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It Was Always You #4
Always Forever
Holt Christensen walks into my donut shop on a chaotic Friday morning in desperate need of cupcakes for his daughter's first day at her new school.
I refer him to a cupcake shop down the street and tell myself that's the end of it.
The second time we meet, he offers to tie me down.
Literally.
How did we go from hello to Fifty Shades of Hotter Than Hell in a New York minute?
Giving in to a blue-eyed billionaire with an adorable four-year-old daughter who has a British accent and a dog she dresses in tutus is a terrible idea.
My heart has been through enough. But Holt Christensen makes it very hard to remember why I built these walls in the first place.
But I can't ignore the warning bell ringing in my head.
When it’s too good to be true, it usually is.
The last man I trusted left scars I'm still trying to heal.
Tropes: Single dad, billionaire romance, child as matchmaker, found family, age gap, she falls first he falls harder
Book 4 in the It Was Always You series. Reads as a standalone.
I refer him to a cupcake shop down the street and tell myself that's the end of it.
The second time we meet, he offers to tie me down.
Literally.
How did we go from hello to Fifty Shades of Hotter Than Hell in a New York minute?
Giving in to a blue-eyed billionaire with an adorable four-year-old daughter who has a British accent and a dog she dresses in tutus is a terrible idea.
My heart has been through enough. But Holt Christensen makes it very hard to remember why I built these walls in the first place.
But I can't ignore the warning bell ringing in my head.
When it’s too good to be true, it usually is.
The last man I trusted left scars I'm still trying to heal.
Tropes: Single dad, billionaire romance, child as matchmaker, found family, age gap, she falls first he falls harder
Book 4 in the It Was Always You series. Reads as a standalone.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2020
About the author
Scarlett Avery
85 books1,418 followersTwo-time USA TODAY and Amazon TOP 21 bestselling author Scarlett Avery unapologetically brings book boyfriends to their knees. Only smart, sassy, and vulnerable heroines are brave enough to unravel these heroes.
Scarlett’s love stories are intense and passionate, emotional and steamy, layered with some delicious angsty scenes that always leave you begging for more. Once you start reading Scarlett’s novels, there’s no going back.
You’ll find the catalogue of all her books and a reading order on her website.
Scarlett’s love stories are intense and passionate, emotional and steamy, layered with some delicious angsty scenes that always leave you begging for more. Once you start reading Scarlett’s novels, there’s no going back.
You’ll find the catalogue of all her books and a reading order on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
July 19, 2020
Damn great book
So sexy,fun, cute,suspenseful and tear jerker. Not sure I got them all. Didn’t want this story to end. Loved this book so much. Scarletts books are all so wonderful!!!
So sexy,fun, cute,suspenseful and tear jerker. Not sure I got them all. Didn’t want this story to end. Loved this book so much. Scarletts books are all so wonderful!!!
December 2, 2020
The second chapter is hilarious, when the ladies in the donut shop are ogling the hot guy out in the parking lot. You get a play by play of what the ladies are thinking and then Bronwen drops the bomb that the "nanny dog" aka The Staffordshire bull terrier is for a child's playmate. That's when Everly dubs the hot guy, "Hot Dad" and her panties have officially melted. What does it for Holt is her fanny pack! The playful verbal sparring continues the next time they both meet and that's when Everly proclaims herself the "donut dominatrix" and it just gets better from there on in. Holt is the perfect dad, the perfect boss, the perfect guy ... even Luna the dog is taken with Everly, "My dog is addicted to your donuts." The sweetest last chapter ever, the donut finale with all the important people involved playing a part. This book will make you feel good and make you smile.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
September 19, 2022
Sweet and sinful
As expected with this series this book hooks you from the get go.
Everly owns her own bakery and Holt is a former rock star turned music label owner and single dad. Naomi is his precious four year old daughter and is a delight along with Luna.
This is a steamy must read which won't disappoint
As expected with this series this book hooks you from the get go.
Everly owns her own bakery and Holt is a former rock star turned music label owner and single dad. Naomi is his precious four year old daughter and is a delight along with Luna.
This is a steamy must read which won't disappoint
December 16, 2020
Sexy
Love this series. Holt the single rock bad boy turn manager. Everly the shy baker. They meet by chance, Everly saves the day. Holt is smitten from the start. They find a love to be halted by the past. They find their way back and find their happily ever after.
Love this series. Holt the single rock bad boy turn manager. Everly the shy baker. They meet by chance, Everly saves the day. Holt is smitten from the start. They find a love to be halted by the past. They find their way back and find their happily ever after.
