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teresab78's review
5.0
4.5 stars
Though things were tough and they both had struggles, this story was heartwarming. I loved seeing a different side to Brian than we saw in the past two books. I was able to understand him more and got to like him. Mal was great from the start. Bookish yet strong - even with his broken legs.
I loved taking this journey with both of them.
Josh was another great character and was very true to his age. It was great to see glimpses of the couples from the other books as well as meet new friends.
At first I had a hard time seeing Mal and Brian as older men, they seemed so much younger - 38 and 40 rather than 48 and 50. But I think that is a fault of my own experience rather than the book. In the end I just accepted it as a fact and let it go.
I really enjoyed this series and this book in particular. I definitely recommend them.
Though things were tough and they both had struggles, this story was heartwarming. I loved seeing a different side to Brian than we saw in the past two books. I was able to understand him more and got to like him. Mal was great from the start. Bookish yet strong - even with his broken legs.
I loved taking this journey with both of them.
Josh was another great character and was very true to his age. It was great to see glimpses of the couples from the other books as well as meet new friends.
At first I had a hard time seeing Mal and Brian as older men, they seemed so much younger - 38 and 40 rather than 48 and 50. But I think that is a fault of my own experience rather than the book. In the end I just accepted it as a fact and let it go.
I really enjoyed this series and this book in particular. I definitely recommend them.
lolasreviews's review
4.0
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
I was so curious about this story. As one of the main character Brian is the cheating ex of Simon, who was one of the main characters in book one. And I wanted to know his story and see if Kelly Jensen could make him likable now that we got his side of the story. And I am happy to say she totally did. I really enjoyed Brian and Mal's story and had a great time reading this book.
Chasing Forever follows Mal and Brian. Brian sees himself as a cheat and an asshole and while it's not completely wrong, it's also not the whole story. I really enjoyed getting to know Brian. To see the dark haunted looks when his cheerful and put together shield faded for a bit. And find out what put that haunted look there. To see his struggles and also his vulnerable side.
I think Brian's backstory is probably the saddest of all the characters in this series. I felt so bad for what he had to go through and it does explain a lot about his character. I don't think it's an excuse for cheating on Simon, but I found myself able to understand his actions a lot better and it's clear they never were meant for each other. And that Simon was also partly to blame for how their relationship didn't work.
Mal was a character we hadn't met before, but he was so easy to like. He is the solid and quiet professor type. He is awkward and doesn't think someone like Brian could go for him, but he does. I loved how Brian chased Mal. And how Mal once he knows how he feels he sticks with Brian and is there for him. I also liked seeing him as a professor, he seemed like such a good teacher with how he was fair, but also set clear boundaries.
Mal has been in a major accident before the start of the book and is struggling to regain power in his legs after breaking them both. And it was sad how he hurt, but it also showed his character in the way he struggled and dealt with it. He doesn't let his injury stop him from enjoying life, but we also see his struggles and vulnerable side with how the accident hurt him.
I really liked their romance, from the teasing instant connection these two had, to how it slowly grew into more. How Brian was so confident and Mal lacked that a bit, but that worked. But once they forge that connection it's clear they would do a lot for the other. I liked how these two had an instant attraction, but it still took a bit of time before they got together. And once they do they still have their challenges to overcome. I also liked how their main conflict point was more halfway through the book than toward the end. And I loved how strong and solid that made the end of their story. I didn't have a doubt that these two belonged together.
I also liked Josh, he's Brian's cousin who lands on his doorstep one day as his mom kicked him out for being gay. I enjoyed seeing how Brian and Josh forged a bond and also how Brian had no clue how to be a parent, but I liked how open and honest he was about that and in the process he actually turned into a great guardian for Josh. Vanessa also was an interesting character and she was such a great friend to Brian. And Donny was the best brother Mal could have with how he was always there for him.
Simon and Charlie and Frank and Tom all make a bit of an appearance in this book. Which was great. Simon's appearance was important for the story and I also liked how Brian and Simon finally resolved any lingering conflict/ uneasiness between them and cleared the air. The appearance from Frank and Tom was less long or important, but it was a fun cameo for those who have read the previous books.
Except for the romance storyline, there is the storyline about Josh and then there is some attention for a school club that Mal runs and where Brian helps. And Brian tries to save a building. I liked seeing how everything progressed and the epilogue was just awesome.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this romantic story. Mal and Brian make for such a good couple. And I enjoyed getting Brian's story and seeing his side of the story and why things didn't work out with Simon. I actually ended up really liking Brian and I think the author did a great job making him likable even after the image we already had of him from the first two books. And Mal was the perfect partner for Brian, with his quiet and steady presence. And the way he didn't give up and his awkwardness. They were great together. I also liked Josh's storyline and seeing how Brian handled it all. There is a short cameo appearance of all four main characters from the previous books, which was fun too. All in all this was a great romance book and I really enjoyed it.
I was so curious about this story. As one of the main character Brian is the cheating ex of Simon, who was one of the main characters in book one. And I wanted to know his story and see if Kelly Jensen could make him likable now that we got his side of the story. And I am happy to say she totally did. I really enjoyed Brian and Mal's story and had a great time reading this book.
Chasing Forever follows Mal and Brian. Brian sees himself as a cheat and an asshole and while it's not completely wrong, it's also not the whole story. I really enjoyed getting to know Brian. To see the dark haunted looks when his cheerful and put together shield faded for a bit. And find out what put that haunted look there. To see his struggles and also his vulnerable side.
I think Brian's backstory is probably the saddest of all the characters in this series. I felt so bad for what he had to go through and it does explain a lot about his character. I don't think it's an excuse for cheating on Simon, but I found myself able to understand his actions a lot better and it's clear they never were meant for each other. And that Simon was also partly to blame for how their relationship didn't work.
Mal was a character we hadn't met before, but he was so easy to like. He is the solid and quiet professor type. He is awkward and doesn't think someone like Brian could go for him, but he does. I loved how Brian chased Mal. And how Mal once he knows how he feels he sticks with Brian and is there for him. I also liked seeing him as a professor, he seemed like such a good teacher with how he was fair, but also set clear boundaries.
Mal has been in a major accident before the start of the book and is struggling to regain power in his legs after breaking them both. And it was sad how he hurt, but it also showed his character in the way he struggled and dealt with it. He doesn't let his injury stop him from enjoying life, but we also see his struggles and vulnerable side with how the accident hurt him.
I really liked their romance, from the teasing instant connection these two had, to how it slowly grew into more. How Brian was so confident and Mal lacked that a bit, but that worked. But once they forge that connection it's clear they would do a lot for the other. I liked how these two had an instant attraction, but it still took a bit of time before they got together. And once they do they still have their challenges to overcome. I also liked how their main conflict point was more halfway through the book than toward the end. And I loved how strong and solid that made the end of their story. I didn't have a doubt that these two belonged together.
I also liked Josh, he's Brian's cousin who lands on his doorstep one day as his mom kicked him out for being gay. I enjoyed seeing how Brian and Josh forged a bond and also how Brian had no clue how to be a parent, but I liked how open and honest he was about that and in the process he actually turned into a great guardian for Josh. Vanessa also was an interesting character and she was such a great friend to Brian. And Donny was the best brother Mal could have with how he was always there for him.
Simon and Charlie and Frank and Tom all make a bit of an appearance in this book. Which was great. Simon's appearance was important for the story and I also liked how Brian and Simon finally resolved any lingering conflict/ uneasiness between them and cleared the air. The appearance from Frank and Tom was less long or important, but it was a fun cameo for those who have read the previous books.
Except for the romance storyline, there is the storyline about Josh and then there is some attention for a school club that Mal runs and where Brian helps. And Brian tries to save a building. I liked seeing how everything progressed and the epilogue was just awesome.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this romantic story. Mal and Brian make for such a good couple. And I enjoyed getting Brian's story and seeing his side of the story and why things didn't work out with Simon. I actually ended up really liking Brian and I think the author did a great job making him likable even after the image we already had of him from the first two books. And Mal was the perfect partner for Brian, with his quiet and steady presence. And the way he didn't give up and his awkwardness. They were great together. I also liked Josh's storyline and seeing how Brian handled it all. There is a short cameo appearance of all four main characters from the previous books, which was fun too. All in all this was a great romance book and I really enjoyed it.
loishojmark's review
4.0
Chasing Forever
(This Time Forever #3)
by Kelly Jensen
I haven't read any books by Kelly Jensen and I haven't read the first two in the series. That being said... normally I always read books in the intended order, based on the assumption that the author supposedly had an intention of writing those individual books in that particular series.
This time though, I think you might well be able to read the stories as stand alone. I don't know if there is a crossing of characters, but the overall theme of the series is small towns and second chances with a new town and a new main couple in each book.
Since I didn't enter the story with any background knowledge, I didnt have any preconceived notions about Brian as the "bad" guy from the first book. That might have influenced the way I read the story. There is a big difference in reading about a person's actions when told about them from the outside, from the viewpoint of the wronged party, and then experiencing the same person from the inside with all the feelings and thoughts on display. Brian was a blank slade for me and I didn't have to be converted to like him. I kind of wished I had read the first book before this one. There isn't much better than when a one-dimensional villainous character becomes unfolded to a multifaceted person with lots of hurt and feelings. When coupled with a increased self-awareness and personal development it has the potential for a very good book.
And this was a very good, heartwarming book with a lot of feels (and some tears).
In second chance stories, old quibbles, misunderstandings or at least missing information often fill a lot. Often the split wasn't amiable, and regret, stubbornness and pent-up hurt also permeates this story. There is angst, but there is also a lot of hope, hurt and comfort'.
In a way I identify with Brian in my youth as a rebellious and black sheep with a lot of internal hurt and outward reactions. Whereas Mel represents the last 15 years of my life, with a lot of "bodily" pain, rehabilitation, and a fighting will to persevere. But also characterized by periods of depression and lack of hope. Maybe that is one of the reasons why I like the book. But it is also due to Jensen's ability to write good characters - where even the sidecharacters are well-founded and well-rounded.
Given to me by A Novel Take PR in exchange for an honest review.
(This Time Forever #3)
by Kelly Jensen
I haven't read any books by Kelly Jensen and I haven't read the first two in the series. That being said... normally I always read books in the intended order, based on the assumption that the author supposedly had an intention of writing those individual books in that particular series.
This time though, I think you might well be able to read the stories as stand alone. I don't know if there is a crossing of characters, but the overall theme of the series is small towns and second chances with a new town and a new main couple in each book.
Since I didn't enter the story with any background knowledge, I didnt have any preconceived notions about Brian as the "bad" guy from the first book. That might have influenced the way I read the story. There is a big difference in reading about a person's actions when told about them from the outside, from the viewpoint of the wronged party, and then experiencing the same person from the inside with all the feelings and thoughts on display. Brian was a blank slade for me and I didn't have to be converted to like him. I kind of wished I had read the first book before this one. There isn't much better than when a one-dimensional villainous character becomes unfolded to a multifaceted person with lots of hurt and feelings. When coupled with a increased self-awareness and personal development it has the potential for a very good book.
And this was a very good, heartwarming book with a lot of feels (and some tears).
In second chance stories, old quibbles, misunderstandings or at least missing information often fill a lot. Often the split wasn't amiable, and regret, stubbornness and pent-up hurt also permeates this story. There is angst, but there is also a lot of hope, hurt and comfort'.
In a way I identify with Brian in my youth as a rebellious and black sheep with a lot of internal hurt and outward reactions. Whereas Mel represents the last 15 years of my life, with a lot of "bodily" pain, rehabilitation, and a fighting will to persevere. But also characterized by periods of depression and lack of hope. Maybe that is one of the reasons why I like the book. But it is also due to Jensen's ability to write good characters - where even the sidecharacters are well-founded and well-rounded.
Given to me by A Novel Take PR in exchange for an honest review.
xanthe87's review
5.0
This is a first for me from Kelly Jensen. I now know this book is the third in a series but had no clue before reading it and it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story or understanding of anything going on.
Mal is struggling with his mobility, having to use crutches after being hit by a car. As he was very active before, he finds it very hard to cope with the limitations he currently has. Being the shy, quiet man he is, he figures Brian would never go for a guy like him. Brian feels something towards Mal, a man he wouldn't normally try for. Both feel the attraction and connection but circumstances don't always work in their favour. Mal's physical ability is precarious, Brian's nephew shows up after being kicked out, and Brian's history is not something he wants to share with anyone. The two feel something but are not sure about moving forward.
This was a really good read! There is drama, emotion, relationships built and actions taken that draw you into the story and become invested of not just the two MC's but also some of the secondary characters as well, especially Josh, Brian's nephew. The attraction between the two feels natural and their relationship evolves naturally, experiencing several stumbles both literally and figuratively, sometimes creating those problems themselves. Each man has endearing qualities making you love them just a little bit more. Mal's stubbornness is both frustrating and admirable as he fights to get back his fitness and go back to work. Brian knows he's good at business but not so much at his personal life so getting himself in a position to have a relationship with Mal and be a good caregiver for his nephew is interesting to read. He faces thoughts about himself and his past that he struggles with but at the same time open to what is on offer in his future.
Kelly has created a wonderful world that these characters live in. There's friendship and family support, though not equally on both sides. Mal's connection with his twin is lovely to read, especially with what he's done for his brother. Brian's friendship with his best friend is what got him through his late teens and adult life so far, though she doesn't necessarily always like him as written in the first chapter! We have lightheartedness mixed in with so much drama as well as a very worthy cause that both men fight hard to get.
I definitely recommend this book and I'm going back to read the first two, which I'm sure are just as good as this one.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review
Mal is struggling with his mobility, having to use crutches after being hit by a car. As he was very active before, he finds it very hard to cope with the limitations he currently has. Being the shy, quiet man he is, he figures Brian would never go for a guy like him. Brian feels something towards Mal, a man he wouldn't normally try for. Both feel the attraction and connection but circumstances don't always work in their favour. Mal's physical ability is precarious, Brian's nephew shows up after being kicked out, and Brian's history is not something he wants to share with anyone. The two feel something but are not sure about moving forward.
This was a really good read! There is drama, emotion, relationships built and actions taken that draw you into the story and become invested of not just the two MC's but also some of the secondary characters as well, especially Josh, Brian's nephew. The attraction between the two feels natural and their relationship evolves naturally, experiencing several stumbles both literally and figuratively, sometimes creating those problems themselves. Each man has endearing qualities making you love them just a little bit more. Mal's stubbornness is both frustrating and admirable as he fights to get back his fitness and go back to work. Brian knows he's good at business but not so much at his personal life so getting himself in a position to have a relationship with Mal and be a good caregiver for his nephew is interesting to read. He faces thoughts about himself and his past that he struggles with but at the same time open to what is on offer in his future.
Kelly has created a wonderful world that these characters live in. There's friendship and family support, though not equally on both sides. Mal's connection with his twin is lovely to read, especially with what he's done for his brother. Brian's friendship with his best friend is what got him through his late teens and adult life so far, though she doesn't necessarily always like him as written in the first chapter! We have lightheartedness mixed in with so much drama as well as a very worthy cause that both men fight hard to get.
I definitely recommend this book and I'm going back to read the first two, which I'm sure are just as good as this one.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review
cadiva's review
5.0
Thank you for this book Kelly Jensen, just thank you.
I am 48 like Brian, I am disabled with mobility issues that came out of the blue at a relatively young age and changed my world like Malcolm.
I may not be a gay man but I could empathise with so much that these two complex and wonderfully alive characters had experienced and the doubts and fears they lived with.
Getting a redemption storyline right is not an easy task, and while Brian was never a true villain, our gaze as readers had been on him from the point of view of his ex Simon and Simon's best friend Frank.
We had an opinion on his character, on his behaviour, on how he was an ass, on how he treated Simon appallingly. But we were wrong in many ways.
Brian was a lost soul, clinging onto something that wasn't, and never would be, the right relationship for him or Simon, but lacking the whole awareness to realise it and so putting them both through Hell.
He'd been fighting his whole life so hard that he didn't know how to stop and put his shield and sword away.
It wasn't until his nephew Josh shows up with a painful reminder of the past, that Brian starts to become the beautifully flawed man he truly is. And it is then through the eyes of Malcolm that the layers start to peel away.
And here can I gush about Malcolm for a bit. He's not perfect either, he's physically fragile and feeling his mortality after the hit and run that almost destroyed his legs and nearly took his life.
But he is strong in heart, aware of his weaknesses and determined to not let his age, his awkwardness or his shyness get inside his head and prevent him from acknowledging that he wants Brian even with his asshole reputation.
I'm not sure which one I loved the most. They were stubborn, they were vulnerable, they were sexy and sweet together, frustrating and fascinating and ultimately the perfect fit to slot into place and create their own future together.
The secondary plot was a surprise, I didn't expect it to go the way it did but the narrative actually couldn't have been more right in the end. It's not the physical places that make a community but the people and the friendships and while the final outcome was a different one, I loved it.
I've thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series, so much so that I bought them all even though I'd had the ARCs. This is hands down one of the best series I've read not only this year but in the contemporary romance genre as a whole.
If you want interesting and intelligent mature characters all well past their youthful bloom who find and fall in love with their perfect partner, then you'd not go far wrong with picking this series up.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I am 48 like Brian, I am disabled with mobility issues that came out of the blue at a relatively young age and changed my world like Malcolm.
I may not be a gay man but I could empathise with so much that these two complex and wonderfully alive characters had experienced and the doubts and fears they lived with.
Getting a redemption storyline right is not an easy task, and while Brian was never a true villain, our gaze as readers had been on him from the point of view of his ex Simon and Simon's best friend Frank.
We had an opinion on his character, on his behaviour, on how he was an ass, on how he treated Simon appallingly. But we were wrong in many ways.
Brian was a lost soul, clinging onto something that wasn't, and never would be, the right relationship for him or Simon, but lacking the whole awareness to realise it and so putting them both through Hell.
He'd been fighting his whole life so hard that he didn't know how to stop and put his shield and sword away.
It wasn't until his nephew Josh shows up with a painful reminder of the past, that Brian starts to become the beautifully flawed man he truly is. And it is then through the eyes of Malcolm that the layers start to peel away.
And here can I gush about Malcolm for a bit. He's not perfect either, he's physically fragile and feeling his mortality after the hit and run that almost destroyed his legs and nearly took his life.
But he is strong in heart, aware of his weaknesses and determined to not let his age, his awkwardness or his shyness get inside his head and prevent him from acknowledging that he wants Brian even with his asshole reputation.
I'm not sure which one I loved the most. They were stubborn, they were vulnerable, they were sexy and sweet together, frustrating and fascinating and ultimately the perfect fit to slot into place and create their own future together.
The secondary plot was a surprise, I didn't expect it to go the way it did but the narrative actually couldn't have been more right in the end. It's not the physical places that make a community but the people and the friendships and while the final outcome was a different one, I loved it.
I've thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series, so much so that I bought them all even though I'd had the ARCs. This is hands down one of the best series I've read not only this year but in the contemporary romance genre as a whole.
If you want interesting and intelligent mature characters all well past their youthful bloom who find and fall in love with their perfect partner, then you'd not go far wrong with picking this series up.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
claudia_is_reading's review
4.0
I love this series, and this book is no exception. An emotional roller-coaster, with characters that are full-fledged and interesting, and a love story that will pull at all your strings, but will also warm your heart...
I begun this one with bit of trepidations, as I don't like cheaters, and Brian is Simon's cheating boyfriend, so I was really prejuidiced against him. And yet... let's just say that there is a lot more to Brian that what we think we know.
The book is more than just a romance, as we also have Josh, Brian's nephew showing up, in need of guidance; and a historical building in need of saving :)
What can I say? Once again Kelly Jensen's writing has delight me :)
I begun this one with bit of trepidations, as I don't like cheaters, and Brian is Simon's cheating boyfriend, so I was really prejuidiced against him. And yet... let's just say that there is a lot more to Brian that what we think we know.
The book is more than just a romance, as we also have Josh, Brian's nephew showing up, in need of guidance; and a historical building in need of saving :)
What can I say? Once again Kelly Jensen's writing has delight me :)
suze_1624's review
4.0
I have enjoyed this series and this one is no exception.
There is little angst though Brian has a very dire background, and Mal is struggling with severe injuries. So neither is perfect, more so Brian as he hides behind his bravura to make up for the lack of trust he has in most people.
Josh coming into the mix is the catalyst to get them together, get good things done with the drop in and to heal both of them.
There were a number of issues that could have gone the ‘novel perfect solution’ route and I’m glad we didn’t.
There is little angst though Brian has a very dire background, and Mal is struggling with severe injuries. So neither is perfect, more so Brian as he hides behind his bravura to make up for the lack of trust he has in most people.
Josh coming into the mix is the catalyst to get them together, get good things done with the drop in and to heal both of them.
There were a number of issues that could have gone the ‘novel perfect solution’ route and I’m glad we didn’t.
paulalovesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Me gustó mucho este libro, en especial saber un poco más sobre el "malo" del primer libro. Es muy tierno y me encanta que los personajes no sean perfecto, que tengan problemas y que estos sean abordados de buena manera. Malcolm es adorable y Brian es muy gracioso y tiene un corazón de oro. Algo que me gusta de estos libros es que me encanta la temática de arquitectura y de renovación (I know, weird), pero es que me encanta mirar casas jajajaja si leyeron el primer libro y el segundo, de seguro van a disfrutar este y aunque no necesario leer esta saga en orden, si hay mención de otros personajes y obvio spoilers, así que recomiendo seguir el orden.
the_novel_approach's review against another edition
5.0
Two men, both afraid of getting too close and losing again, meet. One, Malcolm Montgomery, has had more than his fair share of knocks in life. His latest left him with two badly injured legs, and learning how to walk again. Countless surgeries, with potentially more to come, find Mal trying his best to see beyond not only the physical pain but also grappling with the depressing belief that he will never really measure up to anyone’s standards, and remain alone. Already fifty, the prospects of finding someone to take a chance on him are slim.
The other man is a serial cheater and renowned player, Brian Kenway. Only Brian knows the real reason he was never faithful to his partner of twelve years, but now Simon is happy with another man and Brian is alone. But, all that is about to change. A broken window and a runaway will invade Brian’s home and, eventually, his heart, but it will be the high school teacher who asks Brian to help with the school’s GSA who will turn Brian’s life upside down. Mal is just the sort of man Brian has never been attracted to before, but now all bets are off, and life is going to get very interesting for both Mal and Brian—if only they can learn to trust each other.
Brian’s story is the third installment in Kelly Jensen’s This Time Forever series, and it is probably the most gut-wrenching of the three. When we are finally privy to what makes Brian tick, it is staggering, horrifying, and brutally honest. Between his backstory and young Josh’s current situation, I think this may well be the novel that resonates with more gay men and women than any other. Suddenly becoming not only an uncle to Josh, but one that has to open not only his home but his heart as well, is profoundly challenging for Brian, and it exposes all kinds of memories that he would rather have kept buried. But Mal is there to help—sweet, lonely Mal.
I think of all the characters in these three novels, Mal is perhaps the most sensitive and gentle. He is also nearly as lost as Brian is, and that is saying something. Mal may have a wonderful twin brother and a family who accepts and loves him, but he is still very much alone. After the man he invested seven long years with walks out of his life, Mal is left with little else than a house to redecorate and a heart that is convinced he will never measure up. Told all too often that he is just not good enough has left Mal gun-shy of ever going after another relationship, much less one with the likes of Brian Kenway. But bad boys are alluring, and Brian seems to fit the bill until Mal realizes that beneath the persona is a man who has been hurt badly and has closed off his heart.
Chasing Forever is a testament to the healing power of friendship and love. What changes for both these men is the chance to invest in one another. Once they take the time to really understand how they must both try to open up and believe in themselves, they can let down the walls and learn to love each other, and that moment is what we wait for with bated breath in this novel. Until then, we get the benefit of going on their journey, one fraught with miscommunication and mistakes but also rife with understanding and gentle kindness.
Chasing Forever is a beautiful love story all about second chances, and Kelly Jensen writes this kind of novel like no other. Fans of the series will love this one. I know I did.
Reviewed by Sammy
The other man is a serial cheater and renowned player, Brian Kenway. Only Brian knows the real reason he was never faithful to his partner of twelve years, but now Simon is happy with another man and Brian is alone. But, all that is about to change. A broken window and a runaway will invade Brian’s home and, eventually, his heart, but it will be the high school teacher who asks Brian to help with the school’s GSA who will turn Brian’s life upside down. Mal is just the sort of man Brian has never been attracted to before, but now all bets are off, and life is going to get very interesting for both Mal and Brian—if only they can learn to trust each other.
Brian’s story is the third installment in Kelly Jensen’s This Time Forever series, and it is probably the most gut-wrenching of the three. When we are finally privy to what makes Brian tick, it is staggering, horrifying, and brutally honest. Between his backstory and young Josh’s current situation, I think this may well be the novel that resonates with more gay men and women than any other. Suddenly becoming not only an uncle to Josh, but one that has to open not only his home but his heart as well, is profoundly challenging for Brian, and it exposes all kinds of memories that he would rather have kept buried. But Mal is there to help—sweet, lonely Mal.
I think of all the characters in these three novels, Mal is perhaps the most sensitive and gentle. He is also nearly as lost as Brian is, and that is saying something. Mal may have a wonderful twin brother and a family who accepts and loves him, but he is still very much alone. After the man he invested seven long years with walks out of his life, Mal is left with little else than a house to redecorate and a heart that is convinced he will never measure up. Told all too often that he is just not good enough has left Mal gun-shy of ever going after another relationship, much less one with the likes of Brian Kenway. But bad boys are alluring, and Brian seems to fit the bill until Mal realizes that beneath the persona is a man who has been hurt badly and has closed off his heart.
Chasing Forever is a testament to the healing power of friendship and love. What changes for both these men is the chance to invest in one another. Once they take the time to really understand how they must both try to open up and believe in themselves, they can let down the walls and learn to love each other, and that moment is what we wait for with bated breath in this novel. Until then, we get the benefit of going on their journey, one fraught with miscommunication and mistakes but also rife with understanding and gentle kindness.
Chasing Forever is a beautiful love story all about second chances, and Kelly Jensen writes this kind of novel like no other. Fans of the series will love this one. I know I did.
Reviewed by Sammy
ladydewinter's review against another edition
4.0
I had liked the first volume of the series, although I felt it didn't quite live up to its potential. I skipped the second because I couldn't read past the first couple of pages of the preview, but from the beginning I had a feeling I would like Brian's book best. And I did.