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Because of You:
Drug-addicted washed up rockstar? Check
Beautiful, struggling woman with severe mommy issues? Check
A match made in heaven or hell? Still undecided…
I’m a shadow of the man I once was. After losing both my wife and my son to my demons, I have
only one thing my band, Riot.
After the band moves to Las Vegas, I’m shipped off to a tiny, hole-in-the-wall town in the middle of
nowhere. I can’t be trusted in sin city, so our manager forces me into a hotel by myself where I can’t
get into trouble.
Little does he know, I don’t have to go looking for trouble—it always finds me.
But instead of trouble in the form of my usual drug habit, it comes in the form of a gorgeous,
voluptuous, dark-haired beauty I can’t resist. She and her daughter are thrust into my life, for better
or worse, and if anything is going to save me at this point, it’s the two of them.
But my new woman has her own demons, and I’m a painful reminder of them.
The only way we’ll ever be able to make it work is if we both confront our issues head on…
But are we willing to tear down our own walls and build something new together?
Or will the pain in our past continue to write our future?
There’s one thing I know for
Love may end up being the drug that kills me.
And if it is, I refuse to go down without giving it a damn good shot.
** Because of You is the second book in a series of interconnected standalones
** For the best reading experience begin with book one (Our Way Back)
Beautiful, struggling woman with severe mommy issues? Check
A match made in heaven or hell? Still undecided…
I’m a shadow of the man I once was. After losing both my wife and my son to my demons, I have
only one thing my band, Riot.
After the band moves to Las Vegas, I’m shipped off to a tiny, hole-in-the-wall town in the middle of
nowhere. I can’t be trusted in sin city, so our manager forces me into a hotel by myself where I can’t
get into trouble.
Little does he know, I don’t have to go looking for trouble—it always finds me.
But instead of trouble in the form of my usual drug habit, it comes in the form of a gorgeous,
voluptuous, dark-haired beauty I can’t resist. She and her daughter are thrust into my life, for better
or worse, and if anything is going to save me at this point, it’s the two of them.
But my new woman has her own demons, and I’m a painful reminder of them.
The only way we’ll ever be able to make it work is if we both confront our issues head on…
But are we willing to tear down our own walls and build something new together?
Or will the pain in our past continue to write our future?
There’s one thing I know for
Love may end up being the drug that kills me.
And if it is, I refuse to go down without giving it a damn good shot.
** Because of You is the second book in a series of interconnected standalones
** For the best reading experience begin with book one (Our Way Back)
592 pages, Paperback
Published July 10, 2024
272 people are currently reading
1545 people want to read
About the author
Kyla Faye
8 books326 followersKyla Faye is a twenty-something author of dark, adult erotic, and contemporary romance. When she’s not reading about romance, she’s writing about it, trying to give a voice to the characters that live inside her head. She has a caffeine addiction and always has a candle burning.
You can find her on social media.
Instagram.com/authorkylafaye
Tiktok.com/@authorkylafaye
You can find her on social media.
Instagram.com/authorkylafaye
Tiktok.com/@authorkylafaye
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
December 11, 2024
"I am not defined by my childhood trauma. One day, I will heal and be free."
I recently finished Because of you By Kyla Rae and it was a 4.5 star book that wrecked me and I will remember forever.
I have read plenty of dark romance before and after reading the triggers I decided it was a go. I am a sucker for single parent romance. This was my first time reading a Rockstar romance so I didn’t know what to expect, however I will definitely be reading more of them.
Following Declan, the MMC who is an addict and makes typical erratic and harmful decisions that impact others. Andy, the FMC, is a single mom from a trouble past, although she has dealt with addiction she was not directly an addict. Declan and Addy have very low lows but finally after tragedy they provide something to each her they haven’t had before in the end. It is a heartbreakingly raw story.
This situation and the characters resonated with me because I come from a family of addicts. It was interesting to see the dynamic between the couple and relate to accurate display of addiction. The story was intense because so many of my own feelings were brought up, but in a way it made me feel less alone.
Their story made me cry and the ending was well fought to. I will be reading more of Kyla’s works because this one is sticking with me!
tropes:
dark tragic rockstar romance
single mom
age gap
small town
If you decide to read Becaise of You, please read responsibility and enjoy.
Triggers:
death of a child,
mentions of cheating,
mentions of child sexual assault,
heavy drug use (on page), alcohol use, depression,
mentions of suicide + suicide attempt (on page), overdose (on page)
death of a parent
I recently finished Because of you By Kyla Rae and it was a 4.5 star book that wrecked me and I will remember forever.
I have read plenty of dark romance before and after reading the triggers I decided it was a go. I am a sucker for single parent romance. This was my first time reading a Rockstar romance so I didn’t know what to expect, however I will definitely be reading more of them.
Following Declan, the MMC who is an addict and makes typical erratic and harmful decisions that impact others. Andy, the FMC, is a single mom from a trouble past, although she has dealt with addiction she was not directly an addict. Declan and Addy have very low lows but finally after tragedy they provide something to each her they haven’t had before in the end. It is a heartbreakingly raw story.
This situation and the characters resonated with me because I come from a family of addicts. It was interesting to see the dynamic between the couple and relate to accurate display of addiction. The story was intense because so many of my own feelings were brought up, but in a way it made me feel less alone.
Their story made me cry and the ending was well fought to. I will be reading more of Kyla’s works because this one is sticking with me!
tropes:
dark tragic rockstar romance
single mom
age gap
small town
If you decide to read Becaise of You, please read responsibility and enjoy.
Triggers:
death of a child,
mentions of cheating,
mentions of child sexual assault,
heavy drug use (on page), alcohol use, depression,
mentions of suicide + suicide attempt (on page), overdose (on page)
death of a parent
July 28, 2024
This one hurt but put me back together 😭
November 2, 2025
ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review
I wait almost two years to read Declan, and his story was EVERYTHING I expected, but at the same time not, what is certain is that I cried, laughed and fell in love with Andy & Declan! I also loved returning to Kyla Faye 's raw, realistic, heartbreaking, and mesmerizing writing and I'm so grateful to her for choosing to share this story with her readers.
I think Declan is a character that could be difficult to love (in my case it wasn't, but...) because Kyla wrote him in a raw and real way: his path as an addict, his struggle to stay sober and how difficult it is for him to decide to heal, she also described his defects perfectly well, how he can be a manipulative, cruel man who doesn't think twice before hurting Andy or breaking his promises, and that was one of the things I liked most about this character:how real his situation was and how much I could empathize with him despite his mistakes plus, he has a painful childhood that broke my heart to read. But of course, not everything is bad, Declan is also a man with a beautiful heart that shows in the relationship he maintains with Camille, Spencer and their parents even after their divorce, in the friendship he has with the guys from Riot and how he tries to give Andy & Max everything they need.
Andy is a character with whom I could identify in some aspects and empathize in others. Like Declan, she is written in a way that is realistic, raw and made me feel a lot throughout the story. Her personal journey was heartbreaking: she had a difficult childhood and has also been around addiction and struggled with it throughout her life, although not in the same way as Declan. Andy is a single mother who fights every day so that little Max has everything she doesn't and is a happy girl, something she is achieving with a lot of effort, plus, she is a woman with many insecurities that make her question her value as a person, something that made me suffer a lot with her, for her, and want to protect her all the time. I think one of the things I loved most about Andy was reading her grow so much throughout the story: allowing herself to be vulnerable and opening her heart to Declan, fulfilling her dreams and achieving the life that she always dreamed of.
