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Beaumont: Next Generation #3
Chasing My Forever
Music is his passion. It’s in his blood. Yet, Quinn James isn’t sure if stardom is right for him. His family wants him to join a band, and follow in his father’s footsteps but fear holds him back. He can’t explain it, and when he tries, no one understands what he’s afraid of or why he’s content playing coffee shop gigs where no one knows him.
Eleanora Boone wants to live her life, not the one her very southern parents planned for her, which is why she chose a college thousands of miles away. Now she’s faced with returning home or doing something that would defy her family. When an opportunity to visit Los Angeles falls in her lap, she uses it to become someone different.
California is everything Eleanora thought it would be, and even more so when she meets Quinn, the shy, reserved and brooding musician who’s the complete opposite of the guys she’s used to back home.
For the first time, Quinn’s smitten. The new, mysterious waitress has him wrapped around her finger, and he finds that he is finally able to open up and trust someone outside of his family circle.
But living a different life comes with its risks, and for Eleanora, that risk is a secret that has the power to destroy both of them.
Eleanora Boone wants to live her life, not the one her very southern parents planned for her, which is why she chose a college thousands of miles away. Now she’s faced with returning home or doing something that would defy her family. When an opportunity to visit Los Angeles falls in her lap, she uses it to become someone different.
California is everything Eleanora thought it would be, and even more so when she meets Quinn, the shy, reserved and brooding musician who’s the complete opposite of the guys she’s used to back home.
For the first time, Quinn’s smitten. The new, mysterious waitress has him wrapped around her finger, and he finds that he is finally able to open up and trust someone outside of his family circle.
But living a different life comes with its risks, and for Eleanora, that risk is a secret that has the power to destroy both of them.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2018
876 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
About the author
Heidi McLaughlin
122 books7,431 followersHeidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
October 8, 2018
3.5 stars
I love the set up for this series – giving us the stories of the children from the Beaumont series - and this time it’s Quinn’s turn.
Quinn is the son of Harrison, and adopted son of Katelyn from My Unexpected Forever. We meet him as an eight year old when his parents met and fell in love, and he has grown up in the midst of the Beaumont family, with parents that he loves and is super close to, twin step-sisters that he loves like his own and a best friend in Noah, son of Liam and Josie, and hero of Holding Onto Forever. He has music in his blood and is a talented musician, but unlike a lot of romance heroes, Quinn is shy, quiet, sensitive and emotional, and I loved the different feel that his beautiful nature brings to the story.
He is happy writing songs and singing and playing his guitar in a coffee shop once a week, but his family want more for him. Pressured by his feisty sister to join a band that she is putting together, Quinn is struggling to balance the expectations of his loved ones and his own personal wants and needs. He has very valid fears that he needs to deal with as he finds his way forward.
Eleanora has just graduated from college and is also struggling with the expectations of her family. She fought hard to attend an out-of-state school, but now that she is done they want her back home so that she can marry her high school sweetheart and live the southern society life that her mother has. But her ‘fiance’ is a cheating a-hole, and Eleanora is only just starting to discover who she is and doesn’t want to get stuck in the life that has been planned out for her. So she makes up a story about taking a road trip on her way home, and instead travels to LA with a girlfriend, establishing herself as ‘Nola’, and enjoying the freedom that her secret life has to offer – even if it’s only temporary.
Quinn and Nola meet when she takes a job in the coffee shop where Quinn plays, and they share an immediate attraction. It doesn’t happen for them right away, but when they finally get on the same page, their romance is sweet, swoony and full of emotion, and watching Quinn fall was beautifully heartwarming.
But just when it looks like Quinn has finally found what he’s been looking for, his world is upended, with Nola dragged in to the middle of the unfolding drama, and he is forced to face the demons he has been dreading his whole life.
There is so much more to this book than just the romance. In fact, it feels more like a story about two individual characters dealing with their issues, with the love story secondary to that. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, and it’s done really well, just don’t be expecting a deeply intense, slow burning love story, because that’s not what this book is about. I actually really loved it. Quinn’s story in particular touched my heart as we got to know the vulnerable and sensitive man that he has become, and a real highlight of the book for me was seeing his relationships with the people in his life, which were beautifully written and which gave the book SO much heart!
Eleanora’s story didn’t speak to me so much and I found her mildly annoying. She also has a lot of growing up and figuring out to do, but for me, this story belonged to Quinn. And while I could appreciate that the love story wasn’t the focus, I would have liked to have seen some more of them together – an epilogue perhaps?
We get to catch up with the couples from the earlier books in the series, and we’re also introduced to a whole new bunch of characters in what looks to be a setup for more books – either in this series or a spin off, and I’m definitely intrigued by all of the potential storylines there.
I enjoyed this book. It didn’t suck me in as much as other books from this series and its predecessor series have, but still definitely an enjoyable read with a fantastic hero and wonderful character dynamics.
3.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love the set up for this series – giving us the stories of the children from the Beaumont series - and this time it’s Quinn’s turn.
Quinn is the son of Harrison, and adopted son of Katelyn from My Unexpected Forever. We meet him as an eight year old when his parents met and fell in love, and he has grown up in the midst of the Beaumont family, with parents that he loves and is super close to, twin step-sisters that he loves like his own and a best friend in Noah, son of Liam and Josie, and hero of Holding Onto Forever. He has music in his blood and is a talented musician, but unlike a lot of romance heroes, Quinn is shy, quiet, sensitive and emotional, and I loved the different feel that his beautiful nature brings to the story.
I sit back and observe my parents, they have the kind of love I want. There isn’t a person on the outside who can’t see how in love they are with each other. I believe someone out there is meant for me, but finding them is the hard part. I’ve never put myself out there and until I do, I’m not going to find my forever.
He is happy writing songs and singing and playing his guitar in a coffee shop once a week, but his family want more for him. Pressured by his feisty sister to join a band that she is putting together, Quinn is struggling to balance the expectations of his loved ones and his own personal wants and needs. He has very valid fears that he needs to deal with as he finds his way forward.
Eleanora has just graduated from college and is also struggling with the expectations of her family. She fought hard to attend an out-of-state school, but now that she is done they want her back home so that she can marry her high school sweetheart and live the southern society life that her mother has. But her ‘fiance’ is a cheating a-hole, and Eleanora is only just starting to discover who she is and doesn’t want to get stuck in the life that has been planned out for her. So she makes up a story about taking a road trip on her way home, and instead travels to LA with a girlfriend, establishing herself as ‘Nola’, and enjoying the freedom that her secret life has to offer – even if it’s only temporary.
Quinn and Nola meet when she takes a job in the coffee shop where Quinn plays, and they share an immediate attraction. It doesn’t happen for them right away, but when they finally get on the same page, their romance is sweet, swoony and full of emotion, and watching Quinn fall was beautifully heartwarming.
“There’s something about you, Nola. I can’t put my finger on it, but you drive me crazy with desire and I have this need to show you off, to stake a claim and call you my girlfriend. Can I do that? Can I call you my girlfriend?”
But just when it looks like Quinn has finally found what he’s been looking for, his world is upended, with Nola dragged in to the middle of the unfolding drama, and he is forced to face the demons he has been dreading his whole life.
There is so much more to this book than just the romance. In fact, it feels more like a story about two individual characters dealing with their issues, with the love story secondary to that. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, and it’s done really well, just don’t be expecting a deeply intense, slow burning love story, because that’s not what this book is about. I actually really loved it. Quinn’s story in particular touched my heart as we got to know the vulnerable and sensitive man that he has become, and a real highlight of the book for me was seeing his relationships with the people in his life, which were beautifully written and which gave the book SO much heart!
Eleanora’s story didn’t speak to me so much and I found her mildly annoying. She also has a lot of growing up and figuring out to do, but for me, this story belonged to Quinn. And while I could appreciate that the love story wasn’t the focus, I would have liked to have seen some more of them together – an epilogue perhaps?
We get to catch up with the couples from the earlier books in the series, and we’re also introduced to a whole new bunch of characters in what looks to be a setup for more books – either in this series or a spin off, and I’m definitely intrigued by all of the potential storylines there.
I enjoyed this book. It didn’t suck me in as much as other books from this series and its predecessor series have, but still definitely an enjoyable read with a fantastic hero and wonderful character dynamics.
3.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2018
I didn't enjoy this one at all....which is sad because I have been looking forward to Quinn's book for a while The story seemed so rushed and while if done right, I dont mind reading about insta love but these 2 went from like 1 date to I love you, please move in with me.....huh?
Not too mention at the beginning of the book her parents seemed like these overbearing monsters who totally controlled and ruled her life to the end of the book her father is scratching his chin and telling Quinn, yes she can move to California and be with you....wow talk about a 360.... Oh and don't even get me started at her being grounded and her car taken away from her at 22.....yeah ok....
Oh and what about his half-sister...She is totally cray cray one moment, then writing him a letter that makes her seem normal.....
The whole book was rushed and the storyline just did not gel. I loved the Beaumont series but these next-generation books have been meh at best....
October 7, 2018
3.5 stars
Quinn James lives a fairly quiet life. He is part of a huge family that has very much lived in the spotlight but he prefers to fly under the public radar. He enjoys writing songs and performing once a week at an open mic night at a local bar. Lately, his sister Elle has been putting pressure on him to join a band she is forming but that is not something that interests him. He enjoys what he does now.
Eleanora has just graduated from college in Idaho. Her family is from the south and now that she has her degree, her parents are keen for her to return home to fulfill the life they have planned for her. From the job she should have to the man they want her to marry. Just the idea of all of that makes her feel ill so she decides to follow one of her best friends to California. She really needs to live a little before settling down for her rest of her life.
After settling into an apartment with her bestie, Eleanora soon finds a waitressing job at the Bean Song. She is determined to pay her own way and not use her parents money, while she is busy rebelling against them. In a bid to start afresh she gives herself a new name, Nola. After a few nights working there, one of the open mic regulars piques her interest, Quinn James has this quiet brooding thing going on and he has an incredible voice. The guy is so talented.
Quinn is not the sort of guy to put himself out there when it comes to women. In fairness he has the look that a lot of girls like so it's not hard to find them. However, he is quite a shy, sensitive sort of guy. He can get quite anxious at times and therefore enjoys his own company over bedding a groupie. He does however quite like Nola, the new waitress at Bean Song. Now he just needs to build up the courage to talk to her.
When Quinn approaches Nola she is surprised and thrilled all at once. He is so sweet and makes her feel things she never has before. While she enjoys spending time with Quinn in the back of her mind is the lies she has been telling to everyone in California, including Quinn. When she meets his family and extended family it is made very clear how much they love Quinn and what lengths they will go to, to protect him.
Quinn has never felt more vulnerable with a girl before, he knows he is falling for Nola and it's happening really quickly. When his worst fear happens, he is left feeling completely betrayed and wondering if everything that this girl told him was ever true, especially the feelings they shared. His whole life has been flipped on his head and he has never needed the love of his family more than he does now. The James/Westbury/Powell circle closes around him, shutting Nola firmly out.
Maybe it's safer to be alone because opening up his heart brings him nothing but heartache. Why can't he stop thinking about this girl who made him feel whole?
Quinn James lives a fairly quiet life. He is part of a huge family that has very much lived in the spotlight but he prefers to fly under the public radar. He enjoys writing songs and performing once a week at an open mic night at a local bar. Lately, his sister Elle has been putting pressure on him to join a band she is forming but that is not something that interests him. He enjoys what he does now.
Eleanora has just graduated from college in Idaho. Her family is from the south and now that she has her degree, her parents are keen for her to return home to fulfill the life they have planned for her. From the job she should have to the man they want her to marry. Just the idea of all of that makes her feel ill so she decides to follow one of her best friends to California. She really needs to live a little before settling down for her rest of her life.
After settling into an apartment with her bestie, Eleanora soon finds a waitressing job at the Bean Song. She is determined to pay her own way and not use her parents money, while she is busy rebelling against them. In a bid to start afresh she gives herself a new name, Nola. After a few nights working there, one of the open mic regulars piques her interest, Quinn James has this quiet brooding thing going on and he has an incredible voice. The guy is so talented.
Quinn is not the sort of guy to put himself out there when it comes to women. In fairness he has the look that a lot of girls like so it's not hard to find them. However, he is quite a shy, sensitive sort of guy. He can get quite anxious at times and therefore enjoys his own company over bedding a groupie. He does however quite like Nola, the new waitress at Bean Song. Now he just needs to build up the courage to talk to her.
When Quinn approaches Nola she is surprised and thrilled all at once. He is so sweet and makes her feel things she never has before. While she enjoys spending time with Quinn in the back of her mind is the lies she has been telling to everyone in California, including Quinn. When she meets his family and extended family it is made very clear how much they love Quinn and what lengths they will go to, to protect him.
Quinn has never felt more vulnerable with a girl before, he knows he is falling for Nola and it's happening really quickly. When his worst fear happens, he is left feeling completely betrayed and wondering if everything that this girl told him was ever true, especially the feelings they shared. His whole life has been flipped on his head and he has never needed the love of his family more than he does now. The James/Westbury/Powell circle closes around him, shutting Nola firmly out.
Maybe it's safer to be alone because opening up his heart brings him nothing but heartache. Why can't he stop thinking about this girl who made him feel whole?
October 12, 2018
This is really painful for me to give this book 3 stars. I’ve loved this series so far and the original Beaumont series. I was so excited about Quinn’s story because he was always the enigma when it came to the kids. But this book didn’t grab my attention the way the others have. I just didn’t feel the connection between him and Eleanora, something that Heidi McLaughlin usually excels in. That being said I did enjoy reading about Quinn and of course all the other characters that I know and love from the previous books. I also look forward to seeing if there will be more Beaumont books!
Reviewed by: Alexis B.
Reviewed by: Alexis B.
October 9, 2018
This is the third book in this next generation series and will have spoilers fro the books previous but could be read as a stand alone if you aren't going to read the whole series. Finally, we get sweet
Quinn's story. Almost shy but super talented like his dad Harrison. I have been dying to see what happens with him since we first met him as a little boy.
The story is told in dual POV but the first half of the book is really about Elenora and Quinn as they exist in space and how they got to the point in their lives where they are both in California. Even after they 'meet' they still have some personal business to handle. When Quinn works up the nerve to ask her out, it seems we know a whole lot about each of them but not necessarily what has drawn them together other than physical looks.
For fans of the Beaumont series and the Next Gen series, this book will check all your boxes. We get to see all of our favorite couples, all the innuendo, all the sassy females and all the kiddos. Loved, loved, loved that part. The love story itself is just ok. I fell more in love with Quinn but didn't really care if he was with Elenora or not. I just wanted him to be happy with someone.
Great addition to the series if for anything, we get to catch up on everyone else. I will be interested to see how this love match evolves. Looking forward to more!
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
Quinn's story. Almost shy but super talented like his dad Harrison. I have been dying to see what happens with him since we first met him as a little boy.
The story is told in dual POV but the first half of the book is really about Elenora and Quinn as they exist in space and how they got to the point in their lives where they are both in California. Even after they 'meet' they still have some personal business to handle. When Quinn works up the nerve to ask her out, it seems we know a whole lot about each of them but not necessarily what has drawn them together other than physical looks.
For fans of the Beaumont series and the Next Gen series, this book will check all your boxes. We get to see all of our favorite couples, all the innuendo, all the sassy females and all the kiddos. Loved, loved, loved that part. The love story itself is just ok. I fell more in love with Quinn but didn't really care if he was with Elenora or not. I just wanted him to be happy with someone.
Great addition to the series if for anything, we get to catch up on everyone else. I will be interested to see how this love match evolves. Looking forward to more!
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
June 26, 2024
FINALLY Quinn gets his story. And what a story!!!!!! Quinn has been hiding, afraid that the limelight will bring his egg donor mother out of hiding. He wants nothing to do with her. He know the story. he knows the truth. She is nothing.
Nola wants to live. She wants to breathe. If she goes home to the plantation she will drown under the expectations, the pressure. What harm could an adventure cause??? What is a few liesA lot if you fall in love and have an unknown tie to the one you love that can crush you, drown you in sorrow.
If there is a lesson to learn in this book it is to give love a chance, to listen before you jump to conclusions, that there are always more than one side to a story. All sides of the story can be a joy in a romance novel especially the result is a Happily Ever After. Chasing My Forever had an amazing ending, beautiful, romantic, satisfying. The journey had some ugly moments making the ending more worth while, more satisfying.
Nola wants to live. She wants to breathe. If she goes home to the plantation she will drown under the expectations, the pressure. What harm could an adventure cause??? What is a few liesA lot if you fall in love and have an unknown tie to the one you love that can crush you, drown you in sorrow.
If there is a lesson to learn in this book it is to give love a chance, to listen before you jump to conclusions, that there are always more than one side to a story. All sides of the story can be a joy in a romance novel especially the result is a Happily Ever After. Chasing My Forever had an amazing ending, beautiful, romantic, satisfying. The journey had some ugly moments making the ending more worth while, more satisfying.
January 10, 2020
Okay this one was better. Don’t trust the sister despite the letter. Eleanora was a bit too cliched for my taste so she’s not my favorite but better than Elle. And lort Elle is still at it being completely unlike able. If I were Quinn I wouldn’t have joined the band, sister or not, when she’s acting like she has been. And I could have done without the little falsehood told by the room mate. That wasn’t necessary really. Just back up Eleanora’s story supporting how crazy sissy/college roommate is and let it stand on its own. And her friends call her El so he’s dating an El and has a sister Elle...Pick a different name, author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2018
I love Heide. the rest of her books are really amazing and I most of them are 5 stars for me. but I think this one didn't worked out for me. I waited for the story to pick up but it didn't came.
October 12, 2018
Chasing My Forever is the newest installation of the Beaumont series “next generation.” This is Quinn’s story. It was one of family, love, insecurity, anxiety and expectations.
Quinn James is the son of famous rocker Harrison James. He has experienced so much in life. Quinn is trying to find his way. His direction. He is watching his siblings and cousins forge ahead in their careers and futures. Like his dad, Quinn is a musician. He is also shy and quiet. He enjoys playing guitar every Friday night at a small coffee shop.
“He keeps to himself so don’t take his shyness as rudeness.”
His life is simple and that is ok for him. But for Quinn’s sister, Elle, not so much. She wants him to be a superstar and as an up and coming manager/promoter, she is putting the pressure on him to join a startup band that she has formed. Being famous is not exactly on his radar for reasons mentioned in the book (no spoilers).
Along comes “Nola” aka Eleanora Boone…..
Eleanora Boone wants to live her life, not the one her very southern parents planned for her, which is why she chose a college thousands of miles away. Now she’s faced with returning home or doing something that would defy her family. When an opportunity to visit Los Angeles falls in her lap, she uses it to become someone different.
Eleanora takes a chance to escape her written future and goes to California with her college roommate after graduation. In the spur of the moment she “reinvents” herself by telling someone her name is Nola. She is sweet, kind and caring. She meets Quinn at the coffee house. A connection is made but Quinn is hesitant to peruse it. Growing up in a famous family has taught him many lessons so he treads carefully.
Quinn and Nola’s connection becomes all-consuming. They jump right in and it is as if they have known each other forever. But everything is carefully balanced on a few secrets and omissions. There is some drama and angst but it is not overly done.
It can’t be that hard to find a flirtatious kind of love, can it? One that gets your heart beating so fast you think you’re going to pass out from exhaustion even though you’re not tired.
I really enjoyed Quinn and Nola’s story. Their backgrounds are different and yet they have similar expectations placed on them. I enjoyed seeing other family and band members moving along in their future. And speaking of families, I loved watching the shenanigans that go on when everyone is together! They are as funny as ever. The women are fierce and protective of their men. The story wraps up rather quickly but it was a smooth ending.
Chasing My Forever can be read as a standalone but I recommend starting at the beginning due to spoilers from previous books and also to enjoy and understand some of the characters you will meet. I really enjoyed Quinn’s story. The second generation Beaumont series gives you a warm and full feeling. I have enjoyed the series and look forward to the next story which looks like it will be a novella featuring the long awaiting wedding of Peyton & Noah…..
4 stars
#AuthorHeidiMcLaughlin #BeaumontSeries #NewAdult #ContemporaryRomance #4225West #QuinnAndNola
#Rockers #RockStars #HotAndSexy #ChasingMyForever #BlushingBabesAreUpAllNight
Quinn James is the son of famous rocker Harrison James. He has experienced so much in life. Quinn is trying to find his way. His direction. He is watching his siblings and cousins forge ahead in their careers and futures. Like his dad, Quinn is a musician. He is also shy and quiet. He enjoys playing guitar every Friday night at a small coffee shop.
“He keeps to himself so don’t take his shyness as rudeness.”
His life is simple and that is ok for him. But for Quinn’s sister, Elle, not so much. She wants him to be a superstar and as an up and coming manager/promoter, she is putting the pressure on him to join a startup band that she has formed. Being famous is not exactly on his radar for reasons mentioned in the book (no spoilers).
Along comes “Nola” aka Eleanora Boone…..
Eleanora Boone wants to live her life, not the one her very southern parents planned for her, which is why she chose a college thousands of miles away. Now she’s faced with returning home or doing something that would defy her family. When an opportunity to visit Los Angeles falls in her lap, she uses it to become someone different.
Eleanora takes a chance to escape her written future and goes to California with her college roommate after graduation. In the spur of the moment she “reinvents” herself by telling someone her name is Nola. She is sweet, kind and caring. She meets Quinn at the coffee house. A connection is made but Quinn is hesitant to peruse it. Growing up in a famous family has taught him many lessons so he treads carefully.
Quinn and Nola’s connection becomes all-consuming. They jump right in and it is as if they have known each other forever. But everything is carefully balanced on a few secrets and omissions. There is some drama and angst but it is not overly done.
It can’t be that hard to find a flirtatious kind of love, can it? One that gets your heart beating so fast you think you’re going to pass out from exhaustion even though you’re not tired.
I really enjoyed Quinn and Nola’s story. Their backgrounds are different and yet they have similar expectations placed on them. I enjoyed seeing other family and band members moving along in their future. And speaking of families, I loved watching the shenanigans that go on when everyone is together! They are as funny as ever. The women are fierce and protective of their men. The story wraps up rather quickly but it was a smooth ending.
Chasing My Forever can be read as a standalone but I recommend starting at the beginning due to spoilers from previous books and also to enjoy and understand some of the characters you will meet. I really enjoyed Quinn’s story. The second generation Beaumont series gives you a warm and full feeling. I have enjoyed the series and look forward to the next story which looks like it will be a novella featuring the long awaiting wedding of Peyton & Noah…..
4 stars
#AuthorHeidiMcLaughlin #BeaumontSeries #NewAdult #ContemporaryRomance #4225West #QuinnAndNola
#Rockers #RockStars #HotAndSexy #ChasingMyForever #BlushingBabesAreUpAllNight
October 7, 2018
The early copy I read of this book is my second by this author, and I’m beginning to sense a pattern. She loves to torture her readers by keeping the hero and heroine apart for something like 80 percent of the book! In some ways that’s all well and good, because the characters go through growth and development that wouldn’t occur quite as well if they were together. But the thing about all that angst is that there has to be enough payoff to make it an exceptional experience for the reader. If that payoff is there, it makes the agony deliciously satisfying.
This book quickly drew me in, especially since it began with Quinn’s sister’s graduation, one that she had gone through an amazing amount of hardship to achieve. I had read Payton's story so this was a treat to see her hard won achievement. Then I was curious to see how the author would bring Quinn and Nola together. And I loved them together! They were incredibly cute, both being a little shy, tossing out cautious smiles and longing looks to each other. Once they got together, they were fantastic, if not a little hilarious, with Nola navigating Quinn's big, boisterous, famous family. But when things go wrong, they go spectacularly wrong, and I wasn’t sure how things were going to work out.
I really enjoyed this book and loved catching up with all of the 4225 West family. It was wonderful to learn more about Quinn, the quiet, sensitive, shy son and brother. He and Nola had something significant in common, both dealing with expectations and pressure from family while trying to be their own person and find their place in the world, and I was a little surprised this wasn't something they shared with each other. I guess it was one of those things that had to be worked out during their time apart. I was certainly pulling for these two to work things out, which they did, but I would have liked a little more at the end, maybe an epilogue with them settled in their new life together, to provide a little more of that payout I mentioned. Still, this was a wonderful, heartfelt read that I would recommend to others, and I'm glad I had the chance to go on this journey with these characters.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
This book quickly drew me in, especially since it began with Quinn’s sister’s graduation, one that she had gone through an amazing amount of hardship to achieve. I had read Payton's story so this was a treat to see her hard won achievement. Then I was curious to see how the author would bring Quinn and Nola together. And I loved them together! They were incredibly cute, both being a little shy, tossing out cautious smiles and longing looks to each other. Once they got together, they were fantastic, if not a little hilarious, with Nola navigating Quinn's big, boisterous, famous family. But when things go wrong, they go spectacularly wrong, and I wasn’t sure how things were going to work out.
I really enjoyed this book and loved catching up with all of the 4225 West family. It was wonderful to learn more about Quinn, the quiet, sensitive, shy son and brother. He and Nola had something significant in common, both dealing with expectations and pressure from family while trying to be their own person and find their place in the world, and I was a little surprised this wasn't something they shared with each other. I guess it was one of those things that had to be worked out during their time apart. I was certainly pulling for these two to work things out, which they did, but I would have liked a little more at the end, maybe an epilogue with them settled in their new life together, to provide a little more of that payout I mentioned. Still, this was a wonderful, heartfelt read that I would recommend to others, and I'm glad I had the chance to go on this journey with these characters.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
October 18, 2018
Everyone expects Quinn James to follow his father footsteps and become a famous rock star. But Quinn enjoys his quiet life and the open mic night at the Bean Song.
Eleanora Boone's parents planned all her life, from her studies, to her job, even her husband. When she has the opportunity to visit L.A. with a friend, she takes it.
When Quinn and Eleanora's paths cross, they're immediately drawn to each other. But Eleanora is hiding a secret that can tear them apart. Can their new found love survive? Will they fight for each other?
Chasing My Forever is a great addition to the Beaumont: Next Generation series. Quinn and Eleanora's story is sweet, funny and sexy, with a dash of surprises and twists. I loved the chemistry between them and the dual POV.
Quinn is a real sweet and caring guy. He made me swoon a lot. He just wants to follow his own path but he also doesn't want to disappoint his family. He loves them fiercely and will do anything for them. He falls deeply for Eleanora but his shyness, awkwardness and trust issues get a little bit in the way of their relationship.
Eleanora is a sweet young woman that just wants freedom from her parents' demands. All her life she's been told what to do and say, but now she decided to do what she wants. I just hated that she lied to Quinn.
Heidi McLaughlin did an amazing job with Chasing My Forever. Quinn and Eleanora's story will hook you from the first page and take you in an incredible journey about love, family and friendship. Well done!
October 12, 2018
The Beaumont crew is a powerhouse. Their love is constant, loyal and unwavering. Their bond is unique and I truly adore every word that Heidi McLaughlin can bleed on to a page about them.
The stand out for me has always been Harrison. He has always been my guy. There was something about that beanie wearing, tattooed rock star. He will always have my heart. Always.
Now I need to share my heart with another James man. Quinn.
He is everything Harrison is and more, including the beanie!
Quinn truly is a chip off the old block. Harrison raised one hell of a man. I have been along on this journey from the beginning and was beyond excited when I heard that I could really dive into Quinn's story and see the man he grew up to be. Heidi really knocked it out of the park for me on this one. Watching his life blossom was everything!!
If you are a Harrison fan, a Beaumont fan or just a fan of a great love story. You need Q in your life.
The stand out for me has always been Harrison. He has always been my guy. There was something about that beanie wearing, tattooed rock star. He will always have my heart. Always.
Now I need to share my heart with another James man. Quinn.
He is everything Harrison is and more, including the beanie!
Quinn truly is a chip off the old block. Harrison raised one hell of a man. I have been along on this journey from the beginning and was beyond excited when I heard that I could really dive into Quinn's story and see the man he grew up to be. Heidi really knocked it out of the park for me on this one. Watching his life blossom was everything!!
If you are a Harrison fan, a Beaumont fan or just a fan of a great love story. You need Q in your life.
October 23, 2018
I thought chasing my forever was a good story it can be read as a standalone but I would suggest reading them in order and while you at it since this is part of the next generation check out how the parents of the couples found love . I do have to say this was a bit disappointing I wasn't as involved in it like I was for the other stories but this still was ok . Don't want to give to much away but I hope you enjoy Quinns book .
November 12, 2018
Omg Loved this book!
This is the third book in Beaumont: The Next Generation series.
Just when you think you can’t love Harrison James more, you meet his son Quinn James. Omg the Apple does not fall far from the tree! He’s totally swoon-worthy!
Quinn and Eleanora are made for each other! The connection is instant and amazing. Though nothing is ever that easy. Heidi gives us some angst and that swoon-worthy love story that makes me fall for her books every damn time!
If you loved the Beaumont series, you’re going to absolutely love the Next Generation series!
Loved this book! Definitely one click!!
This is the third book in Beaumont: The Next Generation series.
Just when you think you can’t love Harrison James more, you meet his son Quinn James. Omg the Apple does not fall far from the tree! He’s totally swoon-worthy!
Quinn and Eleanora are made for each other! The connection is instant and amazing. Though nothing is ever that easy. Heidi gives us some angst and that swoon-worthy love story that makes me fall for her books every damn time!
If you loved the Beaumont series, you’re going to absolutely love the Next Generation series!
Loved this book! Definitely one click!!
October 22, 2018
I just loved This series so freacking much, and more is always wellcome!
March 15, 2020
Took a little too long for the story line to get moving, but a decent story.
October 13, 2018
3.5 stars.
I have enjoyed the whole Beaumont world, but I find these next gen stories a bit rushed and lacking something.
In this book, I found it started really slowly and the two characters had so little overlap that it just didn’t make sense to me.
I also felt that the end was cut short, like way short. It was almost as if she ran out of time and had to finish where she was.
Still, I like Quinn. I liked Nola. I still don’t really like Elle.
All in all, this series is a little strange for me. I can tell there will be any number of spin offs but I’m unsure whether I’ll continue.
I have enjoyed the whole Beaumont world, but I find these next gen stories a bit rushed and lacking something.
In this book, I found it started really slowly and the two characters had so little overlap that it just didn’t make sense to me.
I also felt that the end was cut short, like way short. It was almost as if she ran out of time and had to finish where she was.
Still, I like Quinn. I liked Nola. I still don’t really like Elle.
All in all, this series is a little strange for me. I can tell there will be any number of spin offs but I’m unsure whether I’ll continue.
April 30, 2019
3.5 stars
October 12, 2018
:(
Q deserved much better
:(
Q deserved much better
:(
January 13, 2019
I loved this one. Quinn and Eleanora are great characters. In the beginning these two are on different paths and I couldn't wait until they meet and to see where there story was going to go. Eleanora's live is all planned out for her. After college graduation, she is to return home and marry for high school boyfriend. She gets an opportunity to go to LA with her friends, she goes. Quinn is a very likable guy. He's struggling with life decisions. Their paths cross in LA. Quinn is from a famous family but Eleanora doesn't know that. Eleanora keeps things about her life outside of LA a secret from Quinn. Just when these two seem to be heading off to goodness something happens that kind of had my head spinning. I really liked this one.
