Inevitable: Love and War

A Future Worth Fighting For #2

by Inger Iversen

Ex-Marine and former combat trainer, Trent Reed has been shot at, he’s been in a coma and placed in war zones behind enemy lines most of his Marine career, but when his best friend calls for a favor, he is faced with one of the hardest decisions of his life—to be the Best Man. His turbulent past with races other than his own have him at odds with his best friend and the man’s new African American fiancée, and not helping matters is Trent’s crazy girlfriend who is on him about getting married too. When Trent accepts the job as Best Man against his better judgment, it’s done with a heavy heart and the understanding that his friend is soon to be out of his life—for good.

Teal Lofton is finally warming up to her best friend’s fiancé and ex convict when she learns that they are expecting just a few short months before their wedding. If that’s not enough, as Maid of Honor, Teal had to put up with budget issues, a sobbing and hormonal bride, juggling her Katie’s secret pregnancy and not to mention, Trent, Logan’s jerk of a best friend and Best Man who she is strangely, yet wildly attracted to. When the shit hits the fan during the bachelor party and Trent disappears with the wedding rings, Teal flips her lid and chases him off into the night to fix yet again, another problem, but a tragic accident sets Trent and Teal on an inevitable course of self discovery and passion like they’ve never experienced before.

Genres: Interracial Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, M F Romance

318 pages, Paperback

First published February 26, 2015

About the author

Inger Iversen lives in Virginia Beach with her tree-hugging boyfriend Joshua and her overweight lap cat Max. When not reading or writing she spends her time watching reruns of True Blood or killing zombies in Call Of Duty.

Reviews

[Raj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some readers may say the premise of a 'racist' white man hooking up with a woman of color is unrealistic but it is certainly more believable than a kinky billionaire playing slapping games with a poor skinny woman.Can't wait for the next chapter of this captivating tale.

[Inger Iversen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heart Teal and Trent! I loved writing this novel! If you have any questions about the book, characters or upcoming releases you can email me at kris10inger82@yahoo.com!

Thanks, Inger Iversen.

[B*tchy · Rating 2 out of 5]

So sick of colorism and body issues

Okay, this book is not bad per say, but I am so sick of black women writing characters that have such serious body image issues and self-hatred for their dark skin. NO, NO, NO! That's called internalized racism and it's not okay to perpetuate. I really wanted to root for Teal and Trent, but the story was too contrived, and seriously, I couldn't take hearing about Teal's blood pressure one more time. I must say that I also agree with the complaints about the cursing. I am a cursing connoisseur. Curse words are the ultimate sentence enhancers and is an absolute art form. Use it correctly and you can get away with it. Use it brashly and you just sound like a 12-year old trying to be a rebel. Again, I really wanted to like this book, but this was a solid no for me. PS, why bring up Trent's PTSD? It added nothing to the story really. He never got treated for it. Did the power of good poonanny just make it magically go away? No girl, no.

[The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I'm finally getting around to writing a review for this book. Overall I enjoyed it. Trent and Teal were actually a lot more alike than different in the fact that both can't figure out how their respective best friends--one an ex-con with a race problem and the other a successful Black author--ended up falling in love and soon to be married. Moreover, both Teal and Trent have done their best to tear the lovebirds apart. Ironic then, these two strong-willed people end up falling for the other in spite of themselves.

Or perhaps--Inevitable.

The only thing that kept me from rating this story higher was that annoying trope of the dark-skinned and "curvy" heroine (Teal) comparing herself to herself to her lighter-skinned best friend. Please authors STOP DOING THIS. Not every thick chick hates their body (see models like Tess Munster) and not every dark-skinned woman is some sad sack waiting for a phone call.

[Stephanie (Bookfever) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inevitable was such a good read! I pretty much think that all of Inger Iversen's books are great but I liked this one even a little bit more than Incarcerated. It had Teal and Trent as main characters. I loved them in Incarcerated + Katie and Logan make a few appearances in this book. I was really happy to find out how things were going for them.

Teal was is of my favorite characters. I love everything about her from her beautiful name (I seriously love the name!) to her awesome personality and the way she made sure her best friend's wedding would go perfectly. Although it didn't go exactly as planned.

