Customer Reviews

Forever Freed

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What can I say about Lucian DeMarco?

I loved him from the first words on the page. Kaye managed to make her hero both indescribably tortured and easily relatable to readers at the same time. It's a tough balance to strike when one is writing about a centuries old vampire. Lucian is real, in a very true sense of the word. He fights the demons within himself to become a better person, a better man, and in so doing, we see him transcend the role of immortal and become more human. The thing that transforms him? Love, of course.

I particularly enjoyed Kaye's characterization of Ollie. Children in romances can really become bit players, only used to further the relationship between the male and female lead. But Ollie was a character in and of herself, and really so very important in Lucian's transformation. His love for Ollie is just as important, if not more important, than his love for Samantha. In the end, it is Ollie who saves Sam's life first ... because Lucian cannot bring himself to hurt Ollie's mother. It's not because of Sam, at first; it's because of Ollie. I really thought that this character was so very important to the development of the story and I looked forward to every page that included a scene with her.

Sam is a well rounded heroine, not weak and desperate like so many heroines can be. She has seen immense suffering and pain, but she is strong for her daughter. I really enjoyed Sam's interactions with Ollie; it felt real, not sugary and put on. When Sam was correcting Ollie for going out without asking (to see Lucian), I could relate to the warring emotions Sam felt. Clearly, there is a real life mother daughter relationship that helped make Sam and Ollie's connection feel so real to the reader.

And honestly, the heated love affair between Sam and Lucian, that desire that neither of them could resist, was just a lovely bonus with this story. There was so much right with the story line that the added juiciness of the romance really played into the overall goal of the story. I never felt that the sexiness was added purely for sexiness sake; it fit perfectly and that means a lot to me as a reader.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a little paranormal romance in their lives. I hope, someday, we'll get to see more of Lucian and Sam. They are great characters!

Forever Freed is a wonderful, heartwarming story that will keep you completely engrossed from beginning to end! It is written from the hero's point of view, which was fun to read ;) Not only is it full of love and passion but it also has plenty of suspense, excitement and a few terrifying moments!

Lucien Demarco was turned into a vampire over 100 years ago. He had a family. A wife and a child who were his whole world. They were killed and Lucien was powerless to stop it from happening. He has been living in guilt and self hatred ever since.

Then he runs into Samantha. She is everything he is not. She is everything he wants and needs! He decides he WILL have her, even though it will mean she will die. He stalks her, even buys a house right next door to her. He can't help himself. He can taste her emotions and her happiness is a sweet taste he hasn't had in a very long time! He HAS to have her!! But there is a problem. He has also met Ollie, Samantha's 5 year old daughter. She is sweet and purely innocent and Lucien has vowed to protect her.

Samantha and Ollie are not afraid of Lucien like most humans are. They are drawn to him for some reason. The more time he spends with them the more he realizes he would do anything to protect them. He realizes that he can't live without either one of them. For the first time in a VERY long time he feels love. He feels like he has a family.

I couldn't help myself!! I read this book at every possible opportunity! I read while sitting in the car waiting for the kids to get off the bus, I read while I was cooking supper and I was up late into the night just to stay engaged with the characters!

The passion is smoldering hot and will make you weak in the knees ;) The action is fast paced and will grip at your heart!! If you love vampire books, I HIGHLY recommend you grab this one and start reading ' You will not be disappointed ;)

After patiently waiting for Forever Freed's release - I dove into it with a great fervor.
And I was not disappointed! The character of Lucien Demarco had me hooked from the get go. Dark, brooding, delicously hot man - grieving over his past, hating himself, resigned to the fact that this is his life and this is how it will be, but always wanting something more. Then we meet Ollie - a truly amazing young girl - she pulls you in and you immediately fall in love with her from the moment she walked across the hospital plaza - her innocense, her compassion, her uniqueness - her ability to see thru Luciens secret and truly see him. Samantha crosses paths with Lucien and he is hooked from the moment he senses her emotions - he becomes enthralled by her - wanting her - stalking her.... As Lucien is contemplating Samantha's fate - he is shocked to realize that Ollie is actually Samantha daughter... Everything plays out wonderfully from there - never a dull moment... My own emotions taking the dramatic toll of what life brings them with every page. The ending is gripping and I sobbed at what happens between Lucien and Samantha and of course what befalls Ollie... Highly recommend this books and can not wait to see what the future holds for us from this amazing author.

Forever Freed by Laura Kaye: Exciting, suspenseful, hopeful and heartwarming are a few words to describe how I felt reading this story. Lucien is a vampire who hates being a monster. He feels guilty for what happened to his human family and has spent his immortal life punishing himself. He meets a little girl named Ollie, and then later, her mother Samantha. Ollie sees that Lucien is special, and Lucien is drawn to her curiosity. He is also drawn to the feelings of happiness and joy Samantha emits. For the first time in his immortal existence, Lucien allows himself to feel those same feelings and embarks on a relationship with Samantha and Ollie, who are both human. But can he protect them from the "evil" that exists in his world?

I love reading paranormal romances and Forever Freed is definitely a page-turner. Laura Kaye writes such interesting and realistic characters. Lucien is dark, brooding and yet such a sexy gentleman! Samantha is a caring and strong single mother who is not afraid to get what she wants...from Lucien. :) Ollie is adorable and smart and certainly steals the story and your heart!

I have also read Laura Kaye's "Hearts in Darkness" which I also enjoyed.

I really loved this book! I definitely connected with these characters. I loved the fact that it was told from Lucien's point of view. Lucien is a vampire who had lost his wife and daughter in a tragic turn events. He spends many, many lonely years hating who and what he is. I tend to have a thing for dark, tortured, and brooding men. You just can't help but like Lucien, even though he is a predator. He meets a little girl named Ollie who is just adorable and wise beyond her years. He later meets her mother Samantha, though at the time he doesn't realize they are mother and daughter. He finds that he is drawn to both of them. Before he knows it, Ollie and Samantha find their way into his life and his heart.

Forever Freed has everything I could want in a book all combined nicely together in a pretty little package. It's about love, passion, family, forgiveness... It's a heartwarming story that will have you feeling just about every emotion there is. I laughed and I cried, which I don't do often.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes paranormal romance. It does have adult scenes and language which is something to keep in mind. I'm really glad I read this book and I will definitely read more by this author.

I really wanted to give this book 4 and a half, and then I thought..."Why not 5?" and to be perfectly honest, I can't give you a good answer. I'm trying to remember if I've ever given a 5 to a book with a kid in it, and I don't think I have. Hmmmm, something to ponder. Anyway, I "on the fence" loved/really liked this book. This is why authors send death threats to reviewers.
What I loved about it was the format. I was in heaven over the totally from the hero's POV. I don't need to know what the heroine thinks. I am a woman, as the reader, I think for her. That may not be right, but it's me, and I like it. At first, Lucien was a little sensitive for my taste. I like grunting cavemen, sue me. Then he becomes protective and possessive, so I'm starting to feel him. He did plan to drink her dry in the beginning and that's not very sensitive, is it? Point being, that Lucien is climbing the ladder to drool worthy. The story was nicely told, and the oh, so proper lovers wait months to consummate the relationship. They did fool around a tad, and even shared a bed. Willpower is a wonderful thing. When they finally got to the nasty on Christmas Eve, it was very inspiring and not in the least bit restrained. Yay!!
Of course it wouldn't be a Wendy review if I didn't moan about the heroine some. Samantha was over the top cheerful. That's what drew Lucien, was her overwhelming aura of joy. Whatever trips your switch. I like a little piss and vinegar. Joking aside though, she spent months getting to know the heart of this man, and then questions his differences. After he saves her and the kid not once but twice! Can you say groveling time? Her daughter, Olivia showed much more maturity in accepting Lucien for his good heart and not his sharp teeth than Samantha did.

Having read some other shorter works by author Laura Kaye, I was very excited to get my hands on this book and I have to say I was not disappointed in any way. From the very beginning I was in totally drawn in by the main character, Lucien, and his internal battles between his vampire nature and his human emotions. The chemistry between Lucien and Samantha who he meets by chance is sizzling and his relationship with Samantha's daughter, Ollie is heartwarming. I felt like this book had it all - action, romance, comedy and the twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. Kaye really hit a home run with this one!

Forever Freed is the Story of Lucien Demarco, a 100+ year old vampire and his struggle to find his place in society. Lucien has a dark past and a darker future. Ensconced in self imposed exile from his own family, Lucien has no one to lean on. Then he meets Samantha Sutton. Samantha is a single mother, going to school and raising her young daughter, Olivia, and their lives are forever changed.

I fell in love with Lucien by about page seven. He's dark, broody, sexy - everything I look for in a vampire. Samantha is relatable and Laura finds Olivia's `voice' without the dialogue being tedious. All of the characters are likable and believable - including the extended cast which includes Lucien's vampire `family'.

Sam and Lucien's relationship catches them both off guard. Neither of them are looking for someone, or really even interested in meeting someone and yet somehow they're drawn together. When their worlds collide irreparably, they each have to make decisions about their future.

I love when an author highlights all the ways that vampires fit seamlessly and unobtrusively into human society and Laura does that perfectly. The story is fun and moves quickly and will most definitely leave you wanting more!

Oh my. When I first heard about Forever Freed by Laura Kaye I thought it would be just another (really great) vampire story. How wrong I was!
This hero, Lucien Demarco, pulled every heart string I own to the limits. He's funny, soulful and heartbroken. But more than that, he is 'real'. Vamp or not, what he goes through in the name of survival and love is what we girls want our men to do. I was astounded when I began to read. First person? In the hero's POV? How different and magnificent, Laura! I fell in love with Lucien right off. I felt his pain, love and cravings. What? He's a vampire. The secondary characters did nothing more than any great second can do. They completed him and the heroine Samantha. And fell in love with Samantha's daughter. Adorable, real, and a great addition to the overall story. I knew Samantha through his pv just as if she'd had her own views. I connected with her on an elemental level.
I can't say enough about this book. I highly recommend Forever Freed if you haven't already read it. I can't wait for more from Laura! If you ever read a less than stellar review on this book- ignore it- because obviously the reviewer hasn't read the book or just doesn't like vampires, period! This is a definite keeper.

This story was such a refreshing change from the typical vampire romance. The characters had depth and the story was multiple-dimensional. When my Kindle was at 97% I was biting my nails thinking the story wouldn't have a HEA. But sweet little Ollie made Sam reconsider her original decision to go and it was a HEA after all. I loved Lucien's character he struggled to keep his vampire side in check because of his love for Sam and Ollie. All around GREAT story.