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Madaris Family Saga #1
Tonight and Forever
Yesterday
After her marriage ends in bitter divorce, all Lorren Jacobs wants is to leave California behind. Returning to her roots in Texas seems to be just what the doctor ordered…until she meets real-life physician Justin Madaris. Lorren has vowed never to give her heart to another man, but she can't stop herself from responding to the handsome widower's sensuous whispers of love….
Today…
Justin thought no woman could ever move him as deeply as his wife had. Until Lorren. She rekindles a desire he never believed he'd feel again. But sharing a life together means letting go of the past. Somehow, Justin and Lorren must fight through the painful memories to fulfill the passionate promise of tomorrow….
After her marriage ends in bitter divorce, all Lorren Jacobs wants is to leave California behind. Returning to her roots in Texas seems to be just what the doctor ordered…until she meets real-life physician Justin Madaris. Lorren has vowed never to give her heart to another man, but she can't stop herself from responding to the handsome widower's sensuous whispers of love….
Today…
Justin thought no woman could ever move him as deeply as his wife had. Until Lorren. She rekindles a desire he never believed he'd feel again. But sharing a life together means letting go of the past. Somehow, Justin and Lorren must fight through the painful memories to fulfill the passionate promise of tomorrow….
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1995
311 people are currently reading
1444 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
895 books3,589 followersIn 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
September 21, 2021
Brenda Jackson’s Tonight and Forever is her first published book and the first in her long-running series of the Madaris family. It’s a Pinnacle Arabesque romance from 1995, which are category romances but are not numbered, at least not to my knowledge.
Lorren Jacobs has left behind her past in California to return to her roots in Texas. After a bad marriage led to a bitter divorce, all she wants is to be with the people she loves and focus on her career of writing children’s books. At a party, the successful doctor Justin Madaris catches sight of her and is instantly smitten. Lorren is a beautiful woman, and receiving male attention is natural, but she wants none of that. Especially not from handsome men like Justin Madaris.
While Lorren had an unhappy marriage to a horrible man, Justin is a widower of ten years. His marriage was happy, but sadly, his wife is dead. Justin, however, is still in the realm of the living and is willing to live and love. He’s a mature man in touch with his feelings, not one who lets his feelings control him. However, he does have a sort of rosy, idealized version of his first wife and does keep a token from her. Usually, I’m not too fond of the dead wife trope, but I didn’t feel that Justin was mourning his wife to the exclusion of living in the present. He’s obviously attracted to Lorren and willing to have a relationship with her.
Justin pursues Lorren. Lorren is attracted to the good doctor, but she’s unsure. Her husband hurt her with lies about her inadequacy in the bedroom, which caused a hard shell to form around her as far as men are concerned. But Justin is gentle in his courtship. Lorren’s hesitancy could get a little off-putting, but if, as a reader, you enjoy a kind, sensitive hero who doesn’t force his way over the heroine, you’ll love Justin.
Parts from Lorren’s past make a reappearance to cause trouble. Justin, in a way, has to come to terms that the future is now with Lorren and not with a past that’s gone forever.
Tonight and Forver is a fairly simple romance with a fairly simple plot. The writing is good, but what might one expect from a first book. What propels Tonight and Forever into a “better than good” zone is that it isn’t just a romance about the healing power of love. It’s a book about the power of love itself.
Jackson has since gone on to author over 100 works of fiction. I’m interested in reading more of her work, especially as she’s peppered this book with plenty of side characters you know are getting stories of their own.
3.5 stars
Lorren Jacobs has left behind her past in California to return to her roots in Texas. After a bad marriage led to a bitter divorce, all she wants is to be with the people she loves and focus on her career of writing children’s books. At a party, the successful doctor Justin Madaris catches sight of her and is instantly smitten. Lorren is a beautiful woman, and receiving male attention is natural, but she wants none of that. Especially not from handsome men like Justin Madaris.
While Lorren had an unhappy marriage to a horrible man, Justin is a widower of ten years. His marriage was happy, but sadly, his wife is dead. Justin, however, is still in the realm of the living and is willing to live and love. He’s a mature man in touch with his feelings, not one who lets his feelings control him. However, he does have a sort of rosy, idealized version of his first wife and does keep a token from her. Usually, I’m not too fond of the dead wife trope, but I didn’t feel that Justin was mourning his wife to the exclusion of living in the present. He’s obviously attracted to Lorren and willing to have a relationship with her.
Justin pursues Lorren. Lorren is attracted to the good doctor, but she’s unsure. Her husband hurt her with lies about her inadequacy in the bedroom, which caused a hard shell to form around her as far as men are concerned. But Justin is gentle in his courtship. Lorren’s hesitancy could get a little off-putting, but if, as a reader, you enjoy a kind, sensitive hero who doesn’t force his way over the heroine, you’ll love Justin.
Parts from Lorren’s past make a reappearance to cause trouble. Justin, in a way, has to come to terms that the future is now with Lorren and not with a past that’s gone forever.
Tonight and Forver is a fairly simple romance with a fairly simple plot. The writing is good, but what might one expect from a first book. What propels Tonight and Forever into a “better than good” zone is that it isn’t just a romance about the healing power of love. It’s a book about the power of love itself.
Jackson has since gone on to author over 100 works of fiction. I’m interested in reading more of her work, especially as she’s peppered this book with plenty of side characters you know are getting stories of their own.
3.5 stars
March 1, 2014
I have finally read the first book in the series Madaris Family by Ms. Jackson. It has been on my TBR Pile for many years now. I have to say that I was in now way disappointed about what greeted me in chapter one or bade me fair-well in the last chapter or the epilogue.
Marriage is no stranger to either Lorren Jacobs, a children's author or the divinely handsome Justin Madaris, general practitioner. One's marriage was filled with pain, mistrust, degradation, spite, and lies. The other had a beautiful loving relationship. How could the one teach the other how to love again and want more at the end?
In a way that only Ms. Jackson can do it. She provides the opening for both her hero and heroine to find their way to the other. Its not a romance filled with drama or ghetto lime life. If that is what you are looking for move on to another. This is pure romance and the possibilities of love.
Marriage is no stranger to either Lorren Jacobs, a children's author or the divinely handsome Justin Madaris, general practitioner. One's marriage was filled with pain, mistrust, degradation, spite, and lies. The other had a beautiful loving relationship. How could the one teach the other how to love again and want more at the end?
In a way that only Ms. Jackson can do it. She provides the opening for both her hero and heroine to find their way to the other. Its not a romance filled with drama or ghetto lime life. If that is what you are looking for move on to another. This is pure romance and the possibilities of love.
February 6, 2011
Good Story . Brenda Jackson is turning out to be one of the best romance authors for me and i have been reading romance since i was 14. Keeper you will like this story
April 26, 2024
These stories are idyllic but believable with different emotional barriers in each. I never thought I could get into romance novels until I discovered this author.
March 8, 2021
This was my first ever Brenda Jackson read and I was not disappointed.
Lorren has moved away from her life in CA following a tumultuous relationship with her ex-husband. The dysfunction she experienced in her marriage has not just left her hurt, but completely distrusting of future relationships and romance. In an attempt to heal and move on, she is trying to focus on herself and her career. But this is not made easy when she encounters Justin, the local doctor who too, recently moved into their small town in TX and has had his heart broken.
Lorren and Justin balanced each other out; whenever Lorren attempted to retreat within herself or push him away, he always found a way to assure her that he wasn't going anywhere and was determined to make things work. But it was done so in a way that did not ignore her issues with having her boundaries and wishes respected.
I will say, as much as I enjoyed my reading experience, I quickly tired of all the fade to black scenes. And there were some things that did not age too well, but that was to be expected given that this was originally published in the 90s. However, I look forward to making my way through the author's [rather extensive] backlist.
CW:
Lorren has moved away from her life in CA following a tumultuous relationship with her ex-husband. The dysfunction she experienced in her marriage has not just left her hurt, but completely distrusting of future relationships and romance. In an attempt to heal and move on, she is trying to focus on herself and her career. But this is not made easy when she encounters Justin, the local doctor who too, recently moved into their small town in TX and has had his heart broken.
Lorren and Justin balanced each other out; whenever Lorren attempted to retreat within herself or push him away, he always found a way to assure her that he wasn't going anywhere and was determined to make things work. But it was done so in a way that did not ignore her issues with having her boundaries and wishes respected.
I will say, as much as I enjoyed my reading experience, I quickly tired of all the fade to black scenes. And there were some things that did not age too well, but that was to be expected given that this was originally published in the 90s. However, I look forward to making my way through the author's [rather extensive] backlist.
CW:
July 6, 2014
I have finally read the first book in the series Madaris Family by Ms. Jackson. It has been on my TBR Pile for many years now. I have to say that I was in now way disappointed about what greeted me in chapter one or bade me fair-well in the last chapter or the epilogue.
Marriage is no stranger to either Lorren Jacobs, a children's author or the divinely handsome Justin Madaris, general practitioner. One's marriage was filled with pain, mistrust, degradation, spite, and lies. The other had a beautiful loving relationship. How could the one teach the other how to love again and want more at the end?
In a way that only Ms. Jackson can do it. She provides the opening for both her hero and heroine to find their way to the other. Its not a romance filled with drama or ghetto lime life. If that is what you are looking for move on to another. This is pure romance and the possibilities of love
Marriage is no stranger to either Lorren Jacobs, a children's author or the divinely handsome Justin Madaris, general practitioner. One's marriage was filled with pain, mistrust, degradation, spite, and lies. The other had a beautiful loving relationship. How could the one teach the other how to love again and want more at the end?
In a way that only Ms. Jackson can do it. She provides the opening for both her hero and heroine to find their way to the other. Its not a romance filled with drama or ghetto lime life. If that is what you are looking for move on to another. This is pure romance and the possibilities of love
March 26, 2014
Absolutely amazing!! Ms. Jackson has done it again!! I fell in love with her independent books and couldn't wait to start one of her series and I was not disappointed. From beginning to end I was entranced with Justin and Lorren's love story. This book had just the right amount of love, drama, and pain. The perfect book for anyone that has been hurt in love and not open to finding it again. Trust me, this book will make you believe that love, fate, and soul mates truly exists.
January 17, 2016
Title: Tonight and Forever
Author: Brenda Jackson
Publisher: Arabesque
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Series: Madaris Family and Friends #1
Rating: 5
Review:
"Tonight and Forever" by Brenda Jackson...
What was this novel about:
"After her marriage ends in bitter divorce, all Lorren Jacobs wants is to leave California behind. Returning to her roots in Texas seems to be just what the doctor ordered...until she meets real-life physician Justin Madaris. Lorren has vowed never to give her heart to another man, but she can't stop herself from responding to the handsome widower's sensuous whispers of love..."
What I enjoyed from this read...
The author did a beautiful job bringing us a romantic story of two people: Lorren Jacobs and Dr. Justin Madaris who both has some baggage that each would have to overcome before things started to happening good for them mentally, physically and even emotionally. "Tonight and Forever" was truly a good story of how these two found the true love that they both needed the second time around. The novel is definitely a attention grabber that will keep you reading and even wanting more at the end.
Author: Brenda Jackson
Publisher: Arabesque
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Series: Madaris Family and Friends #1
Rating: 5
Review:
"Tonight and Forever" by Brenda Jackson...
What was this novel about:
"After her marriage ends in bitter divorce, all Lorren Jacobs wants is to leave California behind. Returning to her roots in Texas seems to be just what the doctor ordered...until she meets real-life physician Justin Madaris. Lorren has vowed never to give her heart to another man, but she can't stop herself from responding to the handsome widower's sensuous whispers of love..."
What I enjoyed from this read...
The author did a beautiful job bringing us a romantic story of two people: Lorren Jacobs and Dr. Justin Madaris who both has some baggage that each would have to overcome before things started to happening good for them mentally, physically and even emotionally. "Tonight and Forever" was truly a good story of how these two found the true love that they both needed the second time around. The novel is definitely a attention grabber that will keep you reading and even wanting more at the end.
May 11, 2020
I enjoyed this. Low angst and with an old fashioned feel (it was pub'd in 1995) in that it sometimes felt like it was narrating what happened instead of just letting stuff unfold. I like that Lorren had to get over the effects of an abusive ex-husband, and Justin had to get over his idealized memories of his first marriage, for them to get together. I like that both exes kinda came into the picture briefly (Justin's ex in the form of the medallion he kept from her and Lorren's ex in person) and created conflict, but that the conflict was pretty easily resolved. It's a sweet, cozy romance, and you can already see the seeds for future books in the series.
