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It Was Always You
A decade of friendship. Three years of heartache. One man she could never forget.
Jenna Watkins has never quite found the place she belongs. Growing up as the only child of a military father, her life was constantly on the move. New city, new school, new faces. With a wild personality and a no-filter mouth, making friends wasn’t something she was good at.
That all changed the day she met Emmett Owens.
At 15 years old, Emmett became the best friend she’d ever had. He was her confidant, the peanut butter to her jelly, and the one person she grew to trust with everything she knew. Over their ten years of friendship, feelings blossomed, and so did the possibility of a true Happily Ever After…
Until he married someone else.
Three years later, Emmett is back, with his adorable daughter in tow, begging for a chance to prove himself. Jenna wants to believe he’d never hurt her, but she was foolish enough to think that once before. Yet, the more they rekindle their friendship, and the closer she grows to his daughter, those lines she so firmly planted start to blur.
Will she be able to let him in, or are some wounds too deep to heal?
It Was Always You is a friends-to-lovers, second chance romance that will have you swooning over a single dad determined to make a good life for his daughter and win back the only woman he has ever loved.
Jenna Watkins has never quite found the place she belongs. Growing up as the only child of a military father, her life was constantly on the move. New city, new school, new faces. With a wild personality and a no-filter mouth, making friends wasn’t something she was good at.
That all changed the day she met Emmett Owens.
At 15 years old, Emmett became the best friend she’d ever had. He was her confidant, the peanut butter to her jelly, and the one person she grew to trust with everything she knew. Over their ten years of friendship, feelings blossomed, and so did the possibility of a true Happily Ever After…
Until he married someone else.
Three years later, Emmett is back, with his adorable daughter in tow, begging for a chance to prove himself. Jenna wants to believe he’d never hurt her, but she was foolish enough to think that once before. Yet, the more they rekindle their friendship, and the closer she grows to his daughter, those lines she so firmly planted start to blur.
Will she be able to let him in, or are some wounds too deep to heal?
It Was Always You is a friends-to-lovers, second chance romance that will have you swooning over a single dad determined to make a good life for his daughter and win back the only woman he has ever loved.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2023
150 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
December 17, 2024
• Single POV
• Dual Timeline
• Groveling
• Single Dad
• 1st book in the series
• Nurse/Blue collar romance
This book has been on my TBR for far too long! Laura Beth gave us the sweetest story told in a dual timeline, Single POV. Usually both of those tend to bother me, or they struggle to keep my interest. But not this book! Jenna and Emmett's story was perfect. And I couldn't have loved it more. I can't wait to listen to the rest of the series.
Their story is full of so much pining! From their very first interaction in their Home Economics class in high school, these two shared the sweetest friendship! Unfortunately, heartbreak and longing rip these two apart.
My heart broke for Jenna for so many reasons. But mainly because she never felt like she was enough for anyone, always questioning her self-worth because of her inadequate parents! Emmett was her only shining light in her life for a long time! So when these two were ripped apart, my heart shattered for Jenna. But as heartbreaking as it was, we get to watch Jenna overcome so many mental blocks!
Emmett will steal your heart instantly. He was so tender and observant. And when we met him again in the present time, he was a wonderful, attentive dad. I wasn't surprised! This man would move mountains for the ones he loves! And I freaken LOVED watching him win Jenna back! Emmett had zero issue making his feelings for Jenna known in the most possessively perfect way!
I loved watching these two find their way back together and the relationship that grew between all three of them! Allie, Emmett's daughter, included!!
🎧Audiobook review🎧
Single narration
Narrated by Sara Brodt
Sara did such an incredible job on this audiobook! Even as a single POV it wasnt lacking in the slightest! Every emotion was beautifully captured. I'm so excited she's the one who's narrating the other two books in this series. Her voice was so perfect for Jenna. Tender and shy! I loved it! So well done!
May 19, 2024
Huge spoilers!!!!!! Ok. So here's the thing with this book. I did like it. Though it dragged a bit. But what the H Emmett did just did not fit his character to be honest. The author is describing him as a golden retriever/teddy bear secretly pining over his bf Jenna. She feels the same as well. Jenna finally brooches the subject. They decide they're going to start a relationship when he's back in Chicago... But he has a moment of weakness and sleeps with a bartender without protection. And he wasn't even drunk. Which I know isn't an excuse. He tells h later that he couldn't help it because he was lonely. He's a lineman and travels for work, so there would be months before he'd be back in Chicago at times. He knew he'd be back though in a couple of months to be with Jenna though. So the act of betrayal, even though they weren't officially together yet pissed me off, but was weak AF. From how much this author is pumping him up to be the good guy just did't fit his profile. Unless that's what the author was going for. The kicker? The ow is pregnant supposedly with his child and says she doesn't know if she'll keep it. So what does he do? He MARRIES her! Oh yes. And the big surprise is? It's not even his kid come to find out. But he of course takes responsibility for her. That's where the author tried to change the opinion of the H, but I wasn't too thrilled to be honest. It's good of him of course, but I'm not sure why Jenna forgave everything so easily and ended up praising him. Saying he had nothing to apologize for. Jenna had ADHD and the author had her come off rather childish. Emmett never really had to work hard to get her back because of Allie his daughter.
Overall it was just ok. I was kind of expecting something different. I think this is a debut novel from this author. Which is actually pretty good for a new author. The thing I did like about this was that both characters were just regular people. He a lineman. Her a nurse.
Overall it was just ok. I was kind of expecting something different. I think this is a debut novel from this author. Which is actually pretty good for a new author. The thing I did like about this was that both characters were just regular people. He a lineman. Her a nurse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2024
2⭐️
Let me start by saying that I love this very controversial trope. Betrayal, heartbreak, I’m a fan.
It’s not easy to create a story with good content in this genre and important elements have to be added. The most important one, GROVEL.
Now, about the book… For starters, the MCS were really young in the present. 25 ish, and they had this life optics that spoke “above 35” all the time, so that was confusing. Example: she was buying a house and she talked about “staying single, not getting married, maybe she wouldn’t have the chance”… dude. You’re 25. Really?
Then, the H’s explanation and rationalization was bad and absurd. And when finally he confesses, he ends up being a hero. Because the baby was not his but he decided to adopt her and named her after the heroine’s middle name. But obviously he’s a hero. Say what?
