The sizzling, heartbreaking conclusion to Ainsley and Sebastian's story—for now.
It happened. I knew it would. I fell for him. The revelation didn't rise within me like an orange sun emerging from the ocean. This wake-up call was more of a slap to the face.
And now that it's out, the silence from Sebastian has me wondering if I've lost my hearing. What did I expect, for him to love me back? He's made it clear since the beginning that can't happen. This is on me. Walking away would be the smart choice. I have dreams to follow, and a new life to start far away.
If only I could take Sebastian with me. If only I could convince him the risk is worth the reward. If he knew he could escape his father without harm, he'd go. Not just for me but for himself. He may not love me, but he cares. I wouldn't have given myself to him, if I had thought otherwise.
Tara Gallina writes across various romance genres, from new adult and college to small town and fantasy. While most of her books are steamy, she’s also penned a few sweeter titles.
Her stories blend angst, tormented heroes, a hint of humor, and the occasional tear. Many of her stories come alive through settings inspired by her travels.
When she’s not writing, she loves to visit gardens, New England in the fall, European castles, and Caribbean beaches. She has a fairy garden, a Lady Lair for writing, favors the color pink, and only drinks wine that tastes like melted sugar.
She lives in the Sunshine State with her husband, though her two sons have since left for college. Her writing journey began in 2015 when she signed with a literary agent for a young adult retelling. Since then, she’s moved on to publishing steamy romances and hasn’t looked back.
Blurb: It happened. I knew it would. I fell for him. The revelation didn't rise within me like an orange sun emerging from the ocean. This wake-up call was more of a slap to the face. And now that it's out, the silence from Sebastian has me wondering if I've lost my hearing. What did I expect, for him to love me back? He's made it clear since the beginning that can't happen. This is on me. Walking away would be the smart choice. I have dreams to follow, and a new life to start far away. If only I could take Sebastian with me. If only I could convince him the risk is worth the reward. If he knew he could escape his father without harm, he'd go. Not just for me but for himself. He may not love me, but he cares. I wouldn't have given myself to him, if I had thought otherwise. ~ Ainsley The toga party and sheet draped loosely around my body didn't make me kiss him. The alcohol and near attack by a drunk douche didn't make me either. I can't even blame it on the flirty dare Sebastian gave me a moment before I claimed his lips with a gentle kiss. While each contributed to the incident, I did it because I'm selfish. For once in my life I took what I wanted. I didn't think about anyone else but myself. I wanted a kiss, and I got a lot more. I figured it'd be good. I just didn't know how much I'd grow to crave it—crave him. No one can find out about us. If they do, I could end up homeless, friendless, or worse, in danger. It's not like what we do in secret changes anything—other than my feelings for him. He's as unattainable as a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. At least now I know the truth about his family and why his life isn't his own. He made me an offer I refuse to accept. If I don't find a way to separate my body from my heart when we're together, I'll end up as trapped as he is. ~ Ainsley
The toga party and sheet draped loosely around my body didn't make me kiss him. The alcohol and near attack by a drunk douche didn't make me either. I can't even blame it on the flirty dare Sebastian gave me a moment before I claimed his lips with a gentle kiss. While each contributed to the incident, I did it because I'm selfish. For once in my life I took what I wanted. I didn't think about anyone else but myself. I wanted a kiss, and I got a lot more. I figured it'd be good. I just didn't know how much I'd grow to crave it—crave him. No one can find out about us. If they do, I could end up homeless, friendless, or worse, in danger. It's not like what we do in secret changes anything—other than my feelings for him. He's as unattainable as a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. At least now I know the truth about his family and why his life isn't his own. He made me an offer I refuse to accept. If I don't find a way to separate my body from my heart when we're together, I'll end up as trapped as he is. ~ Ainsley
4.5 stars Claiming Forever was a great conclusion to Sebastian’s and Ainsley’s story! This a serial NA / college romance so the first 2 books need to be read first. These two do not have an easy path to their HEA. Sebastian is still constrained by family obligations that he does not want to be involved in. Ainsley wants to be true to herself and make her own path. The two of them have a deep understanding of each other and care deeply for one another- the makings of what would be a perfect romantic relationship and I could not help but want them to get their HEA. There were many moments where my heart ached for the two of them - esp for Ainsley! Would you start a relationship if you thought it was doomed before it ever really began? Will they and do they need to be able to walk away from each other? Claiming Forever is a story about love and taking chances. This is a fast pace novel with more suspense and action than the previous two books and all loose ends are tied up. There is a book told from Sebastian’s POV that takes place at the same time as Risking Forever and during the first part of Daring Forever which I definitely plan on reading next!
It's the conclusion to Sebastian and Ainsley's story and I couldn't wait to see the outcome of this smoldering romance. Sebastian and Ainsley have been through it all and author Tara Gallina likes to pull at your heartstrings. She does a wonderful job at immersing the reader right with Sebastian and Ainsley. Her description and detail just paints the vivid picture of the complications that the couple go through. You can't help but connect with Sebastian and Ainsley, rooting for them all the way. I couldn't turn each page fast enough, as the pace was swift and some parts intense, to the point I wanted to peek to the ending to see what happens. Well I didn't and it was worth the read! There is such a connection between Sebastian and Ainsley that you feel it too as Tara takes you on a suspenseful fulfilling conclusions to their love story.
I couldn’t wait for this last book, it was driving me crazy. This last book was worth the wait. A lot happens between Sebastian and Ainsley in this book and it will tear at your heartstrings.
Not really sure how I feel about this series. It’s cute enough. Quick read. I read the first 3 fairly quickly & was happy with the ending but the writing is a little too immature for me personally. It’s an easy read though if you’d like something you don’t really need to think about too much. It’s a great in-between book.
Wow, the conclusion to Ainsley and Sebastian’s story was wild. I am not spoiling anything but know it was a wild ride from the start to the end. I definitely enjoyed their story and the ending was… well, go read it and see!
I received this free eARC novel from NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Again, I enjoyed this next installment of the series. I'm glad the characters have finally come to understand what they want in life, and are now trying to achieve those goals, instead of putting around and complaining about the circumstances. I definitely called some things about secondary characters, and I already knew what the big reveal would be at the end. This is a typical New Adult novel with the same twists and turns, but I'm enjoying the story so far and I'm curious to see how things continue. I'm sure more drama will happen :)
The ending of this story blew me away. I did not see it coming. When I finally reached the end of the AInsley and Sebastian’s story I didn’t want it to be over. I love these too. I’m so happy for how things worked out, but I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet. I honestly don’t know what I can say that won’t give away what happens other than this was a great ending to a fast paced series with characters that make you feel and root for them!!!
I started with Riley's story and knew I had to come back to the beginning to see what happened to Sebastian. I was able to get books 1-4 for just $1.98 (buying individual books). It's worth the price. I love Ainsley's personal growth and evolution. She started as a foolish, irresponsible coed and ended up a selfless, brave woman who shed the toxic people holding her back. She gets her HEA. I can't say how without spoilers. The only flaw is the need for light editing. There/their/they're and your/you're get confused at times.
"Claiming Forever" rates a 3.5 by virtue that it seems it was rushed to complete the series and that the book ended at 84%. Sebastian and Ainsley's story fell waaaaay short.