January 23, 2012
I enjoyed this book so much it's just a simple romance novel, but it was so good. Dr. Justin Madaris was just what Lorren Jacobs needed after ending an abusive marriage and Lorren was just what Justin needed after the loss of his first wife. This was a great love story and my favorite scene was when they were in the car and heard a loud noise and Justin went into action. He went form showing one type of love to Lorren all the way to showing love in the most human and kind capacity. Lovely story.
August 18, 2013
This was an excellent story that touched on healing, fate, trust, insecurities, and moving on to find true love. Dr. Justin Madaris was the perfect person to help Lorren learn to trust and love again after the loss of his wife. Even though she had baggage, he also had to get over losing his beloved Denise in order to hold onto Lorren who he helped to find true love after her divorce from a wicked jerk.
December 14, 2014
Love is going to last forever
I do not know how I hadn't read Justin and Lorren's story before, however I am grateful that I have now. I truly believe things and people come into your life for a reason, a season and a lifetime. Justin and Lorren's story encompasses two of the three, the reason being healing and the final being a lifetime.
I do not know how I hadn't read Justin and Lorren's story before, however I am grateful that I have now. I truly believe things and people come into your life for a reason, a season and a lifetime. Justin and Lorren's story encompasses two of the three, the reason being healing and the final being a lifetime.
March 11, 2011
When I bought this book, I thought I was just buying the first book in a series about the Madaris family. I didn't know that it was a romance novel. LOL, anyways, I still really liked it and look forward of reading more of her work in the future.
June 21, 2013
This is the 1st Madaris book I read. The book's storyline was not very hot & steamy, & very predictable. I felt sorry for Lorren & Justin. I love Ms. Jackson books but this one was just okay to read in your free time. I hope the 2nd book in this series is better than this one.
January 29, 2015
Belief in fate and healing of old relationships to build new stronger ones. Justin Madaris has to get over his wife's death ten years ago and Lorren has to get over her feelings of inadequacy in bed because of the lies her ex-husband made her believe.
September 10, 2013
Very touching story. It's amazing to see two people who have emotional baggage, heal one another. Love is a powerful thing and I also believe that fate plays a strong hand in relationships! Great Job BRENDA!!
Read
July 11, 2014Sensual
Justin and Lorren had sensuality from their first encounter. I loved the chemistry between the two of them. This was a book that made me really feel good and love the Madaris clan. I would highly recommend this book.
Justin and Lorren had sensuality from their first encounter. I loved the chemistry between the two of them. This was a book that made me really feel good and love the Madaris clan. I would highly recommend this book.
October 22, 2014
This is a beautiful love story between Justin Madaris, a physician, and Lorren Jacobs, author of children's books. Problem # 1: Lorren's abusive, stalker-like ex-husband. Problem # 2: Justin is still in love with his dead wife, Denise. Will their love be strong enough to overcome their issues?
October 1, 2022
What an enchanting romance!
Tonight and Forever is such a great read! It definitely makes you believe in love if you don't already. Justin and Loreen overcame so many things to one day become each other's fate. It makes you believe in happily ever after.
Tonight and Forever is such a great read! It definitely makes you believe in love if you don't already. Justin and Loreen overcame so many things to one day become each other's fate. It makes you believe in happily ever after.
Read
January 6, 2011Very good, very hot...They kind of went around in circles too much about her being hurt and not realizing that he loved and wanted her, but overall it was very good.
August 25, 2011
This story was so nice to read. Good characters and an interesting plot. I wish Scott had the chance to do more dirty work but these stories are always so short.
June 10, 2012
This was a nice introduction to the Madaris series. Now I'm torn between reading Dex's story which is #2 in the series or Clayton's which is #3.
January 20, 2012
Another hit in the Madaris family saga from Brenda Jackson.
October 11, 2014
Very sweet and heartfelt book, but also extremely predictable (and at times pretty cheesy). Overall a good read
February 2, 2014
Very interesting but predictable ending.
September 30, 2014
Great Read, another author I am enjoying her work
August 24, 2015
Quintessential love story! 4 stars! The storyline was very nice and the characters were realistic and relatable.
June 7, 2015
Loved this book!!!!!
September 3, 2015
My first Brenda Jackson book. I love her writing style . Couldn't put it down ....
March 12, 2016
Emotionally awesome.
Great story and very emotional not to mention full of surprises to say the least. I couldn't put it down.
Great story and very emotional not to mention full of surprises to say the least. I couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews