They say home is where the heart is. But what happens when home is where your heart was destroyed, and you’ve spent the last ten years avoiding the gut-wrenching reality of that?
Brynn Davis and Tyler Hayes have been best friends since they were kids. He’s her safe escape, and she’s the girl who stole his first kiss.
When Brynn’s world gets too loud, Tyler’s window is the door to her peace. Through every downfall, and climb back up, they’ve always been there for one another. But with one decision, and one secret bound in a torturous lie, they’re torn apart.
Ten years later, Tyler is living his dream in the NBA, miles from home. He should be reveling in having it all. But he’s missing the things he used to love, including the one girl who turned his life upside down in the best and worst kinds of ways.
Has too much happened to build their connection again, or are their paths still destined to cross?
Weaving moments from the past into the present, Always You is an emotional journey of finding the person who sees all that you are and learning to accept the person within. Between the blurred lines of selflessness, the essence of love will be put to the test, leaving behind the question—what would you sacrifice for the person you love?
Always You by Amanda Michelle delivers an emotional friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance that hits every corner of the heart. I can’t speak to what the author intended when she penned this story, but I can say this: be prepared. The emotional range in Always You is intense, layered, and deeply felt.
This was my first experience with Amanda Michelle’s work, and I have zero regrets. As the first book in the Endless Love series, Always You is a beautiful and compelling start.
The story introduces Brynn and Tyler, who formed a close bond the moment Brynn moved in next door. From childhood through adolescence, they became each other’s anchor and safe place. But secrets and lies tore them apart, destroying a friendship and shattering a budding romance.
Fast-forward ten years: Tyler is now a famous NBA player, but a career-altering injury forces him to reevaluate past choices. He hasn’t returned home since he left, yet one person has never left his mind, Brynn, the only girl who ever owned his heart. The question is whether he can forgive the betrayal that tore them apart.
On the other side, Brynn genuinely believed she was making the best decision for Tyler a decade earlier. That decision broke both their hearts. With Tyler’s return, she is forced to confront the consequences of choices made in fear and pain.
The narrative spans Brynn and Tyler’s childhood, teen years, and adulthood, with heavy emphasis on their early years, and for good reason. This isn’t a light or sweet romance. The story tackles serious themes, including alcoholism and abuse. Brynn endures more than anyone her age should, and Tyler becomes her constant support. That’s why her life-altering decision frustrated me so much—she believed she acted with love, but she took away his choice. And when the truth of her sacrifice comes out a decade later, it breaks his heart all over again. Still, love heals, and Tyler’s love for Brynn leads him toward forgiveness.
Just when it seems Brynn and Tyler will finally get their chance, tragedy strikes again. But miracles do happen, and the ending brings the emotional payoff readers of romance crave.
I love the comfort that Tyler always gave Brynn, he was truly always there for her. He was always her safe space and I’m glad she had someone reliable to turn to.
I felt at times this book dragged and I would skim over a lot, but I did like the parts that kept me engaged. I predicted what happened between Evan and Jess, especially with him trying to clam her down at the restaurant. The plot twist with Brynn’s tumor was a surprise for me though.
I wish we would have gotten more time with Brynn and Tyler an actual couple but we got the building of it through their friendship.
I can’t believe though that Tyler’s parents didn’t try to do anything about Dan, I know these things happen in real like and the abuser gets away so often, but I did hope that he would have had his karma.
Overall not a bad book, but I felt it boring at times. Glad they had their HEA though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I DNF this book. The author of course listed the trigger warnings however, I’m 160 pages in and the amount of toxicity in this book is really getting to me. Between the domestic violence with her ‘step father’ and the domestic violence with her ‘boyfriend,’ it’s just too much for me. Add alcoholism and some drug use. I’m assuming the ending may get better but it’s just too much for me. (I rate all my DNF’s 1 star)
ARC reader: I really enjoyed this book. It is your classic boy/girl neighbors, fall in love, etc BUT there are some huge differences. I wont add any spoilers but I will say have tissues handy. Amanda did a great job with the background information, and setting the book up for the "here and now."
I will say there were a couple things I would have liked to have seen different. The biggest being more time on the adult aspect of the characters. I feel like we rushed from being children to bam.. the end.
But it was a cute and super fast read! Cant wait for her 2nd.
This right here is my comfort book. My "pass the tissues, I need a good cry" book. My "I want to FEEL something" book. And I'm so happy to finally hold this emotional masterpiece in my hands. 🥰💕
I've read all the beautiful versions of Always You since it was written, and I can't say enough how proud I am of the work Amanda has done to bring us this final, amazing story.
Now, I'm terrible at reviews and giving summaries. I can only tell you how it made me feel, and I felt everything. As a huge fan of both friends to lovers and second chance romance, this is a win. As a reader who loves all things angsty and real and lovely and sad, this book has all my favorite things.
There are many hard-hitting and powerful threads in this story. And alongside complex characters, with a poetic and visual writing style that puts you right in the story, the reader experiences all of them. 😩❤️
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC of this book!
Emotional, jaw - dropping, intriguing and just all around beautiful, Always You digs its claws into you and will not let you go until you finish it! Honestly, I couldn’t put this book down even when I put the kindle down, it was back in my hand in seconds to continue the book.
Always You follows Brynn and Tyler, childhood friends who live next door to another and are each other’s safe space. From day one, Tyler knew Brynn was his everything and did everything in his power to make sure she knew he would always be there for her… until something rips them apart and they haven’t spoken in ten years. Ten years later, Tyler is injured from his stint in the basketball world and heads home… mind already on the one girl who he could not get out of his head.
Going in, I thought it would be a cute fluffy romance… but this is so much more than that. It tackles dark themes like domestic violence, alcoholism, drug use and cheating and I couldn’t stop reading it. Yes, there were moments where I wanted to shake Brynn and question her decision but I still kept going and loved it so much.
I don’t know how the author did it but I was sucked in. So much so that I was emotionally invested in this! Every decision that was made, every twist and turn, I was either throwing my kindle or exclaiming in protest wanting to shake the characters! But it was SO GOOD!!
You could really feel their emotions in this book, you were so hooked on their feelings. You knew Tyler was Brynn’s safe space that you even wanted her to run to him when she was going through a tough time.
This is split into two timelines, the past and the present. The past is a large percentage of this book and it really helps you build up the importance of their relationship and their feelings for when you get to the present. Be warned, you will need tissues! I bawled my eyes out more than I would like to admit 🙈!
If you love childhood friends to lovers, second chance romance you will love this book. It’s beautifully written and I love the authors writing so much that I can’t wait for more!
CW/TW: Alcoholism, drug use, sexual content, cheating and domestic abuse
I went into this book knowing absolutely nothing bar the title. I didn't read the blurb, i didn't look up the tropes, and I only slightly glanced at the triggers as I passed them.
This book. This story. I don't even know where to begin.
Brynn and Tyler.
I am someone who crys at books, that's just me, but when I tell you this book had me ugly crying multiple times.
Tyler and Brynns story is not an easy one to read. It isn't the story you read when you're looking for a cosy, feelgood tale. It's the story you read when you need to feel. The story that breaks you into pieces and glues you back together again, knowing those breaks will always be there and the story will never truly leave you.
Brynn. Where to even start. I loved Brynn, but not for the typical reasons I love a main character. She wasn't always strong, she leaned on people, sometimes a little too much. She was real, raw, and relateable. Brynn fell into footsteps she never wanted to, but she dragged herself from them despite how hard it was and she changed her direction. She became everything she needed to be.
Tyler. The boy next door and Brynns safe place. No matter who he had to put second, Brynn always came first. He was the best of friends when she needed him, and i love their friendship almost as much as i love their 'more'. When they said Always, they meant always.
This book, i can't review it how I typically would review a book. I never go into books blind. I stumbled upon this when looking through kindle unlimited and some gut feeling told me to read it and im so glad I listened.
It hurt. It really hurt to read at points, but it took over my day too. I can't say much without giving away too many spoilers, but the ending is so far from what I expected, but everything i needed. I ugly cried for a straight hour and a half reading the second half of this story.
It is so far from your typical second chance romance story, and it was everything I needed.
Brynn and Tyler will always hold a place in my heart, as will this story.
I don't think I have ever been so thrown off by a book. Going into Always You by Amanda Michelle I expected it to be a cute second-change romance but the book takes a deeper turn. Contemporary romance books today are light and comforting, yes they hold meaning and different problems the characters go through but Always You held that meaning on such a deeper and pure level it felt almost real.
At the beginning of the book you follow the two characters Tyler and Brynn through their childhood, how their bond works, and what connects them. It was an interesting structure choice that worked for the story. It allowed you to connect to the characters on a level of nostalgia and memories, we were able to feel the emotions of part 2 comfortably as we were committed to the characters as we followed their journey in their earlier years. Using that structure created the bond between the character and the reader making part 2 feel real and that more heartbreaking.
I was lucky enough to receive the ARC for Always You and in truth I loved it. I felt at the beginning the pacing was slow and I wanted to understand more but it felt that it took a little longer to get there. However, I thoroughly enjoyed following Tyler and Brynn through their lives in a full and real way. I didn't know that the story was so deep and real, I thought it was a cute and fluffy romance but it really isn't. The book is all about the real aspects of life and the difficult paths. Make sure to check the TW before reading as some parts of this book dive deep into them in a real and honest way.
I would 100% recommend this book if you want to read a heartbreaking romance full of reality but from a different lens. If you want a simple rom-com this isn't the book. You will cry, laugh and smile, feeling all the emotions the characters endure. Thank you to the author Amanda Michelle for sending me this ARC I can't wait for the rest of the series and where it goes.
This book was such a surprise. I have never read anything by Amanda Michelle and was chosen as an arc reader for the second book in this series. I wanted to read this one before I jump into that.
This story brought out every emotion. It truly felt like we experienced their whole life into adulthood with them. It starts in Brynn and Tylers’s childhood. Normally I don’t love when books do that- but this one was done so well and it adds so much to the story. What Brynn went through growing up was heartbreaking. I loved that Tyler became her safe space and reading them as friends you could feel their deep bond even before they became more. This book does have triggers though. It deals with domestic violence and alcoholism. Those topics are heavy but I thought the way the author discussed them and how someone can feel stuck in that situation was done very well.
When part one ends I was angry. No I was pissed. Honestly it made me think there’s no way that one of the main characters could be redeemed. I felt like the secret that was kept was unforgivable and was planing on rating the book less than 5 starts because of it. But as part two started and got underway I began to forgive along with the other main character.
Part two also goes into more tough topics that I wasn’t expecting. It was heartbreaking, but also so beautiful. The ending was perfect and now I can’t wait to read book two!
Hi, yes, this book broke a part of my soul but here’s why I think you should read it. I love when I find an indie author with such an amazing book. This book only has a little over 100 ratings but it deserves so many more. I found this book through Jeri Marie, another indie author I fell in love with. This series was beautiful and yes its a second chance so it’s not going to be too difficult to win me over. But it gave me everything I love in a second chance. So it’s split up in two parts which is amazing to have in one book with everything that was told in this one. Now I do feel like part 2 was a little rushed but I can also see how have ing it extended could have felt repetitive too. So what was here was perfect and honestly nothing I could think of could have made it better. But part 1 was the true highlight of the book. It was so good and it covered a lot. I damn near needed tissues in several parts of the book and needed then during ine certain scene. So thank you Amanda for making this the first book to make me cry to this year. But overall this is a beautiful emotional second chance romance that everyone should pick up. And if book two is what I’m thinking it’s going to be I’m so freaking excited for it!
Did I love this book? No. Did I devour it? Yes. I found this book to be predictable and an easy read, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Part 1 was a little long/slow for me but I felt for Brynn - clearly her life was not everything she had hoped it would be and she was doing the best with what she had. Tyler was the only good thing in it. I think she shows a lot of character development throughout the book and I enjoyed that. Tyler as a little one-note - the stereotypical boy-next-door, supportive and overprotective friend. Again, not a bad thing. It is fairly typical for this genre and a lot of times if I am reading this genre it's for predictable characters. Part 2 you might need to break out a box of tissues. I found myself getting emotional over the characters' struggles and reaching for my shirt sleeve to wipe away a few stray tears. Overall it was cute, a little heartbreaking, and a decent read.
This book was such a great read! It’s a love story about Brynn and Ty, mostly focusing on their younger years and what led to them going their separate ways.
Spoilers ahead: Brynn gets pregnant but tells Ty she cheated so he would leave for college and pursue his NBA dreams. Fast forward ten years—Ty comes back to town, they reconnect, and he discovers he has a son.
There’s a big twist near the end—Brynn has brain cancer. For a moment, it really seems like she won’t make it, adding a lot of emotional weight to the story. Thankfully, she pulls through.
Overall, this was a cute rom-com with plenty of angst. There are some moments involving domestic violence, so keep that in mind. The book doesn’t dive too deep into what happened while they were apart, which might leave some readers wanting more. But if you’re looking for a second-chance romance with some drama, it’s worth checking out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Brynn and Tyler have been friends since they were kids. She sought him out as a safe place, and he was there to keep her mind occupied. They have always been one another person. One moment changes the course of their relationship, and 10 years later, they are both back in the same town, forced to acknowledge that there was never anyone else for them. As their past collides with the present, they must navigate their emotions in hopes of finding forgiveness.
I absolutely loved both of these characters. I loved the way they always seemed to find each other amongst the crowds. It was a wild ride of emotions, and I honestly struggled to put the book down.
Wow, this was an incredible book and a total emotional rollercoaster in the best way. I really feel like you should go in blind, because SO MUCH happens and anything I put in this review may be considered a spoiler. Just know that this was such a great book, and I truly cannot believe this was a debut novel. This was so well written and has a great pace. It's broken up into two parts: the past, when Tyler and Brynn were children/teenagers, and then the present, when they are both in their late twenties. I really think everyone should read this and I cannot wait for the next one in this series.
First thing that needs to be discussed is the fact this is Amanda Michelle's first book is literally astonishing. I need to bow at this womans FEET. The emotional rollercoaster I went through. Crying within the first 20 pages was a good sign. Halfway through I think I could fill a sink with my tears. And then 83% hit and yep....a waterfall came. I fell instantly in love with the main characters and hatred towards some....I will not name. At times I was like....is this going to end happily?! I almost stopped cause I couldn't handle that. But just PUSH THROUGH. Please please please read this. 🥹 my heart(and head) hurt but all will be put back together. Just download and read the book
Oh. My. Gosh. This book was absolutely amazing. I came across this author on IG and immediately downloaded this to my kindle. I read it in one day. This was absolute childhood friends to lovers perfection with angst, heartbreak, all the things. Brynn was such a strong FMC. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Loved it for the first 75%.last 25% - garage. I hate to say that but I hate a hidden pregnancy trope. Unless he’s abusive, a horrible addict, rape etc … it’s a hard no for me. And then it’s all packed up in a bow and love with everyone understanding. You’re a garbage human. No man should forgive that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book had me sobbing and crying hoping for a miracle. Brynn and Tyler are neighbors and childhood best friends. For Brynn, Tyler is home, safe, and he’s the one person who knows her better than anyone. For Tyler, Brynn is the one person he can’t lose, the one he put first before everything because he can’t stand the thought of her being hurt.
In one night all of that changes and it takes years for them to come back together and see where the pieces of their relationship have landed.
I loved this book from start to finish. I’m so happy to have been able to read this ARC and read this amazing journey the characters took and is a must read for all who enjoy a little bit of crying with their happy ending.
This book tore out my heart and then put it back together!
I have never been so attached to two characters before. This felt like The Notebook, Walk to Remember, because of all the feels that you feel. This was done so well, I will always remember these characters because wow, written so well!
This book is everything. I could not put it down. It is a feel good book that has a lot of twists and turns. Just when you think the book is headed down one path, it throws you for a loop. It leaves you wanting more, this is a must read for any romance fans out there!
Words can’t express all the feelings I got from this book! This book is amazing!!! I still can’t stop thinking about it!! Grab a box of tissues because you will need it!!! It’s such an amazing love story
When I started this book, I was expecting a cute, small town second-chance romance... I was NOT expecting that rollercoaster ride of emotions ❤️ I'm not the type to often cry while reading, but this got me 😭 It was beautifully written and a beautiful story ❤️
I went into this one blind and good god I cried so hard. I don’t even have any words, I’m just staring at the wall. Beautiful heart wrenching story. I guess if you want to get your heart ripped out this is the one. Absolutely beautiful! Best book of the year so far! 🩷
This was a really good book. Two people grow up side by side as best friends and safe havens and it turns into love but then are separated for a long time and find each other again. Check the triggers on this before reading as it contains -abuse -loss -pregnancy -sickness
THE WAY I ATE THIS BOOK UP!!!! I was lucky enough to read an ARC version of this book. I thought that it was the sweetest story of two friends and how they grew to love each other and find their way back to each other. There are some triggers throughout the book as well, but there is a warning at the beginning of the book given to readers prior to starting the book.
The first half of the book covers Brynn and Tyler growing up together in their past, from a dual POV. They grew up best friends once Brynn moved in next door, and you can see their friendship developing and growing and also get to see the challenges and tests that are put on it too. The second half of the book covers them in "present day" as adults and goes through how they came back to each other after years of being apart.
There were a couple of surprising twists and turns throughout the book some that I was partly expecting and others I didn't see coming and really made me feel all of the feels. I cannot believe Amanda had me crying non stop the last hour of reading the book, like tears on tears.
I loved this book so much and thought it was a great read, I'm so excited for others to get to experience Brynn and Tyler's love too!! I'm excited to see who the second book in the series will be about!