And above all, Grovel was not good enough, and there’s a sentence that exemplifies the entire story:
“I thought of you every single day,” he starts. “I made a huge mistake that caused a detour on my way back to you, and I hate it. I hate that I hurt you. But at the same time, it gave me the greatest gift of my life. I don’t wish to undo my past, but I’ve always planned on a future with you.”
So, he had unprotected interaction. He married someone else, he became a parent but in his mind, the future was with her. 😳
So… Nay nay.
Let me start by saying that I love this very controversial trope. Betrayal, heartbreak, I’m a fan.
It’s not easy to create a story with good content in this genre and important elements have to be added. The most important one, GROVEL.
Now, about the book… For starters, the MCS were really young in the present. 25 ish, and they had this life optics that spoke “above 35” all the time, so that was confusing. Example: she was buying a house and she talked about “staying single, not getting married, maybe she wouldn’t have the chance”… dude. You’re 25. Really?
Then, the H’s explanation and rationalization was bad and absurd. And when finally he confesses, he ends up being a hero. Because the baby was not his but he decided to adopt her and named her after the heroine’s middle name. But obviously he’s a hero. Say what?
And above all, Grovel was not good enough, and there’s a sentence that exemplifies the entire story:
“I thought of you every single day,” he starts. “I made a huge mistake that caused a detour on my way back to you, and I hate it. I hate that I hurt you. But at the same time, it gave me the greatest gift of my life. I don’t wish to undo my past, but I’ve always planned on a future with you.”
So, he had unprotected interaction. He married someone else, he became a parent but in his mind, the future was with her. 😳
So… Nay nay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2025
Sweet and Angsty Second Chance Romance
4.5 🌟 stars
I thought that this story was amazing. I melt for well written second chance romance.
Jenna and Emmett met when they were 15 and were inseparable 🧡 friends. After Jenna graduated from nursing school they had plans to move in together and actually take their friendship to a new level as soon as Emmett returns from a job during the summer.
When Emmett returns he drops a bomb shell on her and tells her he's getting married and having a child. Emma's world shutters snd dhe feels betrayed.
After several years apart Emma is tracked down by Emmett, who is now a single father to a 2 year old daughter. Emmett is desperately to win Jenna back and he's willing to accept a friendship. Jenna isn't ready to hear about Emett ex but be his friend and babysitter while he's at work
Will Jenna get over the betrayal to let Emmett back into her heart? I recieved reading yo find out.
I deducted half a star as there were two major things I felt were unresolved; the rationale behind Emmett randomly hooking up with a stranger when he's mere weeks from achieving his dream of being together with Jenna. I just didn't buy the ' I was lonely excuse when he seemed do devoted to winning Jenna's heart from the past and present.Thw other issue is Emmett seems like he using his daighter as a way to win back Jennas heart ❤️
4.5 🌟 stars
I thought that this story was amazing. I melt for well written second chance romance.
Jenna and Emmett met when they were 15 and were inseparable 🧡 friends. After Jenna graduated from nursing school they had plans to move in together and actually take their friendship to a new level as soon as Emmett returns from a job during the summer.
When Emmett returns he drops a bomb shell on her and tells her he's getting married and having a child. Emma's world shutters snd dhe feels betrayed.
After several years apart Emma is tracked down by Emmett, who is now a single father to a 2 year old daughter. Emmett is desperately to win Jenna back and he's willing to accept a friendship. Jenna isn't ready to hear about Emett ex but be his friend and babysitter while he's at work
Will Jenna get over the betrayal to let Emmett back into her heart? I recieved reading yo find out.
I deducted half a star as there were two major things I felt were unresolved; the rationale behind Emmett randomly hooking up with a stranger when he's mere weeks from achieving his dream of being together with Jenna. I just didn't buy the ' I was lonely excuse when he seemed do devoted to winning Jenna's heart from the past and present.Thw other issue is Emmett seems like he using his daighter as a way to win back Jennas heart ❤️
August 15, 2024
It Was Always You - Laura Beth
*Book Rec*
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒓𝒖𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒏.”
Laura Beth...my new auto read author. Holy Crap I wasn't expecting to love this so much and be so damn invested. Not only are these books a nice 320 pages and under, but they are full of feels, spice and swoon. I love love loved this. While she could have added a little and had another check for SMALL errors, for a DEBUT this just amazing. Anyone who makes me fall in love with friends to lovers is a Queen.
“𝑰’𝒎 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑬𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒖𝒔𝒔𝒚 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒎𝒚 𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆, 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒎𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇.”
Jenna & Emmett have been best friends since she moved to his town in high school, but never found a moment to be more. Right people, wrong time. Circumstances form in Emmett's life that shake his and Jenna's foundation. Fast forward a few years fate intervenes and love takes the wheel. SO SO GOOD!
“𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆, 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚...𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏.”
🖤Friends to Lovers
🤍Second Chance
🖤Single Dad
🤍He Falls First
*Book Rec*
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒓𝒖𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒏.”
Laura Beth...my new auto read author. Holy Crap I wasn't expecting to love this so much and be so damn invested. Not only are these books a nice 320 pages and under, but they are full of feels, spice and swoon. I love love loved this. While she could have added a little and had another check for SMALL errors, for a DEBUT this just amazing. Anyone who makes me fall in love with friends to lovers is a Queen.
“𝑰’𝒎 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑬𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒖𝒔𝒔𝒚 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒎𝒚 𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆, 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒎𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇.”
Jenna & Emmett have been best friends since she moved to his town in high school, but never found a moment to be more. Right people, wrong time. Circumstances form in Emmett's life that shake his and Jenna's foundation. Fast forward a few years fate intervenes and love takes the wheel. SO SO GOOD!
“𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆, 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚...𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏.”
🖤Friends to Lovers
🤍Second Chance
🖤Single Dad
🤍He Falls First
October 24, 2023
Meh. Stupid hero and semi stupid heroine, so unbelievable and of course the heroine took his stupid ass back.
October 7, 2023
✨ARC Review✨
YOU. GUYS. Stop what you're doing and read this book (when it comes out)!!!
Laura Beth SLAYED this debut novel. Phenomenally written and beautiful storytelling.
We got heartbreak. We got groveling. We got friends to strangers to friends to lovers. We got A HOT SINGLE DAD. We got second chances. We got PINING. We got A CINNAMONROLL HERO, BABY! WE GOT IT ALL.
We are taken on an emotional rollercoaster of the story of Emmett and Jenna. Two people who have so much love for each other that it's so heartwarming but yet so heartbreaking to read about. Their love story is not one that was easy or flow smoothly. It was painful and sad but yet so beautiful and SO WORTH IT.
