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Until Now

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I look at him.
And I feel only heartbreak.

Frankie Johnson lives a perfectly mundane serving popcorn at her cinema job and smiling through clenched teeth at reproachful customers, listening to her best friend's bizarre sex stories and staring at the stars on her ceiling until her parents stop arguing.
She thinks her life has reached its epitome of things to go wrong... until Archer Toban sets his sights on her.

Archer is the school's stud, and although he makes it clear he wants nothing more than a physical relationship with Frankie, she quickly warms to him.

But there's a catch—she's been crushing on Archer's best friend, Chase Maverick, for years.

As Frankie gets closer to Archer, Chase becomes protective of Frankie, warning her away from Archer's fiery temper. But as Chase's warnings are confirmed in a series of guttering events, Frankie settles for Archer, believing Chase can never be hers.

But Chase is keeping a secret of his own...

520 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2023

1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read

About the author

Naomi Speakman

1 book23 followers
Naomi Speakman is the debut author of Until Now, a new adult contemporary romance set in London.

Although frowned upon, Naomi likes to write about taboo topics, and these are portrayed across her books. Her love of literature started when she saw a movie trailer at the cinema, advertising the upcoming City of Bones film; she downloaded the book onto her Kindle and never looked back.

The world of Until Now began as a first chapter of a university assignment and has since flourished into a compelling tale of love, tragedy, and heartache.

Naomi is a third-year university student studying Creative Writing, but she has always had a strong love for animals, previously undertaking an Animal Management course at college. She lives in North Wales with her partner, son, and 3 cats.

If you can’t find her writing, she’s either standing in front of an open fridge contemplating if she should polish off the grated cheese or staring at the ceiling listening to Kings of Leon.

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Abigail.
58 reviews
February 8, 2024
An all around entertaining thought provoking read and I feel very happy and satisfied with the ending.

The writing style was very engaging and I did really like the big jump from part one to part two, part one left me at a jaw dropping moment of Demi's death just to be hit with after all that time Archie and Frankie were together much to my disappointment. The storyline was interesting to me as I could never really see where it was going to end up.

Character wise, I will admit that I did have a lot of trouble with Frankie as the main character, I found her actions annoying, couldn't see her motivations as all her thoughts were very contradictory. She was constantly changing her mind or doing the exact opposite of what she previously said she would do/think. She has these moments of really profound deep thoughts about life and the meaning of happiness in conversations mostly with Kai/Chase which I found really beautiful, but then this intelligence disappears in her own life and her decision making, just felt like she was smarter than what she was allowing Archer to do to her so I found it difficult to believe her delusional thoughts when it felt to me like she knows better. This was all mainly my thoughts after reading part one, I debated not finishing the book due to how much I couldn't understand her in the slightest.*

However, that being said as I delved into part two, where she has less of a teenager mentality I could see how the relationship would affect her rationality as realistically she cared for him, she grew on me as I began to see more of her side of thinking but just felt so bad for her as I did like her sassy personality and her relationships with her Dad and Chase, and Archer was all she knew so she fell into the trap of staying with him.

*this may be due to the fact that as a reader, it was obvious from an outsiders view that she shouldn't be with Archer and I knew she knew better. But I haven't had any personal experience of abuse so imo found it very hard to see what good things she was seeing in Archer and why she was staying with him, I understand more now I've finished the book but during part one I was baffled how she could clearly see he wasn't right for her (and people in her life also told her he wasn't) but continued pursuing him. So it was a difficult read from her POV as I just really wanted her to get away, but as I finished the story I feel thats the beauty of the book and the horrors of abusive relationships. Representing how someone can be stuck in that abusive cycle was devastating.

I would also like to quickly mention something I was taken out of the story by, Frankie's job at the cinema, why would they take it out on her that Archer's calling, I don't think they should've been giving him info, and she got fired for that?? The boss literally says to her that abusive guys like him will cut you off from people you love etc and still thinks cutting her off from a job that gives her independence and escape is a good idea? Maybe I read that wrong but I was just like how does that make any sense.

I would've liked to see more of the Demi, Cassie friendship! As Demi seemed like a very interesting character. As for Cassie, I found that dynamic odd because they seemed to be good friends but then all of a sudden they weren't and Frankie was dissing her saying they weren't even good friends anyways, then wishing she was friends with her again but I suppose its a good representation of high school girl friendships. I am SO glad she made great friends in Amelia and Jess they were such sweeties.

Chase and Frankie's Dad, they have my heart, incredible characters and although I thought that Kai would be Chase, that storyline was really beautiful nonetheless. It was hard to let go of Frankie's Dad such a kind soul, very sad I never would have predicted Chase would come to the funeral but I'm so glad he did, after that, the book just had me and I thoroughly enjoyed the way it wrapped up.

Sorry for the long review just had so many thoughts! Great debut novel really enjoyed this story and the way it was told.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ioana Soare thesunbooks.
347 reviews
February 4, 2024
Until Now is a book that I couldn’t put down, I really really enjoyed it. Before reading it, please make sure to check out all the trigger warnings and don’t be fooled by the characters being in high school - this is an explicit book that touches a lot of tough subjects.

The characters were not characters that you love and that’s it, they are flawed and human. Frankie is a young woman that struggles with life and we watch her grow, we see her discover herself and become stronger. Her relationship with Archer is a tough subject and I love how the author portrayed an abusive relationship. I love how she made us see exactly what happens to a victim in a relationship like that, how they struggle to get out of that situation and to leave the abuser. The book does not romanticize an abusive relationship, it helps us understand what goes on through the victim’s mind.

My favorite character was definitely Chase - I love how he was the one who helped Frankie the most, even just through his existence. He is kind and sweet, he has flaws but he makes up for them. He is exactly what Frankie needs in her life.


The writing style was great and I found it very easy to read, Naomi is truly talented and she has written a story about heartbreak, suffering, struggle, abusive relationships, loss and trauma.
Profile Image for AJ.
14 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2024
This book is powerful. I felt so many emotions reading this book, I could not put it down read it in 2 days.
Everyone deserves a chase in their life.
Absolutely amazing book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kristi.
442 reviews11 followers
January 25, 2024
This book. I finished reading this last night and had to marinate before writing my review. I had no doubt I was giving this book 5 stars. Yes, it's truly that good. It's also deep. It's intense. It's involved. It's not for the faint of heart. **Please read and consider the trigger warnings carefully!!**

The book starts with the characters in late high school. A group of friends are just having a good time. Parties, s*x, messing around. Archer and Chase and their friends are drawn to Frankie and Cassie and their gang. Archer is known to want to run up his tally and Frankie is "pure," so of course he sets his sights on her. Chase, however, also has his heart out for Frankie. The chemistry she feels for the two boys is different. Archer is an infatuation and desire and Chase is a comfort, home.

Archer wins Frankie over and their life begins...and ends as she will ever know it. Coming from broken homes, distorted parenting, abuse, alcohol and drugs, both Frankie and Archer are toxic. Their relationship is toxic. Archer is a textbook abuser and Frankie is a textbook partner of an abuser. Her heart is so good and she gives Archer so many chances. Always in the background to save her is Chase. But Frankie chose Archer.

Time passes, tragedy strikes, hearts are broken and mended, friends are made and lost, and it's almost 2 years later when Frankie and Archer's relationship has hit a peak and a death brings Chase back "home." Emotions are charged. Frankie is in danger. Archer wants her. Chase wants to save her. It's so good.

Naomi Speakman understands the cycle of abuse. She understands the push and pull of the heart, the excuses, the fear. She understands death and dying and drug use and fear. This book grabbed me from the start and I didn't want to put it down. It's fantastic.

Domestic Violence hotline: 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
Profile Image for readingismy_happy_place.
194 reviews10 followers
November 21, 2023
From the first chapter I was all in. I unfortunately don’t like cucumber. I loved how each chapter had a little saying at the start. I really liked this book it’s not something I would pick up normally so was excited to give it a try when I was so kindly gifted a ARC copy. I was a little worried with the list of trigger warnings but I did really enjoy it its a book full of so many emotions. I cried, i laughed I was mad. I needed a couple of days to just feel after I had finished my heart broke for her so many times. The writing really flowed I love a book which is easy to read and keeps me interested. I love the relationship’s between the characters. Chase is definitely my favourite. I loved the wedding prep and the dress colour perfect choice. Loved the cats names too Thor & Skittles adorable. The ending 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This is a emotional sweet crazy book filled with fantastic characters, great friends a sweet love story hard times with new beginnings I definitely recommend.
Thank you Naomi Speakman
Profile Image for Jasmine Sprague.
21 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2024
3.5 out of 5

I will be honest, this novel wasn't exactly my cup of tea. I struggled to get through it until the very end. In the beginning chapter, I was initially hooked. I thought the premise was interesting with the anonymous texter. However, as I continued reading, I struggled with Frankie and all her back-and-forthness. Especially between Chase and Archer. Just when I thought she was on the right path she would change her mind. Granted I have never been in an abusive relationship so I don't completely get the mindset that would allow for someone to stay in that situation, I can respect where the author was going with it. Likewise, I was also thrown off by some plot holes and timing issues.

However, I absolutely loved part two of the book. I loved the ending and raced through the last 100 pages or so. I think that really helped to up my rating of the book. I think this novel had some great potential. I would definitely read more but this author and would recommend this book. it has a great message of hope and survival aside from what I perceive to be faults.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
February 16, 2024
I’m quite happy that i gave this book a read, the story follows Frankie getting closer to Archer, meanwhile Chase becoming a big part of her life too. Frankie settles for Archer after Chase leaves the country, despite Archers abuse towards Frankie. However, Chase reappears again to pay his respect towards Frankie’s fathers funeral…

This book is very gripping from the very start. The book is split into two parts, however i found myself enjoying the first part of the book more. This book also involves a-lot of sex scenes which is intensely descriptive.
I feel like many readers will be able to connect with Frankie and the situations she finds herself in.
A-lot of the topics mentioned in this book are not spoken about enough till this day!
I’d definitely recommend this book to other readers, however please look into the trigger warnings before you do…
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 - Definitely pleased with the writing of this book and the ending. Its so hopeful. 🐝 Thank You!
Profile Image for Cindy.
144 reviews4 followers
December 29, 2023
This story touched some personal emotions that were a little difficult for me. Read the triggers carefully. I loved Frankie. Her resilience and self discovery were very well portrayed. Naomi Speakman has great writing style. Her descriptions of feelings and characters are vivid and realistic. It was easy to imagine these characters living their lives. It is written in UK English style and I had to Google a couple things, but I enjoy learning the differences between US and UK English and sayings. I really hated a couple characters which tells me they were well written and this book had me invested in their outcome. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
1 review
February 12, 2024
wow..... this book took me on an emotional rollecoster ride, I was hooked after chapter 1, and I couldn't get enough of it. This book was the perfect blend of the reality of love,emotions, and some very important but often ignored topics.
frankie brought to life exactly the reality of an abusive relationship and the damage it does to stay in one.
I absolutely loved how it was written with such grace whilst still being full of emotion and kept me reaching for the next chapter.
I had absolutely no hesitation in giving this 5* if I could give it more, I would in a heartbeat.
I'd give it a 10* for the fact that frankie doesn't forgive archer for what he does, but she holds him accountable for his actions even if he was hurting.
reading this, I felt like I could connect and recognise parts of myself in frankie that alone had me hooked . Throughout the book, I continuously had butterflies. i didn't want it to end it captured my heart and wouldn't let go. It is absolutely packed with emotion, still deals with real-life heartbreaking problems and issues, but has that sweet ending that leaves you with a smile

I will definitely be buying a physical copy for my bookshelf, and this will absolutely be re reading this from time to time
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for N.D. Roldan.
Author 4 books41 followers
January 8, 2024
From the first page, Naomi Speakman's "Until Now" captivated me with its interesting characters and fun storyline. At least, that's what I was led to believe; the heartbreak came after! (In a wonderful, amazing, sort of way) I went through a roller coaster of emotions reading this; I'm pretty sure I hated every single character at some point and loved every single one of them at another. Speakman's writing captured me from the very beginning. I literally stayed all night reading because I was unable to put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. Thank you for this beautiful, heartbreaking read; that was exactly what I needed!
Profile Image for Carissa Ray .
220 reviews9 followers
February 6, 2024
I received this as an ARC.

This book was masterfully written! It approached dark topics but Naomi Speakman did so in a wonderful manner. This book evoked so many emotions. It was heartbreaking, joyful, frustrating, and painful all at once. The book portrays domestic violence and the effects it has on an individual. It was so sad yet so beautifully written. Speakman did a terrific job with this book and I highly recommend if you are ok with the topics. It may be difficult for some to read but it was truly an amazing novel!
1 review
July 20, 2023
I am Lucky enough to be one of a few people to get my hands on this book before it's upcoming release. I looked forward to turning each and every page.
I would encourage anyone to support this up and coming author.
Profile Image for Jennie.
23 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2024
Absolutely heart wrenching!! This will keep you on your toes and sobbing for days!! The ending was so good though.
Profile Image for emma hodgkiss.
128 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2024
Thank you so much Naomi for allowing me to read and review your book.
I really didn't know what to expect especially given all the triggers however I absolutely loved this book!
Your characters were so real and believable and they will stay with me for a long time.
I did find a couple of plot points* to be vaguely glossed over and left me thinking, 'wait, what?', they may be could have done with a bit more backbone but overall the essence of the story shone through and I still felt it was a fantastic read and one I'd recommend to others.

*The plot points mentioned were;
Demi's death
Jodie, both in terms of who she was and the scene with the burglary
The one line that mentioned Frankie self harms, it wasn't mentioned anywhere else in the book except to say she'd stopped doing it.

Please please don't let those points get you down, I've outlined them as genuine bits that could be worked on when writing another book and as I said I still absolutely loved the story and the characters 👏❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Niccy McOrrie.
89 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2024
A good long length that allows time for plenty to happen, and learn the characters.
The tropes are usually my normal read but this had a nice casual flow so it was easy to read.
Kudos to author for a great first book.
245 reviews6 followers
March 2, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

Chase & Frankie ---- Archer

"Sometimes, you have to break your own heart. Sometimes, you have to walk away.Sometimes, that idea of love isn’t enough."

Life is a mountain, he told me once, and dreams come true for those who climb it; it’s hard, and sometimes you want to turn around because it gets too much, and sometimes you look up at what you have to climb and realise you’re not even halfway, but if you keep thinking at how much there is to go instead of looking at your feet, you’ll never reach the summit. You have to want it, and you have to focus on the now, otherwise you’ll live for the future instead of the present, and by then you’re not even living."

Please please read the trigger warnings before reading the book!!

When I read the blurb i knew i had to read it. And definitely was not disappointed (just in Frankie) ughh my soul is forever changed with this book and I couldn't put it down but at times with tears in my eyes I definitely had to. This book is deep and it's intense and shows the struggle of how someone can keep putting themselves in that situation with sometimes no way out. With tears in my eyes throughout the whole book I went on. The Fmc Frankie oh the headspace that she was in knowing what was wrong but kept on going back to Archer no matter what he did. And the Mmc Chase oh Chase you have a special place in my heart ❤️ I knew from the beginning that he was the one to help, love, support and protect Frankie. I definitely recommend this book. Naomi Speakman is truly talented her writing captured me from the beginning and this book is now my #1 for 2024.
Profile Image for Naomi Speakman.
Author 1 book23 followers
July 23, 2023
Hello and welcome to Until Now.

Thank you so much for checking out my book. I can’t even begin to express how much it means that you’re here.

This book is my baby, and I put so much sweat and tears and blood into it. It holds a very special place in my heart. Please note: THIS BOOK IS FOR READERS AGED 18+! Please head over to my Instagram https://instagram.com/booksandrainyda... for more info.

Trigger warnings are as follows (if you don’t like spoilers, avoid the list):
•explicit sex
•sexual assault
•pornography
•blood
•death caused by RTC
•miscarriage
•bullying
•cancer
•Stockholm Syndrome
•physical abuse
•emotional abuse
•verbal abuse
•domestic violence
•gaslighting
•homophobia
•drug and alcohol abuse
•references to suicide
•references to child sexual abuse
•foul language


I hope you enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.

UNTIL NOW RELEASES 23rd OCTOBER AND IS NOW AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER ON KINDLE
25 reviews
May 1, 2025
This book is a powerful example of how love can be messy, complicated, and even dangerous—especially within the context of an abusive relationship. If I could say one thing about the book, it’s that it shares some similarities with It Ends With Us, but it's more age-appropriate.

Some scenes were very disturbing, and I strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings before reading.

At times, this book was deeply triggering. It’s a strong reminder that we are often shaped by our environments.

I found myself deeply relating to the female main character—the longing to love and be loved. But ultimately, the core message of this book is clear: never make excuses for someone’s abusive behaviour.
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