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Affectionately Yours

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From Australian Romance Author Emily Foxx comes her new standalone, a friends-to-lovers romance with a compassionate heroine and a damaged but lovable hero ...



Doctor Bradley Stephens



Evelyn is a childhood friend. When I moved away from Bluebeach Bay, she would write letters to me, to remind me I was brave.



Never did I think she would make another impression on me when I moved back to my childhood home to start a doctor’s practice.



She reaches a part of me I have closed off to women.



My heart.



Dark memories from my past make sure of that.





Evelyn Cassano



When Bradley meets me for coffee, we reconnect. It’s like old times.



When I finally let him know how I feel, I realize he feels the same way.



However, the more time I spend with him, I learn his past is in his present.



It causes trouble because he won’t open up to me when I am the only person who truly understands him.



An emotionally driven and passionate, friends-to-lovers story, with a twist of drama and suspense.



Mature audiences only.

Some dark themes.

Check website for content warnings

379 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2024

8 people want to read

About the author

Emily Foxx

9 books100 followers
Australian Romantic Suspense Author. Mother, Wife, and Romance Book Lover. Emily writes spicy tales of men and women who carry emotional scars, and vow to protect the ones they love 🪻📚☕️

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5 stars
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13 (52%)
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2 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for caitys.booknook.
532 reviews53 followers
April 29, 2024
2024:
I had very high hopes for this book when it first started, but the more it progressed, the less I enjoyed it. I've rated it 3 stars because overall, it felt perfectly average.

Overall, the premise was great - I loved every aspect of childhood friends, the childhood trauma influencing adult life, and the progressive love story.
I enjoyed that the story was spread out over time and that that time was noted on the relative chapter heads. It felt much more natural than events happening in the span of days or weeks and gave you a point of reference as the story continued.
I thought the representation of mental health and self care was dealt with well, both in people reacting positively and negatively. It was realistic of what the world is really like.
I enjoyed the start of the book - jumping straight into their feelings and then setting the slow burn connection from there.
I enjoyed the end of the book jumping to the future and seeing how relationships had developed over time and how their experiences had changed the characters. My favourite thing about the end was recognising that over time, a couple can lose themselves in all the things going on, but can bring that spark back if they take some time for themselves and their relationship.

I didn't love the overall tone of the book. It didn't make much sense to me - irrespective of being medical professionals, speaking to someone you've known and been family/friends with for 20 years, that didn't make sense to me. At the start, maybe, but not carried through the whole book. Maybe with secondary characters, it would've made sense, but between the MMC and MFC, I feel like the banter and conversation should've been much more relaxed or at least become that way as their feelings changed.
I didn't love Evie's character development. It felt like she was gearing up to finally stand up for herself and recognise that she deserved to be treated better but then folded at every opportunity. She spent a lot of time crying in the book, and I just didn't vibe with her.
I didn't love Brad's character. I felt him very unlikable. Whilst I acknowledge he was suffering untreated mental health, that doesn't give him the intrinsic right to treat others who care for him like trash. I also found his redemptive moments to be shallow and not genuine. He would come crawling back to Evie but still withhold vital information and then distract her with intimacy rather than face his own issues. His insistence on Evie getting help and support after her breakdown at work didn't align with his own reluctantance to seek help and support.
I feel like a good portion of the middle of the book was repetitive, and there would be no great loss to the story had it been cut by 100 or so pages.
There were lots of points that felt like the story was coming to a natural end, and then it just kept going. So by the time the end came, I didn't care so much for what was happening, just that it was over.

I would consider picking up more of Foxx's work as her idea for this book seemed quite complex and interesting. It just needed some finer tuning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Witchetty Sophie.
279 reviews6 followers
April 17, 2024
Childhood friends torn apart by tragedy. Still haunted from the past our MMC Brad tries to push away feelings for his childhood friend. Our FMC Evie has had feeling for Brad since she was 6 years old, craving for years for their relationship to work. Reunited they can’t hold their attraction in anymore, but with one wanting to go all in and the other one pained by past trauma is not willing to commit.

