Eternally Yours

Madaris Family Saga #4

by Brenda Jackson

Don’t miss this reader favorite Madaris story from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson

Friends…

Attorney Syneda Walters and fellow attorney Clayton Madaris are just friends…the last two people likely to end up as lovers. Syneda holds all men at arm’s length because of the father whose name she never knew. Clayton has always been a playboy, and no woman has ever come close to keeping his interest for very long.

or Lovers?

Things suddenly heat up between them when Syneda impulsively accepts Clayton’s invitation to join him for a Florida vacation, and is shocked by how much passion she feels. To Clayton, Syneda has become a temptation he cannot resist…and the woman he wants to share the rest of his life with. But getting her to trust again means finding a way to heal old wounds and convincing her, with all his heart, that she will always be eternally his.

Title originally published in 1997

Genres: Romance, African American Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Cultural, African American

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 1997

About the author

In 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.

In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.

In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.

Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize that this is part of a series but it is also a stand alone book. I really enjoyed this as the intimate scenes between the main characters weren’t graphic. There was a bit of mystery to the story which kept me guessing. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 1 out of 5]

So apparently I am the dissenting opinion on this book because I just really didn't like it. Maybe it's because I am SO TIRED of the "I don't trust anyone, and I don't want love" because fill in the blank here.

Clayton was actually a decent character although absolutely nothing I haven't seen before. Gorgeous, successful and goes from woman to woman never wanting to settle down because he might get bored. Only he's discovered that he is bored with one night stands. He is jaded and looking for something else.

I didn't care for Syneda. She's 28 and she was abandoned by her father when she was a child. Actually she never knew her father and she let this fact shape her entire life. It seemed she was so busy feeling sorry for herself and trying to justify why she refused to trust anyone that she couldn't even admit when she started having feelings for Clayton. I found her stubborn, selfish, judgemental and she was down right cruel to Clayton when he told her he loved her and wanted to marry her. Syneda has had previous relationships which were also serious at least for the guy since they ended in proposals although Syneda is insistent that she was upfront about not being in a serious relationship. Then the author throws in the something else I just couldn't believe. She's a virgin. She's had several serious relationships, she's 28 and a virgin? Why was this necessary? I am supposed to accept a man sleeping around until he's ready but not a woman? Why couldn't she have had sex with the men she was seeing? In fact I found my reaction to reading this along the same lines as Clayton's was. I also think that she really didn't have to do anything to get Clayton back when she changed her mind. There was no apology, no grand gesture just showing up in his room scantily dressed to tell him she did love him. I wanted more from this scene and I think Clayton deserved it.

So this book was just not my cup of tea and I really didn't enjoy it.

[Des · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been waiting to read Syneda & Clayton's story ever since they were introduced in Lorren & Justin's story in Tonight & Forever. I wasn't pleased that Dex & Caitlin's story came before theirs because it only increased my anticipation and I didn't want to read the series out of order. It was a story that didn't disappoint. I liked that they started out as friends and it progressed into a romantic relationship. It was pretty funny when Clayton began to see Syneda as someone he was sexually attracted to.

I will admit to wanting to shake Syneda on multiple occasions for being so scared to commit to Clayton; but with her past it was easy to see why that was so difficult for her. Also, with Clayton and his womanizing ways and unabashed enjoyment of bachelorhood, who would believe he wanted to commit? I enjoyed their banter and the dedication & commitment he showed in trying to wear down her defenses. The wedding scene was a bit much though. I refuse to believe Clayton was that desperate to see Syneda before she walked down the aisle o_O

The father-daughter discovery and reunion between Syntel T. Remington & Syneda was just wonderful. It was a fabulous side story that was handled really well although it's obvious we needed to suspend disbelief that Clayton & Syneda would supposedly be present when Syntel was meeting his daughter for the first time.

[Chanae Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author Brenda Jackson uses the craft of italics to distinguish present from past, she uses extra spaces in order to make transitions in the story (ie. going to other characters in the story or going forward a couple of days). She does a great job of using both of these crafts. When she uses the italics toward the end of the story it is for one of the characters having a flashback to a time in the past. As a reader, I was able to make that transition and I knew when the story came back to the present. Also, when Jackson uses the extra spaces to make transitions in the story, it really helps me as a reader anticipate and know that I’m reading about another idea, character, or a couple of days later. It allows me not to get confused about what is going on. I would use this book to teach the strategy of how effective extra spaces can be when telling/ writing a story.

[Shathara · Rating 5 out of 5]

a love story made for romantics. a man who quickly falls in love after swearing to be single forever. and a woman who turns away love because of what she thought was abandonment from the one man who should have loved and came for her, her father. but the man's love is strong enough to fight for her until she completely ruins his pride by rejecting him and throwing his love in his face. after she comes around he then solves her 18 year problem of abandonment and delivers her and her father to each other.

[Tanya Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. The story of Clayton and Syneda was fun, hot and sexy. I love how even though these two disagree on a lot of things they do agree on the love and attraction that they shared. I love how innocence comes in to play to tame this hot blooded male. Syneda's back story was heart wrenching and I love how Clayton was instrumental in bringing smile to her face what a surprise. I loved it!!! Clayton was the typical younger brother spoiled Ms. Jackson did that. Must read series. I can't believe I waited so long to start reading this series.

[Sophie Sealy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading it again for the third time. There's something satisfying when you pick up a book to re-read and it reads as smoothly as it did when you first read it 15 years ago. This book continue to stand the test of time, no fads to make you cringe or make you feel aged., I wanted something tried and true for the moment but now I am hooked and ready to re-read the entire Madaris Family series. Yes I am in a happy place.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

True romance, love, commitment, patience, understanding and trust were all showcased in this love story between playboy Clayton Madaris and Syneda Walters. This is a must read that I found to be funny, intriguing, sad at times, and extremely interesting from start to finish. Awesome!

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wwwwondeful read!!! Mr. Clayton finally met his match. This story is one many can relate to. I like the fact that Syneda was able to face her biggest fear which was "falling in love". It was a pleasure to read and I am looking forward to reading about all of the Madaris friends.

[Erika Bonaparte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

[Chantell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clayton and Syneda's story is the best in the series. We get to see Clayton's softer side.

[Vanete Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brenda Jackson Books are my favorite. In this one Clayton meets his match, and boy does this couple know how to burn...

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This book was smokin' hot. I am so addicted to Brenda Jackson Books. I would love to all her Madaris books turn into movies.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these two!! This was a really great read! Brenda is of course the best romance writer there is...:-))

[Kerbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love basically anything Brenda Jackson. I read this book years ago and I love it!!!!!!!

[Tramaine Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Clayton and Syneda's relationship and how it blossomed from friendship to more. This is one of my faves from Mrs. Jackson

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!!!

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

a favorite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Suzanne Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Brenda Jackson does it again!!! Love the Maderis Series

[Tanielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this after reading about Justin I had to find out about Clayton and his go round. This is just another good one to add to my reads.

[T'Laina D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a good book. Clayton calmed down greatly and Syneda opened up finally.

[Kyra Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost brought me to tears. Enjoyed every line.

[Metris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it love it love it.... I love me some Clayton Madaris

[Dawn “D-Love” · Rating 5 out of 5]

This and a Very Merry Romance have been my favorites so far in the Madaris series. My favorite characters of the series are Marilyn and Syneda. Both books have substance and are true romance stories that drive interest. I like how Clayton and Syneda were friends and opponents before becoming lovers. Believing her father didn’t want her for 18 years drove Syneda to having a protective shield around herself and not giving in to love at first. She was able to break down the biggest bachelor in town to choose love because of her feistiness and he helped her resolve the greatest pain of thinking her father didn’t want her. This book tackles how racism and society standards have been a big hindrance to interracial relationships and innocent children have suffered because of it. So happy that Syneda and her dad found each other even though 28 years later but thankfully they get to have a great relationship. Really enjoyed the flow of this story and how other characters were sprinkled in.

[K Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Mrs. Jackson has captured her readers attention with another smooth Madaris brother. It's funny how Clayton and Syneda used to go neck and neck about any and everything, and their relationship blossomed. Clayton is like many typical bachelors, bedding one woman after another. Eventually, having women for bedroom tango got old to him. Once Syneda let go of her past and started to trust, she found the love that she was always looking for. In my opinion, Syneda was too good to be alone forever. Syneda has the sass, class, and personality for a man such a Clayton. On another note, Clayton found love, had it thrown back in his face, then just for Syneda to come to her senses before it was too late. The chemistry between these two were absolutely bomb. Jackson knows how to write to set the pages on fire. The connection was just immaculate. She can even write a story about two puppies falling in love. One thing about those Madarises' is that once they find a good woman, they never let go. They will pursue until the death of them.

[Helen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite story in the Madaris series. Even though I read it years ago I decided to read it again.

Clayton Madaris and Syneda Walters are two headstrong individuals who are like oil and water. They decide to go on vacation together just to relax. But something happens during this vacation that stirs up feelings that they never felt towards each other before. Clayton is the confirmed bachelor in the family who enjoys being able to get any woman he wants. Syneda has issues regarding trusting or committing to any man because of feelings of desertion by her father.

Confirmed bachelor Clayton finally falls but Syneda stills has issues to deal with. Thanks to Clayton Syneda will finally get the answers she has long wondered about that will help her to heal.

Clayton and Syneda are entertaining with just themselves. Throw in the other Madaris members and you are never bored.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I stumbled onto the Madaris sagas by accident. I read the book sin order with Justin and Lorren first, and then Dex and Caitlin, and as far as I'm concerned the love story between Syneda & Clayton to me is the best of the 3 Madaris brothers.

When confirmed bachelor realized that he was in love with Syneda, and couldn't see his life without her I was totally there for it. When Syneda broke his hearty because of her abandonment issues, I totally understood, but also wanted to shake the crap out of her. LOL

There were so many sections in the book that I read over, and over it wasn't funny. I was totally surprised to find out who Syneda's father turned out to be, and how she was introduced to him...

Again....this to me is the best of the 3 Madaris brothers books of Justin, Dex, & Clayton

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't overly cheesy or unrealistic like most romance novels can be. I saw a lot of myself in Syneda; fear of trusting and loving someone, fear of abandonment, opinionated and outspoken. Initially I wasn't too sure about the Senator Lansing angle, but after finding out how he tied into Syneda's story it made more sense. I also thought I was going to dislike finding out that Syntel Remington was Syneda's biological father, but after reading the back story on that, I thought it was a great side plot. I didn't care too much about the Braxter and Celeste, Trevor Grant and Corinthian Avery, or Diamond and Jake sub plots. Too many unimportant people to care about when the focus of the book was about Syneda and Clayton. Overall a great romance novel.

[Valarie Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love loved Clayton and Syneda's love story. Although I didn't see at first how they were going to end up together with both of their hang ups about love, in true Brenda Jackson style the entirI love love loved Clayton and Syneda's love story. Although I didn't see at first how they were going to end up together with both of their hang ups about love, in true Brenda Jackson style the entire storyline was amazing.e storyline was amazing.

I love love loved Clayton and Syneda's love story. Although I didn't see at first how they were going to end up together with both of their hang ups about love, in true Brenda Jackson style the entire storyline was amazing.

[Jessica Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed

I got really into this. I liked the camaraderie between Syneda and Clayton and then, the heat between them. Some things and feelings turned rather abruptly, and sometimes some of the side stories and abundance of characters got a little confusing, but it all came together. I'm a big ol' sap and love all the love and everything, but I actually thought it got a tad corny at times. And Clayton's defiance and stubbornness at the end veered more towards annoying than endearing. But at least it was for good reason and it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.