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The Larson Family Saga #1
Destiny: Our Forever Love
Elise wrote her love story in six months, before time ran out. The story of wild Johnny Larson and quiet Elise Quinn begins with a stolen kiss and ends with . . . well, read it and see.
Johnny Larson is a star football player and a one-night stand guy who lives for wild parties, casual sex and his NFL dream. But when he impulsively kisses his brother's girlfriend one rainy afternoon, their sexual attraction ignites a passionate affair that won't be denied. Johnny calls it their destiny. Elise calls it love.
Their happiness is complete when Johnny is picked in the first round of the NFL Draft, but it ends when he drives drunk after his draft party and kills a pedestrian, turning their dream into a nightmare. When Johnny's struggle with a corrupt prison system leads to his conviction for aggravated murder, Elise joins a desperate legal battle to save him from the death penalty. But does love have the power to overcome destiny?
One reviewer wrote: "This book is a must read! Not only is it well researched and factual, it will have you wondering what's to come with each page you read. Sex, love, death, commitment, prison life, football, childbirth and final goodbyes; it's all here. An excellent book you won't want to put down. Enjoy."
This is not your traditional Happily Ever After love story. You will need tissues as you read this sweeping saga of sexual passion and desire, criminal conspiracy and legal injustice, capital murder and death row, terminal illness and assisted suicide. Get ready for an emotional experience that will confirm your belief in the power of undying love.
For ages 18+ due to sex scenes, adult situations and sensitive issues.
Johnny Larson is a star football player and a one-night stand guy who lives for wild parties, casual sex and his NFL dream. But when he impulsively kisses his brother's girlfriend one rainy afternoon, their sexual attraction ignites a passionate affair that won't be denied. Johnny calls it their destiny. Elise calls it love.
Their happiness is complete when Johnny is picked in the first round of the NFL Draft, but it ends when he drives drunk after his draft party and kills a pedestrian, turning their dream into a nightmare. When Johnny's struggle with a corrupt prison system leads to his conviction for aggravated murder, Elise joins a desperate legal battle to save him from the death penalty. But does love have the power to overcome destiny?
One reviewer wrote: "This book is a must read! Not only is it well researched and factual, it will have you wondering what's to come with each page you read. Sex, love, death, commitment, prison life, football, childbirth and final goodbyes; it's all here. An excellent book you won't want to put down. Enjoy."
This is not your traditional Happily Ever After love story. You will need tissues as you read this sweeping saga of sexual passion and desire, criminal conspiracy and legal injustice, capital murder and death row, terminal illness and assisted suicide. Get ready for an emotional experience that will confirm your belief in the power of undying love.
For ages 18+ due to sex scenes, adult situations and sensitive issues.
664 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2017
149 people are currently reading
698 people want to read
About the author
Elise Quinn Larson
8 books54 followersElise Quinn Larson and Quinn Larson are pen names for the author, whose degrees in history and criminology provide a background for her stories. But background is dull without passion, conflict and love, and the author delivers plenty of each in her novels!
Destiny: Our Forever Love is a sweeping saga of sexual passion and desire, criminal conspiracy and legal injustice, capital murder and death row, terminal illness and assisted suicide. Above all, Destiny is an emotional experience that will confirm your belief in the power of undying love.
The Larson Family Saga continues in Forbidden: Our Secret Love, when Trey--Johnny and Elise's youngest son--risks everything by falling in love with the one woman he is forbidden to possess.
In Unexpected Love: Redeeming a Football Star (The Larson Family Saga, Book 3), Quinn Larson--the NFL's troublesome star quarterback--must choose between salvaging his career and saving the life of the woman he loves.
In Perilous Love: Falling for a Football Star (The Larson Family Saga, Book 4), Mack Grenke--Quinn Larson's best friend--gets involved with a poor Chinese cleaning woman, an Asian street gang, a drug trafficking ring, and a billionaire politician. Don't miss this slow burn, protective hero romance!
Travess Blood tells the story of a lawman tormented by desire, an ex-convict possessed by hate, a woman fighting to save herself and the man she loves, and a small boy caught in the middle of a deadly war between the two men who share his Travess Blood.
The Travess Blood series continues in Travess Land, when Clint Travess must pin on his sheriff's badge again to protect his town, his family and their land from a nefarious rancher who's determined to grab whatever he wants--by any means necessary.
When Clint Travess discovers a mother lode on his Montana homestead, the news draws gold-hungry men who'll do almost anything--legal or not--for the precious treasure in Double Heart Mine. Travess Gold is the third book in the Travess Blood series.
The author's books are recommended for ages 18+ due to adult content, language, and sensitive issues.
Destiny: Our Forever Love is a sweeping saga of sexual passion and desire, criminal conspiracy and legal injustice, capital murder and death row, terminal illness and assisted suicide. Above all, Destiny is an emotional experience that will confirm your belief in the power of undying love.