February 9, 2021
This is my favorite book of the series!!! Holt and Everly are everything and more!! From the meet cute to the very end, these two along with Naomi had my attention and heart!!!! Holt was a rock star of the biggest rock band and now he's a single dad running a successful music label. He hasn't wanted to bring a lady around his daughter but that all changes when Everly enters his life. Everly is a baker and thanks to word of mouth, her business has taken off. People are waiting around the block to get her donuts thanks to an after party. She has a great staff that seriously have her back and make me laugh so loud at times. They are a great group!! Meeting Holt was an experience.. the oogling was everything!! These two have an instant chemistry but have to take things slow. Holt isn't the type to jump into anything and doesn't want to bring anyone around his daughter. He's such a great dad!! Him and Everly explode in this book! He's a dominant and she holds her own in the bedroom. Donut dominatrix was such a cool name for Everly and fit her perfectly! They have explosive times in the bedroom!!! She bonds with his daughter and creates a loving relationship there. There's hurdles that they have to jump though, like a crazy baby mama, who comes back not for the kid but for money..She's a winner, let me tell you... I fell so deep in love with both characters, Naomi, his band mates and her crew.. OH and the end was so freakin amazing and sweet as could be!! I so didn't want to this book to end and can't wait to read more from this series!! It's so good!!!
July 23, 2020
Very Good
First book I read by author and I loved it
Omg the sex scenes were really hot
Loved the characters
First book I read by author and I loved it
Omg the sex scenes were really hot
Loved the characters
December 3, 2020
Holt and Averly were so hot together but I liked the way they were with eachother. The love they have for one another is what made this book good.
July 19, 2020
My Precious
Although really good, it wasn't what I expected. The pet name Holt has for Everly, Precious, had the movie "Lord Of The Rings" constantly jumping in my head. About 1/2 way through I couldn't get the creatures face out of my head either. Corny I know! I loved the Flashback Fridays at the donut shop, the music and costumes were awesome. There were some steamy intimacy scenes and some proofreading glitches. The choice in words, J.C and G.D abundantly used for cussing I wasn't a fan of. There's no cheating or cliffhanger and you get a happy ever after. I've always liked Ms. Avery's stories. The characters and storylines are always well rounded and thought out. Enjoy 🤓
Although really good, it wasn't what I expected. The pet name Holt has for Everly, Precious, had the movie "Lord Of The Rings" constantly jumping in my head. About 1/2 way through I couldn't get the creatures face out of my head either. Corny I know! I loved the Flashback Fridays at the donut shop, the music and costumes were awesome. There were some steamy intimacy scenes and some proofreading glitches. The choice in words, J.C and G.D abundantly used for cussing I wasn't a fan of. There's no cheating or cliffhanger and you get a happy ever after. I've always liked Ms. Avery's stories. The characters and storylines are always well rounded and thought out. Enjoy 🤓
July 25, 2020
AUGH!!
Scarlett Avery! You ruin me for all other authors! I absolutely love Holt and Everly! They are a perfect couple in all ways! And while Naomi makes three she doesn’t seem to make a crowd. She’s the cherry on top! 🍒 It’s all so very PERFECT and I love it. It was all sooo very, very perfect!
Scarlett Avery! You ruin me for all other authors! I absolutely love Holt and Everly! They are a perfect couple in all ways! And while Naomi makes three she doesn’t seem to make a crowd. She’s the cherry on top! 🍒 It’s all so very PERFECT and I love it. It was all sooo very, very perfect!
December 8, 2020
Not your typical playboy
Holt and Everly were far from the typical playboy-meets-woman couple, and I mean that in the best way. There was a little bit if cheesiness, but that served to break up the necessary drama and mess waiting to swirl around Holt and Naomi. And that epilogue! Oh, that just made the entire book worth it.
I came into this series with this book, so I don’t think you’d have to read the first two stories to know what’s going on, but I still think I’ll head back to the beginning just because I can. It seems that this author doesn’t want to give us the expected characters and that works for me. In a big way.
Holt and Everly were far from the typical playboy-meets-woman couple, and I mean that in the best way. There was a little bit if cheesiness, but that served to break up the necessary drama and mess waiting to swirl around Holt and Naomi. And that epilogue! Oh, that just made the entire book worth it.
I came into this series with this book, so I don’t think you’d have to read the first two stories to know what’s going on, but I still think I’ll head back to the beginning just because I can. It seems that this author doesn’t want to give us the expected characters and that works for me. In a big way.
July 25, 2020
Ok
Ok read. Please author remember that a musician plays a BASS a baseball player runs to a BASE.
Easy read.
Ok read. Please author remember that a musician plays a BASS a baseball player runs to a BASE.
Easy read.
March 3, 2021
So many precious parts to this read between Amelia, Luna and the sweet moments between Holt and Everly. Let me start by saying I love Everly's character and am jealous of her owning her own bakery but I loved how she was finding herself again and becoming such an independent person. She had all the natural holdbacks to this personal growth. Holt was a fantastic H as he is was strong and soft all at the same time and his daughter and Luna were fabulous highlights in this read.
This read goes quickly and is PACKED with steam ,quirky puns and humor, fabulous supporting characters and really just comes together perfectly even with the hiccup during the read.
This read goes quickly and is PACKED with steam ,quirky puns and humor, fabulous supporting characters and really just comes together perfectly even with the hiccup during the read.
January 16, 2021
You can never go wrong reading Scarlett. She is brilliant. This book is another example of her vivid writing bringing to life a romance with a twist.
December 30, 2020
Holt: (Torrid Rush)
(Certified Playboy, #3)
Scarlett Avery
I'm loving all of the books in the Certified Playboy series. This book was full of hot, steamy goodness. Holt and Everly's story was almost a fairytale. Not everyday does a does a whimsical, nostalgic bakery owner meet a sexy rocker, alpha bad boy, whose happens to be a single dad.
After Holt steps foot into the "Sugar Glaze Shack" for cupcakes, he leaves there with a motherload of donuts & sweet visions of his "Donut Dominatrix". This story is full of steamy, romance with a sweet happily ever after for Holt, Everly, Naomi & Luna. I fell in love with Holt. He was 100% alpha but he knew what it meant to be sweet, understanding and protective of the ones he loves most.
I loved the authors creativity factor when it came to the bakery name and ideas for donut flavors and glazes. I'm looking forward to reading Jace's story next.
(Certified Playboy, #3)
Scarlett Avery
I'm loving all of the books in the Certified Playboy series. This book was full of hot, steamy goodness. Holt and Everly's story was almost a fairytale. Not everyday does a does a whimsical, nostalgic bakery owner meet a sexy rocker, alpha bad boy, whose happens to be a single dad.
After Holt steps foot into the "Sugar Glaze Shack" for cupcakes, he leaves there with a motherload of donuts & sweet visions of his "Donut Dominatrix". This story is full of steamy, romance with a sweet happily ever after for Holt, Everly, Naomi & Luna. I fell in love with Holt. He was 100% alpha but he knew what it meant to be sweet, understanding and protective of the ones he loves most.
I loved the authors creativity factor when it came to the bakery name and ideas for donut flavors and glazes. I'm looking forward to reading Jace's story next.
December 30, 2020
This book was amazing. Holt is a single dad that has a 4 year old daughter and a job in the music industry. He needed cupcakes for his daughter’s holiday party and left them at home. He finds a bakery that makes donuts. Amazing donuts and the owner in a flash back friday outfit that makes him stop. Everly is beautiful and smart and funny. They hit it off at the beginning of the meeting. Holt can’t stop thinking of her and they start seeing each other and go on a date. Things start to happen fast even though Everly is keeping it casual and knows it won’t last she is falling for him. He has his daughter’s birth mom coming to see him and all he can do is focus on what he needs to do for his daughter and nothing else. He goes radio silence and it’s weeks. Then he stops by and things are all cleared up. This book took my heart. I cried when Everly cried and laughed so much with the quick wit she has. It was a great book.
July 19, 2020
From the line "did you forget,your underwear" I loved this book. The easy conversations between the characters especially the witty comments were fantastic. I was happy when I saw expressions I use all the time like "from your mouth to Gods ear" and "my sparkling personality " because people just don't say that anymore. I loved the storyline that she wasn't expiereced so to say but was like throw caution to the wind I want to try this with you. The return of Naomi's mother was a plot twist you sort of saw coming but her departure was unique. I always say the best romances always have good laughs and this story was right on the money.
February 2, 2021
Former Rock Star and Donut Dominatrix!!!
This couple rocked it off the pages. Holt is a single dad raising his four-year-old daughter and their adorable overprotective dog. Everly is living her dream by owning her own donut shop with employees who have all become family. I loved the Flashback Fridays and the creative ways Everly and her team came up with themes. Everly’s past tore my heart apart. Holt’s baby momma drama just shattered me. But these two together tell a beautiful story and a bond that is unbreakable. I enjoyed how understanding Everly is with Holt’s little girl and being supportive of his time with her. I cannot wait to get into the rest of this series.
This couple rocked it off the pages. Holt is a single dad raising his four-year-old daughter and their adorable overprotective dog. Everly is living her dream by owning her own donut shop with employees who have all become family. I loved the Flashback Fridays and the creative ways Everly and her team came up with themes. Everly’s past tore my heart apart. Holt’s baby momma drama just shattered me. But these two together tell a beautiful story and a bond that is unbreakable. I enjoyed how understanding Everly is with Holt’s little girl and being supportive of his time with her. I cannot wait to get into the rest of this series.
July 19, 2020
Great heartwarming romance! Holt is on a mission to find cupcakes for his daughter but what he gets is so much better. Everly has given up on love and has thrown herself into her bakery business. The attraction level is off the charts when Holt sees Everly rocking her fanny pack. Hot interactions and lots of angst from his baby mama drama. I give this a five hanky rating for the ending well done Ms. Avery!
December 14, 2020
Certified Playboy: Holt was a great single dad romance! I really liked it. This was a sweet, sexy and cute read. Holt was swoony, sexy and such a great father to his daughter Naomi. Everly was sassy and sweet. I loved Holt and Everly together, they had such great chemistry and were just scorching together! Naomi was really adorable! Definitely recommend!
January 8, 2021
Super sexy and uber sweet single dad romance. Their alone time was really steamy but their time together around others and his daughter was sweet. I loved the characters and their unique story. Noni was a funny , adorable little thing too. Just enough ex drama to spicy it up but enough to wash out their story
August 22, 2020
Great read
I loved their story. Pain and betrayal led them to the same area and then each other and what an journey it was!
I loved their story. Pain and betrayal led them to the same area and then each other and what an journey it was!
July 18, 2020
There are few plots that get my heart rate up like a bad boy turned single daddy to his precious little girl. Then, if that bad boy happens to be a ripped and tatted former rock star with a few kinks and can talk dirty the way Scarlett Avery writes so well, you have the kindle melting third book of the Bad Boy Studs series TORRID RUSH.
Holt has devoted himself completely to his daughter since she was born. When he went searching for cupcakes he promised to bring her at school, he didn’t know another young woman would become a light in his life with her energy, quirkiness, empathy and complete passion for him.
But life has it’s way of making the road rocky and how that road was navigated in this story is as intense as the romance itself. As much fun as the easy banter and intimacy between Holt and Everly was, they were tested. While I smiled at their playfulness, Scarlett Avery knew just how to tug at my emotions rendering me unable to keep the tears at bay. I always admire the talent of an author to have the capacity to write for my feelings.
TORRID RUSH has all the great elements of a single dad romance. You’ll love reading it and if you are like me, You will start looking forward to the next Bad Boy Stud to get his story told.
Holt has devoted himself completely to his daughter since she was born. When he went searching for cupcakes he promised to bring her at school, he didn’t know another young woman would become a light in his life with her energy, quirkiness, empathy and complete passion for him.
But life has it’s way of making the road rocky and how that road was navigated in this story is as intense as the romance itself. As much fun as the easy banter and intimacy between Holt and Everly was, they were tested. While I smiled at their playfulness, Scarlett Avery knew just how to tug at my emotions rendering me unable to keep the tears at bay. I always admire the talent of an author to have the capacity to write for my feelings.
TORRID RUSH has all the great elements of a single dad romance. You’ll love reading it and if you are like me, You will start looking forward to the next Bad Boy Stud to get his story told.
September 14, 2020
Are you looking for something sugary sweet 🍩? You may want to add Torrid Rush to your #TBR.
This was a very entertaining 3💋 book. Holt is a former rockstar turned single dad and record exec and Everly is a California transplant with the best donuts in LA.
Holt is just adorable as a single dad and his daughter, Naomi, had me cracking up. Everly moved to LA after tragedy struck her family unexpectedly, and took over her Aunt's donut shop.
They have a cute kismet moment and again, overall this book was pretty entertaining.
So why 3💋? There was a ton of dialogue that I started to skip through. At first it was cute, witty banter, then it just felt a little forced. Also, there's a lot of tragic moments that happen to the characters around them but the feel almost brushed over.
Read this book if you like:
✔️ Single dad romances
✔️ Insta-love
This was a very entertaining 3💋 book. Holt is a former rockstar turned single dad and record exec and Everly is a California transplant with the best donuts in LA.
Holt is just adorable as a single dad and his daughter, Naomi, had me cracking up. Everly moved to LA after tragedy struck her family unexpectedly, and took over her Aunt's donut shop.
They have a cute kismet moment and again, overall this book was pretty entertaining.
So why 3💋? There was a ton of dialogue that I started to skip through. At first it was cute, witty banter, then it just felt a little forced. Also, there's a lot of tragic moments that happen to the characters around them but the feel almost brushed over.
Read this book if you like:
✔️ Single dad romances
✔️ Insta-love
July 21, 2020
Donuts to the rescue
Holt Christensen
Everly Bickford-Smith
Single dad, Holt meets Everly, when needing cupcakes, but finding donuts instead.
It was supposed be just a hookup, but it turned into something more.
This was a sweet, sexy, funny, and even had several elements of suspense added in, kind of book. I loved everything about it.
Scarlett Avery has got me totally addicted. I need more of these, Bad Boy Studs. Bring on Jace, and his story.
Holt Christensen
Everly Bickford-Smith
Single dad, Holt meets Everly, when needing cupcakes, but finding donuts instead.
It was supposed be just a hookup, but it turned into something more.
This was a sweet, sexy, funny, and even had several elements of suspense added in, kind of book. I loved everything about it.
Scarlett Avery has got me totally addicted. I need more of these, Bad Boy Studs. Bring on Jace, and his story.
April 11, 2025
Always Forever
Oh my heart! Holt is a retired rockstar/billionaire in the music world. Everly is a small business owner and makes the cities most amazing donuts. They meet one day when Holt has to try to find donuts for his daughter. Add cute little Naomi into the mix, and you have a recipe for a storyline that tugs at your heart. I love this book so much, and this was my first time reading a book by the author. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my heart! Holt is a retired rockstar/billionaire in the music world. Everly is a small business owner and makes the cities most amazing donuts. They meet one day when Holt has to try to find donuts for his daughter. Add cute little Naomi into the mix, and you have a recipe for a storyline that tugs at your heart. I love this book so much, and this was my first time reading a book by the author. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 5, 2020
Everly moves to LA for a fresh start, and since she's a baker, she takes over her aunt's donut business with help from her cousin. Holt is a single father who comes face to face with Everly when he was desperately seeking cupcakes, so a new journey takes off. Both of them really aren't gung ho about relationships but when fate steps in, people don't stand a chance at the end of the day. He helps her come into her own, but life isn't always kind to people so some bumps got in the way. I had just a couple of issues with this story, it dragged at times, but was rushed at other times. I will say this, Everly & Holt were totally explosively HOT together, but his daughter really stole the show for me.I always want to state for the record that my opinion isn't fact to please decide for yourselves by hitting those one click buttons! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
July 19, 2020
Torrid Rush
I loved reading this as Scarlett showcases Holt's love for his daughter. He meets his true love while searching for cupcakes for Naomi. Everlee is donut maker of a special caliber but fall for each other and she doesn't know who he is but a regular guy. Great and fun read!
I loved reading this as Scarlett showcases Holt's love for his daughter. He meets his true love while searching for cupcakes for Naomi. Everlee is donut maker of a special caliber but fall for each other and she doesn't know who he is but a regular guy. Great and fun read!
August 3, 2020
Loved this book so much
I loved Holt, he was the absolute sweetest bad boy, Everly was awesome and everything in this book was perfect.
I loved Holt, he was the absolute sweetest bad boy, Everly was awesome and everything in this book was perfect.
December 5, 2020
I wasn't to sure about this at first but as soon as I started reading I was hooked. Great story line and what a great group of characters. The book really does tell a story of a single guy an the road he has to go down. You will laugh and feel the pain and wow what hot love scenes. This author really got into this story and made us feel like we took the journey with them.
January 24, 2025
* I received an arc in exchange for an honest review*
Single dad? Say less. I really enjoyed Holt and Everly so much. they had so much explosive chemistry from the beginning. I loved Naomi and her dog Luna, so many really cute moments between them two. holt is an ex-rock star turned owning his own record label, and Everly owns her own donut shop! I really loved their story so much.
Single dad? Say less. I really enjoyed Holt and Everly so much. they had so much explosive chemistry from the beginning. I loved Naomi and her dog Luna, so many really cute moments between them two. holt is an ex-rock star turned owning his own record label, and Everly owns her own donut shop! I really loved their story so much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews