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When Forever Ends
Charles has loved Vivian with all of his heart for the past twenty years, but after overhearing a conversation between her and her girlfriends he learns that she doesn't feel the same.
Cassie and Mason have tried and failed at having a family, and the loss has begun to change the way the love that was once so solid. Cassie has the job opportunity that will take her away from her husband for a few months. Hoping that the time away will bring them closer together. Charles and Cassie become great friends and after a short time they begin to confide in each other about their greatest fears. Their failing marriages. With the commitment to help each other fix their dying marriages they begin to see all that they were missing in each other.
Cassie and Mason have tried and failed at having a family, and the loss has begun to change the way the love that was once so solid. Cassie has the job opportunity that will take her away from her husband for a few months. Hoping that the time away will bring them closer together. Charles and Cassie become great friends and after a short time they begin to confide in each other about their greatest fears. Their failing marriages. With the commitment to help each other fix their dying marriages they begin to see all that they were missing in each other.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2013
5 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 20, 2014
Reviewed by:Sharon_M745
4.5 Stars
I was given an ARC to read and submit an honest review.
What a great story about love, the loss of love and them finding it again. This book is the first book in a series and focuses on Cassie and Charles’ life. They are both in marriages with the love of their lives and they thought that love would last forever. However, they suddenly realize their spouses don’t love them anymore.
Cassie is married to Mason. They live in a small town where everyone knows everyone else and everything about their past. Cassie loves Mason and, in his own way, he thinks he loves her. Cassie loves him so much that she ignores all the things that he does and the fact that Mason makes her feel like a failure because she can’t give him a child.
Charles loves Vivian. She is the love of his life but their physical relationship is non-existent because Vivian is afraid. Vivian who is faced with a lot of obstacles in her life chooses to look at the negative and thus pushing her husband away. To cope, Vivian criticizes and makes fun of her husband to her friends.
Cassie is sent on a temporary assignment in another city and end up working on some projects with Charles. As they talk and learn about each other’s backgrounds, Cassie offers to help Charles save his marriage. Before long Cassie and Charles become more than friends and, like often happens in these situations, they hurt one another.
This is a beautiful journey through life and love with two well-intentioned couples. The story is well written with characters that grab your heart from the very beginning. Parts of the story are told from the POV of the various main characters. This technique is used effectively so understand their thought processes and the feelings that are held deep inside of each person. There are times when I had to yell at each character and I really wanted to put my hand in the book and shake them. So often the individual couples just needed to have an honest conversation because it was plain to see the love was still there.
My only suggestion (I can’t call it a complaint)is that I wanted to know more about the love story of Cassie and______. The book ended too soon. Don't get me wrong I was very happy with the ending and wanted more time with them. Hopefully we will see more of them in the future.
This is an excellent read with both tears of sadness and tears of joy, friendship, family and happiness.
April 30, 2021
This book opened into what the average person might consider “fairy tale” lives. As a person struggling for money, it makes you resentful to the entire story thinking “these people are spending money and talking about all their assets like its nothing”. Wiping that aside the story was a good one, the feelings portrayed felt true and honest. The resolution was firm. Unfortunately the dialogue in most of the book was cardboard thin and weak. Things that were said just didn’t feel real in many instances. I was also appalled by the callous reaction Charles portrayed when leaving his daughters. Any father that reads this book will cry during that portion of the book which seemed hastily pushed along by the author. If there was a time to elaborate emotions of love, this was the opportunity that the author failed to utilize. That one section brought me to tears and ruined my experience with the character.
The character confrontation between Mason and Charles in Cassie’s office was also seemed very uncharacteristic. It seemed Mason wouldn’t have traveled the distance just to walk away without a single word.
The story was solid, the characters and dialogue were paper thin.
The character confrontation between Mason and Charles in Cassie’s office was also seemed very uncharacteristic. It seemed Mason wouldn’t have traveled the distance just to walk away without a single word.
The story was solid, the characters and dialogue were paper thin.
May 17, 2014
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story of the decline of two marriages and finding second chances. I liked the idea of the storyline but the implementation didn’t work for me.
