Only One Forever is the eighth book in the Only One series. I was eager for this story. Been following the series from the start and I was curious how Madison would handle the story for the couple featured in this installment. The romance featured here is complicated. Our couple grew up together. They are best friends and cousins via adoption. The hero was adopted by the heroine’s uncle when he was ten years old. Read on for my views on the latest installment in the Only One series.
From The Something So Series and the This Is series comes Only One Forever.Dylan I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Title: Only One Forever
Author(s): Natasha Madison
Series: Only One #8
Also in this series: Only One Kiss , Only One Chance , Only One Night , Only One Touch , Only One Regret, Only One Mistake , Only One Love
Published by Self Published on April 12, 2022
Pages: 361
Genre(s): Contemporary Sports Romance
Source: Wildfire Marketing Solutions
Format: eArc 
Purchase: Amazon|B&N|Kobo|Audible|ITunes
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My dreams came true when I was adopted at ten.
I was the best on the ice. Living the life of what every kid dreams of.
We’ve been best friends since then. Even when she was the annoying little sister following us around.
I would do anything for her.
It is another family vacation; except this time it feels different. Everything feels different.
Alex
All my memories have Dylan in them. From the first time I fell off my bike, to the time I got my heartbroken for the first time.
He’s always been my protector, but it’s time to let the dream of being his go.
One last family trip, one last goodbye.
Except fate steps in and has other plans.
At the end of the day, you only get one forever.
SUMMARY
Dylan and Alex were childhood friends. They became a part of each other’s lives when Alex’s uncle adopted Dylan when he was ten years old. Since then, they have been inseparable. Dylan currently lives in Canada where he plays hockey, but his dreams of success for his team came to an abrupt end and he needs to reassess his life both professionally and personally. He turns to the one person whom he knows will provide him with insight on how best to proceed. However, turning to his best friend Alex for advice created a maelstrom of emotions that could destroy their friendship, damage family connections, or give them a happy forever.
Not only am I in love with her but there is also nothing that I can do … I know I will never ever be able to love her like I want to. I know if I say anything to her, I risk never being able to be next to her again. I risk never getting to see her smile again. I risk never getting to hear her laughter anymore. I risk living the rest of my life without her in it. And it’s a risk I’m not willing to take. I’d rather love her from afar in secret than not at all. It’s a sacrifice I’m going to have to make, and I know that I’ll never get over her.
The story was good, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters and reconnecting with those from the previous books. It elicited some tearful moments with the emotional scenes Madison introduced in relation to the issues of adoption. One would be hard-pressed to not have feelings of empathy for a little boy abandoned by his mother. This aspect of the story was gut wrenching read.
I was interested in seeing how the story would develop and seeing these characters really come together. However, the story didn’t turn out as I expected it to, as it relates to the romance. This time around, I did not connect with the romance, as I normally do with this author. I am not sure why, but it lacked the authenticity I am used to from her other romance novels. They had zero chemistry. The intimate scenes were hot, but it felt more like a friend with benefits situation rather than a couple head over heels in love.
Despite having issues with the romance, I enjoyed the camaraderie between the characters. Family connections and friendship played a significant role. It was great seeing how the author portrayed these connections.
“I helped raise you.” He swallows back the tears. “The man you are is the man I had hoped that Alex would find.”
Although not my favourite, Only One Forever had elements I enjoyed. I recommend this to fans of hockey romance and friends to lovers trope
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About Natasha Madison
When her nose isn’t buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she’s in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It’s a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn’t listen to her…
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
I always have a soft spot for stories that include adoption as my children were adopted. So glad you enjoyed this one, even if the romance wasn’t what you were expecting.
That does sound like it would be a good read. I like the premise.
oh no its a shame the romance was so lackluster and must have been so disappointing for you there.
The history between these two characters is unique. Too bad that you didn’t really feel like the romance was authentic. This is an author that I want to try.
This was one was a bit off for me, but her other books are wonderful.
I love these kinds of romance Nadene thank you