I enjoyed this story. There were times I thought it was near the end but wasn’t. I liked that it was set over a period of time but I just couldn’t connect with it the way I do with other stories. I did like their dynamic and there coming back on and off. Also their connection plus family connection

There is mental health rep there so be sure to check in with self when read, some bits can be triggering and some of the explanation was hard to digest. Also the lines on BPD, if your bpd I don’t think the author meant manipulation and compulsive lying because of the BPD, it’s ok she didn’t mean you boo 😘 I know you feel the stigma but I don’t think it was meant to sound that way.

I would still check out Emily Foxx other work and look forward to what she has next.

-Domestic abuse
-R@p3
-Loss of newborn
-Loss of parent
-Trauma
-witness to d3@the of parent.
-ptsd
-mental health
-Bipolar and BPD

Thanks to Books and B!tches for the ARC and these are my totally honest and awesome opinions.
Profile Image for Katrina.
895 reviews16 followers
May 22, 2024
Affectionately Yours is a friends to lovers story featuring Brad, a doctor and Evelyn a midwife. Friends since childhood, Evelyn always had a crush on Brad. Since he returned to town, their friendship develops into something more, but a tragedy from Brad’s past prevents him from having a serious relationship/ will Brad and Evelyn get their happy ending? Read and find out.
Affectionately Yours is a very enjoyable read. The hero is swoon worthy and the book is well written. Highly recommended
55 reviews4 followers
April 13, 2024
Friends to Lovers
Damaged Hearts
Trauma
Deaths of Parents


All the emotions you think you didn't need or want rolled up into a pretty package

Emily has once again captured our hearts with this book to say the least

thank you for the opportunity of reading it as an ARC

LOVED every moment <3
Profile Image for Naiomi Cox.
403 reviews32 followers
April 12, 2024
Friends to lovers, damaged hearts, a sweet story about friends who find each other after years apart. Was good to see that even damaged they were able to work through their issues with the help of on another and other family members.
Profile Image for Cindy Fong.
2,057 reviews
April 21, 2024
Evelyn and Brad have lived a lifetime of angst. From childhood crushes to outright adult lust, these two have been through the wringer. It is all of life's nuances that seem to get in their way. Love finally prevails and a family is formed.
Profile Image for Michele Del Rey.
3,020 reviews30 followers
April 28, 2024
This friends to lovers story was magic. Bradley and Evelyn are made for one another. Bradley is closed off from everything, Evelyn is such a great character, she will not give up. Amazing story and feelings throughout.
Profile Image for Rebecca Edwards.
28 reviews
June 3, 2024
This book is about childhood best friends it great book I really enjoyed it. The chemistry is great the story line is great I can't wait to see what next
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,261 reviews219 followers
April 17, 2024
4 Star Review Affectionately Yours by Emily Foxx
Emily Foxx is a new author to me and I surprises me that I have not read any other books from this author. I enjoy friends to lovers stories and this was well written and I quickly became invested in Dr. Bradley Stephens and Evelyn Cassano ‘s story set in Bluebeach Bay.
Please take note of the trigger warnings as some subjects covered may be a trigger to some. You have been warned.
When Stephen returns to Bluebeach Bay he re connects with Evelyn, an old friend. It feels like they were never apart but Stephen has baggage and it quickly becomes clear that it is colouring his present. Can Evelyn help him come to terms with the past and in doing so create a future together?
There were times where my heart broke for this couple. Affectionately Yours was an emotional love story that drew me in. The addition of the suspense element was a bonus.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,598 reviews135 followers
April 20, 2024
This is the first book I have read by Emily Foxx but it won’t be the last because I really enjoyed this friends to lovers romance set in the small town of Bluebeach Bay. In saying this I also think I should point out the trigger warnings for this story as some subjects that are covered may be a trigger for some readers.
Dr Bradley Stehens has returned to his home town and he reconnects with his old friend Evelyn Cassano. From the moment they meet up the friendship picks up where it left off but Brad has issues from his past that makes his future very difficult. So can Evie help him move on or will his past ruin their future…….
This is an emotional yet entertaining read, it’s well written with characters you can’t help loving and once you add in the suspense element you get a great read.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.2k reviews258 followers
April 22, 2024
This is Bradley and Evelyn’s story.
These two were childhood friends, and Bradley has returned to his hometown to open his own doctor’s practice, and when he reconnects with Evelyn it felt like they had never been apart. Bradley is weighed down by baggage, which is affecting his present life, but will he reveal all to Evelyn?
This is a well written story which is an action packed, emotional roller coaster, with friends / lovers, drama, angst, heartbreak, engaging and realistic characters, suspense, intrigue, passion, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, haunting, twisted, and unpredictable, small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.4k reviews92 followers
April 25, 2024
Evelyn has been friends with Brad since they were children so even though events had him leaving their hometown that didn’t mean the connection between them ended and his return only confirms the special relationship that they share.

Bradley has a difficult past which has shaped him into the man he is and how he doesn’t allow people close. When he sees Evelyn again it doesn’t take Evelyn long to break through her walls, but will she be able to show him that there is so much more to life than the way he has been living it.

The feelings between them were never in doubt however they take us on an emotional journey as they need to overcome the pain of the past as well as the turmoil in the present.
Profile Image for Trina Jones.
2,717 reviews40 followers
April 22, 2024
WOW 😮 this was a steamy and romance story Evelyn and Brad friendship. It was a page turner and suspense was intense. Their relationship was very emotional and intriguing moments of their lives together. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put it down. They started to have feelings for one another and they couldn’t fight it anymore. They were started to fall in love with each other. Will they overcome their challenges and have happiness.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
323 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2024
Evelyn and Brad were childhood friends who were torn apart after a family tragedy hit Brad's family in the death of his mother.

Years later, they meet back up after sending each other letters and becoming great friends.

When the sparks fly, they fly!

This book is not for the faint of heart.

There is talk of several triggering issues, so take note of them.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Emily in the future!
Profile Image for Shannon Bolton.
181 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2024
Wow this one was super intense emotion wise
Brad and Evelyn went through so much emotional baggage to reach their hea. Really liked that Emily Fox tackled the issue of mental illness and it's huge impacts on the whole family. This one's a keeper....
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,940 reviews101 followers
April 23, 2024
Evelyn and Brad have lived a lifetime of angst. From childhood crushes to outright adult lust, these two have been through the wringer. It is all of life's nuances that seem to get in their way. Love finally prevails and a family is formed.
Profile Image for Teri Ruscak.
2,131 reviews19 followers
May 15, 2024
Emily Foxx
Affectionately Yours
Evelyn and Brad
An awesome story of childhood friends torn apart because of a family tragedy, then reconnecting in their adult years.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melody Madness.
65 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2024
A really cute read, very easy to breeze through the book. Would reccomend for a quick read!
Profile Image for Lori Hammons.
2,908 reviews29 followers
April 26, 2024
Evie and Brad's saga is an amazing look at life, love, and growing past trauma and fears. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Lizzi.
2,091 reviews16 followers
April 30, 2024
Evelyn and Brad have a roller coaster ride to their HEA. Lots of steamy scenes and angst to make you not want to put this book down. A good read!!
Profile Image for Tracy Fritts.
1,478 reviews36 followers
May 23, 2024
I thought it was a good read. Its a steamy story, leave you with mixed emotions. It kept my interest. It was well written and I enjoyed the characters. It has a good storyline.
Profile Image for Jodi.
474 reviews12 followers
June 4, 2024
Evelyn and Brad's story is so well told. This book has it all. All the angst. All the heat. I recommend this book. The author did a fantastic job writing this story. Earning four stars from me!
Profile Image for Linda.
279 reviews10 followers
April 26, 2024
Brad and Evie have known each other since they were kids. A terrible experience happens that splits them up. They write letters to each other over the years. They both work in the medical field and start coffee. They fall in love but the past haunts Bradley. Great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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