been struggling, there is one thing, or person, that none of them will forget.
This is Landon and Macy’s story. Though all of the characters are interwoven so tightly from their small hometown and the tragedy of that one night, they have all dealt with it so completely differently. Landon turned to Madison. He wasn’t looking for comfort, but he understood what she was going through. To feel the force of guilt is hard to face alone, but that guilt is felt from Landon stronger than any other. But instead of turning to the woman he loves, Macy, he finds himself connecting with Madison.
Macy is trying to find the strength to be everything to Landon but finds it so hard when he is looking to any thing or any one other than her. She is breaking inside but the force of guilt is all consuming and has taken over Landon’s life. He has never forgiven himself for the events of that night and he has never asked for forgiveness from those that were most affected.
As I said at the beginning of this review, this book broke me. It tore my heart to pieces over and over again. And the one that lost his life that night is also the only one that can bring them back together. But is it too late?
My heart hurt for a good portion of both of these books, but together these books were so incredibly powerful A harsh look at reality in the eyes of those effected the most. I loved this series.
Now… here was my big (minor) issue with the second book (and it is really small)… I know it happens, but I struggled each time a secondary character’s name was mentioned. It actually made me cringe a little each time Declan Collins name was brought up. It was a hard point for me to get beyond because Declan Collins in my world is a tatted singer in one of my favorite series, by a different author. Not a football player. It is a little thing, but because it was in one of my all time favorite books, I did find myself struggling a bit. Did it ruin the book for me? No. There was so much more going on and such bigger issues to deal with that I didn’t factor it into my rating at all. It was just a sticking point for me. But everything else that happened, quickly made it easy to get over. It is a small thing in the events of such tragedy and heartache, but it did catch me off guard.
Overall I absolutely love these books. This is a unique way to write a series and it worked very well for these authors. I cried a lot and I felt a lot deep down for all of these characters. It is a hard series to read because the content is powerful. But it is told in such an amazing way, that you just can’t stop reading because you have to know what happens to these characters. Five tearful and touching stars!
October 17, 2015
This review will be the same for Forever Love #2 seeing as they complement eachother.
I knew from the authors message that I'd have to read both books if I wanted to get the full story, so I did. What I wasn't expecting was to be left hanging with both books. The stories of Landon & Macy and Cash & Madison are incomplete and had I realized this I would not have read them. I am told in both conclusions that there will be another set of books coming to continue their story, but I can't seem to find any information on the plans for those books. Normally, if I REALLY enjoy a series I'd be okay with the wait and the cliffhangers but I can't say I really enjoyed these. I love that these books were raw, the relationships calamitous, but I only liked them at best and I will definitely look into other books by both authors as long as they don't take on this side-by-side style. Endings were given but not supported and I really feel with just those few pieces the stories could have been completed and my rating would not have to suffer.
Initially, I was going for 4 stars, but I'm not so sure now because I feel sort of tricked.
Bless Cash! He was my favorite!
I knew from the authors message that I'd have to read both books if I wanted to get the full story, so I did. What I wasn't expecting was to be left hanging with both books. The stories of Landon & Macy and Cash & Madison are incomplete and had I realized this I would not have read them. I am told in both conclusions that there will be another set of books coming to continue their story, but I can't seem to find any information on the plans for those books. Normally, if I REALLY enjoy a series I'd be okay with the wait and the cliffhangers but I can't say I really enjoyed these. I love that these books were raw, the relationships calamitous, but I only liked them at best and I will definitely look into other books by both authors as long as they don't take on this side-by-side style. Endings were given but not supported and I really feel with just those few pieces the stories could have been completed and my rating would not have to suffer.
Initially, I was going for 4 stars, but I'm not so sure now because I feel sort of tricked.
Bless Cash! He was my favorite!
December 2, 2014
Forever Dark is a book that is extremely moving, and it may make you cry, but that is okay, if you do not read this along with its companion novel Forever Light, by Megan Smith, you will be missing out on a wonderful two books.
This book tells the story about a group of 6 teenagers that have known each other since they were all very young, and after something happens in their lives, it tells of what happens to them, and the way they all cope, or don't cope with what has happened. This book tells the story of Madison and Cash. Madison has a twin sister, Macy, whose story will be told in Forever Light as well as that of Landon, her boyfriend, and the best friend of Cash.
These two books tell the same story simultaneously, just from a different pair of characters and this being the case,we get to see so much more into the minds of these 6 characters, it makes the whole experience of reading this story so much more brilliant, and I am so glad I got to read them.I can't emphasize strongly enough how true this is. The book has a good plot, and the characters are all well represented and well developed.
After winning their last football game of the season and their last game forever as seniors of their high school, Cash, Madison, Macy, Landon, Steven and Alexa, head out to Cannon beach to the beach house of Steven's parents to celebrate, and unfortunately, Madison and Landon start celebrating while they are on their way instead of waiting until they get there. They both wind up standing up in the middle seat, hanging out of the roof top window, smoking pot and drinking. Unfortunately a car coming around the bend with the brights on blinds them and Madison falls into Steven at the wrong time and Landon has dropped a lit joint on to the back of Steven's seat ad it is burning him, so he is trying to get away from it and still drive and they crash head on into the man's car. Steven dies and they all stand there helpless while waiting for help to arrive, and Alexa continues to scream for help and her Steven tells her with his last breaths that he loves her. This book is written so well it is like the reader is there experiencing everything that happens! I can see the characters in my mind, and see how they react.
After this happens the book commences and tells about how they all handle what happens for the next 3 years. Madison and Cash will never be the same, and this is the story of what happens with them, and it is sad to read and see the devastation of what happens to all of them and how they cope. Another blow to Macy and Cash occurs at senior prom 4 months later that causes Macy to quit talking to Madison and Cash is just undone by what Landon has done to he and Macy. Madison takes the road to hell and without her twin, who has always been her best friend and sister, she numbs herself with drugs and alcohol, not able to deal with the guilt she feels. Cash continues to play football in college as does Landon and they barely say two words to each other on the best of days. Landon is in the same boat as Madison, drinking and smoking weed all the time to numb his feelings.
Cash is in his own world of suffering but hangs on to the only thing he knows for sure-football, and he continues to do well. However Madison and he are like poison to each other and yet he can't let go of the little girl he fell in love with in grammar school and still loves now, even though she is slowly destroying him, an he her. They do not acknowledge each other in the light of day, but almost every night and late into the morning hours he texts her and then goes to her room where they have sex, and once done, he gets up and leaves. No kissing or hugging, or sleeping together, cuddling, just the act itself, and that is destroying Madison as well. Cash totally ignores what is happening to Madison and that is his way of coping and dealing, never realizing by his not knowing or pretending not to know what is going with Madison on is destroying Madison even more, and she feels she is not good enough for him.
The worst part is that all 5 of the remaining six young adults are all attending the same college, and they see what they are all doing to themselves ad each other. Slowly their dreams are shattering inside leaving them hopeless for some and more determined for the others. Madison blames herself and can't cope with the guilt, and Landon is doing the same. It takes an incident at home that has all of them heading back to their home town and their families, and there in the dark, they have a chance to come back into the light. You will have to read to see what happen to cause everything to turn around and give them hope- something they have not experienced in 3 long years!
