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Wayward Son (The Forever Marked Series Book 4) Kindle Edition

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 314 ratings

She’s the only girl he’s ever loved.

Zowen Archer has been in love with Aston Wheeler for as long as he can remember.

She’s perfect, except for the glaring fact that she fell in love with his best friend instead of him. For years, he loved her from afar with zero expectation. He told himself that as long as Aston was happy, his feelings for her didn’t matter.

However, Aston isn’t nearly as happy as she seems. And by the time Zowen figures things out, his life takes a drastic turn for the worse.

Now that Aston is single and laser-focused on making up for the lost time between the two of them, Zowen is doing everything in his power to avoid her. He’s convinced that if she never wanted him when he was at his very best, there is no chance in hell she could care about him now that he’s at his absolute worst.

He’s the only boy she’s willing to wait for.

Time has never been on Aston Wheeler’s side.

She spent too long pretending to be someone she was not. She lost herself in a first love that everyone, except her, thought was perfect. She wasted a lot of time trying to convince herself that she should be happy when she was anything but. She watched for years as the one person who made her feel like her true self drifted further and further away.

Finally, when she’s ready to reach out and grab the one-of-a-kind love that Zowen Archer has always silently promised her, it’s too late. Zowen is taken away, and when he reappears in her life, he makes it clear there’s no going back to whatever they might have been.

Good thing for Zowen that Aston is patient and doesn’t mind waiting for him to have a change of heart. It’s the least she can do after all the time he spent waiting for her.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"I love, love this book. Honestly, it might be my favorite one yet, it was such a fun time and I didn't want to end." - Leslie, Goodreads

"Enjoy this tale of regret becoming hope becoming redemption becoming love and just remember, even in books, the best characters are always the ones that aren't perfect. They're just perfectly human." - Jen the Readaholic, Goodreads

"I think Jay gave us the best gift when we got a second generation. I will forever be grateful I get to continue to learn and read about this beautiful family. I feel like I catch up with old friends every time I get to read another book in the series." - Savy, Goodreads

"This book had me glued to the page. It is magnetic, plot heavy, richly told and so confidently written that I am full of admiration." - Alicia, Goodreads

"Jay Crownover's final book of the Forever Marked series, Wayward Son, was a perfect conclusion to the next generation of Marked Men Archer dynasty. I found this opposites attract, second chance romance to be engaging with all the feels and perfect happily ever afters." - Evie_Book_Revs *Evie Book Reviews*

"This whole series is a bittersweet ride for all the characters of the Marked Men books, as children grow and become parents themselves as the dynamic changes and people get older the roles and function of each person in a family and their dynamic shifts. But that's life and Ms Crownover brings that realization beautifully in her words and her characters." - Sarah, Goodreads
"This story was so beautifully written. Jay always writes characters with such depth and vulnerability. And that vulnerability is where they truly shine.
This was absolutely a five star read for me." - Robin, Goodreads

"This is such a bittersweet moment for me, this is the last book in the series but what a brilliant book to end on." - Hopelessly Addicted to Books, Goodreads

From the Author

I hope everyone enjoys this final second-generation book. I know it is a bittersweet ending, but I think it will be satisfying to come full circle with all these beloved characters.
This series was very much a love letter to fans of The Marked Men.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CS17QV46
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Jay Crownover LLC (January 18, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 18, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.4 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 318 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B0CS3GZBZV
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 314 ratings

About the author

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Jay Crownover
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Jay Crownover is the International and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series, The Saints of Denver series, the Point and Breaking Point series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays, as well as live music and terrible TV shows. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.

You can email Jay at: JayCrownover@gmail.com

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
314 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the book and found it readable. They appreciated the story quality, character development, and how the story developed organically. Readers loved the characters and their connections.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

16 customers mention "Readability"16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it engaging and a must-read. The author is well-received.

"Another great Jay Crownover book. This 4th book about Zowen and Aston wraps up the Forever Marked Series nicely...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book, #3 was my favorite in the series, and I'm sad that this is the last for a while!..." Read more

"...This is a must read if you loved the Marked Men and Saints of Denver series." Read more

"Loved Zowen and Aston! Zowen has spent the last five years behind bars. Aston has been waiting...." Read more

14 customers mention "Story quality"14 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story. They find the story engaging and the way it develops organically. The book wraps up the Forever Marked series nicely.

"...I think this was my favorite of the Forever Marked books which makes sense since Zowen is Rome's son and Rome is my favorite of the Marked Men...." Read more

"...This 4th book about Zowen and Aston wraps up the Forever Marked Series nicely...." Read more

"...read any book in any of her series and have a good story with family spread throughout them all and still stand on it's own!" Read more

"A beautiful end to a wonderful series...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find the characters relatable and appreciate the author's way of making them seem real. The connections between the characters are also appreciated.

"...Jay is such a smooth writer and has a way of making you LOVE all her characters (even the ones you are supposed to not love)." Read more

"...can always count on with a Jay Crownover book is the characters being well thought through and an amazing story keeping you hooked from the first..." Read more

"...As always, Jay has a way of drawing you in and falling in love with each of her characters." Read more

"I’m so glad that Jay brought back our favorite characters and showed the kids grown up but also sad that this is the end of some of my favorite book..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2024
    I have been an avid reader of Jay Crownover's books since the beginning and she never disappoints. I think this was my favorite of the Forever Marked books which makes sense since Zowen is Rome's son and Rome is my favorite of the Marked Men. I do feel as if I should have done a Saints of Denver re-read because there were some characters I felt like I should have known but couldn't quite remember from where. That said, for anyone who finds this book and wants to read it- do not feel as if it can't be read as a standalone. There is definitely enough information in the book to make a connection with the 2 main characters as well as the rest of the characters mentioned. I'm sad to see this series end but I look forward to Jay's next book- whatever it may be.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2024
    What I have appreciated the most with this spin off/next generation series is that the author reminded us that that no one is perfect. Especially our favorite characters.

    Zowen and Aston’s story is one of star crossed lovers who finally get their timing right. They both have baggage they bring to the table, but it’s in their realization that they can help each other carry the loads that really gives them their HEA.

    I really enjoyed the romantic suspense aspect of this book, kept me on the edge of my seat!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2024
    Another great Jay Crownover book. This 4th book about Zowen and Aston wraps up the Forever Marked Series nicely. Although we would love to have a story about all the siblings, cousins, ect. this final story touched a little on most everyone. I loved the original stories about the Marked Men- the brothers and friends but for Jay to go on and write about their kids was the best. Thanks Jay can not wait to see what is next from you.I
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2024
    I really enjoyed this book, #3 was my favorite in the series, and I'm sad that this is the last for a while! Jay is one of my favorite authors, and I'll read anything she writes at least once, if not more! I love how you can read any book in any of her series and have a good story with family spread throughout them all and still stand on it's own!
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024
    A single moment has the ability to transform a life. This is the reality Zowan Archer knows all too well. With his life upended, Zowan is trying to find a way to make the most of the hand he has been dealt in life. The light at the end of the tunnel comes in the form of Aston Wheeler.

    Aston has spent most of her life trying to make others happy. The life she was leading was not authentic, and it took Aston time to understand she needed to reach for true happiness. Once her mind was made up, Aston reached out for the one person who she should have looked towards all along – Zowan. Time wasn’t on Aston’s side either, but this Wheeler is MORE than patient.

    Now the duo is facing the reality that the life they ‘should’ have had is gone. Where do they go from here? Only time will tell if Aston and Zowan can find a way to navigate the curves in the road to find a happiness that they both deserve.

    Oh my word…..where do I start?? Knowing that Wayward Son was the last book in the Forever Marked series was bitter sweet. I soaked up every morsel that Zowan and Aston laid out in the chapters of this book. From heartache to the roller coaster that we all call life, Zowan and Aston’s relationship was one that kept me engaged from beginning to end.

    If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading the Marked Men, Welcome to the Point and Saints of Denver series by Jay Crownover, I encourage you to check them out. The Archer family is a welcome sight in all of Crownover’s series. The layers from each series will add more depth to the Forever Marked novels.

    Everything about Crownover’s books screams ‘real life’. There is tragedy, heartache, romance and a love for every character the author pens to paper. I look forward to uncovering the next series that Crownover has in store for her loyal fans. I will be (im)patiently waiting to uncover the next great read from this author.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2024
    A beautiful end to a wonderful series. Thank you to Jay for gifting her readers a chance to revisit some old favorites and learn to love a new cast of characters that are just as amazing as their parents. Like the other books in this series and despite the good homes they came from, Zowen and Aston both faced some real life issues that weren’t easy to just get past and get over. But with the support of their families and even some secondary characters who really shone on the page (looking at you Hayes and Cassio) Zowen and Aston were able to find forgiveness, to stop doing what they thought they should do and live and love for themselves. Of course I would love more in this world because these characters hold a special place in my heart, but I am left satisfied and grateful to have read them. I look forward to whatever comes next from Jay, always.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2024
    If Jay wrote it you must read it! Getting to know Aston and Zowen was a wonderful experience. When the lives of all your favorite characters come full circle and you see how their children turn out it brings such joy. This is a must read if you loved the Marked Men and Saints of Denver series.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2024
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (I might be biased since I love her books so much 😅)
    We also have a little spice nothing crazy though 🌶🌶
    I received this book as an advanced copy to review, and let me tell ya... it was a wonderful way to tie up the second generation. I have been a HUGE Jay Crownover fan since I read Rule what feels like a million years ago.
    Zowen and Aston's story was beautifully told. Zowen reminded me a lot of Rome, so that was fun to revisit. You also almost forget that Aston is Poppy's daughter because of how different they truly are. Aston also grew up a lot from when we met her in Fortunate Son. 10/10 definitely recommend. READ ALL OF JAY'S BOOKS IF YOU HAVEN'T. 🙌🏼
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • aysha
    5.0 out of 5 stars loved it
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 23, 2024
    This was a perfect end to the archers 2.0. It was lovely following them all and having cameos of the parents and realising that they're just human with human faults really well written and engaging Danny with complex emotions and overall healing and forgiveness. Really loved reading every moment.
  • Mrs K Bartholomew
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 15, 2024
    I didn't love this as much as some of the others. I enjoyed watching the characters grow, chance and gain different perspectives on events.
  • Lmbmjjw
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 6, 2024
    I have always loved Jay’s books and this one didn’t disappoint! It is always great to catch up with other characters and hear about the parents who are from Jay’s first books. Also to see Case’s son Hayes all grown up too following his step mum into becoming a lawyer!
  • Ds
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love it
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 8, 2024
    Loved it, read it in a day.
    I want more.
    It was really good, the story was great.
    I need to know abour hayes and cassio and royce.

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