I found the story flat and unfocused. I would have liked more realistic dialogue to break up the narrative. The secondary characters didn’t add much to the story; at least one could have been left out without impacting the story. The storyline itself was all over the map. It did not read like the author had a clear vision of her tale. While I can fathom Cassie’s and Mason’s marital problems, Charles’ and Vivian’s problem seemed contrived and overplayed. The introduction of dirty talk and kinky sex in the middle of the book was unnecessary, and it was a distraction from the main storyline. There were too many implausible points for me to suspend disbelief and enjoy the story. For example, I could not buy that an employee of the Department of Education could afford to routinely purchased Louboutin shoes for his wife or that he would be able to afford La Perla and Fleur’t lingerie.
The main characters were clearly represented, but I found them to be one dimensional. They were either good or they were bad. I would have found the characters more interesting if they had been more balanced. I did appreciate the author telling the story from all the main characters’ point of view. I thought it was interesting that Vivian’s and Mason’s thoughts were completely mismatched with their actions. Both Vivian and Mason would think positive, reconciliatory thoughts, but they would immediately do something that completely contradict those thoughts.
There were other small choices in how the story was presented that I didn't care for: the choice of lied instead of lay and a monologue in all capitals to demonstrate that the speaker was angry and shouting. While small things, they did impact my impression and enjoyment of Ms. Kingsley's book.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
This is a story of the decline of two marriages and finding second chances. I liked the idea of the storyline but the implementation didn’t work for me.
I found the story flat and unfocused. I would have liked more realistic dialogue to break up the narrative. The secondary characters didn’t add much to the story; at least one could have been left out without impacting the story. The storyline itself was all over the map. It did not read like the author had a clear vision of her tale. While I can fathom Cassie’s and Mason’s marital problems, Charles’ and Vivian’s problem seemed contrived and overplayed. The introduction of dirty talk and kinky sex in the middle of the book was unnecessary, and it was a distraction from the main storyline. There were too many implausible points for me to suspend disbelief and enjoy the story. For example, I could not buy that an employee of the Department of Education could afford to routinely purchased Louboutin shoes for his wife or that he would be able to afford La Perla and Fleur’t lingerie.
The main characters were clearly represented, but I found them to be one dimensional. They were either good or they were bad. I would have found the characters more interesting if they had been more balanced. I did appreciate the author telling the story from all the main characters’ point of view. I thought it was interesting that Vivian’s and Mason’s thoughts were completely mismatched with their actions. Both Vivian and Mason would think positive, reconciliatory thoughts, but they would immediately do something that completely contradict those thoughts.
There were other small choices in how the story was presented that I didn't care for: the choice of lied instead of lay and a monologue in all capitals to demonstrate that the speaker was angry and shouting. While small things, they did impact my impression and enjoyment of Ms. Kingsley's book.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
July 19, 2019
🎧 Audio Review 🎧
First let me say I generally enjoyed this book!
At first I was a little hot and cold with this story line, which isn't like me, I generally love it or hate it but It took me until the end of the book to decide that I really liked it! This is because the story has a lot of infidelity which normally I don't mind because I know its fiction but I was having a hard time not getting mad at the characters because of it. But in the end, I understood and once they were all honest with each other I wanted to pull them all into a big hug (ok except Mason)! These characters were going through so much and most were things I couldn't imagine living with so who am I to judge. The writing was great, the character development was great and the narration was great! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I was unsure about my feeling on and off throughout the book.
Rebecca Roberts is an awesome narrator and I highly recommend listening to books narrated by her. She has a voice that I think is perfect for the male & female characters!
First let me say I generally enjoyed this book!
At first I was a little hot and cold with this story line, which isn't like me, I generally love it or hate it but It took me until the end of the book to decide that I really liked it! This is because the story has a lot of infidelity which normally I don't mind because I know its fiction but I was having a hard time not getting mad at the characters because of it. But in the end, I understood and once they were all honest with each other I wanted to pull them all into a big hug (ok except Mason)! These characters were going through so much and most were things I couldn't imagine living with so who am I to judge. The writing was great, the character development was great and the narration was great! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I was unsure about my feeling on and off throughout the book.
Rebecca Roberts is an awesome narrator and I highly recommend listening to books narrated by her. She has a voice that I think is perfect for the male & female characters!
October 27, 2014
Wow... This was a really deep drama. I am not usually a fan of this genre, but I got hooked here. And apparently this is the first book in a series!! Yay!!! This could easily have been a standalone book, as it doesn't end in a cliffhanger. My only qualm at all with When Forever Ends , is the multiple inappropriate usage of the word "lied"... (The past tense for "lie" in this usage is "lay). Now, you'll notice that I still gave this book 5 stars. Usually I withhold a star for multiple editorial errors, but this book was really THAT good. Very complex protagonists and well-drawn secondary characters in a beautiful story of romance and betrayal. Now I'm off to get my greedy hands on the second book!
March 31, 2014
This book was an emotional rollercoaster. It had its up and downs and OMFG moments. Most importantly it was about over coming obstacles that marriages face and finding happiness again when you didn't think you would find it or when you weren't looking for it. The author gives you the points of view from all characters so you understand what emotions they are going trough and understand how they feel. You will laugh and cry and laugh and cry some more! I couldn't put it down, I'm only upset I haven't read it sooner!
May 22, 2014
Kinglsey gives us a novel with real life relationship problems. As a married women for years, I was quickly engaged in the story. Her POV scenes were tremendous since many novels are one sided when it comes to marriage.
I had a great many feelings throughout this novel. Although I didn't cry, which is rare by the way, I know scenes that many other readers would. Kingsley's portrayal of her well thought out characters is flawless. Kudos.
I look forward to reading more from this author. She is a true writer with a grasp of what relationships really look like.
BOF Staff
I had a great many feelings throughout this novel. Although I didn't cry, which is rare by the way, I know scenes that many other readers would. Kingsley's portrayal of her well thought out characters is flawless. Kudos.
I look forward to reading more from this author. She is a true writer with a grasp of what relationships really look like.
BOF Staff
June 24, 2014
A beautiful book full of emotion.
December 7, 2022
Maxwell Series Book1
A very a book written by Mariah Kingsley. This book is romantic, dramatic and very emotional. Mr Maxwell love Vivian his wife they had a romantic life but after he found out he had cancer and did his surgery his wife got scare of having sex with him so he pack on the pound of not taking care of himself. Mr Maxwell met Cassie who work with the same company and she was someone who he share everything with, she help him lost the weigh and his to manage his diet. A snow storm happen where Mr Maxwell got stuck at Cassie's home they made love but was conflicted about the situation that he stop speaking to her. Caddie went home to see her husband Mason to talk r their marriage only to find him in bed with their real estate broker. Cassie told Mason she want a divorce he beat her so badly she was in the hospital for a week . While in the hospital her ob\gyn told her she is 25 weeks pregnant. Eventually upon delivery she had twin boy and girl . A very lovely love story.
A very a book written by Mariah Kingsley. This book is romantic, dramatic and very emotional. Mr Maxwell love Vivian his wife they had a romantic life but after he found out he had cancer and did his surgery his wife got scare of having sex with him so he pack on the pound of not taking care of himself. Mr Maxwell met Cassie who work with the same company and she was someone who he share everything with, she help him lost the weigh and his to manage his diet. A snow storm happen where Mr Maxwell got stuck at Cassie's home they made love but was conflicted about the situation that he stop speaking to her. Caddie went home to see her husband Mason to talk r their marriage only to find him in bed with their real estate broker. Cassie told Mason she want a divorce he beat her so badly she was in the hospital for a week . While in the hospital her ob\gyn told her she is 25 weeks pregnant. Eventually upon delivery she had twin boy and girl . A very lovely love story.
November 29, 2022
3.5 stars
It was hard getting into the flow of this story, and I considered returning it especially given all the detailed attention on Charles' and Cassie's jobs. But I stuck with it and was rewarded enough to continue the series.
I didn't buy Vivian's excuse for her withdrawal from her husband; if it was so simple, why not communicate? And what did she expect him to do after treating him so badly for so long? Mason was inconsiderate, disloyal and abusive. It was easy to see Charles' and Cassie's friendship turn into something more. And it came so natural that I rooted for them even though it was wrong.
Looking forward to seeing where this goes. Hopefully there'll be better editing in the installments that follow.
It was hard getting into the flow of this story, and I considered returning it especially given all the detailed attention on Charles' and Cassie's jobs. But I stuck with it and was rewarded enough to continue the series.
I didn't buy Vivian's excuse for her withdrawal from her husband; if it was so simple, why not communicate? And what did she expect him to do after treating him so badly for so long? Mason was inconsiderate, disloyal and abusive. It was easy to see Charles' and Cassie's friendship turn into something more. And it came so natural that I rooted for them even though it was wrong.
