curlyowl's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not quite sure why so many readers got caught up in the cheating aspect of the book. Is it really cheating when the marriage is already over?
I did however think the main love interest's backstory was just creepy. I also didn't appreciate how possessive he was.
I did not like how the book focused so much on the physical aspects of their romance. I would have liked to have seen the emotional/ spiritual aspects of their relationship as well. Instead we as the reader we just had to assume that they were compatible in other ways that weren't sex.
The main character (Samantha) was also weak and way too basic. Who seriously names their kid after a Twilight character? I found myself rolling my eyes and groaning as we learned more about her.
It wasn't all bad though. I really enjoyed the scenes that we got to see a relationship bloom between the main love interest and the main character's child. I thought those parts were so adorable. I also appreciate the happy ending we got to read.
I did however think the main love interest's backstory was just creepy. I also didn't appreciate how possessive he was.
I did not like how the book focused so much on the physical aspects of their romance. I would have liked to have seen the emotional/ spiritual aspects of their relationship as well. Instead we as the reader we just had to assume that they were compatible in other ways that weren't sex.
The main character (Samantha) was also weak and way too basic. Who seriously names their kid after a Twilight character? I found myself rolling my eyes and groaning as we learned more about her.
It wasn't all bad though. I really enjoyed the scenes that we got to see a relationship bloom between the main love interest and the main character's child. I thought those parts were so adorable. I also appreciate the happy ending we got to read.
jenn703's review against another edition
4.0
This really is a great debut novel. The author did a great job alternating POVs, making sure she didn't overlap time frames and doesn't leave you with unanswered questions. I have to admit, Bella was my favorite character in this novel. I just loved her. I wasn't so sure I agreed with the story line at first but halfway through I was in love and felt for Samantha and all she had been through.
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
heidi_boyles's review against another edition
4.0
Hard to believe this was a debut!!! I was hooked from the beginning and loved every second!! I laughed, I cried, I fell in love!! Can't wait to read more from Stephanie!!
amberbehnke2013's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this story! I wasn't a fan of some parts and it felt a little long at some part but it is still a five star read to me because of the story and I feel in love with the characters.
ahaslb1's review
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
becsa's review against another edition
4.0
Samantha O'Rourke had a crush in college on Lucas Hunter but when he left for San Diego she moved on and married Marc Christensen and had a daughter named Bella.
10 years later Samantha is extrememly unhappy in her marriage and believes that Marc is cheating on her. Out of the blue she gets a "friend" request from Lucas and the two begin a friendship but soon Samantha realizes how much she is reliant on there friendship.
When Marc leaves Samantha for a job in Chicago is their marriage over and will she turn to Lucas?
This was such a great book about second chances and being loved the way that you truly deserve to be loved. As a single mom I have to say that I absolutely loved the way that Lucas was with Bella and that made my heart just burst at the seams!!
I honestly felt so bad for Samantha but that being said until Lucas came back into her life she had no real reason to be away from Marc as she was alone with Bella anyhow. I loved seeing how Samantha came back into herself with the confidence that she gained from Lucas's friendship then more. It was so awesome to see her loved and appreciated.
I liked Lucas but I wish he had told her how he felt all those years ago but then it wouldn't be the story that it was. I loved how amazing he was with Bella and how he truly made her feel special and loved. Lucas had such a strong love for Samantha but it was the way he was with Bella that truly stole my heart.
It blows my mind how Marc just didn't care about Samantha or even Bella but he was still not signing the divorce papers and then filed for custody due to his mom. Wow!! It just broke my heart the way Bella was being used as a pawn and the part in the coffee shop with Lucas, Bella and Marc just made me want to scream!
I loved this book and can't wait to read more from the author!!
Reviewed for KFA
10 years later Samantha is extrememly unhappy in her marriage and believes that Marc is cheating on her. Out of the blue she gets a "friend" request from Lucas and the two begin a friendship but soon Samantha realizes how much she is reliant on there friendship.
When Marc leaves Samantha for a job in Chicago is their marriage over and will she turn to Lucas?
This was such a great book about second chances and being loved the way that you truly deserve to be loved. As a single mom I have to say that I absolutely loved the way that Lucas was with Bella and that made my heart just burst at the seams!!
I honestly felt so bad for Samantha but that being said until Lucas came back into her life she had no real reason to be away from Marc as she was alone with Bella anyhow. I loved seeing how Samantha came back into herself with the confidence that she gained from Lucas's friendship then more. It was so awesome to see her loved and appreciated.
I liked Lucas but I wish he had told her how he felt all those years ago but then it wouldn't be the story that it was. I loved how amazing he was with Bella and how he truly made her feel special and loved. Lucas had such a strong love for Samantha but it was the way he was with Bella that truly stole my heart.
It blows my mind how Marc just didn't care about Samantha or even Bella but he was still not signing the divorce papers and then filed for custody due to his mom. Wow!! It just broke my heart the way Bella was being used as a pawn and the part in the coffee shop with Lucas, Bella and Marc just made me want to scream!
I loved this book and can't wait to read more from the author!!
Reviewed for KFA
jackielizn's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this second chance love story between Lucas and Sam. Lucas was exactly the kind of man that Sam needed for herself and her daughter.
bookbruin's review
5.0
Second chance romances are one of my very favorite tropes, and Stephanie Rose never disappoints! I actually read this series of interconnected standalones out of order, but all of the books in the Second Chances series can truly be enjoyed without reading the others first. Always You introduces us to Lucas and Samantha and the story is told from both of their points of view.
I loved Sam and Lucas together. They each have their baggage and fears, but when they're together it's amazing. I do wish that Sam would have been less of a doormat and thrown her terrible husband to the curb a long time ago, but I loved watching her grow into the stronger, more confident version of herself. Lucas was equal parts arrogant and sexy, but also sweet and devoted. Even though he had commitment issues in the past, I loved that once he made up his mind about Sam, he was all in. It's true also, that of all the author's men, Lucas is definitely the dirtiest talker. ;)
There is some angst and drama in the story, but the main issues that arise are for our hero and heroine together, not against each other. The secondary characters, like I cannot possibly loathe him more Marc, were just as developed and amazing as our hero and heroine. The progression of the story is fairly predictable, but the characters and emotions were so relatable, that you can't help but fall in love with Sam, Lucas, and Bella. Speaking of Bella, she was definitely a highlight in the book and I was glad to find out more of her back story and history, since the first book I read by this author was actually Finding Me (Bella's spin off book when she is older).
Always You is a wonderfully sweet and enjoyable romance and the epilogue will have you grinning ear to ear. You definitely don't want to miss any of Stephanie Rose's books!
I loved Sam and Lucas together. They each have their baggage and fears, but when they're together it's amazing. I do wish that Sam would have been less of a doormat and thrown her terrible husband to the curb a long time ago, but I loved watching her grow into the stronger, more confident version of herself. Lucas was equal parts arrogant and sexy, but also sweet and devoted. Even though he had commitment issues in the past, I loved that once he made up his mind about Sam, he was all in. It's true also, that of all the author's men, Lucas is definitely the dirtiest talker. ;)
There is some angst and drama in the story, but the main issues that arise are for our hero and heroine together, not against each other. The secondary characters, like I cannot possibly loathe him more Marc, were just as developed and amazing as our hero and heroine. The progression of the story is fairly predictable, but the characters and emotions were so relatable, that you can't help but fall in love with Sam, Lucas, and Bella. Speaking of Bella, she was definitely a highlight in the book and I was glad to find out more of her back story and history, since the first book I read by this author was actually Finding Me (Bella's spin off book when she is older).
Always You is a wonderfully sweet and enjoyable romance and the epilogue will have you grinning ear to ear. You definitely don't want to miss any of Stephanie Rose's books!
jackielizn's review
4.0
I really liked this second chance love story between Lucas and Sam. Lucas was exactly the kind of man that Sam needed for herself and her daughter.
ammalek's review against another edition
4.0
I love a good second chance romance. Lucas was Samantha’s “college crush” than moves back to NY after 10 years. Yes this won’t be everyone’s favorite since technically Samantha is still married when he gets back. But without giving much away I’ll just say I was ok with how things played out. Oh and I do love the little nod to my favorite BBF-KK.
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