Do yourself a favor and read this series, you will laugh at times and cry at times, but once I started reading, I sat there and read this book until I finished it and the next day started the other one, Forever Light. I really am amazed how these two authors wrote these books to correspond with the same story, and tell it from the differing point of views of the characters. I definitely have a book hangover, and there will be a sequel in the future and I hope it is soon to see how it all ends.
I gave Forever Dark and Forever Light 5***** stars each and I highly recommend you do not miss out on these beautifully written books.
This book tells the story about a group of 6 teenagers that have known each other since they were all very young, and after something happens in their lives, it tells of what happens to them, and the way they all cope, or don't cope with what has happened. This book tells the story of Madison and Cash. Madison has a twin sister, Macy, whose story will be told in Forever Light as well as that of Landon, her boyfriend, and the best friend of Cash.
These two books tell the same story simultaneously, just from a different pair of characters and this being the case,we get to see so much more into the minds of these 6 characters, it makes the whole experience of reading this story so much more brilliant, and I am so glad I got to read them.I can't emphasize strongly enough how true this is. The book has a good plot, and the characters are all well represented and well developed.
After winning their last football game of the season and their last game forever as seniors of their high school, Cash, Madison, Macy, Landon, Steven and Alexa, head out to Cannon beach to the beach house of Steven's parents to celebrate, and unfortunately, Madison and Landon start celebrating while they are on their way instead of waiting until they get there. They both wind up standing up in the middle seat, hanging out of the roof top window, smoking pot and drinking. Unfortunately a car coming around the bend with the brights on blinds them and Madison falls into Steven at the wrong time and Landon has dropped a lit joint on to the back of Steven's seat ad it is burning him, so he is trying to get away from it and still drive and they crash head on into the man's car. Steven dies and they all stand there helpless while waiting for help to arrive, and Alexa continues to scream for help and her Steven tells her with his last breaths that he loves her. This book is written so well it is like the reader is there experiencing everything that happens! I can see the characters in my mind, and see how they react.
After this happens the book commences and tells about how they all handle what happens for the next 3 years. Madison and Cash will never be the same, and this is the story of what happens with them, and it is sad to read and see the devastation of what happens to all of them and how they cope. Another blow to Macy and Cash occurs at senior prom 4 months later that causes Macy to quit talking to Madison and Cash is just undone by what Landon has done to he and Macy. Madison takes the road to hell and without her twin, who has always been her best friend and sister, she numbs herself with drugs and alcohol, not able to deal with the guilt she feels. Cash continues to play football in college as does Landon and they barely say two words to each other on the best of days. Landon is in the same boat as Madison, drinking and smoking weed all the time to numb his feelings.
Cash is in his own world of suffering but hangs on to the only thing he knows for sure-football, and he continues to do well. However Madison and he are like poison to each other and yet he can't let go of the little girl he fell in love with in grammar school and still loves now, even though she is slowly destroying him, an he her. They do not acknowledge each other in the light of day, but almost every night and late into the morning hours he texts her and then goes to her room where they have sex, and once done, he gets up and leaves. No kissing or hugging, or sleeping together, cuddling, just the act itself, and that is destroying Madison as well. Cash totally ignores what is happening to Madison and that is his way of coping and dealing, never realizing by his not knowing or pretending not to know what is going with Madison on is destroying Madison even more, and she feels she is not good enough for him.
The worst part is that all 5 of the remaining six young adults are all attending the same college, and they see what they are all doing to themselves ad each other. Slowly their dreams are shattering inside leaving them hopeless for some and more determined for the others. Madison blames herself and can't cope with the guilt, and Landon is doing the same. It takes an incident at home that has all of them heading back to their home town and their families, and there in the dark, they have a chance to come back into the light. You will have to read to see what happen to cause everything to turn around and give them hope- something they have not experienced in 3 long years!
Do yourself a favor and read this series, you will laugh at times and cry at times, but once I started reading, I sat there and read this book until I finished it and the next day started the other one, Forever Light. I really am amazed how these two authors wrote these books to correspond with the same story, and tell it from the differing point of views of the characters. I definitely have a book hangover, and there will be a sequel in the future and I hope it is soon to see how it all ends.
I gave Forever Dark and Forever Light 5***** stars each and I highly recommend you do not miss out on these beautifully written books.
November 21, 2014
Oh I would love to have more stars to give this book. This story not only affected me emotionally as a reader, but as a mother it took me to a whole new level of emotions and pain. Megan Smith and Chelsea Landon have become two of the best authors I know who can describe a scene in a book and draw every possible emotion out of the reader while still progressing through the story. Two of the most dramatic scenes in this book not only had me holding my breath, but I could literally hear the crashing of glass and the sounds of objects being hit while reading the story. I could smell the environment that they were in and feel the anguish and panic involved in the event. They had me glued to my kindle and there was just no way to put the book down after that.
This is the story of six teenagers, celebrating the end of their senior year in high school and full of hopes and dreams for the future. Cash, Landon, Steven, Alexa, Madison and her sister Macy all have the world in the palm of their hands. They were your normal teenagers, football, parties, sex and each other. While they pushed the rules and limits they were good kids that you just enjoyed reading about. After winning the biggest game in the history of the school, they decide to go celebrate. Cash had a surprise for Madison; he was going to ask the big question.
Unfortunately tragedy happened before he could ask and their world changes. I will insert now that I had predictions of what this huge event was after reading the synopsis but when it happened I have to admit the possibility of what did happen never crossed my mind. This is one of the events that the authors masterfully put me in the middle of and I felt every single dip and rise of emotions as I read it.
After a while they all need to move on to college but for some it won’t be that easy. While Cash is the man I would dream for my daughters to find in real life, Madison could never let go of the guilt of what happen. She broke my heart as a reader and a mother. I was so invested in this group of kids by now, I was feeling a mothers broken heart. Instead of finding help and seeking healing, she turned to drugs and a road full of danger. Cash watched her and did what he could but I think to protect his heart he ended up turning to denial more than reality.
Watching Cash finally come to terms with his shattered heart and pain from all he has lost including his dreams for he and Madison was another event that had me sobbing and feeling every emotion that was involved. The rest of the story we see how they ended up and if they could ever recover from those three years after the event and the damage that was done. Macy and Madison’s relationship was destroyed in that time as well, leaving Madison really struggling for relief.
The authors did a fabulous job with this story and I am not sure how they are going to top it with the next book Forever Light. It will be about more of the friends we met in this book. I think it is clear the message in this book was it isn’t what made us crumble that determines our future; it is how we get up and what we do with the pain. It is also an example of how love can help heal, but it can very well be used as a weapon to destroy those we cherish. No one is an island in life, how we choose to use love and recover will affect everyone in our life just as we saw with Cash and Madison. I give you my highest recommendation to read this series.
This is the story of six teenagers, celebrating the end of their senior year in high school and full of hopes and dreams for the future. Cash, Landon, Steven, Alexa, Madison and her sister Macy all have the world in the palm of their hands. They were your normal teenagers, football, parties, sex and each other. While they pushed the rules and limits they were good kids that you just enjoyed reading about. After winning the biggest game in the history of the school, they decide to go celebrate. Cash had a surprise for Madison; he was going to ask the big question.
Unfortunately tragedy happened before he could ask and their world changes. I will insert now that I had predictions of what this huge event was after reading the synopsis but when it happened I have to admit the possibility of what did happen never crossed my mind. This is one of the events that the authors masterfully put me in the middle of and I felt every single dip and rise of emotions as I read it.
After a while they all need to move on to college but for some it won’t be that easy. While Cash is the man I would dream for my daughters to find in real life, Madison could never let go of the guilt of what happen. She broke my heart as a reader and a mother. I was so invested in this group of kids by now, I was feeling a mothers broken heart. Instead of finding help and seeking healing, she turned to drugs and a road full of danger. Cash watched her and did what he could but I think to protect his heart he ended up turning to denial more than reality.
Watching Cash finally come to terms with his shattered heart and pain from all he has lost including his dreams for he and Madison was another event that had me sobbing and feeling every emotion that was involved. The rest of the story we see how they ended up and if they could ever recover from those three years after the event and the damage that was done. Macy and Madison’s relationship was destroyed in that time as well, leaving Madison really struggling for relief.
The authors did a fabulous job with this story and I am not sure how they are going to top it with the next book Forever Light. It will be about more of the friends we met in this book. I think it is clear the message in this book was it isn’t what made us crumble that determines our future; it is how we get up and what we do with the pain. It is also an example of how love can help heal, but it can very well be used as a weapon to destroy those we cherish. No one is an island in life, how we choose to use love and recover will affect everyone in our life just as we saw with Cash and Madison. I give you my highest recommendation to read this series.
December 19, 2014
Forever Dark is definitely a raw and gritty journey. A brief glimpse into the story can be best described as six inseperable friends that find themselves living a real life nightmare. The story that follows previews all of the repercussions of many immature choices, and the obvious damage that is caused by the curveballs life throws. Madison and Cash were on the fast track to their forever, and watching how everything falls apart is literally soul crushing. Regardless, of the decisions of the these young individuals no one deserves the torment and damage that this one terrible accident has left on their souls. This is not a story for the light hearted. Readers will have to overcome a mountain of emotions that accompany this story, and just hope that their might be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for these four young people. Forever Dark was not intended to be an read for pure entertainment, but rather an all consuming downward spiral looking into the reality of life and the dangers around every corner. Forever Dark is every bit a lesson story that would be perfect for the young adult generations allowing them a glimpse of the life, and an experience through the lives of these characters. Overall, Forever Dark is a very dark and melancholy read, but it is a soul bending story that has the power to hold you in it's clutches beginning to end.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer Jax~
~BookWhisperer Reviewer Jax~
November 22, 2014
Holy craziness, what an intense, emotional trip this was, one that'll stick with me for a long time.
One night of actions cause emotional and physical turmoil for life....that's hard to wrap anyones head around.
Six childhood friends never the same in the blink on an eye.
Boy is that saying right.
This was phenomenally written, felt every heartache and the emotions that go with reminiscing the good times.
Does it all come together or are these friends torn apart for good???
It's a defiantly must read!!!
Prepare to have a heart palpitations.
One night of actions cause emotional and physical turmoil for life....that's hard to wrap anyones head around.
Six childhood friends never the same in the blink on an eye.
Boy is that saying right.
This was phenomenally written, felt every heartache and the emotions that go with reminiscing the good times.
Does it all come together or are these friends torn apart for good???
It's a defiantly must read!!!
Prepare to have a heart palpitations.
March 5, 2015
This was such a tough read for me with all the drug abuse, guilt, a consuming blinding love, with some steamy sex scenes mixed in. Amazing book!
December 18, 2019
Must read!
So many emotions! It's deep and real. Would definitely recommend. Once I started I couldn't stop cash & madison are amazing.
So many emotions! It's deep and real. Would definitely recommend. Once I started I couldn't stop cash & madison are amazing.
November 10, 2014
This book was given to me for an honest review.
5 stars
This is the first time I read a book with two authors and all I can say is wow. The way these authors teamed up it felt as hey wrote as one. I would think it would be difficult to find a steady flow, but I was truly mistaken. A story of six teenagers in high school following the aftermath of a tragedy was such a real story that everyone needed to here. Everyone reacts so differently that it was nice to be able to see everyone's pov. One event that changed everyone's lives has to be a struggle no matter what. How do you survive and move on? The story of these six kids takes place over three years and its such qatar tragic story at first, but I guess you have to fall to the deepest low to find the highest high.
You have two stronger characters in the story, cash and macy. They try to hold on to the past and even to the future they both are looking to have. Cash's love for madison is strong, but how much can you hold onto someone that doesn't want to be held onto. Macy loves landon, but the love she thought he had for her can't be found,but when she finds that sliver of hope she holds on. I call these two the hopeless romantics, they want something that was there, but in all this time they have forgotten to grieve also. They want to fix the love ones, but need to fix themselves also. I love these to. Cash is such an independent guy that is trying to live life, but gets sucked in anything madison. He is such a breath of fresh air and you feel his pain throughout this book. Macy, the other half of landon, is so hurt that she has lost her sister and love to drugs and alcohol. She barely holds on, forgiving everything, but not dealing with much. She loves landon and forgives him, but as you read you can tell the loss of her sister has taken a toll. She needs madison, but hurt and hate keep her away. Although these two are not a couple the stories intertwine so much that you feel for them throughout both books. The authors play with you heartstrings and it I'll take so much emotion out you.
We look at madison and landon. They both feel like they are to blame for the tragic loss. They have taken their guilt, their pain, and turned down a horrible path. Drugs and alcohol and do so much to you that there maybe no way back. Since they blamed themselves for this loss, they turn to each other. Their dependency for each other hurt cash and macy on their prom night, and some things just can't be forgotten. Although these two turn down a seriously hard road both of them are hard not to love. Chelsea and megan pour their hearts into these two characters and show you how much pain they actually are going through. Madison is the one that is the most screwed of all them. She loves her sister and you can tell losing her after a stupid mistake was a Stupid mistake, spiraled out of control. With her drug use and what she does for them, made me cry. She is so broken that I really thought she may not be able to survive. Landon, although he was just as effected, blaming himself he takes the same path, destroying lives in their paths. These two with their flaws, haven't learned to live again. It will take the four of them to find their way back to each other and a decision of a lost friend to make them see that they need to changer their ways.
Chelsea and megan put their heads together and wrote these books with such passion that I couldn't pull away. Paths people take, even though they might not be your choices, effect everyone around them. They chose that happens in real life and shows how life changes in a split second and life can't be planned out. These characters are strong and the love and hate they show for each other are incredible.
What's frustrating is the waiting, its a cliff hanger and I hate waiting. Their stories are just good to wait for. Sent from m
5 stars
This is the first time I read a book with two authors and all I can say is wow. The way these authors teamed up it felt as hey wrote as one. I would think it would be difficult to find a steady flow, but I was truly mistaken. A story of six teenagers in high school following the aftermath of a tragedy was such a real story that everyone needed to here. Everyone reacts so differently that it was nice to be able to see everyone's pov. One event that changed everyone's lives has to be a struggle no matter what. How do you survive and move on? The story of these six kids takes place over three years and its such qatar tragic story at first, but I guess you have to fall to the deepest low to find the highest high.
You have two stronger characters in the story, cash and macy. They try to hold on to the past and even to the future they both are looking to have. Cash's love for madison is strong, but how much can you hold onto someone that doesn't want to be held onto. Macy loves landon, but the love she thought he had for her can't be found,but when she finds that sliver of hope she holds on. I call these two the hopeless romantics, they want something that was there, but in all this time they have forgotten to grieve also. They want to fix the love ones, but need to fix themselves also. I love these to. Cash is such an independent guy that is trying to live life, but gets sucked in anything madison. He is such a breath of fresh air and you feel his pain throughout this book. Macy, the other half of landon, is so hurt that she has lost her sister and love to drugs and alcohol. She barely holds on, forgiving everything, but not dealing with much. She loves landon and forgives him, but as you read you can tell the loss of her sister has taken a toll. She needs madison, but hurt and hate keep her away. Although these two are not a couple the stories intertwine so much that you feel for them throughout both books. The authors play with you heartstrings and it I'll take so much emotion out you.
We look at madison and landon. They both feel like they are to blame for the tragic loss. They have taken their guilt, their pain, and turned down a horrible path. Drugs and alcohol and do so much to you that there maybe no way back. Since they blamed themselves for this loss, they turn to each other. Their dependency for each other hurt cash and macy on their prom night, and some things just can't be forgotten. Although these two turn down a seriously hard road both of them are hard not to love. Chelsea and megan pour their hearts into these two characters and show you how much pain they actually are going through. Madison is the one that is the most screwed of all them. She loves her sister and you can tell losing her after a stupid mistake was a Stupid mistake, spiraled out of control. With her drug use and what she does for them, made me cry. She is so broken that I really thought she may not be able to survive. Landon, although he was just as effected, blaming himself he takes the same path, destroying lives in their paths. These two with their flaws, haven't learned to live again. It will take the four of them to find their way back to each other and a decision of a lost friend to make them see that they need to changer their ways.
Chelsea and megan put their heads together and wrote these books with such passion that I couldn't pull away. Paths people take, even though they might not be your choices, effect everyone around them. They chose that happens in real life and shows how life changes in a split second and life can't be planned out. These characters are strong and the love and hate they show for each other are incredible.
What's frustrating is the waiting, its a cliff hanger and I hate waiting. Their stories are just good to wait for. Sent from m
May 1, 2015
What can I say, this book was difficult to read, there is so much sadness, misery, heartache, at times I felt like it was going to be too much to keep reading but I had to know what happened to these characters. Chelsea really showed what a life can be like if a person is depressed, an addict, set on slowly killing themselves. The start of the book is lighthearted, fun, and I fell in love with all of the characters but always in the back of my mind I knew there was going to be something terrible happen. Then that fateful night comes and it is one of the saddest things I have ever read, I did the ugly cry big time. Then the story skips ahead 3 years but here and there the story shows a flashback of them in their senior year after the accident because a pretty significant thing occurs at the prom that starts an ugly down-spiral for two of the characters. I cannot believe what had become of two of the friends. This wonderful group of friends are torn apart, a few of them still cling to each other but no longer as a group. We don't get to read much about Alexa in this book which is a little surprising considering what happened, but later she plays a very important role in saving her friends. I love Cash and my heart breaks for him the whole time during this book, when he said "forever" he meant it but how much can any human take. This book really shows the ugly side of a person addicted to drugs and the lengths they will go to for their next fix. I just wanted to shake this person, say look what is happening to you, to the one person in this world you love. The scenes with Madison and Cash are hot, explosive, and emotional and so many times I am crying when reading these parts which doesn't seem right but is totally appropriate in this story. I worry throughout this book what is going to happen to the one character, are they going to live through the night? is someone they are connected to going to hurt one of their friends? Then a tragic thing happens that brings the friends back together and it ends up being the start of a healing process for several of them. There are some parts that rip your heart out, one of the characters says "It's all you, and me trying to save you. I can't do it anymore because it's killing me". There is a scene that happens on the beach between Madison and Cash that brings out the ugly cry again when Cash says to her "I can't give you forever until you know you're worth forever. Someday...I will place this on your finger and promise you that forever you deserve. And it's gonna stay there...forever." Decisions are made, lives are changing, I worry about outside influences breaking it all down. I love when Madison tells Cash "Thank you for giving me everything I wanted when I didn't know what that was. You gave me a love that consumed me in ways I never expected, a love that got me through the dark". You can tell it is going to be a struggle for some to change but finally everyone is supporting each other again. Madison says "I'm going to give my heart to him all over again. I have to. I need to and what he does with it is up to him because I'm giving him forever" I am glad I read this book and I know there is another book that goes with this book, it is Landon and Macy's story the only thing I worry about is I don't know if I can read about all of this sadness and darkness again, we will see.
December 5, 2014
4.5 Stars
I'm going to do something perhaps a little unusual and admit my rating is based off what I think it should be and not based on what I was getting from Forever Dark or feeling as I was reading it. What the hell does that mean and why am I doing this? Easy. I know me and I know when I'm not connecting to a book because of my own moodiness or when I'm not connecting with a book because, well it sucks. I'm trying to be fair and honest with a book I know on any other given day would have had me a blubbering mess and cursing the author for not providing free hugs, chocolate, alcohol and Puffs tissues. Despite my lack of tears, kindle clenching, cursing, fetal position origami and gut wrenching anxiety attacks...I can tell you, and see, that this book show cases an intense look at loss and how the ripple effects of that loss create chaos and havoc in those it touches.
It takes one moment. One mistake. A breath. A heart beat for your world to shatter and quake and lose all bearings. The grief, pain, heartache and guilt leads each person who feels the weight of that moment, to react, not only in a way to deal, but in a way they feel they deserve. The choice is to move forward and live or slowly fade into their own oblivion. And that's the journey Chelsea Landon created for six friends in Forever Dark.
Although the cast of characters focuses around a core group of six friends, Forever Dark is the story of Cash and Madison. Told in dual POV we get to experience a forever love turn toxic as one chooses to live in the light, while the other chooses to live in the dark but neither can let go of the obsession that is their love.
There were moments between Cash and Madison that were so feral and primal it will leave your nerves raw with the intensity of the moment. It's honest and brutal what these two go through. It's the real-est of real love, all consuming both in light and dark. Even in the worst moments I needed Cash and Madison to work their shit out and be what they once were. It was so heartbreaking "seeing" these characters cracking - spiraling - and falling deeper into a hole they couldn't seem to dig out of.
The thing about spiraling out of control is that eventually you hit a wall and you're left facing the life you've let tear you down with the one you still hope for and wish for and above all...long for. Cash and Madison eventually each hit their wall when it finally all becomes too much and overwhelms and suffocates. Choices and decisions about themselves and their relationship have to be made; and their past, present and future confronted.
Forever Dark isn't just about the hurt, the pain, the guilt and heartache these friends experience but about hope, love, healing, forgiveness...and forevers.
I'm looking forward to reading Forever Light, book 2 in the Forever Love series, written by Megan Smith. It tells the story of Landon (Cash's best friend) and Macy (Madison's sister).
I'm going to do something perhaps a little unusual and admit my rating is based off what I think it should be and not based on what I was getting from Forever Dark or feeling as I was reading it. What the hell does that mean and why am I doing this? Easy. I know me and I know when I'm not connecting to a book because of my own moodiness or when I'm not connecting with a book because, well it sucks. I'm trying to be fair and honest with a book I know on any other given day would have had me a blubbering mess and cursing the author for not providing free hugs, chocolate, alcohol and Puffs tissues. Despite my lack of tears, kindle clenching, cursing, fetal position origami and gut wrenching anxiety attacks...I can tell you, and see, that this book show cases an intense look at loss and how the ripple effects of that loss create chaos and havoc in those it touches.
