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Hero's Welcome #1
Welcome to Forever
“Don’t miss this sparkling debut full of heart and emotion!” raves Lori Wilde. The Hero’s Welcome military romance series introduces a small coastal town where America’s best and brightest risk everything for love.
In Seaside, North Carolina, there are two kinds of Marines, and kids of Marines. Then there’s Kat Chandler. Recently hired as the principal of Seaside Elementary, Kat makes it her mission to turn the school into a place of peace and calm. That’s not going to be easy with hard-liner parents like Micah Peterson storming in, telling her how to do her job—and then kissing her with those gorgeous lips of his and turning her brain into mush.
As a Marine Sergeant and a single dad, Micah Peterson has just two doing his job better than anyone else, and getting the absolute best for his son, Ben. But when he meets Ben’s beautiful new principal, a different yearning shifts into focus. He wants her, sure, but he’s also moved by the connection Kat forges with her students. So after learning that she refuses to date Marines, Micah sets two more convincing Kat to give him a chance . . . and then holding on to her forever.
Praise for Welcome to Forever
“Welcome to Forever is a beautiful and touching story of love and loss that will grab you by the heart and hold on long after you’ve finished reading.”—USA Today bestselling author Laura Drewry
“A wonderfully written debut novel that had me fighting back tears and rooting for the couple from the first page. Annie Rains is an author to watch. I can’t wait for more!”—USA Today bestselling author Sidney Halston
“Emotional, heartwarming and completely engaging . . . I highly recommend this one to those looking for a contemporary romance that was realistic instead of angst-filled, with characters who are likable and so deserving of a happy ending.”—Girl Plus Books
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
In Seaside, North Carolina, there are two kinds of Marines, and kids of Marines. Then there’s Kat Chandler. Recently hired as the principal of Seaside Elementary, Kat makes it her mission to turn the school into a place of peace and calm. That’s not going to be easy with hard-liner parents like Micah Peterson storming in, telling her how to do her job—and then kissing her with those gorgeous lips of his and turning her brain into mush.
As a Marine Sergeant and a single dad, Micah Peterson has just two doing his job better than anyone else, and getting the absolute best for his son, Ben. But when he meets Ben’s beautiful new principal, a different yearning shifts into focus. He wants her, sure, but he’s also moved by the connection Kat forges with her students. So after learning that she refuses to date Marines, Micah sets two more convincing Kat to give him a chance . . . and then holding on to her forever.
Praise for Welcome to Forever
“Welcome to Forever is a beautiful and touching story of love and loss that will grab you by the heart and hold on long after you’ve finished reading.”—USA Today bestselling author Laura Drewry
“A wonderfully written debut novel that had me fighting back tears and rooting for the couple from the first page. Annie Rains is an author to watch. I can’t wait for more!”—USA Today bestselling author Sidney Halston
“Emotional, heartwarming and completely engaging . . . I highly recommend this one to those looking for a contemporary romance that was realistic instead of angst-filled, with characters who are likable and so deserving of a happy ending.”—Girl Plus Books
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
28 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
About the author
Annie Rains
43 books1,493 followersAnnie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America's largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn't writing, she's spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.
If you enjoyed the Hero's Welcome series, don't miss the short wedding story for Kat and Micah (Welcome to Forever). Get it here for FREE: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/aTSl1
For other books and happenings, sign up for my newsletter on my website: www.annierains.com
If you enjoyed the Hero's Welcome series, don't miss the short wedding story for Kat and Micah (Welcome to Forever). Get it here for FREE: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/aTSl1
For other books and happenings, sign up for my newsletter on my website: www.annierains.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
December 9, 2015
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
Kat Chandler is still grieving over her fiancé who didn't return from his deployment in Afghanistan. It's been two years and she's immersed herself in her work as a first-year principal of an elementary school. When the new groundskeeper, Micah Peterson, enters her orbit, along with his adorable son, she starts on a new one.
Micah's son Ben has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. I loved how devoted he was to his child and how clear he was about being a package deal with any potential relationship. Though he and Kat had an immediate attraction, both had really good reasons to proceed cautiously, especially when she found out he was a Marine.
The strength of the story is in the individual stories of Micah and Kat. He was constantly having to decide how much or little he should do for his son, which was so realistic and there were no easy answers. She had every reason to be leery of a relationship with a man who could possible be deployed. Her inability to let go of her fiancé was also realistic, especially since she'd not received any counseling. Their conflicts were real and I was engaged in their journey through all these issues.
I liked their romance, even though this was the uneven aspect of the story...one moment hot, the next ice cold without the appropriate bridges in between. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the substance and emotional aspects of this story. I'm interested in continuing the series as the secondary characters introduced here were intriguing. 3.5 stars
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
Kat Chandler is still grieving over her fiancé who didn't return from his deployment in Afghanistan. It's been two years and she's immersed herself in her work as a first-year principal of an elementary school. When the new groundskeeper, Micah Peterson, enters her orbit, along with his adorable son, she starts on a new one.
Micah's son Ben has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. I loved how devoted he was to his child and how clear he was about being a package deal with any potential relationship. Though he and Kat had an immediate attraction, both had really good reasons to proceed cautiously, especially when she found out he was a Marine.
The strength of the story is in the individual stories of Micah and Kat. He was constantly having to decide how much or little he should do for his son, which was so realistic and there were no easy answers. She had every reason to be leery of a relationship with a man who could possible be deployed. Her inability to let go of her fiancé was also realistic, especially since she'd not received any counseling. Their conflicts were real and I was engaged in their journey through all these issues.
I liked their romance, even though this was the uneven aspect of the story...one moment hot, the next ice cold without the appropriate bridges in between. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the substance and emotional aspects of this story. I'm interested in continuing the series as the secondary characters introduced here were intriguing. 3.5 stars
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
February 9, 2016
4.5 - "We're in this together." Stars!
Welcome to Forever is the first book I have read by Annie Rains, and I really enjoyed it. Take two characters, both not looking for, but then finding second chance love, add in a really cute child and some entertaining secondary characters and Micah and Kat’s story was one I didn’t want to put down.
It wasn’t his head or what was in his boxers that he needed to worry about. His heart was in deep trouble.
Although there is a little bit of drama rolling through this one, and some of it erroneously so in my opinion, I think what pulled this book through that and made me fall in love with it was the whole community feel you get from the story and the residents of Seaside, North Carolina.
The slow building relationship between Kat and Micah and the hurdles they overcome to be together as the story progressed just added more color to the story as a whole, and just made it easy reading especially as told in both POVs.
"No time for foreplay."
"There’s always time for foreplay."
You can tell this is the first book in the series, with the addition and inclusion of several characters and family members in the overall plot and I am interested to see where Annie takes the Hero’s Welcome series next. We are introduced to Julie and Lawson in this book, and I am looking forward to discovering how their relationship develops in Welcome Home, Cowboy, due for release in April.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Welcome to Forever is the first book I have read by Annie Rains, and I really enjoyed it. Take two characters, both not looking for, but then finding second chance love, add in a really cute child and some entertaining secondary characters and Micah and Kat’s story was one I didn’t want to put down.
It wasn’t his head or what was in his boxers that he needed to worry about. His heart was in deep trouble.
Although there is a little bit of drama rolling through this one, and some of it erroneously so in my opinion, I think what pulled this book through that and made me fall in love with it was the whole community feel you get from the story and the residents of Seaside, North Carolina.