October 30, 2018
Quinn has always been a laid back guy, but in this book he is put to the test. He finds a girl he is interesting in, pursues that, but it implodes. He has to hear from an unlikely source to realize just how much he screwed up. In the midst of this romantic turmoil Quinn had issues with his parents. For once it seems like Harrison isn't on his side, until he is forced to see things from someone else's perspective and seeing live how much his dad stands up for him. Then there is Katelyn...man these 2 have a special connection, one that is showcases when Quinn's world starts to fall apart. With the strength of his family he is able to pull things back together and get what he wants, Nola.
October 4, 2022
This is a series that makes me smile. I love the Beaumont series - the characters, the story line, the butterfly inducing love scenes. I cant wait to read more about my favorite band, their "groupies" and families!!
this is the story of Quinn, the shy talented musician, who wants to be known for his own talent and not his father. Bruised from the abandonment of his Mother, but made strong from the love of his CHOSEN family...Quinn is a very complicated character. I loved reading about his backstory..his fears, his hopes and seeing them all come together.
this series will remain one of my favorites.
cant wait for the next installment!!
this is the story of Quinn, the shy talented musician, who wants to be known for his own talent and not his father. Bruised from the abandonment of his Mother, but made strong from the love of his CHOSEN family...Quinn is a very complicated character. I loved reading about his backstory..his fears, his hopes and seeing them all come together.
this series will remain one of my favorites.
cant wait for the next installment!!
September 9, 2023
Love this series...could spend forever with the Beaumont family....Love Quinn since the very first book.Eleanora is a great match..a Southern belle... I think stories with her brother Rhett would be a hoot...and her friend Kellie..of the stories left to tell...looking forward to many more 😊
Rereading in 2023..I have a soft spot for Quinn and I love this story just feels like it wrapped up pretty quickly..left me wanting more..more stories of new friends..hopefully they will get books too💕
Rereading in 2023..I have a soft spot for Quinn and I love this story just feels like it wrapped up pretty quickly..left me wanting more..more stories of new friends..hopefully they will get books too💕
October 9, 2022
Nowhere close to a favorite of this series.
This was just okay. I think Quinn deserved a better story. He’s been so reserved forever, and then what, insta love? Very out of character.
And Nola? Not so sure about her. So dishonest and it had nothing to do with being a friend to Sophia.
But oh my soul, Alicia Tucker!! What a fruitcake. Quinn dodged a serious bullet never knowing her and getting Katelyn as a mom.
Also, I still don’t like Elle.
This was just okay. I think Quinn deserved a better story. He’s been so reserved forever, and then what, insta love? Very out of character.
And Nola? Not so sure about her. So dishonest and it had nothing to do with being a friend to Sophia.
But oh my soul, Alicia Tucker!! What a fruitcake. Quinn dodged a serious bullet never knowing her and getting Katelyn as a mom.
Also, I still don’t like Elle.
February 25, 2020
Another one, you just cannot put down. Heidi does a great job of making you fall on love with the characters and knowing everything about them. I love how much Quinn has turned into his dad, my favorite character from the first series. Fall in love with Quinn and Elanora in this fun romance.
February 22, 2021
Like slipping into an old blanket. I have loved and followed this series from the beginning. I always love being back with this group. This wasn’t my favorite book of the series, but still a very enjoyable read. Elle....I am over. I think even the other characters are annoyed with her.
October 20, 2018
I still love these books but this one was a little harder going than the others.
June 23, 2020
Finally Quinn’s book! If you have already read the previous books in the series, you will know how loving and protective he is with his family,especially his sisters. In Peyton ‘s book, he didn’t leave her side until Peyton woke up from the coma, and in Elle’s he was by her side supporting her when she went through her dark days.
Quinn is very shy and reserved, he enjoys performing in front of small crowds of cafes and bars. Although her sister Elle pressures him to be a part of the new band that she is forming. Also his father and his uncle Liam push him in that direction since they consider that it would be beneficial for him, be a part of a group, like them. Although Quinn has his reservations. Quinn is afraid that if he draws too much attention, his biological mother Alicia will return to his life and that terrifies him.
Eleonora just finished college and her parents want her to come home and marry her long-life boyfriend Roy. But Eleonora wants to enjoy a life before that, so she asks her parents to let her make her way back home by car with a friend, making several stops along the way. They agree and Eleonora goes with her friend to California. There she enjoys her new freedom, and she starts working as a waitress in a bar. In there she meets Quinn and is love at first sight for both of them.
But Eleonora has been telling lies: to her parents saying that she will return home when she is not; to Quinn, she has lied about her name( she says her name is Nola) and about the existence of Roy(although she quickly break up with him, especially when she finds out that Roy has made another girl pregnant).
And those lies along with the appearance of Alicia will brake their relationship.i was delighted to see how fast Quinn jumps into move in with Nola once he realizes that she loves her, that she is the one. And the relationship with her mother, the mother of the twins, is so beautiful, so sweet.
Except my lack of sleep isn’t about the band, it’s about Nola. I can’t seem to get her off my mind and each time I close my eyes, she’s there, and I’m with her. My vivid imagination played out scenarios where we were together, as a couple, doing all the things my sisters do with their significant others. I even pictured Nola meeting my parents and my mother falling madly in love with her, which is completely nuts since I barely know the woman myself.
This woman, the one who I made love to all night, the one who screamed out my name in pleasure and dug her nails into my skin, showed me what I’ve been missing. The way she responded to my touch, like her body needed mine to survive, sent me to a whole different level emotionally. I have never felt so connected to a woman before like I feel with Nola. It’s as if we’ve known each other for years, been in each other’s lives from the beginning. I want to go as far as saying she’s my soul mate, but I feel that she is. The way my heart is beating right now, I think she’s the only one who can tame it.
“I’ve never been more ready. There’s something about you, Nola. I can’t put my finger on it, but you drive me crazy with desire and I have this need to show you off, to stake a claim and call you my girlfriend. Can I do that? Can I call you my girlfriend?” “Yes, yes you can.”
“Move in with me,” I blurt out in between thrusts. She stills, and I slow down. I look into her eyes and spill everything. “I’m falling so fast, so hard, Nola. I’m head over heels in love with you. Move in with me.” Her hand comes to the back of my head and pulls me down until I’m hovering over her lips. “I love you too,” she whispers and starts moving against me. She doesn’t answer me about moving in, but I figure it’s a done deal. Since the night of Sinful Distraction’s gig at the Roxy, she hasn’t left my side. I can’t imagine spending a night without her.
I’m in love. It’s stupid, reckless, and the best feeling in the world. And yet, I’m keeping secrets from Quinn. Not only him though, my parents, my brother, everyone who means something to me, I’ve kept in the dark. I’ve lied, and I continue to do so because the truth, in this case, will not set me free, instead, it will damage and destroy relationships. My parents will never forgive me for deceiving them. With Quinn, I can only hope that he’ll consider the fact that I didn’t tell him my real name as nothing more than a slip up after I explain why. However, the bigger secret in my life could be an issue. I never thought I’d be in a place, with this man, where I would regret the first day I met him.
“I trusted you. I told you things I’ve never told anyone in my life and you’ve been lying to me this entire time. You brought this vile woman into my life without even warning me, without even asking if I wanted to meet her? Anyone who is associated with Alicia Tucker isn’t welcome in my world. Anyone who cheats and lies, has no place in my life. Clearly, you’re with me under false pretenses and the feelings you say that you have for me aren’t genuine. I should’ve known better than to get involved with a waitress, but there was something about you, and now I know what it was.”
Quinn is very shy and reserved, he enjoys performing in front of small crowds of cafes and bars. Although her sister Elle pressures him to be a part of the new band that she is forming. Also his father and his uncle Liam push him in that direction since they consider that it would be beneficial for him, be a part of a group, like them. Although Quinn has his reservations. Quinn is afraid that if he draws too much attention, his biological mother Alicia will return to his life and that terrifies him.
Eleonora just finished college and her parents want her to come home and marry her long-life boyfriend Roy. But Eleonora wants to enjoy a life before that, so she asks her parents to let her make her way back home by car with a friend, making several stops along the way. They agree and Eleonora goes with her friend to California. There she enjoys her new freedom, and she starts working as a waitress in a bar. In there she meets Quinn and is love at first sight for both of them.
But Eleonora has been telling lies: to her parents saying that she will return home when she is not; to Quinn, she has lied about her name( she says her name is Nola) and about the existence of Roy(although she quickly break up with him, especially when she finds out that Roy has made another girl pregnant).
And those lies along with the appearance of Alicia will brake their relationship.i was delighted to see how fast Quinn jumps into move in with Nola once he realizes that she loves her, that she is the one. And the relationship with her mother, the mother of the twins, is so beautiful, so sweet.
Except my lack of sleep isn’t about the band, it’s about Nola. I can’t seem to get her off my mind and each time I close my eyes, she’s there, and I’m with her. My vivid imagination played out scenarios where we were together, as a couple, doing all the things my sisters do with their significant others. I even pictured Nola meeting my parents and my mother falling madly in love with her, which is completely nuts since I barely know the woman myself.
This woman, the one who I made love to all night, the one who screamed out my name in pleasure and dug her nails into my skin, showed me what I’ve been missing. The way she responded to my touch, like her body needed mine to survive, sent me to a whole different level emotionally. I have never felt so connected to a woman before like I feel with Nola. It’s as if we’ve known each other for years, been in each other’s lives from the beginning. I want to go as far as saying she’s my soul mate, but I feel that she is. The way my heart is beating right now, I think she’s the only one who can tame it.
“I’ve never been more ready. There’s something about you, Nola. I can’t put my finger on it, but you drive me crazy with desire and I have this need to show you off, to stake a claim and call you my girlfriend. Can I do that? Can I call you my girlfriend?” “Yes, yes you can.”
“Move in with me,” I blurt out in between thrusts. She stills, and I slow down. I look into her eyes and spill everything. “I’m falling so fast, so hard, Nola. I’m head over heels in love with you. Move in with me.” Her hand comes to the back of my head and pulls me down until I’m hovering over her lips. “I love you too,” she whispers and starts moving against me. She doesn’t answer me about moving in, but I figure it’s a done deal. Since the night of Sinful Distraction’s gig at the Roxy, she hasn’t left my side. I can’t imagine spending a night without her.
I’m in love. It’s stupid, reckless, and the best feeling in the world. And yet, I’m keeping secrets from Quinn. Not only him though, my parents, my brother, everyone who means something to me, I’ve kept in the dark. I’ve lied, and I continue to do so because the truth, in this case, will not set me free, instead, it will damage and destroy relationships. My parents will never forgive me for deceiving them. With Quinn, I can only hope that he’ll consider the fact that I didn’t tell him my real name as nothing more than a slip up after I explain why. However, the bigger secret in my life could be an issue. I never thought I’d be in a place, with this man, where I would regret the first day I met him.
“I trusted you. I told you things I’ve never told anyone in my life and you’ve been lying to me this entire time. You brought this vile woman into my life without even warning me, without even asking if I wanted to meet her? Anyone who is associated with Alicia Tucker isn’t welcome in my world. Anyone who cheats and lies, has no place in my life. Clearly, you’re with me under false pretenses and the feelings you say that you have for me aren’t genuine. I should’ve known better than to get involved with a waitress, but there was something about you, and now I know what it was.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2018
4.25 stars—
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 9, 2018
Music is his passion. It’s in his blood. Yet, Quinn James isn’t sure if stardom is right for him. His family wants him to join a band, and follow in his father’s footsteps but fear holds him back. He can’t explain it, and when he tries, no one understands what he’s afraid of or why he’s content playing coffee shop gigs where no one knows him.
Eleanora Boone wants to live her life, not the one her very southern parents planned for her, which is why she chose a college thousands of miles away. Now she’s faced with returning home or doing something that would defy her family. When an opportunity to visit Los Angeles falls in her lap, she uses it to become someone different.
California is everything Eleanora thought it would be, and even more so when she meets Quinn, the shy, reserved and brooding musician who’s the complete opposite of the guys she’s used to back home.
For the first time, Quinn’s smitten. The new, mysterious waitress has him wrapped around her finger, and he finds that he is finally able to open up and trust someone outside of his family circle.
But living a different life comes with its risks, and for Eleanora, that risk is a secret that has the power to destroy both of them.
•••••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--CHASING MY FOREVER is the third instalment in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary, new adult THE BEAUMONTS: NEXT GENERATION romance series-a spin-off from the author’s Beaumont Series. This is musician Quinn James, and twenty-two year old, university graduate/waitress Eleanora Boone’s (aka Nola) story line. CHASING MY FOREVER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: If you have not read the original series, there may be some spoilers in my review.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Eleanora and Quinn) CHASING MY FOREVER follows the ‘quiet and reserved’ Quinn James’ whose past is haunted by rejection and issues of trust. Abandoned, as a newborn by his mother, and left with his father, Quinn was raised by his father Harrison, and adopted by Katelyn James but Quinn continues to struggles for a direction in life. A gifted musician whose talent is on the rise, what Quinn fears the most is what keeps our hero hiding in the shadows, playing coffee shops for tip money without moving forward. Enter waitress and recent college graduate Eleanora ‘Nola’ Boone, and the woman with whom Quinn will fall in love. What ensues is the slow building romance between Quinn and Eleanora, and the fall-out as Quinn is blindsided when he discovers Eleanora has been lying, keeping secrets of her own.
Eleanora Boone’s entire future has been planned but our heroine refuses to settle down until she experiences life and everything it has to offer. A cross –country journey with her college roommate Kellie finds Eleanora in California where she will meet the man with whom she will fall in love. Raised by a strict South Carolina family, Eleanora isn’t willing to sacrifice her own happiness for a business deal but Eleanora had no idea the dirt she is about to disturb when she meets the shy and reclusive Quinn James, a man whose deepest secrets and past are about to be revealed. Quinn James remains in the shadows unable to pursue the music he loves –only his mother Katelyn is aware of the fear holding him back. Pressure from his sister Elle, to take a chance on his career, backfires when fame and notoriety bring forth the monsters he has been trying to avoid.
The relationship between Quinn and Eleanora is one of immediate attraction but Quinn struggles to overcome his awkward shyness and issues of trust. Eleanora’s previous relationship is spiralling out of control but a spiral that is slowly taking our heroine along for the ride. The $ex scenes are mostly implied and fade to black.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including Quinn’s best friend Noah Westbury, and his sister Peyton Powell-James; sister Elle and her boyfriend Ben; Harrison and Katelyn James, as well as several members of the Powell-James- Westbury families and the rock band 4225 West. We are introduced to Eleanora’s brother Rhett, her parents Annamae and Willard Boone, and college friends and roommates: Sofia and Kellie. There may be a story developing between Rhett and Kellie.
CHASING MY FOREVER is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and trust. The premise is engaging and heart breaking; the characters are charismatic and stubborn; the romance is passionate and sweet. The tight knit Powell-James- Westbury families are sassy and supportive, and are the backbone and spirit of Heidi McLaughlin’s amazing series.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 9, 2018
Music is his passion. It’s in his blood. Yet, Quinn James isn’t sure if stardom is right for him. His family wants him to join a band, and follow in his father’s footsteps but fear holds him back. He can’t explain it, and when he tries, no one understands what he’s afraid of or why he’s content playing coffee shop gigs where no one knows him.
Eleanora Boone wants to live her life, not the one her very southern parents planned for her, which is why she chose a college thousands of miles away. Now she’s faced with returning home or doing something that would defy her family. When an opportunity to visit Los Angeles falls in her lap, she uses it to become someone different.
California is everything Eleanora thought it would be, and even more so when she meets Quinn, the shy, reserved and brooding musician who’s the complete opposite of the guys she’s used to back home.
For the first time, Quinn’s smitten. The new, mysterious waitress has him wrapped around her finger, and he finds that he is finally able to open up and trust someone outside of his family circle.
But living a different life comes with its risks, and for Eleanora, that risk is a secret that has the power to destroy both of them.
•••••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--CHASING MY FOREVER is the third instalment in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary, new adult THE BEAUMONTS: NEXT GENERATION romance series-a spin-off from the author’s Beaumont Series. This is musician Quinn James, and twenty-two year old, university graduate/waitress Eleanora Boone’s (aka Nola) story line. CHASING MY FOREVER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: If you have not read the original series, there may be some spoilers in my review.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Eleanora and Quinn) CHASING MY FOREVER follows the ‘quiet and reserved’ Quinn James’ whose past is haunted by rejection and issues of trust. Abandoned, as a newborn by his mother, and left with his father, Quinn was raised by his father Harrison, and adopted by Katelyn James but Quinn continues to struggles for a direction in life. A gifted musician whose talent is on the rise, what Quinn fears the most is what keeps our hero hiding in the shadows, playing coffee shops for tip money without moving forward. Enter waitress and recent college graduate Eleanora ‘Nola’ Boone, and the woman with whom Quinn will fall in love. What ensues is the slow building romance between Quinn and Eleanora, and the fall-out as Quinn is blindsided when he discovers Eleanora has been lying, keeping secrets of her own.
Eleanora Boone’s entire future has been planned but our heroine refuses to settle down until she experiences life and everything it has to offer. A cross –country journey with her college roommate Kellie finds Eleanora in California where she will meet the man with whom she will fall in love. Raised by a strict South Carolina family, Eleanora isn’t willing to sacrifice her own happiness for a business deal but Eleanora had no idea the dirt she is about to disturb when she meets the shy and reclusive Quinn James, a man whose deepest secrets and past are about to be revealed. Quinn James remains in the shadows unable to pursue the music he loves –only his mother Katelyn is aware of the fear holding him back. Pressure from his sister Elle, to take a chance on his career, backfires when fame and notoriety bring forth the monsters he has been trying to avoid.
The relationship between Quinn and Eleanora is one of immediate attraction but Quinn struggles to overcome his awkward shyness and issues of trust. Eleanora’s previous relationship is spiralling out of control but a spiral that is slowly taking our heroine along for the ride. The $ex scenes are mostly implied and fade to black.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including Quinn’s best friend Noah Westbury, and his sister Peyton Powell-James; sister Elle and her boyfriend Ben; Harrison and Katelyn James, as well as several members of the Powell-James- Westbury families and the rock band 4225 West. We are introduced to Eleanora’s brother Rhett, her parents Annamae and Willard Boone, and college friends and roommates: Sofia and Kellie. There may be a story developing between Rhett and Kellie.
CHASING MY FOREVER is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and trust. The premise is engaging and heart breaking; the characters are charismatic and stubborn; the romance is passionate and sweet. The tight knit Powell-James- Westbury families are sassy and supportive, and are the backbone and spirit of Heidi McLaughlin’s amazing series.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
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