Heidi McLaughlin

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Imagine this if you will. Picturesque Texas small town. Football games on Friday nights. Small family-owned businesses lining the streets. Greeting your neighbor as you walk into the town square. And then the rockers come to town. Welcome to Beaumont, TX folks. The women are passionate, and then men will scorch the pages. Every time I read a new Heidi McLaughlin book I think to myself, does it get any better than this? Can she make me love show more this couple more than the last? And then once I finish said book, I laugh at myself. Because of course she can. She writes with such fluidity that you are literally thrust into the story with the boys of 4225 West and the women whom they love and love them. First there was Liam. And like any first love, he sticks with you. Then there was Harrison, and I was all, Liam who?! But then…..in walks Jimmy “JD”, and Liam and Harrison sit pouting on the backburner. Don’t worry boys. I’ll be back.

“I know I’m not the best man out there, but I look at you and you make me want to be better. I don’t do commitments, but when I look at you, I see a future. I see my future.”

JD is the band member we previously knew the least about, but I always found him intriguing. You know how you can sense, without much interaction, that someone has a story to tell? JD and Jenna SCREAMED that throughout the few pages they graced in the previous books. I knew their story would be juicy, I knew it would pull at my heartstrings, and I knew I would be a puddle of much by the time it was all said and done. Heidi did NOT disappoint. If anything, she raised the bar so high, I fear Liam and Harrison will never be able to reach it. For all his reputation that precedes him, JD really is just a man who wants to love. After catching his fiancé screwing two men, he has vowed to never open his heart like that again. A child of divorce and a product of abandonment, he has serious daddy issues that carry over into his adult life. We are graced with flashbacks of his life growing up, and let me tell you, they ripped my heart out. Every child should be loved and wanted, and for them to realize they aren’t, my heart just breaks.

I’m beginning to learn how I can work her body. It sings to me and I’m listening loud and clear.

Jenna. Oh Jenna. I just LOVED her. She is the kind of woman you want as a friend. The kind that you know will have your back no matter what, but also someone who carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. Jenna, too, has given up on love. Trapped in an abusive marriage for far too long, she finally escaped five years ago, and settled in Beaumont. Trying to put her life back together and re-discover who she is, the last thing she is looking for is a relationship. Budding attraction and wanting to throw caution to the wind leads to a one-night stand at Josie and Liam’s wedding that neither Jenna nor JD will ever forget.

“This is the type of passion I want in my life and if it’s short lived then so be it. I’ll cherish each moment until he takes them away from me.”

This story is unconventional from the first page to the last. There will be times where you are wondering, what the heck?! They did everything ass-backwards. I can promise you though. When you get to know Jenna and JD and their personalities and what makes them tick, it WILL make complete sense. You WILL fall in love with them so hard your heart will ache to be filled like that. To know a love like that. To have a lover like that. Because what these two share, though they BOTH try to deny it for FAR too long, is purely magical. Sometimes our hearts know what our heads won’t yet accept. Sometimes there truly IS a reason for everything. Every small, inconsequential act adds up to bigger results. The love that these two share will dampen the pages, because your heart will literally be bursting with joy. I felt SO strongly for this couple and I was rooting for them every step of the way. There was danger, there was fear, there was friendship, but most importantly, there was love. And love ALWAYS rules at the end of the day.

After we set sail, there's gonna be storms
Just don't lose faith in me cause I'll keep us on course
Remember this day, it's written in the stars
We're on our way to forever, girl, it's not that far...

If you’ve read a Beaumont book before, which seeing as this is book three I would certainly hope you have, then you know that almost as strong as love, family is the presiding force in this book. Not just the family we are born with, but the family you choose. Because that is what 4225 West is. A family. Once you are in the fold, you are there for life. That was never more true nor endearing than in Finding My Forever. More than the love between JD and Jenna, my heart simply sobbed between these interactions. They way they all protected each other, fought for each other, and well, you just have to read it for yourself. I have NEVER loved this many characters in a book/series before as I do these people. I just…..it’s so hard to put into words what Heidi’s writing does to me.

Like I said before, just when I think these books cannot possibly get ANY better, they do. My only qualm with them is when they are over. I try to read as slowly as possibly, but I simply can’t help but devour each and every word. I could live in these books and be happy for the rest of my life. There isn’t a single thing I would change, and I eagerly await the next installment. I cannot wait to see where Heidi takes us next, but I know it will be magical. Like his name, JD, this book was JUST DELICIOUS. This series holds a place in my heart that no other will ever occupy. show less

Title: Until Then

Author: Heidi McLaughlin

Publisher: Montlake

Series: Cape Harbor Book 2

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Until Then' by Heidi McLaughlin

My Review:

'Until Then' is an engaging read that stands out due to its well-drawn characters, notably Rennie and Graham, who drive the story forward. The novel blends humor and heartfelt moments, especially in its sensitive depiction of death. Suspense and drama are woven throughout, with themes of alcoholism and drug addiction show more that add depth and keep readers invested until the last page. show less

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨💫 (3.75/5)

What starts out as a fun morning turns tragic. A loss of life. And a family devastated. Another family praying for a miracle. Grief and healing on all sides. A family lost is a family found.

I’m not going to lie, this is a tough read. Deals with so many conflicting emotions and life altering decisions. If you keep reading, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I found the cellular memory references intriguing. This definitely sheds light on organ show more donation from the grief stricken wife’s heartfelt and unfavorable decision to the grateful recipients new lease on life. The author did a good job of showing how mentally draining this is if you are not aware of your loved ones wishes. I loved the characters and their growth, especially the resilience of the children. Have the hard talk you pray you’ll never need.

Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion. show less

There's a moment in everyone's life when their world crumbles around them.

This incredible story took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. It centers around Devorah, a character I absolutely fell in love with as she navigates her heart-wrenching journey of heartbreak and healing.

Devorah's experience is one many might relate to, including myself. At first, Devorah is stuck in her feelings, literally staying in bed, deep in that all-too-familiar pit of despair. But just when things seemed bleak, show more her fierce love for her daughter ignites a spark within her. Her nasty soon-to-be ex-husband has kept her at a distance from loved ones, and watching her navigate the complexities of reconnecting is both heartbreaking and uplifting. I have to admit—reading about her efforts to mend things with her father was a personal tear-jerker. It’s so raw and real, and it tugged at my heartstrings in ways I wasn’t expecting.

Hayden is a gem of a character. His support and presence in Devorah’s life play a crucial role in her healing process. Their slow burn romance is simply delightful; it’s like watching a beautiful friendship blossom into something more. The author really nails the tension and connection between them, making every shared moment feel electric.

The small-town vibe is also a huge draw in this story. You know the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, and gossip runs rampant? Yep, that’s the backdrop, complete with the gossipy Cathys who spice things up! The sense of community adds layers to the story and brings warmth and depth to the story. You really feel for the families, including Devorah’s and Hayden’s, as they face life's ups and downs together.

I recommend this poignant exploration of love, healing, and the messy but beautiful work of rebuilding relationships. Whether you’re on a similar journey or just looking for a compelling read, I highly recommend giving this one a shot.

Thank you to Ms. McLaughlin for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review. show less