Looking forward to seeing where this goes. Hopefully there'll be better editing in the installments that follow.
January 17, 2021
I got this book from the author I loved the fact that it was a real story. Although I hate cheating by the time they got to that point I was ready for them to be together. I have never read anything like this. Cant wait to read the rest of her books.
October 1, 2022
Vickie J
Charles and Cassie,.... Wow I didn't see that coming but the chemistry was too strong between these two. Mason was a dog especially after attacking Cassie and Vivian waited to long to tell Charles the truth. Great book getting ready to read the next book.
Charles and Cassie,.... Wow I didn't see that coming but the chemistry was too strong between these two. Mason was a dog especially after attacking Cassie and Vivian waited to long to tell Charles the truth. Great book getting ready to read the next book.
March 30, 2024
Quick read but the story was good. Will read the rest of the series
March 24, 2015
Charles, Vivian, Cassie, Mason. Four people divided into two couples. Married couples. Happily married. Charles and Vivian have everything including three beautiful daughters. Cassie and Mason have failed at their numerous attempts to have children. These two couples seemingly have it all but in reality, they don't. Charles has gone through a health scare and has gained weight, making him feel self conscious. Of course, Vivian doesn't help that. Part of me hated the way she treated this beautiful caring man.
As fate has it, Cassie accepts a job in Dallas and leaves the confines of her Sugarland,Texas home and life with Mason - temporarily as she sees it. Her career means the world to her and she gets no encouragement from Mason. The only thing he gives her is the constant reminder that she has been unable to give him children.
Once Cassie meets Charles, who is her boss - an innocent friendship ensues. Cassie is upbeat, positive and encourages Charles to start eating right, exercise and immediately he feels better about himself. Vivian dismisses him time after time and my heart just ached for him. He tried everything he could to show Vivian how much he loved her. She was unable to return the feelings. I do believe she loved him, but her inability, or fear left Charles unfulfilled and hurt. Each time he advanced, she withdrew. You can only do this so many times folks before you throw your hands up in defeat.
Two worlds collide in the most beautiful way the day Charles and Cassie take their friendship to the next level. While some may say this is a book about cheating, I beg to differ. It's far from that. It's a book about friendships, encouragement, perseverance, and giving it all you've got. It takes two to make a marriage work and one person can't carry the load. I came away a better person after reading this book. It made me realize the importance of making your spouse feel like he/she is the most important person in your life. Thank you Mariah Kingsley for this awesome story. I've moved onto book two in the series..and I salute you!
As fate has it, Cassie accepts a job in Dallas and leaves the confines of her Sugarland,Texas home and life with Mason - temporarily as she sees it. Her career means the world to her and she gets no encouragement from Mason. The only thing he gives her is the constant reminder that she has been unable to give him children.
Once Cassie meets Charles, who is her boss - an innocent friendship ensues. Cassie is upbeat, positive and encourages Charles to start eating right, exercise and immediately he feels better about himself. Vivian dismisses him time after time and my heart just ached for him. He tried everything he could to show Vivian how much he loved her. She was unable to return the feelings. I do believe she loved him, but her inability, or fear left Charles unfulfilled and hurt. Each time he advanced, she withdrew. You can only do this so many times folks before you throw your hands up in defeat.
Two worlds collide in the most beautiful way the day Charles and Cassie take their friendship to the next level. While some may say this is a book about cheating, I beg to differ. It's far from that. It's a book about friendships, encouragement, perseverance, and giving it all you've got. It takes two to make a marriage work and one person can't carry the load. I came away a better person after reading this book. It made me realize the importance of making your spouse feel like he/she is the most important person in your life. Thank you Mariah Kingsley for this awesome story. I've moved onto book two in the series..and I salute you!
August 2, 2014
When Forever Ends by Mariah Kingsley
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this was an amazing debut novel, I only had a few things that didn't make me want to rate it higher, but I guarantee her next novel will be even better!
I loved how this featured two couples and how their stories enter twined, my stomach dropped, I couldn't put it down.
This truly is what the title says, When Forever Ends, I even have away a few tears. I loved both the main heroine and hero, didn't feel that any drama was over the top, and was written realistically.
My only problems were that I wish it was longer, and allowed for a bit more character development, I felt at the end like some of the story was missing,
The other problem I had that even though it was supposed to be interchanging POVs, sometimes she would have the thoughts of other characters, when it would be titled with a different one, which had me flipping back, a bit confusing at times.