Jenna's character was so relatable and admirable. As tough as she is, she's still realistically insecure and runs when things become too much. How much can one person really take? Jenna had her heart not only broken but SHATTERED. You could literally feel the pain she was feeling. Damn, my heart was broken too.
She's gone through life with tough skin, knowing no love. That is until she meets Emmett.
Emmett is by far one of the best book boyfriends. I mean this man is CARING and sweet and RESPECTFUL and charming and UGH HE'S A CUDDELY MAN. I really swooned for him. I just love how much he loves Jenna and how he speaks to her. I also LOVED him with Allie...my heart. Tak about swooning hard. Really, he has my heart.
I loved watching their relationship blossom and fall apart and blossom again. Their connection and chemistry was out of this world. I was so invested in their story that I didn't want it to end. I love that after all the time that had passed, they just felt so natural together. I was genuinely eating this up.
I need to take a minute to talk about the writing. I mean...BRAVO. I was really invested in this story and was feeling all the feels. When Jenna felt sad, I felt sad. When Emmett was laughing with Allie, I was laughing. I couldn't stop smiling to myself reading Emmett, Jenna and Allie playing. It was so wholesome and I was living for it.
And we can't forget the spice. It was some good spice. Nothing MAJOR but perfect for someone who wants to get into spicy books. Checked all the boxes. Emmett's dirty talk...here. for. it. And UGH the slow burn. It was everything.
Honestly, I'm still stunned this is a debut novel. This was not only written exceptionally well, this story was just so beautiful. I am a sucker for second chance love stories and this exceeded expectations. We even get a fun side character bestie, Meg. She was great. We get Emmett's family that are just perfect people. There's just so much about this that I loved. I found myself tearing up a few times and if a book can make me do that...it's good. I loved the pacing and the flashbacks. I loved the epilogue. I can't say enough how cute this was.
I love that we're getting another story coming. I cannot wait and just based on this, I already know it's going to be *chefs kiss.
Thank you so much for the ARC copy Laura Beth!
YOU. GUYS. Stop what you're doing and read this book (when it comes out)!!!
Laura Beth SLAYED this debut novel. Phenomenally written and beautiful storytelling.
We got heartbreak. We got groveling. We got friends to strangers to friends to lovers. We got A HOT SINGLE DAD. We got second chances. We got PINING. We got A CINNAMONROLL HERO, BABY! WE GOT IT ALL.
We are taken on an emotional rollercoaster of the story of Emmett and Jenna. Two people who have so much love for each other that it's so heartwarming but yet so heartbreaking to read about. Their love story is not one that was easy or flow smoothly. It was painful and sad but yet so beautiful and SO WORTH IT.
Jenna's character was so relatable and admirable. As tough as she is, she's still realistically insecure and runs when things become too much. How much can one person really take? Jenna had her heart not only broken but SHATTERED. You could literally feel the pain she was feeling. Damn, my heart was broken too.
She's gone through life with tough skin, knowing no love. That is until she meets Emmett.
Emmett is by far one of the best book boyfriends. I mean this man is CARING and sweet and RESPECTFUL and charming and UGH HE'S A CUDDELY MAN. I really swooned for him. I just love how much he loves Jenna and how he speaks to her. I also LOVED him with Allie...my heart. Tak about swooning hard. Really, he has my heart.
I loved watching their relationship blossom and fall apart and blossom again. Their connection and chemistry was out of this world. I was so invested in their story that I didn't want it to end. I love that after all the time that had passed, they just felt so natural together. I was genuinely eating this up.
I need to take a minute to talk about the writing. I mean...BRAVO. I was really invested in this story and was feeling all the feels. When Jenna felt sad, I felt sad. When Emmett was laughing with Allie, I was laughing. I couldn't stop smiling to myself reading Emmett, Jenna and Allie playing. It was so wholesome and I was living for it.
And we can't forget the spice. It was some good spice. Nothing MAJOR but perfect for someone who wants to get into spicy books. Checked all the boxes. Emmett's dirty talk...here. for. it. And UGH the slow burn. It was everything.
Honestly, I'm still stunned this is a debut novel. This was not only written exceptionally well, this story was just so beautiful. I am a sucker for second chance love stories and this exceeded expectations. We even get a fun side character bestie, Meg. She was great. We get Emmett's family that are just perfect people. There's just so much about this that I loved. I found myself tearing up a few times and if a book can make me do that...it's good. I loved the pacing and the flashbacks. I loved the epilogue. I can't say enough how cute this was.
I love that we're getting another story coming. I cannot wait and just based on this, I already know it's going to be *chefs kiss.
Thank you so much for the ARC copy Laura Beth!
November 15, 2024
Ever since ARC reading Then There Was You by Laura Beth, I knew she'd become an auto-buy author for me. I've been dying to go back and read books 1 and 2 of the Grace General series, and this one did NOT disappoint!
I absolutely love a good second chance romance, and this one hit just right. Jenna and Emmett always had feelings for each other, but they never acted on it as teenagers. When something comes between them and separates them for years, Jenna is left completely heartbroken. All it took was one chance encounter with Emmett's sister at the hospital she works on to suddenly have Emmett back in her life. Jenna isn’t prepared for all the feelings it would bring, but she can't deny how much she missed him. Their story was a bit bittersweet, both always knew they'd one day be at a point in their lives to finally come to terms with what's been between them ever since Jenna was the new kid at school.
She meets Allie, Emmett's daughter, who is just the cutest thing (chapter 16 had me SMILING 🥹)!! Jenna and Allie bond immediately and ahe begins spending more time with them until finally, FINALLY, they grow into more than friends 😩 oh gosh that moment was so satisfying because you're rooting for them from the beginning. And when they get going, they really get going, Emmett went from daddy Emmett to DADDY Emmett real quick ooff 😉🥵
Watching their relationship unfold was beautiful, they're each other's person, and it was heartbreaking to see what Emmett's ex had done to him and how he raised Allie on his own. They finally confront all of it together, refusing to lose each other again, and I just loved it so so much.
I do love Jim, but Emmett is a very, very close second (I think?). Anyways, if you're looking for a sweet second chance romance with a blue collar MMC who'd do just about anything for the woman he loves, I do suggest adding this to your lineup!!