To say that Declan & Andy have a difficult road is an understatement! Their past traumas are present in their interactions from the beginning and throughout their relationship, but I also love seeing how Declan finds in Andy & Max the company he needs when he arrives in that small town in the middle of nowhere and I loved that this pair of broken characters learn to trust and show themselves vulnerable with each other, plus, I think that the love they both feel is never in doubt, despite the mistakes they may make. But I think the best thing about this story is that Kyla always makes it very clear to us that love cannot cure everything, even when Andy does try at the beginning, and that makes this a magnificent story.
Finally, I LOVED that the author gave us an update on Camille, I wasn't expecting it, so I was very happy reading her again. I also fell in love with the guys from Riot and the small but significant appearance of Aiden and I really hope that the author gives us their stories in the future.
🎧Audiobook review🎧 (October 28, 2025)
🎙️Narrators: Gregory Salinas & Geneva Mitchell
💜Duet Narration
🎙️Narration: 5/5
I’ll never tire of saying that I love stories that break my heart, and this was one of them! BUT the audiobook definitely tore me apart in a special way and made me love Declan & Andi even more, something I didn’t think was possible. Plus, I don’t think Kyla Faye could have chosen better narrators for this book.
Gregory Salinas as Declan was absolutely amazing, he made me suffer from the prologue, and I did nothing but enjoy him, and cry, throughout the book. I loved listening to Declan’s toughest moments, but also being vulnerable, opening his heart to Andi, and especially to Max.
Geneva Mitchell is the Andi I imagined reading Because of You for the first time, I was devastated to learn her story again, to hear her fighting to give Max the life he deserves and making difficult decisions when necessary. She’s a character I already loved, but listening to this narrator bring her to life made me even more obsessed with her strength!
Another thing I really enjoyed about this audiobook was remembering my favorite moments, like the festival, reconnecting with the development of the love between Andi & Declan, and crying alongside them with every obstacle in their path.
🎙️Declan: 5/5
💜Andy: 5/5
🎙️Plot: 5/5
💜Love Story: 5/5
🎙️Secondary characters: 5/5
💜Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5
ARC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta
Estuve esperando casi dos años para leer a Declan y su historia fue TODO lo que esperaba, pero al mismo tiempo no, lo que es seguro es que lloré, reí y me enamoré con Andy & Declan! También me encantó regresar a la escritura cruda, realista, desgarradora e hipnotizante de Kyla Faye y estoy muy agradecida con ella por haber decidido compartir esta historia con sus lectoras.
Creo que Declan es un personaje que podría ser difícil de amar (en mi caso no fue así, pero...) porque Kyla escribió de manera cruda & real su camino como adicto, su lucha para mantenerse sobrio y lo difícil que es para él decidirse a sanar, también describió perfectamente bien sus defectos, como puede llegar a ser un hombre manipulador, cruel, que no lo piensa dos veces antes de lastimar a Andy o de faltar a sus promesas, y esa fue una de las cosas que más me gustó de este personaje: lo real de su situación y lo mucho que pude empatizar con él a pesar de sus errores, además, tiene una infancia dolorosa que me rompió el corazón leer. Pero claro, no todo es malo, Declan también es un hombre con un corazón hermoso que demuestra en la relación que mantiene con Camille, Spencer y sus padres aún despues de su divorcio, en la amistad que tiene con los chicos de Riot y como intenta darle a Andy & Max todo lo que necesitan.
Andy es un personaje con el que pude identificarme muchísimo en algunos aspectos y empatizar en otros. Al igual que Declan, ella está escrita de una manera realista, cruda y que me hizo sentir mucho a lo largo de la historia. Su historia personal fue desgarradora: tuvo una infancia difícil y también ha estado cerca de las adicciones y luchado contra ellas a lo largo de su vida, aunque no de la misma forma que Declan. Andy es una mamá soltera que lucha todos los días para que la pequeña Max tenga todo lo que ella no y sea una niña feliz, algo que esta consiguiendo con mucho esfuerzo, además, es una mujer con muchas inseguridades que la hacen cuestionarse su valor como persona, algo que me hizo sufrir mucho con ella, por ella, y querer protegerla todo el tiempo. Creo que una de las cosas que más amé de Andy fue leerla crecer tanto a lo largo del la historia: permitiéndose ser vulnerable y abriéndole su corazón a Declan, cumpliendo sus sueños y logrando la vida que siempre soñó.
Decir que Declan & Andy tienen un camino difícil, es poco! Sus traumas pasados están presentes en sus interacciones desde el principio y a lo largo de toda su relación, pero también me encanta ver como Declan encuentra en Andy & Max la compañía que necesita al llegar a ese pequeño pueblo en medio de la nada y amé que este par de personajes rotos aprendan a confiar y se muestren vulnerables el uno con el otro, además, creo que el amor que ambos sienten nunca está en duda, a pesar de los errores que puedan llegar a cometer. Pero creo que lo mejor que tiene esta historia es que Kyla siempre nos deja muy claro que el amor no puede curarlo todo, aún cuando Andy lo intenta al principio, y eso hace de esta una magnifica historia.
Finalmente, AMÉ que la autora nos diera una actualización sobre Camille, no la esperaba, así que fui muy feliz leyéndola de nuevo. También me enamoré de los chicos de Riot y de la pequeña pero significativa aparición de Aiden y de verdad espero que la autora nos de sus historias en un futuro.
🎧Reseña del audiolibro🎧 (28 de octubre de 2025)
🎙️Narradores: Gregory Salinas & Geneva Mitchell
💜Narración en dueto
🎙️Narración: 5/5
Nunca me voy a cansar de decir que amo las historias que me rompen el corazón, y esta fue una de esas! PERO definitivamente el audiolibro me destrozó de una manera especial y me hizo amar a Declan & Andi mucho más, algo que no creía posible. Ademas, creo que Kyla Faye no pudo haber elegido mejores narradores para este libro.
Gregory Salinas como Declan fue absolutamente maravilloso, me hizo sufrir desde el prólogo y no hice más que disfrutar con él, y llorar, a lo largo del libro. Amé escucharlo en los momentos más difíciles de Declan, pero también siendo vulnerable, abriéndole su corazón a Andi, y especialmente a Max.
Geneva Mitchell es la Andi que me imaginé leyendo Because of You por primera vez. Me destrozó de nuevo conocer su historia, escucharla luchando para darle a Max la vida que se merece y tomando decisiones difíciles cuando fue necesario. Es un personaje al que ya amaba, pero escuchando a esta narradora darle vida me obsesione aún más con su fortaleza!
Otra cosa que disfruté mucho de este audiolibro fue recordar mis momentos favoritos, como el festival, conectar de nuevo con el desarrollo del amor entre Andi & Declan y llorar junto a ellos con cada obstáculo en su camino.