It takes one moment. One mistake. A breath. A heart beat for your world to shatter and quake and lose all bearings. The grief, pain, heartache and guilt leads each person who feels the weight of that moment, to react, not only in a way to deal, but in a way they feel they deserve. The choice is to move forward and live or slowly fade into their own oblivion. And that's the journey Chelsea Landon created for six friends in Forever Dark.
Although the cast of characters focuses around a core group of six friends, Forever Dark is the story of Cash and Madison. Told in dual POV we get to experience a forever love turn toxic as one chooses to live in the light, while the other chooses to live in the dark but neither can let go of the obsession that is their love.
There were moments between Cash and Madison that were so feral and primal it will leave your nerves raw with the intensity of the moment. It's honest and brutal what these two go through. It's the real-est of real love, all consuming both in light and dark. Even in the worst moments I needed Cash and Madison to work their shit out and be what they once were. It was so heartbreaking "seeing" these characters cracking - spiraling - and falling deeper into a hole they couldn't seem to dig out of.
The thing about spiraling out of control is that eventually you hit a wall and you're left facing the life you've let tear you down with the one you still hope for and wish for and above all...long for. Cash and Madison eventually each hit their wall when it finally all becomes too much and overwhelms and suffocates. Choices and decisions about themselves and their relationship have to be made; and their past, present and future confronted.
Forever Dark isn't just about the hurt, the pain, the guilt and heartache these friends experience but about hope, love, healing, forgiveness...and forevers.
I'm looking forward to reading Forever Light, book 2 in the Forever Love series, written by Megan Smith. It tells the story of Landon (Cash's best friend) and Macy (Madison's sister).
November 25, 2014
This was the first book that I read of Chelsea Landon's and I have to say, that I loved it. These two books can be read as a stand alone, but I suggest you read both, Forever Dark and Forever Light. Both books are about six teenagers whose lives were changed from one night... one horrific accident, and none of them were the same afterwards. Two of them are struggling with guilt because they feel as though their actions caused the accident.
In Forever Dark, Madison struggles with an addiction to try and cope with the guilt that she feels for the accident. Madison had it all in high school. She had an amazing boyfriend, Cash who would do anything for her, but after the accident, Madison did everything possible to push him away. When the two went off to college, Cash was still in love with Madison, but Madison continued to push Cash away. Seeing Madison struggle with her guilt broke my heart and seeing the pain that Cash went through pretty much gutted me.
Everyone that night was struggling with the death of their friend. But they were all coping differently. Madison turned to drugs, Cash and Madison's twin, Macy turned to each other to help get them through their loss. But after that night, it was as if several people died, rather than one. Three of the friends were in self destructive mode, their lives were spiraling out of control. Cash would stop at nothing to help Madison, even though her actions were slowing killing him everyday.
Cash and Madison had a connection that some are lucky to have. Just because circumstances had their lives on different paths, they still loved each other. Madison was in a very dark place after the accident, she just needed to be guided out of the dark. She needed to know that she survived that accident and her friend would not want to see her continue to live the life that she was living. Will Madison allow Cash to help her? Will Madison see the light, and leave the dark path that she is on behind her? Will Cash stand by Madison no matter how hard she pushes him away? Can Cash and Madison's love withstand this? Can the two of them forgive one another for their mistakes?
Cash is a total sweetheart. Chelsea created an amazing character. Madison pissed me off throughout the book and I wanted to smack her upside her head. She had an amazing boyfriend, and he deserved so much better than what she was doing to him... BUT, because I fell in love with her prior to the accident, I knew there was a chance that she could possibly redeem herself. I was just hoping she came out of the dark in time... before she lost it all.
In Forever Dark, Madison struggles with an addiction to try and cope with the guilt that she feels for the accident. Madison had it all in high school. She had an amazing boyfriend, Cash who would do anything for her, but after the accident, Madison did everything possible to push him away. When the two went off to college, Cash was still in love with Madison, but Madison continued to push Cash away. Seeing Madison struggle with her guilt broke my heart and seeing the pain that Cash went through pretty much gutted me.
Everyone that night was struggling with the death of their friend. But they were all coping differently. Madison turned to drugs, Cash and Madison's twin, Macy turned to each other to help get them through their loss. But after that night, it was as if several people died, rather than one. Three of the friends were in self destructive mode, their lives were spiraling out of control. Cash would stop at nothing to help Madison, even though her actions were slowing killing him everyday.
Cash and Madison had a connection that some are lucky to have. Just because circumstances had their lives on different paths, they still loved each other. Madison was in a very dark place after the accident, she just needed to be guided out of the dark. She needed to know that she survived that accident and her friend would not want to see her continue to live the life that she was living. Will Madison allow Cash to help her? Will Madison see the light, and leave the dark path that she is on behind her? Will Cash stand by Madison no matter how hard she pushes him away? Can Cash and Madison's love withstand this? Can the two of them forgive one another for their mistakes?
Cash is a total sweetheart. Chelsea created an amazing character. Madison pissed me off throughout the book and I wanted to smack her upside her head. She had an amazing boyfriend, and he deserved so much better than what she was doing to him... BUT, because I fell in love with her prior to the accident, I knew there was a chance that she could possibly redeem herself. I was just hoping she came out of the dark in time... before she lost it all.
October 18, 2014
Check out more of my reviews on my blog http://gemmareadstoomuchforittomenorm...
4.5 Stars
Forever Dark is book #1 in the Forever Love Series, this book is written by Chelsea Landon. This is the first book I have read by this author and I was lucky enough to have been given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review so here goes....
This book is dark, it’s gritty and harsh and I kind of loved it!!
This is not your average college romance at all; Cash and Madison feel more like Romeo and Juliet more than sweet valley high.
I was completely absorbed by their connection; it’s an absolute obsession with each other to the point that it’s unhealthy and dangerous.
To be honest Cash and Madison’s relationship feels more like a tragedy than a love story.
Their picture perfect high school love is smashed to smithereens following the death of their high school friend and Forever Dark follows the couple through college and their tumultuous relationship.
I’m going to be honest and say that Madison is not a particularly likable character she’s selfish and destructive, but regardless of that I really liked her. She has a sense of hopelessness that is just incredibly engaging, she’s that beautiful girl that is so incredibly sad that you just can’t help but stare at her.
Something about Madison just meant that I literally couldn’t put this book down; it was a bit like car crash literature. You know that it’s all just going downhill but you can’t stop reading because you hope that it all going to be ok.
For me that’s what Cash was in this book he was a downtrodden but ever present ray of hope and I just loved him. He should be angry and hurt and he is but as big as his pain is his love for her is bigger and he just can’t quite walk away.
This book is beautifully written the characters are portrayed with such intensity that I felt like I knew each person and I understood their actions and reactions.
As broken as Madison is Landon is just as far in the pit of despair and pain and I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store.
I really enjoyed this book it just dragged me in and I literally took my kindle everywhere with me because I just couldn’t put this book down, I loved it!! 4.5 stars.
4.5 Stars
Forever Dark is book #1 in the Forever Love Series, this book is written by Chelsea Landon. This is the first book I have read by this author and I was lucky enough to have been given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review so here goes....
