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Always You
Can you get a second chance if you never truly had the first?
Bailey and Trey were just kids when they met. Being placed in the same group home wasn't exactly an ideal circumstance for starting a new relationship, but it didn't matter. Two weeks was all it took to lose their hearts, but two weeks was all they had before their sweet summer romance was over. From the moment Bailey walked out of the group home, and out of Trey's life, Trey vowed he would do whatever it took to get Bailey back. He just never expected it to take ten years. So much has happened since they met, but there's never been anyone else for Trey. Now, he has to find a way to convince Bailey this thing between them is real, and it's forever.
Bailey and Trey were just kids when they met. Being placed in the same group home wasn't exactly an ideal circumstance for starting a new relationship, but it didn't matter. Two weeks was all it took to lose their hearts, but two weeks was all they had before their sweet summer romance was over. From the moment Bailey walked out of the group home, and out of Trey's life, Trey vowed he would do whatever it took to get Bailey back. He just never expected it to take ten years. So much has happened since they met, but there's never been anyone else for Trey. Now, he has to find a way to convince Bailey this thing between them is real, and it's forever.
- GenresM M Romance
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 22, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
This book is a spin off from the author’s Nice Ink series, which I haven’t read. Edmisten makes a note that this is standalone, but works best when read after the previous series. I have to say that’s an accurate assessment. While there were small pieces I felt were missing by not having the background on the whole host of secondary characters, on the whole, this can be read on its own. I will add, however, that perhaps additional information here about Bailey’s brother and the circumstances behind their separation would have helped. It may have been explained in a previous book, but not here.
I’m a sucker for reunited lovers and second chance romance, so I was quick to pick this book up. And there are sweet and lovely moments here that made me like it. But I also finished the book with mixed feelings, as for me, I would have liked deeper development on certain plot points. Edmisten is a new-to-me author, and perhaps it’s partly her narrative style. However, it definitely left me wanting at certain points.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
This book is a spin off from the author’s Nice Ink series, which I haven’t read. Edmisten makes a note that this is standalone, but works best when read after the previous series. I have to say that’s an accurate assessment. While there were small pieces I felt were missing by not having the background on the whole host of secondary characters, on the whole, this can be read on its own. I will add, however, that perhaps additional information here about Bailey’s brother and the circumstances behind their separation would have helped. It may have been explained in a previous book, but not here.
I’m a sucker for reunited lovers and second chance romance, so I was quick to pick this book up. And there are sweet and lovely moments here that made me like it. But I also finished the book with mixed feelings, as for me, I would have liked deeper development on certain plot points. Edmisten is a new-to-me author, and perhaps it’s partly her narrative style. However, it definitely left me wanting at certain points.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
October 29, 2022
ARC REVIEW
I really loved it.
Trey is 17 and Bailey is 14 when they meet in a group home. Bailey will leave 2 weeks later but that is enough for their encounter to change both their lives.
It's probably because Trey's and Bailey's stories were so heartbreaking that I immediately became attached to each of them individually, and so I was also very engaged while reading the chapters where they were apart. I wanted them to be happy, even before they met each other again, and I was worried about how they were growing up. (Yes, I'm a parent)
But then to be honest I might have been slightly more worried and attached to Trey. He was the hero in my eyes, the one who actually grew up alone and yet, when he first met Bailey, his first feeling towards him was a sense of protection, and he was the one who never knew what being loved meant. As opposed to Bailey who, in the end, had two families, Trey had none. And he worked hard to fix his life with no help or company.
There are so many things about Trey that will melt your heart, and also break your heart.
They never forget about each other. On one side, Bailey is heartbroken and while he dates, he doesn't seem to see himself really love again, or even meet anyone who is worth of his love as Trey was. Everybody around him could see it, even his boyfriends.
On the other hand, for Trey, Bailey is the main purpose for fixing his life and he constantly thinks of him, even though his hope grows along with the fear of not being enough for Bailey and not deserving love and a family.
The anticipation was killing me for the majority of the book, along with seeing the pain in both of them. I couldn't put the book down because I just wanted to know what happened, how they would react at each other's truth, and see them happy.
They meet again finally after they have waited for each other for 10 years and everything makes sense again.
Growing up in such different ways they become such different men compared to their teenage selves and their dynamic is different as adults.
While teenage Bailey was scared and fragile, adult Bailey was a confident strong man. Heartbroken yes, but happy with his job and family. And while teenage Trey looked thick on the outside, adult Trey was even more broken in so many ways and showed all his fears.
I couldn't stop crying, I cried so much, in different moments, for different reasons, for each of them, and also somehow because it brought memories of related feelings to my heart. Second chance romance is probably the one trope that makes me cry the most, when it's written well, and this one was painfully good.
I also want to say that I appreciated the kind author's note and Trigger Warnings in the book.
Content and Trigger Warnings:
I really loved it.
Trey is 17 and Bailey is 14 when they meet in a group home. Bailey will leave 2 weeks later but that is enough for their encounter to change both their lives.
It's probably because Trey's and Bailey's stories were so heartbreaking that I immediately became attached to each of them individually, and so I was also very engaged while reading the chapters where they were apart. I wanted them to be happy, even before they met each other again, and I was worried about how they were growing up. (Yes, I'm a parent)
But then to be honest I might have been slightly more worried and attached to Trey. He was the hero in my eyes, the one who actually grew up alone and yet, when he first met Bailey, his first feeling towards him was a sense of protection, and he was the one who never knew what being loved meant. As opposed to Bailey who, in the end, had two families, Trey had none. And he worked hard to fix his life with no help or company.
There are so many things about Trey that will melt your heart, and also break your heart.
They never forget about each other. On one side, Bailey is heartbroken and while he dates, he doesn't seem to see himself really love again, or even meet anyone who is worth of his love as Trey was. Everybody around him could see it, even his boyfriends.
On the other hand, for Trey, Bailey is the main purpose for fixing his life and he constantly thinks of him, even though his hope grows along with the fear of not being enough for Bailey and not deserving love and a family.
The anticipation was killing me for the majority of the book, along with seeing the pain in both of them. I couldn't put the book down because I just wanted to know what happened, how they would react at each other's truth, and see them happy.
They meet again finally after they have waited for each other for 10 years and everything makes sense again.
Growing up in such different ways they become such different men compared to their teenage selves and their dynamic is different as adults.
While teenage Bailey was scared and fragile, adult Bailey was a confident strong man. Heartbroken yes, but happy with his job and family. And while teenage Trey looked thick on the outside, adult Trey was even more broken in so many ways and showed all his fears.
I couldn't stop crying, I cried so much, in different moments, for different reasons, for each of them, and also somehow because it brought memories of related feelings to my heart. Second chance romance is probably the one trope that makes me cry the most, when it's written well, and this one was painfully good.
I also want to say that I appreciated the kind author's note and Trigger Warnings in the book.
Content and Trigger Warnings:
October 31, 2022
Trish Edmisten is a new author for me. And I have to say I really liked her style.
Always You is a book that talks about frustrated dreams, and dreams to fulfill. It speaks of discouragement. It talks about painful situations and how a person struggles to overcome them. It talks about HOPE.
Trey and Bailey mett at a foster home when they were teenagers. Within the framework of a life, the encounter was brief, but it left an indelible mark on their lives. It is something that only happens a few times in life, the meeting of two souls.
Despite that point in common, their lives could not be more different. One learned to defend oneself, to fight and survive alone. The other, despite of his loss, was able to fill his life with his new family and fulfill several dreams. However, they never stopped looking for each other. Bailey was never able to move forward with his personal life, and Trey never stopped waiting for the right moment, where he might have something to offer him to come back into his life.
Of the two, my weakness was Trey. His insecurity, his desire to grow, to improve himself. The loneliness of him. His desire to see Bailey happy, to watch from afar as Bailey moved forward in his life, and achieved his goals. So selfless. He is amazing.
And finally after 10 years, the reunion.
This is a book to learn. To understand that sometimes it doesn't matter how much time passes to realize that when one is destined for another, sometimes it's just a spark, or a second, sometimes it's years, but when it happens, the result is so incredible that it is impossible to let it go.
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
Always You is a book that talks about frustrated dreams, and dreams to fulfill. It speaks of discouragement. It talks about painful situations and how a person struggles to overcome them. It talks about HOPE.
Trey and Bailey mett at a foster home when they were teenagers. Within the framework of a life, the encounter was brief, but it left an indelible mark on their lives. It is something that only happens a few times in life, the meeting of two souls.
Despite that point in common, their lives could not be more different. One learned to defend oneself, to fight and survive alone. The other, despite of his loss, was able to fill his life with his new family and fulfill several dreams. However, they never stopped looking for each other. Bailey was never able to move forward with his personal life, and Trey never stopped waiting for the right moment, where he might have something to offer him to come back into his life.
Of the two, my weakness was Trey. His insecurity, his desire to grow, to improve himself. The loneliness of him. His desire to see Bailey happy, to watch from afar as Bailey moved forward in his life, and achieved his goals. So selfless. He is amazing.
And finally after 10 years, the reunion.
This is a book to learn. To understand that sometimes it doesn't matter how much time passes to realize that when one is destined for another, sometimes it's just a spark, or a second, sometimes it's years, but when it happens, the result is so incredible that it is impossible to let it go.
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
November 23, 2022
Sadly this book didn't live up to my expectations. I thought I was getting a heartfelt story about two people who fall in love at a young age and despite being separated, despite life and hardships getting in the way they manage to find their way back to one another. I wanted pining and angst. I wanted developed characters and a vivid plot that would make me cry my eyes out in the best of ways.
I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad book, but after having read it my primary reaction is *meh*. The story felt surface deep, glossed over, and the characters were simply there and kind of interchangeable. The connection/relationship between Trey and Bailey wasn't really developed. It was a love at first sight type of deal that never progressed from there. Overall, I guess I was simply underwhelmed.
I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad book, but after having read it my primary reaction is *meh*. The story felt surface deep, glossed over, and the characters were simply there and kind of interchangeable. The connection/relationship between Trey and Bailey wasn't really developed. It was a love at first sight type of deal that never progressed from there. Overall, I guess I was simply underwhelmed.
October 31, 2022
I felt so much for these boys and I loved Bailey and Trey's story! It really kept me engaged from the first chapter and I just wanted things to work out for them. Especially Trey's PoV was heartbreaking to read at times, he really tried to create a future for him and Bailey, and the hope he had that it would be them eventually was everything.
Trey really had my heart with his loneliness and vulnerability, he had the cards against him from the beginning but never lost sight of his goal. The anticipation of their future together was skilfully built up here, and I loved how things came together. There was some sweetness and swoon to the story, as well as heavier topics.
I wanted a little more than I got though, I felt like the time they boys spent together in the group home was just skimmed over. I didn't get to see them make the connection over the two weeks they spent together, just small glimpses and I feel like long time pining would have made more sense with some more scenes.
A well written story with lots of heart and emotions, I liked the writing style and how captivating the story was. If you're a fan of second chance romances with a ton of pining and some hurt / comfort - I really recommend this one!
Trey really had my heart with his loneliness and vulnerability, he had the cards against him from the beginning but never lost sight of his goal. The anticipation of their future together was skilfully built up here, and I loved how things came together. There was some sweetness and swoon to the story, as well as heavier topics.
I wanted a little more than I got though, I felt like the time they boys spent together in the group home was just skimmed over. I didn't get to see them make the connection over the two weeks they spent together, just small glimpses and I feel like long time pining would have made more sense with some more scenes.
A well written story with lots of heart and emotions, I liked the writing style and how captivating the story was. If you're a fan of second chance romances with a ton of pining and some hurt / comfort - I really recommend this one!
October 27, 2022
First, I want to say this was my first time reading this author and I loved her writing style. It kept me engaged - since I finished this in less than a day.
I enjoyed the story and the characters but I think I wanted a little more.
This story spans a 10 year timeframe.
There is definitely an instant connection between Bailey and Trey, however they were teenagers and already professing their love after only knowing each other for two weeks. It was a little hard to buy in when they spent two weeks together and then didn't see or speak to each other for 10 years. They spend a lot of time apart in this book, and over the 10 years a part neither one was able to let go of that two week connection.
It was definitely satisfying finally seeing them come together to build a relationship and get their happy ending.
The spice is low but the plot makes up for it.
There are some heavy, emotional topics that are handled well but I kind of wish the author would have expored a little more.
Overall it was a good read and I will more than likely try other books by this author.
I enjoyed the story and the characters but I think I wanted a little more.
This story spans a 10 year timeframe.
There is definitely an instant connection between Bailey and Trey, however they were teenagers and already professing their love after only knowing each other for two weeks. It was a little hard to buy in when they spent two weeks together and then didn't see or speak to each other for 10 years. They spend a lot of time apart in this book, and over the 10 years a part neither one was able to let go of that two week connection.
It was definitely satisfying finally seeing them come together to build a relationship and get their happy ending.
The spice is low but the plot makes up for it.
There are some heavy, emotional topics that are handled well but I kind of wish the author would have expored a little more.
Overall it was a good read and I will more than likely try other books by this author.
October 21, 2022
Bailey and Trey…
Good read. Enjoyable in you like the idea of love at first sight or kismet….soulmates! Bailey and Trey meet in a group home right after Bailey has lost his mom. Trey takes one look at Bailey and wants to love and protect him always. They’re only together for a short period of time before Bailey leaves, but they both feel like they’re destined for each other. There’s a ten years gap from that time at the group home and when they come back into each other’s lives. I liked that I got to experience the impact their childhoods made on them as adults. I also liked that there wasn’t too much drama when they came back into each other’s lives. It was all love and forgiveness…fun and growth.
First time reading this author…and I wasn’t disappointed. Would definitely read more from her!
Good read. Enjoyable in you like the idea of love at first sight or kismet….soulmates! Bailey and Trey meet in a group home right after Bailey has lost his mom. Trey takes one look at Bailey and wants to love and protect him always. They’re only together for a short period of time before Bailey leaves, but they both feel like they’re destined for each other. There’s a ten years gap from that time at the group home and when they come back into each other’s lives. I liked that I got to experience the impact their childhoods made on them as adults. I also liked that there wasn’t too much drama when they came back into each other’s lives. It was all love and forgiveness…fun and growth.
First time reading this author…and I wasn’t disappointed. Would definitely read more from her!
November 3, 2022
This book is a slow burn second chance romance, so slow that it took 10 years to get to the good part. Bailey was 14 when his mom died and he ended up in a group home. Trey was 17 and Bailey’s new roommate. It only took one moment, less than a day to fall in love forever. From the moment they met, they both envisioned a future together, unfortunately and fortunately, Bailey was only destined to stay at the group home for two weeks. And it took them 10 years before they were able to meet again in person.
This book made me cry, this book made me sigh, this book made me laugh, and then sigh some more. I am so glad I read it. I was afraid it would have been too sad for me, but it was just the right amount of sadness before the happily ever after.
This book made me cry, this book made me sigh, this book made me laugh, and then sigh some more. I am so glad I read it. I was afraid it would have been too sad for me, but it was just the right amount of sadness before the happily ever after.
November 24, 2022
Ughh my heart!! I wish I could read this for the first time all over again. These two boys that found love that they were both lacking at a time they were both going through tough times, they ensnared my heart immediately. They held a candle for one another for ten years until it was time and they were ready to be together forever. My heart was in my throat waiting for them to get back together. I adore that they knew they were made for each other, even at such a young age, and made it back to one another when life had pulled them apart way too early. Instant chemistry is the best. This is the first book I’ve read of this author and now I’m excited to read her series that preceded this book.
January 7, 2023
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book since they only had 2 weeks together to begin with. However, it hit me while reading. This was a beautiful book of young love turning into such a great romance. These two were meant for each other. No one else. Just these two. I also loved how "The Neverending Story" was central to this story. I loved it so much I had to watch that movie again. The ending of this book was perfection.
This was the first time I read this author and I loved it. I will definitely be reading the other books.
This was the first time I read this author and I loved it. I will definitely be reading the other books.
October 30, 2022
Bailey and Trey met when Bailey was placed in a group home following the death of his mother. Although only together for a short two weeks, each feels a connection to the other.
Ten years later when the meet up again that connection is very much still there.
I really enjoyed this second chance romance.
This is such an emotional journey for Bailey and Trey. Seeing them finally get their HEA is amazing!
Ten years later when the meet up again that connection is very much still there.
I really enjoyed this second chance romance.
This is such an emotional journey for Bailey and Trey. Seeing them finally get their HEA is amazing!
November 1, 2022
Trey and Bailey meet when both are young after Bailey's mother dies and he's placed in a group home. Though the friendship is strong, permanence in a group home is not a thing and they are separated soon after meeting. We see the initial meeting and then rejoin them ten years later as they still wonder about each other - what each is doing and what if? A meeting as adults gives them a chance to answer the what if question. Great characters and a moving story.
December 14, 2022
So the premise to the story was great and one of my favorite tropes. There even was some great parts. Unfortunately I had to DNF at 96%. The inane details without any lack of meaning or substance made it impossible to keep reading. I agree with the comment that this story needed way more depth. It has the potential, but just fell flat at the end—I had no patience for what furniture was new or used, and even less for Dollar Store inflation lament. 😬
October 11, 2022
Bailey and Trey
Bailey and Trey met when Bailey was placed in a group home following the death of his mother. Though he was only there for two weeks, but that time was enough to know they were each other's forever. Trey knew he would get Bailey back, but didn't think it would take him 10 years. Great story and writing.
Bailey and Trey met when Bailey was placed in a group home following the death of his mother. Though he was only there for two weeks, but that time was enough to know they were each other's forever. Trey knew he would get Bailey back, but didn't think it would take him 10 years. Great story and writing.
October 20, 2022
This wasn't a bad read. The writing style is a bit different from what I normally read. As this book follows a different set of characters from other books by this author, I had not read any of the others, but it probally is better to read the other books to get the full picture. WIth that said, this book was a decent read.
October 20, 2022
Second Chance Romance
I love a good second chance romance and Trey and Bailey had a pretty good one. Meeting once as teenagers at a horrible time in Bailey's life they made that sweet young connection, first love in all its greatness. I enjoyed seeing them change into adults and finally find one another again. This was a sweet and pretty quick read.
I love a good second chance romance and Trey and Bailey had a pretty good one. Meeting once as teenagers at a horrible time in Bailey's life they made that sweet young connection, first love in all its greatness. I enjoyed seeing them change into adults and finally find one another again. This was a sweet and pretty quick read.
October 30, 2022
This book was very sweet. However, they spent too much time pining, and not enough time loving each other. There was so much emphasis on the importance of family, and not enough importance building the relationship that would guarantee an HEA. All in all, it was a good book (of a little short on the steamy lovescenes).
November 10, 2022
This is the story of Bailey and Trey. Please read the trigger warnings. This is a beautifully written kinda second chance story with amazing characters that are very relatable. I love the emotion and this read is a wonderful journey. Definitely recommended.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
October 6, 2022
Enjoy!
I really enjoyed this book and it was so nice to have cameos from the Nice Ink series. I felt for Bailey and Trey and I’m glad they got their happy ever after in the end. Emotional and sad at times but in the end, happy and joyful.
I really enjoyed this book and it was so nice to have cameos from the Nice Ink series. I felt for Bailey and Trey and I’m glad they got their happy ever after in the end. Emotional and sad at times but in the end, happy and joyful.
October 25, 2022
Emotional Journey
This book caught me by surprise. This is such an emotional journey for Bailey and Trey. It tugged at my heart and pulled out a few tears along the way but it was all so good and so worth reading.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This book caught me by surprise. This is such an emotional journey for Bailey and Trey. It tugged at my heart and pulled out a few tears along the way but it was all so good and so worth reading.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
October 30, 2022
Two young teenagers meet and fall in love in just two weeks. They will become parted away for ten years and they will meet again. Are they still in love with the other? Can it work out? Can these two men come to know what or who is truly in their hearts? See how it will all go
November 1, 2022
Bailey and Trey meet in a group home right after Bailey has lost his mom. Trey knows right away he wants to protect him. This story will have you grabbing for the tissue box. I thought the story was well written. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
October 23, 2022
A lovely slow burn romance, Trey and Bailey meet when they are kids and this story is their journey back to each other.
A true love, soulmates book which is a nice spin off from the Nice Ink series.
A true love, soulmates book which is a nice spin off from the Nice Ink series.
October 30, 2022
Excellent, excellent book! It was so nice to see them find each other again! FIve stars!
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