That said for a debut novel, and I am assuming she is yet to have an editor who would have had the author fix these problems, I would recommend this to read.
Look out for Mariah Kingsley , her future stories are sure to pull at your heart and gut!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this was an amazing debut novel, I only had a few things that didn't make me want to rate it higher, but I guarantee her next novel will be even better!
I loved how this featured two couples and how their stories enter twined, my stomach dropped, I couldn't put it down.
This truly is what the title says, When Forever Ends, I even have away a few tears. I loved both the main heroine and hero, didn't feel that any drama was over the top, and was written realistically.
My only problems were that I wish it was longer, and allowed for a bit more character development, I felt at the end like some of the story was missing,
The other problem I had that even though it was supposed to be interchanging POVs, sometimes she would have the thoughts of other characters, when it would be titled with a different one, which had me flipping back, a bit confusing at times.
That said for a debut novel, and I am assuming she is yet to have an editor who would have had the author fix these problems, I would recommend this to read.
Look out for Mariah Kingsley , her future stories are sure to pull at your heart and gut!
April 17, 2016
Absolutely AMAZING Story!!!
I don't know where to begin my thoughts on this book....Marian Kingsley has written a book that is truly AMAZING!! I could not put it down and was so was so happy to read such a real and honest story. This book is worthy of such a higher rating than just 5 stars.
Mariah Kingsley has created such an honest, believable, lovable, and hateable cast of characters. I was rooting for Charles and Cassie to find their happily ever after from the very beginning of this book. These two touched my heart and made it damn near impossible for me not to love them. Then there is Mason and Vivian...These two were so easy to hate. But as I kept reading, I started to understand them. I still don't like them....but I do understand the reasoning behind their actions.
This book evoked so much emotion from me. I laughed, cried, and so much more while reading this book. I felt like I as reading about real people. This story was so real!!!
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read. You will not be disappointed with this story. I cannot wait to read the next book in the The Maxwell Series. Well done Mrs. Kingsley!!!!!!!
I don't know where to begin my thoughts on this book....Marian Kingsley has written a book that is truly AMAZING!! I could not put it down and was so was so happy to read such a real and honest story. This book is worthy of such a higher rating than just 5 stars.
Mariah Kingsley has created such an honest, believable, lovable, and hateable cast of characters. I was rooting for Charles and Cassie to find their happily ever after from the very beginning of this book. These two touched my heart and made it damn near impossible for me not to love them. Then there is Mason and Vivian...These two were so easy to hate. But as I kept reading, I started to understand them. I still don't like them....but I do understand the reasoning behind their actions.
This book evoked so much emotion from me. I laughed, cried, and so much more while reading this book. I felt like I as reading about real people. This story was so real!!!
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read. You will not be disappointed with this story. I cannot wait to read the next book in the The Maxwell Series. Well done Mrs. Kingsley!!!!!!!
July 23, 2014
This book is very different and from the start it is very emotional which really caught me. On top one of the things that I really noticed with this book was that to me it didn't matter at all how the people were described to look I didn't feel any draw to them as I usually do when a guy in a book is sexy and the reason I didn't was because this book caught me on a deeper level. These people to me were real and their trouble and struggles were real they were in no way the fantasy of the perfect man or woman. They were simply just REAL!
September 12, 2014
WOW! Never has a story affected me as this novel by Mariah Kingsley did! This is an awesome read full of drama and emotion. The characters are realistic and have great interaction. You can see everyone's point of view as the story unfolds. I laughed and I cried, I felt drawn into the story, this book is so real I could not put it down. Don't miss reading this truly remarkable book.
Received copy for review
Received copy for review
October 28, 2013
This book had an incredibly real story line. With love scenes that made me blush. Two friends trying to save their marriages everyone around them see the attraction but they don't admit it not even to each other.
March 25, 2014
This book was well written, I loved the fact that she let you see every ones point of view. I couldn't put it down, and just when I knew she was going to go one way she took me off the cliff and baby I didn't see it coming. Great read!
April 17, 2014
This was indeed an eye opener book filled with mixed emotions. From start to finish I was hooked. Loved how each chapter was another characters pov. I was hooked from start to finish. I'm looking forward to reading book 2.
April 29, 2014
Great book! I would recommend to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews