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Only Forever
Master Captain Theodore Gourdin has always loved the ocean. But his devotion to maritime life left little possibility for a long-term relationship. After two failed marriages, Theo gave up on finding the person who completed him and decided the sea was his soul mate. When offered the opportunity to captain the newly launched megayacht Eternity, Theo jumped at the chance. With Eternity’s maiden voyage looming, Theo focused all his energies on hiring his crew and readying his ship. The last thing he expected was to finally lose his heart in the process.
After twelve years at sea, First Officer Heath Rawlins was restless and in need of a change. A gay seaman’s life could be a lonely one, but to Heath the positives far outweighed the negatives. With excellent recommendations and an impressive résumé, he was quickly offered a position on the private megayacht Eternity. Heath’s heart skipped several beats when he finally met the ship’s captain. He was handsome and charming. And… familiar? Had they met somewhere before? Highly unlikely. But as smitten as Heath was with the gorgeous captain, everything inside him screamed, Abandon ship! Rough seas ahead!
After twelve years at sea, First Officer Heath Rawlins was restless and in need of a change. A gay seaman’s life could be a lonely one, but to Heath the positives far outweighed the negatives. With excellent recommendations and an impressive résumé, he was quickly offered a position on the private megayacht Eternity. Heath’s heart skipped several beats when he finally met the ship’s captain. He was handsome and charming. And… familiar? Had they met somewhere before? Highly unlikely. But as smitten as Heath was with the gorgeous captain, everything inside him screamed, Abandon ship! Rough seas ahead!
151 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2017
3 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Scotty Cade
39 books199 followersScotty Cade left Corporate America and twenty-five years of Marketing and Public Relations behind to buy an Inn & Restaurant on the island of Martha’s Vineyard with his partner of over twenty years. He started writing stories as soon as he could read, but just five years ago for publication. When not at the Inn, you can find him on the bow of his boat writing gay romance novels with his Shetland sheepdog Mavis at his side. Being from the south and a lover of commitment and fidelity, most of his characters find their way to long healthy relationships, however long it takes them to get there. He believes that in the end, the boy should always get the boy.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 7, 2021
3.5 stars. Ever meet someone and feel as if you've known them before? Heath Rawlins applies for a position on a private megayacht and when he meets Captain Theo Gourdin, both men have this instant zing of awareness and sexual attraction. They also share an almost mystical connection with the sea, with each man making his career on the water. As they begin working together, preparing the Eternity for its maiden voyage, Theo and Heath each have dreamed remembrances of a past life when they knew one another ... intimately.
"Only Forever" had quite a few pros for me: I really liked the premise and the idea of reincarnation where two soul mates find each other throughout time. I also liked all the detail about the Eternity - its specs, interior, each crew members' duties, safety procedures, etc. The author knew what he was talking about. In "real life" the sexual attraction between Theo and Heath seemed more like insta-lust, but in their dreams, there is such a sense of heartfelt want and overwhelming love for one another.
On the other hand, for a relatively brief story (150 pages), there were far too many scenes of Heath or Theo wondering if the other was gay / bisexual and if their feelings were reciprocated, which slowed the pace of the story, until they finally take the plunge around the 80% point.
The prologue and epilogue by SJD Peterson beautifully framed this story and while I loved the premise a bit more than the implementation, I would recommend this book.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
"Only Forever" had quite a few pros for me: I really liked the premise and the idea of reincarnation where two soul mates find each other throughout time. I also liked all the detail about the Eternity - its specs, interior, each crew members' duties, safety procedures, etc. The author knew what he was talking about. In "real life" the sexual attraction between Theo and Heath seemed more like insta-lust, but in their dreams, there is such a sense of heartfelt want and overwhelming love for one another.
On the other hand, for a relatively brief story (150 pages), there were far too many scenes of Heath or Theo wondering if the other was gay / bisexual and if their feelings were reciprocated, which slowed the pace of the story, until they finally take the plunge around the 80% point.
The prologue and epilogue by SJD Peterson beautifully framed this story and while I loved the premise a bit more than the implementation, I would recommend this book.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
January 17, 2024
What a disappointment! The story had a really unique premise (the most unique part isn't mentioned in the summary) that had the potential to create a fascinating and emotional romance. Unfortunately, the premise is very complex and would require a high level of writing skill and storytelling skill to pull off and I don't mean to be rude, but this author's skills aren't anywhere close to being what they needed to be to pull this off. If you remove the unique premise and just view this story as a generic strangers to friends to lovers with a naval setting, I would have given it 3 stars but because that fascinating premise lay behind everything and the author wasn't able to do justice to it at all, I'm forced to go down to 2 stars. That being said, you can tell the author tried really, really hard and that effort deserves to be rewarded, hence 2 stars despite the complete failure to deliver on what was promised.
Side note: the author's note at the start begs readers to please ignore the unrealistic nature of the MCs instalove and the existence of the paranormal elements, which I had no problem doing. So to be fair to the author, I won't criticize the instalove and as for the paranormal elements - they're the reason I read the book in the first place so I was very fine with that.
