veronica_l95's review
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
_elliereads's review
3.0
*processing* I came to Goodreads right after finishing this book and I’m still processing it. This was my first QB Tyler book and I’m definitely intrigued to read more of her work.
Absolutely LOVED the spice in this! However, I did have some mixed feelings when reading this.
To be honest, I don’t think I’ve read taboo stories before (except for maybe a few step brother/sister romances where they were the same age) and I don’t think it’s my cup of tea. I had issues with the age gap and the characters kept reminding you as reader about it.. Things like “she was a baby” “when she was 2yo” … Every. Time. They. Had. Sex. For me, it was a bit much.
Second: to me personally the pace of the relationship was waaaay to fast.. no suspense, no build-up.. just “i love you, you love me.. I wanna have your babies” Especially with the sensitive nature of this relationship I would’ve enjoyed a slower burn with a more realistic feel..
That being said, I really enjoyed the sexy scenes and I will definitely give QB Tyler a second chance!
Absolutely LOVED the spice in this! However, I did have some mixed feelings when reading this.
To be honest, I don’t think I’ve read taboo stories before (except for maybe a few step brother/sister romances where they were the same age) and I don’t think it’s my cup of tea. I had issues with the age gap and the characters kept reminding you as reader about it.. Things like “she was a baby” “when she was 2yo” … Every. Time. They. Had. Sex. For me, it was a bit much.
Second: to me personally the pace of the relationship was waaaay to fast.. no suspense, no build-up.. just “i love you, you love me.. I wanna have your babies” Especially with the sensitive nature of this relationship I would’ve enjoyed a slower burn with a more realistic feel..
That being said, I really enjoyed the sexy scenes and I will definitely give QB Tyler a second chance!
aidensgurl's review
2.0
everything was wayy too convenient they are already down for each other their families become accepting there was no longing or angst and honestly this was wayy too lovey-dovey for me
the lower rating is not cuz of the taboo relationship rather its from the lack of heart and soul crushing plot
the lower rating is not cuz of the taboo relationship rather its from the lack of heart and soul crushing plot
mpetty13's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Fast and easy read. The taboo was a little hard to swallow and I find the female love interests to be immature and the male love interests to be super sappy. But overall enjoyable!
bookfreak08's review
5.0
Q.B. Tyler is the best at getting the emotions across when dealing with non-traditional relationships and in my opinion, Always Been You is her best work yet. I have read almost everything she has published and loved every single one of them. I understand it is not for everyone but for me, as long as it is not inc€$+, reading about a true connection where the society will most likely condemn it for being not “usual” or “conventional” and witnessing it winning over all the naysayers, is even more rewarding than regular romance novels. Gabrielle and James’s pure devotion to one another is one we could all hope for. Thanks to Tyler’s sincere and emotive writing style, I can always submerge myself in the characters’ dilemma in facing their true feelings and their struggles in having to prove their love to others while getting lost in the world she has created. Always Been You is an emotional and heartfelt journey full of warmth and hope, and one I would definitely support even if it was for real.
razmitaz's review
4.0
A novella apart of the Twisted Christmas anthology. I give this Novella a 3.5 and round up to 4
Q.B Tyler does taboo really well and is ALWAYS on point with the chemistry of her characters. For a novella she made these characters worth every page. Was it life changing? No but it was an enjoyable quick read between other choices.
Q.B Tyler does taboo really well and is ALWAYS on point with the chemistry of her characters. For a novella she made these characters worth every page. Was it life changing? No but it was an enjoyable quick read between other choices.
madizone's review
2.0
I have loved every other Q.B Tyler book I’ve read and while I enjoyed this one the reason for the two stars is just the lack of actual plot. In Uncondtional, and Love Unexpected there was a fall in the relationship due to interference of others one being blackmail, other kidnapping. In this story, everyone was just kind of “okay” with their relationship. While yes I do read these for the taboo storyline when there is little build up, no breakdown, and then a reunion in the end it’s really not much substance to ride home about.
Overall, extremely anticlimactic. The smut is extremely repetitive and there is no angst.
I still plan to read Bittetsweet, and What Was Meant to Be - but overall wouldn’t recommend Always Been You.
Overall, extremely anticlimactic. The smut is extremely repetitive and there is no angst.
I still plan to read Bittetsweet, and What Was Meant to Be - but overall wouldn’t recommend Always Been You.