The slow building relationship between Kat and Micah and the hurdles they overcome to be together as the story progressed just added more color to the story as a whole, and just made it easy reading especially as told in both POVs.
"No time for foreplay."
"There’s always time for foreplay."
You can tell this is the first book in the series, with the addition and inclusion of several characters and family members in the overall plot and I am interested to see where Annie takes the Hero’s Welcome series next. We are introduced to Julie and Lawson in this book, and I am looking forward to discovering how their relationship develops in Welcome Home, Cowboy, due for release in April.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
November 25, 2015
I LOVED this book! There is so much I want to say about this story and why it was a winner for me. Micah, the hero, is amazing. He's a divorced father to a son with special needs. Unlike a lot of other heroes I've read lately, he puts his child first and isn't concerned with dating or having sex with random women. His son is his whole life and everything he does is for him. His ex-wife isn't a very good mother, she's more focused on her career in the marines than spending any time with her son so Micah does everything for him. Kat is the principal at the school Micah's son Ben goes to. Kat lost her fiance 2 years ago. He was a marine who never came home and she's had a hard time moving on. Micah and Kat get off to a rough start but slowly become friends and even though there is some serious chemistry between them, both of them are hesitant to start a relationship. I loved Micah's son Ben. He had such a positive attitude and was such a little sweetheart. The way that Micah took care of his son was wonderful - I love nothing more than a guy who is good with kids and he was really an amazing father. There was a little drama and some angst but it was well written and gave the story something extra. There were a few minor things I didn't like but this was a 5 star book for me and I can't wait to read more books in this series.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
November 24, 2015
In the coastal town of Seaside, North Caroline, Kat and Micah have experienced loss in different ways and both are reluctant to risk their hearts again.
Elementary school principal Kat has vowed not to get involved with another Marine and instead focuses all her attention on her job – one made all the more demanding because of those who feel she is too young and too inexperienced. Her best friend encourages her to put the past behind her and meet someone new, but Kat insists she’s not interested. But after meeting the father of one her students… maybe she’s interested after all.
Marine Sergeant Micah Peterson is a single dad whose top priority is his 8 year old son Ben. With an ex-wife who is more devoted to the Marines than her own son, and an ex-girlfriend who refused to accept Ben, Micah is determined to set aside romantic involvements and instead focus entirely on Ben and give him the stability he needs. Then he meets Kat, the principal at Ben’s new school, and he wonders if maybe there is room in his life for someone else.
Welcome to Forever was an unexpected surprise - emotional, heartwarming and completely engaging. I was pulled into Kat and Micah's story right away. Based on their personal histories, their mutual hesitancy to get involved was completely understandable and believable. They were both treading softly into the possibility of a new relationship and I loved that they acted like adults (and not like hormonal teenagers). I admit that I am not usually a fan of stories that feature a child so prominently, but I totally fell for Ben. This 8 year old charmer was sweet and funny and his devotion to his father and desire to have someone want and love them both just melted my heart. One of my favorite aspects of the story was Micah’s belief in Kat and his willingness to back her up and be there for her. Kat was able to fight her own battles - even though Micah was ready to jump in and go to battle for her.
My only quibble were the few inconsistencies in the Marine/military aspects of the story. For a book with a strong military theme, taking place in a military town, these anomalies stood out to me. They will likely go unnoticed by many, but with a husband who is a 20-year veteran, they caught my attention and temporarily took me out of the narrative.
I was completely invested in Kat and Micha’s story and, as they faced conflict and unexpected circumstances, I found myself getting emotional even shed a few tears. I highly recommend Welcome to Forever to those looking for a contemporary romance that is realistic instead of angst-filled, with characters who are likable and so deserving of a happy ending.
Note: E-book provided by the publisher/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Elementary school principal Kat has vowed not to get involved with another Marine and instead focuses all her attention on her job – one made all the more demanding because of those who feel she is too young and too inexperienced. Her best friend encourages her to put the past behind her and meet someone new, but Kat insists she’s not interested. But after meeting the father of one her students… maybe she’s interested after all.
Marine Sergeant Micah Peterson is a single dad whose top priority is his 8 year old son Ben. With an ex-wife who is more devoted to the Marines than her own son, and an ex-girlfriend who refused to accept Ben, Micah is determined to set aside romantic involvements and instead focus entirely on Ben and give him the stability he needs. Then he meets Kat, the principal at Ben’s new school, and he wonders if maybe there is room in his life for someone else.
Welcome to Forever was an unexpected surprise - emotional, heartwarming and completely engaging. I was pulled into Kat and Micah's story right away. Based on their personal histories, their mutual hesitancy to get involved was completely understandable and believable. They were both treading softly into the possibility of a new relationship and I loved that they acted like adults (and not like hormonal teenagers). I admit that I am not usually a fan of stories that feature a child so prominently, but I totally fell for Ben. This 8 year old charmer was sweet and funny and his devotion to his father and desire to have someone want and love them both just melted my heart. One of my favorite aspects of the story was Micah’s belief in Kat and his willingness to back her up and be there for her. Kat was able to fight her own battles - even though Micah was ready to jump in and go to battle for her.
My only quibble were the few inconsistencies in the Marine/military aspects of the story. For a book with a strong military theme, taking place in a military town, these anomalies stood out to me. They will likely go unnoticed by many, but with a husband who is a 20-year veteran, they caught my attention and temporarily took me out of the narrative.
I was completely invested in Kat and Micha’s story and, as they faced conflict and unexpected circumstances, I found myself getting emotional even shed a few tears. I highly recommend Welcome to Forever to those looking for a contemporary romance that is realistic instead of angst-filled, with characters who are likable and so deserving of a happy ending.
Note: E-book provided by the publisher/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2015
**Welcome to Forever generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
2 "I think I can handle that." Stars
Welcome to Forever intrigued me from the blurb. I love a good military romance. Unfortunately for me the story fell a bit flat in terms of plot and even the characters. The writing was bland and I had a hard time connecting to the story. Micah and Kat, hero and heroine, are both grasping for friendship but find themselves intrigued with the possibility for more. Through wholesome, respectable values they find themselves enamored with one another which pushes boundaries and breaks personal rules for them both. It just never added up to enough for me to feel really moved by their story. The angst level is very low provided mostly by inner monologues. The shining light of the story for me was Ben, Micah's son. There was good message in that particular message of the story that I felt was compelling. Ben gave good reminders to the readers and also showed me a sweeter side of the life both Micah and Kat want. His presence in the book enhanced the story for me. Other issues and conflict in the book I wish the author would have dug deeper and gave me more. Some parts I felt I was given just bare bones. Another good thing about the story, for me, was I definitely wanted to see where it ended so I stuck it out. The ending turnout out to be sweet. Lovers of military, second-chance, with a great child character will enjoy this story.
December 11, 2015
What a heartwarming Debut!
Annie Rains might just be one to watch! Her debut, WELCOME TO FOREVER, the first in A Hero's Welcome Series was just the right amount of humor, emotion and sexual chemistry to fulfill every romance reader. If you don't fall in love with Micah from the start, then his relationship with his son will solidify the crush! Ben was my favorite character of the book!
The push and pull between Kat and Micah from the start was intoxicating, pushing you to turn page after page, and those first stolen kisses...it felt like going back to that first high school crush again. The daydreaming, the butterflies...perfection!
I was also intrigued by the setting of WELCOME TO FOREVER, which is set in Seaside, North Carolina, and since I live in Wilmington, I was able to imagine the small community and setting which is always a fun experience.
If you are a fan of military romance, or just contemporary romance in general, take the escape to Seaside and give this one a chance!
Annie Rains might just be one to watch! Her debut, WELCOME TO FOREVER, the first in A Hero's Welcome Series was just the right amount of humor, emotion and sexual chemistry to fulfill every romance reader. If you don't fall in love with Micah from the start, then his relationship with his son will solidify the crush! Ben was my favorite character of the book!
The push and pull between Kat and Micah from the start was intoxicating, pushing you to turn page after page, and those first stolen kisses...it felt like going back to that first high school crush again. The daydreaming, the butterflies...perfection!
I was also intrigued by the setting of WELCOME TO FOREVER, which is set in Seaside, North Carolina, and since I live in Wilmington, I was able to imagine the small community and setting which is always a fun experience.
If you are a fan of military romance, or just contemporary romance in general, take the escape to Seaside and give this one a chance!
October 10, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. It's a heartwarming tale about the power of love and the courage it takes to fight for it. Micah is an alpha Marine who loves his son Ben above all things. He also has a passion for gardening and landscaping. Kat is a newly minted elementary principle with fresh ideas on how to handle bullies of all ages.
Micah and Kat can't seem to resist each other. But he's still smarting from an ex-wife who placed the Marines well above her family, and a sort of ex-girlfriend who hurt his son's feelings. Kat sees all the great that Micah is, but when she learns that he's a Marine, she tries to pull away. She's been there, done that and has the KIA fiancé to prove it.
Micah and Kat's journey to forever is hindered by a few speed bumps, but for me, that just makes the HEA all the sweeter.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review
Micah and Kat can't seem to resist each other. But he's still smarting from an ex-wife who placed the Marines well above her family, and a sort of ex-girlfriend who hurt his son's feelings. Kat sees all the great that Micah is, but when she learns that he's a Marine, she tries to pull away. She's been there, done that and has the KIA fiancé to prove it.
Micah and Kat's journey to forever is hindered by a few speed bumps, but for me, that just makes the HEA all the sweeter.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review
October 19, 2015
Micah is a sweet and kind man, "Micah pulled back and looked at her, his eyes molten with desire. “A Jeep isn’t the place to make love to a woman.” Kat was just an adorable woman I really loved her character, “I’m glad you came,” she said, dreamily, sitting up. When he grinned at her, she shook her head. “Came over,” she clarified." I enjoyed this book it was sweet.
December 11, 2015
Welcome to Forever 4.5 stars
I wish book two was already out!
Micah Peterson grew up as a military kid, never staying anywhere for very long so he never made any lasting friendships. He joined the Marines mainly to try and make his dad proud of him but he’d come to realize that nothing would make his Dad happy unless maybe he continued to followed in his footsteps and made the Marines his career but that wasn’t going to happen. His main focus was on Ben, his son with Cerebral Palsy. Now eight years old, he was growing up too fast and like Micah when he was kid, he wasn’t making any lasting friendships either but it wasn’t just because they moved around too much. Now that he had finally been transferred to Seaside, North Carolina he had high hopes that this would be their last move. Hopefully the children at Seaside Elementary would treat Ben differently than they did at his last school but he planned on sticking close and making sure that this principal was on top of things, he hadn’t planned on her being so young and pretty though.
Kat Chandler had grown up in Seaside and had recently been hired on as the new Principal at Seaside Elementary. She knew that it wasn’t going to be easy but she had high hopes of making this school the best school around. It wasn’t going to be easy and she had found recently that there were a lot of people that didn’t believe in her but she wasn’t going down without a fight. She believed that all students, even the bad ones, just needed a little guidance. She was hoping that the new program that she was going to start afterschool for the trouble makers would not only teach them a lesson but also a chance for them to learn teamwork and make lasting friendships. She just had to get it off the ground and get others involved, maybe the new groundskeeper would have some ideas.
I loved everything about this book with the exception of Micah’s Dad. Never liked him and still do not after having finished it. Micah and Kat were made for each other. Both having loved and lost, even though it was for different reasons, they had one thing in common and that was Ben. As much as I liked the main characters, Ben was by far my favorite character in the book. So loving and caring even when he shouldn’t have been, how could you not love him? The side characters in the book are great as well. Kat’s sister Julie, her best friend Val, who was a hoot by the way and Micah’s best friend Lawson were all amazingly written. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series which is called Welcome Home Cowboy.
I was given an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I wish book two was already out!
Micah Peterson grew up as a military kid, never staying anywhere for very long so he never made any lasting friendships. He joined the Marines mainly to try and make his dad proud of him but he’d come to realize that nothing would make his Dad happy unless maybe he continued to followed in his footsteps and made the Marines his career but that wasn’t going to happen. His main focus was on Ben, his son with Cerebral Palsy. Now eight years old, he was growing up too fast and like Micah when he was kid, he wasn’t making any lasting friendships either but it wasn’t just because they moved around too much. Now that he had finally been transferred to Seaside, North Carolina he had high hopes that this would be their last move. Hopefully the children at Seaside Elementary would treat Ben differently than they did at his last school but he planned on sticking close and making sure that this principal was on top of things, he hadn’t planned on her being so young and pretty though.
Kat Chandler had grown up in Seaside and had recently been hired on as the new Principal at Seaside Elementary. She knew that it wasn’t going to be easy but she had high hopes of making this school the best school around. It wasn’t going to be easy and she had found recently that there were a lot of people that didn’t believe in her but she wasn’t going down without a fight. She believed that all students, even the bad ones, just needed a little guidance. She was hoping that the new program that she was going to start afterschool for the trouble makers would not only teach them a lesson but also a chance for them to learn teamwork and make lasting friendships. She just had to get it off the ground and get others involved, maybe the new groundskeeper would have some ideas.
I loved everything about this book with the exception of Micah’s Dad. Never liked him and still do not after having finished it. Micah and Kat were made for each other. Both having loved and lost, even though it was for different reasons, they had one thing in common and that was Ben. As much as I liked the main characters, Ben was by far my favorite character in the book. So loving and caring even when he shouldn’t have been, how could you not love him? The side characters in the book are great as well. Kat’s sister Julie, her best friend Val, who was a hoot by the way and Micah’s best friend Lawson were all amazingly written. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series which is called Welcome Home Cowboy.
I was given an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
December 2, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Loveswept in exchange for an honest review.
Welcome to Forever is the first novel in the Hero's Welcome series from first-time author Annie Rains and it's contemporary romance between Kat Chandler, Seaside Elementary's principal and a woman still mourning the death of her fiancé, and Micah Peterson, a divorced father with a young son with cerebral palsy and an active Marine moonlighting as the school's groundskeeper. Kat has sworn off dating another Marine, the loss of her late fiancé still looming over here even after a couple of years, and while she's immediately drawn to Micah, she's wary over the fact that he's a Marine. This was a good love story that had both main characters not necessarily looking to fall in love again, but end up doing so with each other.
My favorite part about the story was young Ben Peterson. He may have been stuck in a wheelchair for most of the story, and he was bullied and taunted more than once by his classmates, yet he had a sense of hope about him. His love for his parents, particularly his father was endearing, and all he truly wanted was for his dad to find happiness again so that they could have a complete family. His relationship with Kat was an important one, especially because she didn't treat him in the same manner that another adult would. Kat's progressive thinking is something that got bonus points from me, what with me being a former teacher and all, so I was able to appreciate her wanting to think beyond more traditional teaching.
While the story was an overall good read, there were a couple of things that I felt were left hanging: Micah's relationship with his father and Micah's status as a Marine. I get that he stated what his plans were at the end of his current tour and that his father didn't think it was a good career choice, but there was never any definite resolution to either issue. Then there was the whole thing with the mayor, who seemed to be making a big fuss over his daughter's "punishment", but then nothing really happened. Even the daughter's behavioral improvement just ended abruptly. Taking all things--both the positive and negatives--into consideration, Welcome to Forever was a pretty good series starter and it gets four stars. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Loveswept in exchange for an honest review.
Welcome to Forever is the first novel in the Hero's Welcome series from first-time author Annie Rains and it's contemporary romance between Kat Chandler, Seaside Elementary's principal and a woman still mourning the death of her fiancé, and Micah Peterson, a divorced father with a young son with cerebral palsy and an active Marine moonlighting as the school's groundskeeper. Kat has sworn off dating another Marine, the loss of her late fiancé still looming over here even after a couple of years, and while she's immediately drawn to Micah, she's wary over the fact that he's a Marine. This was a good love story that had both main characters not necessarily looking to fall in love again, but end up doing so with each other.
My favorite part about the story was young Ben Peterson. He may have been stuck in a wheelchair for most of the story, and he was bullied and taunted more than once by his classmates, yet he had a sense of hope about him. His love for his parents, particularly his father was endearing, and all he truly wanted was for his dad to find happiness again so that they could have a complete family. His relationship with Kat was an important one, especially because she didn't treat him in the same manner that another adult would. Kat's progressive thinking is something that got bonus points from me, what with me being a former teacher and all, so I was able to appreciate her wanting to think beyond more traditional teaching.
While the story was an overall good read, there were a couple of things that I felt were left hanging: Micah's relationship with his father and Micah's status as a Marine. I get that he stated what his plans were at the end of his current tour and that his father didn't think it was a good career choice, but there was never any definite resolution to either issue. Then there was the whole thing with the mayor, who seemed to be making a big fuss over his daughter's "punishment", but then nothing really happened. Even the daughter's behavioral improvement just ended abruptly. Taking all things--both the positive and negatives--into consideration, Welcome to Forever was a pretty good series starter and it gets four stars. ♥
March 3, 2016
For Full Review go to http://bookplusheart.weebly.com/conte...
I recived an ARC from Netgalley for an Honest Review.
This stories is bitter-sweet. Our male and female protagonist are both struggling with loneliness and responsibility. Kat is the local elementary school principle. Micah has taken up working on the school grounds part-time. While his full time job is at the marine base and taking care of his 8 year old son with cerebral palsy. They have strong chemistry between the two and they are in need of filling that gap of loneliness.
I think the story is really great. I think the dynamic between Kat and Micah and Ben is well done. I love Ben. The kid is so funny. The author did a great job showing the struggles of being a single parent that has a child with a handicap. No matter what though Ben always was positive and optimist. He was our little matchmaker in the story.
December 1, 2015
This book left me with such a big smile on my face! *happy sigh*
This is a beautiful debut from Annie Rains. You might know I'm a sucker for a man in uniform, and this series is full of them! Micah Peterson is a Marine and a single father of a special needs child. He'd do anything for his son, even if it means butting heads with the new principal of his son's elementary school, Kat Chandler.
Kat has some unusual ideas to help the students at Seaside Elementary, but she believes she can make a difference. Sparks are soon flying between Kat and Micah, but she has a rule: she doesn't date Marines anymore. A few years ago, Kat's fiance lost his life overseas, and she's not ready to open herself up to that kind of heartbreak again.
Well, you can guess this leads to all kinds of angst between them! Welcome to Forever had so many heartfelt moments, and I absolutely loved it. If you love small town contemporary romance (especially set near the ocean) and/or military heroes, this book is for you! :)
This is a beautiful debut from Annie Rains. You might know I'm a sucker for a man in uniform, and this series is full of them! Micah Peterson is a Marine and a single father of a special needs child. He'd do anything for his son, even if it means butting heads with the new principal of his son's elementary school, Kat Chandler.
Kat has some unusual ideas to help the students at Seaside Elementary, but she believes she can make a difference. Sparks are soon flying between Kat and Micah, but she has a rule: she doesn't date Marines anymore. A few years ago, Kat's fiance lost his life overseas, and she's not ready to open herself up to that kind of heartbreak again.
Well, you can guess this leads to all kinds of angst between them! Welcome to Forever had so many heartfelt moments, and I absolutely loved it. If you love small town contemporary romance (especially set near the ocean) and/or military heroes, this book is for you! :)
October 24, 2015
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. To read more reviews like this one, check out Obsessive Book Nerd!
Welcome to Forever was a super sweet story about finding love and fighting to keep it. This heartwarming story found two people, not looking for love, not realizing they were falling in love. Kat was still getting over the lose of her fiancee and Micah was focused on his disable eight year old who could handle another mother figure walking away.
I really liked both Kat and Micah's characters. Each had some great qualities that made the story stand out a bit. I have not read many military romances, they really aren't my favorites, but I really enjoyed Welcome to Forever. I will most definitely read more of this series, as the supporting cast was full of interesting characters.
Overall, Welcome to Forever has a super fast read. There were some emotional parts and very entertaining parts The book was predictable, but enjoyable.
Welcome to Forever was a super sweet story about finding love and fighting to keep it. This heartwarming story found two people, not looking for love, not realizing they were falling in love. Kat was still getting over the lose of her fiancee and Micah was focused on his disable eight year old who could handle another mother figure walking away.
I really liked both Kat and Micah's characters. Each had some great qualities that made the story stand out a bit. I have not read many military romances, they really aren't my favorites, but I really enjoyed Welcome to Forever. I will most definitely read more of this series, as the supporting cast was full of interesting characters.
Overall, Welcome to Forever has a super fast read. There were some emotional parts and very entertaining parts The book was predictable, but enjoyable.
December 17, 2015
I thought Welcome to Forever was a sweet romance about two people who have major baggage that end up finding a future with each other. As a story, I did enjoy it. Kat and Micah were great for each other. . They are a couple to can't help but root for. I loved the special bond tat Micah had with this son. It is always refreshing to read about a father who steps up to the plate and does all he can to provide for his child.
I do have to admit though, I was bugged by a couple of things. I was taken aback by the scene when Kat's deceased fiance's mother asked for the ring back so she could give it to her other son for his engagement. That just made me feel icky. Who would do that? I also thought Mayor was little over the top. But the other characters more than made up for those two things.
This is a quick read and something thing that can put you in a good mood. I look forward to checking out the next one, Welcome Home Cowboy.
I do have to admit though, I was bugged by a couple of things. I was taken aback by the scene when Kat's deceased fiance's mother asked for the ring back so she could give it to her other son for his engagement. That just made me feel icky. Who would do that? I also thought Mayor was little over the top. But the other characters more than made up for those two things.
This is a quick read and something thing that can put you in a good mood. I look forward to checking out the next one, Welcome Home Cowboy.
November 14, 2015
This was a really fun and lighthearted small town romance with lots of serious themes that didn't feel dragging or too dramatic. Kat and Micah were just wonderful characters with all their insecurities, their plans and the mind set that meeting someone and going on dates isn't for them. But when a matchmaking young boy and interfering friends set the stage, Kat and Micah don't stand a chance on saying no to love. I love small town romances where even the secondary characters are just delightful addition to an already fantastic story. Both characters had issues that were really deep but tackled in such a way that this book is just guaranteed to give you all the feels while reading.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley by the publisher*
*ARC provided thru NetGalley by the publisher*
December 3, 2015
4 heartwarming stars
Welcome to Forever was a lovely, heartwarming romance.
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters were both likable and very relatable.
Micah and Kat's story was very touching, I really felt for them both.
It was heartwarming watching them slowly come together and finding true love.
Overall this book was a beautiful and heartfelt romance that will leave you with a smile on your face and a heart full of love. I highly recommend it.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for the advance copy.
Welcome to Forever was a lovely, heartwarming romance.
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters were both likable and very relatable.
Micah and Kat's story was very touching, I really felt for them both.
It was heartwarming watching them slowly come together and finding true love.
Overall this book was a beautiful and heartfelt romance that will leave you with a smile on your face and a heart full of love. I highly recommend it.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for the advance copy.
October 21, 2015
I loved the story of Micah, the single dad Marine, and Kat, the young elementary school principal mourning the death of her fiance. The relationship of Micah and his son added a sweet sideline to the romance. At times during the book, I laughed, I cried, and I swooned.
I recommend this book and I look forward to the others in the new series.
*ARC from Netgalley*
I recommend this book and I look forward to the others in the new series.
*ARC from Netgalley*
October 3, 2015
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Random House Publishing*
December 31, 2015
Originally reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Sometimes a book comes along that simply pushes all the “Yes!” buttons for a reader. Welcome To Forever is that type of story for me. And to be honest that reaction is different for every reader. I certainly can’t explain why one book has it and another doesn’t.
Welcome To Forever is Annie Rains debut novel – and it certainly has earned her a spot on my follow the author’s work list.
I’m not going to go into much story detail in this review because I honestly feel that each reader needs to experience the reactions and feels that these two wounded people go through firsthand and not by listening to a reviewer’s opinion.
Micah is a strong willed, determined and yes stubborn single dad. It’s not only his personality, but necessity as he needs to draw a fine line in the care of his young son who has Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair. Do too much for Ben and he loses his sense of accomplishment and learning how to function in his world – do too little and Ben will suffer. Any parent has a difficult time knowing when to step in and when to step back – that reality is increased when the little one you love has special needs. (In real life I am the parent of a young man with Spinal Muscular Atrophy – I know and understand this need firsthand, and it isn’t always easy to “get” where that line truly is)
Kat is the new principal at Ben’s school, and one of her first encounters with Micah the parent is over Ben. Kat is living and feeling in the past. A few years ago she lost the man she loved and was to marry to the ugly realities of the unrest in the Middle East. When he was killed while on deployment her life was shattered and in many ways still is to this day.
I call these characters wounded because they each have unique issues, needs and experiences that neither are dealing with in their individual lives. And together they will deal with even more as Kat is determined to never love another man who risks his life in the military – and Micah’s first priority will always be his son, any woman he loves will have to love and understand both he and Ben as a package deal.
I don’t think I can adequately express how much this story impressed me. Yes, I know it’s fiction and not real life… but still it really is in many ways. Other couples may not have these exact issues but love is rarely smooth and easy – it often hurts on a guts level until that easy lovin’ part comes along. That reality was captured in Welcome To Forever in my opinion.
I would highly recommend this story to any reader who loves romance, conflicts that reflect reality and simply enjoys a really good love story. You’ll find all of that and more in Annie Rains’ debut novel. Take a risk on a new to you author, I believe you’ll find that you’ll want to read her creations again and again. I’m looking forward to the next story in the Hero’s Welcome series.
*I received an e-ARC of Welcome To Forever from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Sometimes a book comes along that simply pushes all the “Yes!” buttons for a reader. Welcome To Forever is that type of story for me. And to be honest that reaction is different for every reader. I certainly can’t explain why one book has it and another doesn’t.
Welcome To Forever is Annie Rains debut novel – and it certainly has earned her a spot on my follow the author’s work list.
I’m not going to go into much story detail in this review because I honestly feel that each reader needs to experience the reactions and feels that these two wounded people go through firsthand and not by listening to a reviewer’s opinion.
Micah is a strong willed, determined and yes stubborn single dad. It’s not only his personality, but necessity as he needs to draw a fine line in the care of his young son who has Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair. Do too much for Ben and he loses his sense of accomplishment and learning how to function in his world – do too little and Ben will suffer. Any parent has a difficult time knowing when to step in and when to step back – that reality is increased when the little one you love has special needs. (In real life I am the parent of a young man with Spinal Muscular Atrophy – I know and understand this need firsthand, and it isn’t always easy to “get” where that line truly is)
Kat is the new principal at Ben’s school, and one of her first encounters with Micah the parent is over Ben. Kat is living and feeling in the past. A few years ago she lost the man she loved and was to marry to the ugly realities of the unrest in the Middle East. When he was killed while on deployment her life was shattered and in many ways still is to this day.
I call these characters wounded because they each have unique issues, needs and experiences that neither are dealing with in their individual lives. And together they will deal with even more as Kat is determined to never love another man who risks his life in the military – and Micah’s first priority will always be his son, any woman he loves will have to love and understand both he and Ben as a package deal.
I don’t think I can adequately express how much this story impressed me. Yes, I know it’s fiction and not real life… but still it really is in many ways. Other couples may not have these exact issues but love is rarely smooth and easy – it often hurts on a guts level until that easy lovin’ part comes along. That reality was captured in Welcome To Forever in my opinion.
I would highly recommend this story to any reader who loves romance, conflicts that reflect reality and simply enjoys a really good love story. You’ll find all of that and more in Annie Rains’ debut novel. Take a risk on a new to you author, I believe you’ll find that you’ll want to read her creations again and again. I’m looking forward to the next story in the Hero’s Welcome series.
*I received an e-ARC of Welcome To Forever from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
December 11, 2015
Welcome to Forever (Hero’s Welcome #1) by Annie Rains, a debut from Loveswept, is a pretty solid romance with likable characters. The hero and heroine are nice people who try to make the best of the situation they’re in while they try to work out their attraction for one another. The heroine Kat is very dedicated to her job as principal. She cares for her students, specifically the outcasts and those who have trouble fitting in. One such student is Ben, who has transferred to Kat’s school. The reason is Ben was bullied at his last school is because he’s handicapped. Ben is in a wheelchair. He does have great support by his single father, Micah, including his great aunt and a pseduo-uncle who’s his father’s friend. His mother is MIA because she just can’t deal, and constantly goes on tours because of her work in the army. Micah is a Marine, mainly because his father is a big wig general who basically forced Sam to become one. Micah and Sam’s mother had more of a fling than a committed relationship. She got pregnant with Sam as the result, and now Micah is his main caretaker.
Micah wants to leave the Marines. He’s building up his landscaping business to the disgust of his father who thinks his son should dedicate his life to protecting the country, even if it means going on his own tour and leaving Sam behind. Micah has been hired to work on the grounds at Sam’s new school. That’s how he meets Kat. He becomes very interested in her, and would like to date her, but Kat makes excuses. Kat is still mourning her fiance, who was also in the military, and died as a result. She won’t date or end up with a man like that again. But because of Sam, she and Micah bond, and from that they become friends. Eventually Micah breaks down Kat’s defenses, and she gives him a shot even though she knows he could be shipped out of the country at any time, putting his life on the line.
Welcome to Forever is a very simple story with no real drama or over the top angst. It’s very character driven, concentrating on the main couple’s everyday lives and some of the roadblocks that pop up to create some hardships in the personal and professional lives. If you’re looking for fireworks, you’ll be disappointed. The love scenes are very cut and dry. I actually feel this type of read was better without them because it comes across more as an Inspirational Romance.
If you like a sweet and steady romance with a clear path toward a HEA, Welcome to Forever might be the book for you.
Micah wants to leave the Marines. He’s building up his landscaping business to the disgust of his father who thinks his son should dedicate his life to protecting the country, even if it means going on his own tour and leaving Sam behind. Micah has been hired to work on the grounds at Sam’s new school. That’s how he meets Kat. He becomes very interested in her, and would like to date her, but Kat makes excuses. Kat is still mourning her fiance, who was also in the military, and died as a result. She won’t date or end up with a man like that again. But because of Sam, she and Micah bond, and from that they become friends. Eventually Micah breaks down Kat’s defenses, and she gives him a shot even though she knows he could be shipped out of the country at any time, putting his life on the line.
Welcome to Forever is a very simple story with no real drama or over the top angst. It’s very character driven, concentrating on the main couple’s everyday lives and some of the roadblocks that pop up to create some hardships in the personal and professional lives. If you’re looking for fireworks, you’ll be disappointed. The love scenes are very cut and dry. I actually feel this type of read was better without them because it comes across more as an Inspirational Romance.
If you like a sweet and steady romance with a clear path toward a HEA, Welcome to Forever might be the book for you.
October 19, 2015
*ARC received from NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review*
I read this book with the hopes that it would be a good light read that would serve as a palate cleanser after some of the heavier books that I had been reading lately. I got a lot more than I expected.
Kat Chandler is the new principal of an elementary school. She's determined to make a difference and prove to the doubters that she can handle the job. Her sister and her best friend are determined to remind her that there's more to life than work and set out to make sure she gets her groove back.
The problem arises when the the person she suddenly feels "groovy" for is the father of one of her new students. Micah Peterson is all kinds of gorgeous as a dedicated single father but he's also a Marine. Falling for him would break all kinds of rules she had set for herself but it also feels like the most natural thing in the world.
I don't know if I would say the initial synopsis was misleading but I will say that I got a different story than I expected. Neither would have been bad but I'm very happy with the story I read. This is a contemporary novel and the character maturity is evident. It's book with a strong thread of military life and so I was prepared for some elements of the story but I appreciated that it didn't overwhelm Kat and Micah's story progression. There were serious moments but many more of the light moments that made me smile and chuckle a bit.
I love the "guys with kids" stories and this was definitely a sweet one.
The secondary characters were solid and added a great supporting cast. I think the author did a great job at peeking reader interest in their potential stories (I definitely made sure to add the second book to my TBR list right after I finished!)
I'm definitely pleased I got to read this one and I got exactly what I hoped to... a sweet fun read that left me feeling refreshed.
I gave Welcome To Forever 4 STARS!
I read this book with the hopes that it would be a good light read that would serve as a palate cleanser after some of the heavier books that I had been reading lately. I got a lot more than I expected.
Kat Chandler is the new principal of an elementary school. She's determined to make a difference and prove to the doubters that she can handle the job. Her sister and her best friend are determined to remind her that there's more to life than work and set out to make sure she gets her groove back.
The problem arises when the the person she suddenly feels "groovy" for is the father of one of her new students. Micah Peterson is all kinds of gorgeous as a dedicated single father but he's also a Marine. Falling for him would break all kinds of rules she had set for herself but it also feels like the most natural thing in the world.
I don't know if I would say the initial synopsis was misleading but I will say that I got a different story than I expected. Neither would have been bad but I'm very happy with the story I read. This is a contemporary novel and the character maturity is evident. It's book with a strong thread of military life and so I was prepared for some elements of the story but I appreciated that it didn't overwhelm Kat and Micah's story progression. There were serious moments but many more of the light moments that made me smile and chuckle a bit.
I love the "guys with kids" stories and this was definitely a sweet one.
The secondary characters were solid and added a great supporting cast. I think the author did a great job at peeking reader interest in their potential stories (I definitely made sure to add the second book to my TBR list right after I finished!)
I'm definitely pleased I got to read this one and I got exactly what I hoped to... a sweet fun read that left me feeling refreshed.
I gave Welcome To Forever 4 STARS!
December 9, 2015
I needed a sweet romance and that’s was exactly what I got. Welcome To Forever is the first book in Annie Rains’ Hero’s Welcome series and is centered in a military community town, something that I’m familiar with. It’s a beautiful story about taking risks for the sake of love.
As a matter of course, our heroine and hero Kat and Micah, meet at Seaside Elementary on the first day of classes. Kat, as the elementary school principal, and Micah, as the new groundskeeper and father to Ben, one of her students. While their mutual interest is immediate, there are far too many obstacles in the way, and the path towards a love story is off to a less than stellar start. It takes a long time for these two to come clean with each other, building up the anticipation and delivering the inevitable angst. What follows is a slow build towards owning up and being honest with themselves and each other. Kat must move past grieving, Micah must move past the fear he feels introducing anyone into Ben’s life and having his time diverted from Ben.
Rains gives us just enough backstory to get a good feel for why they both seem to be so reluctant to be more than anything but friends, adding depth and interest to our main characters. These elements include Kat’s ideas about school detention (“Friendship” club) and how that coincided with Micah moving towards his true passion (Landscaping). The secondary characters - her friend Val and her sister Julie add depth to Kat’s character and adding some drama in the way they watch over her, while Micah’s friend Lawson adds some humor. And Ben, well... he’s adorable and wise beyond his years.
Welcome to Forever is a delightful read and attains a 4 star rating and recommendation!
*I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
As a matter of course, our heroine and hero Kat and Micah, meet at Seaside Elementary on the first day of classes. Kat, as the elementary school principal, and Micah, as the new groundskeeper and father to Ben, one of her students. While their mutual interest is immediate, there are far too many obstacles in the way, and the path towards a love story is off to a less than stellar start. It takes a long time for these two to come clean with each other, building up the anticipation and delivering the inevitable angst. What follows is a slow build towards owning up and being honest with themselves and each other. Kat must move past grieving, Micah must move past the fear he feels introducing anyone into Ben’s life and having his time diverted from Ben.
Rains gives us just enough backstory to get a good feel for why they both seem to be so reluctant to be more than anything but friends, adding depth and interest to our main characters. These elements include Kat’s ideas about school detention (“Friendship” club) and how that coincided with Micah moving towards his true passion (Landscaping). The secondary characters - her friend Val and her sister Julie add depth to Kat’s character and adding some drama in the way they watch over her, while Micah’s friend Lawson adds some humor. And Ben, well... he’s adorable and wise beyond his years.
Welcome to Forever is a delightful read and attains a 4 star rating and recommendation!
*I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2015
Wow. I'm still trying to come down from the emotional high this book caused me. It's taken me ages to be able to sit down and write a proper review because, if I'd written it immediately after finishing the book, it would have probably been a jumbled mess of words, exclamation marks, sighs and OMGs here and there. I don't think I've ever highlighted so many great lines (probably since reading Twilight).
I honestly still find it hard to believe this is the first book by this author. It's such a great book, and the writing is so good, I couldn't believe this was a debut novel. I really can't wait for the next book to be available!
This story is truly beautiful. It's been a while since a book managed to make me feel such a huge array of emotions. I smiled, I laughed, I swooned and sighed. I cried. Not the fat, ugly tears but those emotionally charged tears that reach down into your soul and squeeze, while at the same time leaving you warm and fuzzy.
There is heat, yes. But even though I'm the prudish kind of reader, who likes the fade-to-black bedroom scenes better than the graphic ones, I had no problem with the scenes in this book. They are fitting to the story and to the characters, they happen at just the right point in the story and are written in just the perfect way to make them hot but not annoying.
So, if you're still wondering whether or not you should give this book a chance, let me tell you something: ONE. CLICK. NOW!!
read my full review here: http://robertasdreamworld.blogspot.it...
***I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review***
I honestly still find it hard to believe this is the first book by this author. It's such a great book, and the writing is so good, I couldn't believe this was a debut novel. I really can't wait for the next book to be available!
This story is truly beautiful. It's been a while since a book managed to make me feel such a huge array of emotions. I smiled, I laughed, I swooned and sighed. I cried. Not the fat, ugly tears but those emotionally charged tears that reach down into your soul and squeeze, while at the same time leaving you warm and fuzzy.
There is heat, yes. But even though I'm the prudish kind of reader, who likes the fade-to-black bedroom scenes better than the graphic ones, I had no problem with the scenes in this book. They are fitting to the story and to the characters, they happen at just the right point in the story and are written in just the perfect way to make them hot but not annoying.
So, if you're still wondering whether or not you should give this book a chance, let me tell you something: ONE. CLICK. NOW!!
read my full review here: http://robertasdreamworld.blogspot.it...
***I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review***
November 5, 2015
Thank you Netgalley for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Welcome to Forever follows the story of Kat and Micah. Kat lost her fiancé while he was overseas fighting for her country. Now a couple years after his death, she is the principal at an elementary school. She usually doesn't have a problem dealing with parents, but when she meets Micah there is something different with him. Micah is a current marine and father of a handicapped boy. His son means the world to him and he would do anything for him. If that means putting the principal in her place, then so be it. But there's something about Kat that Micah just can't ignore. But his number one priority is his son, Ben, and Kat has sworn off dating a marine ever again. Can they move past these things to find love? Or will it all be too much?
I liked this reading this book a lot. I loved all of the characters especially Micah and his son Ben. Ben was able to bring some humor to the story and you couldn't not love Micah. I did really enjoy Kat as well. I loved the premise of the storyline though I had a few issues with it. There were a few inconsistencies throughout and though there were minor they were still noticeable to me. Also I felt that parts of the storyline where they would talk about some of the school children, that they were only in third grade but judging by the story seemed more like eighth grade. Just that they seemed way beyond their years. Other than those two things I really enjoyed the book and I thought it ended nicely. I'm hoping for a story in the future maybe for Kat's sister and/ or best friend because I also enjoyed their characters. Overall I would recommend!
Welcome to Forever follows the story of Kat and Micah. Kat lost her fiancé while he was overseas fighting for her country. Now a couple years after his death, she is the principal at an elementary school. She usually doesn't have a problem dealing with parents, but when she meets Micah there is something different with him. Micah is a current marine and father of a handicapped boy. His son means the world to him and he would do anything for him. If that means putting the principal in her place, then so be it. But there's something about Kat that Micah just can't ignore. But his number one priority is his son, Ben, and Kat has sworn off dating a marine ever again. Can they move past these things to find love? Or will it all be too much?
I liked this reading this book a lot. I loved all of the characters especially Micah and his son Ben. Ben was able to bring some humor to the story and you couldn't not love Micah. I did really enjoy Kat as well. I loved the premise of the storyline though I had a few issues with it. There were a few inconsistencies throughout and though there were minor they were still noticeable to me. Also I felt that parts of the storyline where they would talk about some of the school children, that they were only in third grade but judging by the story seemed more like eighth grade. Just that they seemed way beyond their years. Other than those two things I really enjoyed the book and I thought it ended nicely. I'm hoping for a story in the future maybe for Kat's sister and/ or best friend because I also enjoyed their characters. Overall I would recommend!
December 2, 2015
4.5 / 5 stars
Micah is a Marine, but more than that, he's a single father. His ex wasn't one who ever wanted marriage or kids; she was the definition of career-driven, Marine-lifer. And on top of having a kid she didn't like making time for, taking volunteer deployments mind you, their child is a special needs kiddo.
I loved Ben. I loved his innocence and his drive, and I loved that even though Micah didn't care for Ben's mom, Ben still loved her. Ben was definitely a child, but I loved him from the first moment we see him getting out of bed at Micah's insistence of his independence, to the very end with his wide smiles.
I really enjoyed how Micah fought for everything he and Ben had. He had his support system, but he worked extremely hard to be a single parent, taking on side jobs in landscaping -- what he was hoping to do when his term was up in the next year.
And then there was Kat. After her fiancee didn't make it home alive, she vowed off men -- namely Marines. As principal, she never expected to fall for Micah -- his son, yes, Ben was lovable like that, but never Micah.
This was such a sweet, cute contemporary story with just enough of "that side stuff" to keep the slight drama going; but what really kept me reading was Kat bringing her walls down, and Micah learning to let a woman in, learning that more than he or his aunt/uncle could love his little boy as much as he did.
*received a copy of the title in exchange for an honest review.
Micah is a Marine, but more than that, he's a single father. His ex wasn't one who ever wanted marriage or kids; she was the definition of career-driven, Marine-lifer. And on top of having a kid she didn't like making time for, taking volunteer deployments mind you, their child is a special needs kiddo.
I loved Ben. I loved his innocence and his drive, and I loved that even though Micah didn't care for Ben's mom, Ben still loved her. Ben was definitely a child, but I loved him from the first moment we see him getting out of bed at Micah's insistence of his independence, to the very end with his wide smiles.
I really enjoyed how Micah fought for everything he and Ben had. He had his support system, but he worked extremely hard to be a single parent, taking on side jobs in landscaping -- what he was hoping to do when his term was up in the next year.
And then there was Kat. After her fiancee didn't make it home alive, she vowed off men -- namely Marines. As principal, she never expected to fall for Micah -- his son, yes, Ben was lovable like that, but never Micah.
This was such a sweet, cute contemporary story with just enough of "that side stuff" to keep the slight drama going; but what really kept me reading was Kat bringing her walls down, and Micah learning to let a woman in, learning that more than he or his aunt/uncle could love his little boy as much as he did.
*received a copy of the title in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2015
The premise of this book was there, it was just unfortunate that it was let down in execution.
I wasn't a huge fan of the characters. Kat was too staid, too meh, a doormat and a bit of a control freak with her life for my liking. I understand that she was trying to play it cool and not get riled up, but for me she came across as being stepped all over by every other character in this book.
Micah...well, I'm a parent of a special needs child and even I know that you can't protect them from everything, as much as I'd like to be able to, but to be such a complete and utter douche about it to Kat in the beginning...yeah that just grated on my nerves for so many reasons.
It was all too happy, all too perfect, all too soap opera-y for my tastes. I prefer a bit of grit, a bit of grunge, a bit of something that makes it feel real life, rather than something I'd watch on TV.
So as much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I couldn't. In my head I kept picturing softly focused cameras on people playing other people on a stage.
December 1, 2015
4.5 stars
This was a great book especially when you consider this is Annie Rains first book. I preordered this when I read the synopsis and while it describes the story of the book it doesn't tell you one point I thought should have been mention was that Kat lost her fiancée while he was deployed 2 years before this story is set. I know it seems silly but I know that this would have made me think about whether I wanted to read this book as it probably effects whether other readers would want to read this book or not. In saying that while I may have thought twice about reading this book if I had know that fact it was a really nice read, it was sweet and I enjoyed the characters, although I would have liked to see some closure on the relationship between Micah and his father, I really liked that Ben was just a normal child who has a disability and the way in which Annie Rains wrote about this character was fantastic I thought. Overall I thought this was a really good read and for anyone who likes a sweet romance with a little drama this is a book for you. Now I can't wait for the next book which will be Julie and Lawson and I think the third book will be Val's story and maybe Donny will be her hero.
This was a great book especially when you consider this is Annie Rains first book. I preordered this when I read the synopsis and while it describes the story of the book it doesn't tell you one point I thought should have been mention was that Kat lost her fiancée while he was deployed 2 years before this story is set. I know it seems silly but I know that this would have made me think about whether I wanted to read this book as it probably effects whether other readers would want to read this book or not. In saying that while I may have thought twice about reading this book if I had know that fact it was a really nice read, it was sweet and I enjoyed the characters, although I would have liked to see some closure on the relationship between Micah and his father, I really liked that Ben was just a normal child who has a disability and the way in which Annie Rains wrote about this character was fantastic I thought. Overall I thought this was a really good read and for anyone who likes a sweet romance with a little drama this is a book for you. Now I can't wait for the next book which will be Julie and Lawson and I think the third book will be Val's story and maybe Donny will be her hero.
February 6, 2017
This was a super sweet military romance which kind of turned a few tropes around.
Kat Chandler is the newly appointed Principal of Seaside Elementary, out to prove her abilities to the small-town mentality people around her. It's the first day of school and Kat is wandering the grounds when she meets the new groundsman Micah. Micah is actually Marine Sergeant Micah Peterson, he is in the final six months of his tour and he has decided not to re-enlist. The only problem is that his father is head of the base and doesn't know.
Micah has a young son, Ben, with cerebral palsy. They have moved to the area to give Ben a new start as being in a wheelchair and slightly geeky he failed to make friends in his last school.
I liked Micah being the Dad working two jobs AND looking after his son whilst his ex-wife is an absentee parent. Kat was just a little too sweet, even her friends refer to her as Pollyanna at times, but her heart was in the right place.
Micah and Kat are attracted to each other but neither can afford the time for a real relationship, and Kat can't be seen dating a student's parent so they agree to a friends-with-benefits arrangement.
This is the second Annie Rains book that I have read and I really like her writing.
Kat Chandler is the newly appointed Principal of Seaside Elementary, out to prove her abilities to the small-town mentality people around her. It's the first day of school and Kat is wandering the grounds when she meets the new groundsman Micah. Micah is actually Marine Sergeant Micah Peterson, he is in the final six months of his tour and he has decided not to re-enlist. The only problem is that his father is head of the base and doesn't know.
Micah has a young son, Ben, with cerebral palsy. They have moved to the area to give Ben a new start as being in a wheelchair and slightly geeky he failed to make friends in his last school.
I liked Micah being the Dad working two jobs AND looking after his son whilst his ex-wife is an absentee parent. Kat was just a little too sweet, even her friends refer to her as Pollyanna at times, but her heart was in the right place.
Micah and Kat are attracted to each other but neither can afford the time for a real relationship, and Kat can't be seen dating a student's parent so they agree to a friends-with-benefits arrangement.
This is the second Annie Rains book that I have read and I really like her writing.
January 19, 2016
WELCOME TO FOREVER is a gorgeous love story. It's equal parts sweet and sexy and doesn't disappoint. It's a glowing debut by Annie Rains and I can't wait for more!
Still mourning the loss of her fiancé, Kat Chandler has vowed she will never fall for another man in uniform. But, when she meets sexy landscaper and Marine, Micah Peterson, she doesn't know if she can stay away.
Micah on the other hand keeps his heart guarded after his ex-wife left him and his son. Micah's first priority is Ben, and he isn't about to put a new love interest before his son.
As the story progresses Kat and Micah are fighting a loosing battle; their restraint growing weaker as they begin to open their hearts to one another. Falling in love is inevitable. And when they finally give in, sparks fly!
Welcome to Forever will make you laugh, cry, and swoon. It's a story about trust, healing, and following your heart. Welcome to Forever should be right at the top of your TBR! No, scratch that, it should be on your "currently reading" list!
Still mourning the loss of her fiancé, Kat Chandler has vowed she will never fall for another man in uniform. But, when she meets sexy landscaper and Marine, Micah Peterson, she doesn't know if she can stay away.
Micah on the other hand keeps his heart guarded after his ex-wife left him and his son. Micah's first priority is Ben, and he isn't about to put a new love interest before his son.
As the story progresses Kat and Micah are fighting a loosing battle; their restraint growing weaker as they begin to open their hearts to one another. Falling in love is inevitable. And when they finally give in, sparks fly!
Welcome to Forever will make you laugh, cry, and swoon. It's a story about trust, healing, and following your heart. Welcome to Forever should be right at the top of your TBR! No, scratch that, it should be on your "currently reading" list!
December 16, 2015
Its been a while since her fiance died while on deployment but Kat just can't seem to let go of him. Now she spends her time as a principal to an elementary which she is working hard to change for the better. Things get complicated when she meets her new employee and parents to one of the new children Micah. The only problem with Micah is that he's also a marine and she isn't looking to get her heart broken a second time.
I enjoyed this book. Not as dramatic as I hoped it would be but it was a fun and easy read. It was a heart warming book getting to see how Kat slowly but surely was able to get past her grief and open her heart to another. I loved how much of a loving devoted father Micah was to his boy. I loved how caring, and how she was was able to past her students ill manners and work on making them better people no matter how much people didn't approve of when it came to her being a principal. I thought that this was a lovely, sweet book and I enjoyed it.
I enjoyed this book. Not as dramatic as I hoped it would be but it was a fun and easy read. It was a heart warming book getting to see how Kat slowly but surely was able to get past her grief and open her heart to another. I loved how much of a loving devoted father Micah was to his boy. I loved how caring, and how she was was able to past her students ill manners and work on making them better people no matter how much people didn't approve of when it came to her being a principal. I thought that this was a lovely, sweet book and I enjoyed it.
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