And then we have Trent. I definitely didn't approve the way he faked being a racist but he really went through a lot and he came a long way. The story is divided in three parts. The first part is about Trent's past. After reading about him in Incarcerated I really wanted to know where he came from and what happened to him to make him be like he was. And knowing his story and past made me feel like I actually got to know him better, which was definitely necessary.
I really liked Trent's and the way he fell for Teal. They had chemistry right off the bat and I loved the way they bickered.

And the romance? Let me tell you, it really was panty dropping hot. There were definitely some real sexy scenes between Teal and Trent that made me go like, daaaamn!

But my favorite part of the book was the writing.Some scenes were so beautiful to me. It got to the point where I didn't even want to get up to make dinner, I was that caught up in it.

Incredibly sexy with awesome characters and well-written , Inevitable: Love and War was an amazing read! I could barely stop reading and I loved getting to know Teal and Trent more, while also get a glimpse into the life of Katie and Logan. It's honestly one of my favorite books of 2015 so far. I can't wait to read more about all these characters.

[Coco.V]

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[Layeshia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the love journey of Trent and teal. Trent is an ex marine with trust issues. They were brought about when he was a young boy just graduating high school he was in love with a girl. Who he changed his life for the better. And it seems that everything was going OK until she got pregnant and the girls father stepped in and brought them up. And someways to get back at her for not standing up for him against her father he let everyone believe he was a racist you see the girl he got pregnant was black and he is white. And as a result of that lie his life never really got back on track. Now Teal is a strong black woman very sure of herself educated sassy she has a good job good friends but was missing something and as it turns out she was missing I love life I for filling love life. And it turns out that love live would include Trent and all his baggage. I recommend this book to you there is a cliffhanger however but it was a well written book

[Musings of A Romance Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

***This review contains ZERO spoilers. It is meant to give the prospective reader insight into the storyline only without summarizing the entire plot.***

Inevitable is Book 2 of Inger Iverson’s Love and War series. It picks up where Book 1, Incarcerated Letters ended, with Katie and Logan preparing for their Winter Wonderland wedding extravaganza. While Book 2 could be technically read as a standalone, I do not suggest it because there is some crossover that may cause the reader to question the who, what, when, where, and how…

This installment is Teal and Trent’s story. Teal is Katie’s BFF, while Trent is Logan’s BFF. In book 1, we meet Teal and Trent for the first time, and I don’t know about other readers, but I took an instant dislike to them both. Teal to me was a walking stereotype of the bum rap black women get-loud, rude, lip-smacking, nosy-ass, know-it-all friend while Trent was the racist, KKK, backward-thinking redneck from Kentucky. This is who we knew them to be-until Inevitable.

The skeletons have not only come out of the closet-they ran out of the closet! Trent is not whom he appears to be. Teal still holds a lot of the “ABW” (angry black woman) sentiment, but this is not whom she is at heart. Like so many of us, she’s simply a woman misunderstood, and like Trent, let the hurt of past relationships shape their views and mold their character. Insert an intense dislike for one another and a hellafied snowstorm, and you’ve got the makings for some damn good drama! And these two will not disappoint…

While I did enjoy reading about Teal and Trent, their story was not the edge-of-your-seat build-up like Katie and Logan’s. I also felt the story focused too heavily on Katie and Logan at times, and T-N-T as I’ve dubbed them, were still supporting characters when this is supposed to be their story. That being said, I did love how two polar opposites with a strong dislike for one another based solely on assumption and comparison were able to overcome their individual prejudices and hurt and develop an unlikely bond. The banter between T-N-T is sarcastic, witty, and refreshingly honest. I’m talking no filters, no holds-barred…I truly look forward to the continuing series, because trust, this ain’t over by a long shot…

***I was given an Advanced Read Copy in exchange for an honest review.***

[Anino · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the original premise was interesting, the book fell short of what it could have been. The main issues that I found were, a lack of character development, along with crimps in the storyline.

Also, the issue concerning Harper and her Dad wasn't explored as thoroughly, as it should have been.

Despite the fact that there were a few issues, I did like the fact that Ms. Iverson manages go address the sheer stupidity of prejudice, with common sense wisdom, style, and grace.

Giving this one 3 solid stars.

[Karen's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book and couldn't decide whether you like either the hero or heroine? Well that's the way I felt about Trent and Teal. Neither one made root for them in the beginning, but because I enjoyed the first book, Incarcerated, I wanted to give them a chance. If you've read Incarcerated you know that neither of these characters gave a good first impressions. So is it any wonder I wasn't so sure about them as a couple. Well I'm glad I didn't give up on Teal and Trent. These two are a true example to opposites attract. The both of them had preconceived notions of each other, but all it took was a little quality time spent together to prove them both wrong. I loved how they got to know each other and learned that they weren't so different after all. Their love story also proved that people can change if they really want to and it doesn't hurt to have the right incentive. After reading Inevitable, I grew to love Teal and Trent as a couple and I can't wait to see what's in store for them next. I give this 4 stars.

[A.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book 5 stars. I absolutely LOVED it! Teal and Trent's story was just as passionate as Katie and Logan's. The author did an excellent job of bringing them together and giving details of Trent's background to explain how he became the person that he was. Job well done! Looking forward to Marcus's story.

[Adrienh1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great addition to the series. I can't wait for the next one.

[Lebrondae Shei · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fake racist

Well written. I found this book a bit disturbing; these are my reason why and the reason why I gave this book a 3 star ratings. Trent went thru 21 years distancing himself from black women because he had been stereotype by his background and lost out on his first love and child, instead of fighting for his child he rather pigeonhole himself and live in hurt, pain, distrust and anger! To me this is a Damn shame that he rather live his life in torture then fight for his rights to be in his child's life and help raise his son to grow up with a different kind of mindset/thinking, ethos. Instead not only did he hurt himself, but he hurt his child's life by denying his son; Marcus, the love of a hard working loving father. Trent was weak, selfish and self-centred by not focusing on the one good thing to have come out of his love from his first love. This to me is a sad, sad! Sad story that could of been a triumphant victory, but he rather be a victim and he made his son also a victim and abandoned his son to God only knows what! Teal, what can I say about this heroine of the story, well, she was too nosey for a start, who gives a flying fu#@k about a stranger that you want to be all up in his business to want to know why he was angry and a fake racist, that did not make sense to me, it's none of your business, plus she just met the guy to be so invested in, to get to uncover his truth, who the hell does that or even care to spend that much energy in a stranger. She annoyed me, I have never met a black woman who has ever delved into a complete stranger, who would even attempt to put themselves out like that, she was no reporter, spy, television host with her own TV show or a close friend who has built up a repertoire with this man to even taken the time to be that curious to stick her noise in. As far as I am aware it is black people's custom to see no evil, hear no evil, and talk no evil, regardless of how curious we may be, Teal's character just seemed so far fetched to me as a black woman. But hay, I suppose this was only fictional; and it read that way, not very realistic. Each to their own.

[Mspraise50 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in this series and this is Teal and Trent’s story!

Whilst I enjoyed this story it was not as explosive as I first thought it would be given the type of characters that Teal and Trent were portrayed to be in book 1.

I also felt like another reviewer has already said that the minor characters came across as the major characters and the major characters came across as the minor one!!! There was too much of Logan and Katie in this story. There was way too much about Shayla!!! Plus I could not believe that Trent fell for her tricks again!!

My favourite part of the whole book is the time that Teal and Trent spent getting to know each other in the cabin. I felt there should have been way more of this for them.

I felt something was missing from this story even though it was still a good read. I look forward to reading book 2 about Teal and Trent and hope we get much more of them and lot less of everyone else!

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and War

This a good story; once you start reading you won't be able to stop. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Longer review to follow ... soon!

[Meka♥books · Rating 4 out of 5]

***SOME SPOILERS***

Trent and Teal… makes sense to me. I mean why not? Nothing is ever what it seems especially if you’ve read book 1 in the Love and War series, Incarcerated: Letters from Inmate 92510. This time around race/ethnicity is no secret. Inevitable is not a Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner story but more like an Imitation of Life in the sense of theme, not race. Trent has been and is currently living a lie that no one knows about even best friend Logan. Revelations and secrets concerning Trent are disclosed and will impact the people around him. Inevitable: Love and War is broken up into three parts: past, present, and future.

I’ve read reviews that state Inevitable does not have the same impact as Incarcerated: Letters from Inmate 92510 but for me that was ok because I am now dealing with: two different people, people with a different set of problems and/or insecurities, Trent and Teal do not have the added pressure of worrying if said partner will accept their physical attributes, etc. I didn’t expect to blown away. What I did expect was another well written story with flushed out characters.

In Incarcerated: Letters from Inmate 92510 I did not like Teal. I liked her better in this story. I felt in book 1 she was too much of a busy body who over stepped her boundaries as a friend. This time I appreciated her role. She showed support and exercised restraint with her tongue when needed. Don’t get me wrong, true to Teal form her sassiness and wit did appear and did not disappoint. I do however wish more of Teal’s background and previous relationships were made known. I still feel like I do not know her and am not connecting with her completely. I hope book 3 which is due out this winter, will shed some light on Teal’s insecurities with her body and skin color. Trent on the other hand I felt was a more well rounded character.

Trent, like Logan was a fascinating character to me. There was a certain mystic around him that intrigued and pulled me in. I felt the division in sections (past, present, & future) had more to do with Trent than Teal. When I completed reading Inevitable I felt I understood more about Trent than Teal.

I liked how author, Inger Iversen paired Trent and Teal together. Teal may be loud on occasions and head strong, but she was one that noticed the inconsistencies with Trent. She was one who made him start breaking down his walls. Teal was the one who called him out on his stuff.

”You aren’t what you seem…” She watched him.. His eyes softened and he looked away. Who was this man?
“So you’ve said.”
Teal couldn’t take her eyes off him. The fire cast shadows across his face and for once Teal saw the beauty in a broken man. He may not want to admit it, but his past held him in its clutches.

It was inevitable that Trent and Teal end up together: Teal is the feisty full-figured woman Trent is not only accustomed to but more importantly is attracted to; Trent is the alpha and gentle man she wants and needs. Together they make an explosive couple that has hard, passionate, kinky sex.

Inger Iversen is no doubt a great storyteller. Even though I enjoyed Inevitable, it did feel rushed and parts left me wanting more. Still, I look forward to Trent and Teal’s continual romance in book 3. I hope at that time I will see Teal in a different light and how Trent and Teal’s relationship has progressed. I’m eager to see how Trent’s past effects his future.

does Trent form a relationship with his biracial son Marcus

are there any feelings for Harper (Marcus’s mother)

where has Trent settled? Has he left Kentucky for good?

If you like serials, interracial romance, characters who are not what they seem, & steamy sex scenes, Inevitable: Love and War is for you. I give this book 3.5 stars upgraded to 4 for writing questionable male leads which inevitably keeps me engaged and makes me look forward to next book.

[Shyla Colt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Iverson has done it again with this tale of two people from opposite ends of the spectrum in every way, who come to find common ground. Trent’s a man who hides behind a mask. The pain of his past is so profound, he’s allowed misconceptions to color his reputation and his attitude. As his best friend finds happiness with an African American woman , he’s forced to face his beliefs head-on. When a snow storm hits during the weekend of his friends’ wedding, Trent finds himself stuck with, Teal. A woman who is supposed to be everything he despises. I don’t want to give everything away, but I will say this. The lies we tell ourselves will only hold for so long.
Teal is a fierce, independent, and take-no-crap kind of woman. I adored her, even though she could be a little crazy, in a good way. We all have that friend who has no filter, and sometimes makes us want to strangle her. Her personality was lively, and her sass level was perfect to challenge Trent.
When an accident forced them into a tiny cabin for three days the learn more about who they are, and who they want to be. This is an eye opening , plot twisting, fully satisfying romance, that’ll leave you thinking about the book long after you’ve finished it.

[--karen Green-berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable- BRAB ONLINE BOOK CLUB

I was anxious to read Trent and Teal's story after meeting them in Incarcerated; where they were both opposed to Their best friends Katie and Logan relationship. He had the reputation of being a flaming racist and she an outspoken woman who was not afraid to confront anyone.

Their story took an interesting turn while they were on their way to attend their friends wedding. The series of events were quite interesting, even hilarious. I love how the author explained where Trent's attitude came from and gradually broke down his reserves and allowed the readers to see his true personality.

I love the chemistry between them and the sex scenes were quite hot.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the rough language got to me at times, this is a good story about an ex-marine who has a reputation for being a racist that does not reflect his true character but he does not try to change the impression. After being hurt in a interracial relationship as a young man, he is bitter about women in general and interracial relationships with women in particular. So when his best friend falls in love with a Black woman old, hurt feeling rise up and bring out the inner jerk. Along the way he finds himself attracted to the best friend of the woman he hopes to discredit in the eyes of his best friend. Its a good story with a make you smile ending. Warning there are some very hot scenes and language. Have a glass of wine and blush.

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was anxiously waiting for this one and it didn't disappoint. Even though it didn't have the same impact as Incarcerated had on me, probably because I was now already familiar with the concept of a racist ex-convict falling in love with a black woman. But I still liked it a lot. At times I failed to feel the described chemistry building up between them. And I would have like more of a back story for Teal, I kept thinking there is more to her than what was now told about her.
Overall a good story and there will be a part 3: yay!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that after book one I wasn't really a fan of Teal's but I had to read this book because I loved book one so much. Teal fully redeemed herself in this book and so did Trent. I was surprised by his depth. Great book and awesome series.. I'm excited for book 3 and can't wait to read it!!

[Linda D. Christiani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Christiani

I always appreciate love with a man that gives his all mentally And physically even when he has issues he knows when he loves and he shows it unashamedly! Can't wait for the next storg

[Nancy L Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a true fan

I love Inger's style of writing. She writes the way people really talk. I hate that the next installment won't be out until late 2015. But this installment was very well written. A few small typo's but not enough to deter me from the book or the series

[Michele Wesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trent and Teal's story was GREAT! I was hesitant to put this book down because I wanted to know where the story was taking me. I was surprised, I laughed, and got frustrated at this book, which is the kind of reaction that a good book should elicit.

[Strawz93 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice

Fiction or not, there is someone for us all. Broken or not, love is powerful. I really enjoyed this book. Hope to read more like this.

[Debra Spears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Really enjoyed this series so far! Our past is not as always and cut and dry as it seems. Looking forward to the next book. Team Teal and Trent!

[SheR Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down!

This book turned out much better than I thought it would! I really felt for Trent in the beginning of this story and totally understood his distrust to an extent even though it made me want to slap him a few times. Loving the dynamic between him and Harper within those first few pages, you forget about the incoming appearance of Teal and really want Harper and Trent to work out - and then came that painful betrayal that made you just immediately side with Trent and hate Harper's guts. But as you get further into the novel, Trent's aggressiveness and attitude towards black females not only becomes uncomfortable, but downright annoying and sadistic. You find yourself wishing constantly for Teal to kick his ass! Because I sure as hell wanted to - MORE TIMES THAN I CAN COUNT!

Teal was a strong independent black woman, who occasionally had a loud mouth but AMAZING wit and banter! You LOVE Teal in this book, even when she's misjudging things.

The accident and it's events were played out incredibly well - and then you see it, a gentler side of Trent that makes you fall head over heels for him. Sure he becomes a dick immediately afterwards but (just like in Teal's perspective) by then the damage has been done. You want him, feel for him, desire to find more just so you can get to see that softer side, even if it is momentary. In time he warms up, and when he does it's a beautiful thing. And the sex is just right! Steamy, but not too much so: it gets the job done, drawing you in without being yucky...and it makes you want to read it all over again. There wasn't a lot of sex scenes in this book, which is what made it even more enjoyable when you stumbled upon them (I believe it was only 2 total). More love scenes like this in books PLEASE! I love that at the end of it all they were able to get together - and now I cannot WAIT to read the continuation of their story - "Indelible: Beneath His Ink"!

I NEED IT!

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not excited with narrator and enjoyed the story

Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 3 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars

I found getting to know more of Trent past and what set him on his path gave me a deeper respect for him and what he was going through. I did not say it was fair to paint all with the brush he did but I did understand. Teal was just a character all to herself. She was the fire that was needed for Trent. She gave him something he was missing.

Quiana Goodrum was not impressing or impressive with the narration of this installment. I was just ready to be finished.

[Valentina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially enjoyed the build up of the story of Trent and Teal. Teal was hilarious at times in her approach to Trent, and Trent could handle Tea’s defiant nature. There was definitely some heat between the sheets.

The pace of their romance, though, was slow needlessly. Also not much really transpired between their time apart — it was described to some degree but not as active scenes. Then there were the inner musings. Why couldn’t the author paint a picture of those scenes with dialogue from the characters themselves? Finally while the two got their HEA, the ending was too abrupt. Not even cliffhanger abrupt. The book just seemed to stop mid paragraph.