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Always Magnolia
A story about survival and second chances...
After years of suffering at the hands of her abusive husband, Magnolia Crawford escapes in the dead of night with her young daughter and finds herself back in the last place she remembers feeling safe.
A lifetime ago, she stood on this very property, in the shade of a magnolia tree behind her childhood home. Here, she made promises to the three boys that have held her heart since she was five years old. Circumstances beyond her control made her break those promises, but she never forgot Matty, Ryan, and Darius.
And they never forgot her.
Now that she’s back, the guys are ready to do whatever it takes to help Magnolia find herself again and protect her from the darkness that threatens to break her. Can Noli find the strength to weather the oncoming storm and forgive herself? Or will the scars of their past destroy their second chance at love? Always Magnolia is a contemporary MMFM (whychoose) second chance romance. Some material maybe be considered sensitive to some readers, as the main character lives through abuse both as a child and an adult.
After years of suffering at the hands of her abusive husband, Magnolia Crawford escapes in the dead of night with her young daughter and finds herself back in the last place she remembers feeling safe.
A lifetime ago, she stood on this very property, in the shade of a magnolia tree behind her childhood home. Here, she made promises to the three boys that have held her heart since she was five years old. Circumstances beyond her control made her break those promises, but she never forgot Matty, Ryan, and Darius.
And they never forgot her.
Now that she’s back, the guys are ready to do whatever it takes to help Magnolia find herself again and protect her from the darkness that threatens to break her. Can Noli find the strength to weather the oncoming storm and forgive herself? Or will the scars of their past destroy their second chance at love? Always Magnolia is a contemporary MMFM (whychoose) second chance romance. Some material maybe be considered sensitive to some readers, as the main character lives through abuse both as a child and an adult.
371 pages, Paperback
Published March 16, 2023
462 people are currently reading
1558 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Rathe
29 books1,096 followersDeliciously dirty, delightfully neurotic, ratchet mess of a daydreamer.
See www.rebeccarathe.com for a full list of books, social media, and trigger warnings.
See www.rebeccarathe.com for a full list of books, social media, and trigger warnings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
March 26, 2023
I’ll start off by saying that the overall message or purpose of this book is amazing and one I definitely stand by. I loved seeing our FMC work to overcome her past and trauma, and create her own organization in the book to help women who have survived domestic violence.
Seeing the author support an organization that helps women who are survivors of domestic violence is also great.
That being said, this book is not perfect. For the sake of not overshadowing the positive messaging with flaws from the story, I’ll try and keep the list short and to the point.
1. The book itself is far too short. Not only do we need more to successfully foster the individual relationships between our FMC and the three guys, but we need more to make the trauma more realistic in general.
Our FMC has been in an abusive relationship for 15 years. She’s been physically beat, sexually assaulted, and living in fear for more than a decade.
Yes, these are men who she was best friends with before she moved away. Yes, they’d never hurt her and she trusts them deep down.
But being physically intimate after one day of being back in town? It felt extremely unrealistic.
I would have liked a lot more buildup to the men forgiving her, coming to know her story, and understanding her. It felt too rushed and forced for me, especially with Matty.
2. The letters. These were a huge part of the story as the characters moved apart, and we get chapters that are just letters.
Then, in the present day, we find out our FMC has a notebook where she still writes letters to the men that she never mails out. We see her write a letter once, and her daughter mentions it to the guys later on.
But we never actually see these letters come out, the guys never read them, nothing. It definitely made me think “what was the point???” Lol
I think it would have been really powerful to have these letters be used as evidence in her case to prove abuse, since she’s been writing to the men for what we can assume are years. It would have both proven her DV and also helped the guys understand exactly just how badly she suffered and how she had no choice in what happened to her.
3. Overcoming her trauma. Again, I think the book being longer would have helped here. I would have loved to see our FMC actually grow and work through more than a decade of trauma and the resulting PTSD. It feels really cheap to me to have the story basically be that she starts to feel better because she’s sleeping with the guys and she feels loved.
That’s not enough. That’s not how trauma works. A romantic partner is not capable of healing you like that, nor is it something that should be desired or expected?
This book is a super quick read with just a little over 350 pages and, once again, it has a really great message that I respect.
However, that doesn’t stop me from feeling like the story is lacking and needs to be fleshed out further.
3⭐️ because of the message and goal of the story, but it’s not something I would go out of my way to recommend to someone.
Seeing the author support an organization that helps women who are survivors of domestic violence is also great.
That being said, this book is not perfect. For the sake of not overshadowing the positive messaging with flaws from the story, I’ll try and keep the list short and to the point.
1. The book itself is far too short. Not only do we need more to successfully foster the individual relationships between our FMC and the three guys, but we need more to make the trauma more realistic in general.
Our FMC has been in an abusive relationship for 15 years. She’s been physically beat, sexually assaulted, and living in fear for more than a decade.
Yes, these are men who she was best friends with before she moved away. Yes, they’d never hurt her and she trusts them deep down.
But being physically intimate after one day of being back in town? It felt extremely unrealistic.
I would have liked a lot more buildup to the men forgiving her, coming to know her story, and understanding her. It felt too rushed and forced for me, especially with Matty.
2. The letters. These were a huge part of the story as the characters moved apart, and we get chapters that are just letters.
Then, in the present day, we find out our FMC has a notebook where she still writes letters to the men that she never mails out. We see her write a letter once, and her daughter mentions it to the guys later on.
But we never actually see these letters come out, the guys never read them, nothing. It definitely made me think “what was the point???” Lol
I think it would have been really powerful to have these letters be used as evidence in her case to prove abuse, since she’s been writing to the men for what we can assume are years. It would have both proven her DV and also helped the guys understand exactly just how badly she suffered and how she had no choice in what happened to her.
3. Overcoming her trauma. Again, I think the book being longer would have helped here. I would have loved to see our FMC actually grow and work through more than a decade of trauma and the resulting PTSD. It feels really cheap to me to have the story basically be that she starts to feel better because she’s sleeping with the guys and she feels loved.
That’s not enough. That’s not how trauma works. A romantic partner is not capable of healing you like that, nor is it something that should be desired or expected?
This book is a super quick read with just a little over 350 pages and, once again, it has a really great message that I respect.
However, that doesn’t stop me from feeling like the story is lacking and needs to be fleshed out further.
3⭐️ because of the message and goal of the story, but it’s not something I would go out of my way to recommend to someone.
Read
September 18, 2023I got a little over half way, wanted to push through but my mind wasn’t fully committed with the storyline
September 22, 2024
Poly MMMF
Very Emotional
Friends to Lovers
Second Chance
Abused FMC
MM/MF/MMF Spice
Well. This certainly was an emotional roller coaster. First things first: check the TWs because this book is for real. The matter of domestic abuse is on page and graphic and plentiful. The author lays it all out, step by step, how someone can get pulled into the web of abuse and then find it so hard to escape.
We follow Magnolia ‘Noli’ from early on in her life, when she suffers a loss that catapults her into a life that pretty much breaks her. Her one joy is the friendship of her three BFFs: Matty, Ryan (twins) and Dare. The four have been inseparable since they were five, and when her father dies and she has to move away, they all promise to keep in touch until she can one day come home. Sadly for her, her life takes a turn. The three boys are dedicated to her and try for so long, but: life.
A lot of this takes place in the past, so the relationship between her and the guys is super slow burn. You have to go through a lot of pain to get there. There is an established MM relationship that makes this a poly relationship, rather than just a why choose. It’s so beautiful. All the guys are just so supportive and wonderful (there is a little angst for a while but not too bad). I think the author handled the serious subject really well. I imagine it’s hard to do this and have super sexy smut scenes. It all played out very well. I think if the book was a bit longer and showed more of the relationship between the four (and the daughter) I would have been bawling. Still, overall I found this… I won’t say enjoyable, but definitely a good emotional read.
Very Emotional
Friends to Lovers
Second Chance
Abused FMC
MM/MF/MMF Spice
Well. This certainly was an emotional roller coaster. First things first: check the TWs because this book is for real. The matter of domestic abuse is on page and graphic and plentiful. The author lays it all out, step by step, how someone can get pulled into the web of abuse and then find it so hard to escape.
We follow Magnolia ‘Noli’ from early on in her life, when she suffers a loss that catapults her into a life that pretty much breaks her. Her one joy is the friendship of her three BFFs: Matty, Ryan (twins) and Dare. The four have been inseparable since they were five, and when her father dies and she has to move away, they all promise to keep in touch until she can one day come home. Sadly for her, her life takes a turn. The three boys are dedicated to her and try for so long, but: life.
A lot of this takes place in the past, so the relationship between her and the guys is super slow burn. You have to go through a lot of pain to get there. There is an established MM relationship that makes this a poly relationship, rather than just a why choose. It’s so beautiful. All the guys are just so supportive and wonderful (there is a little angst for a while but not too bad). I think the author handled the serious subject really well. I imagine it’s hard to do this and have super sexy smut scenes. It all played out very well. I think if the book was a bit longer and showed more of the relationship between the four (and the daughter) I would have been bawling. Still, overall I found this… I won’t say enjoyable, but definitely a good emotional read.
June 10, 2024
✩‧₊ 2 stars ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
･ ｡ﾟ☆:Always Magnolia *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 But we were something, don't you think so? 🎶
After years of escaping the clutches of her abusive husband, Magnolia Crawford (h) finds herself back in the small town where she grew up, seeking refuge in the last place she felt truly safe. As she navigates the painful memories of her past, Magnolia is reunited with three childhood friends who have never forgotten her - Matty, Ryan, and Darius (H). The guys who once held her heart are now determined to help her heal and rebuild her life.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
I have to admit, I was really disappointed with the way the book was organized. The way the author mixed in past letters with the present timeline just didn't work for me. It felt like a cheap trick to show how the characters were slowly drifting apart, and it ended up being a real pain to follow. But what really got me was the letter chop. You know, when people don't communicate clearly and it leads to all sorts of misunderstandings and hurt feelings? Yeah, that's exactly what happened in this book, and it broke my heart. I just felt like it was so unnecessary for the friendship to end over something so simple . I'm also really upset about how Magnolia handled things. She let her emotions get the better of her and pushed away the people who truly cared about her. I get that she was going through a tough time, but I think her friends were always there for her, willing to support her through thick and thin. And when they finally decided to reach visit her after all those years, it was too late. They saw that she was married and pregnant, and that was just the final nail in the coffin . It's really disappointing because I think they could have tried harder to work things out. I mean, they were friends for so long, and it was always just about being there for each other. So why did they suddenly cut her off without even talking about it? It's like they assumed she was with someone else, which wasn't even a possibility. It's just so frustrating to see friendships ruined over something so silly. It could have been so much more if only the characters had communicated better and been more understanding of each other's struggles.
Ugh, don't even get me started on the OW aspect of the story. I mean, what was the point of throwing all that drama and promiscuity into the mix? It's like the author was trying to make Matty some kind of tortured, brooding hero, but honestly, it just came across as sleazy and immature. And you're right, it's not Magnolia's business who Matty slept with or how many people he slept with. I mean, she was already dealing with so much trauma and abuse, and then to have to witness all this drama and toxicity unfold around her? It's just cruel. And it's not like Matty's past relationships were relevant to the plot at all. It was just a bunch of unnecessary drama.
[Ryan & Dare]
Don't get me wrong, I love a good romance, but this one just didn't sit right with me 😐. Specifically, the dynamic between Ryan, Dare, and Magnolia. For me, the biggest issue is that Ryan and Dare had 15 years of history together before Magnolia even entered the picture in the present timeline. They had their own relationship, their own chemistry, and their own foundation. It's hard to believe that they didn't have a deeper emotional connection with each other than they did with Magnolia. I mean, they had already explored their physical and emotional boundaries with each other, and had even had their first kiss with each other before Magnolia came along. It's like they were already a couple before she even joined the mix. I like them as a couple and not as a harem. She doesn’t belong with them. She should let them thrive in peace.
And don't even get me started on the fact that they were separated for years and then just picked up where they left off. I get that people can reconnect, but it felt like they were trying to force a relationship that was already past its expiration date. It would have been better if they just left things as they were - friends, maybe even still in love, but not trying to rekindle something that was never meant to be rekindled. Meanwhile, Magnolia's connection with Matty seemed stronger to me. I think the whole harem could have been a separate storyline without having to disrupt the existing relationship between Ryan and Dare. I think this book would have been better off without Magnolia altogether (ALARMING WHEN SHE IS THE FMC). It would have been a more satisfying MM romance, without the awkward attempts to fit in a third wheel.
[Matty]
Matty was a total trainwreck 🥱. He had the nerve to blame Magnolia for being in a toxic relationship. Like, what even is that? It's like he thought she was just lying about it all. And don't even get me started on how he didn't believe her. I mean, come on, she never documented her abuse, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. I just couldn't believe how easily Magnolia forgave him. I mean, he literally treated her like crap and then expected her to just forgive him? No way. He didn't even apologize or try to make amends. He just assumed she'd forgive him and move on. And what really got my blood boiling was how he implied that she put herself in that situation. Like, are you kidding me? She was assaulted, and he didn't even care.
Don't even get me started on how he didn't even apologize properly when he found out she was abused. He just "regretted" his actions and expected forgiveness like that? 🤥 No, sorry is not just saying the words, it's about showing genuine remorse and making amends. And Matty didn't do that. I also didn't appreciate how easily Magnolia forgave him. I mean, I get it, she wanted to move on and start fresh with her daughter, but didn't she deserve better than someone who treated her so poorly? It felt like she was just giving him a free pass without him doing anything to earn her forgiveness. It felt like the author was trying to force this reunion between Matty and Magnolia, but it didn't feel natural or authentic. It was like they were trying to put the past behind them and move forward without really addressing the issues that had driven them apart in the first place. Maybe I'm just too cynical, but I think some relationships are just too damaged to be salvaged.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
🎤 It was a total letdown. I mean, I think the author had some great potential, but they just didn't execute it well. Take Matty and Magnolia, for example. Their characters just felt so flat and underdeveloped. I mean, Matty's supposed to be this tortured soul, but his "apology" was just so weak and half-hearted. It felt like he was just trying to save face instead of actually taking responsibility for his actions. And Magnolia, oh man, she's just so passive. I mean, I get it, she's trying to forgive and move on, but come on, she's basically just letting him off the hook without even making him work for it. It was so frustrating to see. And don't even get me started on the plot. It was just so predictable and formulaic. I'm glad it's over, to be honest.
･ ｡ﾟ☆:Always Magnolia *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 But we were something, don't you think so? 🎶
After years of escaping the clutches of her abusive husband, Magnolia Crawford (h) finds herself back in the small town where she grew up, seeking refuge in the last place she felt truly safe. As she navigates the painful memories of her past, Magnolia is reunited with three childhood friends who have never forgotten her - Matty, Ryan, and Darius (H). The guys who once held her heart are now determined to help her heal and rebuild her life.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
‘Things aren’t the same without you, but we’re getting along fine. I think we’re just getting used to you not being here. It’s funny how you don’t realize how much someone has been there for you until they aren’t. And I definitely realize that with you gone.’
I have to admit, I was really disappointed with the way the book was organized. The way the author mixed in past letters with the present timeline just didn't work for me. It felt like a cheap trick to show how the characters were slowly drifting apart, and it ended up being a real pain to follow. But what really got me was the letter chop. You know, when people don't communicate clearly and it leads to all sorts of misunderstandings and hurt feelings? Yeah, that's exactly what happened in this book, and it broke my heart. I just felt like it was so unnecessary for the friendship to end over something so simple . I'm also really upset about how Magnolia handled things. She let her emotions get the better of her and pushed away the people who truly cared about her. I get that she was going through a tough time, but I think her friends were always there for her, willing to support her through thick and thin. And when they finally decided to reach visit her after all those years, it was too late. They saw that she was married and pregnant, and that was just the final nail in the coffin . It's really disappointing because I think they could have tried harder to work things out. I mean, they were friends for so long, and it was always just about being there for each other. So why did they suddenly cut her off without even talking about it? It's like they assumed she was with someone else, which wasn't even a possibility. It's just so frustrating to see friendships ruined over something so silly. It could have been so much more if only the characters had communicated better and been more understanding of each other's struggles.
Ugh, don't even get me started on the OW aspect of the story. I mean, what was the point of throwing all that drama and promiscuity into the mix? It's like the author was trying to make Matty some kind of tortured, brooding hero, but honestly, it just came across as sleazy and immature. And you're right, it's not Magnolia's business who Matty slept with or how many people he slept with. I mean, she was already dealing with so much trauma and abuse, and then to have to witness all this drama and toxicity unfold around her? It's just cruel. And it's not like Matty's past relationships were relevant to the plot at all. It was just a bunch of unnecessary drama.
[Ryan & Dare]
“If we’d known—”
“If you’d known, what? You’d sweep me away? Transport a minor across state lines? Raise my illegitimate baby?”
“Yes,” I say firmly. “Whatever it took, we’d have done it. And we’re ready to do it now. We might have asked for only two days, Noli, but you’re not getting rid of us ever again
Don't get me wrong, I love a good romance, but this one just didn't sit right with me 😐. Specifically, the dynamic between Ryan, Dare, and Magnolia. For me, the biggest issue is that Ryan and Dare had 15 years of history together before Magnolia even entered the picture in the present timeline. They had their own relationship, their own chemistry, and their own foundation. It's hard to believe that they didn't have a deeper emotional connection with each other than they did with Magnolia. I mean, they had already explored their physical and emotional boundaries with each other, and had even had their first kiss with each other before Magnolia came along. It's like they were already a couple before she even joined the mix. I like them as a couple and not as a harem. She doesn’t belong with them. She should let them thrive in peace.
And don't even get me started on the fact that they were separated for years and then just picked up where they left off. I get that people can reconnect, but it felt like they were trying to force a relationship that was already past its expiration date. It would have been better if they just left things as they were - friends, maybe even still in love, but not trying to rekindle something that was never meant to be rekindled. Meanwhile, Magnolia's connection with Matty seemed stronger to me. I think the whole harem could have been a separate storyline without having to disrupt the existing relationship between Ryan and Dare. I think this book would have been better off without Magnolia altogether (ALARMING WHEN SHE IS THE FMC). It would have been a more satisfying MM romance, without the awkward attempts to fit in a third wheel.
[Matty]
“I’m pathetic? You took one look at the girl that ruined all of us and just rolled over like a goddamned golden retriever. I’m the only one thinking logically here. I’m the only one that seems to remember that she fucking lied to us. She strung us along like fucking assholes, all the while she was fucking that pile of human excrement.”
Matty was a total trainwreck 🥱. He had the nerve to blame Magnolia for being in a toxic relationship. Like, what even is that? It's like he thought she was just lying about it all. And don't even get me started on how he didn't believe her. I mean, come on, she never documented her abuse, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. I just couldn't believe how easily Magnolia forgave him. I mean, he literally treated her like crap and then expected her to just forgive him? No way. He didn't even apologize or try to make amends. He just assumed she'd forgive him and move on. And what really got my blood boiling was how he implied that she put herself in that situation. Like, are you kidding me? She was assaulted, and he didn't even care.
“You’re letting some girl get between us, and next she’ll get between you and Dare. She’s a liar, Ryan. All those fucking rumors, all that bad rep—what if it’s all true? I’m not slut-shaming, I don’t give a rat's ass who or how many people she fucks, but—”
Don't even get me started on how he didn't even apologize properly when he found out she was abused. He just "regretted" his actions and expected forgiveness like that? 🤥 No, sorry is not just saying the words, it's about showing genuine remorse and making amends. And Matty didn't do that. I also didn't appreciate how easily Magnolia forgave him. I mean, I get it, she wanted to move on and start fresh with her daughter, but didn't she deserve better than someone who treated her so poorly? It felt like she was just giving him a free pass without him doing anything to earn her forgiveness. It felt like the author was trying to force this reunion between Matty and Magnolia, but it didn't feel natural or authentic. It was like they were trying to put the past behind them and move forward without really addressing the issues that had driven them apart in the first place. Maybe I'm just too cynical, but I think some relationships are just too damaged to be salvaged.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
🎤 It was a total letdown. I mean, I think the author had some great potential, but they just didn't execute it well. Take Matty and Magnolia, for example. Their characters just felt so flat and underdeveloped. I mean, Matty's supposed to be this tortured soul, but his "apology" was just so weak and half-hearted. It felt like he was just trying to save face instead of actually taking responsibility for his actions. And Magnolia, oh man, she's just so passive. I mean, I get it, she's trying to forgive and move on, but come on, she's basically just letting him off the hook without even making him work for it. It was so frustrating to see. And don't even get me started on the plot. It was just so predictable and formulaic. I'm glad it's over, to be honest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2023
Have you ever read a book that hits you so hard that it sticks with you, and you still get an emotional response days later? Always Magnolia did this to me. I was pulled into the tragic story of Noli and her childhood best friends Matty, Ryan, and Dare, and there I remain. A second-chance survivor’s story, this is an emotionally charged journey to Magnolia’s HEA. Not all journeys to the ones we love are painless. Sometimes we must go through some terrible shit before we reach our HEA.
I felt like I lived through every moment with these characters. Rebecca put so much emotion into the writing that it was hard to read dispassionately. Instead, I felt every single hurt, every joy, and every fear. It made for a challenging read at times, but incredibly worth it. As someone who loves romance with a high emotional tax, it was perfect.
I adored the characters: Magnolia, who was able to become more than just a statistic. Matty, the boy who had obsessively loved her and became the man who learned to love her again. Ryan and Dare, the boys who loved one another and Magnolia, always Magnolia. Watching them all grow up from best friends pledging to forever, through 20 years of life’s woes, to coming back together, they began to feel like my own long-time friends.
The story contains some steamy MM scenes, including several 1st-time experiences between the couple Ryan and Dare. There are also MF, MMF, and MMFM pairings. It does take some time to get to the steamy bits, as the friend group is separated by time, but once they are brought together, expect some spicey scenes with fabulous dirty talk (one of my weaknesses). I also picked up a new kink – I don’t even know if it has a name, but it is hot AF.
This book has been added to my favorites list and will be a future re-read. I recommend that readers push through the hard parts, as the end result is worth the pain, and the subject matter is so relevant to what many women face.
⚠️ There are potentially triggering elements (including long-term spousal abuse of the physical and sexual kind) that are very close to reality for some readers. Please view the sensitive content list at Linktr.ee/RebeccaRathe before reading to determine if this book is a healthy fit. ⚠️
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Features: Second Chance, Childhood Sweethearts, Friends to Lovers, Twins, Touch Her and Die, Survivor’s Story, Trauma and Recovery
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why Choose MMFM
Book Type/Ending: Standalone with HEA
TW/CW: Visit author’s website Linktr.ee/RebeccaRathe
I felt like I lived through every moment with these characters. Rebecca put so much emotion into the writing that it was hard to read dispassionately. Instead, I felt every single hurt, every joy, and every fear. It made for a challenging read at times, but incredibly worth it. As someone who loves romance with a high emotional tax, it was perfect.
I adored the characters: Magnolia, who was able to become more than just a statistic. Matty, the boy who had obsessively loved her and became the man who learned to love her again. Ryan and Dare, the boys who loved one another and Magnolia, always Magnolia. Watching them all grow up from best friends pledging to forever, through 20 years of life’s woes, to coming back together, they began to feel like my own long-time friends.
The story contains some steamy MM scenes, including several 1st-time experiences between the couple Ryan and Dare. There are also MF, MMF, and MMFM pairings. It does take some time to get to the steamy bits, as the friend group is separated by time, but once they are brought together, expect some spicey scenes with fabulous dirty talk (one of my weaknesses). I also picked up a new kink – I don’t even know if it has a name, but it is hot AF.
This book has been added to my favorites list and will be a future re-read. I recommend that readers push through the hard parts, as the end result is worth the pain, and the subject matter is so relevant to what many women face.
⚠️ There are potentially triggering elements (including long-term spousal abuse of the physical and sexual kind) that are very close to reality for some readers. Please view the sensitive content list at Linktr.ee/RebeccaRathe before reading to determine if this book is a healthy fit. ⚠️
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Features: Second Chance, Childhood Sweethearts, Friends to Lovers, Twins, Touch Her and Die, Survivor’s Story, Trauma and Recovery
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why Choose MMFM
Book Type/Ending: Standalone with HEA
TW/CW: Visit author’s website Linktr.ee/RebeccaRathe
April 17, 2023
DNF 89%
Too much time spent on the before, too many graphic and unnecessary details of rape/grooming/molestation, especially when they weren’t really addresses in the current timeline. Unbelievable intimacy (days after escaping from a 10 year abusive marriage in which her husband rapes her constantly???????????), an asshole harem member who blames her for her circumstances (his “grovel” was laughable, honestly), and so much gross good old boy nonsense. There was no connection with these characters. We were just told they were close and that was it. The author never actually *showed* their closeness. It was also riddled with errors and I just…no longer cared to keep reading.
Too much time spent on the before, too many graphic and unnecessary details of rape/grooming/molestation, especially when they weren’t really addresses in the current timeline. Unbelievable intimacy (days after escaping from a 10 year abusive marriage in which her husband rapes her constantly???????????), an asshole harem member who blames her for her circumstances (his “grovel” was laughable, honestly), and so much gross good old boy nonsense. There was no connection with these characters. We were just told they were close and that was it. The author never actually *showed* their closeness. It was also riddled with errors and I just…no longer cared to keep reading.
June 7, 2025
4.5 stars;
Wow this was a powerful and emotional read, hard at times. I had to take a couple breaks from this as the themes were heavy but I absolutely loved it and it was written beautifully. The relationships the guys all had with each other and Noli (FMC) were so well fleshed out. I find that poly romances usually do well as long novels or even broken into 2-4 shorter books, BUT this was done so well in a typical novel length and that surprised me. I am looking forward to reading the other poly romances Rebecca has to offer. Dare and Ryan <3 Dare and Noli <3 I just love really Dare. A lot.
Wow this was a powerful and emotional read, hard at times. I had to take a couple breaks from this as the themes were heavy but I absolutely loved it and it was written beautifully. The relationships the guys all had with each other and Noli (FMC) were so well fleshed out. I find that poly romances usually do well as long novels or even broken into 2-4 shorter books, BUT this was done so well in a typical novel length and that surprised me. I am looking forward to reading the other poly romances Rebecca has to offer. Dare and Ryan <3 Dare and Noli <3 I just love really Dare. A lot.
May 9, 2024
This book had me crying, laughing, swooning, panting, and so invested that I couldn’t put it down!! I cannot say enough good things about this author! All you wanted was happiness for the FMC and for them to get their happily ever after. This book is my top read for the year and I can’t wait to continue to read her books!
September 27, 2023
“Storms are like fights. All of that pent-up turmoil and anguish, clashing together in a fury of wind and rain and lightning. Chaos and fear wreaking havoc. Until it’s over.”
March 19, 2025
This book was the definition of emotional rollercoaster. I was not ready for all the feelings that this book brought out. I highly advise to read the trigger warnings for this book because there was a lot of domestic abuse, and it was graphic. The author did so good showing us how someone can get pulled into a relationship that has domestic abuse, and showed how hard it is to escape it. The book goes back and forth between the past and present, and her relationships with the guys. The book is really slow burn but so worth it. The guys are so supportive and protective. I loved it so much. There was also a nice amount of smut too. It was an emotional read that stayed on my mind for weeks after I finished it.
March 15, 2023
This book wrecked me, in the best way. I received an ARC copy through Rebecca Rathe's mailing list and boy, oh boy does it deliver. 15% of the way in I was bawling and it was a continuous, emotional rollercoaster from there. (I even started crying again when describing the book to my mom the other day.) I read this within one 24-hour period and could barely put it down, reading through tears for a good chuck of it.
Magnolia "Noli" Crawford is an incredible FMC. She's an endearing, rambunctious girl who gets beaten down by life over and over by the time she's 17, with no end in sight. We are with her through every crisis and every loss. I felt every mistake, hurt, and healing so deeply. I don't want to give anything away, but all this to say that she is complex, a survivor, and written with such care.
Matty, Ryan and Darius are the three guys she's loved since she was a child. They are well written, distinct and engaging. They evolve in ways that are believable and understandable for the situations we find them in. Each one has their own personality and quirks, both in and out of the bedroom.
Her daughter Jamie truly added to the story and had her own identity and personality. I found her charming and precocious, in a good way!
The story progresses very well and the pacing is good. There were little things that I would tweak (e.g. cleaning up the timeline so we know how much time has passed sooner and when she's had her daughter/finding out how old her daughter is sooner, or adding some more descriptors about the characters earlier in the book) but overall it didn't detract from my enjoyment or understanding of the story and the characters.
One of my pet peeves, AMONG ALL AUTHORS NOT JUST THIS BOOK, is when authors write spicy scenes and spell "come" as "cum". It seems so juvenile to me for some reason and irks me when I have to read that repeatedly. Despite that irksome word, the spicy scenes are A+ and definitely part of why we love a why-choose romance. There was compassionate, timid, and wild scenes. There are MM, MFM/MMF, FM, and MMFM scenes throughout. I have some new fantasies of my own now thanks to Rebecca!
Overall, I don't quite know how to succinctly explain how and why I love this book. I would actually read it again and again, which is rare for me when it comes to romance novels. I can't wait to read more of her work.
This is a dark second-chance romance and it likely will not be for everyone. There are serious trigger warnings on this book and if it's not something you can handle that is okay. Some of the *trigger warnings* are:death of a parent, child abuse and molestation, spousal abuse, sexual assault and rape, accidental/forced pregnancy, miscarriage and abortion, domestic violence, and depression.
However, if you can manage the triggers you should read this book. The story is quite important in a wider context than just a delicious, "smutty" romance.
Magnolia "Noli" Crawford is an incredible FMC. She's an endearing, rambunctious girl who gets beaten down by life over and over by the time she's 17, with no end in sight. We are with her through every crisis and every loss. I felt every mistake, hurt, and healing so deeply. I don't want to give anything away, but all this to say that she is complex, a survivor, and written with such care.
Matty, Ryan and Darius are the three guys she's loved since she was a child. They are well written, distinct and engaging. They evolve in ways that are believable and understandable for the situations we find them in. Each one has their own personality and quirks, both in and out of the bedroom.
Her daughter Jamie truly added to the story and had her own identity and personality. I found her charming and precocious, in a good way!
The story progresses very well and the pacing is good. There were little things that I would tweak (e.g. cleaning up the timeline so we know how much time has passed sooner and when she's had her daughter/finding out how old her daughter is sooner, or adding some more descriptors about the characters earlier in the book) but overall it didn't detract from my enjoyment or understanding of the story and the characters.
One of my pet peeves, AMONG ALL AUTHORS NOT JUST THIS BOOK, is when authors write spicy scenes and spell "come" as "cum". It seems so juvenile to me for some reason and irks me when I have to read that repeatedly. Despite that irksome word, the spicy scenes are A+ and definitely part of why we love a why-choose romance. There was compassionate, timid, and wild scenes. There are MM, MFM/MMF, FM, and MMFM scenes throughout. I have some new fantasies of my own now thanks to Rebecca!
Overall, I don't quite know how to succinctly explain how and why I love this book. I would actually read it again and again, which is rare for me when it comes to romance novels. I can't wait to read more of her work.
This is a dark second-chance romance and it likely will not be for everyone. There are serious trigger warnings on this book and if it's not something you can handle that is okay. Some of the *trigger warnings* are:death of a parent, child abuse and molestation, spousal abuse, sexual assault and rape, accidental/forced pregnancy, miscarriage and abortion, domestic violence, and depression.
However, if you can manage the triggers you should read this book. The story is quite important in a wider context than just a delicious, "smutty" romance.
March 6, 2024
dnf at page 16, what the fuck
March 7, 2023
Let me say that I have felt many things reading many books but this book by this extraordinary author was by far one of, if not my favorite read.
⚠️Please please check the triggers before reading⚠️
I was so wholly moved by this story I felt everything so deeply it was hard to remove myself from the book.
The pain and anguish the characters presented with was mine I couldn’t hold back tears just reading through their struggles and hardships. The growth and beaming light our FMC had was remarkable and I was proud as if I were her sister watching her find herself again.
I wished I could hug them and love them and tell them everything would be ok and that they would get through this.
Don’t sleep on this story! If you can read it please do and bring tissues.
⚠️Please please check the triggers before reading⚠️
I was so wholly moved by this story I felt everything so deeply it was hard to remove myself from the book.
The pain and anguish the characters presented with was mine I couldn’t hold back tears just reading through their struggles and hardships. The growth and beaming light our FMC had was remarkable and I was proud as if I were her sister watching her find herself again.
I wished I could hug them and love them and tell them everything would be ok and that they would get through this.
Don’t sleep on this story! If you can read it please do and bring tissues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2023
Wow. Wooow.
I just read this ARC from Rebecca Rathe in two days (around work, work, and other commitments 👀) - I literally could not put it down. Sleep is for the weak, right 💁🏻♀️
Okay, first of all - READ. THE. TRIGGERS. (Admin, help me out here if I need to change words 👀)
If you can’t be reading $€X A$$@¥|+, Child $€X A$$@¥|+, forced pr€9, A80R+/Miscarriage, death of a parent (and more - as I said, please check), this is not for you.
However… as a DV Thriver myself (although, not nearly to the extent as our heroine FMC), I found this book empowering.
We follow Magnolia on a lifetime journey, from the kindling of first friendships with the 3MMC, we will get to know and love (and £ust) with “Noli”, through her rollercoaster ride that takes her away, and leads her back home. This story is treated with grace and respect by the author, who does not shy away from the harsh realities of many women, but finds strength, beauty and honour in their battles.
Thank you for not shying away from content that I can imagine was incredibly challenging to compose. Noli is illustrated without judgement, without shame - and could only be deemed an inspiration.
Her three true loves (this is MMFM) are the one consistent in her life. Even in their absence, they carry each other constantly in their heart and heads.
Drawn back together when Noli flees her a8u$ive husband, with nothing to her name but a young daughter she loves more than life, these gems pull together to show her what life can be like.
This book felt more realistic than most WhyChoose - the characters were flawed and showed vulnerability. There were no billionaires, no bigshots (I mean, they were all financially secure, gorgeous and worship Noli, but that’s real, right 👀).
Do yourself a favour, if you CAN push through the triggers, read this book and be grateful for the spotlight on a very real situation facing many daily.
I got the ARC opportunity through a FB group and it is the first book I have read from this author. It will not be the last…
I just read this ARC from Rebecca Rathe in two days (around work, work, and other commitments 👀) - I literally could not put it down. Sleep is for the weak, right 💁🏻♀️
Okay, first of all - READ. THE. TRIGGERS. (Admin, help me out here if I need to change words 👀)
If you can’t be reading $€X A$$@¥|+, Child $€X A$$@¥|+, forced pr€9, A80R+/Miscarriage, death of a parent (and more - as I said, please check), this is not for you.
However… as a DV Thriver myself (although, not nearly to the extent as our heroine FMC), I found this book empowering.
We follow Magnolia on a lifetime journey, from the kindling of first friendships with the 3MMC, we will get to know and love (and £ust) with “Noli”, through her rollercoaster ride that takes her away, and leads her back home. This story is treated with grace and respect by the author, who does not shy away from the harsh realities of many women, but finds strength, beauty and honour in their battles.
Thank you for not shying away from content that I can imagine was incredibly challenging to compose. Noli is illustrated without judgement, without shame - and could only be deemed an inspiration.
Her three true loves (this is MMFM) are the one consistent in her life. Even in their absence, they carry each other constantly in their heart and heads.
Drawn back together when Noli flees her a8u$ive husband, with nothing to her name but a young daughter she loves more than life, these gems pull together to show her what life can be like.
This book felt more realistic than most WhyChoose - the characters were flawed and showed vulnerability. There were no billionaires, no bigshots (I mean, they were all financially secure, gorgeous and worship Noli, but that’s real, right 👀).
Do yourself a favour, if you CAN push through the triggers, read this book and be grateful for the spotlight on a very real situation facing many daily.
I got the ARC opportunity through a FB group and it is the first book I have read from this author. It will not be the last…
April 12, 2023
This is a very powerful story of a woman over coming SA, abuse, trauma. I felt very moved by her strength and courage to push herself to find safety for herself and daughter. It’s well written and the plot is capturing. I thought the author did a good job with keeping my interest and writing style.
There were some minor annoyances. I was frustrated with the amount of sex scenes between Dare and Ryan. I actually wanted more plot and less sex. I understand they are a couple, but there is more to intimacy than just sex. Some of the chapters felt like page fillers.
I was also so extremely frustrated how quickly Noli fell into bed with them. It was instant and completely unrealistic. I just wanted to see and feel their friendship grow before sex was involved especially since she is a victim of 15 years abuse.
Her relationship with Matty was….Lacking. I enjoyed the love hate angst building between them but i wanted more. He wasn’t even in most of the book. their childhood love was deeper than the others, but there was a lot missing in their adult relationship. he seemed to be the fourth man out. When he found out the truth.. it was the moment we waited for.. and his pain was tangible but agh I just wanted more. It was all.. Im sorry. Nothing to be sorry for. let’s more on. Take me here.
Really!!! After all that build up. Ugh I don’t know maybe I’m a drama queen and I need things to be dragged out too much…
The letters were such a big part of her story. When we found out she had a notebook full of unsent letters I was honestly disappointed she never brought it out to the men or used for her case. Would have been a beautiful way for Matty to find out her truth too.
There were some minor annoyances. I was frustrated with the amount of sex scenes between Dare and Ryan. I actually wanted more plot and less sex. I understand they are a couple, but there is more to intimacy than just sex. Some of the chapters felt like page fillers.
I was also so extremely frustrated how quickly Noli fell into bed with them. It was instant and completely unrealistic. I just wanted to see and feel their friendship grow before sex was involved especially since she is a victim of 15 years abuse.
Her relationship with Matty was….Lacking. I enjoyed the love hate angst building between them but i wanted more. He wasn’t even in most of the book. their childhood love was deeper than the others, but there was a lot missing in their adult relationship. he seemed to be the fourth man out. When he found out the truth.. it was the moment we waited for.. and his pain was tangible but agh I just wanted more. It was all.. Im sorry. Nothing to be sorry for. let’s more on. Take me here.
Really!!! After all that build up. Ugh I don’t know maybe I’m a drama queen and I need things to be dragged out too much…
The letters were such a big part of her story. When we found out she had a notebook full of unsent letters I was honestly disappointed she never brought it out to the men or used for her case. Would have been a beautiful way for Matty to find out her truth too.
March 23, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book.. This book dives deeper into domestic violence & brings more awareness to the issue. I really enjoyed the ending of the book. This whole book has been truly thought out & it shows.
January 14, 2025
Not for I didn’t like the facts that 30% of the book was about the past and then when we went to the future is jumped to sex really quick..,I would think after all the violence and the rape she endured she wouldn’t want to jump right into bed with 2 guys even though they were her friends
March 18, 2023
I love how Always Magnolia was set up in terms of story, and the different ways it was told. First, it starts way in the past where Noli is leaving behind her best friends: Matty, Dare, and Ryan. This gives a taste of their deep bonds, and the fact that it’s always been the four of them together, and they always planned for that to be the case. Then there is a brief flash of what I take to be the present, when Noli is much older and has a daughter, and it’s clear her situation has gone far downhill over the years. Finally, it goes back to the past and steadily plays forward in time, showing their lives apart as they grew up after Noli had to leave to live with her aunt and uncle. The best part here is that the chapters are interspersed with letters and e-mails between the three boys and Noli, a touch that I loved throughout the course of the book.
I don’t even know where to start with my thoughts on Always Magnolia. It was so heartbreaking and difficult but also so heartfelt and enrapturing. I honestly didn’t ever want to stop reading this book because it had me so firmly in its grip, and it’s a book that took me by surprise. The characters were so fantastic and so real, and I loved that each of them had chapters from their points of view because I think having each of their thoughts and views was essential to this book. Noli’s story from when she leaves the three guys behind is absolutely devastating, but in their own different ways her absence also affects them in a truly crushing way. Particularly Matty who very much takes it the hardest and holds it against her the most.
Always Magnolia was an emotional ride and I loved every minute of it. The story was top notch, hard at times especially because of the subject matter, so make sure to check the triggers before diving in, but I do highly recommend it! It’s also an RH, or why choose, which I seem to be all about these days, and it was very well done. If you like these kinds of books, and you like your stories with all kinds of emotions, you’ll definitely love this book, so run to get it!
I don’t even know where to start with my thoughts on Always Magnolia. It was so heartbreaking and difficult but also so heartfelt and enrapturing. I honestly didn’t ever want to stop reading this book because it had me so firmly in its grip, and it’s a book that took me by surprise. The characters were so fantastic and so real, and I loved that each of them had chapters from their points of view because I think having each of their thoughts and views was essential to this book. Noli’s story from when she leaves the three guys behind is absolutely devastating, but in their own different ways her absence also affects them in a truly crushing way. Particularly Matty who very much takes it the hardest and holds it against her the most.
Always Magnolia was an emotional ride and I loved every minute of it. The story was top notch, hard at times especially because of the subject matter, so make sure to check the triggers before diving in, but I do highly recommend it! It’s also an RH, or why choose, which I seem to be all about these days, and it was very well done. If you like these kinds of books, and you like your stories with all kinds of emotions, you’ll definitely love this book, so run to get it!
July 31, 2023
This book gets all of the stars!
It took me a little while after finishing this book to sit down and write this review because it took me a long time to gather all of my thoughts.
This book is something special and I will never forget this story. Magnolia (Noli) is left an orphan when her father dies unexpectedly when she is a teenager. Her three best friends want to help her out, but she ends up getting shipped off to her aunt and uncle. He Uncle is a little too interested in his teenage niece, and Noli's aunt notices and blames the girl. This ignites a series of events that has her isolated from her friends and being forced to marry a man that she doesn't like.
15 years later Noli escapes her abusive husband with her 8 year old daughter. She has no one to rely on, but she decides to go home to the town she grew up in. Her three best friends are still there, but they believe she betrayed them. Nolie now has to try and fix her friendships with the three men she has loved for years and stay out of jail for abducting her own daughter.
As a survivor of DV and SA this book hit me in the feels. There were so many little details in this that had me sobbing, but also feeling like I was finally being heard and understood. This book was beautifully crafted and wonderfully handled. I have never cried so much while reading a book, but I have also never walked away from a book feeling so healed.
Read this book. You will thank me later.
It took me a little while after finishing this book to sit down and write this review because it took me a long time to gather all of my thoughts.
This book is something special and I will never forget this story. Magnolia (Noli) is left an orphan when her father dies unexpectedly when she is a teenager. Her three best friends want to help her out, but she ends up getting shipped off to her aunt and uncle. He Uncle is a little too interested in his teenage niece, and Noli's aunt notices and blames the girl. This ignites a series of events that has her isolated from her friends and being forced to marry a man that she doesn't like.
15 years later Noli escapes her abusive husband with her 8 year old daughter. She has no one to rely on, but she decides to go home to the town she grew up in. Her three best friends are still there, but they believe she betrayed them. Nolie now has to try and fix her friendships with the three men she has loved for years and stay out of jail for abducting her own daughter.
As a survivor of DV and SA this book hit me in the feels. There were so many little details in this that had me sobbing, but also feeling like I was finally being heard and understood. This book was beautifully crafted and wonderfully handled. I have never cried so much while reading a book, but I have also never walked away from a book feeling so healed.
Read this book. You will thank me later.
March 12, 2023
Una historia dura, que arranca planteando de manera bastante explícita, la terrible situación de abuso y violencia a la que es sometida sobre todo la protagonista a lo largo de varios años, pero sin caer en el simple morbo. Los detalles están ahí porque hacen a la historia de redención, de recuperación, de amor y cuidado que se teje entre los cuatro protagonistas. Rebecca siempre nos ofrece libros dentro del tropo de “why choose” que no son superficiales ni abusan del golpe bajo sólo como catapulta para hacer avanzar la trama hacia el smut. Además, las protagonistas -cómo ya vimos en Revelations- son fuertes precisamente por las situaciones de vulnerabilidad en las que se ven inmersas. Por la resiliencia para superarlas y la fortaleza para usarlas como herramientas. Vale mucho la pena, pero es importante aclarar que el principio es muy difícil.
March 13, 2023
I don’t think a book has touched me, effected me or made me cry more than this book… Rebecca has done a truly outstanding job writing Magnolia’s story and that of her daughter Jamie… starting just after Magnolias dad passed away.. she and her three best friends make promises to each other.. of love, of firsts, and to share their lives. Magnolia soon finds out that her guardians aren’t what they should be and her life begins to take some terrifying turns. Finally, with her daughter in tow, she finds the strength and resolve to get out of the situation she’s in and breaks free. She finds her way back to the hometown she grew up in. Will she be welcomed back with open arms or is this just the beginning of something that’s truly worth fighting for?
May 11, 2023
Exceptionnal! A masterpiece!
Everybody should read this book! This book is a tribute to all victims of domestic abuse and is so well written it's impossible to fall with all characters.
Magnolia, the FMC, is a sweetheart who suffered so much after the accidental death of her father. I cried with her, and for her. I couldn't stop thinking about victims of domestic abuse and how alone, afraid, and desperate you may feel. It was totally heartbreaking.
The guys are amazing even if Matty struggled with his feelings for Magnolia and how it broke his heart when she got married.
I can't enough recommend this book! Read it!!! Absolutely!🥰🥰🥰
Everybody should read this book! This book is a tribute to all victims of domestic abuse and is so well written it's impossible to fall with all characters.
Magnolia, the FMC, is a sweetheart who suffered so much after the accidental death of her father. I cried with her, and for her. I couldn't stop thinking about victims of domestic abuse and how alone, afraid, and desperate you may feel. It was totally heartbreaking.
The guys are amazing even if Matty struggled with his feelings for Magnolia and how it broke his heart when she got married.
I can't enough recommend this book! Read it!!! Absolutely!🥰🥰🥰
March 18, 2023
**Please read trigger warnings before commencing the story
After years of suffering at the hands of her abusive husband, Magnolia Crawford escapes in the dead of night with her young daughter and finds herself back in the last place she remembers feeling safe.
While there were some really dark parts to this story, it is a story of strength and survival. I enjoyed reading Magnolia's story, glad she found the strength and love she needed. The story incorporates some very heartbreaking statistics and realities that many people face every day.
For readers in Australia who need help to escape DV
https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/Find-H...
After years of suffering at the hands of her abusive husband, Magnolia Crawford escapes in the dead of night with her young daughter and finds herself back in the last place she remembers feeling safe.
While there were some really dark parts to this story, it is a story of strength and survival. I enjoyed reading Magnolia's story, glad she found the strength and love she needed. The story incorporates some very heartbreaking statistics and realities that many people face every day.
For readers in Australia who need help to escape DV
https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/Find-H...
March 26, 2023
Always Magnolia is an incredibly emotional story of second chances and survival. I had a hard time putting this down and this is definitely a book that will stay with me.
I felt these characters emotions so vividly. I felt their joy, pain, and sorrow. The book was an emotional roller coaster.
This was a slow burn, but once we got to the spice it was phenomenal. Dirty talk is my weakness and it was amazing in this book.
I cannot recommend this book enough, but be warned there are potentially triggering elements.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I felt these characters emotions so vividly. I felt their joy, pain, and sorrow. The book was an emotional roller coaster.
This was a slow burn, but once we got to the spice it was phenomenal. Dirty talk is my weakness and it was amazing in this book.
I cannot recommend this book enough, but be warned there are potentially triggering elements.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 20, 2023
Such a powerful, moving, haunting story
Heat: 3/5
Tissues: 5/5
I won’t take up space in my review by summarizing such a deeply haunting, painful, yet hopeful story. The author wrote an amazing blurb that says it all.
You must read this book. Even if you’re not really into RH, the journey that Magnolia/Noli traverses is wrought with so much love, pain, despair, then hope that my heart broke a million times before finally being put back together by the author.
Rebecca Rathe does an amazing job of telling a very complete story about @buse in all forms: ch!ld, domestic, spousal, $éxua!, mental, physical - you name it, Noli went through it. The author highlights very well the dire situations that women and children often find themselves in these states that have certain bans on body autonomy. The freedom of choice snatched away. Issues that continue to plague our society EVEN NOW. How hard Noli has to fight to be believed. How much she is patronized and patted on the head, to be told only, you need to be a better wife and satisfy your husband.
I was so angry and hurt and sad for Noli. Worse was knowing that thousands of women go through this without the love and support that Noli eventually rediscovers. She is one of the “lucky” ones, if you can call her survival as such.
The author also did a great job of weaving in Noli’s reclaiming of her self, her body and her choices. Trying to create a future for her daughter so that she could have those choices growing up. I loved this book so much. Bravo.
Heat: 3/5
Tissues: 5/5
I won’t take up space in my review by summarizing such a deeply haunting, painful, yet hopeful story. The author wrote an amazing blurb that says it all.
You must read this book. Even if you’re not really into RH, the journey that Magnolia/Noli traverses is wrought with so much love, pain, despair, then hope that my heart broke a million times before finally being put back together by the author.
Rebecca Rathe does an amazing job of telling a very complete story about @buse in all forms: ch!ld, domestic, spousal, $éxua!, mental, physical - you name it, Noli went through it. The author highlights very well the dire situations that women and children often find themselves in these states that have certain bans on body autonomy. The freedom of choice snatched away. Issues that continue to plague our society EVEN NOW. How hard Noli has to fight to be believed. How much she is patronized and patted on the head, to be told only, you need to be a better wife and satisfy your husband.
I was so angry and hurt and sad for Noli. Worse was knowing that thousands of women go through this without the love and support that Noli eventually rediscovers. She is one of the “lucky” ones, if you can call her survival as such.
The author also did a great job of weaving in Noli’s reclaiming of her self, her body and her choices. Trying to create a future for her daughter so that she could have those choices growing up. I loved this book so much. Bravo.
October 22, 2023
inspiring story
This is a second chance for Noli and her 3 best friends, Matty, Ryan and Dare. This book had me from the very beginning and I was up till 5 am to finish it. I can completely relate to her and Jamie’s story. Domestic abuse and the system that surrounds this are portrayed pretty accurately from personal experience. This made me cry but also smile because she never gives up and to never give up but also have a second chance at forever is a priceless thing. Told in MPOV and ends on a beautiful HEA!
This is a second chance for Noli and her 3 best friends, Matty, Ryan and Dare. This book had me from the very beginning and I was up till 5 am to finish it. I can completely relate to her and Jamie’s story. Domestic abuse and the system that surrounds this are portrayed pretty accurately from personal experience. This made me cry but also smile because she never gives up and to never give up but also have a second chance at forever is a priceless thing. Told in MPOV and ends on a beautiful HEA!
Read
February 4, 2025“ Trauma creates change you don’t choose. Healing is about creating change you do choose.”
Heartbreaking, maddening, frustration, hope, and some spice! This book made me feel so many emotions!
Magnolia Crawford was dealt a poor hand. The hardships she endured was maddening and sickening, devastating to read.
The love of her three best friends, the support from them even after over a decade was beautiful.
Magnolia survived an abusive husband, ran away to the only place she called home. Where she could have a second chance.
This book contains dark themes. Which can be triggering.
• death of a parent
• child abuse and molestation
• spousal abuse
• sexual assault and rape
• accidental/ forced pregnancy
• miscarriage and abortion
• domestic violence and depression
While this book has devastating topics, it’s also a story of survival.
This book is also MMFM and is written beautifully in that context. The spice be spicin’ 🌶️
Heartbreaking, maddening, frustration, hope, and some spice! This book made me feel so many emotions!
Magnolia Crawford was dealt a poor hand. The hardships she endured was maddening and sickening, devastating to read.
The love of her three best friends, the support from them even after over a decade was beautiful.
Magnolia survived an abusive husband, ran away to the only place she called home. Where she could have a second chance.
This book contains dark themes. Which can be triggering.
• death of a parent
• child abuse and molestation
• spousal abuse
• sexual assault and rape
• accidental/ forced pregnancy
• miscarriage and abortion
• domestic violence and depression
While this book has devastating topics, it’s also a story of survival.
This book is also MMFM and is written beautifully in that context. The spice be spicin’ 🌶️
March 13, 2023
Wow...I'm not sure what to even say. This book is full of trigger warnings so please check those out before you start this book. Always Magnolia is a gut wrenching story about abuse and coming out on top even when you feel like you don't have any hope. Magnolia "Noli" grew up with her three best friends in the whole world (who all hoped to be more) and her entire life crashed around her when her father suddenly passed and she had to move far away to live with her aunt and uncle. I don't really want to give anything away about the story line, but it is beautifully written.
This is a why choose novel that includes MM (yes please) and while it takes a bit to get to those parts, wowzers it's hot when it finally starts.
This will be one of those stories that sticks with me for a long time and I will think about it often. I expect it to be one of my top reads of the year.
This is a why choose novel that includes MM (yes please) and while it takes a bit to get to those parts, wowzers it's hot when it finally starts.
This will be one of those stories that sticks with me for a long time and I will think about it often. I expect it to be one of my top reads of the year.
March 20, 2023
I can’t say enough about how amazing this book is. The characters and story are on point and you will definitely feel some type of way while you’re reading it.
This is a new genre for Rathe and she nailed it with this contemporary RH romance! Can’t wait to see what she pulls out next!
As others have said, play close attention to the tw’s.
This is a new genre for Rathe and she nailed it with this contemporary RH romance! Can’t wait to see what she pulls out next!
As others have said, play close attention to the tw’s.
July 3, 2023
3⭐️ 2🌶️
The start of the book is fairly slow and we spend a good chunk of time reliving Noli’s life after her fathers death and reading the letters (which were important until they weren’t?) going back and forth between her and the guys. But once she gets back into town, the book takes off like a rocket and the next thing you know, you’re reading the words “the end”.
I was left feeling like something was missing or maybe this was going to be a duet at one point? The relationships were heavily relying on who each character was 20 years ago, Ry & Dare barely took a breath before jumping into bed with her. Matt was such an ass, got the shit knock out of him and then did a complete 180 when the truth finally came out, WHICH Noli should’ve started with since she was getting his professional help.
There was no rediscovering, true reconnecting outside of sex, etc.
While everyone heals differently, the trauma that Noli was described to have lived through made it seem a bit far fetched for her to drop her walls so quickly, especially with having Jamie. People change, one of them could’ve been a closet abuser and she didn’t even stop to think of it. She was trusting a 20 year old memory and it didn’t sit right with the overall tone of the plot.
I also had a hard time accepting the ages too. It’s clearly stated that they’re in their 30’s but they were reading as barely 25 year olds, imo.
Lastly, why the hell wasn’t the aunt brought in on anything when her participation was recorded?
The start of the book is fairly slow and we spend a good chunk of time reliving Noli’s life after her fathers death and reading the letters (which were important until they weren’t?) going back and forth between her and the guys. But once she gets back into town, the book takes off like a rocket and the next thing you know, you’re reading the words “the end”.
I was left feeling like something was missing or maybe this was going to be a duet at one point? The relationships were heavily relying on who each character was 20 years ago, Ry & Dare barely took a breath before jumping into bed with her. Matt was such an ass, got the shit knock out of him and then did a complete 180 when the truth finally came out, WHICH Noli should’ve started with since she was getting his professional help.
There was no rediscovering, true reconnecting outside of sex, etc.
While everyone heals differently, the trauma that Noli was described to have lived through made it seem a bit far fetched for her to drop her walls so quickly, especially with having Jamie. People change, one of them could’ve been a closet abuser and she didn’t even stop to think of it. She was trusting a 20 year old memory and it didn’t sit right with the overall tone of the plot.
I also had a hard time accepting the ages too. It’s clearly stated that they’re in their 30’s but they were reading as barely 25 year olds, imo.
Lastly, why the hell wasn’t the aunt brought in on anything when her participation was recorded?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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