I'll start with the positive, which begin and end with one thing: the portrayal of the crew's responsibilities on a megayacht were interesting and I loved learning about that stuff because I knew nothing about it. The author permanently lives on a boat with his husband and it's clear that naval things are his passion and that passion and knowledge came through very clearly. It might be boring to some people, but I found it interesting to learn what's involved in running and maintaining a ship like that and what responsibilities each member of the crew had. I was initially confused over why such a relatively small boat would require a captain and first officer and 4 other crew members, but the author did a wonderful job showing what everybody's responsibilities are and how much work is involved in running ships like that.
Onto the negatives.
Another note: I found this book on a list of recommendations for a certain paranormal trope. The author doesn't mention it in the summary and it's meant to be a secret throughout the story so I'll put the rest of this review under a spoiler tag. Don't click on it if you want to go into the story blind.
Conclusion
Overall, this was a big letdown. If viewed as a normal romance then everything about it was too generic. But when you add in the interest twist, it was an even bigger disappointment because that twist was supposed to be the backbone of the story but it was treated more like an afterthought or a gimmick.
Side note: the author's note at the start begs readers to please ignore the unrealistic nature of the MCs instalove and the existence of the paranormal elements, which I had no problem doing. So to be fair to the author, I won't criticize the instalove and as for the paranormal elements - they're the reason I read the book in the first place so I was very fine with that.
I'll start with the positive, which begin and end with one thing: the portrayal of the crew's responsibilities on a megayacht were interesting and I loved learning about that stuff because I knew nothing about it. The author permanently lives on a boat with his husband and it's clear that naval things are his passion and that passion and knowledge came through very clearly. It might be boring to some people, but I found it interesting to learn what's involved in running and maintaining a ship like that and what responsibilities each member of the crew had. I was initially confused over why such a relatively small boat would require a captain and first officer and 4 other crew members, but the author did a wonderful job showing what everybody's responsibilities are and how much work is involved in running ships like that.
Onto the negatives.
Another note: I found this book on a list of recommendations for a certain paranormal trope. The author doesn't mention it in the summary and it's meant to be a secret throughout the story so I'll put the rest of this review under a spoiler tag. Don't click on it if you want to go into the story blind.
Conclusion
Overall, this was a big letdown. If viewed as a normal romance then everything about it was too generic. But when you add in the interest twist, it was an even bigger disappointment because that twist was supposed to be the backbone of the story but it was treated more like an afterthought or a gimmick.
August 5, 2022
Scotty Cade's Only Forever is hauntingly beautiful.
Be sure to read the author's Preface first. The preface explains Cade's inspiration for the book, and makes what otherwise would be hard to believe, almost completely believable.
Be sure to read the author's Preface first. The preface explains Cade's inspiration for the book, and makes what otherwise would be hard to believe, almost completely believable.
November 5, 2017
The idea of reincarnation was really good, I really interested of the concept of reincarnation. You know, what we did in a past life, comes alive again and so on and so on. So the 'forever' could really happen.
The prologue and epilogue was really interesting.
I thought I will read some sad cry-fest book after the epilogue. But instead, I have an insta-love 'I feel like I know you for all my life' kinda thing.
Well, of course, we need no brainer to know that Theo and Heath were Eddie and Steven in their past life, but still.
As much as I wanted to really love the story, I couldn't get into the whole boat details thingy.
As much as I wanted to feel the strong chemistry between Theo and Heath, all I can 'see' was 'lust'.
If only there's a stronger chemistry between the MCs, and less ship/boat details and ditch the annoying crew, I'll probably enjoyed the story.
But if you like lots of 'telling' instead of 'showing', give this book a try.
* I received the ARC from publisher in exchange of a fair and honest review. *
The prologue and epilogue was really interesting.
I thought I will read some sad cry-fest book after the epilogue. But instead, I have an insta-love 'I feel like I know you for all my life' kinda thing.
Well, of course, we need no brainer to know that Theo and Heath were Eddie and Steven in their past life, but still.
As much as I wanted to really love the story, I couldn't get into the whole boat details thingy.
As much as I wanted to feel the strong chemistry between Theo and Heath, all I can 'see' was 'lust'.
If only there's a stronger chemistry between the MCs, and less ship/boat details and ditch the annoying crew, I'll probably enjoyed the story.
But if you like lots of 'telling' instead of 'showing', give this book a try.
* I received the ARC from publisher in exchange of a fair and honest review. *
March 7, 2017
3.5 stars - Proof of reincarnation! :-D Sweet story as I expect from this author. Seemed too short though.
November 30, 2016
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews. Rated 4.5 out of 5.0 Love Bytes)
I’m not sure how to review this book without doing a little bit of a spoiler, which I’ll mention below. It is from the Prologue though, so isn’t really a story killer spoiler. Also the author directly refers to it in his Preface, so I think I’m safe and won’t get fists waiving at me from the sidelines.
We meet two men in the Prologue, or more accurately we meet one man who has just lost the love of his life who was named Steven. The date is April 27, 1942. Before the Prologue is done, the other man, Edward, is also dead.
Flash forward to today.
G. Heath Rawlins is a First Officer on a large merchant vessel, but has been looking at jumping ship, literally, and has turned in his thirty-day notice. The next day they are arriving in Savannah, Georgia and his job will be done. He has no idea what he going to do, and has sent out a few resumes. He decides to send one more, this time to the Captain of the brand-new luxury mega-yacht Eternity.
Theo Gourdin is the Captain of the Eternity and when Heath’s resume pops up just as he is closing his computer, he is intrigued and replies.
One thing leads to another, and soon Heath is hired as the First Officer of the Eternity. But something is strange. Both he and Theo are having these strange déjà vu moments. And strange dreams. And they are attracted to each other…but both know that the other is straight. Why do they keep dreaming about these guys named Steven and Eddie?
I really enjoyed the story. As I said above, minor spoiler, you know from the very first page that it is about reincarnation, which I loved. I really enjoyed the way Mr. Cade added some background details about the ship and the crew. I thought those details helped the story immensely, and for this reviewer, it gave me a feeling of being there. I also, of course, had to Google the yacht builder and look at some of their yachts. If you like a story about ship-board life with what I didn’t think were too many ship details, and throw in some reincarnation and some miscommunication, you’ll really like this story like I did. My husband watches that show “Below Decks” constantly. I was picturing those yachts while reading this and I think that helped me feel like I was in the story maybe? But Mr. Cade did such a good job it might just have been his descriptors. I highly recommend this one.
Final note. Great cover by Reese Dante. It would definitely make me pick the book up.
I’m not sure how to review this book without doing a little bit of a spoiler, which I’ll mention below. It is from the Prologue though, so isn’t really a story killer spoiler. Also the author directly refers to it in his Preface, so I think I’m safe and won’t get fists waiving at me from the sidelines.
We meet two men in the Prologue, or more accurately we meet one man who has just lost the love of his life who was named Steven. The date is April 27, 1942. Before the Prologue is done, the other man, Edward, is also dead.
Flash forward to today.
G. Heath Rawlins is a First Officer on a large merchant vessel, but has been looking at jumping ship, literally, and has turned in his thirty-day notice. The next day they are arriving in Savannah, Georgia and his job will be done. He has no idea what he going to do, and has sent out a few resumes. He decides to send one more, this time to the Captain of the brand-new luxury mega-yacht Eternity.
Theo Gourdin is the Captain of the Eternity and when Heath’s resume pops up just as he is closing his computer, he is intrigued and replies.
One thing leads to another, and soon Heath is hired as the First Officer of the Eternity. But something is strange. Both he and Theo are having these strange déjà vu moments. And strange dreams. And they are attracted to each other…but both know that the other is straight. Why do they keep dreaming about these guys named Steven and Eddie?
I really enjoyed the story. As I said above, minor spoiler, you know from the very first page that it is about reincarnation, which I loved. I really enjoyed the way Mr. Cade added some background details about the ship and the crew. I thought those details helped the story immensely, and for this reviewer, it gave me a feeling of being there. I also, of course, had to Google the yacht builder and look at some of their yachts. If you like a story about ship-board life with what I didn’t think were too many ship details, and throw in some reincarnation and some miscommunication, you’ll really like this story like I did. My husband watches that show “Below Decks” constantly. I was picturing those yachts while reading this and I think that helped me feel like I was in the story maybe? But Mr. Cade did such a good job it might just have been his descriptors. I highly recommend this one.
Final note. Great cover by Reese Dante. It would definitely make me pick the book up.
November 30, 2016
Hmmm, what an interesting twist that I did NOT see coming.
I will say that I went into this one with no knowledge of what it was about, nor had I read anything by this author previously. I will also say that I am not a fan of paranormal’s… they just don’t appeal to me; I know some people love shifters and ghosts and all that but I just can’t seem to get into them. I like the reality of a book, the way I can relate to the characters and the stories and I just don’t feel like I can with paranormals… however, in saying that.. I’ll say that this one, although it was an insta-love at it’s finest and who doesn’t like those every once in a while, it honestly took me a little bit to figure out what was happening. It was such an interesting twist, I know it may make me a bit dense, but I honestly didn’t see it happening lol
First I was like, whaaat? Then I was like, Huh? Then I was like, awwww. So, you see… sometimes going outside of your comfort zone can be a good thing. Let’s see if I can break it down without giving too many spoilers away. Beware though, sometimes I can’t help myself……
Okay, so I know nothing of seamen or their ranks or really even what they do… but Heath was a First Officer and having been on the same ship for the last six years, he was looking for a change of scenery. He sent his resume to several different places but one in particular got in touch with him right away. After their correspondence to each other they agreed to meet to see if they could do well, working for each other. Not only was Heath attracted to Theo- The Captain of the new megayacht, Eternity; but he had the sense that he’d known him before….They both did and neither of them could shake the feeling…. I really felt for Heath, the sea was really all he knew, he’d been on a ship since he graduated and lost his entire family in a tragic accident some years back. I was glad he got along so well with Theo…
Here's a little about Theo…. He had a couple divorces under his belt, I’m not sure how old he is, I know Heath was in his early thirties, but either I didn’t see how old Theo was or, it just didn’t say; either way, it was a little disappointing that Theo wasn’t gay right off, but like he’d mentioned, he just felt like he hadn’t met his soulmate yet, and of course, why would he? He was waiting on Heath… because they had met before, they’d had a great love before; just not in this lifetime….
It’s so complicated to explain without giving everything away and I really want to!! LOL.
If you like reincarnation stories or true soul mates, don’t pass this one up. That ending too… sigh… it was heartbreaking but hopeful in the sense that you knew these two would find each other again. I really, enjoyed it and I’m glad I went in blind or I may not have given it a chance. Fool me, eh?
I received this book in promise to leave an honest and unbiased review.
4 stars from me!
I will say that I went into this one with no knowledge of what it was about, nor had I read anything by this author previously. I will also say that I am not a fan of paranormal’s… they just don’t appeal to me; I know some people love shifters and ghosts and all that but I just can’t seem to get into them. I like the reality of a book, the way I can relate to the characters and the stories and I just don’t feel like I can with paranormals… however, in saying that.. I’ll say that this one, although it was an insta-love at it’s finest and who doesn’t like those every once in a while, it honestly took me a little bit to figure out what was happening. It was such an interesting twist, I know it may make me a bit dense, but I honestly didn’t see it happening lol
First I was like, whaaat? Then I was like, Huh? Then I was like, awwww. So, you see… sometimes going outside of your comfort zone can be a good thing. Let’s see if I can break it down without giving too many spoilers away. Beware though, sometimes I can’t help myself……
Okay, so I know nothing of seamen or their ranks or really even what they do… but Heath was a First Officer and having been on the same ship for the last six years, he was looking for a change of scenery. He sent his resume to several different places but one in particular got in touch with him right away. After their correspondence to each other they agreed to meet to see if they could do well, working for each other. Not only was Heath attracted to Theo- The Captain of the new megayacht, Eternity; but he had the sense that he’d known him before….They both did and neither of them could shake the feeling…. I really felt for Heath, the sea was really all he knew, he’d been on a ship since he graduated and lost his entire family in a tragic accident some years back. I was glad he got along so well with Theo…
Here's a little about Theo…. He had a couple divorces under his belt, I’m not sure how old he is, I know Heath was in his early thirties, but either I didn’t see how old Theo was or, it just didn’t say; either way, it was a little disappointing that Theo wasn’t gay right off, but like he’d mentioned, he just felt like he hadn’t met his soulmate yet, and of course, why would he? He was waiting on Heath… because they had met before, they’d had a great love before; just not in this lifetime….
It’s so complicated to explain without giving everything away and I really want to!! LOL.
If you like reincarnation stories or true soul mates, don’t pass this one up. That ending too… sigh… it was heartbreaking but hopeful in the sense that you knew these two would find each other again. I really, enjoyed it and I’m glad I went in blind or I may not have given it a chance. Fool me, eh?
I received this book in promise to leave an honest and unbiased review.
4 stars from me!
March 15, 2018
Superbly Played
Scotty Cade has given us a gift of love and hope and happenstance and eternity in this seemingly laconic but ultimately brilliantly conceived tale.
He grabs our attention in an author's note which caused me to get into the book with some hesitation, but in the end I could not agree with him more. This may be something that is not for everyone, but then again, not every one has as open a heart as Heath and Theo.
How they develop their friendship, and ultimate love, may seem a little contrived along the way, but once they realize that their bond cannot be broken, we are transported into a short, but extraordinary, journey that has an exquisite, heart pumping Epilogue.
(My only complaint is that this book really demands a cover that features both of them. In fact, I think it's Heath on the cover, but it would have been nice to be sure).
Bravo!
Scotty Cade has given us a gift of love and hope and happenstance and eternity in this seemingly laconic but ultimately brilliantly conceived tale.
He grabs our attention in an author's note which caused me to get into the book with some hesitation, but in the end I could not agree with him more. This may be something that is not for everyone, but then again, not every one has as open a heart as Heath and Theo.
How they develop their friendship, and ultimate love, may seem a little contrived along the way, but once they realize that their bond cannot be broken, we are transported into a short, but extraordinary, journey that has an exquisite, heart pumping Epilogue.
(My only complaint is that this book really demands a cover that features both of them. In fact, I think it's Heath on the cover, but it would have been nice to be sure).
Bravo!
February 25, 2018
Mr. Cade is such a romantic and this may be one of my favorite books he has written and I've read quite a few. He starts with a prolog that I really don't think is necessary. I love the concept of reincarnation. It is something I have always believed in and it may be the reason for sole mates. The story was loving without being overly sappy. They only thing I wish was done (because I'm curious) is that Theo and Heath had researched Steven and Eddie to see what they could find out about their previous life. If in fact it was actually them.
January 22, 2018
After an earlier fair review I'd given to Knobs, I'm happy to report that this adult age novel was fantastic. The author stated that this wasn't normal fare, and though may seem insta-lovey, I was thankful he did so. It allowed me to read the story with open eyes and connect with the characters and what was happening to them. Well done, Mr. Cade.
June 4, 2023
Dnf at 83%. I was desperately looking for a reincarnation romance, but this was a bit boring. I wish I could find a novel similar to Any Given Lifetime by Leta Blake, I've re-read that one so many times. Any recommendations are welcome.
June 16, 2024
V. It was slow burny to me. I want to say 60%, but honestly not complaining the love was still there. The ending though with a new letter from Theo to Heath 😢 ya coulda kept that shit lol. I guess they will go around lifetime after lifetime
June 3, 2020
1.5 So not my cuppa. It wasn't even that recarnation plot, that was fine. But the book had a slower than slow drive. That didn't work for me.
November 26, 2016
Title: Only Forever
Author: Scotty Cade
Series:
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: November 30, 2016
Genre(s): Male/Male Romance
Page Count: 151 pages
Heat Level: 2 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
This is a standalone short story. There is a little paranormal tossed it making it an I wonder if this could really happen sort of book. I love believing that there is more. That after we die there is a possibility that you can find your true love again Captain Theodore Gourdin feels an instant connection with First Officer Heath Rawlins. After meeting to interview, Theodore feels like he has know Heath a very long time, and he can’t seem to get a song that he doesn’t quite know out of his head. Heath feels the same way and finds the Captain extremely attractive. They also keep having dreams about two men in a ship together in what seems to be the past. They have a very interesting chemistry going on since they think that the other is straight, but they feel like best friends. The story moves along rather quickly and it has a very interesting ending.
Categories
PLOT 4 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars
Review Copy of Only Forever provided by the Dreamspinner Press I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
Author: Scotty Cade
Series:
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: November 30, 2016
Genre(s): Male/Male Romance
Page Count: 151 pages
Heat Level: 2 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Master Captain Theodore Gourdin has always loved the ocean. But his devotion to maritime life left little possibility for a long-term relationship. After two failed marriages, Theo gave up on finding the person who completed him and decided the sea was his soul mate. When offered the opportunity to captain the newly launched megayacht Eternity, Theo jumped at the chance. With Eternity’s maiden voyage looming, Theo focused all his energies on hiring his crew and readying his ship. The last thing he expected was to finally lose his heart in the process.
After twelve years at sea, First Officer Heath Rawlins was restless and in need of a change. A gay seaman’s life could be a lonely one, but to Heath the positives far outweighed the negatives. With excellent recommendations and an impressive résumé, he was quickly offered a position on the private megayacht Eternity. Heath’s heart skipped several beats when he finally met the ship’s captain. He was handsome and charming. And… familiar? Had they met somewhere before? Highly unlikely. But as smitten as Heath was with the gorgeous captain, everything inside him screamed, Abandon ship! Rough seas ahead!
Review:
This is a standalone short story. There is a little paranormal tossed it making it an I wonder if this could really happen sort of book. I love believing that there is more. That after we die there is a possibility that you can find your true love again Captain Theodore Gourdin feels an instant connection with First Officer Heath Rawlins. After meeting to interview, Theodore feels like he has know Heath a very long time, and he can’t seem to get a song that he doesn’t quite know out of his head. Heath feels the same way and finds the Captain extremely attractive. They also keep having dreams about two men in a ship together in what seems to be the past. They have a very interesting chemistry going on since they think that the other is straight, but they feel like best friends. The story moves along rather quickly and it has a very interesting ending.
Categories
PLOT 4 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars
Review Copy of Only Forever provided by the Dreamspinner Press I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
November 30, 2016
Only Forever is a poignant story of love through the ages, fate and the reuniting of souls. The prologue and the Epilogue are written by SJD Peterson and are the perfect beginning and ending to this touching story.
Cade himself writes the preface, and I highly recommend you read it as it goes into his inspiration for the story which follows. Only Forever was a song born in the 1940s. Joe Louis was boxing, Walt Disney released Pinocchio, and forces were gathering in Europe, with Mussolini joining Hitler—the tides of war were on the horizon, and Only Forever was penned. Sung by several popular entertainers, the version by Bing Crosby hit number one on the charts for nine weeks. The lyrics speak of a love so strong that it will span time and space; that no matter what happens in this life, nothing can keep soulmates from each other, not even death. OK. Whew. Hooked. The romantic in me just ATE THAT UP!
The prologue is set on a naval battleship during the war, in 1942, and will make you cry. If it doesn’t, you have no heart whatsoever. Fast forward to present time, and circumstances have conspired to bring two men together whose love of the sea is only outweighed by the strong feelings of deja vu both experience when they look at each other. Master Captain Theodore Gourdin has accepted the helm of the new mega yacht Eternity. He still doesn’t understand the reason he fired his new first officer, a man he just hired, except the fit just didn’t feel right. On the hunt for a new first officer, he is thrilled to receive an email from First Officer Heath Rawlins. Heath is searching for a new position, having left his previous boat for no better reason than he felt it was time. If you can’t see where the story is going here you are blind. Both men start having strange dreams of another ship, in another place, as well as flashes of memories that aren’t their own. Or are they? How does Theo know just where to kiss Heath to get a reaction? Why does Heath feel so “safe” with Theo, like the man will always catch him if he falls?
There are no cliffhangers, no angst, no twists and turns, and that is what makes this book so good. If the concept is sound and the writing engaging, you don’t need a hook to make it work. Scotty Cade gives us enough glimpses of a time gone by that when he weaves his tale of present day love, it is seamless. The story paces well—yes, it covers a short time span in present day, but does that really matter? No. Read this story with your rose-colored glasses firmly in place. This is a ROMANTIC heartwarming tale, a curl up in a chair with a good book kind of story, and I highly recommend it. Sometimes it only needs to be about two men in love.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach Reviews
Cade himself writes the preface, and I highly recommend you read it as it goes into his inspiration for the story which follows. Only Forever was a song born in the 1940s. Joe Louis was boxing, Walt Disney released Pinocchio, and forces were gathering in Europe, with Mussolini joining Hitler—the tides of war were on the horizon, and Only Forever was penned. Sung by several popular entertainers, the version by Bing Crosby hit number one on the charts for nine weeks. The lyrics speak of a love so strong that it will span time and space; that no matter what happens in this life, nothing can keep soulmates from each other, not even death. OK. Whew. Hooked. The romantic in me just ATE THAT UP!
The prologue is set on a naval battleship during the war, in 1942, and will make you cry. If it doesn’t, you have no heart whatsoever. Fast forward to present time, and circumstances have conspired to bring two men together whose love of the sea is only outweighed by the strong feelings of deja vu both experience when they look at each other. Master Captain Theodore Gourdin has accepted the helm of the new mega yacht Eternity. He still doesn’t understand the reason he fired his new first officer, a man he just hired, except the fit just didn’t feel right. On the hunt for a new first officer, he is thrilled to receive an email from First Officer Heath Rawlins. Heath is searching for a new position, having left his previous boat for no better reason than he felt it was time. If you can’t see where the story is going here you are blind. Both men start having strange dreams of another ship, in another place, as well as flashes of memories that aren’t their own. Or are they? How does Theo know just where to kiss Heath to get a reaction? Why does Heath feel so “safe” with Theo, like the man will always catch him if he falls?
There are no cliffhangers, no angst, no twists and turns, and that is what makes this book so good. If the concept is sound and the writing engaging, you don’t need a hook to make it work. Scotty Cade gives us enough glimpses of a time gone by that when he weaves his tale of present day love, it is seamless. The story paces well—yes, it covers a short time span in present day, but does that really matter? No. Read this story with your rose-colored glasses firmly in place. This is a ROMANTIC heartwarming tale, a curl up in a chair with a good book kind of story, and I highly recommend it. Sometimes it only needs to be about two men in love.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach Reviews
December 1, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.5 stars
Right from the start, Scotty Cade acknowledges that some will view Only Forever as a case of insta-love, but he asks readers to give the story and its characters a chance. So I approached this novel with an open mind. And really, really tried to like it, but I never quite connected with Only Forever. Both Theo and Heath are intriguing creations, and while we aren’t given fully formed characters, they are developed enough to move their relationship forward. The author gives readers enough basic terminology regarding seamanship to create a real sense of place and this is one of Only Forever’s strongest assets. Additionally, there is a sweetness to Theo and Heath that I really enjoyed. But they definitely fall prey to insta-love and the idea of a fated romance never fully evolves, which leaves the entire story foundering to some extent.
Only Forever feels uneven. Almost from the start, readers are given the sense that things are moving too quickly and that the characters have no real control over their own destinies. Fate has stepped in to bring Theo and Heath together and, while this trope can occasionally work, it fails to do so here. We’re never told enough about Theo and Heath’s previous incarnations (at least this was how I interpreted this particular aspect of the book) to either care about them or their relationship. The Fate aspect of Only Forever just fails to work and as a result, Theo and Heath don’t have a particularly believable romance. The entire novel takes place over the course of a couple weeks and the secondary cast, which are skeletal in their development, are thrown in every now and then without purpose or need. Had this book drawn out the action and allowed the relationship between Theo and Heath evolve in a natural way, I think Only Forever would have been incredibly good. And the Fate aspect could have worked as well because our other couple could have been portrayed more completely.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
2.5 stars
Right from the start, Scotty Cade acknowledges that some will view Only Forever as a case of insta-love, but he asks readers to give the story and its characters a chance. So I approached this novel with an open mind. And really, really tried to like it, but I never quite connected with Only Forever. Both Theo and Heath are intriguing creations, and while we aren’t given fully formed characters, they are developed enough to move their relationship forward. The author gives readers enough basic terminology regarding seamanship to create a real sense of place and this is one of Only Forever’s strongest assets. Additionally, there is a sweetness to Theo and Heath that I really enjoyed. But they definitely fall prey to insta-love and the idea of a fated romance never fully evolves, which leaves the entire story foundering to some extent.
Only Forever feels uneven. Almost from the start, readers are given the sense that things are moving too quickly and that the characters have no real control over their own destinies. Fate has stepped in to bring Theo and Heath together and, while this trope can occasionally work, it fails to do so here. We’re never told enough about Theo and Heath’s previous incarnations (at least this was how I interpreted this particular aspect of the book) to either care about them or their relationship. The Fate aspect of Only Forever just fails to work and as a result, Theo and Heath don’t have a particularly believable romance. The entire novel takes place over the course of a couple weeks and the secondary cast, which are skeletal in their development, are thrown in every now and then without purpose or need. Had this book drawn out the action and allowed the relationship between Theo and Heath evolve in a natural way, I think Only Forever would have been incredibly good. And the Fate aspect could have worked as well because our other couple could have been portrayed more completely.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
November 29, 2016
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Theo and Heath both have but one first and only love: The Sea. Theo hires Heath to be his second in command on board a brand spanking new megayatch. Both men have a powerful, instant and strangely familiar reaction to each other. But Theo will be in a position of power over Heath, and any approach would be borderline harassment. But if Heath makes the first moves, all bets are off. Can they make it work?
I don't usually read the authors notes at the beginning of a book, but I did for Scotty Cade's last book and it made a big difference to how I saw that book, so I read the notes here. And while this book doesn't have the intense emotional impact Losing Faith did, it has an altogether different impact.
I wrote a review for a book a while ago, and I steal a line from that review:-
There comes along, once in a while, a book that gives you the warm and fuzzies for days, days I tell ya!
Because, even though this is a case of instalove ( reincarnation aside) and I don't much usually care for those. Because even though the book takes place over just two weeks. Because it has no real drama, no danger, no break up and make up. Because the way the reincarnation manifests itself. Because it's on the very clean side of my male male preferences.
Because of all these things, or inspite of them....
I loved this book!!!
Theo and Heath are perfect for each other, even without that past life bleeding through. Their reaction to each other is deep and powerful, and I don't just mean in a sexual way, it's their friendship and camaraderie too.
I loved the prologue and epilogue. They made me cry!
For that warm and fussy feeling, for a lovely story, beautifully told it can only get....
5 stars
**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, BookLikes, Amazon.co.uk/.com, Barnes and Noble and Kobo**
Theo and Heath both have but one first and only love: The Sea. Theo hires Heath to be his second in command on board a brand spanking new megayatch. Both men have a powerful, instant and strangely familiar reaction to each other. But Theo will be in a position of power over Heath, and any approach would be borderline harassment. But if Heath makes the first moves, all bets are off. Can they make it work?
I don't usually read the authors notes at the beginning of a book, but I did for Scotty Cade's last book and it made a big difference to how I saw that book, so I read the notes here. And while this book doesn't have the intense emotional impact Losing Faith did, it has an altogether different impact.
I wrote a review for a book a while ago, and I steal a line from that review:-
There comes along, once in a while, a book that gives you the warm and fuzzies for days, days I tell ya!
Because, even though this is a case of instalove ( reincarnation aside) and I don't much usually care for those. Because even though the book takes place over just two weeks. Because it has no real drama, no danger, no break up and make up. Because the way the reincarnation manifests itself. Because it's on the very clean side of my male male preferences.
Because of all these things, or inspite of them....
I loved this book!!!
Theo and Heath are perfect for each other, even without that past life bleeding through. Their reaction to each other is deep and powerful, and I don't just mean in a sexual way, it's their friendship and camaraderie too.
I loved the prologue and epilogue. They made me cry!
For that warm and fussy feeling, for a lovely story, beautifully told it can only get....
5 stars
**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, BookLikes, Amazon.co.uk/.com, Barnes and Noble and Kobo**
November 29, 2016
Oh my goodness, I am so glad I read this book. Amazing doesn't cut it. This isn't they type of story I would normally read, but something called to the romantic in me.
Theo is Captain of a new yacht, Eternity and looking for a crew to man the ship for it's maiden voyage. Heath applies for the First Commander spot and the two meet for dinner to discuss the job. Instantly both men feel a sense of deja vu, like they must have met before. Heath accepts the job and the two dive into preparations for the voyage.
Both Heath and Theo begin having weird dreams about two men in love named Eddie and Steven. While Eddie and Steven resemble Heath and Theo they aren't identical. Both men begin to see eerie resemblances between the dreams and the present and a recurrence of the song "Only Forever" which Theo doesn't remember hearing before but knows all the words to. With the attraction becoming too much to fight, Theo and Heath give into it and immediately feel a sense of completeness. Like they were each half of a whole, waiting for the other.
"How long will I search to hold you again? Only forever... if it takes until then!"
I'm not sure where to begin, I'm probably going to gush. This was a perfect story for me. I love the idea of destined lovers that find each other from one life to the next. The setting was romantic and perfect as was the name of the yacht. Could there be a more fitting name than Eternity?
I loved that there were only a few steamy scenes, it helped lend credibility to the connection between Theo and Heath being more than physical.
My favorite parts were the prologue and the epilogue, heart-wrenchingly beautiful. How lucky would we be to find a love that transcends time? To meet the love of your life over and over again. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time.
Theo is Captain of a new yacht, Eternity and looking for a crew to man the ship for it's maiden voyage. Heath applies for the First Commander spot and the two meet for dinner to discuss the job. Instantly both men feel a sense of deja vu, like they must have met before. Heath accepts the job and the two dive into preparations for the voyage.
Both Heath and Theo begin having weird dreams about two men in love named Eddie and Steven. While Eddie and Steven resemble Heath and Theo they aren't identical. Both men begin to see eerie resemblances between the dreams and the present and a recurrence of the song "Only Forever" which Theo doesn't remember hearing before but knows all the words to. With the attraction becoming too much to fight, Theo and Heath give into it and immediately feel a sense of completeness. Like they were each half of a whole, waiting for the other.
"How long will I search to hold you again? Only forever... if it takes until then!"
I'm not sure where to begin, I'm probably going to gush. This was a perfect story for me. I love the idea of destined lovers that find each other from one life to the next. The setting was romantic and perfect as was the name of the yacht. Could there be a more fitting name than Eternity?
I loved that there were only a few steamy scenes, it helped lend credibility to the connection between Theo and Heath being more than physical.
My favorite parts were the prologue and the epilogue, heart-wrenchingly beautiful. How lucky would we be to find a love that transcends time? To meet the love of your life over and over again. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time.
January 5, 2017
This is an amazing book as it left me with chills in a good way at the ending. I love a story I can associate with and this story did that for me. A story of instantly knowing you know that person even when you've just met them. This happens with Heath and Theo. First Officer Heath just sent his resume out looking for something new, with no family and soon no job he's leaving it up to fate to direct his next step. The Sea is his first love and he knows he would be able to go far from her. But fate steps in when he gets a return email back from Captain Theo on the Eternity Ship offering him a place to meet for an interview. When they both set eyes on each other they both can feel something between them. What happens next is fantastic story told by Scotty Cade who does this book justice with beautiful story.. I can Highly Recommend this book as loved it, and definitely needs more than 5 stars.
December 2, 2016
I loved this book. I have nothing against instalove, in fact I think it’s pretty great. I will admit to a little bias in my love of this book, because you know, me and the First Captain really share the same name! I truly enjoyed reading this book. My goodness, I loved all the yacht terminology and it reminded me of Fool’s Gold movie, only with actual details. I really loved the descriptions of the yacht, uniforms, about everywhere they went. The story flowed so beautifully. I liked how their realization of their past slowly built.
I would totally recommend it to anyone!
I would totally recommend it to anyone!
November 29, 2016
Teaser
Scotty Cade’s Only Forever hit me right in the feels, grabbed me by the heart and touched my soul.
Scotty…weaves his magic well right from the start with Heath’s backstory, to bringing him and Theo together, and portraying the overwhelming pull they feel towards one another. So much so that you can’t help but know these two belong together.
Read Full Review at Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter
http://bit.ly/2gF4AAp
Scotty Cade’s Only Forever hit me right in the feels, grabbed me by the heart and touched my soul.
Scotty…weaves his magic well right from the start with Heath’s backstory, to bringing him and Theo together, and portraying the overwhelming pull they feel towards one another. So much so that you can’t help but know these two belong together.
Read Full Review at Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter
http://bit.ly/2gF4AAp
January 1, 2017
3,5 Stars
Such a good way to start the new year's reading with a beautiful story by Scotty Cade. I liked the main characters, and I liked the environment and naturally I liked the story. The love between Theo and Heath arises immediatly and grows fast also if has deep root in other time and space. I listened the Only Forever song,and if I must be sincere I loved more the line wrote by Mr Cade.
Such a good way to start the new year's reading with a beautiful story by Scotty Cade. I liked the main characters, and I liked the environment and naturally I liked the story. The love between Theo and Heath arises immediatly and grows fast also if has deep root in other time and space. I listened the Only Forever song,and if I must be sincere I loved more the line wrote by Mr Cade.
December 7, 2016
Sweet and sexy...
December 10, 2016
A very well written story, with great characters, and story line. I loved this story.
March 30, 2019
My favourite book ever!!!
Just a lot of LOVE for this story...
Just a lot of LOVE for this story...
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