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The Bennetts #3
Be Mine Forever
Can a secret crush . . .
Jo Walsh has loved Cameron Mitchell for as long as she can remember. Whether front and center in her life or on the periphery, the tall, brooding artist has made his presence seductively and irresistibly known. But whenever they start to get close, Cam pulls away. Jo's tired of keeping her feelings in a box Cam is afraid to open. If he wants her, he'll have to prove it. And if he doesn't, Jo will need to know the real reason why . . .
. . . become the love of a lifetime?
How do you walk away from your soul mate? Cam wishes he knew. No matter how far he runs from Jo, he can't resist looking back at the silver eyes that seem to see right through him. But as well as Jo thinks she understands Cam, the dark truth about his past is something she shouldn't have to handle. Cam's sure that setting Jo free is the right thing to do. Too bad his heart has other ideas . . .
(50,000 words)
Don't miss the other titles in the Bennett's Series:
When You Are Mine, Book 1
Loving You Always, Book 2
Jo Walsh has loved Cameron Mitchell for as long as she can remember. Whether front and center in her life or on the periphery, the tall, brooding artist has made his presence seductively and irresistibly known. But whenever they start to get close, Cam pulls away. Jo's tired of keeping her feelings in a box Cam is afraid to open. If he wants her, he'll have to prove it. And if he doesn't, Jo will need to know the real reason why . . .
. . . become the love of a lifetime?
How do you walk away from your soul mate? Cam wishes he knew. No matter how far he runs from Jo, he can't resist looking back at the silver eyes that seem to see right through him. But as well as Jo thinks she understands Cam, the dark truth about his past is something she shouldn't have to handle. Cam's sure that setting Jo free is the right thing to do. Too bad his heart has other ideas . . .
(50,000 words)
Don't miss the other titles in the Bennett's Series:
When You Are Mine, Book 1
Loving You Always, Book 2
368 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2015
About the author
Kennedy Ryan
59 books26.8k followersNEWSLETTER:
bit.ly/KRList
BOOKBUB: bookbub.com/authors/kennedy-ryan
AMAZON:
http://amzn.to/2EX7pgg
FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/KennedyRyanAuthor/
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kennedyryan1/
KENNEDY RYAN BOOKS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/68160...
I write contemporary romance and women's fiction. I always give my characters their happily ever after, but I love to make them work for it! It's a long road to love, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
I am wife to the love of my life, mom to a special, beautiful son, and a friend to those living with autism through my charitable foundation.
bit.ly/KRList
BOOKBUB: bookbub.com/authors/kennedy-ryan
AMAZON:
http://amzn.to/2EX7pgg
FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/KennedyRyanAuthor/
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kennedyryan1/
KENNEDY RYAN BOOKS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/68160...
I write contemporary romance and women's fiction. I always give my characters their happily ever after, but I love to make them work for it! It's a long road to love, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
I am wife to the love of my life, mom to a special, beautiful son, and a friend to those living with autism through my charitable foundation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
February 18, 2016
Amazon US * Amazon UK
BE MINE FOREVER is a friends to lovers story with incredible depth, a brutal history and unrequited love that has spanned almost two decades, surviving through many painful events. It’s a story about acceptance, forgiveness, facing one's deepest demons and letting them go so the life you’re meant to live can be grasped.
Jo is sassy, fierce, compassionate, and loyal and has had a crush on Cam forever, since Jo's extended family took Cam into their lives and made him feel safe. Cam and Jo are an integral part of the first two Bennett books but its book three when their story is told and the light shines brightly on them making this book stand perfectly as a STANDALONE. Equally, knowing the complete history undoubtedly enhanced my enjoyment and appreciation of BE MINE FOREVER. Having devoured the previous two books, I already loved this couple, had seen them experience so much in the previous story and longed to know all the reasons why their love took so long to come to fruition. Jo has so much integrity, she’s always been close to Cam, supportive at all times, in all ways, courageous with her feelings giving him unselfish friendship and love, best friends forever, no matter what. I longed to know exactly why he was closed off to allowing himself the love of the woman who seems to be his soul mate. He always chose other girls, why?
Everything is answered and explored in this story, eloquently and comprehensively leaving the reader in no doubt of the motivation for all his actions. This writer captures the magic of an evolving relationship and attitude; she shows how it must feel to believe you ruin everything you touch. This man has suffered and to subsequently see the relationship of this couple explored and develop is wonderful. I wanted to hear all about the pain that shaped his life and what exactly happened to him. When his painful past emerges through his troubled dreams and the eloquent prose it truly touched me and made me feel completely sick to my stomach.
The inner monologue of Cam and the depiction of so much feeling through the imagery used within the narrative are among the many aspects of this story and the writing of Kennedy Ryan that I love making it a winning 5 star read for me. BE MINE FOREVER is a must for all ROMANCE lovers who crave beauty and depth in their reading and have a passion for friends-to-lovers stories.
Note: This is the third book in the Bennett Series but can definitely be read as a STANDALONE
My review thoughts for the first two books in the Bennett Series:
WHEN YOU ARE MINE.
LOVING YOU ALWAYS.
WHEN YOU ARE MINE (Bennett Series #1)
US http://amzn.to/1Q5EAOX
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00KNC2MFQ
LOVING YOU ALWAYS (Bennett Series #2)
US http://amzn.to/1RjxCok
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00NPCWL4I
★ Teasers created by myself with Stock image I purchased from depositphotos ★
BE MINE FOREVER is a friends to lovers story with incredible depth, a brutal history and unrequited love that has spanned almost two decades, surviving through many painful events. It’s a story about acceptance, forgiveness, facing one's deepest demons and letting them go so the life you’re meant to live can be grasped.
Jo is sassy, fierce, compassionate, and loyal and has had a crush on Cam forever, since Jo's extended family took Cam into their lives and made him feel safe. Cam and Jo are an integral part of the first two Bennett books but its book three when their story is told and the light shines brightly on them making this book stand perfectly as a STANDALONE. Equally, knowing the complete history undoubtedly enhanced my enjoyment and appreciation of BE MINE FOREVER. Having devoured the previous two books, I already loved this couple, had seen them experience so much in the previous story and longed to know all the reasons why their love took so long to come to fruition. Jo has so much integrity, she’s always been close to Cam, supportive at all times, in all ways, courageous with her feelings giving him unselfish friendship and love, best friends forever, no matter what. I longed to know exactly why he was closed off to allowing himself the love of the woman who seems to be his soul mate. He always chose other girls, why?
Everything is answered and explored in this story, eloquently and comprehensively leaving the reader in no doubt of the motivation for all his actions. This writer captures the magic of an evolving relationship and attitude; she shows how it must feel to believe you ruin everything you touch. This man has suffered and to subsequently see the relationship of this couple explored and develop is wonderful. I wanted to hear all about the pain that shaped his life and what exactly happened to him. When his painful past emerges through his troubled dreams and the eloquent prose it truly touched me and made me feel completely sick to my stomach.
The inner monologue of Cam and the depiction of so much feeling through the imagery used within the narrative are among the many aspects of this story and the writing of Kennedy Ryan that I love making it a winning 5 star read for me. BE MINE FOREVER is a must for all ROMANCE lovers who crave beauty and depth in their reading and have a passion for friends-to-lovers stories.
Note: This is the third book in the Bennett Series but can definitely be read as a STANDALONE
My review thoughts for the first two books in the Bennett Series:
WHEN YOU ARE MINE.
LOVING YOU ALWAYS.
WHEN YOU ARE MINE (Bennett Series #1)
US http://amzn.to/1Q5EAOX
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00KNC2MFQ
LOVING YOU ALWAYS (Bennett Series #2)
US http://amzn.to/1RjxCok
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00NPCWL4I
★ Teasers created by myself with Stock image I purchased from depositphotos ★
April 30, 2022
Bear with me.
Many years ago, one of my very good friends had a long-term girlfriend whom he loved something fierce but her mother vowed they would marry only over her dead body.
Reason: the gf was Muslim while my friend was a Christian. It didn't matter both came from very wealthy families or that both were gorgeous inside and out. From our part of Nigeria, inter-faith marriages were hardly encouraged.
What that meant for the rest of us were years of angsty push-n-pull and midnight phone calls with us talking him down from whatever brought on the "I can't live without her" for that day.
It. Was. Exhausting and eventually, they split.
Did they love each other? Absolutely. Was it worth the 10 years of heartache? I wouldn't know. What I do know is that both are married to other people now and we have been spared having to mediate.
This story took me back to that period and at some point, I felt reading Jo and Cam's relationship drama was more detrimental to my well-being.
I don't care if Cam eventually confronts his demons or if Jo grows a backbone, I'm just tired. DNF @ 30%
April 22, 2015
“I can still salvage this.”
“Yes, if you move fast, but Peter seems pretty determined to get the girl.”
Cam abandoned his focus face and narrowed his eyes at Jo’s father, who was conspicuously concentrating on the board between them.
“I meant the game.”
Thank You Kennedy Ryan for giving Cam and Jo the love they both deserve. I'd never settle for them having other than an Epic Story. I knew I liked Jo for a reason, she's strong yet fragile, Cam too.
I want another book featuring Cam and Jo! Ten more books!
February 3, 2015
**Be Mine Forever generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
5 "You're Here." Stars
What you wait for years on a man to reciprocate your deepest desires knowing he might never? Are the most tortured walking amongst us in plain sight or hidden in the shadows?
Be Mine Forever comes as the third contemporary romance book in The Bennett's Saga by Kennedy Ryan, the main characters of which are different from the previous two books. I would not recommend reading this title as a stand alone as you'd miss so much history and back story vital to Cam and Jo's fight for love.
Kennedy Ryan writes tough love stories. The journey to love for her characters wrought with hard choices, forgiveness, self-deprecation, and acceptance. Drawing the reader into the story effortlessly, Ryan shows us an unrequited love story through deep personal revelations, drama, and intense passion with a plot continuously moving. I read this book over the course of 24 hours unable to tear myself away from the the tortured soul of Cameron Mitchell and the light shining from Jo Walsh.
Having met both these characters in the previous two books, I came into Be Mine Forever with preconceived notions about each of them. In an effort to keep this review spoiler-free I won't reveal everything I felt but I will say Cameron had a lot to give me. I wanted Be Mine Forever for Jo. Within the first chapter Kennedy Ryan had my feelings changed and within the first six chapters I fell in love. With the story, with the characters, with the plot.
Cameron Mitchell struggles within himself every single day. Reading the first two books you don't feel the depth of his darkness, here you feel down to your very soul. He's sweet, he's charming, he's witty, he's a dream in this book - a dream laced with shadows violently greying his colorful world. Jo Walsh seemingly surrounds herself in color. Incredibly strong, classy, honest, beautiful, witty, and brilliant - the world at her fingertips - she works hard to preserve her family's traditions. She's worked for half her life to make Cam see the good in himself and the great he gives to her. Jo Walsh is one of my favorite heroines because she is exactly who she says she is, wearing her heart on her sleeve - begging for the love Cam makes her feel in her own soul.
We see all the previous characters make an appearance one way or another reminding us the importance of them all and the love they hold for one another. Walsh and Kerris's story has progressed and through Jo and Cam's eyes we get to witness it in a whole new, cleansing way.
This book made me laugh, it made me hurt, it made my heart pound, it exposed vulnerabilities from the reader just as it did with the main characters. This book gave me what I love most - I tragically beautiful love story. The reminder all beautiful love isn't easy, the road to trust and forgiveness and acceptance starts with yourself and giving that someone who doesn't their own value will eventually be a most treasured gift.
Be Mine Forever exceeded my expectations greatly in the characters, in the plot, even Ms. Ryan's writing was sharper and while poignant, hopeful at the same time. This a series worth reading and book three is a can't miss.
Favorite Quotes:
"I grew up in hell, and I've lived my whole life ... not quite sure. You are the safest place I've ever known."
"And then I hope you can clear your calendar because I'll probably fuck you into next week."
"...but he had always been first with Jo."
My reviews for the first two book of The Bennett's Series:
When You Are Mine
Loving You Always
February 18, 2017
I love the Bennett series. So freaking much. From the characters to their stories. Everything is perfection. Yes, this can be read as a standalone but I strongly recommend to start with the first book When You're Mine. I did and it only strengthened my love and connection to the characters even more.
Jo is my kind of woman. Loyal to the bone, strong and loving. Her love for Cam was forever. As a friend and as a confident. I'm so in awe of her strength. To put her love aside just to be his friend and see him happy was both heartbreaking and unbelievably beautiful.
Cam was so lost and broken. He kept his demons hidden away from Jo. Luckily their love was to powerful to keep them apart but their relationship wasn't safe from Cam's past.
Cam's love for Jo was all consuming and when they were together he just wanted to take of her. I loved every moment of them together. I was swooning!
Their journey wasn't easy and Kennedy Ryan made me feel what Jo and Cam did. From gut wrenching horror to sizzling hot passion. I can't rave enough about this book and series. It's the perfect romance filled with angst and well developed characters.
5 BadAssDirtySoulmateStars
Jo is my kind of woman. Loyal to the bone, strong and loving. Her love for Cam was forever. As a friend and as a confident. I'm so in awe of her strength. To put her love aside just to be his friend and see him happy was both heartbreaking and unbelievably beautiful.
Cam was so lost and broken. He kept his demons hidden away from Jo. Luckily their love was to powerful to keep them apart but their relationship wasn't safe from Cam's past.
Cam's love for Jo was all consuming and when they were together he just wanted to take of her. I loved every moment of them together. I was swooning!
Their journey wasn't easy and Kennedy Ryan made me feel what Jo and Cam did. From gut wrenching horror to sizzling hot passion. I can't rave enough about this book and series. It's the perfect romance filled with angst and well developed characters.
5 BadAssDirtySoulmateStars
May 29, 2021
This book was pure, heartbreaking magic. Cam, who we know from the first two books, finally shares his story and very damaged past. Jo, this woman, full of fierce love and tender vulnerability. This couple was magic, their love was powerful, their HEA was so satisfying. This book feels like Kennedy had fully realized her writing power for the first time. I LOVED it.
TW for child molestation, drug abuse, death of a parent, sexual assault
TW for child molestation, drug abuse, death of a parent, sexual assault
April 1, 2020
Soooooo, I absolutely loved book 1 and 2 of this series - they read as a duet. This book 3 which I thought was going to be a series continuation....abruptly halted into it's own standalone after the first chapter, which was fine. BUT, I just could not form any connection to Jo and Cam being together - it was nada, zilch feels for me. So I did a lot of skimming and avoiding, and finally just forced myself to finish. But I just didn't love them. Not sure I'll pick up the 4th book. I'm satisfied with what I get from the first 2 books!
February 27, 2015
I have been converted!! I will now #ComeForCam anytime, anywhere ;) Ok….let me back up a second. Be Mine Forever by Kennedy Ryan is book 3 in the Bennett Family Series. Although it can be read as a stand alone, why would you do something so silly?? Please….read When You Are Mine and Loving You Always first, this way you will truly have an understanding of the whole story :) That being said….let’s get to the good stuff.
One sitting….that is all it took for me to devour this book. I am a huge fan of this series and its characters, yet I was skeptical going into book 3, Cam’s story. It is no secret that I have not been a fan of his, but as I just mentioned, I have been converted.
Cam, oh Cam how you have changed me. It took awhile, yes. Even through some of this book I still did NOT care for you and I did NOT see what Jo saw in you. How she pined for you all those years. You were rude, dark & brooding, and downright nasty at times. Well now I see why, I understand all that angst, running, hiding….everything. Oh I’m not going to give anything away here…you need to find out for yourself just how I made a 180 on the CamTrain.
I can say that Jo is the best thing to ever happen to him. She is so strong, independent and funny. She tells it like it is with him once and for all….she wants him and wow…just WOW when she finally lets him know. My heart ached for her knowing that Cam was still hiding his past, I couldn’t imagine what she was feeling.
“He knew her as well as she knew him, and yet he carried so much mystery. His eyes harbored it. And she knew, even though he hadn’t shared yet, that his dreams kept his secrets.”
Cam and Jo being together was so natural. They had been best friends, family even for years and years. They know each other inside out and when they finally succumb to their desires….get a fan because it, is, H-O-T!
“He wanted to crawl into every hole, wanted to lick every crevice, wanted to claim every inch of this perfect body. To erase every trace of any man who had the nerve to come before him. He was fucking feral about this woman and she had no idea.”
They share good times and bad, they share memories and fears. The way that Kennedy Ryan weaves this story is brilliant. Her writing is beautiful and this story is now my favorite of the three. This series has not let me down in any way! All that’s left to say is… I’ll be your closet Cam xoxo
One sitting….that is all it took for me to devour this book. I am a huge fan of this series and its characters, yet I was skeptical going into book 3, Cam’s story. It is no secret that I have not been a fan of his, but as I just mentioned, I have been converted.
Cam, oh Cam how you have changed me. It took awhile, yes. Even through some of this book I still did NOT care for you and I did NOT see what Jo saw in you. How she pined for you all those years. You were rude, dark & brooding, and downright nasty at times. Well now I see why, I understand all that angst, running, hiding….everything. Oh I’m not going to give anything away here…you need to find out for yourself just how I made a 180 on the CamTrain.
I can say that Jo is the best thing to ever happen to him. She is so strong, independent and funny. She tells it like it is with him once and for all….she wants him and wow…just WOW when she finally lets him know. My heart ached for her knowing that Cam was still hiding his past, I couldn’t imagine what she was feeling.
“He knew her as well as she knew him, and yet he carried so much mystery. His eyes harbored it. And she knew, even though he hadn’t shared yet, that his dreams kept his secrets.”
Cam and Jo being together was so natural. They had been best friends, family even for years and years. They know each other inside out and when they finally succumb to their desires….get a fan because it, is, H-O-T!
“He wanted to crawl into every hole, wanted to lick every crevice, wanted to claim every inch of this perfect body. To erase every trace of any man who had the nerve to come before him. He was fucking feral about this woman and she had no idea.”
They share good times and bad, they share memories and fears. The way that Kennedy Ryan weaves this story is brilliant. Her writing is beautiful and this story is now my favorite of the three. This series has not let me down in any way! All that’s left to say is… I’ll be your closet Cam xoxo
January 31, 2015
This is my first book from this author, and I absolutely love it! She has a unique writing style that draws you in and keeps your attention from beginning to end. This book earns a definite five stars from me.
Jo Walsh, is a kick ass heroine. She is a no nonsense, doesn't take crap from anyone kind of girl. She is strong willed, speaks her mind, and gives as good as she gets. She has been in love with Cam for forever and has been watching from the sidelines with her unrequited love.
Cameron (Cam) Mitchell is our tortured hero. He is a good guy that has been dealt some very crappy cards in life. He has a dark, painful past that still haunts him. He sees and knows of Jo's love, but doesn't think he is good enough for her.
We read about them in this third book by Kennedy Ryan. We watch their struggles and root for them. We will fall hopelessly in love with Cam.
Ms. Ryan did an amazing job with the topics this book touches. A lot of times, an author will go a bit overboard, and instead of getting the point across. Instead, I will be completely put off. On to of that, our characters are well developed with the right touch of flaws. Add that to the perfect amount of angst and you've got yourself a win win book! I recommend one clicking this baby when it goes live!
*I WAS GIVEN AN ARC BY NET GALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
Jo Walsh, is a kick ass heroine. She is a no nonsense, doesn't take crap from anyone kind of girl. She is strong willed, speaks her mind, and gives as good as she gets. She has been in love with Cam for forever and has been watching from the sidelines with her unrequited love.
Cameron (Cam) Mitchell is our tortured hero. He is a good guy that has been dealt some very crappy cards in life. He has a dark, painful past that still haunts him. He sees and knows of Jo's love, but doesn't think he is good enough for her.
We read about them in this third book by Kennedy Ryan. We watch their struggles and root for them. We will fall hopelessly in love with Cam.
Ms. Ryan did an amazing job with the topics this book touches. A lot of times, an author will go a bit overboard, and instead of getting the point across. Instead, I will be completely put off. On to of that, our characters are well developed with the right touch of flaws. Add that to the perfect amount of angst and you've got yourself a win win book! I recommend one clicking this baby when it goes live!
*I WAS GIVEN AN ARC BY NET GALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
April 20, 2020
What an angst fest!
February 3, 2015
*An ARC was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
NOTE: This is the full and thorough review and it might contain spoilers.
Did you read that right? SPOILERS.
Kennedy Ryan has done it again. With the first two books of this series, she has effortlessly ruined me by unleashing every human emotion I am capable of feeling. She scarred but she healed, she wrecked but she built, she made me cry but she made me so happy, she broke my heart but she glued it together, she gave me pain but she also gave me happily-ever-afters.
From the very moment I met Cameron Mitchell on WYAM and LYA, he had my heart. I’ve waited so long for his story and when I finally had it in my hands (aka my Kindle), I wanted to relish that moment with him. And my, the story effortlessly took me out of the world—again.
I think one of Kennedy Ryan's powers as a writer is the ability to draw readers in the story and make them part of the characters’ lives. I read the story with such familiarity with Jo, Cam, Walsh, and Kerris as if I was part of the family and knew exactly what they meant when they shared private jokes and said stuffs with double meanings. Her characters are so alive, real, and they definitely know how to mark themselves in a reader’s mind.
She knew how to demolish him.
I loved Jo's strength as a heroine. She was sure, composed, honest, frank, and the epitome of courage. But behind that facade is a soft, loving woman whose dream was to be loved back by the man she’s loved for seventeen years. That was Jo’s strength—her capability to give unconditional love. Something broken, pained, and damaged Cam needed in his life.
Cam had a special talent for ruining beautiful things. Like the dark, beautiful images he painted on the sides of condemned buildings, destined for the wrecking ball. He was the wrecking ball.
Cam was a man of the present trapped in his dark and painful past. That darkness was holding him back from the light that he saw in Jo’s existence. He was haunted by the memory of a man who molested him when he was ten and the brutal flashbacks caused him to exhibit bad behaviours, at one time, even holding a gun to Jo’s head. Reading about it felt like I experienced it and there were times when I had to close my eyes and steady my breathing because the pain was slashing brutally in my chest. It was that affective.
“I should know these things.”
“I don’t know every detail of your life. No one does.”
“These are not details, Cam. These are essentials. I want your essentials.”
Together, they sparked a flame of love, passion, and longing that existed for so long but has never been acknowledged. They were two very different people from two very different worlds, but they filled each other’s void like no other person in the world can. I loved how they knew each other so much that they finish each other’s sentences. I loved how deep they knew each other, sharing unspoken truths that no one shared except the two of them. I loved how Jo had no fear of Cam, taunting him for the truth even after Cam built his walls so strongly. I loved how she was willing to do everything to climb up those walls just to be with him, and how Cam tried to break his own walls just to be with her.
All her emotions—hurt and hope, fear and disappointment—lay trapped beneath a thick layer of ice. Drowning.
When I started reading, I prepared myself for an emotional wreck I will go through. Kennedy Ryan did that to me on the first two books and I'm sure she won't take mercy on this third one but God, I was already sobbing like a baby at 16% of the story. 16%! That’s not even a close to half of the book. But she didn’t stop there. I was also sobbing at 27% and then when I reach 50%, I declared myself emotionally wrecked. Kennedy Ryan knows pain and how it could consume a person. She knew feelings too, because she could awaken them, play with them, even. She will make you feel and she will make it last.
What was so great about light? Light exposed. It hurt your eyes. It showed your flaws. And your scars.
The story tackled the issue of PTSD on Cam’s traumatic childhood. I've read stories of characters like Cam in other romance novels. I've cried for them and rose through the pain with them. But this book brought me deeper. It dared to go deeper. Into Cam's thoughts, into his pain, his strength, and his past. Up until reading this book, I realized other books tackled the surface of the effect of such trauma to a person. This one right here took you to the experience itself. Mixed with the writer's amazing prowess, you will experience with Cam, feel Cam's pain and fight with Cam. This story did not romanticize with the sheer purpose of pleasing readers. It spoke of truth--brutal, honest, but free. It allowed the characters to tell their story, placing readers in a situation that won’t just let them read, it will let them experience.
NOTE: This is the full and thorough review and it might contain spoilers.
Did you read that right? SPOILERS.
Kennedy Ryan has done it again. With the first two books of this series, she has effortlessly ruined me by unleashing every human emotion I am capable of feeling. She scarred but she healed, she wrecked but she built, she made me cry but she made me so happy, she broke my heart but she glued it together, she gave me pain but she also gave me happily-ever-afters.
From the very moment I met Cameron Mitchell on WYAM and LYA, he had my heart. I’ve waited so long for his story and when I finally had it in my hands (aka my Kindle), I wanted to relish that moment with him. And my, the story effortlessly took me out of the world—again.
I think one of Kennedy Ryan's powers as a writer is the ability to draw readers in the story and make them part of the characters’ lives. I read the story with such familiarity with Jo, Cam, Walsh, and Kerris as if I was part of the family and knew exactly what they meant when they shared private jokes and said stuffs with double meanings. Her characters are so alive, real, and they definitely know how to mark themselves in a reader’s mind.
She knew how to demolish him.
I loved Jo's strength as a heroine. She was sure, composed, honest, frank, and the epitome of courage. But behind that facade is a soft, loving woman whose dream was to be loved back by the man she’s loved for seventeen years. That was Jo’s strength—her capability to give unconditional love. Something broken, pained, and damaged Cam needed in his life.
Cam had a special talent for ruining beautiful things. Like the dark, beautiful images he painted on the sides of condemned buildings, destined for the wrecking ball. He was the wrecking ball.
Cam was a man of the present trapped in his dark and painful past. That darkness was holding him back from the light that he saw in Jo’s existence. He was haunted by the memory of a man who molested him when he was ten and the brutal flashbacks caused him to exhibit bad behaviours, at one time, even holding a gun to Jo’s head. Reading about it felt like I experienced it and there were times when I had to close my eyes and steady my breathing because the pain was slashing brutally in my chest. It was that affective.
“I should know these things.”
“I don’t know every detail of your life. No one does.”
“These are not details, Cam. These are essentials. I want your essentials.”
Together, they sparked a flame of love, passion, and longing that existed for so long but has never been acknowledged. They were two very different people from two very different worlds, but they filled each other’s void like no other person in the world can. I loved how they knew each other so much that they finish each other’s sentences. I loved how deep they knew each other, sharing unspoken truths that no one shared except the two of them. I loved how Jo had no fear of Cam, taunting him for the truth even after Cam built his walls so strongly. I loved how she was willing to do everything to climb up those walls just to be with him, and how Cam tried to break his own walls just to be with her.
All her emotions—hurt and hope, fear and disappointment—lay trapped beneath a thick layer of ice. Drowning.
When I started reading, I prepared myself for an emotional wreck I will go through. Kennedy Ryan did that to me on the first two books and I'm sure she won't take mercy on this third one but God, I was already sobbing like a baby at 16% of the story. 16%! That’s not even a close to half of the book. But she didn’t stop there. I was also sobbing at 27% and then when I reach 50%, I declared myself emotionally wrecked. Kennedy Ryan knows pain and how it could consume a person. She knew feelings too, because she could awaken them, play with them, even. She will make you feel and she will make it last.
What was so great about light? Light exposed. It hurt your eyes. It showed your flaws. And your scars.
The story tackled the issue of PTSD on Cam’s traumatic childhood. I've read stories of characters like Cam in other romance novels. I've cried for them and rose through the pain with them. But this book brought me deeper. It dared to go deeper. Into Cam's thoughts, into his pain, his strength, and his past. Up until reading this book, I realized other books tackled the surface of the effect of such trauma to a person. This one right here took you to the experience itself. Mixed with the writer's amazing prowess, you will experience with Cam, feel Cam's pain and fight with Cam. This story did not romanticize with the sheer purpose of pleasing readers. It spoke of truth--brutal, honest, but free. It allowed the characters to tell their story, placing readers in a situation that won’t just let them read, it will let them experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2015
Yes! Yes! It was all I could do to keep from screaming! What an incredible love story this is! Omg! Yes this book ended the way I'd hoped that it would, with some incredible twists, of course.
If you've read Book 1-When You Are Mine & Book 2-Loving You Always then you know the road that Jo and Cam have been on or not on for 17 years. If you haven't read them, you can still love, respect and enjoy their journey in this book.
What she has done with these characters is tear-stinging-the-corners-of-my-eyes brilliant. There are moments I wanted to throw my kindle, moments I wanted to scream "but she loves you" "but he loves you!" It's not your average mushy love story. There is both darkness and light.
All I can say is Cameron Mitchell's character was developed to the max! Well done Kennedy Ryan!!! I highly recommend this as a five-star read!!!
If you've read Book 1-When You Are Mine & Book 2-Loving You Always then you know the road that Jo and Cam have been on or not on for 17 years. If you haven't read them, you can still love, respect and enjoy their journey in this book.
What she has done with these characters is tear-stinging-the-corners-of-my-eyes brilliant. There are moments I wanted to throw my kindle, moments I wanted to scream "but she loves you" "but he loves you!" It's not your average mushy love story. There is both darkness and light.
All I can say is Cameron Mitchell's character was developed to the max! Well done Kennedy Ryan!!! I highly recommend this as a five-star read!!!
Want to read
October 2, 2014OMFG THERE'S A BOOK 3 I CAN'T I CAN'T I CAN'T OMFGGGgGGGG
January 16, 2015
My laptop crapped the bed so I can only copy and paste the link to my blog where I wrote the review http://heather-andrews.blogspot.com/2...
February 25, 2024
I jumped out of my skin when I ripped the brown paper to shreds and your name peaked out at me from a pink cover as my Blind Date with a book for Valentines Day. Thank you so much @jonathanballpublishers .
What a treat!!! It turns out Kennedy and I, Jo and Cam doubled up for love day.
I found myself in New York City I know, again. Maybe I need to find myself an apartment here soon. I seem to be hobo-ing around corners. Any suggestions? Okay, wait let me introduce you to my new friends - Cameron Mitchell the inegmatic Graffiti artist and Jo Walsh the powerhouse boss lady heiress.
Jo has loved this man longer than some marriages last. Cam has well skirted around the feelings his known runs deeper than most friendships go. One weird request from his best friend brings them face to face and a little vulnerable. Cam has nowhere to run and Jo nowhere hide when somehow they end up sharing an apartment and all either of them can imagine is the other one naked.
As you can imagine the apartment no matter how many square feet was much too small to house all the thoughts and feelings either of them had words for.
Cam is stuck in the dark when Jo takes his hand and forcefully drags him into the light where the rest of their lives wait.
It's a beautiful book. I really enjoyed it. Shout out to the person who picked this book for me 🙋🏽♀️
Go get it.
Full review on my blog ✌🏽
Have a great Sunday, Love Cece xx
What a treat!!! It turns out Kennedy and I, Jo and Cam doubled up for love day.
I found myself in New York City I know, again. Maybe I need to find myself an apartment here soon. I seem to be hobo-ing around corners. Any suggestions? Okay, wait let me introduce you to my new friends - Cameron Mitchell the inegmatic Graffiti artist and Jo Walsh the powerhouse boss lady heiress.
Jo has loved this man longer than some marriages last. Cam has well skirted around the feelings his known runs deeper than most friendships go. One weird request from his best friend brings them face to face and a little vulnerable. Cam has nowhere to run and Jo nowhere hide when somehow they end up sharing an apartment and all either of them can imagine is the other one naked.
As you can imagine the apartment no matter how many square feet was much too small to house all the thoughts and feelings either of them had words for.
Cam is stuck in the dark when Jo takes his hand and forcefully drags him into the light where the rest of their lives wait.
It's a beautiful book. I really enjoyed it. Shout out to the person who picked this book for me 🙋🏽♀️
Go get it.
Full review on my blog ✌🏽
Have a great Sunday, Love Cece xx
February 22, 2019
Spectacular!
All the feels. I loved these characters and their journey.
Beautifully written with some tough topics and also some important topics.
I just finished and my mind and heart is still in their world. I'll come back with hopefully a good review for Jo and Cam ❤
All the feels. I loved these characters and their journey.
Beautifully written with some tough topics and also some important topics.
I just finished and my mind and heart is still in their world. I'll come back with hopefully a good review for Jo and Cam ❤
December 14, 2019
A good but sombre story with a hea I liked it a lot.
October 29, 2015
***4.5 stars***
Wow this was a huge surprise for me! I haven’t read the first two books in this series, but I don’t even think that preparation could have made me expect what was coming here, and I was impressed by what an emotional punch Kennedy Ryan gives her readers with the mesmerizing Cameron Mitchell. He’s been through a childhood of hell and made it to the other side, but he’s bottled that all up and never allowed his heart to take another punch. At least, he thought he hadn’t, but really Jo had stolen it a long time ago and he just wasn’t ready to admit that to himself…or her.
Jo had loved Cam for years, her heart long lost to this wounded man who came into her life like a shot to the chest when they were just children. She’d held onto that connection, the way her heart would race when he was near, the way it had always been him for her, even when he pushed her away in the cruelest ways. All grown up, she saw all of the mistakes he made and loved him despite all of that. His life had imploded; he lost his child, and then lost his wife to his best friend. With his tortured past always right there under the surface, he was like a ticking time bomb in many ways. But Jo was more than strong enough for the both of them, more than capable of being his lifeline to happiness, if he’d just LET her be it. Their struggle, his refusal to tarnish her but equally potent inability to not have her in his life, was wrought with pain and lust and a great deal of undying love. My heart was all over the place and my stomach was in knots, it was incredible!
This is one of those times where, even though this could be read as a stand-alone, I wish that I had read the other books first. I really enjoyed all of these characters and look forward to reading more of their stories, but most of all I want to see where Jo and Cam were before we see them in this installment. They are truly captivating characters that I so easily fell in love with, and I can’t recommend their story strongly enough! Unforgettable!
Quotes:
“Jo, please stop.” Cam put his fingers over her lips. “Just stop talking because I’m going to laugh, like gut bust laugh if you keep talking. Then you’ll get mad and punch me. And I’ll laugh more because you hit like a girl. It’ll be a whole thing. I promise you.” Jo’s lips twitched, but she held her ground. ~Loc 2354
Now that he’d decided it was time and he was ready, it was like emotional hemophilia. He was a free bleeder. Even the barest nick could send him gushing, and he couldn’t have that. It would be messy. It would be dangerous for him to lose control that way, especially with Jo. ~Loc 2377
She was fathomless, depthless for him. She had no boundaries. She was as open as the sky for this man and as endless. ~Loc 3144
Find this and more of my reviews at:
http://www.autumnreview.com/search/la...
Wow this was a huge surprise for me! I haven’t read the first two books in this series, but I don’t even think that preparation could have made me expect what was coming here, and I was impressed by what an emotional punch Kennedy Ryan gives her readers with the mesmerizing Cameron Mitchell. He’s been through a childhood of hell and made it to the other side, but he’s bottled that all up and never allowed his heart to take another punch. At least, he thought he hadn’t, but really Jo had stolen it a long time ago and he just wasn’t ready to admit that to himself…or her.
Jo had loved Cam for years, her heart long lost to this wounded man who came into her life like a shot to the chest when they were just children. She’d held onto that connection, the way her heart would race when he was near, the way it had always been him for her, even when he pushed her away in the cruelest ways. All grown up, she saw all of the mistakes he made and loved him despite all of that. His life had imploded; he lost his child, and then lost his wife to his best friend. With his tortured past always right there under the surface, he was like a ticking time bomb in many ways. But Jo was more than strong enough for the both of them, more than capable of being his lifeline to happiness, if he’d just LET her be it. Their struggle, his refusal to tarnish her but equally potent inability to not have her in his life, was wrought with pain and lust and a great deal of undying love. My heart was all over the place and my stomach was in knots, it was incredible!
This is one of those times where, even though this could be read as a stand-alone, I wish that I had read the other books first. I really enjoyed all of these characters and look forward to reading more of their stories, but most of all I want to see where Jo and Cam were before we see them in this installment. They are truly captivating characters that I so easily fell in love with, and I can’t recommend their story strongly enough! Unforgettable!
Quotes:
“Jo, please stop.” Cam put his fingers over her lips. “Just stop talking because I’m going to laugh, like gut bust laugh if you keep talking. Then you’ll get mad and punch me. And I’ll laugh more because you hit like a girl. It’ll be a whole thing. I promise you.” Jo’s lips twitched, but she held her ground. ~Loc 2354
Now that he’d decided it was time and he was ready, it was like emotional hemophilia. He was a free bleeder. Even the barest nick could send him gushing, and he couldn’t have that. It would be messy. It would be dangerous for him to lose control that way, especially with Jo. ~Loc 2377
She was fathomless, depthless for him. She had no boundaries. She was as open as the sky for this man and as endless. ~Loc 3144
Find this and more of my reviews at:
http://www.autumnreview.com/search/la...
February 19, 2015
Eeeeep! Kennedy breaks my heart every damn time. Thank you so much.
Review can also be found here: http://www.hopelessbooklovers.com/blo...
My love for Kennedy Ryan reaches the skies, even the universes that we don’t know yet. Her latest book came out and before it even came out I already wanted it so badly.
We meet Cam and Jo in the previous books, in Walsh and Kerris’ love story. Cam was Kerris’ husband for a while and Jo was Walsh’s cousin. Between When You Are Mine and Loving You Always, so MANY THINGS HAPPENED I ALMOST LOST MY HEAD. AND MY HEART. If you want to know how everything went down and how Cam came to be the person he is in Be Mine Forever, read the previous two books.
I wasn’t very “in love” with Cam before BMF. With everything that happened in those books, I was not really thrilled, if you want to say it like that, to see him again. But as always Kennedy changes my mind with those AMAZING TEASERS TUESDAYS and you know what? Cam’s story needed to be said for you to understand him and why he was that way. I didn’t even think about it in the first two books, about all the hardship Cam went through and all of his demons inside of him.
Be Mine Forever is the story of Cam and Jo. Friends turned lovers. /cough MY FAVE TYPE OF ROMANCE. Jo has been in love for Cam for some time… MANY YEARS. I don’t even know how Jo does it. I love her. She’s such a model to follow in her footsteps. Everything she does, she does it to do good and her actions speak louder. All throughout the book, I fell in love with Jo a little bit more until I just wanted to give her a hug and tell her everything was going to be okay.
WARNING: There are some parts in Cam’s flashbacks that are intense and I felt sad and horrible in Cam’s place. If you can’t handle violence, I do not recommend you to read this. I don’t want to spoil anything by putting this but I think it needs to be said. I mean if you go and read it and find those scenes not quite what you want, then that would be so bad for you and I don’t want to cause you any displeasing or Kennedy. Because she writes her books for people to feel happy. And this book is Cam and Jo’s happiness.
So yeah there’s lots of ups and downs but definitely worth the wait.
Review can also be found here: http://www.hopelessbooklovers.com/blo...
My love for Kennedy Ryan reaches the skies, even the universes that we don’t know yet. Her latest book came out and before it even came out I already wanted it so badly.
We meet Cam and Jo in the previous books, in Walsh and Kerris’ love story. Cam was Kerris’ husband for a while and Jo was Walsh’s cousin. Between When You Are Mine and Loving You Always, so MANY THINGS HAPPENED I ALMOST LOST MY HEAD. AND MY HEART. If you want to know how everything went down and how Cam came to be the person he is in Be Mine Forever, read the previous two books.
I wasn’t very “in love” with Cam before BMF. With everything that happened in those books, I was not really thrilled, if you want to say it like that, to see him again. But as always Kennedy changes my mind with those AMAZING TEASERS TUESDAYS and you know what? Cam’s story needed to be said for you to understand him and why he was that way. I didn’t even think about it in the first two books, about all the hardship Cam went through and all of his demons inside of him.
Be Mine Forever is the story of Cam and Jo. Friends turned lovers. /cough MY FAVE TYPE OF ROMANCE. Jo has been in love for Cam for some time… MANY YEARS. I don’t even know how Jo does it. I love her. She’s such a model to follow in her footsteps. Everything she does, she does it to do good and her actions speak louder. All throughout the book, I fell in love with Jo a little bit more until I just wanted to give her a hug and tell her everything was going to be okay.
WARNING: There are some parts in Cam’s flashbacks that are intense and I felt sad and horrible in Cam’s place. If you can’t handle violence, I do not recommend you to read this. I don’t want to spoil anything by putting this but I think it needs to be said. I mean if you go and read it and find those scenes not quite what you want, then that would be so bad for you and I don’t want to cause you any displeasing or Kennedy. Because she writes her books for people to feel happy. And this book is Cam and Jo’s happiness.
So yeah there’s lots of ups and downs but definitely worth the wait.
September 19, 2015
4 1/2 stars!
This truly has become one of my favourite series. The writing is wonderful, emotional, articulate, intelligent. Heartfelt and romantic.
I loved catching up with favourite characters, this time it was Jo and Cam. It was great getting inside Cam's heartbreaking head, but for me, Jo steals the show. She is the kind of strong, smart heroine that I love to read. She has been in love with Cam most of her life. She wants him. But she doesn't need him.
I felt the first two books had a lot more intensity, but still, I adored this, and consumed it quickly. I finished the epilogue with a huge smile on my face, wanting to hug my iPad. My heart was full.
This truly has become one of my favourite series. The writing is wonderful, emotional, articulate, intelligent. Heartfelt and romantic.
I loved catching up with favourite characters, this time it was Jo and Cam. It was great getting inside Cam's heartbreaking head, but for me, Jo steals the show. She is the kind of strong, smart heroine that I love to read. She has been in love with Cam most of her life. She wants him. But she doesn't need him.
I felt the first two books had a lot more intensity, but still, I adored this, and consumed it quickly. I finished the epilogue with a huge smile on my face, wanting to hug my iPad. My heart was full.
April 8, 2015
Favorite Quote: “He’s not my husband,” Kerris said with so much composure, you never would have known five minutes before she had been doubled over with a contraction. “Anymore, I mean, my husband’s away…He’s um…Cam is…”
“I’m a Family friend.” The last thing either of them needed was to air their weirdness in the maternity ward.
I have been looking forward to this novel for months! The eagerly anticipated conclusion to Kennedy Ryan’s, The Bennetts, series was exceptional as a series ender. [ Insert tears, I don’t want to see these characters go!] Be Mine Forever is brilliant as it illustrates the beauty and raw honesty present necessary for the redemptive power of love to be everlasting. Authentic and rapturous, it is a love story that celebrates two souls, wild and brave enough to reach out for one another when remaining apart would forever change their destiny. I mean come ON, this novel, this freakishly talented author inspires me to use words like “rapturous” and “redemptive power” you know it has GAWT to be good! Author Ryan has this magic, this finesse twines itself and weaves its way around your heart strumming the hell out of the strings it’s made of your most vital organ. Your brain, forgetaboutit! By chapter three you are beyond thought and just functioning off of the innate driving need to finish Be Mine Forever, practically careening through the space and time continuum- okay okay! But seriously, this story just pushes all of my reader buttons in the most amazing way!
Jo Walsh has loved Cameron Mitchell for as long as she can remember. Whether front and center in her life or on the periphery, the tall, brooding artist has made his presence seductively and irresistibly known. But whenever they start to get close, Cam pulls away. Jo’s tired of keeping her feelings in a box Cam is afraid to open. If he wants her, he’ll have to prove it. And if he doesn’t, Jo will need to know the real reason why . . .
. . . become the love of a lifetime?
How do you walk away from your soul mate? Cam wishes he knew. No matter how far he runs from Jo, he can’t resist looking back at the silver eyes that seem to see right through him
The only thing worse than unrequited love, is love that is requited like shit but the object of your affection can’t/won’t face it! They want to think for you and be noble and set you free when the only freedom you desire is the freedom to love them with abandon! This is the story of Jo and Cam. Cam who I once loathed – Cam who I once wished would take his ass to Europe and never come back- sort of a twist instead of To Paris, with love- more like To Paris, kiss my arse douche! Who knew that not only could he be redeemed but my ole cold, stone heart could break for him and he become a hero I root for. Jo. Good old cast aside Jo. You too created fissures in my heart and damn if I didn’t want to see you happy. Two of the most unlikely characters of the series come together and the result is a love story that is so real it brought to mind memories of my own past lovers (but then I snapped out of it and thought damn, I dodged some crazy ass, sniper stealth ass bullets) but that’s not the point. The point is Jo & Cam made me freaking nostalgic! And I loved it.
It is always dicey circumstance when you have a heroine who knows exactly who she wants and a hero who is unseeing. Jo pines for Cam in a way that gives her character a sense of strength when you would think she a weakling, fawning pathetic creature of a woman. She is an intelligent, professional go-getter and her loyal heart was one of her best attributes. Cam knows Jo wants him. He’s had her body but was not brave enough to take her heart and soul as a part of the deal. He circles her, and circles her, like a wary animal does its prey- prey that they are fiercely protective over- as no one else will dare have t heir meal- even though they’ve not yet decided upon pouncing. Jo is ever watchful and knows with just the right incline of her beautiful swan neck, she could be claimed and taken for good. There is a distinct thrill in the wanting, and the wondering if that desire will finally be overcome by the needing to be satisfied at last! Talk about sensual and romantic tension! Squee!!!
Not just a romance between Jo and Cam, this is also a story of friendship and forgiveness. The gang is back for this final installment and even though it is sooooooo deliciously awkward when Walsh and Cam or Cam and Kerris are in a scene together, witnessing them rebuilding their bonds and maintaining their fledgling friendships is rewarding. In hindsight it really made me respect Cam even more, poor guy (never thought I’d say that!) had to deal with emotional wreckage from all fronts; his woman, his best friend and his ex-wife. Oy vey! No wonder he was strung to tight. I suppose it made it all the more sweeter when he finally released his demons and let go and let love in. *sigh* Cam’s journey was riddled with hard knocks. Even when he came into good fortune with the Bennett’s, those hard knock memories continued to clang and bang around on the inside. A survivor of unthinkable abuse and sub-human conditions, he is scarred and battled his way back to himself and to Jo.
Jay-zus I’m a sucker for these scarred and damaged heroes. *shivers* And he is gorgeous and strong and artistic. Bish what! Sold!!
Be Mine Forever can stand alone, but read the series, don’t circumvent the awesomeness. Don’t you want to be in knots, excited, satisfied and just so damn happy- just like me!? I will miss this series dearly, but the resolution is complete and Ryan did an amazing job of wrapping it up perfectly, only thing missing is the pretty bow- though, I am not certain I didn’t just gnaw the bow off in my elated delirium. *wink*
“I’m a Family friend.” The last thing either of them needed was to air their weirdness in the maternity ward.
I have been looking forward to this novel for months! The eagerly anticipated conclusion to Kennedy Ryan’s, The Bennetts, series was exceptional as a series ender. [ Insert tears, I don’t want to see these characters go!] Be Mine Forever is brilliant as it illustrates the beauty and raw honesty present necessary for the redemptive power of love to be everlasting. Authentic and rapturous, it is a love story that celebrates two souls, wild and brave enough to reach out for one another when remaining apart would forever change their destiny. I mean come ON, this novel, this freakishly talented author inspires me to use words like “rapturous” and “redemptive power” you know it has GAWT to be good! Author Ryan has this magic, this finesse twines itself and weaves its way around your heart strumming the hell out of the strings it’s made of your most vital organ. Your brain, forgetaboutit! By chapter three you are beyond thought and just functioning off of the innate driving need to finish Be Mine Forever, practically careening through the space and time continuum- okay okay! But seriously, this story just pushes all of my reader buttons in the most amazing way!
Jo Walsh has loved Cameron Mitchell for as long as she can remember. Whether front and center in her life or on the periphery, the tall, brooding artist has made his presence seductively and irresistibly known. But whenever they start to get close, Cam pulls away. Jo’s tired of keeping her feelings in a box Cam is afraid to open. If he wants her, he’ll have to prove it. And if he doesn’t, Jo will need to know the real reason why . . .
. . . become the love of a lifetime?
How do you walk away from your soul mate? Cam wishes he knew. No matter how far he runs from Jo, he can’t resist looking back at the silver eyes that seem to see right through him
The only thing worse than unrequited love, is love that is requited like shit but the object of your affection can’t/won’t face it! They want to think for you and be noble and set you free when the only freedom you desire is the freedom to love them with abandon! This is the story of Jo and Cam. Cam who I once loathed – Cam who I once wished would take his ass to Europe and never come back- sort of a twist instead of To Paris, with love- more like To Paris, kiss my arse douche! Who knew that not only could he be redeemed but my ole cold, stone heart could break for him and he become a hero I root for. Jo. Good old cast aside Jo. You too created fissures in my heart and damn if I didn’t want to see you happy. Two of the most unlikely characters of the series come together and the result is a love story that is so real it brought to mind memories of my own past lovers (but then I snapped out of it and thought damn, I dodged some crazy ass, sniper stealth ass bullets) but that’s not the point. The point is Jo & Cam made me freaking nostalgic! And I loved it.
It is always dicey circumstance when you have a heroine who knows exactly who she wants and a hero who is unseeing. Jo pines for Cam in a way that gives her character a sense of strength when you would think she a weakling, fawning pathetic creature of a woman. She is an intelligent, professional go-getter and her loyal heart was one of her best attributes. Cam knows Jo wants him. He’s had her body but was not brave enough to take her heart and soul as a part of the deal. He circles her, and circles her, like a wary animal does its prey- prey that they are fiercely protective over- as no one else will dare have t heir meal- even though they’ve not yet decided upon pouncing. Jo is ever watchful and knows with just the right incline of her beautiful swan neck, she could be claimed and taken for good. There is a distinct thrill in the wanting, and the wondering if that desire will finally be overcome by the needing to be satisfied at last! Talk about sensual and romantic tension! Squee!!!
Not just a romance between Jo and Cam, this is also a story of friendship and forgiveness. The gang is back for this final installment and even though it is sooooooo deliciously awkward when Walsh and Cam or Cam and Kerris are in a scene together, witnessing them rebuilding their bonds and maintaining their fledgling friendships is rewarding. In hindsight it really made me respect Cam even more, poor guy (never thought I’d say that!) had to deal with emotional wreckage from all fronts; his woman, his best friend and his ex-wife. Oy vey! No wonder he was strung to tight. I suppose it made it all the more sweeter when he finally released his demons and let go and let love in. *sigh* Cam’s journey was riddled with hard knocks. Even when he came into good fortune with the Bennett’s, those hard knock memories continued to clang and bang around on the inside. A survivor of unthinkable abuse and sub-human conditions, he is scarred and battled his way back to himself and to Jo.
Jay-zus I’m a sucker for these scarred and damaged heroes. *shivers* And he is gorgeous and strong and artistic. Bish what! Sold!!
Be Mine Forever can stand alone, but read the series, don’t circumvent the awesomeness. Don’t you want to be in knots, excited, satisfied and just so damn happy- just like me!? I will miss this series dearly, but the resolution is complete and Ryan did an amazing job of wrapping it up perfectly, only thing missing is the pretty bow- though, I am not certain I didn’t just gnaw the bow off in my elated delirium. *wink*
February 7, 2024
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Cam stole my heart! I cried for him. I cried for Jo. But I CRIED SO HARD for Cameron Mitchell! This romance is messy and deep but the journey is so beautiful!
This book stars MC’s who were foster siblings, like 10-15 years later. They have both been apart of each other’s lives all this time but they never got together because of the past that Cam has been keeping from Jo.
The unrequited love was done so well and the PINING! was delicious! These two are great friends but better lovers and I was rooting for them the whole time! Kennedy Ryan is just masterful at blending the hard topics with the romance and making you care so deeply for her characters.
What?! This is my man! I love Cam 🥰❤️
Check content warnings before reading this one as it does touch on heavy topics including childhood sexual abuse.
I started this book and finished it the same day, in a couple of hours. I just got sucked in and couldn’t stop! If you have liked any of Kennedy’s other books, you will enjoy this one! HIGHLY recommend! I did receive a gifted copy of the ebook but I purchased the paperback too because I NEEDED Cam and Jo on my shelf!
3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Cam stole my heart! I cried for him. I cried for Jo. But I CRIED SO HARD for Cameron Mitchell! This romance is messy and deep but the journey is so beautiful!
This book stars MC’s who were foster siblings, like 10-15 years later. They have both been apart of each other’s lives all this time but they never got together because of the past that Cam has been keeping from Jo.
The unrequited love was done so well and the PINING! was delicious! These two are great friends but better lovers and I was rooting for them the whole time! Kennedy Ryan is just masterful at blending the hard topics with the romance and making you care so deeply for her characters.
What?! This is my man! I love Cam 🥰❤️
Check content warnings before reading this one as it does touch on heavy topics including childhood sexual abuse.
I started this book and finished it the same day, in a couple of hours. I just got sucked in and couldn’t stop! If you have liked any of Kennedy’s other books, you will enjoy this one! HIGHLY recommend! I did receive a gifted copy of the ebook but I purchased the paperback too because I NEEDED Cam and Jo on my shelf!
January 26, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. We have all been there or have had a friend that secretly has a crush they can't act on for whatever reason. I loved Cam and Jo's seventeen year suppressed love that comes to fruition despite the roadblocks that come their way. The heat, the passion, the mutual longing really captures that situation. The flipside to their love story is the work they do on their past to sort out decades of hurt. What I had a hard time reading was the demons of Cam's childhood - not for the faint of heart which is why I am rating it a star lower.
March 21, 2024
Man Kennedy Ryan, listen, I thought Cam was unredeemable from books 1 and 2, but my gosh! This book totally EXPLAINS CAM in so many ways. And I get it. CAM, I get it now. You are totally redeemable (look at me talking to a fictional character). This book will forever live rent-free in my mind.
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Highly recommend!
* Please check trigger warnings before reading*
-
Highly recommend!
* Please check trigger warnings before reading*
February 6, 2015
My Thoughts:
Ms. Ryan has impressed me with her debut series, The Bennetts. I have loved the previous two books in this series, but I am obsessed with Be Mine Forever. I couldn't have put this book down, even if I tried. It was that amazing!!! I cannot even express the profound and deep love I have for this book. No words could adequately express the way it made me feel so much and so deeply. I cried, my heart broke, I fell in love with a fictional character (Cam), and he made my heart pound, my palms sweet, and butterflies flutter like crazy inside of my stomach.
In Be Mine Forever, we finally get Joanne "Jo's" story. She is the feisty, bold, loyal, hardworking, and caring character that I have come to love in this series, but with a much softer side. Jo has been in love with her cousin, Walsh's, best friend for years. She has seen him go from girl to girl, always passing her by. Things begin to change between Jo and Cam though when he returns to Paris to their hometown of Rivermont. Cam is preparing his first art exhibition and also getting ready to create art for a movie production.
Cam and Jo have a complicated relationship. Cam gives Jo mixed signals about being interested in her at times, and then treats her like a sister at others. Jo has always held a torch for Cam and had hope that maybe he would be hers one day. When Jo begins dating a good looking co-worker, Cam's jealousy and need to have her all to himself comes out. Cam has always been attracted and had feelings where Jo is concerned, but never thought he was good enough for her, because of a dark and traumatic childhood. Now Cam will have to divulge his secrets and find a way to heal from his past or risk losing her.
I loved the way that Ms. Kennedy gave us a glimpse in to Cam's broken soul. We got to see through his eyes when we learned of the ways in which Cam was traumatized and victimized as a child. My heart broke for the little boy, and the broken man that he grew in to. Jo was perfect for Cam. She was what he needed in order to heal. She was strong, loving, nurturing, and pushed his to share his whole self with her. Jo was such a likable character as well. Cam brought out a softer more feminine and vulnerable side to Jo. He was the only one that could go toe to toe with her, but in a loving and respectful way, and she was the only one strong and persistent enough to break down his walls, and see in to his soul.
The love scenes between Jo and Cam where so much more that hot, spine tingling, and sensual. They also were able to show the intimacy, trust, connection, vulnerability, and love between the two of them. Cam was rough in bed, and Jo was a wildcat! Sex was very therapeutic and well as hot and heavy with this couple. We get to catch up with Walsh and Kerris in this story as well, and in the end everything was as it should have always been. It brought tears to my eyes, and a smile to my face!
My Rating:
I give, Be Mine Forever, by Kennedy Ryan 5 Heart-Fluttering, Erotic Tempest, Love Never-Ending Filled Stars! Jo and Cam's story will break your heart, put the pieces back together, and leave a huge smile on your face!
My Favorite Quote:
"Let me put it like this. He took her eyes hostage, mesmerizing her with a look. All those times you wondered if I might care, I did. All the times you thought you imagined I wanted you, I wanted you. And all those times you wondered if I might one day feel the same way, well, I do." (eARC, Loc. 1727)
~Cam
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
Ms. Ryan has impressed me with her debut series, The Bennetts. I have loved the previous two books in this series, but I am obsessed with Be Mine Forever. I couldn't have put this book down, even if I tried. It was that amazing!!! I cannot even express the profound and deep love I have for this book. No words could adequately express the way it made me feel so much and so deeply. I cried, my heart broke, I fell in love with a fictional character (Cam), and he made my heart pound, my palms sweet, and butterflies flutter like crazy inside of my stomach.
In Be Mine Forever, we finally get Joanne "Jo's" story. She is the feisty, bold, loyal, hardworking, and caring character that I have come to love in this series, but with a much softer side. Jo has been in love with her cousin, Walsh's, best friend for years. She has seen him go from girl to girl, always passing her by. Things begin to change between Jo and Cam though when he returns to Paris to their hometown of Rivermont. Cam is preparing his first art exhibition and also getting ready to create art for a movie production.
Cam and Jo have a complicated relationship. Cam gives Jo mixed signals about being interested in her at times, and then treats her like a sister at others. Jo has always held a torch for Cam and had hope that maybe he would be hers one day. When Jo begins dating a good looking co-worker, Cam's jealousy and need to have her all to himself comes out. Cam has always been attracted and had feelings where Jo is concerned, but never thought he was good enough for her, because of a dark and traumatic childhood. Now Cam will have to divulge his secrets and find a way to heal from his past or risk losing her.
I loved the way that Ms. Kennedy gave us a glimpse in to Cam's broken soul. We got to see through his eyes when we learned of the ways in which Cam was traumatized and victimized as a child. My heart broke for the little boy, and the broken man that he grew in to. Jo was perfect for Cam. She was what he needed in order to heal. She was strong, loving, nurturing, and pushed his to share his whole self with her. Jo was such a likable character as well. Cam brought out a softer more feminine and vulnerable side to Jo. He was the only one that could go toe to toe with her, but in a loving and respectful way, and she was the only one strong and persistent enough to break down his walls, and see in to his soul.
The love scenes between Jo and Cam where so much more that hot, spine tingling, and sensual. They also were able to show the intimacy, trust, connection, vulnerability, and love between the two of them. Cam was rough in bed, and Jo was a wildcat! Sex was very therapeutic and well as hot and heavy with this couple. We get to catch up with Walsh and Kerris in this story as well, and in the end everything was as it should have always been. It brought tears to my eyes, and a smile to my face!
My Rating:
I give, Be Mine Forever, by Kennedy Ryan 5 Heart-Fluttering, Erotic Tempest, Love Never-Ending Filled Stars! Jo and Cam's story will break your heart, put the pieces back together, and leave a huge smile on your face!
My Favorite Quote:
"Let me put it like this. He took her eyes hostage, mesmerizing her with a look. All those times you wondered if I might care, I did. All the times you thought you imagined I wanted you, I wanted you. And all those times you wondered if I might one day feel the same way, well, I do." (eARC, Loc. 1727)
~Cam
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
August 7, 2019
Originally posted at Booklovers For Life
I wasn’t the biggest fan of Cam by the end of Loving You Always, but I’d hoped that Kennedy Ryan would be able to change my mind about him, and she succeeded! I really enjoyed reading Cam and Jo’s story – I was a big fan of the writing and of how Kennedy Ryan was able to portray Cam in such a different light. And Cam and Jo are just scorching together!
“Finally, it’s you and me.”
I adore childhood friends to lovers books, and Be Mine Forever is a fantastic example of one. Jo and Cam have been best friends since they were children. They know each other inside and out… or do they? Jo has always been in love with Cam, but Cam has never reciprocated her feelings. What Jo doesn’t know is that Cam is a man with a tortured past, full of demons he hasn’t exorcised yet.
When Cam returns home from Paris, he finds a very hurt and angry Jo. They’re best friends, but he cut ties with her while he was in Paris. He’s tried to ignore his feelings for her for so long, but seeing her again brings them back full force. But he believes that being with Jo will only hurt her in the long-run, because of dirty, painful past. So he keeps pushing and pushing her away, until Jo finally pushes back.
I admired Jo. She’s a tough, independent woman, but also very feminine and sweet. She’s loved Cam for half her life, and I admired that she never gave up on Cam. She’s the only one who sees the goodness in him, who sees past his scars, but Cam thinks he’s not worthy of her. So when Jo gets fed up with Cam putting up his walls, she tears them down and makes him see how good they are together. And they are seriously HOT together! There’s no shortage of chemistry between them, and I was so happy when Cam and Jo finally got together!
The best part about Be Mine Forever was how Kennedy Ryan was able to characterize Cam in a more sympathetic way. I REALLY didn’t like him in the previous book, but in this book, his past comes to light, and my heart went out to him. He was always closed off in the previous books, but with Jo, he starts opening up. He’s truly changed for the better by the end of Be Mine Forever, and he truly does deserve to have his own HEA.
Be Mine Forever was a deep, heartfelt romance I enjoyed. The depth of the characters that made this book shine. I loved the character growth in both Cam and Jo, and I was wholehearted rooting for their HEA.
Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1uk6fvg
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1weQSY1
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February 10, 2015
In all honesty, I came to the Bennetts series late in the game and was intrigued by the synopsis of the third book. I love anything that has to do with art and artists; the unrequited love/loving forever from afar just seemed like the cherry on top of the sundae. Excited to read the third book in the series, I decided to do things right and start with the first book and work my way there. Unfortunately I didn’t realize that the plots of the earlier books centered around one of my absolute no-gos: falling in love with someone while already in a relationship.
Love triangles are one of those completely personal “love it” or “hate it” story lines, and I happen to fall into the “hate it” camp. That being said, I gave the good old college try to both When You Are Mine and the continuation of the story in Loving You Always, but ended up not finishing either book. This was more due to my own personal issues with love triangles and all the upsetting implications than the books or the writing. For those of you who fall into the “love it” camp, definitely read the Bennetts series! It has all the drama and angst you could want from the genre.
While it is possible, I honestly would not suggest reading Be Mine Forever as a stand-alone. The series is continued with the main characters and major plot points carrying over from the earlier books, which makes it difficult to get fully immersed in the story without all the background. Having read the very beginning of the first two books, I had a bit of background and was quickly caught up in Cam Mitchell and Jo Walsh’s story. Cam and Jo each separately loved each other silently from the time they were teenagers, and the book picks up 17 years later when they are both finally able to give into their attraction and connection. Think about loving and lusting for someone for 17 years and finally giving in? It was HOT. Sexy, steamy and intense don’t really do justice to all the emotion; you need to read it to feel it. There is so much love and passion between Cam and Jo, it left me breathless at times.
If you have already read When You Are Mine and Loving You Always, then you are aware that Cam has a secret, dark past that haunts him. Be Mine Forever exposes Cam’s darkest secrets and reveals the disturbing events that shaped his childhood. All I can say is, be prepared for major heartache and ugly crying. Though it almost seemed too much – Cam is put through the ringer in the first two books, finally seems to be getting his life back on track, and then a massive secret comes to life. How much bad luck and bad circumstances can one person endure?
While Cam is (a bit improbably) dragged through the mud time and again, his relationship with Jo is gorgeous. All in all, I enjoyed Be Mine Forever, and would definitely recommend it to those who liked the first books in the series. ~ Alicia, 3 stars
Love triangles are one of those completely personal “love it” or “hate it” story lines, and I happen to fall into the “hate it” camp. That being said, I gave the good old college try to both When You Are Mine and the continuation of the story in Loving You Always, but ended up not finishing either book. This was more due to my own personal issues with love triangles and all the upsetting implications than the books or the writing. For those of you who fall into the “love it” camp, definitely read the Bennetts series! It has all the drama and angst you could want from the genre.
While it is possible, I honestly would not suggest reading Be Mine Forever as a stand-alone. The series is continued with the main characters and major plot points carrying over from the earlier books, which makes it difficult to get fully immersed in the story without all the background. Having read the very beginning of the first two books, I had a bit of background and was quickly caught up in Cam Mitchell and Jo Walsh’s story. Cam and Jo each separately loved each other silently from the time they were teenagers, and the book picks up 17 years later when they are both finally able to give into their attraction and connection. Think about loving and lusting for someone for 17 years and finally giving in? It was HOT. Sexy, steamy and intense don’t really do justice to all the emotion; you need to read it to feel it. There is so much love and passion between Cam and Jo, it left me breathless at times.
If you have already read When You Are Mine and Loving You Always, then you are aware that Cam has a secret, dark past that haunts him. Be Mine Forever exposes Cam’s darkest secrets and reveals the disturbing events that shaped his childhood. All I can say is, be prepared for major heartache and ugly crying. Though it almost seemed too much – Cam is put through the ringer in the first two books, finally seems to be getting his life back on track, and then a massive secret comes to life. How much bad luck and bad circumstances can one person endure?
While Cam is (a bit improbably) dragged through the mud time and again, his relationship with Jo is gorgeous. All in all, I enjoyed Be Mine Forever, and would definitely recommend it to those who liked the first books in the series. ~ Alicia, 3 stars
February 16, 2015
This is my favorite book in the Bennett trilogy! I absolutely loved the characters, especially Cam, who is far from perfect, but a diamond in the rough. Cam is haunted by a dark past, and as he begins to chip away at the emotional barriers he's built up, terrifying secrets are revealed. And through the unraveling, the one woman he has vowed to protect is set on a dangerous path. A raw, revealing, and gripping tale, Cam's journey will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love.
"She was a woman of limits and boundaries. He was the kind of wicked guy who wanted to blur all her lines, kiss her until her inhibitions melted and her walls fell away."
Cam always had a special place in his heart for Jo. As teenagers, they would stay awake for hours, talking late into the night. But the temporary escape he had with Jo couldn't erase the horrors that haunted him. Now, as adults, the pull and attraction is stronger than Cam can resist. And once unleashed, the whirlwind of passion is almost too much to bear. Jo begins to imagine a future with the one man she has loved for over half her life. So, when she awakens to find him gone, she is devastated. She knows the night before was frightening, but she needs answers... all Cam wants is space.
"I want to love you in the light, without the shadow of a monster hovering over us."
Away from Jo, Cam is clearheaded and focused. Working on his art exhibit, he knows he will see her again, but the distance that is a safety net for Cam is crushing to Jo, who only gets little pieces of information through her family. She knows Cam loves her. It's how he feels about himself that is the issue. So when she confronts him in an unexpected way, he is forced to take a closer look at old patterns and the choices he has made. He knows Jo won't wait forever... and it might already be too late.
"Sometimes your life chooses you."
About halfway through the book I thought I had it figured out, but what was revealed was shocking, and completely unexpected. I was happy to see Jo confront Walsh about his role in Cam's life, and his lack of consideration for Cam's feelings -- this needed to happen. Everything came together, all questions were answered, and it left me feeling hopeful. This is a well paced and enjoyable tale, despite the heavy subject matter. I highly recommend starting with the first book to get the full history of the characters, and to see how their lives intersect. Well written, heartfelt, and original, this tale will appeal to fans of contemporary romance who enjoy complicated characters with depth and purpose.
Note: This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
"She was a woman of limits and boundaries. He was the kind of wicked guy who wanted to blur all her lines, kiss her until her inhibitions melted and her walls fell away."
Cam always had a special place in his heart for Jo. As teenagers, they would stay awake for hours, talking late into the night. But the temporary escape he had with Jo couldn't erase the horrors that haunted him. Now, as adults, the pull and attraction is stronger than Cam can resist. And once unleashed, the whirlwind of passion is almost too much to bear. Jo begins to imagine a future with the one man she has loved for over half her life. So, when she awakens to find him gone, she is devastated. She knows the night before was frightening, but she needs answers... all Cam wants is space.
"I want to love you in the light, without the shadow of a monster hovering over us."
Away from Jo, Cam is clearheaded and focused. Working on his art exhibit, he knows he will see her again, but the distance that is a safety net for Cam is crushing to Jo, who only gets little pieces of information through her family. She knows Cam loves her. It's how he feels about himself that is the issue. So when she confronts him in an unexpected way, he is forced to take a closer look at old patterns and the choices he has made. He knows Jo won't wait forever... and it might already be too late.
"Sometimes your life chooses you."
About halfway through the book I thought I had it figured out, but what was revealed was shocking, and completely unexpected. I was happy to see Jo confront Walsh about his role in Cam's life, and his lack of consideration for Cam's feelings -- this needed to happen. Everything came together, all questions were answered, and it left me feeling hopeful. This is a well paced and enjoyable tale, despite the heavy subject matter. I highly recommend starting with the first book to get the full history of the characters, and to see how their lives intersect. Well written, heartfelt, and original, this tale will appeal to fans of contemporary romance who enjoy complicated characters with depth and purpose.
Note: This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2024
"Be Mine Forever" by Kennedy Ryan is a heartfelt, emotionally charged romance novel that beautifully explores the complexities of love and relationships. Ryan weaves a compelling story that delves into the characters' vulnerabilities and celebrates the strength found in genuine connection. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, adding depth and intensity to the narrative. The author skillfully navigates themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience, making the reader root for the characters' happiness. With its engaging plot and well-developed characters, "Be Mine Forever" is a captivating read for those who enjoy the mix of passion and emotional depth found in romance novels.
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