Forevermore
by Nicole Edwards
Release Date: July 26, 2022
Publisher: Nicole Edwards Limited
Book #12 in the Club Destiny series
Number of Pages: 418
Kindle Edition
Source: ARC from author
Erotic Romance
Ages 17 and up
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With nine years of marriage behind them and eight years into their polyamorous relationship, Logan, Samantha, and Elijah are about to take their relationship to the next level.
Six months ago, in a cabin lit by candlelight, as part of a game Samantha convinced them to play, Elijah kissed Logan, ultimately changing the dynamic of their relationship. They’ve had plenty of time to process what it means, but it isn’t until Sam takes a girls’ trip that Logan makes the first move, deciding it’s time to explore things further.
When Logan and Elijah realize that one mind-blowing encounter hadn’t been a one-time-only event, they look to Sam to help guide them through the unknown.
*Forevermore is a continuation of Cabin By Candlelight, from Naughty Holidays 2021, voted on by the readers.
I recently did a re-read of the Club Destiny books that focused on Sam, Logan, and/or Eli to get ready for the release of this story. I’m glad I did as I had changed my opinion on some of the books and some aspects of the stories since I originally read them. (You can see my reviews on Conviction, Addicted, and Entrusted for more on that.) This book came about after the author had her readers vote on which of the short stories from her Naughty Holidays 2021 compilation they wanted to see more of and Cabin by Candlelight won the vote. I’ll admit that I wasn’t gung-ho on this being the winner since I have a lot of relationships in the Nicole Edwards universe that I love a lot more, but I ended up glad these three got more of their story told.
When we left the world of the Club Destiny series Sam, Logan, and Eli were in a polyamorous relationship with Sam being the center and in a loving and sexual relationship with both Logan and Eli. While the men sometimes shared Sam at the same time, they were not in a romantic relationship with one another. In the short story, which I believe the author is including in this book so there’s a refresher for everyone, Logan and Eli kiss during a game that Sam cooked up. This story picks up months later with everyone still in the position in their polycule, but Logan and Eli haven’t stopped thinking about that kiss or the emotions it caused. None of them have talked about it either, which is why everything is at a low boil in their household. They think they’re playing it cool, but even their friends have noticed something is different between Eli and Logan.
First, I’m going to address the “gay for you” aspect of this story. Logan and Eli have never had interest in other men, but after 8 years in a monogamous relationship with the same woman, living in the same house, sharing very intimate moments, they have come to care deeply for one another. It seems that depth of emotion has even turned to love. Neither know what to do with that. It’s not upsetting to them in a way that they disagree with being gay, they just never felt this attraction to another man before so they’re not sure if they can trust all these new emotions. I am a huge fan of this author and love the way she explores how relationships look for many different people. I am by no means an expert. I would have loved for the fact that Eli and Logan are demisexual to have been called by name. Maybe I’m wrong? Possibly they are pansexual. Could be I’m misunderstanding what demisexual means, but it seems to fit here and I don’t feel it gets enough attention in LGBTQ+ books…yet. In my mind, the undercurrent of “gay for you” wouldn’t be there if the characters had explored what it means to be demisexual or pansexual. (I want to make it clear I do not think everyone and everything needs a label. I just felt in this case it would have been nice to have that representation very clear here.)
Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of thought and processing these characters do. Especially Logan. I even understand, as the story progresses and he’s able to verbalize his feelings better, where he’s coming from in his fear. He and Sam were married before Eli even came into the picture. He almost reminds me of someone expecting a second child wondering if they can love that second child as much as the first, and wondering if they are going to have problems splitting that love. As we all know, the heart has an endless capacity to love. But Logan had to see things from all angles before he was able to feel as if he wasn’t doing Sam wrong. Plus, neither of these men wanted to hurt Sam. Yet, since nobody was talking things out, they were all making assumptions about how the others felt.
In case you haven’t figured it out by now, there is a bit of angst to this story. But also some wonderful scenes of discovery and new love, and the steady kind of love that doesn’t break. These three are working out what is best for them and it’s a beautiful thing. Plus, it’s off the charts hot!
Before I wrap this up, I want to mention some things I really appreciate about this book that don’t have to do with the central story. It’s mentioned that their niece has hit puberty…and she’s 10. As someone who started that process at 9, I appreciate it being in a fiction story that this can and does happen. Especially with the state of things in this country right now. Also, it’s mentioned in passing and matter of factly and not made to be something “other”, which is perfect. And, although this story doesn’t deal with any trans characters, there is mention of the club rules and it’s made very clear that these characters in the Club Destiny world are very aware that gender is not black and white and neither are relationships.
All of this to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think, more than anything, it brings awareness to different aspects of sexuality, love, and attraction.
4 stars
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
All In Good Time 