Scan barcode
books_brownies_etc's review
4.0
A sweet, cosy romance with a really likeable and relatable female main character - ‘Always You’ was just the book I needed this week. It’s easy to read, immersive and studded with plenty of dialogue, I found myself speeding through this one whenever I had a chance to. I absolutely loved that it was set in multiple locations - we are flung from a beachside Cyprus villa to a busy Birmingham deli plus a speedy little stop over in LA.
I really appreciated the chronic illness rep and the focus on ‘women’s problems’ which are so often glossed over in romance novels - it felt like a realistic and honest portrayal of such issues and though I’m lucky enough to not relate to that aspect I can imagine many women being pleased to see it being spoken about. This romance novel definitely has more to it than meets the eye, we are treated to many twists and turns, some juicy secrets and a real journey of self discovery with all of our characters.
I really appreciated the chronic illness rep and the focus on ‘women’s problems’ which are so often glossed over in romance novels - it felt like a realistic and honest portrayal of such issues and though I’m lucky enough to not relate to that aspect I can imagine many women being pleased to see it being spoken about. This romance novel definitely has more to it than meets the eye, we are treated to many twists and turns, some juicy secrets and a real journey of self discovery with all of our characters.
sibby's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
book_nerd_1990's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Where do I start with my review of Always You? I think this has become one of my new favourite love stories!
I love Lina's relationship with her dad. While she felt a lot of responsibility towards caring for him, she was also incredibly loyal. The closeness Lina has with her dad reminded me of my own relationship with my dad.
I loved the flashbacks to the different times in Lina's life. It helped to create great character development. All the people in the story played an important role in Lina's life which was so nice to read.
There was a twist in the story that I hadn't been expecting, but that I loved. I really enjoyed Lina's journey of self-discovery and the different, important topics the author included. There is part of me that is wishing for another book, mostly because now I'm not sure what to do without Lina.
I love Lina's relationship with her dad. While she felt a lot of responsibility towards caring for him, she was also incredibly loyal. The closeness Lina has with her dad reminded me of my own relationship with my dad.
I loved the flashbacks to the different times in Lina's life. It helped to create great character development. All the people in the story played an important role in Lina's life which was so nice to read.
There was a twist in the story that I hadn't been expecting, but that I loved. I really enjoyed Lina's journey of self-discovery and the different, important topics the author included. There is part of me that is wishing for another book, mostly because now I'm not sure what to do without Lina.
lfrankie78's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
myevergrowingbookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I read Caroline’s debut novel, It Must Be Love last year and loved it so was so excited when her publishers reached out to me and sent me an ARC of her new book, Always You!
Always You follows Lina, and her relationship with Ash, her childhood best friend. When they were young, they made a time capsule about their hopes and dreams for the future and buried it. Twenty years later, they have seen for years, their lives are not what they predicted and then they meet again at a school reunion. They try to give their dreams another chance, and if they can overcome what happened in their past, maybe there’s a second chance for love?
I really loved this book! I loved Lina’s character, her relationship with her dad, her hardworking ethos and the finding about the younger Lina in the alternating timelines. I love alternating timelines, it gives us a chance to see every part of our MC and we get just that in Always You. And Ash, what a guy!
I loved how there’s more than just romance in this book, there’s friendships, grief, family love, and a bit of mystery and drama too.
Just like her previous book, Caroline gives us a book that lets us travel through her pages. I loved seeing Cyprus through Lima’s eyes! And it wasn’t just Cyprus, we also saw Mumbai and California too. The traveling always gives that sense of escapism that I love to get from books 😍
Always You follows Lina, and her relationship with Ash, her childhood best friend. When they were young, they made a time capsule about their hopes and dreams for the future and buried it. Twenty years later, they have seen for years, their lives are not what they predicted and then they meet again at a school reunion. They try to give their dreams another chance, and if they can overcome what happened in their past, maybe there’s a second chance for love?
I really loved this book! I loved Lina’s character, her relationship with her dad, her hardworking ethos and the finding about the younger Lina in the alternating timelines. I love alternating timelines, it gives us a chance to see every part of our MC and we get just that in Always You. And Ash, what a guy!
I loved how there’s more than just romance in this book, there’s friendships, grief, family love, and a bit of mystery and drama too.
Just like her previous book, Caroline gives us a book that lets us travel through her pages. I loved seeing Cyprus through Lima’s eyes! And it wasn’t just Cyprus, we also saw Mumbai and California too. The traveling always gives that sense of escapism that I love to get from books 😍
thebreakfastbookclub's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I loved this book! I am a huge fan of Caroline’s writing and after her stellar debut this did not disappoint!
If you’ve read It Must Be Love, you’ll be expecting tones of travel and culture and that’s exactly what you get (mixed with a love story of course!)
I really enjoyed how the different plot points and how they were weaves together seamlessly, there were a lot but the book never felt crowded or rushed!
Of course I can’t write a review without talking about the second chance, slow burn romance! It kept me on my toes throughout and I was often wondering who was going to pick who (no spoilers) but I was thrilled with the ending!
Definitely recommend this one!
If you’ve read It Must Be Love, you’ll be expecting tones of travel and culture and that’s exactly what you get (mixed with a love story of course!)
I really enjoyed how the different plot points and how they were weaves together seamlessly, there were a lot but the book never felt crowded or rushed!
Of course I can’t write a review without talking about the second chance, slow burn romance! It kept me on my toes throughout and I was often wondering who was going to pick who (no spoilers) but I was thrilled with the ending!
Definitely recommend this one!
More...