My sweetheart, I loved her when I could and when I shouldn’t.
I was her first kiss and her first crush. There’s nothing I wanted more than to be her first everything, but still, I walked away. I let her go when I should have held on tight.
Now, it’s too late to change the past. We’re different people, and yet one thing remains the same—my love for her.
We’ve circled each other all our lives, but we’ve never had our moment until now.
I may not have had all her firsts, but I will be all her lasts. I’m loving her for keeps.
Alexandra Silva is a USA Today Bestselling Author of Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense. Her stories are raw, heartfelt, and sexy. With flawed, dirty talking and sexy as hell heroes, and feisty heroines that give them a run for their money.
Alex is a tequila loving book hoarder. She lives in London with her boys and man, as well as their three cats.
Salted Caramel Coconut lattes are a real weakness, along with dark, taboo romance and angst heavy new adult reads.
She blames the classics and a nutty English teacher for her obsession with books and fiction. Come rain or shine with either coffee or wine in hand, you can find her with her nose stuck in a book and her head in the clouds.
I have to be honest and say that the first couple of chapters of No One But You left me confused because many characters were introduced without context but as soon as I figured out who they were I was deep immersed in Quincy and Jamie’s story.
No One But You was really refreshing because of its characters and their current situations. They were real and relatable. Quincy and Jamie are both divorced, single parents and free to date who ever they want but there are only one person they’re both interested in and have been for years. What got in their way was life and timing. Their shared history is a whirlwind of emotions from butterflies to disappointment, loss and love. There’s no doubt that from the first time I meet them in No One But You that what they have together is unique. I really enjoyed every aspect of their friendship. The loyalty, support and love they have and show one another is incredible but also proves why it was always suppose to be Quincy and Jamie. The people who they dated and were with before never stood a chance.
Life and timing truly got in the way of them being together but when they finally have the chance they seize it. Watching them finally giving in to one another and their feelings were worth the wait and exciting. Jamie wanted to do all the right things. Date and woo Quincy and it was so sweet and hot as hell. Quincy just wanted Jamie. Their chemistry was off the charts. Jamie and Quincy are two fabulous characters. Quincy is my kind of heroine. Strong and when she makes mistakes she acknowledges them and get back on her feet. Jamie is a man who loves fiercely and wants do anything for his woman but he also knows when and how to help Quincy when she needs it the most. The secondary characters especially Jamie’s two sisters Dorian and Willow are terrific and so much fun. They are best friends with Quincy and together they’re a hoot. The same can be said for Jamie’s mother.
No One But You is a fabulous debut from Alexandra Silva. She takes a sensitive topic as stillborn. Handles this tough topic with care and respect in this story. She’s managed to create a story that feels real thanks to some strong and appealing characters. I’m ready for more and very excited about her next book.
4 BadAssDirtyBreatheStars
** No One But You generously provided by the author via Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review **
I’m gonna have to say the beginning was a confusing mess.... I was scratching my head trying to figure out who belonged to who.... And I can follow a story if it made sense but no..... Yes you have to re-read a lot so..... I did do a fair amount of skimming... And still it didn’t work.... So yeah...DNF It wasn’t good and here’s why....
This felt like a polyamory square relationship. They swapped partners and are honky dory. Kids go back and forth, they have more kids between them, their siblings are also in relationships. It was all too close and confined. It wasn’t for me plus I was just bored. The only bright spot was Quincy and I wished she moved and left them all rather than stay stuck to Jamie, who, for all his professed love of his childhood love Quincy, he equally professed his undying commitment to his then wife AND justifies his cheating wife and best friends actions accepts that he and Quincy were at fault.
The story just doesn’t flow and there’s a whole lot of hypocrisy all over the place. Just ugh. I’m not buying any of this. Not Jamie’s explanation or rather no explanation of why he married. Not that he’s always been in love with Quincy, but only when he returned as married man and remembered she existed. Not when you validate and try to soften Jenna and Richard. Quincy just keeps getting dragged by everyone. They really sucked. This was dumb. Had to abandon the story before the end right because what’s the point! Oh and yeah she quits her job because well... And yeah, the series continues with their siblings getting together.
This was just what I needed. After two weeks of not reading, I was desperately looking for a good book to get lost in. No One But You is a debut novel and recommended on Twitter by: Malene
What did I think? "Holy freaking cherry on a banana split sundae," this was really good! Despite some editing issues, the characters and the story grew on me fast. Though, I did wonder for a second if it was the right book for me because this one's a love...square. Two couples who, to put it simply, swapped. Stay with me. For those who don't like the drama or angst from a typical love triangle (like I do ;), this one is a relatively "safe" read. It's clear from the start that Quincy and Jamie's love is of the soulmate kind.
Friends-to-lovers and second chance romance are my favorite tropes and No One But You hit both targets. Even with the hard issues intertwined in this love story, I consider it a quick and sweet read. Low on the angst, high on all the lovey feels. Normally, I'm all about the angst but Quincy and Jamie's enduring love and devotion to each other was more than enough to keep me interested. Not to mention how intrigued I was to see how these two couples would make things work for the sake of their children. In my opinion, there was a certain beauty to the unconventional dynamics of their unified families.
Favorite Passages: Quincy~ "My heart had ached and thrummed and fought for his and for him. It shattered with the deepest and darkest agony and then it pulled itself back together for him. It bandaged itself just enough to keep going for him. Until he was able to stitch it back together. Until we let go of everything else and just let it be. Until there was just him and me and our need."
Jamie~ "...I couldn’t live without her. Even when oceans and continents separated us, when the decisions we’d made and the paths we’d taken separated us, we still walked parallel in the same direction together. Maybe it had taken us longer than it should have to reach the same junction, but we were finally on the same road. It wasn’t smooth and it was filled with potholes and cracks that would inevitably trip us up, but I had every intention of holding her hand and pulling her up like I knew she would do for me."
This was like Grey’s Anatomy with partner swapping,cheating and a large cast of characters. Plus a lot of medical emergencies, surgeries,high risk pregnancy of side character and still born child of fmc. It was slow and I skimmed.
Let me tell you a short story: one day I opened Facebook and I saw a post for a giveaway. The prize was a book with a beautiful woman on it. Then I saw that the author and I have the same name (Alexandra is a beautiful name 😉) and I knew I needed this book. I've never heard of this author, she's new to me, but not only to me. She's new to everyone because this is her debut. But I was not aware that this is a debut until I read half of the book and then some of the reviews on GR. I was not aware because this story is really, really amazing, the writing is beautiful, the characters are adorable and loveable. And there are a lot of kids (and I love books with kids).
Quincy and Jamie work together at the same hospital, they are also friends for a long time and from the beginning, years ago, since they were kids, they are in love with each other. But they both married other people. Now that they are both divorced, they are eventually free for each other. But it's not that easy because of the things that happened in the past.
Usually I have a problem to fall in love with the female main character but I really fell in love with Quincy. I was so sorry for her, for the things that happened to her and the loss she had to bear. And although her past was so hard she's a strong and confident woman, with an amazing career and the sweetest daughter.
Jamie is great. He's a real friend and a great dad, he has his heart in the right place and his need to help people is what makes him so adorable. I love that he gives Quincy time to work through her problems of her own. And I love how they both love each other. How they give each other strenght. It's great how they cope with their exes because of the kids, they only want what's best for them. Their connection is palpable through the whole book and very unique. The story was not what I expected but so much more.
This story is so well written, realistic and gripping. I not only love the main characters, I also love the side characters and I really would love to read a story about Willow, Dorian and Jake 😉! I never write about my favorite quote, but this time I have one.
"He didn't just tell me he loved me every chance he got, he showed me with every innocent and every illicit touch."
This was a fantastic debut release. I quickly grew to love the lead characters in this story and my heart broke for the huge losses they suffer. Tough subjects are tackled and done in a realistic and respectful way. Quincy and Jamie are beautifully flawed individuals. Their love story isn't an easy one. I felt like they were friends of mine and I was going through their journey with them. Great dialogue and a dual POV made the story flow really well. It's hard to categorise this story - brother's best friend, second chance, single parent, heartbreaking - this book has it all. Definitely looking forward to more stories from this author.
Debut!? Did someone say this was a DEBUT NOVEL?! I didn’t realize that going in and certainly never got that impression while reading. No One But You is so well written, there is great character development and just enough of a dramatic flair to keep you pulled in! I took my time reading this one, savoring every sentence.
I adored Quincy. She is the definition of strength. She’s been through so much but yet you can still see her love for life.
Jamie is simply wonderful. Their connection is beautiful. The family unit is extraordinary.
Jamie & Quincy have loved each other their entire lives. It’s just never been their time. When it’s finally clear to the both of them that they need to take their shot, they ease into their relationship just like they were born to.
As a woman that grew up with a broken family, a mother to my children, and step mother to one of them, I related so much to this book. Alexandra Silva is a new author to me and I am so glad I stumbled upon her. This book was so, so good. A powerful, raw, angsty read. Oh, my heart. I felt so much for Quincy. She went through something in life that no mother should EVER have to go through. The way that Ms. Silva wrote that was so beautifully. I felt the pain, the anger, the blame. I feel like everyone should have a love like Jamie, and when you do, NEVER let it go. That man was utter perfection for Quincy. I was so sad that life led them apart from one another. They created their own families, but even still, their love for one another never died. It was unfortunate the way they were brought back into each other’s lives, but through loss and pain can come the most beautiful of loves. The side characters in this novel had me in tears of laughter. I died with every scene Willow was in. That woman was hilarious, right along with her twin sister. I wanted to throttle Sam so badly!!!! Ugh, that woman was the devil!
The beginning of the book was a tad bit confusing for me, though. There were lots of character names being thrown around and it took me a bit to know who was who and where they stood with Jamie and Quincy. But, once that was figured out, it was smooth sailing till the end.
This is one book I will definitely reread. I loved how closely Ms. Silva was able to portray every every problem the main characters endured.
No One But You is the debut novel by Alexandra Silva, and amongst other things, talks about the painful subject of stillbirth, and how it affects everyone - not just the mother.
I felt a bit lost during the prologue for various reasons, and couldn't understand if I was supposed to feel sympathy for her or him. It did become clear, but the jump from the prologue to the first chapter was a bit of a leap. Not to worry though, as it all sorted out in the end.
This is a long story, but for the life of me, I can't figure out how it could be shortened, so just stick with it and know you've got a tale to sink your teeth into. It is a (sort of) second chance romance. Sort of because they only share one kiss, but are forever there for the other. Some questions are left unanswered, but on the whole, this tale is wrapped up nicely. I would like to see Dory and Jake's story, plus Willow, but that's just me being greedy.
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and have no hesitation in recommending it to others.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
WOW!! What A stunning debut! Alexandra Silva has written a story that was very hard to put down. After what i have just read I am stunned that she has not published before. her story line, the flow, the character development and the descriptions were so vivid and flawless.
This is a second chance love story, but one with a difference, they both have families and they both have been betrayed in one form or another. Jamie and Quincy have been friends for life, however their chosen careers and life choices have lead them in different directions. Due to heartache and betrayal the two are drawn to each other for support.
The road is not a smooth one for them though, with dramas aplenty and blending families together is not an easy mission to accomplish. once they do give in to their feelings and emotions for one another, Jamie and Quincy certainly sparkle and heat up the pages.
This was such a wonderful story. Alexandra brings in so many different emotions, that you can't help but feel affected. This is definitely a highly recommended book to read. I look forward to many more wonderful reads from this talented author.
I can't believe that this is a debut novel it blew me away.
Quincy a woman broken by life and betrayed by those she trusted she's navigating life as a single parent. Jamie divorced and angry at his ex is also juggling family and work. Four best friends who are now divided trying not to damage their children.
Apart from the start which was a little confusing as so many characters are introduced at once. The story settles down fairly quickly and I became engrossed in reading.
A very emotional book that has moments of extreme sadness but also hope and love. Every woman will identify with Quincy her circumstances may never replicate yours but most people know someone who has been dealt the same devastating blow. The author conveys all the feelings perfectly I know I shed many tears whilst reading.
A beautiful well thought out story by an author who I will be watching to see what comes next.
5 BEAUTIFUL STARS!! This story was amazing, it touched my heart. This author did a great job with creating a story that felt like real life. Quincy and Jaime have a story to tell you with all the feels and you need to hear it. I loved all the characters and it felt like they were friends and family. I can't wait to read more by this author.
I've added a new shelf to my list: debut author. Some days I am blessed with authors asking me to read their book babies. Some times they are just 'babies' in the world of publishing. These are special because they are often finding their voice. This debut has a very strong voice.
From the blurb, I was in. Huge sucker for second chance romance. Throw in older adults (i.e. read as over 25) and I am ready to read. Quincy and Jamie have been circling each other for years. Each marrying (settling) and having families. But now is their time.
But this is more than just a love story of second chances, this is a story on how to make lives fit when the puzzle pieces are worn or brittle and need tender care. With ex's that - well, that's a story - that create unique tension to the work environment stressors, the reader will find them rooting for the characters to have their happily ever after for their new blending families.
I enjoyed the drama without being rung out. This author has found her voice and will get better with each story she shares. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I loved everything about this story. I loved Jamie. She’s such an amazing character. My heart broke for her, but at the same time she was able to work through things. She knew very early on she married the wrong man. Then when tragedy strikes that becomes more apparent. Jamie is stronger than she sometimes gives herself credit for. I loved that about her. I loved how hard to fought not to love Quinn, but she’s loved that man since before she knew she should.
Quinn, god, where to start with this man. He wants to do right by his daughter, but at the same time he wants to be there for Jamie. Knowing that Jamie was to young for him, he moved on with someone that wasn’t right. Now, finalizing his divorce he knows his focus should be his little girl, but it’s hard when the girl you have loved forever loves you just as much. Add to that that your ex-wife is now engaged to your best friend’s ex-husband and you have the makings for one messed up family.
I loved how Jamie and Quinn handled every situation they were handed, and they were handed some pretty ridiculous things. It showed just how strong they were as a couple and as people in general. There were parts of this story I didn’t like. One part involving a secondary character and Jamie. I really disliked how Jamie was treated by this person. But it again, it showed overcoming and being the bigger person in life.
Alexandra Silva is an amazing author and it book is one I will read again and again. I loved every single second of it. In real life I’m a nurse, so I loved the medical aspect. She hit everything on the head with that. I love when a medical story is true to life. This book was fun, witty, romantic, sad, and heartbreaking but I wouldn’t trade a single second of my time reading it. Please check it out.
I was very honoured to be asked to beta read this first book baby for Alexandra and it didn't disappoint. It has all the things I love in contemporary romance. Best friends forever they have both been betrayed , Quinn has had a loss no one should experience, Jamie is dedicated to his and married the wrong girl but its finally their time. Its lovely to watch them develop their relationship and how they really get and support each other overcoming the obstacle thrown in their way. It's a beautiful friends to lovers, second chance full of angst book. Fantastic debut , great things to come from this author .
I can't believe that this is a debut novel it blew me away.
Quincy a woman broken by life and betrayed by those she trusted she's navigating life as a single parent. Jamie divorced and angry at his ex is also juggling family and work. Four best friends who are now divided trying not to damage their children.
Apart from the start which was a little confusing as so many characters are introduced at once. The story settles down fairly quickly and I became engrossed in reading.
A very emotional book that has moments of extreme sadness but also hope and love. Every woman will identify with Quincy her circumstances may never replicate yours but most people know someone who has been dealt the same devastating blow. The author conveys all the feelings perfectly I know I shed many tears whilst reading.
A beautiful well thought out story by an author who I will be watching to see what comes next.
A well written suspenseful tale that kept me guessing as to what was going on! I was glad to see the tension resolved, and enjoyed the drama as it played out.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
This book has a melancholic vibe all throughout. The pace is slow and contemplative and there’s an undercurrent of regrets and guilts. It makes for an interesting reading because all the characters are so intertwined in their personal histories.
Quincy has always loved Jamie, from when they were four years old. They both studied medicine, together with Quincy’s brother Phillip and their other best friend Richard. Jamie wanted to be the best neurosurgeon ever, so he left for the USA to study under a brilliant neurosurgeon there. He came back years later with a wife, Jenna. Devastated, Quincy accepted Richard’s proposal of marriage, had a stillborn baby and it broke her marriage. When they separated, she was pregnant but it didn’t save their marriage. Later we learn that he had been cheating on her.
The real story begins six years after Quincy’s stillbirth; she still mourns her lost son Theo, and now her whole world is Pippa, her daughter with Richard. The situation now is convoluted, as Jenna cheated on Jamie with Richard, Quincy’s ex. Jenna and Richard are now together, and on alternate weekends, they take care of Pippa, while they have Molly full time. Molly is Jamie’s and Jenna’s daughter.
There’s a big family mix here, since Jamie has two sisters, twins Dorian and Willow. Dorian had married Quincy’s brother Phillip and had a son Daniel. Dorian is now a widow, Phillip having died in Angola in a humanitarian trip. So now we also have that Quincy and Jamie are related by marriage through his sister Dorian and Quincy’s brother Phillip. Also, Dorian and Willow are Quincy’s best friends. Really, it’s a little mixed up.
It turns out that Jamie has always felt something for Quincy. When he returns to England, married to Jenna, and starts working at St. Ermin’s Hospital, where Quincy and Richard also work, the quality of his marriage changed. He was an absentee husband, failing to come home whilst attending his hospital cases. This is what drove Jenna to cheat on Jamie with Quincy’s ex-husband, also breaking the friendship between Jamie and Richard.
Once Jamie’s divorce decree is final, Richard and Jenna set their marriage date and Jamie started acting differently with Quincy. He had been the one at her side during the aftermath of losing her baby boy. When she was bottom deep in her grief and depression, Jamie was the one who got her out of the pit and helped her move on. He put all her broken pieces together and now they are starting on a different route together.
And this is where the love between Jamie and Quincy is kindled, but not without a lot of problems and feelings of guilt. There’s regrets, mostly from the sharing of their daughters with the evil couple, Jenna and Richard. It’s hard to share and compromise, but it must be done for the sake of the girls. There’s gossip at the hospital, because now the exes are together, and their exes are annoyed. They have to step cautiously so the girls don’t get confused and hurt. Luckily, their family are routing for them.
Reading this book was an interesting exercise in keeping everyone straight and reading all the compromises the characters made with their exes when their real impulse should be to sock them a right hook. The love between Jamie and Quincy was very strong, and Jamie was vital in helping Quincy overcome all her struggles. For Quincy the pain of her lost baby is always front and center and she needed help to realize that she had to move on and prioritize those she had living with her. One thing I didn’t understand is why Jamie married Jenna if he had always had a thing for Quincy. The pace of the book was slow but riveting, as this couple work through their struggles towards each other. It was romantic and sweet, even if tinted with a little sadness, at least for me.
This is the author’s debut novel, so it must be said it was an awesome first book.
*I would like to thank Give Me Books Promotion for hosting this Blog Tour and providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Heartbreakingly beautiful. Alexandra Silva is an author to look out for if you want a super emotional read.
SPOILER FREE
P L O T A story about loss, hurt, love and healing. This may have been the most true to life experience fiction book I’ve ever read. Sure, not everyone could relate, but the drama and story line is for everyone. (Not for all ages, obviously) This story doesn’t just talk about the love between our two main characters but it involves the people that surround them. How their decisions affect their families and friends.
As complicated as their situation may be, I don’t think it’s impossible in reality. We fall for the most unexpected person at the most unexpected time. Sometimes we think we’ve gotten over the person we once loved or we thought that wasn’t even love but the world works in a way we can never understand. If two people are meant for each other then they’ll be together in this life or the next.
C H A R A C T E R S
For our two main characters, it’s been a long journey filled with hurt, anger, confusion, complication, but in the end it’s always going to be about love. Love will always find its way.
I love how every character has a fault and they admit to their mistakes and mishaps but no matter how painful and wrong their action was I couldn’t find it in myself to hate them because they have their reasons for doing what they did. Its the chain reaction. One person lacks or fails to do his role then the party affected will be drawn to doing things that may be wrong. However, the blame game isn’t to be played but accepting and understanding our mistakes is the way to go.
W R I T I N G
Such a wonderful story written in the point of view of two people who are clearly meant for each other but the odds are always against them.
Nothing is over done, no exaggeration in reactions, the characters are faulted perfectly, the time and place is perfect. The medical terms may have overwhelmed me a bit. The story wasn’t even rushed. (No disappointments here.) I felt every emotion; every hurt, every pain, the laughter, the love. I cried a couple times. For situations where I clearly could not relate to, I didn’t feel disconnected instead the author made sure I could understand what is going and how it’s affecting the character.
I can clearly see the author has done her research, thought about every dialogue and every character so well. Which is why I love this book so much.
O V E R A L L
I have no regrets for reading this book because I knew this was something I’ll be emotionally invested in. I thought it’ll just be a second chance romance (World knows I love a good second chance romance) but it’s so much more than that. I finished this book with an open mind, open heart, new knowledge and understanding to the world and the people.
I cannot wait for ‘Someone Like You’, it’s about two couples in this story too but their own journey is just beginning. It’ll be another emotional roller coaster that I’m only too eager to ride.
5 Stars Review by Morgen Late Night Reviewer Up All Night w/ Books Blog
No One But You is Alexandra Silva’s debut novel and the first book in her Imperfect Hearts series. Some of the main themes of the book are that there are some things out of our control and that change isn’t always bad.
Quincy a mother who loves her daughter with all her heart, divorced and not looking for romance. As a Cardiothoracic surgeon with a focus in Pediatrics she didn’t have much free time and what she can spare goes to her daughter. She’s loving, confident and needs to be in control.
Jamie a father who loves his daughter, divorced and too busy for romance. He is one of the best neurosurgeons there is, just ask him. He’s a little work crazed but when you’re saving lives his patients deserve his focus. He is compassionate, caring, and confident.
Quincy goes through a tragedy when her son is stillborn. Her husband, Richard, who is supposed to be there to lean on retreats into himself. Leaving her to suffer alone in the darkness of despair. Her best friend Jamie is there to help her pick up the pieces of her tattered heart. Somehow in her sorrow she ends up once again pregnant by her husband, an accident, but even that can’t mend their shattered relationship. Around the same time Jamie’s wife gets pregnant as well. His workload is heavy and he is dedicated to his patients which puts a strain on his marriage. After a few years of trying to make their relationship work they separate.
Jamie, Quincy, and Richard are all surgeons at the same hospital which make for some interesting moments. Jamie and Quincy have known each other all their lives. There has always been something more between them, barely beneath the surface. They shared a kiss once, before Jamie left to go to college in America. Now that they were both single could they cross that line? Should they sacrifice their friendship to find out? Would it be a rebound or something so much more.
After their first kiss there is no more time for debate, all there is, is a passion that consumes. Every caress lights a fire and they need more. Their bodies were made for each other. They burn up the pages with a simple look or a touch. Their chemistry jumps out at you. I just wanted more and it was never enough.
I didn’t find out this was the author’s first book until after I read it, and I never would have guessed. The characters have such depth and their emotions never feel forced. The pacing is great. What drew me in most was how strong Quincy is and how determined she was not to let her issues affect her daughter. I really enjoyed having both Jamie and Quincy’s POVs. One of my favorite things is that it’s set in London so their English is slightly different than ours, but it made the read a bit more fun for me. All the talk of knickers gets me very excited. The story unravels nicely and the more I learned the more I fell in love with the characters. I would definitely recommend, it’s a story that captures your heart and never lets go.
3.5 Stars Quincy Cavendish had her life turned upside down when she lost her baby boy and then her husvand left her. Now she is getting her life back on track while being a single mom to Pippa until her ex-husband announces he is about to marry her best friends ex-wife. Jamie Anson is getting a divorce since his ex, Jenna, slept with his best man, Richard. Together they have a daughter, Molly, and he is struggling with everything going on around him. Yet with everything going on Jamie and Quincy are once again drawn together and must figure out if they are ready to give love a shot. But will they receive support from those around them or will everyone around them sabotage them and make them think twice if they are meant to be. This was a great book dealing with the heartache of losing a child and the breakdown in your marriage because of it. It’s also about picking up the pieces and finding a way to go on and find love again. I really liked Quincy and my heart broke for what she went through with losing Theo. It was so ironic that she ended up with Pippa after everything that happened. I hated her ex Richard and as the book went on I hated him more and more after other things were revealed. I was shocked at the stuff that happened between Quincy and Sam and I was blown away that everyone worked together. I liked Jamie as well but I knew he had different issues with Jenna and it was linked to what Quincy went through with Richard. The links between everyone were huge but it made sense as everything fell into place and as they went over the events of the past that shaped the future. I liked how everything slowly came together but there were so many hurdles for everyone. There was tension with Jenna’s pregnancy and I was curious to see what was going to happen with that. The end blow up between Quincy and Sam was huge and I was super curious to see what was going to happen and I loved the decision that Quincy made! - By Rebecca
I've typed and deleted this intro to my review on No One But You several times, struggling to find the words to adequately describe this remarkable debut novel by Alexandra Silva. Quite simply, this story is absolutely resplendent.
This is more than a second chance romance as these characters have always been each others destiny but ambition, loyalty, tragedy, responsibility and betrayal got in their way. Ms Silva takes on some gritty and emotional topics in this story and handles them with dignity and finesse, whilst building the lives of her characters and their journey with a deft touch of an author of more maturity of experience.
Quincy and Jamie have known and loved each other their entire lives, that much is certain, but their choices took them on different paths with different partners, despite their simmering alliance to one another that is more than obvious to all but themselves. I loved this take on unrequited love, because it is and it isn't. Through their continued friendship they maintain their love for one another despite the lack of physical intimacy.
"He loved me when I wasn't his to love and when he had no right to love me. Yet he'd never demanded anything in return."
Following lives lived separately involving the death and birth of children and the betrayal of spouses, they finally have the opportunity to be honest with their feelings for one another and the union is just beautiful to witness. And through the authors beautiful words, I really feel like I was witness to this tide of emotions and connection of souls.
"After all the years we'd orbited around each other. After everything that had happened. We'd finally found our moment. It was our time."
With a tremendous supporting cast of characters who I eagerly look forward to seeing evolve into their own stories, suffice it to say Ms Silva is now a one-click author for me.
It’s hard to believe, when I get asked to personally review books, it’s always taken as an honour ! Any author asking is special ! But when it’s a debut author with her first book baby it’s doubly special ! I’m grateful for my place here !
So on to the book in question ! For a debut novel, I loved it ! A 2nd chance romance that is anything but straightforward. A heartbreaking beginning that brings two souls walking the same path in life, devastation brings ppl together and new futures are written although cautiously !
Friends to lovers, finding there way through s midfield of issues from exes, children. And working environments it was s beautiful read and well researched and thought out ! Carefully plotted and beautifully executed.
I’m looking forward to seeing where this author goes x
I was honoured to be asked to beta read this first book for Alexandra Silva and I was hooked from the beginning to the epilogue!
You would never know that this is a debut novel for Alexandra Silva. Flawlessly written, mixing tragedy, friendship, passion and romance with a touch of humour – (enter side character Jake here), this contemporary romance has it all.
This is the story of Jamie and Quincy’s lifelong friendship and the spark of attraction that has been ignored to make way for careers and life paths that see them settle for second best when it comes to love. Following tragedy, betrayal and heartbreak they lean on each other for support and finally give in to the sizzling chemistry between them - (and with some seriously hot bedroom scenes the passion bursts from the page.)
Overcoming dramas, blending families and giving into the feelings they have for one another, Jamie and Quincy’s story is beautifully told with some heart meltingly touching moments that will be imprinted in my mind forever and some quotes that will stay with me for life. And ….. this book has the perfect happily ever after.
I love it when a book is so well written that it plays like a movie in my mind!
Alexandra's story telling ability and her wonderful characterisation and character building pulled me deep into the emotions of all the characters and the story, leaving me desperate for more - especially from the side characters that clearly have their own stories to tell.
Quincy and Jamie's book is a wonderful story of friendship turning to forever love. I rate this book as 5 stars. Definitely one to read! I will be adding this very talented author to my instant one click list! Congratulations Alexandra!
Such a great debut novel! What an amazing love story 💕 A Must Read 😊 I would definitely recommend this to any fans of Second Chance romance.😊 I can't wait to read more of her books 💜
This was a great book dealing with the heartache of losing a child and the breakdown in your marriage because of it. It’s also about picking up the pieces and finding a way to go on and find love again.
I really liked Quincy and my heart broke for what she went through with losing Theo. It was so ironic that she ended up with Pippa after everything that happened. I hated her ex Richard and as the book went on I hated him more and more after other things were revealed. I was shocked at the stuff that happened between Quincy and Sam and I was blown away that everyone worked together.
I liked Jamie as well but I knew he had different issues with Jenna and it was linked to what Quincy went through with Richard. The links between everyone were huge but it made sense as everything fell into place and as they went over the events of the past that shaped the future.
I liked how everything slowly came together but there were so many hurdles for everyone. There was tension with Jenna’s pregnancy and I was curious to see what was going to happen with that.
The end blow up between Quincy and Sam was huge and I was super curious to see what was going to happen and I loved the decision that Quincy made!
WOW! It is hard to believe that this is a debut novel by Alexandra Silva. Her words had me truly captivated from the start. Jaime and Quincy are childhood friends that took separate paths in life, but always seemed to be in each other’s thoughts. Now broken hearted, their lives are intertwined in a way neither could have imagined. The pull they have towards one another grows stronger every day and it's getting harder to deny what they mean to one another.
The connection and passion Jaime and Quincy feel for one another bleeds through the pages. Their chemistry is hot, and you want nothing more than for them to find their HEA. This story is real and honest. It touches on difficult subjects and tragedies that can make even the strongest heart crumble. This journey is about forgiveness, second chances and being true to your feelings.
The secondary characters in this beautiful love story are impactful, yet they don't take away from Jaime and Quincy. I loved them all and look forward to meeting them again. This story has heart, angst and depth all rolled up into one. If you're looking for a new author that will keep you engaged, while swooning over the likes of a hot man this is a book for you. Well done!
I’ve sat on this review for a while now. Simply because I couldn’t find the right words to describe how incredible this story was. Quincy and Jamie both has their fair share of heartbreak throughout the years. Heartbreak that should have destroyed them as individuals, and as friends. But that heartbreak brought them together at a time when they needed it the most. What I loved most about this story was simply how the author told it. It was beautiful, dignified and extremely emotional. Some parts were tough to read and I guess that’s what made it all the more special. The fact that as a reader you had the ability to really live through the words, the story, and feel every single emotion that this author wanted us to feel. Jamie is everything you want in a guy. Loyal, sweet, and extremely sexy. And Quincy was an absolute dream. Feisty, scared and badass. This debut novel is one not to be missed and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased, honest opinion.
Trigger warning: this book deals with delicate subjects. For example: still birth, difficult pregnancies, and affairs both emotionally and physically.
The synopsis for this book really drew me in. I felt it would be this epic love story about finding lost love and getting second chances. Sadly, this just wasn't the book for me. I had difficulties reading this story. Some how it just didn't flow very well. It took me longer than usual to read just one single page. I also had issues with everything being too tight knit. We have two couples that basically swapped partners. Adding in the fact that 3 of those 4 all work in the same place. Then we have their siblings dating as well. It was just too close for me. It felt like some type of massively blended family with tons of issues.
I couldn't connect with the characters in this one either. I felt most of them were childish, insecure, and selfish. I really just wanted them to branch out of their little circle and find different significant others. I liked the idea of finding your soulmate at such a young age and eventually making the full circle back to them as an adult but for some reason, I just didn't root for them.
I didn't like how one character was portrayed as the flake/ice queen either. This woman has been through such traumatic ordeals in her life but still holds it together. I don't think we get to judge her for how she holds her life together after all she's been through. I think everyone could've been more sympathetic to her. Overall, this just wasn't a hit for me but it seems I'm in the minority on it. Pick it up and see what you think, we all enjoy different reads so you never know.