Book Review: Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin

Blurb:
I was never supposed to be a rock star. I had my life all planned out for me. Play football in college. Go to the NFL. Marry my high school sweetheart and live happily ever after.

I broke both our hearts that day when I told her I was leaving. I was young. I made the right decision for me, but the wrong decision for us. I’ve poured my soul into my music, but I’ve never forgotten her. Her smell, her smile.

And now I’m going back.

After ten years.

I hope I can explain that after all this time.

I still want her to be my forever girl.



FOREVER MY GIRL started out as a lament to a character that the reader never gets to know, at least not in the present time. Mason, a beloved friend, father, husband, and hometown hero has died. The assembled cast of characters that include lost loves, Josie and Liam are gathering for his funeral. A secret that Josie kept is revealed almost right away, but I won't say, in case it is thought a spoiler. What I will say is that FOREVER MY GIRL pretty much had my attention with rock-star, lost love, and a trope that I can't get enough of in romance.

To be honest, when I read the first few chapters, I was afraid the book was going to get bogged down in the grief over Mason and be a downer. But, that didn't happen, luckily. Yes, Mason's death shapes the backbone of the plot, but ultimately Josie and Liam are in the spotlight as they reconnect and discover things about their shared past.

There was a slow build-up to the romance in this book. In fact, for a lot of the story McLaughlin had Josie happily matched with another person, but Liam's return had Josie thinking about his place in her life and how she really felt about him. FOREVER MY GIRL was actually a really good study of two people with a relationship that never really ended, and feelings that stayed in their hearts, even during separation and other partners.

Book Rating:
12/15
3.5 star
B+


About The Author:
My grandma once told me that I can do anything I want, so I am.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, I now live in picturesque Vermont, with my husband and two daughters. Also renting space in our home is an overhyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets.

During the day you'll find me behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, I'm writing one of the many stories I plan to release or sitting courtside during either daughter's basketball games.

I'm also an active reviewer on The Readiacs - a site I own with my best friend and uber special beta, Yvette.

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This book was provided by the author via Good Choice Reading, with no other compensation except for the expectation of an honest review