I absolutely love a good second chance romance, and this one hit just right. Jenna and Emmett always had feelings for each other, but they never acted on it as teenagers. When something comes between them and separates them for years, Jenna is left completely heartbroken. All it took was one chance encounter with Emmett's sister at the hospital she works on to suddenly have Emmett back in her life. Jenna isn’t prepared for all the feelings it would bring, but she can't deny how much she missed him. Their story was a bit bittersweet, both always knew they'd one day be at a point in their lives to finally come to terms with what's been between them ever since Jenna was the new kid at school.
She meets Allie, Emmett's daughter, who is just the cutest thing (chapter 16 had me SMILING 🥹)!! Jenna and Allie bond immediately and ahe begins spending more time with them until finally, FINALLY, they grow into more than friends 😩 oh gosh that moment was so satisfying because you're rooting for them from the beginning. And when they get going, they really get going, Emmett went from daddy Emmett to DADDY Emmett real quick ooff 😉🥵
Watching their relationship unfold was beautiful, they're each other's person, and it was heartbreaking to see what Emmett's ex had done to him and how he raised Allie on his own. They finally confront all of it together, refusing to lose each other again, and I just loved it so so much.
I do love Jim, but Emmett is a very, very close second (I think?). Anyways, if you're looking for a sweet second chance romance with a blue collar MMC who'd do just about anything for the woman he loves, I do suggest adding this to your lineup!!
October 7, 2023
This is an incredibly written debut novel! The past and present character interactions are easy to keep up with and the plot is not easy to predict. I thoroughly enjoyed this slow burn/friends to lovers read! I think this is a great book for an introduction into the “smut” world if you’re not fully there yet. The spicy scenes are just spicy enough, but are not incredibly explicit nor do they take up a lot of page space.
Bonus points because it is clear the review process for writing this book was very meticulous and there were less than a handful of grammatical errors (it is always a distraction for me when there’s too many). I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Bonus points because it is clear the review process for writing this book was very meticulous and there were less than a handful of grammatical errors (it is always a distraction for me when there’s too many). I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
December 12, 2024
I AM COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK! And it has all my favorite tropes, really what’s not to love? And it’s Laura’s debut novel? I’m in awe! It’s already one of my favorite second chance romances ever.
The dual timelines in the first half worked perfectly for a second chance romance, in my opinion. The pacing was spot on, it didn’t beat around the bush. The story was incredibly well-balanced, from the use of the dual timelines to how long the 'big reveal' was held back. It’s a slow burn, but it never felt dragged out. The way the story unfolded was so fluid and natural, it just worked.
Jenna and Emmett have my whole heart. I loved them so damn much! Jenna is so strong and resilient, yet still vulnerable. Seeing all her different facets made it impossible not to fall in love with her. And how do I even begin to describe Emmett Owens? As a teenager he was such a sweetheart, and I couldn’t wait to see him as an adult. He did not disappoint! He was so SURE of himself. He knew he fucked up and was determined to make it up to Jenna. And I totally agree with her: him as a daddy is absolutely his best—and hottest—version.
And of course, I have to talk about Allie! First of all, the squeal I squealed when I found out Allie is short for Alissandria. Emmett had already won me over at that point. She’s such a sweetheart, and I adored watching her relationship with Jenna (or rather, Nenna) grow. I only wish we had even more interactions between them! Hopefully, we’ll get to see more of them in the next books.
The dual timelines in the first half worked perfectly for a second chance romance, in my opinion. The pacing was spot on, it didn’t beat around the bush. The story was incredibly well-balanced, from the use of the dual timelines to how long the 'big reveal' was held back. It’s a slow burn, but it never felt dragged out. The way the story unfolded was so fluid and natural, it just worked.
Jenna and Emmett have my whole heart. I loved them so damn much! Jenna is so strong and resilient, yet still vulnerable. Seeing all her different facets made it impossible not to fall in love with her. And how do I even begin to describe Emmett Owens? As a teenager he was such a sweetheart, and I couldn’t wait to see him as an adult. He did not disappoint! He was so SURE of himself. He knew he fucked up and was determined to make it up to Jenna. And I totally agree with her: him as a daddy is absolutely his best—and hottest—version.
And of course, I have to talk about Allie! First of all, the squeal I squealed when I found out Allie is short for Alissandria. Emmett had already won me over at that point. She’s such a sweetheart, and I adored watching her relationship with Jenna (or rather, Nenna) grow. I only wish we had even more interactions between them! Hopefully, we’ll get to see more of them in the next books.
March 31, 2025
There aren’t enough words in the English language to express how much I loved this. Like kicking my feet and screaming and or sobbing the whole time.
Laura Beth’s writing style is so beautiful to me!
My only complaint is it wasn’t long enough. Like I needed 800 pages of these two instead of less than 300
Laura Beth’s writing style is so beautiful to me!
My only complaint is it wasn’t long enough. Like I needed 800 pages of these two instead of less than 300
November 7, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up
The h was waaayyyy to forgiving. Go read Danny's review for all the deets
The h was waaayyyy to forgiving. Go read Danny's review for all the deets
October 7, 2023
Wow, I can’t believe this is Laura’s debut novel.
Wonderfully written! I really enjoyed how the novel hopped from past to present so we get all the details! I also thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. As I read this book it was written in a way that made the conversations feel like I was having them! Very easy and enjoyable read.
I immediately fell in love with Emmett the moment he met Jenna. He’s such a caring, thoughtful and loving guy while also being protective of the people he cares about. I’m also a sucker for a good guy who surprises with dirty talk. 🥵
My heart broke for Jenna. It’s difficult struggling with the limiting belief that you don’t deserve to be loved or that you aren’t loved. She was emotionally scarred and Emmett was most certainly her rock.
Ps - can I be friends with Jenna and Meg?! Loved their friendship!
This is a novel about second chances, finding your way back from darkness and sadness, recognizing that you deserve love and all the happiness in the world with the ones you love most. Such a great read that I highly recommend as we all can relate to their stories in a way.
Truly enjoyed Emmett + Jenna’s story and is such a great second chance romance. 💕
I want to add that while the amount of spice was minimal, it was perfect for their story! The spice isn’t overly explicit and was very well written. This novel would be a great intro for those who are new to reading spicy books.
Wonderfully written! I really enjoyed how the novel hopped from past to present so we get all the details! I also thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. As I read this book it was written in a way that made the conversations feel like I was having them! Very easy and enjoyable read.
I immediately fell in love with Emmett the moment he met Jenna. He’s such a caring, thoughtful and loving guy while also being protective of the people he cares about. I’m also a sucker for a good guy who surprises with dirty talk. 🥵
My heart broke for Jenna. It’s difficult struggling with the limiting belief that you don’t deserve to be loved or that you aren’t loved. She was emotionally scarred and Emmett was most certainly her rock.
Ps - can I be friends with Jenna and Meg?! Loved their friendship!
This is a novel about second chances, finding your way back from darkness and sadness, recognizing that you deserve love and all the happiness in the world with the ones you love most. Such a great read that I highly recommend as we all can relate to their stories in a way.
Truly enjoyed Emmett + Jenna’s story and is such a great second chance romance. 💕
I want to add that while the amount of spice was minimal, it was perfect for their story! The spice isn’t overly explicit and was very well written. This novel would be a great intro for those who are new to reading spicy books.
October 7, 2023
This is such a heartwarming tale of the power of love, and its ability to heal even the deepest of wounds.
Emmett and Jenna captured my heart, and I swooned over their connection and deep abiding friendship, then mourned as they suddenly went their separate ways.
Jenna is such a relatable character.
Being a military brat, she lives the life of a nomad. Never staying anywhere long enough to lay down roots.
When she decides to finish her high school education at her father’s old stomping grounds, she’s surprised to find an understanding spirit when she looks into the soulful eyes of Emmett on the first day of her sophomore year.
Emmett is such a strong and stalwart young man.
He is everything admirable, and good that one would hope to find in a friend,son and brother.
Emmett and his family eventually offer sanctuary and a reprieve from the chronic loneliness caused by being the only child of an alcoholic mother, and an absentee, Marine father. Their connection is amazing, their chemistry alluded to, but felt deeply, nonetheless.
Throughout their individual journeys and education, there was an unspoken pledge to always find their way back to one another. Even after life throws a wrench in their plans, and Jenna is forced to pave a future for herself without the stability of her first love, and the only family she has ever truly known, their timeless love and friendship triumphs in the end.
I highly recommend picking up this debut novel from author, Laura Beth. It’s raw and emotional and will hit the spot if you need a second chance romance with heart.
4.5 ⭐️
2.75🌶️
Emmett and Jenna captured my heart, and I swooned over their connection and deep abiding friendship, then mourned as they suddenly went their separate ways.
Jenna is such a relatable character.
Being a military brat, she lives the life of a nomad. Never staying anywhere long enough to lay down roots.
When she decides to finish her high school education at her father’s old stomping grounds, she’s surprised to find an understanding spirit when she looks into the soulful eyes of Emmett on the first day of her sophomore year.
Emmett is such a strong and stalwart young man.
He is everything admirable, and good that one would hope to find in a friend,son and brother.
Emmett and his family eventually offer sanctuary and a reprieve from the chronic loneliness caused by being the only child of an alcoholic mother, and an absentee, Marine father. Their connection is amazing, their chemistry alluded to, but felt deeply, nonetheless.
Throughout their individual journeys and education, there was an unspoken pledge to always find their way back to one another. Even after life throws a wrench in their plans, and Jenna is forced to pave a future for herself without the stability of her first love, and the only family she has ever truly known, their timeless love and friendship triumphs in the end.
I highly recommend picking up this debut novel from author, Laura Beth. It’s raw and emotional and will hit the spot if you need a second chance romance with heart.
4.5 ⭐️
2.75🌶️
October 6, 2024
Emmett and Jenna were best friends as teens and young adults even though their career paths ended up separating them when they finished HS. When they finally think they’re going to be together, Emmett calls and shatters Jenna’s heart. Years later, they end up back in their hometown only surprise, he’s got a kid in tow. He is open and honest about how he always wanted her and only her so obviously they have some hefty things to work through.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Liked
* I liked these characters and their backstories. Jenna came from a very dysfunctional family and he came from a beautiful one. I love that his family takes her in as a teen.
* I liked his raw candor when he found her again.
* This book is short and sweet. Nice space filler when you can’t decide what to read.
Disliked
* because of the length, there are big jumps made between chapters that sometimes didn’t give enough time for the reader to come along with the characters’ development
* His story of what happened to them in the years they were apart was WILD
* There is no resolution to the baby mama piece by the end
🔫 Triggers & 🫡 Tropes: second chance, it was always you (ha!), complex family dynamics, single dad, abandonment
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Liked
* I liked these characters and their backstories. Jenna came from a very dysfunctional family and he came from a beautiful one. I love that his family takes her in as a teen.
* I liked his raw candor when he found her again.
* This book is short and sweet. Nice space filler when you can’t decide what to read.
Disliked
* because of the length, there are big jumps made between chapters that sometimes didn’t give enough time for the reader to come along with the characters’ development
* His story of what happened to them in the years they were apart was WILD
* There is no resolution to the baby mama piece by the end
🔫 Triggers & 🫡 Tropes: second chance, it was always you (ha!), complex family dynamics, single dad, abandonment
October 7, 2023
I loved this book! The characters were well rounded and realistic. The MMC is honest and sweet without being too cheesy and the FMC is independent and quirky without being unbearable. The toddler spoke and acted like a toddler! (It’s surprising how rare toddlers are described realistically in books).
I was drawn in from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down. It’s a shorter read (just over 200 pages). I was just so invested in the lives of the characters and wanted to see their story unfold. (I may have also shed a few tears a couple times)
The dilemas and insecurities they went through were realistic, and things I’ve felt myself in relationships so seeing them work through them was also encouraging to me.
This is a slow burn (the spice starts around 65%) but I was so busy getting butterflies through the first half of the book that I didn’t even notice the wait.
Overall, it’s an adorable story, great characters, great side characters, I’ll be reading it again (a few times at least) and I can’t wait for the next book in the spring!
I was drawn in from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down. It’s a shorter read (just over 200 pages). I was just so invested in the lives of the characters and wanted to see their story unfold. (I may have also shed a few tears a couple times)
The dilemas and insecurities they went through were realistic, and things I’ve felt myself in relationships so seeing them work through them was also encouraging to me.
This is a slow burn (the spice starts around 65%) but I was so busy getting butterflies through the first half of the book that I didn’t even notice the wait.
Overall, it’s an adorable story, great characters, great side characters, I’ll be reading it again (a few times at least) and I can’t wait for the next book in the spring!
October 8, 2023
I had the wonderful opportunity of being an Arc reader for this incredible book.
I was immediately hooked and reeled in with the first line of this book! I absolutely loved every second of it!
It follows wayward military brat Jenna Watkins and the very loveable and huggable Emmett Owens. We are introduced to them as teenagers and upon their first meeting and from there we see how their beautiful friendship blossoms. Of course, there'd be no story without conflict, and I absolute adore the way Laura introduced us to this conflict.
I have read hundreds of books and I'll have to say it was refreshing having a sweet, bulky, kind hearted man as our MMC. Emmett had my heart from his first line and will forever remain at the top of my book boyfriends list hehe.
I would recommend this books to anyone who loves a good friends to lovers trope and wants a sweet, slow burn romance with a cute little, three year old twist in it 🤍
The book comes out October 23rd and you better hurry and order because this book deserves all the love! Thank you to Laura Beth for writing such beautiful and relatable characters!
I was immediately hooked and reeled in with the first line of this book! I absolutely loved every second of it!
It follows wayward military brat Jenna Watkins and the very loveable and huggable Emmett Owens. We are introduced to them as teenagers and upon their first meeting and from there we see how their beautiful friendship blossoms. Of course, there'd be no story without conflict, and I absolute adore the way Laura introduced us to this conflict.
I have read hundreds of books and I'll have to say it was refreshing having a sweet, bulky, kind hearted man as our MMC. Emmett had my heart from his first line and will forever remain at the top of my book boyfriends list hehe.
I would recommend this books to anyone who loves a good friends to lovers trope and wants a sweet, slow burn romance with a cute little, three year old twist in it 🤍
The book comes out October 23rd and you better hurry and order because this book deserves all the love! Thank you to Laura Beth for writing such beautiful and relatable characters!
April 18, 2024
I was kinda getting into a reading slump so I picked this up and it definitely helped me out!
Such a cute debut novel, so easy to read, really enjoyed the writing!
I would recommend this to anyone who likes second chance romance, childhood friends to lovers, single dad trope and a hot MMC 😌
Emmet is such a cutie, loved his character, clearly tries to do the right thing no matter what situation he’s in! I liked Jenny even tho her rushed decisions or blown out of proportions reaction at the end frustrated me a bit 😬 at the end of the day I get it, trauma response is a real thing and I love that she was able to work through it and get her happy ending 🥹
This was a great quick and easy read, love the set up for the upcoming books in the series and can’t wait to read Lainey’s story next! 🫶🏻
Such a cute debut novel, so easy to read, really enjoyed the writing!
I would recommend this to anyone who likes second chance romance, childhood friends to lovers, single dad trope and a hot MMC 😌
Emmet is such a cutie, loved his character, clearly tries to do the right thing no matter what situation he’s in! I liked Jenny even tho her rushed decisions or blown out of proportions reaction at the end frustrated me a bit 😬 at the end of the day I get it, trauma response is a real thing and I love that she was able to work through it and get her happy ending 🥹
This was a great quick and easy read, love the set up for the upcoming books in the series and can’t wait to read Lainey’s story next! 🫶🏻
October 23, 2023
Amazing debut novel
It Was Always You
By @authorlaurabeth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
📍Second chance
📍Beat friends to lovers
📍Found family
📍Slow burn
📍Nurse/Lineman appreciation
Jenna's the new girl in school. Again. Part of life as a military brat. Emmett's the big burly handsome guy in her home economics class. Their friendship grows throughout high school. Even after leaving town for college and lineman school, they stay in touch. Until he breaks her heart.
This book is so well written with smooth timeline transitions. The story and characters are well thought out. It's hard to believe this is a debut novel. I absolutely loved it, finishing it in one day. I can't wait for Book 2 in spring 2024.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It Was Always You releases on October 23, 2023
It Was Always You
By @authorlaurabeth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
📍Second chance
📍Beat friends to lovers
📍Found family
📍Slow burn
📍Nurse/Lineman appreciation
Jenna's the new girl in school. Again. Part of life as a military brat. Emmett's the big burly handsome guy in her home economics class. Their friendship grows throughout high school. Even after leaving town for college and lineman school, they stay in touch. Until he breaks her heart.
This book is so well written with smooth timeline transitions. The story and characters are well thought out. It's hard to believe this is a debut novel. I absolutely loved it, finishing it in one day. I can't wait for Book 2 in spring 2024.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It Was Always You releases on October 23, 2023
October 9, 2023
Such a beautiful debut novel!!!
I’m a sucker for a single-dad romance, and this one didn’t let me down! Emmett is a such a good guy and has raised my standards for sure! And Jenna is a badass independent woman with tons of qualities that I admire!
I was hooked from the beginning, and with the time jumps between past and present, I was able to truly see the bond that Emmett and Jenna formed. Plus, the spice in this book was so well done! Truly couldn’t put it down. So excited to read the next book in the series!
Thanks for the ARC, Laura Beth! Can’t wait for the next one :)
I’m a sucker for a single-dad romance, and this one didn’t let me down! Emmett is a such a good guy and has raised my standards for sure! And Jenna is a badass independent woman with tons of qualities that I admire!
I was hooked from the beginning, and with the time jumps between past and present, I was able to truly see the bond that Emmett and Jenna formed. Plus, the spice in this book was so well done! Truly couldn’t put it down. So excited to read the next book in the series!
Thanks for the ARC, Laura Beth! Can’t wait for the next one :)
August 9, 2024
5⭐️3.5🌶️ Jenna + Emmett 🫶🏼
I hate to admit it, but I’m kind of shocked at just how good this debut book was!! My bookstagram buddies Heather and Pam raved about this so I knew it would be good, I just didn’t think it would be that good!
First of all, the SPICE, what?!!! That was NOT at all expected. OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS 🔥🔥🔥
Secondly, I was sold at the childhood friends to adult lovers in a second chance romance twist. Oh my gosh and I have such a tender spot for characters from broken homes, paired with a loving home/chosen family ❤️🩹
Also, the mirror scene 👀🥵 just saying 😮💨
I hate to admit it, but I’m kind of shocked at just how good this debut book was!! My bookstagram buddies Heather and Pam raved about this so I knew it would be good, I just didn’t think it would be that good!
First of all, the SPICE, what?!!! That was NOT at all expected. OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS 🔥🔥🔥
Secondly, I was sold at the childhood friends to adult lovers in a second chance romance twist. Oh my gosh and I have such a tender spot for characters from broken homes, paired with a loving home/chosen family ❤️🩹
Also, the mirror scene 👀🥵 just saying 😮💨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
I love a second chance romance with a single dad — what a fabulous pairing of tropes! The glimpse as we got into the main characters’ history, especially the FMC’s relationship with the MMC’s mom when she was younger was one of my favorite parts of the story.
I loved watching Jenna get so motherly and protective over Emmett’s daughter, especially when she started to feel like her place in their life was being threatened. It warms my heart to know that that sweet girl has such a strong motherly figure in her corner.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/4
Spice: 🌶️.5/5
I loved watching Jenna get so motherly and protective over Emmett’s daughter, especially when she started to feel like her place in their life was being threatened. It warms my heart to know that that sweet girl has such a strong motherly figure in her corner.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/4
Spice: 🌶️.5/5
November 30, 2025
Mixed feelings on It Was Only You, book 1 in the Grace General series. I was excited to read another medical/hospital themed book, decided to start dipping my toes into that trope a bit. Jenna, our narrator, works at Grace General hospital when a patient who comes in for treatment, that is a painful reminder from her past. This opens the story up to alternating chapters from Jenna’s past and the present. Emmet and Jenna were best friends but with a deep understanding there will be more in the future. Badabing, he blows it, which had Jenna running away hurt. I empathized with her pain and her feelings of betrayal, but honestly with only an unsaid understanding with a guy, she should have asked for more. But then we wouldn’t have the annoying miscommunication that drags the pacing of the story some. Jenna and Emmett get their second chance, and once she allows him to explain the situation, that pissed me off she wouldn’t let him, they fall in love again as adults. I’m going to read on in this series, author writes in a style I enjoy and I’m excited to read about her friends getting their HEA.
October 12, 2023
ARC review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I could not put this book down. I cannot believe that this is her debut novel. Jenna and Emmett from the get-go were adorable. The writing flowed and I was hooked. The Second Chance romance with a single dad was the perfect read. It was a little spicy, so if you’re into that, I think you’ll like this book. It was a great read!
I could not put this book down. I cannot believe that this is her debut novel. Jenna and Emmett from the get-go were adorable. The writing flowed and I was hooked. The Second Chance romance with a single dad was the perfect read. It was a little spicy, so if you’re into that, I think you’ll like this book. It was a great read!
October 23, 2023
Beautiful debut novel by Laura Beth about a second chance romance with childhood friends Jenna & Emmett. Told from 1 point of view with flashbacks that details a deep friendship which endures various obstacles, a major heartache, and coming to realization of what love & acceptance is.
Quick read with an unpredictable twist and a detailed epilogue that will nicely wrap up the story.
The thing that I found refreshing about this story was it was about 2 people who had normal jobs and were trying to figure out how to balance personal commitments and career choices. She’s a nurse and he’s in utilities which made it feel more relatable than a lot of the other stories where one character is usually super rich.
Thanks for the ARC.
Quick read with an unpredictable twist and a detailed epilogue that will nicely wrap up the story.
The thing that I found refreshing about this story was it was about 2 people who had normal jobs and were trying to figure out how to balance personal commitments and career choices. She’s a nurse and he’s in utilities which made it feel more relatable than a lot of the other stories where one character is usually super rich.
Thanks for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2023
Honest ARC Review.
LAURA-FRICKEN-BETH, where have you been my whole life!! I was addicted within the first chapter. You pulled me in, and my heart breaks knowing it’s over 😭. It’s safe to I WILL be reading Safe With You as soon as it releases.
I’m in love with Emmett and Jenna. At the beginning I hated him, but when he explained everything I just wanted to hug and kiss him because he’s so fricken sweet. ❤️❤️❤️ I love them both. This should be a movie.
500/10 recommend!!
Release date - October 23, 2023
5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5 Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️
5/5 Comprehensible ✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽
💋Read on, my loves💋
LAURA-FRICKEN-BETH, where have you been my whole life!! I was addicted within the first chapter. You pulled me in, and my heart breaks knowing it’s over 😭. It’s safe to I WILL be reading Safe With You as soon as it releases.
I’m in love with Emmett and Jenna. At the beginning I hated him, but when he explained everything I just wanted to hug and kiss him because he’s so fricken sweet. ❤️❤️❤️ I love them both. This should be a movie.
500/10 recommend!!
Release date - October 23, 2023
5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5 Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️
5/5 Comprehensible ✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽
💋Read on, my loves💋
July 16, 2024
Okay, this one was a core shaker for me. The way that @authorlaurabeth writes is like a warm blanket and a cup of tea and from page 2, I was invested. Sometimes a book takes a minute but her writing is like sitting with a close friend and catching up. The dual timeline, the slow burn, the aching that came with the wrong timing and made this story so compelling…Go in blind.
👋Therapist take: I saw someone who reviewed this referred to the MMC (Emmett, correction: DADDY Emmett) as a cheater, and my immediate reaction was that they must not have read the same book? Yo, life is complicated and years long friendships with strong but not declared love underneath, also super complicated. The therapist in me understood all the twists and turns that brought these people together and the trauma therapist in me also knew that because of all that the two folks who re-found each other were exactly where they needed to be. The FMC (Jenna) had an internal struggle that was relatable and so well executed…you heard it here, folks: vulnerability = strength. This book is worth reading, in fact if it had been around in my dating days I would have given it to my girlfriends and told them to wait for an Emmett. It will make you feel a lot and it made me feel like I wanted to stay inside it for a long time, and made me grateful for my own personal Emmett (shameless shout out to Mr. YTRS💋).
I sure don’t want to spoil this but if you like second chance romance, real characters who are flawed and that live lives and come back together, swoony graveling, pining, tension and the explosion of the slow burn that then ignites, found family, and just feeling warm and content when you’re reading but also squealing and kicking your heels: then this one is for you.
Please know that it took a lot of restraint to not use Kenny Chesney “you had me at hello” here. This one hit better ❤️
TW: neglectful parents, mention of childhood physical abuse, grief/loss, mention of unplanned pregnancies
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🥵🥵🥵 (when the spice hit, it hit)
January 2, 2024
!! arc review !!
~Emmett & Jenna~
It Was Always You–Laura Beth
Release date: Oct 23rd
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Tropes
~ Childhood friends to lovers
~ Single dad
~ Slow burn
~ Golden retriever x black cat
“I don’t wish to undo my past, but I’ve always planned on a future with you.”
Jenna never felt like she belonged or deserved love, until she met Emmett on her first day at a new school. Emmett’s family accepted Jenna as their own and she spend the remainder of her high school years living with them. When Emmett and Jenna part ways after graduation, they both knew they would eventually end up back together, for real this time. Emmett ends up breaking his promise (for good reason) and leaves Jenna broken-hearted, but he still never gave up hope. Years later, they haven’t spoken and she still misses him. She moved back to her hometown and Emmett’s sister ends up being her patient, Emmett takes this as a sign to get his girl back. But once she knows the truth of why he broke his promise, is she able to forgive him?
I’m not even close to kidding when I say I binged this in about three hours; I just couldn’t stop! I always eat up a childhood friends to lovers but this is definitely one of the best I’ve read. Usually, I’m not a fan of single POV (it’s usually the only time I care about a man’s opinion), but I loved that I was finding out what happened as Jenna was finding it out as well. The writing was perfect and Jenna’s character felt so real and honest. It almost felt like I really knew her, or I even was her. I truly can’t name a single thing I didn’t like about this book. I noticed the teaser for book two and I need it NOW PLZ ◡̈
~Emmett & Jenna~
It Was Always You–Laura Beth
Release date: Oct 23rd
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Tropes
~ Childhood friends to lovers
~ Single dad
~ Slow burn
~ Golden retriever x black cat
“I don’t wish to undo my past, but I’ve always planned on a future with you.”
Jenna never felt like she belonged or deserved love, until she met Emmett on her first day at a new school. Emmett’s family accepted Jenna as their own and she spend the remainder of her high school years living with them. When Emmett and Jenna part ways after graduation, they both knew they would eventually end up back together, for real this time. Emmett ends up breaking his promise (for good reason) and leaves Jenna broken-hearted, but he still never gave up hope. Years later, they haven’t spoken and she still misses him. She moved back to her hometown and Emmett’s sister ends up being her patient, Emmett takes this as a sign to get his girl back. But once she knows the truth of why he broke his promise, is she able to forgive him?
I’m not even close to kidding when I say I binged this in about three hours; I just couldn’t stop! I always eat up a childhood friends to lovers but this is definitely one of the best I’ve read. Usually, I’m not a fan of single POV (it’s usually the only time I care about a man’s opinion), but I loved that I was finding out what happened as Jenna was finding it out as well. The writing was perfect and Jenna’s character felt so real and honest. It almost felt like I really knew her, or I even was her. I truly can’t name a single thing I didn’t like about this book. I noticed the teaser for book two and I need it NOW PLZ ◡̈
September 10, 2024
This book had a lot of hype from multiple friends of mine that usually give great recommendations so I was optimistic going into my first book by this author.
I am thrilled to join this book’s fan club!
The FMC Jenna is so relatable, and well-written, that I found myself wanting to be her friend. But she’s not allowed to cook! So now when I get tagged in those questions of which FMC I want to be friends with? I now have an answer!
I love Jenna and her friendship with the spitfire, ride or die, no filter Meg. The tone and voice of Jenna is so strong that I was over 30% through the book before I realized it was a single POV. Usually I only really like dual POV’s, but I didn’t even miss it on this one! Of course I would’ve loved to see his side of things, but I was so caught up in the story that I didn’t notice it.
The MMC Emmett loves so well, even when it means making hard choices. He may regret some things in the past but he is doing everything he can to pursue their happily ever after. He loves big and deep, and quickly made his way onto my list of top book boyfriends.
The author writes in a way that immerses the reader, as though they are close personal friends with the characters. It may be a slow burn, but when the spice hits, boom - it really hits! This book did not read like a debut novel to me. The fact that this was Laura’s first book absolutely floors me and I cannot wait to read her other books and see what comes next both in this series and in the author’s writing career.
𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘙𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am thrilled to join this book’s fan club!
The FMC Jenna is so relatable, and well-written, that I found myself wanting to be her friend. But she’s not allowed to cook! So now when I get tagged in those questions of which FMC I want to be friends with? I now have an answer!
I love Jenna and her friendship with the spitfire, ride or die, no filter Meg. The tone and voice of Jenna is so strong that I was over 30% through the book before I realized it was a single POV. Usually I only really like dual POV’s, but I didn’t even miss it on this one! Of course I would’ve loved to see his side of things, but I was so caught up in the story that I didn’t notice it.
The MMC Emmett loves so well, even when it means making hard choices. He may regret some things in the past but he is doing everything he can to pursue their happily ever after. He loves big and deep, and quickly made his way onto my list of top book boyfriends.
The author writes in a way that immerses the reader, as though they are close personal friends with the characters. It may be a slow burn, but when the spice hits, boom - it really hits! This book did not read like a debut novel to me. The fact that this was Laura’s first book absolutely floors me and I cannot wait to read her other books and see what comes next both in this series and in the author’s writing career.
𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘙𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 3, 2024
Jenna is a travel nurse who has decided it's time to put down some roots so she returns to the only place that's ever felt like home, Chicago. It's here that a chance encounter with a patient leads her back to her high school best friend, and the one that got away, Emmett.
I loved a lot of elements in this debut novel. First of all, Jenna is actually tall (not as tall as me, but still) and gets herself a tall guy instead of all these little petite girls getting all these giant men. Second, you can tell Laura is a nurse because the job aspects are painfully accurate from short staffing to eating their young. It felt very familiar to me as a nurse myself - something most authors struggle to write accurately. And finally Emmett, who doesn't love a single daddy, with a dad bod, a strong moral compass, and a filthy mouth?
Overall I really do think this was a solid first offering from a brand new author. I did feel like Jenna flipped a switch from cursing the ground he walked on to babysitting his kid a bit quickly. I appreciated the illusion of time written into the story, but I feel like as a reader I needed to actually see more of that transition. For me, the ending also got a bit muddled up with what felt like extra drama added for the sake of drama.
I think Laura Beth has a lot of promise as an author and I'm interested to see her growth in her next book coming out soon.
3.25 ⭐️
I loved a lot of elements in this debut novel. First of all, Jenna is actually tall (not as tall as me, but still) and gets herself a tall guy instead of all these little petite girls getting all these giant men. Second, you can tell Laura is a nurse because the job aspects are painfully accurate from short staffing to eating their young. It felt very familiar to me as a nurse myself - something most authors struggle to write accurately. And finally Emmett, who doesn't love a single daddy, with a dad bod, a strong moral compass, and a filthy mouth?
Overall I really do think this was a solid first offering from a brand new author. I did feel like Jenna flipped a switch from cursing the ground he walked on to babysitting his kid a bit quickly. I appreciated the illusion of time written into the story, but I feel like as a reader I needed to actually see more of that transition. For me, the ending also got a bit muddled up with what felt like extra drama added for the sake of drama.
I think Laura Beth has a lot of promise as an author and I'm interested to see her growth in her next book coming out soon.
3.25 ⭐️
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