Release Day Launch: Drew+Fable Forever by Monica Murphy {Review + Excerpt}
Happy release day to Monica Murphy!
Today I am excited to share my review as well as an excerpt from Drew+Fable Forever with you all!
Drew+Fable Forever (Drew+Fable #3.5)
by: Monica MurphyPublication Date: Jan. 14, 2014
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC provided by InkSlingerPR and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 130 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes
My Rating: 5/5 stars
Monica Murphy returns with her most beloved characters, Drew and Fable, in this eBook original 40,000-word novella that brings her bestselling New Adult series full circle.
Fantasy. How I ended up with NFL player Drew Callahan, the guy every woman wants, is beyond my wildest dreams. All I know is that once he chose me as his one and only, I sure wasn’t looking back. I had past wounds and he showed patience and concern—even taking responsibility for my messed-up kid brother. Now, once again, he’s found a way to blow my mind: an exotic wedding and honeymoon miles and miles away from home. What else could a girl ever ask for?
Reality. Now the honeymoon’s over. Drew’s football schedule takes him on the road constantly, while I need to stay put and look after my brother until he finishes high school—because God knows our sorry excuse for a mother won’t. I know Drew loves me with all his heart, and I’ll always be over the moon about him. This just isn’t how I imagined our life as newlyweds . . . dealing with the distance, missing him all the time. But we’ve gone through hard times before. We can get through this, too, right? We’re Drew and Fable, together forever. At least I hope so. . .
Fantasy. How I ended up with NFL player Drew Callahan, the guy every woman wants, is beyond my wildest dreams. All I know is that once he chose me as his one and only, I sure wasn’t looking back. I had past wounds and he showed patience and concern—even taking responsibility for my messed-up kid brother. Now, once again, he’s found a way to blow my mind: an exotic wedding and honeymoon miles and miles away from home. What else could a girl ever ask for?
Reality. Now the honeymoon’s over. Drew’s football schedule takes him on the road constantly, while I need to stay put and look after my brother until he finishes high school—because God knows our sorry excuse for a mother won’t. I know Drew loves me with all his heart, and I’ll always be over the moon about him. This just isn’t how I imagined our life as newlyweds . . . dealing with the distance, missing him all the time. But we’ve gone through hard times before. We can get through this, too, right? We’re Drew and Fable, together forever. At least I hope so. . .
I absolutely LOVED that Monica decided to write this novella for Drew and Fable! It was absolute perfection you guys. Seriously. I love these two so much and after everything they've both endured, they deserve to have their happiness. It hasn't been an easy road and we really see that here. These two have had to fight for their future together and watching them earn their HEA is nothing short of beautiful.
"We came together, he ran away, and then we faced our fears. Together. When you struggle for something so good, so right, you cherish it more. You hold it close, nurture it, protect it, make sure you never, ever let your guard down. That's how I feel about my almost husband." (e-ARC 10%)
Fable and Drew now have the pressures of Drew's NFL career to consider. Fable, while a feisty, strong character, has her insecurities. She is afraid of all the what ifs- what if Drew finds someone better while he's away? What if she's not really the one for him? What if she can't handle the distance? I can't fault her for thinking this way. We all know Drew is one fine specimen, but let's not forget the utter love he has for her. Case in point:
"This woman is just fucking it for me. She's no longer a girl anymore. The jaded, angry, and defiant girl who was so determined to fight the world is gone, though shade of her still shine through. I loved that girl. Fiercely. And I love the woman she is now, just as fiercely. She's my fiancée, my future wife, the future mother of my children. Fable is the woman who will always stand by my side. Forever." (e-ARC 9%)
Holy hell, really? Drew Callahan is the real fucking deal folks. He has been through some rough shit, but he has emerged victorious. He has worked to rebuild his relationship with his father and has formed a pretty special one with Fable's younger brother, Owen. I like that Owen looks up to Drew, because Drew really is a great role model for him. I'm looking forward to seeing how Drew and Fable have shaped Owen in his story Four Years Later.
Drew and Fable have their share of challenges to face as a married couple as well as with Drew's high profile job as QB for the SF 49'ers, but these two are rock solid in their love for one another and will be able to weather any storm that comes at them.
“We should check out Ocean Avenue tomorrow,” Drew whispers close to my ear, amusement tingeing his deep voice.
“What? Are you serious?” Even though I’ve come to terms with being here, it doesn’t mean I want to linger and make it a serious vacation. Besides, Drew needs to get back home so he can resume practice.“
Well yeah, remember the spot where we kissed?” His eyes are warm as they search my face, filled with so much love I feel my heart swell.
“Yes,” I whisper achingly. “Of course I remember.”
“I want to go back there.” He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his index finger lingering on my skin. “I want to kiss you again in that little alley and remember how wet we were from the rain. How nervous I was. I was scared you might reject me.”
I’d felt the same way. We’d dealt with much of the same feelings and fears and hadn’t even known it.
“I want to take you to that store where you got the dress that just about killed me and buy you whatever you want,” he continues, his fingers drifting across my jaw. My eyes flutter closed as memories rush back at me. “I want to sit outside the dressing room and have you come out to show me every single thing you’re trying on.
That he remembers all the little details sends a thrill of pleasure spiraling to the very depths of my soul.
“And then I want to wander off for a bit and let you do whatever you want, secretly hoping that you’ll send me a text that says marshmallow. Though if you don’t that’s okay because I’ll send you one instead.” He offers up a crooked smile and the sight of it cracks my heart wide open, overflowing with so much pure love for him I want to cry. “Because we made a deal. Whenever we see or hear that word, the other comes running. I’ll always be the one to rescue you, Fable. You never have to worry about that.”
“What? Are you serious?” Even though I’ve come to terms with being here, it doesn’t mean I want to linger and make it a serious vacation. Besides, Drew needs to get back home so he can resume practice.“
Well yeah, remember the spot where we kissed?” His eyes are warm as they search my face, filled with so much love I feel my heart swell.
“Yes,” I whisper achingly. “Of course I remember.”
“I want to go back there.” He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his index finger lingering on my skin. “I want to kiss you again in that little alley and remember how wet we were from the rain. How nervous I was. I was scared you might reject me.”
I’d felt the same way. We’d dealt with much of the same feelings and fears and hadn’t even known it.
“I want to take you to that store where you got the dress that just about killed me and buy you whatever you want,” he continues, his fingers drifting across my jaw. My eyes flutter closed as memories rush back at me. “I want to sit outside the dressing room and have you come out to show me every single thing you’re trying on.
That he remembers all the little details sends a thrill of pleasure spiraling to the very depths of my soul.
“And then I want to wander off for a bit and let you do whatever you want, secretly hoping that you’ll send me a text that says marshmallow. Though if you don’t that’s okay because I’ll send you one instead.” He offers up a crooked smile and the sight of it cracks my heart wide open, overflowing with so much pure love for him I want to cry. “Because we made a deal. Whenever we see or hear that word, the other comes running. I’ll always be the one to rescue you, Fable. You never have to worry about that.”
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.
16 comments
*sobs* that quote in your review..... really why have I not read this series yet? I need more hours in the day! Amazing review Jessica!
ReplyDeleteOh man, Teresa! You've got to read this series! It's SOOOOO good! I'm obsessed with Monica Murphy!
DeleteI've only read the first book in the series, but I really enjoyed One Week Girlfriend! You know that I don't really enjoy New Adult contemporary romance novels, but that one was different and quite good. I'll have to keep reading this series eventually! Glad you enjoyed this novella, Jess :)
ReplyDeleteFabulous review!
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Thanks Alyssa! I remember you really liking OWG! I hope you'll get to continue the series soon!
DeleteHoly hell indeed!! Girl! I have got to get back into this series! I adored the first!!! You've got me all pumped now, I wanna read!!
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
Yes! You will love the rest Magen!
DeleteYou've given me another one for my TBR, Jessica!! I love your review, and those quotes -- ooh, my! This is a must-read. Thank you for sharing the excerpt! Amazing post and review, my friend!
ReplyDeleteYAY! This brings such a smile to my face! Thanks chica! This series is oh so amazing!
DeleteAw I miss Drew and Fable! I've seen some awesome 5 star reviews of this which makes me want to go buy it. Glad you liked this one :)
ReplyDeleteI missed them so much! I loved checking back in with them!
DeleteGreat review girl! Oh I love these two so much. This was definitely one of the best novellas I have read. Absolutely adored it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Chelsea! I agree- one of the best novellas is right!
DeleteThis was such an amazing and beautiful finale to Drew and Fable's love story! I love the quote you chose :) Great Review Jess!
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape
I agree Lindy! It made me so happy! Those two deserved their hard earned happiness!
DeleteDrew + Fable Forever is seriously the best. I love those two, and Monica, so much! Gorgeous review, Jessica!
ReplyDeleteYes! Monica is such a talented, amazing writer! I love everything she writes!
DeleteLeave me some comment love! And I will get around to commenting back!
My blog is an award-free blog, however, as I just do not have the time to follow-up.