The Larson Family Saga continues in Forbidden: Our Secret Love, when Trey--Johnny and Elise's youngest son--risks everything by falling in love with the one woman he is forbidden to possess.
In Unexpected Love: Redeeming a Football Star (The Larson Family Saga, Book 3), Quinn Larson--the NFL's troublesome star quarterback--must choose between salvaging his career and saving the life of the woman he loves.
In Perilous Love: Falling for a Football Star (The Larson Family Saga, Book 4), Mack Grenke--Quinn Larson's best friend--gets involved with a poor Chinese cleaning woman, an Asian street gang, a drug trafficking ring, and a billionaire politician. Don't miss this slow burn, protective hero romance!
Travess Blood tells the story of a lawman tormented by desire, an ex-convict possessed by hate, a woman fighting to save herself and the man she loves, and a small boy caught in the middle of a deadly war between the two men who share his Travess Blood.
The Travess Blood series continues in Travess Land, when Clint Travess must pin on his sheriff's badge again to protect his town, his family and their land from a nefarious rancher who's determined to grab whatever he wants--by any means necessary.
When Clint Travess discovers a mother lode on his Montana homestead, the news draws gold-hungry men who'll do almost anything--legal or not--for the precious treasure in Double Heart Mine. Travess Gold is the third book in the Travess Blood series.
The author's books are recommended for ages 18+ due to adult content, language, and sensitive issues.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
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January 9, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/20/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Johnny Larson is a star football player and a one-night stand guy who lives for wild parties, casual sex and his NFL dream. But when he impulsively kisses his brother's girlfriend one rainy afternoon, their sexual attraction ignites a passionate affair that won't be denied. Johnny calls it their destiny. Elise calls it love.
Their happiness is complete when Johnny is picked in the third round of the NFL draft, but it ends when he drives drunk after his draft party and kills a pedestrian, turning their dream into a nightmare. When Johnny's struggle with a corrupt prison system leads to his conviction for aggravated murder, Elise joins a desperate legal battle to save him from the death penalty. But does love have the power to overcome destiny?
This is not your traditional Happily Ever After love story. You will need tissues as you read this sweeping saga of sexual passion and desire, criminal conspiracy and legal injustice, capital murder and death row. Get ready for an emotional experience that will confirm your belief in the power of undying love.
Blurb:
Johnny Larson is a star football player and a one-night stand guy who lives for wild parties, casual sex and his NFL dream. But when he impulsively kisses his brother's girlfriend one rainy afternoon, their sexual attraction ignites a passionate affair that won't be denied. Johnny calls it their destiny. Elise calls it love.
Their happiness is complete when Johnny is picked in the third round of the NFL draft, but it ends when he drives drunk after his draft party and kills a pedestrian, turning their dream into a nightmare. When Johnny's struggle with a corrupt prison system leads to his conviction for aggravated murder, Elise joins a desperate legal battle to save him from the death penalty. But does love have the power to overcome destiny?
This is not your traditional Happily Ever After love story. You will need tissues as you read this sweeping saga of sexual passion and desire, criminal conspiracy and legal injustice, capital murder and death row. Get ready for an emotional experience that will confirm your belief in the power of undying love.
May 25, 2018
Destiny: Our Forever Love is a series in one very large (and long) book. While it is well-written, I just got tired reading it after awhile. It is also extremely emotional and full of sadness. You'll need a tissue box next to you as you read.
My Rating: 4 stars
My Rating: 4 stars
March 2, 2023
Hydrate yourself before reading
The bad news: this book is way too long. It starts off strong and then the story just starts to stagnate. Is it really a romance if the couple are separated for a large part of the story? At one point I almost abandoned this book due to boredom. Thanks to some helpful reviews (and a decent bit of skimming) I persevered. Once I re-engaged with the tale, the tissues came out and I was a goner. Nearly two solid hours of ugly crying! Considering I love tearjerkers, that is a huge positive.
My advice for reading this book:
Read in digital format so you can skip the long boring bits. You can easily go back if you feel you missed something.
Drink up beforehand if you tend sob at the thought of losing a loved one.
Stock up on tissues and gird yourself for a heartwarming tearjerker.
The bad news: this book is way too long. It starts off strong and then the story just starts to stagnate. Is it really a romance if the couple are separated for a large part of the story? At one point I almost abandoned this book due to boredom. Thanks to some helpful reviews (and a decent bit of skimming) I persevered. Once I re-engaged with the tale, the tissues came out and I was a goner. Nearly two solid hours of ugly crying! Considering I love tearjerkers, that is a huge positive.
My advice for reading this book:
Read in digital format so you can skip the long boring bits. You can easily go back if you feel you missed something.
Drink up beforehand if you tend sob at the thought of losing a loved one.
Stock up on tissues and gird yourself for a heartwarming tearjerker.
April 21, 2020
I sit here crying...
Amazing strength, love, and such pain, so much pain. Yet, through it all comes a heart rending story or immense love . A love so strong it will never end.
I felt every moment of this book, as I too, have never felt another even desire for anyone but my husband, near to eight years, later my love is just as strong and will not change.
Such a moving novel of love, that frankly for one who can read as many as six books a day, I believe I will not pick another up today. I cannot imagine even humor, or suspense after reading something so moving, truly my eyes burn and my head hurts, let alone the pain I feel!
This novel is not an easy read, it is meant for someone with strength and seriously attentive to read.
However, you will not be disappointed, you will be moved beyond imaginable.
Blessings!
Karen
Amazing strength, love, and such pain, so much pain. Yet, through it all comes a heart rending story or immense love . A love so strong it will never end.
I felt every moment of this book, as I too, have never felt another even desire for anyone but my husband, near to eight years, later my love is just as strong and will not change.
Such a moving novel of love, that frankly for one who can read as many as six books a day, I believe I will not pick another up today. I cannot imagine even humor, or suspense after reading something so moving, truly my eyes burn and my head hurts, let alone the pain I feel!
This novel is not an easy read, it is meant for someone with strength and seriously attentive to read.
However, you will not be disappointed, you will be moved beyond imaginable.
Blessings!
Karen
October 29, 2018
So much potential..
This story is brilliant, or could have been. The writing lacked any sort of sophistication, characters lacked any real development or feel, the dialogue was simplistic and unrealistic and the focus placed on sex seemed very out of place... especially given the actual sex scenes were awkwardly written, strangely clinical and hard to read.
Where this story grips you, if you manage to make it that far are the journal entries... they were raw, emotional and honest and left you wanting more.... until you discover there IS more, and you read book 2 and you wish you hadn’t.
I love the concept, I would love to see this rewritten with some depth, and with characters that don’t constantly have you wondering when all this was supposed to be taking place.
This story is brilliant, or could have been. The writing lacked any sort of sophistication, characters lacked any real development or feel, the dialogue was simplistic and unrealistic and the focus placed on sex seemed very out of place... especially given the actual sex scenes were awkwardly written, strangely clinical and hard to read.
Where this story grips you, if you manage to make it that far are the journal entries... they were raw, emotional and honest and left you wanting more.... until you discover there IS more, and you read book 2 and you wish you hadn’t.
I love the concept, I would love to see this rewritten with some depth, and with characters that don’t constantly have you wondering when all this was supposed to be taking place.
November 23, 2025
There were times I wanted to stop reading this book, that's how boring it was written. As you can tell by this review I kept going. Really wait until the last possible second to save Johnny? I'll have to remember to look and see which movie that is from. Jim was just annoying as hell and never should have married Lisa. He new she loved him and wanted kids, but he was to busy obsessing over Elise. The part the got to me was her in the end. The brain tumor. Damn. Why did her seizures last so long? Mine last anywhere from 15-30 second (afterwards I go to sleep for about 4 hours), I wake up in a hospital and they tell me I had seizure. Yes I have grand mal.
March 25, 2019
Wow If your looking for a story that has it all this is it ... Love , Joy , heartache and Grief ... I started reading this book not knowing that it would throw me for a loop. A wonderful story of love and real life tragedies. Have a box of tissues next to you because you will need it but it was worth it . This book might not be for all and it’s understandable ... if you dare read it it’s worth it ...
August 20, 2021
Shew. Where to begin? I’ll Keep it short & simple. Wow. Heartbreaking, passionate, moving, did I mention heartbreaking?!!! Yes, this book was loooong but worth it. I was moved by this family & love story. But stock up on tissues because I couldn’t stop the tears. Can’t wait to read more of the series. ❤️💔
April 3, 2022
I loved and hated this book from beginning to end I cried and got happy through this book I tried putting this book down several times but couldn’t this book really hit close to home for me im from Oregon also I know all about the death with dignity act personally but I couldn’t stop reading it will always be one of my favorites through all the happy and sad I will always think of this book
July 11, 2018
You will need plenty of Kleenex
The best book I have read. A wonderful story about a rare and true love with ups and downs. The author really put her feelings into the book and told the story with her faith and dignity. Do not pass this book up
The best book I have read. A wonderful story about a rare and true love with ups and downs. The author really put her feelings into the book and told the story with her faith and dignity. Do not pass this book up
November 8, 2018
Don't read it you are moved to tears by a beautiful tale.
I couldn't put it down despite being heartbroken. I don't care for graphic sex in novels but this was such an internal part of their love.
I couldn't put it down despite being heartbroken. I don't care for graphic sex in novels but this was such an internal part of their love.
February 19, 2021
Crying like a baby
What a heart breaking ending. I love this story from beginning to end. I felt every emotion possible reading this book. Thanks for a wonderful story. I look forward to the next one.
What a heart breaking ending. I love this story from beginning to end. I felt every emotion possible reading this book. Thanks for a wonderful story. I look forward to the next one.
February 14, 2022
A Rollercoaster of a Read
I really wasn't sure about this book. It took me a good few chapters to really settle down with the story and the characters, from them on the book was unputdownable. One word of warning, you will a box of tissues within easy reach.
I really wasn't sure about this book. It took me a good few chapters to really settle down with the story and the characters, from them on the book was unputdownable. One word of warning, you will a box of tissues within easy reach.
September 27, 2022
Beautiful and heartbreaking
Elise and Johnny's story is so beautiful, so frustrating, and so heartbreaking. She is fierce in her love for her family. He is a hero at heart. Life can be so cruel. But together there love overcomes so much in life and death.
Elise and Johnny's story is so beautiful, so frustrating, and so heartbreaking. She is fierce in her love for her family. He is a hero at heart. Life can be so cruel. But together there love overcomes so much in life and death.
October 30, 2022
A must read, ,m,,
This was a very good romance story so much real truth and happiness , I could not but it down at times. I highly would it. So very true to life. A real must read,,,, TT
Tha for writing it and sharing.
This was a very good romance story so much real truth and happiness , I could not but it down at times. I highly would it. So very true to life. A real must read,,,, TT
Tha for writing it and sharing.
February 2, 2018
This book was so good i cried i went through ever stage of grief along with Johnny the book is worth reading please read this book you won't be disappointed.
February 5, 2018
Very moving book
This is one of the best books I have read lately. It's very well written and keeps you wondering what's going to happen next and how they will get through it.
This is one of the best books I have read lately. It's very well written and keeps you wondering what's going to happen next and how they will get through it.
May 12, 2018
Wow
Great book! Stayed up LATE to finish this book Cried through a lot of this story. Characters were well thought out and storyline was awesome.
Great book! Stayed up LATE to finish this book Cried through a lot of this story. Characters were well thought out and storyline was awesome.
October 31, 2018
A Forever Love Story
This story held me throughout and had me in tears quite a few times. It was a beautiful story and it touched my heart.
This story held me throughout and had me in tears quite a few times. It was a beautiful story and it touched my heart.
June 13, 2019
Love, Love, Love.
This book is hard to read but I am so glad I did. This is about unconditional love, strength and courage.
This book is hard to read but I am so glad I did. This is about unconditional love, strength and courage.
January 12, 2020
4 stars
This is the sadder book I have read. The characters are so real. The love so vivid. He prepared to sleep buckets of tears.
This is the sadder book I have read. The characters are so real. The love so vivid. He prepared to sleep buckets of tears.
April 27, 2020
Loved it. Very heartwrenching
This book was fantastic. Draws you in from page one. Make sure you have nothing else to do once you start reading!
This book was fantastic. Draws you in from page one. Make sure you have nothing else to do once you start reading!
March 18, 2021
Mixed emotions
A beautiful read, and make sure you have tissues handy for the end. Definitely worth reading, despite the ending being sad.
A beautiful read, and make sure you have tissues handy for the end. Definitely worth reading, despite the ending being sad.
May 10, 2021
Holy crap...I needed to buy more tissues...
July 29, 2021
A saga
I was completely heartbroken through the majority of this book. The author managed to infuse loss with hope. I don't know if I will be able to read anymore of this series
I was completely heartbroken through the majority of this book. The author managed to infuse loss with hope. I don't know if I will be able to read anymore of this series
September 8, 2021
This love
This was one of the hardest books I have ever read. I have never cried so much reading a book it's story was a little to close to home I'm s
This was one of the hardest books I have ever read. I have never cried so much reading a book it's story was a little to close to home I'm s
September 25, 2023
Destiny
The book was good but too long. It was too drawn out. The story about when he was in jail was too long.
The book was good but too long. It was too drawn out. The story about when he was in jail was too long.
October 20, 2025
This book was to long and went into to much detail. It needed to be split up to two books of leave some of the details about the lawyers and things out. It could have been a really good book.
January 1, 2018
I tried to win this book as a giveaway but when I didnt win it I went ahead and looked it up. I wasnt to have my mind blown or to be crying by the time I finished reading it!! Overall the book was good and I'm glad I gave it a chance.
August 20, 2019
Very interesting
So, I got tired of the sex sometimes. I was captivated by the parts that were forever. I cried through the sad parts. In the end, I was glad I read the book.
So, I got tired of the sex sometimes. I was captivated by the parts that were forever. I cried through the sad parts. In the end, I was glad I read the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews