Forever Lies

This is my first read by this writer and I have to admit she has quite an imagination, as well as a way to keep you invested in the story no matter how much you hated some of it. So I give her points for coming up with all the mumbo jumbo talk of Satellites and Air Space which I have no idea if any of it is true or not but it captivated me nonetheless. I also liked the fact that the suspense of the story was well done, there was a lot of humor (hello Granny &amp; Alex ?), a strong/kick-ass heroine and a good amount of romance for a suspense story.<br /><br />However, unfortunately it had a lot that I did NOT like which took what I thought would be a 4 or 5 star read to a 2 1/2 star and here is why: <br /><br />SPOILER WARNING!<br /><br />We are told from the beginning (and it is constantly brought up over &amp; over again by many characters) that he had a ONS with heroine’s friend &amp; cousin-in-law, Abby. That right there was strike 1 for me as I abhor “keeping it in the family” theme. It has an “ick” factor that I will never understand how anyone would be okay with it or write it in!<br /><br /><i>“How serious was it between you and Abby? I know her side of the story, but I’d like to hear your side.”<br /><br />Sebastian immediately shut back down. Jealousy was a big no-no for him and usually ended his relationships. “It doesn’t matter.”<br /><br />Greer stopped walking and turned to face him. Her smile was gone, in its place was a very serious tightness. “I’m afraid it matters quite a bit.”<br /><br />“It didn’t hurt at all. I’m sorry. I know she’s your friend, but Abby meant nothing to me romantically. I do count both her and Dylan as friends though.”<br /><br />"You don’t need to be sorry. I told you, how you feel is never wrong. It’s just how you feel. Who are you dating now?”<br /><br />“No one,” came the quick reply. “I don’t really date.”<br /><br />“Oh, I know. I’ve seen the revolving door of blondes on the gossip sites,” Greer teased.<br /><br />“That’s not dating. That’s using. I use them to not be alone at functions and they use me to get their pictures in the news.”<br /><br />See, conflicted. How could he be so great one moment and then a jerk the next? “That really makes you sound like an asshole.” </i><br /><br />Side Note: I went back and skimmed a chapter or two of "Forever Notorious" which is the OW's story (Abby) and it has this Hero in that story and mentions their ONS/relationship. The only chapter I read from that story makes a joke of what the writer had him saying to this heroine about the OW because it was NOT just nothing as Hero stated above - or that they were drunk as he stated in a POV in this story! In fact, the OW (Abby) does not mention that they were drunk at all when they had sex - just that they were both lonely and she described the sex as the best she ever had and was tempted to continue sleeping with him. She was very attracted to him and he seemed to be into her as well with constantly reminding her of their ONS and that he wanted to do it again and was always touching &amp; kissing her long after the ONS - and being very affectionate with her. Had I read that story first, there is no way I would have ever come near this one and I hate when these writers forget what the hell they write and try to rewrite history! After reading that crap with him &amp; the OW, I am angry I wasted my time and I'm trying very hard not to change the rating to Zero!? <br /><br />It also annoyed me that the OW was trying to play matchmaker with them and that her Husband seemed okay with Hero, knowing he &amp; his wife had slept together prior to them getting together. I haven’t read their story and nor do I want to but it just rubbed me the wrong way because for many chapters, the fact those two slept together was brought up over &amp; over again by one character after another. We get it. Move on already!<br /><br />Strike 2 came when we are told over &amp; over again that he has been with many women in the past (mostly models). Approximately a year prior, after he &amp; heroine kissed and developed feelings for each other, he stated that he “tried” to get with other women but couldn’t get over heroine. So does this mean he had sex with OW(s) or was he celibate for a year? By several references to it, the writer couldn’t make up her mind so I’m going with no, he was NOT celibate based on this:<br /><br /><i> “When he’d started thinking of Greer instead of the women he was using, he’d just stopped bothering with them. He wasn’t that much of an asshole”..</i><br /><br />After a story/romance is developed between the main characters, I don’t want to read how attractive (or not) another woman is or having so-called Hero checking out OW! <br /><br /><i>Aiden pulled to a stop at Zain’s house as Sebastian watched a drop-dead sexy woman walk in, a bottle of bourbon in her hand. “I thought it was guys’ night.”</i><br /><br />&amp;<br /><br /><i>Sebastian scanned the café for the waitress when his eyes were drawn to a woman in a skintight sweater dress slowly getting to her feet. Her heels were spiked. Her ass was . . . enhanced. Her curves were killer. Somehow, her massive breasts didn’t move as she strode toward him. Mahogany hair sat in soft waves around her shoulders and over her breasts. Her lips were filled near bursting. Her tongue poked out from the lips like a turtle’s head from its shell as she seductively ran it over her lips.<br /><br />Sebastian’s eyes traveled upward to her eyes. He bet they were beautiful, but he couldn’t see them. It was actually quite disconcerting. He looked closer to see how she was seeing as she sauntered toward him—once she built momentum with her shoulders and hips, her ass and tits were swinging in some strange rhythmic motion as her lashes fluttered..</i><br /><br /> Nor is it entertaining to read how the OW has a hold on his dick and he is not man enough to push her hand away from his body part - or better yet, avoid her hand in the first place! Ugh!<br /><br />Strike 4 was more than half of the story in and he still refuses to see heroine as anything long lasting. Yeah, I get it. Writers can’t have the characters with all hearts &amp; flowers all the time BUT it dragged on &amp; on with him constantly stating that he is not marriage material and wants the freedom to do what he wants and be with whoever he wants without any ties. When it is more then 90-95% of this constant theme, this reader at least is over it!<br /><br /><i>“You’d do that? Go into a relationship with no strings and absolutely no promises of a future?” Sebastian sounded dubious, yet hopeful.</i><br /><br />So while it didn’t make me DNF right away as I normally do when I hate something, the Hero here just ruined it for me to the point that the humor which I loved in the beginning, started to annoy me. I ended up skimming a lot and just enjoying the other character’s dialogue.<br /><br /><i> “Hiya. I’m Poppy. Do you want me to get started on an order while you’re waiting?” A pretty girl with a notepad asked as if a man standing in the café with a woman farting on the ground while holding his dick wasn’t abnormal.<br /><br />Sebastian reached into his pocket and pulled out the list Greer gave him. “Greer wants all this.”<br />Poppy took the list and looked it over. “Her usual then. What do you want?”<br />Sebastian chuckled. “She’s not going to eat all of that. I know enough about women to know they order a ton and then only eat half a salad.”<br /><br />“Bless your heart, you don’t know Greer very well, do you? You’ll lose more than your penis if you try to touch her food.” Poppy looked at him sympathetically and Sebastian felt a little defensive. He knew Greer. He knew her better than anyone realized.<br /><br />“I think—”<br /><br />“Oh, sugar, that’s your first problem,” Aniyah said from behind him. <br /><br />So, while they work to get you free we have questions for you.” The three old ladies surrounded him. “I’m Lily and these are my sisters, Daisy and Violet.”<br /><br />“Nice to meet you.”<br /><br />“Let’s start nice and easy,” Lily said with a smile that reminded Sebastian slightly of Ryker Faulkner. It was the cross between a hungry shark and a hungry wolf. “How old are you, Sebastian?”<br /><br />“Forty. How old are you, Lily?”<br /><br />“Wouldn’t you like to know? Suffice it to say, I’m a little older than you are. Now, tell us about your previous relationships? We know all about you and Abby’s little fling, but I’m worried you’re too much of a . . . a . . . what’s that word?”<br /><br />“Player,” Violet said with a nod.<br /><br />Daisy shook her head. “No, that makes it sound like a fun game. Man whore. That’s the one I’d go with.”<br /><br />“Man whore, that’s it. We see you with a different woman on your arm at every event. You know our Greer isn’t like that,” Lily said with her broom pointed at him.<br /><br />“I fail to see how this is any of your business,” Sebastian said in a tone that usually sent people running. <br /><br />Instead, it caused the broom to smash down on his head.<br /><br />--------------<br />Sebastian rose from the ground and instantly had a gun pointed at him. “Hello, Jackson. I’ve so missed you. You can put the gun down now.”<br /><br />Jackson Parker kept the gun aimed at his head. “I don’t know if I want to. You don’t look too hypothermic to me.”<br /><br />“Your sister saved me from dying,” Sebastian said, refusing to back down.<br /><br />“Too bad,” Jackson said, finally lowering the weapon. “But if you touch my sister again, I’ll kill you myself.”<br />----------<br />“You want to sleep with me?” Greer asked as if it were the strangest thing she’d ever heard.<br /><br />“Yes. Now, get in bed,” Sebastian ordered.<br /><br />Greer sat down demurely on the bed and looked up at him. She bit her lip and said, “Yes, sir,” in a low sultry voice that had his towel close to being ripped off by his growing erection. That was the hottest thing he’d ever heard—Greer surrendering herself to him.<br /><br />She reached for him and he sucked in a breath of anticipation. The punch to the stomach wasn’t the touch he had been expecting. Pain shot through his already sore ribs as he cursed and bent over to catch his breath.<br /><br />“Get real, Bash. I’m not some dim damsel you can order around.” Sebastian looked up to find Greer staring down at him with her hands on her hips.<br /><br />“Get in bed, Greer,” Sebastian said between his clenched jaws.<br /><br />“Let’s get one thing straight. I’m the one in charge here. You do what I say.”<br /><br />“Fine. I like a woman who takes charge in bed. Once we’re both in it, you’re in charge.”<br /><br />Greer tossed her hands up in the air in frustration and Sebastian leapt forward. He caught her around the waist and together they fell back onto the bed. “I told you to get in bed! Ow! Did you just give me a nipple twister?”<br /><br />Sebastian sat up from where he’d managed to pin her to the bed and covered his chest protectively. He looked down at Greer’s satisfied smile.<br /><br />“You should see what else I can twist.”<br /><br />Sebastian gave a shrug. “It might be worth it.”<br />--------------<br />“Maybe I should call Jackson to sit with you,” Jace said, eying Sebastian.<br /><br />“Don’t even think about it. Greer saved my life and nursed me back to health. The least I can do is take care of her gunshot wound while she’s high as a kite.”<br /><br />“Greer,” Jace said, drawing her attention away from the battle with the Velcro.<br /><br />“Yup?”<br /><br />“Do you want Sebastian to—”<br /><br />“Taste me? Hell yes, I do. I mean, lookat him. He’s sex on a stick. You couldn’t make him any hotter if you smothered him in chocolate, but it sure would be fun licking it off. Yum.”<br />-----------------<br />“Stick it . . . wet-willy!” Greer yelled a second after her wet finger was shoved in his ear.<br /><br />Jace snorted as Sebastian groaned and jumped back.<br /><br />“Rethinking your bet?” Sebastian asked Jace while using a gauze pad to dry out his ear.<br /><br />“Nope. I have faith in you to win her over.” Jace shrugged as he placed a bandage on her arm. “I have less faith in you surviving the family and actually making it to the wedding, but my bet only covered your attempt at being her boyfriend. I bet against you for the family dinner.”<br /><br />“That’s the second time family dinner was mentioned. What is so scary about a family dinner?”<br /><br />“Bang! Bang! You’re dead,” Greer giggled as she holstered her finger shooters.<br /><br />“Basically,” Jace said. “Okay, she’s all set. The morphine will wear off in about four hours.<br /><br />Sebastian shook his head. No one shoots people at family dinner. Greer was still high as a kite.</i><br /><br />Safety: No OW/OM. No cheating. Hero was a “player” before he met heroine, but heroine said she also slept with lots of men too in the past. <br />HEA with sweet Epilogue of them getting married.

If you've followed these characters and this whole town from the very start, you'll know it's like stepping into the most comforting hug you've ever had and be a part of a lot of inside jokes, whenever a new book comes out. And this one fit the bill too. So I enjoyed it. <br /><br />But!! And this is just my personal issue, i think..........<br />I have loved, adored and obsessed over Sebastian Abel since I read the Web of lies series 2 years ago. And that fire for him kept getting stoked with every book after that. <br />Which is why I expected something grand for Sebastian (kinda like a separate series... like Web Of Lies). Also, his personality is just too large and overwhelmingly strong to ever fit properly into a single book and a regular Keeneston couples' storyline. I think he deserved more. <br />I felt as if Kathleen shrunk the box and stuffed Sebastian into it instead of expanding the world to accomodate someone as devastating as him?<br /><br />P.S- Alex should always deserve a mention in the review of whichever book he appears in. He made me laugh so hard! I mean ....<b> <i>Dude!</i> </b>?

<strong>ANOTHER FABULOUSLY ENTERTAINING STORY!!! ??????????</strong><br /><br />Another fabulous book by Kathleen Brooks!! I don't know how she does it but every book in this series is fresh, irresistible, and riveting!!! I love how Kathleen manages to have me caught up in the suspense and drama of the story and the next minute laughing my head off at the teasing, bantering and wackiness of the families' and the towns people's antics. Kathleen's books are so enjoyable to read. Her excellent writing pulls you into the story and makes you feel like you are reading about dear friends whom you know in real life and have missed hearing about. Avid Bluegrass fans will also love this book as much as I did because the entire extended family along with many other characters from the series are featured in the book!!! Their wonderful comaraderie, affection, love and support for each other always makes my heart smile! I have been intrigued about Sebastian since he appeared in other books by Kathleen so it was really nice to read a book about him where we got to know him better, and learned about his background, which turned out to be so moving and his enduring love for his mother really was heartwarming. The love story between Sebastian and Greer was sexy, sweet, passionate and very romantic. They were two strong, highly motivated and determined people whose journey to their happy ending was filled with lots of banter as well as tender moments. The suspense and drama was top notch.... There was non-stop action that kept you guessing with some very riveting twists and turns. I enjoyed the storyline. It was extremely interesting and completely up to date with today's very technical world and I could easily see it occurring. I highly recommend this book... It was excellently written ... I felt like doing a happy dance when it appeared on my Kindle ?? because I knew I was in for a treat!!! As usual Kathleen gave us an extensive epilogue that wrapped everything up beautifully and left me with a big satisfied smile on my face!!!?<br /><br />and his love that he carried for his mother was so . It explained a lot about the man he had become

<strong>Greer and Sebastian</strong><br /><br />While I am a self proclaimed fan of everything that Kathleen Brooks writes, I have to say that this installment to the Forever Bluegrass series is probably one if the best examples if how she can make an unlikable character from her Web of Lies series into an understood and loveable one. It is all in how the story is told. Character development for Sebastian was relatable. A bullied kid determined to rise above... A gentle soul, hardened from the loss of his parents... A man uncertain he can take a risk with his heart... Plenty of heart hidden behind a tough facade.<br /><br />I love the small town charm, the banter, the growth of family, and the strength of community. While all books are standalone, you will appreciate every book just a little more if you read them all. Trust me, the start with me was the first book, Bluegrass State of Mind, and grew into her other series like the Bluegrass Brothers, Women of Power, Web of Lies, and her Shadows Landing series. Plenty of crossovers and growth with these books. You just can't go wrong with this author! It is like a vacation to a favorite place you really wish existed. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would... It is that good!!

<strong>oh Sebastian…</strong><br /><br />I went into this book knowing it would break my heart to finally have Sebastian’s story and I was not wrong. We met Sebastian in the Web of Lies trilogy and caught glimpses of him in Keeneston and Shadows Landing. We were always left wondering, was he a good guy, bad guy, or a combination of both.<br /><br />We finally have our answer. We know why he is the way he is and it’s heartbreaking. I loved his and Greer’s story. They are a perfect match. Without giving spoilers, the lead up to the family dinner was just wow. <br /><br />If you know the Davies family, you know family dinner and it did not disappoint. <br /><br />This year Ms Kathleen has on her schedule several characters that I can’t wait to read about and it started with Sebastian. <br /><br />??? spoiler for Web of Lies series ??? <br /><br /><br />So many of us in the Blossom Cafe have been waiting for Sebastian to get his HEA, and finally knowing his story we understand why Birch couldn’t give up on him even with the things he did in Web of Lies. Even at the end when all the “ deceit “ was explained, you still had a love/hate thing for Sebastian, and now that I know him, I just love him ❤️

This one was just ho-hum for me. Greer and Sebastian can't seem to decide if they love or hate each other. Greer is supposed to be this warrior, yet she crumbles when she gets emotionally involved with Sebastian. He is closed off because of the loss of his father and then mother when he was young. He decides that he can't afford to have someone that makes him vulnerable. That was understandable. Greer deciding that Sebastian had to jump through hoops and have her family decide if he was worthwhile was ridiculous. She didn't jump through anything for him. In fact, when he goes above and beyond to save her, she acts like she had the situation handled. She in no way had the situation handled. She was arrogant and just plain cowardly for most of this book. I am not a fan of the h needing for the H to chase after her to prove their love. The whole hazing thing is getting really out of hand and I am unsure how much more of it I can take. The mothers/aunts getting involved in their own way is ridiculous. Why would Sebastian need to explain himself to Paige? I didn't see Paige taking Greer to the side and telling her to grow up and stop being a stubborn brat. I also didn't see Greer trying to get to know Sebastian better. She just got in her head and decided that was the hill she was going to die on. It was utterly ridiculous to have a 30 year old woman and 40 year old man act so clueless about a relationship.

<strong>Hilarity, espionage, family, love and small town collide ?</strong><br /><br />All in all count this as yet another huge W I N in this brilliant series!!!!! The pages are absolutely filled to the brim with sarcasm and wit, intrigue, high stakes espionage, small town stuff and all that entails ?, and of course love. Yup L O V E in all forms as family is a central theme throughout this gem. We finally learn more backstory about both Sebastian, and his BFF the President of the United States going back to their childhood...so they are family. Keeneston the town at this stage of the game in and of itself is a character, and a wonderful one at that! One could read this without ever having read any of the previous books in the series, but I STRONGLY suggest reading the others too as they are just oh so worth it! The laughs, the adventures, the characters you feel are family and friends...trust me you won't regret it!!! Even this many books in, this latest book is just as brilliant as the first in the series...I just can't seem to get enough. I am already looking forward to seeing what crazy adventure these family and friends get involved in next. So take get comfy, take a chance and dive into this exceptional read.

We finally find out who the 'panty dropper' is!<br /><br />Ah Sebastian! I was sobbing before I even finished the prologue but we finally get an insight into Sebastian and what has made him the man he is. I am very definitely Team Sebastian....can I order my t shirt please?<br />It is startling the difference between Sebastian the business tycoon, who is cold, ruthless and driven, and Bash the man in love with Greer, even if he doesn't know it. She frustrates him, terrifies him, challenges him, spars with him and makes him feel, which for Sebastian is very unnerving. And it may taken him a while but finally he realises that all that, actually, is love. To win Greer's heart he not only has to survive family dinner, he has to put everything on the line, risk everything, is he brave enough?<br />I cannot tell you how much I love Keeneston, I would happily pack my bags and move there today, you just have to embrace the crazy, the love, the interfering, the betting, the apple pies, the NDA's, the super weapons and....the family!

<strong>Priceless</strong><br /><br />As usual, Ms. Brooks, I laughed until tears!<br />Once again Keenston has blown me away! How on Earth do you continue to surprise me? From the original Davis children, etc, to this generation, and this one, and well Marcy will never have enough greats...<br /><br />Each novel is unique, suspenseful, full of hysterics, and Kick Axx women and alpha men who"learn" who really is the strength in their relationships. I love the twist of the wives in this novel! Awesome!<br />Greer and Sebastian need one another. The only two who do not realize this are them. With a little help from the "real" matchmakers of Keenston, they can overcome. But first, Greer has to learn to trust herself, and Sebastian has to learn to communicate. However,in the meantime, there is creation of a "special" satalite, kidnapping, a war to begin and end, just another day in Keenston!<br />I absolutely need your writing! It makes my day when you release a new novel!<br />So carry on...<br />and,<br />NEXT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Karen

<strong>The bigger they are the harder they fall</strong><br /><br />Another winner but no surprise! This is Greer and Sebastian's story. Greer is trying to figure out where she wants to go in her career. Sebastian is the grizzly billionaire (on the outside of course!) Greer wants her career but also wants a family. She is not willing to settle or give either up. Sebastian is smitten with her and feels the need to protect her(even though she doesn't need it!). Sebastian is also a confirmed bachelor. His father died when he was young then his mother died when he was in his late teens and he felt responsible because he couldn't save her. He had to rely on himself and believed he couldn't have love because everyone left him. In true author fashion this book had lots of adventure, family and familiar faces. I laughed, gasped and loved the ending even though we still don't know the identity of the panty dropper !!