This book is dark, it’s gritty and harsh and I kind of loved it!!
This is not your average college romance at all; Cash and Madison feel more like Romeo and Juliet more than sweet valley high.
I was completely absorbed by their connection; it’s an absolute obsession with each other to the point that it’s unhealthy and dangerous.
To be honest Cash and Madison’s relationship feels more like a tragedy than a love story.
Their picture perfect high school love is smashed to smithereens following the death of their high school friend and Forever Dark follows the couple through college and their tumultuous relationship.
I’m going to be honest and say that Madison is not a particularly likable character she’s selfish and destructive, but regardless of that I really liked her. She has a sense of hopelessness that is just incredibly engaging, she’s that beautiful girl that is so incredibly sad that you just can’t help but stare at her.
Something about Madison just meant that I literally couldn’t put this book down; it was a bit like car crash literature. You know that it’s all just going downhill but you can’t stop reading because you hope that it all going to be ok.
For me that’s what Cash was in this book he was a downtrodden but ever present ray of hope and I just loved him. He should be angry and hurt and he is but as big as his pain is his love for her is bigger and he just can’t quite walk away.
This book is beautifully written the characters are portrayed with such intensity that I felt like I knew each person and I understood their actions and reactions.
As broken as Madison is Landon is just as far in the pit of despair and pain and I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store.
I really enjoyed this book it just dragged me in and I literally took my kindle everywhere with me because I just couldn’t put this book down, I loved it!! 4.5 stars.
November 26, 2014
Oaky I went into this story with a smile in my heart and ready to read a love story that would knock my socks off. I got that and so much more!!! Chelsea and Megan, Have given us two books that are so beautifully written that I swear to you I took the emotion with me to work and could not stop thinking of the character that made such a huge impact in my soul. Cash, Landon, Madison, Macy, Alexa and Steven brought me such highs and lows in the emotional roller coaster of a journey to forgiveness. Survivors remorse can tear you up if you let it and these characters show us how it can make you both stronger and weaker if you don't find a way to accept. How do you choose which characters you love in this book? I mean they are all so compelling that you can't help but Love cash and his strength and honor and willingness to forgive and live. Madison, so broken clinging to the one thing that brings her light,Cash. You can't help but love how Macy sees the good in Landon accepting him for who he is no matter what he does to push her away. Landon yes, Landon's refusal to open up, instead to hide, even from the one person he loves the most because he feels she deserves more than what he is. Alexa lost, so lost because the tragedy affects her the most, but she tries in the end to mend the hearts around her showing forgiveness and love. let us not forget Steven, the one that is the glue that held them together and the one they strive to make proud in the end. Yes this book is beautiful because it is filled with hearts that are so broken and love so strong that you can't not feel it reaching out to you from the words on the pages. I felt it. I feel it now reliving the stories of these characters as I write this review, applauding the authors for writing it, so that we can all see what forgiveness and true love really is. So that we can see how strong the bonds of friendship really should be. To see how love even young love can grow and be the saving grace of those that are broken and in need. And how six friends learned that they are better when they are in each others lives.
I can not tell you how happy I am that I got to read this amazing book. I can't wait to read more about Cash & Madison, Landon & Macy, And Alexa with her Steven.
I can not tell you how happy I am that I got to read this amazing book. I can't wait to read more about Cash & Madison, Landon & Macy, And Alexa with her Steven.
May 8, 2015
UMMMMMM
I am not sure how I feel about this book...
The beginning was different... not what I expected...
three couples... tragic accident leaving one dead... and the rest not sure what to do with themselves...
After the accident the story fast forwards to two years later... and they are all at the same college... struggling to come to terms with what happened that night.. dealing with it in their own way.. I can understand how broken the characters are... I can understand still trying to figure out life after what happened... but I will admit reading it at times seemed a bit extreme...
Maybe it is because this is a situation that I have never known.. so I wouldn't understand..
The book is from Madison and Cash's POV.. They are high school sweethearts who fell apart after the accident.. Madison feels like the accident was her fault and has been in a dark place ever since... Cash is just trying to piece life back together after the accident and holding on to what little he has of Madison... their love is very real.. and deep... but in the broken state they are in very unhealthy...
I struggled a lil with this book.. I finished because I wanted the characters to have a happy ending... it was so dark for most of the story... but it seemed repetitive... There was always a party to go to... drinking or drugs.. and sex... on rotation... not enough storyline..
It could've been pushed a lil more... The parts that I thought were extreme needed the storyline to help carry it... if that makes sense... I liked the ending... It didn't feel rushed to me... I guess being so torn on a book means the author did what they were supposed to do in writing it... right?
I am not sure how I feel about this book...
The beginning was different... not what I expected...
three couples... tragic accident leaving one dead... and the rest not sure what to do with themselves...
After the accident the story fast forwards to two years later... and they are all at the same college... struggling to come to terms with what happened that night.. dealing with it in their own way.. I can understand how broken the characters are... I can understand still trying to figure out life after what happened... but I will admit reading it at times seemed a bit extreme...
Maybe it is because this is a situation that I have never known.. so I wouldn't understand..
The book is from Madison and Cash's POV.. They are high school sweethearts who fell apart after the accident.. Madison feels like the accident was her fault and has been in a dark place ever since... Cash is just trying to piece life back together after the accident and holding on to what little he has of Madison... their love is very real.. and deep... but in the broken state they are in very unhealthy...
I struggled a lil with this book.. I finished because I wanted the characters to have a happy ending... it was so dark for most of the story... but it seemed repetitive... There was always a party to go to... drinking or drugs.. and sex... on rotation... not enough storyline..
It could've been pushed a lil more... The parts that I thought were extreme needed the storyline to help carry it... if that makes sense... I liked the ending... It didn't feel rushed to me... I guess being so torn on a book means the author did what they were supposed to do in writing it... right?
October 30, 2014
I'm very particular about how many stars I give an item and this was a tough decision for me but overall I just want it known that I DID really enjoy this book, but there were some things that really just didn't do it for me. The overall storyline I really liked and I am very invested in the characters and if a sequel comes out I will buy it in a heartbeat. I really like all 4 characters involved in this series, this first book focus' on Madison & Cash. The part that I didn't like about the book was that it felt like each chapter was the exact same thing. To me it seemed like nothing changed other than different party, different night, different game. But the underlying text was the same each and every chapter. I wanted there to be more. More story, more I don't know it just felt lacking. Normally when I read, I get so engrossed that I can't put the book down most of the time to the detriment of my kids. When I was reading this book it was just sort of ho-hum. I didn't care if I was interrupted. I don't want to knock the book because I really did like it. I liked the characters and I liked the underlying story it just felt lacking to me sorry. I really, really hope there will be a sequel, because there just felt like there was sooo much unresolved issues. For example Jay and him showing up in Texas where is that going. Not to mention Landon & Macy. The book just sort of ended without any real ending it was just like a soap opera or night time drama where it just ends and you know the storyline will continue in the next episode. So I do hope there will be more because I can't wait to see what happens next.
November 29, 2014
Such a great story , filled with so many emotions and connections it was hard to put down yet painful to hold onto !!
Forever Dark starts out anything but dark. Cash and Madison have been together since they were like 9 years old !! So freakin cute !! You get their story as kids growing together as teens and now young adulthood. They are super hot and I just loved the small glimpse of their happiness we had. Cash is the star football player as are 2 of his best friends Steven and Landon. They win the championship game for their school , team and coaches and head off to the beach house to celebrate. I just knew something major was coming but I was dumb enough to think it was anything but what it was. DAMN I was floored and wrecked. Honestly in a way I could relate to Madison and her behavior. I was still shocked at the road she went down but let's just say the title ABSOLUTELY fits once you get past that night. It hurt to read through her struggles , I wanted to strangle her and knock some sense into her. At the same time I have never faced that type of struggle and addiction so I am not sure how I would cope. On the other hand I felt horrible for Cash. He tried to move on the positive way but it didn't matter because loving Madison pulled him under into his own hell. It really was a heartbreaking story. The struggle to heal and get back to happiness was not an easy road for Cash & Madison but follow it through and you will finally be able to breath at the end !!
Forever Dark starts out anything but dark. Cash and Madison have been together since they were like 9 years old !! So freakin cute !! You get their story as kids growing together as teens and now young adulthood. They are super hot and I just loved the small glimpse of their happiness we had. Cash is the star football player as are 2 of his best friends Steven and Landon. They win the championship game for their school , team and coaches and head off to the beach house to celebrate. I just knew something major was coming but I was dumb enough to think it was anything but what it was. DAMN I was floored and wrecked. Honestly in a way I could relate to Madison and her behavior. I was still shocked at the road she went down but let's just say the title ABSOLUTELY fits once you get past that night. It hurt to read through her struggles , I wanted to strangle her and knock some sense into her. At the same time I have never faced that type of struggle and addiction so I am not sure how I would cope. On the other hand I felt horrible for Cash. He tried to move on the positive way but it didn't matter because loving Madison pulled him under into his own hell. It really was a heartbreaking story. The struggle to heal and get back to happiness was not an easy road for Cash & Madison but follow it through and you will finally be able to breath at the end !!
October 26, 2014
Wow! Such an emotional sad story with a message of hope in the end! So many raw emotions! This isn't my fav genre, however, I enjoyed it! I have enough Saddness in real life, I don't usually care to read so much devastation!
It starts off everything is grand! High school sweethearts with the boys winning the championship game their Senior year! One night changes everything! One night when one don't make it! That night follows them 3 years later!
This book is the POV of Madison & Cash. The next book is Macy, Madison's twin & her boyfriend Landon. Madison blames herself & totally self-destructs! I really felt for her & Cash! Cash seemed to handle things better but as time goes on we realize that none of the friends are handling the tragedy of 3 years ago well! Cash handles it by obsessing with football & Madison! Madison handles it by sleeping around & drugs! Seriously, I don't know how her family didn't intervene?!! You would think her parents would have forced her into rehab or her twin sister!
One weekend, again, changes everything! When life becomes too much, Alexa tries to escape the pain! This was a big reality check! Everything changes! I was really glad!
It ends with hope! Hope & promise that they will get past their tragic pasts & find their forevers! It's not a true HEA but happier than 90% of the book!
It starts off everything is grand! High school sweethearts with the boys winning the championship game their Senior year! One night changes everything! One night when one don't make it! That night follows them 3 years later!
This book is the POV of Madison & Cash. The next book is Macy, Madison's twin & her boyfriend Landon. Madison blames herself & totally self-destructs! I really felt for her & Cash! Cash seemed to handle things better but as time goes on we realize that none of the friends are handling the tragedy of 3 years ago well! Cash handles it by obsessing with football & Madison! Madison handles it by sleeping around & drugs! Seriously, I don't know how her family didn't intervene?!! You would think her parents would have forced her into rehab or her twin sister!
One weekend, again, changes everything! When life becomes too much, Alexa tries to escape the pain! This was a big reality check! Everything changes! I was really glad!
It ends with hope! Hope & promise that they will get past their tragic pasts & find their forevers! It's not a true HEA but happier than 90% of the book!
November 1, 2014
4.5 STARS
From the best natural high to the worst possible tragedy in a matter of hours. How does one deal with that or how does it affect an inseparable group? Everyone deals with grief differently.
Madison was the outgoing spontaneous free spirited girl. Unfortunately she holds herself responsible for the accident that changed their lives. In numbing her feelings she continues to hurt those she loves the most even more without notice. She is sinking faster day by day but won't give up her one connection to the past that was her future.
Cash,has survived their tragedy and is moving forward with life or so it would seem to the outside world. Studying hard, training hard and bringing his team success on the field. Watching how his friends continue to beat themselves over an accident that they might not have had any control over is killing him from the inside out. His love for Madison is still strong but how much can one person take.
Can they all move forward and learn to handle the pain together being there for each other or will actions just keep pushing them further away?
Chelsea does a wonderful job of sharing the feeling and emotions her characters are experiencing. She sucks you right in and you won't be able to stop til you finish.
From the best natural high to the worst possible tragedy in a matter of hours. How does one deal with that or how does it affect an inseparable group? Everyone deals with grief differently.
Madison was the outgoing spontaneous free spirited girl. Unfortunately she holds herself responsible for the accident that changed their lives. In numbing her feelings she continues to hurt those she loves the most even more without notice. She is sinking faster day by day but won't give up her one connection to the past that was her future.
Cash,has survived their tragedy and is moving forward with life or so it would seem to the outside world. Studying hard, training hard and bringing his team success on the field. Watching how his friends continue to beat themselves over an accident that they might not have had any control over is killing him from the inside out. His love for Madison is still strong but how much can one person take.
Can they all move forward and learn to handle the pain together being there for each other or will actions just keep pushing them further away?
Chelsea does a wonderful job of sharing the feeling and emotions her characters are experiencing. She sucks you right in and you won't be able to stop til you finish.
October 19, 2014
ARC for Review
It all started after a high school championship football game as a group of friends celebrating with alcohol and drugs ends up in an accident leaving one of their friends dead. Their lives take a dramatic turn in many ways as they try to cope in different ways.
We have Cash Bryant a brilliant quarterback who has the potential to turn profession but does not get to ahead of his fame. He has an off on relationship with his girlfriend Madison Thomas from high school since she does not want the publicity.
Madison is still grieving from the accident as she becomes addicted to drugs. When she is high she finds herself having sex elsewhere despite her love for Cash and their encounters after midnight. She finds herself spiraling at times, doing blow jobs for drugs from her dealer.
Eventually Cash cannot let things remain a blind eye as he confronts her, telling her that she is destroying him as well despite how much he is addicted her. Having to let her go before she totally destroy him as a person.
Can she get help and save herself or is destined to a downward spiral? Will they be able to go past it all as they still love each other?
It all started after a high school championship football game as a group of friends celebrating with alcohol and drugs ends up in an accident leaving one of their friends dead. Their lives take a dramatic turn in many ways as they try to cope in different ways.
We have Cash Bryant a brilliant quarterback who has the potential to turn profession but does not get to ahead of his fame. He has an off on relationship with his girlfriend Madison Thomas from high school since she does not want the publicity.
Madison is still grieving from the accident as she becomes addicted to drugs. When she is high she finds herself having sex elsewhere despite her love for Cash and their encounters after midnight. She finds herself spiraling at times, doing blow jobs for drugs from her dealer.
Eventually Cash cannot let things remain a blind eye as he confronts her, telling her that she is destroying him as well despite how much he is addicted her. Having to let her go before she totally destroy him as a person.
Can she get help and save herself or is destined to a downward spiral? Will they be able to go past it all as they still love each other?
July 8, 2017
Emotional and worth reading
I picked this book up after reading positive reviews from other authors I enjoy. Although it's more of a departure from the alpha males and steamy love scenes I'm used to reading, it was well worth it and a very gut wrenching read. You know the characters love each other but have been through so much and dealt with it so differently that they can't seem to stop hurting each other and get back what they once had. Parts of this really made me tear up and parts made me want to hit my head on the wall. My only complaint about the book is I wanted more of the HEA. You get it, but I wanted more since we spend the whole book reading about their angst and seeing them both suffer. The end of this book mentioned another in this series, Finding Her Forever. Not sure if this is a continuation of Cash and Madison's story or one for Alexa. I have already downloaded Macy and Landon's story and can't wait to read it.
**Edited to say WHERE IS THE CONCLUSION TO THIS BOOK? What happened to you, Chelsea Landon? Megan Smith put out Macy and Landon's conclusion. Come on now. **
I picked this book up after reading positive reviews from other authors I enjoy. Although it's more of a departure from the alpha males and steamy love scenes I'm used to reading, it was well worth it and a very gut wrenching read. You know the characters love each other but have been through so much and dealt with it so differently that they can't seem to stop hurting each other and get back what they once had. Parts of this really made me tear up and parts made me want to hit my head on the wall. My only complaint about the book is I wanted more of the HEA. You get it, but I wanted more since we spend the whole book reading about their angst and seeing them both suffer. The end of this book mentioned another in this series, Finding Her Forever. Not sure if this is a continuation of Cash and Madison's story or one for Alexa. I have already downloaded Macy and Landon's story and can't wait to read it.
**Edited to say WHERE IS THE CONCLUSION TO THIS BOOK? What happened to you, Chelsea Landon? Megan Smith put out Macy and Landon's conclusion. Come on now. **
November 23, 2014
OMG!! Peeps of you are going to read this series which i really hope you will please know you will need tissues. It was beautiful and heartbreaking and oh so lovely to read these two stories. Once i started i could not put either of the books down until i finished them. I loved how the stories had inter-connecting characters in the twin sisters and the two male friends who each fell hard for a sister. It wove all the parts of the two stories together to make it like an epic romantic movie. A lot of emotions are played with in this book there is such sorrow and sadness and such sweetness as well. I hate giving too much away as i feel it spoils it for the reader. Just know i fell in love with this duo of authors and this unique writing style that i have recently come to embrace of two authors working together to create stories that pull you in all different directions and make reading time fly by. Go read it now!!
April 26, 2015
Gut wrenching, soulful, inspiring … Madison, Cash, Landon, Macy, Steve and Alexa have been friends forever and as high school ends and the thoughts of going away to college together are emerging, the unthinkable happens. A tragedy that shakes everyone's foundation. This is the story of how Madison and Cash deal with, cope and avoid what happened. We experience how one event impacts each individual differently. Madison buries her pain in drugs and alcohol, doing things that made me cringe as she tried to find that state of numbness that let her get through each day. Cash has always been driven so he buckles down and focuses on football and school but finds Madison slipping away from him. What is the ultimate breaking point for each of them? Will they find their way back to each other? Or tear each other apart? An amazing journey for 4 friends that is beautifully and honestly told.
November 25, 2014
holy rollercoaster of emotions!!
this book is so emotional due to it happe s everyday to teens around the world!
6 best friends an it takes one night to throw them all for a tail spin.
this book is mostly about cash and Madison
cash has a surprise for Madison...he just won the football game his last one for high school..everyone's on a high there party an drinking an being silly like most teens...then the unthinkable happens and these kids are left to deal with the pain an emotions, but sometimes you have to turn to other things to help with the pain an emotions to help deal with it all...the question is....is true love stronger?? can cases love be enough to save Madison from her tail spin???
this book is so emotional due to it happe s everyday to teens around the world!
6 best friends an it takes one night to throw them all for a tail spin.
this book is mostly about cash and Madison
cash has a surprise for Madison...he just won the football game his last one for high school..everyone's on a high there party an drinking an being silly like most teens...then the unthinkable happens and these kids are left to deal with the pain an emotions, but sometimes you have to turn to other things to help with the pain an emotions to help deal with it all...the question is....is true love stronger?? can cases love be enough to save Madison from her tail spin???
October 25, 2014
I absolutely LOVED Forever Dark. Cash has got to be the ultimate book boyfriend. He is amazing. His love for Madison is unbreakable. My heart was crushed for him in so many ways. There was so many times when I had to stop reading to get the tears to stop, then I would start reading again and the tears would reappear. Thinking back now since I am done with it, I wish I could unread this book so I can experience it all over again for the first time. It was amazing, simply amazing. Chelsea Landon did a wonderful job and she has gained a devoted reader from this book. Now I am off to read Forever light.
February 25, 2015
dark, raw, and loss with love to keep it together
Wow! This book gave me the chills at points. The broken, but still beautiful love. The loss and sadness. I just appreciate the depth of the characters and how they seem so real. Especially with each character dealing with loss so differently. Madison is a tough character to understand, but she is fascinating either way. Cash is so much more than the "golden boy with a secret" that you see so often in books. Even the side characters show many different traits making it a cohesive story. It is truly raw and one of the best books of its kind. Cannot wait for the next book!
Wow! This book gave me the chills at points. The broken, but still beautiful love. The loss and sadness. I just appreciate the depth of the characters and how they seem so real. Especially with each character dealing with loss so differently. Madison is a tough character to understand, but she is fascinating either way. Cash is so much more than the "golden boy with a secret" that you see so often in books. Even the side characters show many different traits making it a cohesive story. It is truly raw and one of the best books of its kind. Cannot wait for the next book!
December 21, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. I started and finished it in one sitting, I just couldn't put it down, and it gutted me.
The tragedy, the aftermath, the drug abuse, the sex...Cash and Madison..it was all so perfectly written. It was sad, heartbreaking, gut wrenching, devastating...but it was also raw and real and honest.
And good god, did my heart go out to Cash over and over again. He's such a strong character.
This was a beautiful book, about tragedy and heartbreak, and finding the light amidst it all. I hope their story continues.
The tragedy, the aftermath, the drug abuse, the sex...Cash and Madison..it was all so perfectly written. It was sad, heartbreaking, gut wrenching, devastating...but it was also raw and real and honest.
And good god, did my heart go out to Cash over and over again. He's such a strong character.
This was a beautiful book, about tragedy and heartbreak, and finding the light amidst it all. I hope their story continues.
September 14, 2015
One night changed everything, a backseat promise that was supposed to be forever ends,and a girl that was blissfully in love can't climb out of the darkness she continues to live in. Surviving on blue lit mornings and a glimpses of only what she used to have.
"Together we’re a hurricane destroying love in our path. She’s the wind, I’m the rain. She’s knocking over trees, I’m uprooting them." Chelsea Landon brings every emotion with this book!
"Together we’re a hurricane destroying love in our path. She’s the wind, I’m the rain. She’s knocking over trees, I’m uprooting them." Chelsea Landon brings every emotion with this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews