Only One Forever by Natasha Madison {a review}

From Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comes a brand new stand-alone sports romance. Only One Forever is the eighth installment of the Only One Series. This is a spin-off from the Something So Series and This is Series.

Only One Forever is the story that the fandom has been eagerly anticipating. The story of Dylan Stone and Alex Horton has been building for a while now, and everything is about to be laid out on the line. Hearts are going to bared, emotions are going to be elevated, and this has the potential to blow up the family. This book is a slow burn. It is best friends to lovers. It could be considered a forbidden romance due to the family connection. Ultimately though it is a story of soul mates. These two found their other half early on, and it's time to set the stage for a forever type of love.

FIVE STARS! Five glorious stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

How to talk about this book....

If you did not read This Is Forever, then you may not be familiar with Dylan Stone. Actually back in that book, his last name wasn't Stone. In This Is Forever, Dylan was a young child who loved hockey, but didn't have the best financial situation. He and his mom were struggling to pay the bills, but Caroline was doing everything she could for her child. It was when she met Justin Stone that everything changed. Caroline's relationship with Justin is what has us here today. Why do I tell you that? It's important to the story. It explains why Only One Forever could be considered a forbidden romance.

Alex Horton is the daughter of Max and Allison. Their love story is told in Something So Irresistible. Alex has always been one to push the boundaries, but she's also struggled with finding where she fits in. It took her moving to Dallas, and starting to work for Wilson, to begin to feel settled. She was getting into a groove, and feeling confident in her abilities. I honestly love Alex. She is open. She's not afraid to speak up. She's sarcastic. She's funny as all get out. Alex also wears her heart on her sleeve.

Then there is Dylan. He's currently playing hockey up in Montreal, but lately something's been off. He can't quite put his finger on it. All he knows is that he is missing his best friend, Alex. A quick trip to visit her in Dallas is just what he needs. The fact that the annual family vacation is about to happen is just a bonus. While Dylan is in Dallas, he also takes the opportunity to meet with Nico. Better known as the owner of the Dallas Oilers. Dylan is putting feelers out there about maybe not resigning with Montreal, so it just makes sense. Dylan is an amazing character as well. He is a person you can trust. He is a safe spot to land. He knows what it is like to go without, and he would so anything for anyone.

Since I've read ALL the books in Natasha Madison's multiple hockey series, I know how these stories always go down. Only One Forever was familiar, with just that twist of difference to it. Witnessing the interactions that Alex and Dylan have had over the course of other stories has shown how deep of a connection they have. Yes, it could be contributed to a family bond, but it's different. They are each other's person. They are each other's confidant. They can tell each other anything. They are there for each other in the good times, the emotional times, and any other time they are needed. They truly are two halves of a whole finding each other. I love it.

I wasn't expecting this book to be a slow burn. Yet it makes sense. How do you tell your best friend, and sort of cousin, that you are in love with them? How do you lay all that out there? What if they don't reciprocate? No matter how they respond, how do you tell the family? 

When feelings were finally revealed, that breath I was holding did not release. I was waiting for the implosion from the guys. I knew that at least one of them would not take the news well. And honestly, the person who didn't react well, surprised me. My heart was starting to shatter. Fast forward just a little bit, and the words that were spoken after all of that, grabbed hold of my heart, and had me loving this entire family even more. Words of truth were spoken. Words of love. Words of affirmation. Words that not only build up Dylan and Alex, but also just speak for who the Grant/Stone/Horton/etc family is. Now of course before those positive words were spoken, there was a lot of dialogue that had tears falling. Our characters were so vulnerable. They just wanted their love recognized, and accepted by those they hold most dear.

This love story between Alex and Dylan wasn't the only storyline happening though. There was a storyline going that tied very closely to Dylan's childhood. Alex was introduced to this character through her work at Wilson's hockey camp. When Maddox was dropped off for camp, and Natasha Madison described everything, my mind flew to Dylan and Caroline. While the stories are comparable on multiple levels, Maddox's story hit me much harder. Which once you read it, you'll understand. I also had a gut feeling of what would happen next, and I am so glad that my gut was correct. Of course getting to that point was not easy by any means. Naturally there had to be dramatic moments that had me gasp, and worry to build. That's something I love about the stories Natasha Madison writes though. She takes you through the wringer. You feel all the feels. It's really quite glorious. Even if I do cry through many scenes in her books.

Oh this story! These characters! I love it all. If I could befriend fictional characters, it would be the group from these three series. They have grabbed hold of my heart, and I don't want to let them go. Now if you don't know, Only One Forever is the last book in this series. So I should be sad that this is over. Yet I know what the author has said. There is another spinoff in the works! We've already met the characters for that first book. We know how they met. We've witnessed the chemistry. What happens next for them? Save the date for December 27, 2022 when Made for Me releases!

Reader friends, I do hope you'll pick up Only One Forever. Well really I hope you pick up all the hockey books from Natasha Madison. While the stories don't have to be read in order, I think you get the best experience by doing so. Go fall for these characters. They are dear to me, and I hope they'll become favorites of yours as well. 

May I suggest a few songs to listen to while you read? Fine Line by Harry Styles, Habit by Louis Tomlinson, Always You by Louis Tomlinson, Still by Niall Horan, Everywhere by Niall Horan, Black & White by Niall Horan, and Till Forever Falls Apart by Ashe and Finneas.

Thank you for taking time to read my long winded thoughts on Only One Forever. As I've said, I adore this series, as well as the two that came before it. I think for my birthday I'm going to start investing in the paperback copies of all of these books. Please go pick up this slow burn, forbidden, best friends to lovers, soul mates romance. Cover to cover I was thoroughly invested. Just have the tissues close by for certain scenes.

Laura

PS: Do you feel like you need a family tree for all of this? Well Natasha Madison has one on her website!

 

Cover Design: Jay Aheer
Photo: Wander Photography

Dylan

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 heart broken 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.

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Meet 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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Thank you to Natasha Madison, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Only One Forever.

Only One Love by Natasha Madison {a review}

From USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comes a brand new stand alone sports romance. Only One Love is the seventh installment of the Only One series. The Only One series is a spin off from the Something So series and This Is series. You do not need to read them prior to reading Only One Love, but I recommend that you do. Or at least read the Something So series so that you can get a better understanding of Matthew Grant and Max Horton. Just trust me on that.

Franny (Francis) Grant is the daughter of Matthew and Karrie Grant. Her older brother is Cooper, he was recently traded to the Dallas Oilers, and found his happily ever after in Only One Regret. Brad Wilson just happens to play for the Dallas Oilers as well, and he doesn't fully remember the night he spent with Franny. Or at least not until she mentions it. Flash forward to these two reconnecting through an interview, and a path toward a happily ever after is formed. Now their relationship isn't without issue. Drama seems to pop up occasionally, and both are terrified of commitment. That is until something big happens and one of them tries to flee. Since Franny is Matthew's daughter, you know he's involved in whatever way he can be. It's just not in his nature to not be front and center. But with what has been released, can he look passed that? Can he accept that there is a future between Franny and Wilson? Can Matthew get over himself and allow his daughter to break out on her own? At the same time, can Franny and Wilson fight for their happily ever after? Or will they give up?

If you know me at all, then you know how much I have been anticipating this book! I am obsessed with all three hockey series that Natasha Madison has released, and I look forward to every new book she creates. So it's of no surprise that I freaking loved Only One Love. From the way Matthew and Franny were butting heads in the beginning of the story, to the relationship between Franny and Wilson, to that dramatic moment before the hockey game, to Franny standing her ground, I just loved it all. Also, Franny is just as stubborn as her father, and I'm here for it. Karrie didn't disappoint either with how she pushed her child to realize her feelings, and encouraged her to act upon them. Then there's Max Horton. That man has perfect timing with his little zingers, and I love how he brings the comedic relief.

This book was SO CLOSE to being a 5 star read. Instead I went with 4.5 stars. The one thing that held me back was wanting the drama to last just a bit longer. I wanted to see if the individual behind it all came forward, or if they made another attempt. Also, it would been awesome to see the confrontation about the events.

One thing for certain is that I am hooked on this family! The stage has been set for Dylan and Alex's story, and I need that NOW! I need to know what goes down between them, and how these two make it work. Plus I know, I just know, it will be full of family bringing on the jokes while also lending shoulders when needed. AHHHH! But at the same time, I'm not ready for Dylan and Alex's story because that is, supposedly, the last book in the Only One series. I can only hope that another spinoff will occur, or even an extension on this current series. I'm not ready to give up the Grant/Horton/Stone families.

Thank you for reading my thoughts on Only One Love. If you are someone who enjoys hockey romances, and you haven't read any of the books by Natasha Madison, you need to do so NOW.  Just please trust me on that. 

Laura

Wilson
I was the bad boy on and off the ice.

I loved it — owned it.

Hockey. Women. Money.

Until she came into the picture.

Now, all I want to do is be better.

I want to prove to myself I don’t have to be the guy everyone thinks I am.

She knocked down the walls I spent my whole life building.

Franny
My last name opened the doors, but proving I was worth the title of TV producer took all of my time.

He walked in with a chip on his shoulder.

I was happy to point out all his flaws.

Falling for him was inevitable.

When scandal hits, no one expected me to stand by his side.

Not even him.

But I’ve learned that you get only one love.

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Meet

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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Thank you to Natasha Madison, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Only One Love.

Only One Mistake by Natasha Madison {a review}

If you are a fan of the Only One series by Natasha Madison, then you need to run to your favorite retailer, and grab a copy of Only One Mistake right this minute. Michael and Jillian are amazing, and if you're anything like me, you're going to fall hard for these two.

Natasha Madison got me again. I was not expecting to fall so hard for Michael Horton, but it happened. Only One Mistake also reaffirmed my love of Something So Irresistible.

The last year has been difficult for Michael. His coach and he have been having issues, and all that came to a head recently. Which resulted in Michael contacting his agent to request a trade. Where is he headed? The Dallas Oilers of course! It is here that he will get to be on the same team as Cooper Grant, who is one of his cousins. The night he arrives in town, he decides to head out to grab a bite to eat. Shortly after arriving, a woman approaches his table. She asks if his name is Zander, because that is who she is supposed to be meeting for a blind date. Michael lets her know she has the wrong guy, and off she goes to wait. Jillian has been stood up! She is about to leave the restaurant when Michael approaches her this time, and asks her to join him. After the meal, and conversation, the two are about to go their opposite ways. That is until Michael gets this thought in his head, and he realizes he needs to be the one to take her home. For safety purposes. Obviously. He manages to convince Jillian, and they arrive at her place. From there one thing leads to another, and a steamy night is had together. Jillian gets Michael's number and promises to call. A little time passes, and Jillian attempts to call, but another woman answers. She tries back another day, and the number is disconnected. Apparently this potential relationship wasn't going to happen. When Jillian discovers she's pregnant, from that night with Michael, she's excited but crushed. Guess she'll be a single mom. That is until months later Michael appears at the school she teaches at. Can they reconnect? Can they have a future together? Why didn't Michael contact her? What is happening?

From their initial meet cute at the restaurant, to their steamy night together, to the phone calls that never went through, to everything that kept them apart, only to be reunited because Cooper and Erika could't pick up the kids, I fell so hard for Michael and Jillian. These two stumbled into each other's lives by pure chance, and missed out on almost 5 months together because of life events. When Jillian and Michael did reconnect, and he realized she was pregnant, I wasn't certain what was going to happen next. I certainly did not expect for Michael to go home and call his Dad (Max)! Then that entire conversation that occurred? Oh the vulnerability on Michael's part. He needed his parents, and these two wonderful people would move heaven and earth for their kids. (as well as those important to them.) Oh how this scene had the tears flowing.

When Max and Allison arrived to town, I knew things were about to get even more interesting. If you've read any of the stories that feature the OGs of Natasha's hockey series, then you know how those characters are! So when Max and Allison rolled into town WITH Matthew Grant in tow, I had to laugh. Every moment that happened at Michael's condo had me laughing. Allison was full of one liners. Max and Matthew were equally as chirpy. It was FANTASTIC. Then when Jillian arrived? Oh the emotions flowed again. Especially with how she was quickly pulled into the fold. She was a Horton now. Maybe not in name, but it doesn't matter. She and baby were family. And a Horton takes care of what is theirs.

Then there's Julia, Jillian's protective twin sister. She is an amazing side character with many witty comebacks. When she is paired up with Alex Horton, it was even better. Those two sisters were fantastic together. I look forward to seeing more of that in the future. Julia better be a staple character in Alex's book! 

"They are making out on the couch."

"Looks hot and heavy. Should I break it up?"

"She's already pregnant. He can't do more damage than that."

Oh, oh, oh, I almost forgot....When Jillian and Julia found out that Max Horton is Michael's dad? The tears started falling again. I'm not saying anything more than that. You'll have to read the book to find out that connection.

Absolutely loved Jillian and Michael's story. It managed to squeak another book out of first place, and earned the title of my December favorite. This next generation of Grants, Stones, Hortons is just going to keep pulling at my heartstrings. I am completely here for it. There may only be two books left in the Only One series, but oh how I hope Natasha just creates another spin off. Hey I can dream!

Thank you Matthew Grant for continuing to be who you are. 🤣  You wonderful, caring caveman. Also seeing Michael exhibit similar traits as the other men in this family was golden.

Oh, and Natasha Madison...That little line at the end of the first epilogue? ARE YOU TRYING TO TORTURE ME WITH THAT? Oh the tie-in.

 

"It was only a little mistake."

"Nah. It was something so irresistible."

If you've read the Something SO series, then you might know that book title she threw in there. Ahh, my heart.

Only One Mistake was a 5 star read for me. There was not one question in my head about it. Oh this book. This series! Highly recommend.

Thank you for reading my thoughts on Only One Mistake. I hope you choose to read the book, and fall for the characters like I have.

Laura

Cover Design: Jay Aheer

Michael Horton

Being traded after fighting with your coach on air isn’t exactly a good look.

With one mistake under my belt, I knew I needed to focus on the game, and nothing else.

But everything changed when I went to pick up my nieces and came face to face with my very pregnant one-night stand from six months ago.

Jillian

Two pink lines changed all my plans.

So did the guy I had a one-night stand with, a man who made me laugh and smile, a guy who I called to share my unexpected news with only to find out his number was no longer in service.

Once more let down by the opposite sex I figured I was doing this on my own.

Then one day I was staring into the eyes of the man I hated, the father of my baby.

All it took is only one mistake to change everything.

Grab your copy HERE!
Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet 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...

Connect with Natasha Madison

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Thank you to Natasha Madison, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Only One Mistake.

Only One Regret by Natasha Madison {a review}

 

From USA Bestseller Natasha Madison comes a brand new Hockey series The Only One. I have been EAGERLY ANTICIPATING Mini Coop's story! If you have read ALL of Natasha Madison's hockey novels, then you know who Cooper Stone is. You also know that Matthew Grant, Cooper Stone's stepson, named his first born Cooper. This is his story.

At the beginning of Only One Regret, we find Cooper in the final moments before his divorce is official. His family isn't in town, so it's just him. Well him, and his best friend. She's always available to talk, and is a major support system for Cooper. Cooper never planned on getting divorce. He planned on remaining married, and raising their daughters together. But those plans were dismantled when his ex served him after practice. He was barely off the ice. And that was it. Now here he is trying to figure out the new normal. Erika is by his side though, and so it's making things a bit easier. All is going well until the night of his divorce party (that Erika made him throw). Things between Erika and Cooper are about to change. Can their friendship survive? Will Erika run away? Will she leave him?

Considering I have absolutely loved the twelve books (4-Something So, 4-This Is, and 4-Only One) that have come before Only One Regret, it should be of no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed Cooper and Erika's story. How can I not love a book that features the friends to lovers trope? How can I not love a book that brings back so many familiar faces? How can I not love a book that makes me smile, swoon, and feel the emotions? I can't. I LOVED ONLY ONE REGRET! I (obviously) loved the characters. The setting was familiar, safe, and fun. The storyline entranced me. Seeing Matthew Stone act like the caveman that he is, had me laughing. That man has not changed one bit. Witnessing the banter between family members just brought me back to the beginning of the Something So series. Only One Regret was a reunion. It was a homecoming. It was needed. Not just by Cooper, but by me too. Getting to be reunited with these characters that I adore just makes me happy.  The one thing I wasn't expecting when heading back to Dallas, was the time jump that occurred. It had only been a few years, but still it made me pause. Knowing that Becca had stepped back from her role, and Erika had taken that over, I wasn't prepared. It wasn't a bad thing. Not at all. It just caught me off guard. I fully expected that from the way Only One Touch had ended, that we would pick up with Cooper's trade to Dallas. That wasn't the case. And that's fine. It's FINE. Moving on. I do love how the relationship between Cooper and Erika played out. I also love how the big Grant/Stone vacation showed just how much Cooper is like his dad. THAT had me rolling. The big dramatic moment for our couple, wasn't really that dramatic in my mind. To be honest, what happened is what I expected to happen. This moment was more like a little speed bump than a giant mountain that they had to climb. And that's okay. It worked for their story. In the end, it all worked out. Our couple walked away happy, and in love. Plus we had the set up for Only One Mistake featuring Michael Horton. (oooh I'm hoping for another family trip and/or get together!)

If you're like me, and have loved all of Natasha Madison's hockey romances, then it's a no-brainer that you need to read Only One Regret. If you're new to the hockey romances from Natasha Madison, don't feel like you need to start from the beginning with Cooper and Parker's story. Technically they are all meant to be standalones, but obviously you're going to see character crossover. So by starting from the beginning, you'll have the history, and know who these OG characters are as they make appearances here and there. I promise they are all quick reads. But if you'd rather jump in here with Cooper and Erika, that works too. Regardless, I truly hope that you'll read these books. They are some of my favorites.

Thank you for stopping by to read my random thoughts on the book. (and thank you for putting up with me laughing about Matthew Grant, and all his over the top ways.)

Laura

Cooper.

My name came with big skates to fill. .

At the top of my game, I had everything I wanted, or so I thought. .

Being traded to Dallas was not what I was expecting but neither were the divorce papers I was served. .

Now I’m a single dad in a city that isn’t my home. .

Erika.

Handed my biggest client when I was twenty-two made my dreams come true. .

Over time, our work relationship changed, and we grew closer, leaning on each other for support. .

He was my rock, my best friend..

Then one drunken night changed everything, and I saw what was in front of me all along. .

I just hope that when the dust settles, we won’t regret it.

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Meet 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...

Connect with Natasha Madison

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Thank you to Natasha Madison, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Only One Regret.