🎙️Declan: 5/5
💜Andy: 5/5
🎙️Trama: 5/5
💜Historia de amor: 5/5
🎙️Personajes secundarios: 5/5
💜Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5
I wait almost two years to read Declan, and his story was EVERYTHING I expected, but at the same time not, what is certain is that I cried, laughed and fell in love with Andy & Declan! I also loved returning to Kyla Faye 's raw, realistic, heartbreaking, and mesmerizing writing and I'm so grateful to her for choosing to share this story with her readers.
I think Declan is a character that could be difficult to love (in my case it wasn't, but...) because Kyla wrote him in a raw and real way: his path as an addict, his struggle to stay sober and how difficult it is for him to decide to heal, she also described his defects perfectly well, how he can be a manipulative, cruel man who doesn't think twice before hurting Andy or breaking his promises, and that was one of the things I liked most about this character:how real his situation was and how much I could empathize with him despite his mistakes plus, he has a painful childhood that broke my heart to read. But of course, not everything is bad, Declan is also a man with a beautiful heart that shows in the relationship he maintains with Camille, Spencer and their parents even after their divorce, in the friendship he has with the guys from Riot and how he tries to give Andy & Max everything they need.
Andy is a character with whom I could identify in some aspects and empathize in others. Like Declan, she is written in a way that is realistic, raw and made me feel a lot throughout the story. Her personal journey was heartbreaking: she had a difficult childhood and has also been around addiction and struggled with it throughout her life, although not in the same way as Declan. Andy is a single mother who fights every day so that little Max has everything she doesn't and is a happy girl, something she is achieving with a lot of effort, plus, she is a woman with many insecurities that make her question her value as a person, something that made me suffer a lot with her, for her, and want to protect her all the time. I think one of the things I loved most about Andy was reading her grow so much throughout the story: allowing herself to be vulnerable and opening her heart to Declan, fulfilling her dreams and achieving the life that she always dreamed of.
To say that Declan & Andy have a difficult road is an understatement! Their past traumas are present in their interactions from the beginning and throughout their relationship, but I also love seeing how Declan finds in Andy & Max the company he needs when he arrives in that small town in the middle of nowhere and I loved that this pair of broken characters learn to trust and show themselves vulnerable with each other, plus, I think that the love they both feel is never in doubt, despite the mistakes they may make. But I think the best thing about this story is that Kyla always makes it very clear to us that love cannot cure everything, even when Andy does try at the beginning, and that makes this a magnificent story.
Finally, I LOVED that the author gave us an update on Camille, I wasn't expecting it, so I was very happy reading her again. I also fell in love with the guys from Riot and the small but significant appearance of Aiden and I really hope that the author gives us their stories in the future.
🎧Audiobook review🎧 (October 28, 2025)
🎙️Narrators: Gregory Salinas & Geneva Mitchell
💜Duet Narration
🎙️Narration: 5/5
I’ll never tire of saying that I love stories that break my heart, and this was one of them! BUT the audiobook definitely tore me apart in a special way and made me love Declan & Andi even more, something I didn’t think was possible. Plus, I don’t think Kyla Faye could have chosen better narrators for this book.
Gregory Salinas as Declan was absolutely amazing, he made me suffer from the prologue, and I did nothing but enjoy him, and cry, throughout the book. I loved listening to Declan’s toughest moments, but also being vulnerable, opening his heart to Andi, and especially to Max.
Geneva Mitchell is the Andi I imagined reading Because of You for the first time, I was devastated to learn her story again, to hear her fighting to give Max the life he deserves and making difficult decisions when necessary. She’s a character I already loved, but listening to this narrator bring her to life made me even more obsessed with her strength!
Another thing I really enjoyed about this audiobook was remembering my favorite moments, like the festival, reconnecting with the development of the love between Andi & Declan, and crying alongside them with every obstacle in their path.
🎙️Declan: 5/5
💜Andy: 5/5
🎙️Plot: 5/5
💜Love Story: 5/5
🎙️Secondary characters: 5/5
💜Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5
ARC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta
Estuve esperando casi dos años para leer a Declan y su historia fue TODO lo que esperaba, pero al mismo tiempo no, lo que es seguro es que lloré, reí y me enamoré con Andy & Declan! También me encantó regresar a la escritura cruda, realista, desgarradora e hipnotizante de Kyla Faye y estoy muy agradecida con ella por haber decidido compartir esta historia con sus lectoras.
Creo que Declan es un personaje que podría ser difícil de amar (en mi caso no fue así, pero...) porque Kyla escribió de manera cruda & real su camino como adicto, su lucha para mantenerse sobrio y lo difícil que es para él decidirse a sanar, también describió perfectamente bien sus defectos, como puede llegar a ser un hombre manipulador, cruel, que no lo piensa dos veces antes de lastimar a Andy o de faltar a sus promesas, y esa fue una de las cosas que más me gustó de este personaje: lo real de su situación y lo mucho que pude empatizar con él a pesar de sus errores, además, tiene una infancia dolorosa que me rompió el corazón leer. Pero claro, no todo es malo, Declan también es un hombre con un corazón hermoso que demuestra en la relación que mantiene con Camille, Spencer y sus padres aún despues de su divorcio, en la amistad que tiene con los chicos de Riot y como intenta darle a Andy & Max todo lo que necesitan.
Andy es un personaje con el que pude identificarme muchísimo en algunos aspectos y empatizar en otros. Al igual que Declan, ella está escrita de una manera realista, cruda y que me hizo sentir mucho a lo largo de la historia. Su historia personal fue desgarradora: tuvo una infancia difícil y también ha estado cerca de las adicciones y luchado contra ellas a lo largo de su vida, aunque no de la misma forma que Declan. Andy es una mamá soltera que lucha todos los días para que la pequeña Max tenga todo lo que ella no y sea una niña feliz, algo que esta consiguiendo con mucho esfuerzo, además, es una mujer con muchas inseguridades que la hacen cuestionarse su valor como persona, algo que me hizo sufrir mucho con ella, por ella, y querer protegerla todo el tiempo. Creo que una de las cosas que más amé de Andy fue leerla crecer tanto a lo largo del la historia: permitiéndose ser vulnerable y abriéndole su corazón a Declan, cumpliendo sus sueños y logrando la vida que siempre soñó.
Decir que Declan & Andy tienen un camino difícil, es poco! Sus traumas pasados están presentes en sus interacciones desde el principio y a lo largo de toda su relación, pero también me encanta ver como Declan encuentra en Andy & Max la compañía que necesita al llegar a ese pequeño pueblo en medio de la nada y amé que este par de personajes rotos aprendan a confiar y se muestren vulnerables el uno con el otro, además, creo que el amor que ambos sienten nunca está en duda, a pesar de los errores que puedan llegar a cometer. Pero creo que lo mejor que tiene esta historia es que Kyla siempre nos deja muy claro que el amor no puede curarlo todo, aún cuando Andy lo intenta al principio, y eso hace de esta una magnifica historia.
Finalmente, AMÉ que la autora nos diera una actualización sobre Camille, no la esperaba, así que fui muy feliz leyéndola de nuevo. También me enamoré de los chicos de Riot y de la pequeña pero significativa aparición de Aiden y de verdad espero que la autora nos de sus historias en un futuro.
🎧Reseña del audiolibro🎧 (28 de octubre de 2025)
🎙️Narradores: Gregory Salinas & Geneva Mitchell
💜Narración en dueto
🎙️Narración: 5/5
Nunca me voy a cansar de decir que amo las historias que me rompen el corazón, y esta fue una de esas! PERO definitivamente el audiolibro me destrozó de una manera especial y me hizo amar a Declan & Andi mucho más, algo que no creía posible. Ademas, creo que Kyla Faye no pudo haber elegido mejores narradores para este libro.
Gregory Salinas como Declan fue absolutamente maravilloso, me hizo sufrir desde el prólogo y no hice más que disfrutar con él, y llorar, a lo largo del libro. Amé escucharlo en los momentos más difíciles de Declan, pero también siendo vulnerable, abriéndole su corazón a Andi, y especialmente a Max.
Geneva Mitchell es la Andi que me imaginé leyendo Because of You por primera vez. Me destrozó de nuevo conocer su historia, escucharla luchando para darle a Max la vida que se merece y tomando decisiones difíciles cuando fue necesario. Es un personaje al que ya amaba, pero escuchando a esta narradora darle vida me obsesione aún más con su fortaleza!
Otra cosa que disfruté mucho de este audiolibro fue recordar mis momentos favoritos, como el festival, conectar de nuevo con el desarrollo del amor entre Andi & Declan y llorar junto a ellos con cada obstáculo en su camino.
🎙️Declan: 5/5
💜Andy: 5/5
🎙️Trama: 5/5
💜Historia de amor: 5/5
🎙️Personajes secundarios: 5/5
💜Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5
July 8, 2024
4 ★
I can't let her go. Even if that means destroying her in the end. She's mine until her very last breath. Until I ruin us both.
I fell in love with Kyla's writing in Our Way Back and as soon as the arc form came up for this one, I knew I had to apply. Declan was in the first book and my heart broke for him in that one and was hoping he would get his deserved happy ending. In true Kyla style, we were gifted pain and agony above anything else, but in a way it was healing and beautiful. Its quite hard to talk about the book without spoiling it, but Andy and Declan deserve the whole world for what they went through, both individually and together, and the strength they developed was incredible. This was not a book with happiness, it was utterly heartbreaking and emotional and bleak, but the happy ending was completely worth every second of it.
What To Expect:
⨳ MF Rockstar Romance
⨳ Single Parent
⨳ Addiction
⨳ Angst
⨳ Small Town
⨳ Age Gap
Two months, and he's already becoming the air in my lungs I need to breathe. My life raft to save me from drowning further.
❤︎ ARC provided in exchange for an honest review ❤︎
I can't let her go. Even if that means destroying her in the end. She's mine until her very last breath. Until I ruin us both.
I fell in love with Kyla's writing in Our Way Back and as soon as the arc form came up for this one, I knew I had to apply. Declan was in the first book and my heart broke for him in that one and was hoping he would get his deserved happy ending. In true Kyla style, we were gifted pain and agony above anything else, but in a way it was healing and beautiful. Its quite hard to talk about the book without spoiling it, but Andy and Declan deserve the whole world for what they went through, both individually and together, and the strength they developed was incredible. This was not a book with happiness, it was utterly heartbreaking and emotional and bleak, but the happy ending was completely worth every second of it.
What To Expect:
⨳ MF Rockstar Romance
⨳ Single Parent
⨳ Addiction
⨳ Angst
⨳ Small Town
⨳ Age Gap
Two months, and he's already becoming the air in my lungs I need to breathe. My life raft to save me from drowning further.
❤︎ ARC provided in exchange for an honest review ❤︎
November 1, 2025
ALC Review
Thank you to Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to listen to an Advanced Listener's Copy (ALC) in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
"You have my heart and all off my tomorrows."
Is this a 600+ page romance book? Yes.
But hear me out...it's worth every moment. Every page is packed full of emotion, character depth, and eventually, growth.
Note: This is the second book in the series, but can be read as an interconnected standalone.
Declan is a drug-addicted rockstar who is chasing the high. He's got it all - a super successful rock band, a beautiful wife, and an adorable son...until, one day, his whole world comes crashing down. He's forced to stay sober in a new city all by himself where he doesn't know anyone. He meets the enigmatic Andy and her daughter, Max. Will Declan's love for Andy and Max be enough to kick his drug addiction and finally help him face his demons?
The audiobook was done in duet narration by Gregory Salinas & Geneva Mitchell. The voices of each character were perfect for the roles. Gregory Salina brought Declan to life with a deep, rich voice (he even did a little singing at times). Geneva Mitchell brought the sassy vibes, along with a strong and powerful FMC. The audiobook narration flowed well between these two voices and, in my opinion, enhanced my reading experience. They brought so much emotion to the characters and, at times, nearly felt like they punched me in the gut with what was happening to each of the main characters. I highly recommend checking out the audiobook!
Perfect for fans of:
🎤rockstar romance
🎵plus-size/curvy FMC
🎤single parent
🎵angst
🎤age gap
🎵small town
Content warnings: heavy drug use/drug abuse, drug overdose, addiction, trauma, mentions of sexual assault, death of a child, death of a parent, suicide ideation, suicide attempt, financial challenges
Thank you to Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to listen to an Advanced Listener's Copy (ALC) in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
"You have my heart and all off my tomorrows."
Is this a 600+ page romance book? Yes.
But hear me out...it's worth every moment. Every page is packed full of emotion, character depth, and eventually, growth.
Note: This is the second book in the series, but can be read as an interconnected standalone.
Declan is a drug-addicted rockstar who is chasing the high. He's got it all - a super successful rock band, a beautiful wife, and an adorable son...until, one day, his whole world comes crashing down. He's forced to stay sober in a new city all by himself where he doesn't know anyone. He meets the enigmatic Andy and her daughter, Max. Will Declan's love for Andy and Max be enough to kick his drug addiction and finally help him face his demons?
The audiobook was done in duet narration by Gregory Salinas & Geneva Mitchell. The voices of each character were perfect for the roles. Gregory Salina brought Declan to life with a deep, rich voice (he even did a little singing at times). Geneva Mitchell brought the sassy vibes, along with a strong and powerful FMC. The audiobook narration flowed well between these two voices and, in my opinion, enhanced my reading experience. They brought so much emotion to the characters and, at times, nearly felt like they punched me in the gut with what was happening to each of the main characters. I highly recommend checking out the audiobook!
Perfect for fans of:
🎤rockstar romance
🎵plus-size/curvy FMC
🎤single parent
🎵angst
🎤age gap
🎵small town
Content warnings: heavy drug use/drug abuse, drug overdose, addiction, trauma, mentions of sexual assault, death of a child, death of a parent, suicide ideation, suicide attempt, financial challenges
July 16, 2024
JFC!!!! I thought Our Way Back messed me up but Because of You takes the cake! I was full on SOBBING! This was tragic, heartbreaking, painful, absolutely devastatingly beautiful. I’ve never read a more REAL and PROFOUND book before that left my emotions reeling! I was feeling every single emotion you can think of! Their story was not perfect but it was real, with REAL struggles and it’s amazing how their mental health is always set as the priority, their problems are not romanticized and truth is, love is not the solution to everything. Hurt people, hurt people and you need to love yourself before you are able to love anyone else. The journey between both Andy and Declan was just beautiful and heartbreaking. I lost my own brother to addiction 2 years ago, the anniversary was 2 days before I finished this book. IT HIT ME HARD! It gave me a different perspective and understanding of things I didn’t consider and it broke me, I had to set the book down because I couldn’t see passed my tears. But I do not regret reading this in the slightest, not everyone is okay with being triggered, I am, it helps me.
Your mental health is 100% important, please read trigger warnings.
I’m probably gonna go cry some more, I’ll need 3-5 business days to recover from this
PS: There is no lack of Spice, it is absolutely SCORCHING
Your mental health is 100% important, please read trigger warnings.
I’m probably gonna go cry some more, I’ll need 3-5 business days to recover from this
PS: There is no lack of Spice, it is absolutely SCORCHING
August 21, 2024
Drug-addicted washed up rockstar? Check
Beautiful, struggling woman with severe mommy issues? Check
A match made in heaven or hell? Still undecided…
This book tears your heart out, rips it apart, and is put back together in this emotional story of fighting your demons and being deserving of Love.
Declan's character was so carefully and well written that at first you feel nothing but hate towards him, but then you understand him and fall in love with him.
Andy deserves the world and so does her beautiful daughter. Getting to a HEA was rough but well worth the read.
Tropes:
- Rockstar Romance
- Age Gap
- Small Town
- Single Parent
- Plus sized FMC
Beautiful, struggling woman with severe mommy issues? Check
A match made in heaven or hell? Still undecided…
This book tears your heart out, rips it apart, and is put back together in this emotional story of fighting your demons and being deserving of Love.
Declan's character was so carefully and well written that at first you feel nothing but hate towards him, but then you understand him and fall in love with him.
Andy deserves the world and so does her beautiful daughter. Getting to a HEA was rough but well worth the read.
Tropes:
- Rockstar Romance
- Age Gap
- Small Town
- Single Parent
- Plus sized FMC
July 7, 2024
This book was amazing. This story grabbed me from the beginning. It ripped my heart out. I wanted to throw my kindle while reading this book. The characters were amazing. The plot was written beautifully. Check your triggers before you pick it up
July 15, 2024
This book made me so emotional omg I couldn't stop reading it!! I love a emotional book and this one was the best book!! And the author did a perfect work on this book and the story was so good. 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ of course
October 29, 2025
Very well-written. The plot was really good, the topics in this book are HEAVY so definitely read the trigger warnings before diving in. It just fell a bit flat for me. Don't get me wrong, I liked it, I just felt like I was missing something? The characters were pretty well-rounded, I just needed to feel more connected to them??? It's definitely worth the read though.
October 17, 2025
Rockstar Romance
Forced Proximity
Age Gap
Single Mom
Plus Size FMC
Addiction
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I'm gonna be totally honest. I really struggled with this book. Not because it wasn't good. It was actually very good, but it was also very intense. My difficulties came from the similarities to my own experiences and the connections that I made while reading.
Kyla writes an amazingly emotional rollercoaster of a book depicting the realities of loving someone with an addiction, and the dangerous and slippery slope of being in a co-dependent relationship. This book is meant to tear you up. It's supposed to break your heart despite the fact that you see it coming a mile away. You feel the impending doom, but you still hope that things will work out. You think "maybe this time will be different" and he'll make the right choice. You want Declan to be stronger than his addiction. You want love to be enough, and for all the heartache and struggle to be worth it. But in truth, it left me feeling hopeless that things would work out, and I think feeling that, in particular, is what made me have a negative reaction to this book. I have felt that hopelessness on a deeply personal level, and it brought up some very difficult feelings and memories. However, despite my negative reaction, I can appreciate the fact that an author writing about an addiction like this wrote it in such a way that it was 100% relatable to my experience, and I give her major props for that. There's no glossing over what this type of relationship dynamic is like. It's electric. It's messy. There are intense emotions and thoughts and Kyla dives head first into that without hesitation, and my own personal feelings aside, she did an excellent job.
I think it's important as a reader (an ARC reader, specifically) to identify the difference between not liking a book because it wasn't executed well and not liking aspects of it because you don't like the way it made you feel (or if it triggered you). There were a list of trigger warnings for this book. I knew what I was getting into it. I just didn't expect it to feel so close to my own experience that it teetered on the precipice of opening some old wounds for me.
Thank you to Kyla Faye for an advanced readers copy of this book.
Forced Proximity
Age Gap
Single Mom
Plus Size FMC
Addiction
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I'm gonna be totally honest. I really struggled with this book. Not because it wasn't good. It was actually very good, but it was also very intense. My difficulties came from the similarities to my own experiences and the connections that I made while reading.
Kyla writes an amazingly emotional rollercoaster of a book depicting the realities of loving someone with an addiction, and the dangerous and slippery slope of being in a co-dependent relationship. This book is meant to tear you up. It's supposed to break your heart despite the fact that you see it coming a mile away. You feel the impending doom, but you still hope that things will work out. You think "maybe this time will be different" and he'll make the right choice. You want Declan to be stronger than his addiction. You want love to be enough, and for all the heartache and struggle to be worth it. But in truth, it left me feeling hopeless that things would work out, and I think feeling that, in particular, is what made me have a negative reaction to this book. I have felt that hopelessness on a deeply personal level, and it brought up some very difficult feelings and memories. However, despite my negative reaction, I can appreciate the fact that an author writing about an addiction like this wrote it in such a way that it was 100% relatable to my experience, and I give her major props for that. There's no glossing over what this type of relationship dynamic is like. It's electric. It's messy. There are intense emotions and thoughts and Kyla dives head first into that without hesitation, and my own personal feelings aside, she did an excellent job.
I think it's important as a reader (an ARC reader, specifically) to identify the difference between not liking a book because it wasn't executed well and not liking aspects of it because you don't like the way it made you feel (or if it triggered you). There were a list of trigger warnings for this book. I knew what I was getting into it. I just didn't expect it to feel so close to my own experience that it teetered on the precipice of opening some old wounds for me.
Thank you to Kyla Faye for an advanced readers copy of this book.
July 12, 2024
I didn’t think I would come around to liking Declan after what happened with his son. He was an addict and he let his addiction take the most important thing… his family.
By the end of the book I fully understood what led to his addiction and his pain.
Andy was a character no that you just wanted to hug, help and tell her everything would be ok. She was a fighter and she was fighting her biggest battle, for her daughter, Max.
She had a hard life and she didn’t want that for Max and her determination to give her that life that she never had was so heartwarming to see. Max was a little spitfire! For a little teeny girl she had a lot of spark in her and was easy to love.
Andy and Declan’s attraction was instant. You could cut the sexual tension w a knife. They had a bumpy few encounters to begin with but after that got settled all was ok.
I really liked the way that both Andy and Declan dealt with their growing attraction. They didn’t rush too much into anything because of Max and because of his past and future. He would only be in town 2 months after all.
Once they let that attraction grow and they let themselves give in to each other … wow!!! She let all her insecurities about herself go and he was able to open his heart again.
Their interactions as a little “family” (although not officially one) were so cute. You could feel the love everyone had for each other. And you could see them becoming a family.
I hated the next part of the story when he went on tour and the inevitable happened. He relapsed several times, and even though he was still talking and seeing Andy regularly he could not let himself be happy with her and Max and slipped right to his old ways.
The rest of the book after that had me crying and shouting so much at Declan and what he had done tbh I wasn’t gonna finish it. I’d put it down and walked away several times.
I won’t spoil the precise ending but I’m glad I picked it up again and fished it.
We see Spencer and Camille again but this time we meet his bandmates and Andy’s mum, with whom Andy has a complicated relationship.
5⭐️
Great end to the series.
You’ll laugh, shout out loud, and cry so have the tissues handy.
By the end of the book I fully understood what led to his addiction and his pain.
Andy was a character no that you just wanted to hug, help and tell her everything would be ok. She was a fighter and she was fighting her biggest battle, for her daughter, Max.
She had a hard life and she didn’t want that for Max and her determination to give her that life that she never had was so heartwarming to see. Max was a little spitfire! For a little teeny girl she had a lot of spark in her and was easy to love.
Andy and Declan’s attraction was instant. You could cut the sexual tension w a knife. They had a bumpy few encounters to begin with but after that got settled all was ok.
I really liked the way that both Andy and Declan dealt with their growing attraction. They didn’t rush too much into anything because of Max and because of his past and future. He would only be in town 2 months after all.
Once they let that attraction grow and they let themselves give in to each other … wow!!! She let all her insecurities about herself go and he was able to open his heart again.
Their interactions as a little “family” (although not officially one) were so cute. You could feel the love everyone had for each other. And you could see them becoming a family.
I hated the next part of the story when he went on tour and the inevitable happened. He relapsed several times, and even though he was still talking and seeing Andy regularly he could not let himself be happy with her and Max and slipped right to his old ways.
The rest of the book after that had me crying and shouting so much at Declan and what he had done tbh I wasn’t gonna finish it. I’d put it down and walked away several times.
I won’t spoil the precise ending but I’m glad I picked it up again and fished it.
We see Spencer and Camille again but this time we meet his bandmates and Andy’s mum, with whom Andy has a complicated relationship.
5⭐️
Great end to the series.
You’ll laugh, shout out loud, and cry so have the tissues handy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2024
“In the end, I realized I couldn’t be anyone’s savior. I needed to save myself. I needed to let him go.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Once I finished this book I needed to take a moment to reflect and take a breather before I wrote my review. I also want to thank the author for letting me read this book. Please check trigger warnings before reading.
For being so young Andy is wise beyond her years. When she talked about herself, and her childhood it felt as if I wrote them down and was reading them back to myself. She got pregnant young and refused to continue the cycle and did everything she could to protect her daughter from it and for being a young mom she made the best of the situation dealt to her.
Declan, Declan, Declan….throughout this book I was cheering him on and then other times I wanted to punch something. But that’s life with an addict you cheer them on through their recovery and offer support. While you are angry and hurt when they relapse and fall back into the cycle. Throughout this book Declan carried the weight of the world on his shoulders and found it easier to fall back into old habits than to do the work. But once he put in the work, HE PUT THE WORK IN.
Andy and Declan came into each other’s lives by chance and fell hard and fast. So fast that Andy was falling back into the cycle she saw with her mom. I’m glad she put her self first and once Declan was sober, he understood it and held no resentment towards her. I’m also glad that Andy was able to start building a relationship with her mom, but I’m sad that it’s what inspired her to finally sit down and write her book. But without writing her book where would she be? Would she be living paycheck to paycheck still? Would it have led her and Declan back together? Who knows, but what I do know is both Andy and Declan deserve a life time of nothing but happiness, after the lifetime of sadness they have both experienced.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Once I finished this book I needed to take a moment to reflect and take a breather before I wrote my review. I also want to thank the author for letting me read this book. Please check trigger warnings before reading.
For being so young Andy is wise beyond her years. When she talked about herself, and her childhood it felt as if I wrote them down and was reading them back to myself. She got pregnant young and refused to continue the cycle and did everything she could to protect her daughter from it and for being a young mom she made the best of the situation dealt to her.
Declan, Declan, Declan….throughout this book I was cheering him on and then other times I wanted to punch something. But that’s life with an addict you cheer them on through their recovery and offer support. While you are angry and hurt when they relapse and fall back into the cycle. Throughout this book Declan carried the weight of the world on his shoulders and found it easier to fall back into old habits than to do the work. But once he put in the work, HE PUT THE WORK IN.
Andy and Declan came into each other’s lives by chance and fell hard and fast. So fast that Andy was falling back into the cycle she saw with her mom. I’m glad she put her self first and once Declan was sober, he understood it and held no resentment towards her. I’m also glad that Andy was able to start building a relationship with her mom, but I’m sad that it’s what inspired her to finally sit down and write her book. But without writing her book where would she be? Would she be living paycheck to paycheck still? Would it have led her and Declan back together? Who knows, but what I do know is both Andy and Declan deserve a life time of nothing but happiness, after the lifetime of sadness they have both experienced.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
Are your emotions in check? They won't be after reading this book. It will have your heart jumping for joy and then have you in tears. Andy and Declan are amazing this book, each individual bringing a unique aspect to the book. Andy a single mom, independent and afraid of losing her daughter or not finding a love that will stay around. Declan a broken individual from a traumatic past that has him feeling like he doesn't deserve love especially from Andy. Individually they struggle and are just trying to survive life. Together they struggle trying to get past their fears to love each other. They a devastatingly beautiful and you'll just have to read to see if they will find their happily ever after or if they are doomed to live their fears. The book is worth the read and it was definitely an emotional read so have those Kleenex handy.
Audio narrations with Gregory Salinas and Geneva Mitchell did a phenomenal job narrating this story. The emotions really tug at your heart strings and you feel every bit of what the characters experience. Turning this experience into a perfect listen.
Audio narrations with Gregory Salinas and Geneva Mitchell did a phenomenal job narrating this story. The emotions really tug at your heart strings and you feel every bit of what the characters experience. Turning this experience into a perfect listen.
November 12, 2025
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
🎤Narrated in duet by Gregory Salinas & Geneva Mitchell
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance: 🎤🎤🎤🎤 🎤
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual, first person, present tense
What to expect: Rockstar Romance, Single Mum, 10 Year Age Gap, Tall, plus Size FMC, Close Proximity, Men's Mental Health rep, Divorced MMC, tortured MMC
I have such mixed feelings about this book. This book is an emotional read, with tension, humour, heartache and growth journeys. But by the third act, I actually didn’t want them to end up together.
* Before I start, let me just say I took an instant liking to Andie when I learnt she’s a 6ft tall, size 18 girlie, just like me. From that moment on, I weirdly took on the role of best friend who will never forgive the guy who hurts you – because even though Andie forgave Declan, I haven’t.
I didn’t like Declan for Andie. I liked him on his own. He’s a pretty good guy, despite his issues. I appreciated his struggles and his journey and was so happy that things worked out for him in the end – I just would’ve been happier if it had been book one of a duet, and they’d both ended up with different people in book two. He’s just so selfish when it comes to Andie.
The beginning of the book was great. We learn about Declan’s tragic backstory and meet his bandmates who are like his brothers. We meet Andie and her daughter Max, who is such a cutie, and Andie’s her addict mum who is a terrible mum and made Andie grow up too fast. Andie and Declan’s initial meeting is so sweet (this is also when he meets Max) but also emotionally charged. After a bumpy start, they quickly develop a friendship, much to Max’s joy – she declared Declan her best friend as soon as she met him. It was so cute.
But then Declan became so contradictory. He kept going on about how bad he was for her and how she deserved someone better, yet he didn’t try very hard to resist pursuing her. The number of times I thought “oh my God, you’re so selfish” was insane. I recognise that her friendship helped him heal, but as the older and more experienced one, he should’ve been focused on his recovery – not chasing a single mum just trying to make ends meet.
Declan swore he’d never settle down or have a family again, and two weeks after he met her, he’s sleeping with her, suddenly fine with the idea of getting her pregnant – without even thinking about how she might feel about it. Their relationship developed far too quickly (within a month of meeting, they were officially together) and it just didn’t feel healthy. He craved her like a drug, and she fell too easily.
For someone who supposedly doesn’t trust easily – and considering her history with addicts – Andie trusted him far too quickly. She acted like a 21-year-old who was desperate for stability and latched onto the first person who showed her genuine affection. Declan knew better than anyone the harm that exposure to addiction can do to a child, yet he refused to let Andie go, even though staying could end up hurting both her and her daughter.
Despite my issues with the story, I have nothing but praise for the audiobook narration. Gregory Salinas is fast becoming one of my favourite narrators, and this book just cemented that for me. He’s a master at portraying the broken hero – which is probably why I’m so conflicted about my feelings for Declan. He makes you feel what the character is feeling – all the torment and anguish. He’s brilliant at infusing emotion into every line of his performance. I can still picture the scene where Declan meets Max – her childish excitement, his warmth at interacting with a child his son’s age, and the quiet ache of loss beneath it.
Geneva Mitchell is a new to me narrator and I really enjoyed her performance. I loved her vocal range, giving distinct voices to all the female characters. She portrayed the different sides of Andie’s personality beautifully – the loving mum who would do anything to make sure her child is safe and happy, the insecure young woman yearning to be loved for who she is, the daughter who mourns the loss of her childhood and absence of parental support in her life. I also enjoyed her portrayal of 5-year-old Max, which brought light and warmth to this emotional rollercoaster. Both narrators bring so much depth to the story, making it easy to connect with the characters’ struggles and triumphs.
In the end, this book left me feeling frustrated, emotional, and heartbroken, at times, but also deeply invested in the characters’ journeys. Andie’s resilience and her devotion to Max, make her an FMC you can’t help but root for. Declan’s flaws, his struggles with addiction, and his path to redemption create a complex, layered hero that you can’t help but feel for. This is ultimately a story about growth, healing, and second chances. I’d recommend it for anyone who loves emotional, gripping, character-driven romances.
*I received an advance copy from Luna Literary Management. These opinions are entirely my own.
🎤Narrated in duet by Gregory Salinas & Geneva Mitchell
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance: 🎤🎤🎤🎤 🎤
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual, first person, present tense
What to expect: Rockstar Romance, Single Mum, 10 Year Age Gap, Tall, plus Size FMC, Close Proximity, Men's Mental Health rep, Divorced MMC, tortured MMC
I have such mixed feelings about this book. This book is an emotional read, with tension, humour, heartache and growth journeys. But by the third act, I actually didn’t want them to end up together.
* Before I start, let me just say I took an instant liking to Andie when I learnt she’s a 6ft tall, size 18 girlie, just like me. From that moment on, I weirdly took on the role of best friend who will never forgive the guy who hurts you – because even though Andie forgave Declan, I haven’t.
I didn’t like Declan for Andie. I liked him on his own. He’s a pretty good guy, despite his issues. I appreciated his struggles and his journey and was so happy that things worked out for him in the end – I just would’ve been happier if it had been book one of a duet, and they’d both ended up with different people in book two. He’s just so selfish when it comes to Andie.
The beginning of the book was great. We learn about Declan’s tragic backstory and meet his bandmates who are like his brothers. We meet Andie and her daughter Max, who is such a cutie, and Andie’s her addict mum who is a terrible mum and made Andie grow up too fast. Andie and Declan’s initial meeting is so sweet (this is also when he meets Max) but also emotionally charged. After a bumpy start, they quickly develop a friendship, much to Max’s joy – she declared Declan her best friend as soon as she met him. It was so cute.
But then Declan became so contradictory. He kept going on about how bad he was for her and how she deserved someone better, yet he didn’t try very hard to resist pursuing her. The number of times I thought “oh my God, you’re so selfish” was insane. I recognise that her friendship helped him heal, but as the older and more experienced one, he should’ve been focused on his recovery – not chasing a single mum just trying to make ends meet.
Declan swore he’d never settle down or have a family again, and two weeks after he met her, he’s sleeping with her, suddenly fine with the idea of getting her pregnant – without even thinking about how she might feel about it. Their relationship developed far too quickly (within a month of meeting, they were officially together) and it just didn’t feel healthy. He craved her like a drug, and she fell too easily.
For someone who supposedly doesn’t trust easily – and considering her history with addicts – Andie trusted him far too quickly. She acted like a 21-year-old who was desperate for stability and latched onto the first person who showed her genuine affection. Declan knew better than anyone the harm that exposure to addiction can do to a child, yet he refused to let Andie go, even though staying could end up hurting both her and her daughter.
Despite my issues with the story, I have nothing but praise for the audiobook narration. Gregory Salinas is fast becoming one of my favourite narrators, and this book just cemented that for me. He’s a master at portraying the broken hero – which is probably why I’m so conflicted about my feelings for Declan. He makes you feel what the character is feeling – all the torment and anguish. He’s brilliant at infusing emotion into every line of his performance. I can still picture the scene where Declan meets Max – her childish excitement, his warmth at interacting with a child his son’s age, and the quiet ache of loss beneath it.
Geneva Mitchell is a new to me narrator and I really enjoyed her performance. I loved her vocal range, giving distinct voices to all the female characters. She portrayed the different sides of Andie’s personality beautifully – the loving mum who would do anything to make sure her child is safe and happy, the insecure young woman yearning to be loved for who she is, the daughter who mourns the loss of her childhood and absence of parental support in her life. I also enjoyed her portrayal of 5-year-old Max, which brought light and warmth to this emotional rollercoaster. Both narrators bring so much depth to the story, making it easy to connect with the characters’ struggles and triumphs.
In the end, this book left me feeling frustrated, emotional, and heartbroken, at times, but also deeply invested in the characters’ journeys. Andie’s resilience and her devotion to Max, make her an FMC you can’t help but root for. Declan’s flaws, his struggles with addiction, and his path to redemption create a complex, layered hero that you can’t help but feel for. This is ultimately a story about growth, healing, and second chances. I’d recommend it for anyone who loves emotional, gripping, character-driven romances.
*I received an advance copy from Luna Literary Management. These opinions are entirely my own.
October 12, 2025
I gotta start reading blurbs more closely!
I just read “Gregory Salinas” and clicked “get ARC” without a second thought!
What-the-F-in-the-heartbreak! 😭😭😭
And also: How the H* can something be slow burn with such filthy inner thoughts!? 🥵
If you are looking for an easy read or a normal dark romance...
...Look. Further. This book will absolutely break your heart. 💔
This book made me laugh. It made me blush.
But most of all:
It made me want to throw my phone across the car. 🤬
It got me so upset, so disappointed with Declan.
It broke my heart so, so much,… 💔 that it made me question whether they would even get a HEA.
Oh. My. God.
The hurt.
The heartbreak.
The tragedy. 😭
Anyhoo...:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the story by Kyla Faye
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 for the performances by Gregory Salinas and Geneva Mitchell🎙️
My favorite quotes:
What it is about:
Troubled rockstar finds solace with a beautiful woman and her daughter, but their pasts threaten to derail their newfound connection.
What I loved:
🎙️Gregory Salinas
🎶more importantly: Gregory Salinas singing #swoon
👨🦰first few chapters in his POV
👩🦰she is 6ft tall, not a little doll, but ofcourse he is still 5 inches taller #smirks
🥵the filthy inner thoughts of both Declan and Andy
🤰he calls her “baby”, but more importantly: “mama” 🥵
💦he pushes his c*me back
💔chapter 51 #IYKYK
🔚 last chapter in her daughter Max's POV
⌛proper epilogue (1 year later)
What I have mixed feelings about:
🍥The moments he is both spiraling with very dark thoughts and has kinky thoughts. I understand drugs can make you eratic, but that sh*t is just messed up. 😅
🍌When he orders a banana split without bananas but with all the fixings - with the flavor cookies and cream? Giiiiiiiiiirl, that ain’t no banana split! 🙂↔️
What you need to know:
🎙️duet narration
🫂dual POV
🧓age gap (31 MMC, 21 FMC)
🚼single mom, plus-size FMC
🌶️slow burn, but with plenty of filthy inner thoughts
💔
1️⃣he is her first, since she got pregnant years ago
❤️
For the safety squad:
Check the list (!) of trigger warnings, because this book is not for the faint of heart. Besides the s*xy scenes, there is plenty of angst and trauma.
The author has listed quite a few trigger warnings on her website:
But I also noted down: accidental pregnancy/child (past events), no condom,...
I just read “Gregory Salinas” and clicked “get ARC” without a second thought!
What-the-F-in-the-heartbreak! 😭😭😭
And also: How the H* can something be slow burn with such filthy inner thoughts!? 🥵
If you are looking for an easy read or a normal dark romance...
...Look. Further. This book will absolutely break your heart. 💔
This book made me laugh. It made me blush.
But most of all:
It made me want to throw my phone across the car. 🤬
It got me so upset, so disappointed with Declan.
It broke my heart so, so much,… 💔 that it made me question whether they would even get a HEA.
Oh. My. God.
The hurt.
The heartbreak.
The tragedy. 😭
Anyhoo...:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the story by Kyla Faye
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 for the performances by Gregory Salinas and Geneva Mitchell🎙️
My favorite quotes:
"I fucked up."
"I've made the mistake of waking my inner ho. And there is no way she'll go back into hibernation."
What it is about:
Troubled rockstar finds solace with a beautiful woman and her daughter, but their pasts threaten to derail their newfound connection.
What I loved:
🎙️Gregory Salinas
🎶more importantly: Gregory Salinas singing #swoon
👨🦰first few chapters in his POV
👩🦰she is 6ft tall, not a little doll, but ofcourse he is still 5 inches taller #smirks
🥵the filthy inner thoughts of both Declan and Andy
🤰he calls her “baby”, but more importantly: “mama” 🥵
💦he pushes his c*me back
💔chapter 51 #IYKYK
🔚 last chapter in her daughter Max's POV
⌛proper epilogue (1 year later)
What I have mixed feelings about:
🍥The moments he is both spiraling with very dark thoughts and has kinky thoughts. I understand drugs can make you eratic, but that sh*t is just messed up. 😅
🍌When he orders a banana split without bananas but with all the fixings - with the flavor cookies and cream? Giiiiiiiiiirl, that ain’t no banana split! 🙂↔️
What you need to know:
🎙️duet narration
🫂dual POV
🧓age gap (31 MMC, 21 FMC)
🚼single mom, plus-size FMC
🌶️slow burn, but with plenty of filthy inner thoughts
💔
1️⃣he is her first, since she got pregnant years ago
❤️
For the safety squad:
Check the list (!) of trigger warnings, because this book is not for the faint of heart. Besides the s*xy scenes, there is plenty of angst and trauma.
The author has listed quite a few trigger warnings on her website:
But I also noted down: accidental pregnancy/child (past events), no condom,...
July 12, 2024
ARC
I loved this book. Declan is hands down my favorite. He was so broken. So, so broken, but the way he always found the right words to uplift Andy made me smile every single time. One of his love languages has to be words of affirmation. The demons that were trying to take over his mind, reminding him that he didn’t deserve to be happy, to be loved, to live—broke my heart. I was rooting for him so hard. I was rooting for Andy just as hard. Both deserve everything good in the world.
Declan and Andi both went through so much trauma and pain. I love them both. Don’t get me wrong, Andi got on my damn nerves at times. She was so judgmental, and kept having to apologize for the same thing. Which was judging Declan when she didn’t even know him in the beginning. Kind of weird because at the same time she was a fan. I was hurt for him when she said what she said at the picnic. That was a slippery slope, she was on, considering she could’ve sent him down a dark path where his sobriety would’ve been gone down the drain.
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐧. My heart broke for him so much. The way his addiction was written was absolutely beautiful, heartbreaking, and realistic. Addiction hits so close to home for me. I cried. The biggest loss he took and being that it was his fault especially broke my heart. His choice lead to consequences. To a heartbreaking reality that he couldn’t change. Omg what his foster dad did to him. 🥺 I wanted to reach into this book and hug him so badly. All I wanted was for him to find happiness. To find peace. To never let his pain drive him to drugs and alcohol again. Andi and Max were undoubtedly what he needed. His bond with Max was so adorable. Declan getting a chance at being a father again—my heart! 🥹
𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐢. Her story was similar to Declan’s. Her mother being addicted to drugs, as his mother was also addicted to drugs. Being abandoned. Being unloved. I really felt for Andy. I understood completely why she was so guarded. Declan being so broken really messed up his chances when he left after she tried to help him. I hate third act breakups, (even though it didn’t last). Andy did not deserve to be hurt intentionally or little Max. I really needed Declan to see he was so worth it.
When he said, “you’re everything to me. All of my tomorrows belong to you.” My heart screamed. Like double swoon.
Now, after him confessing to his ex-wife I partially blame his friend. He knew that Declan was recovering, so he should’ve made certain there were no temptations around him. Especially since he hasn’t been sober for long. God, I was so disappointed in Declan. He found so many excuses to use. Addiction is a hard fought battle that he lost every time. I really wished he fought hard to stay sober for himself. Not just Andy and Max. I know that’s not realistic. He has been through so much and my heart still breaks while writing this review.
This book spoke to me on a very deep level. As I watched someone I love battle addiction with both drugs and alcohol. This book was so realistically beautiful. So raw. So emotional. Easily became one of my favorites.
I loved this book. Declan is hands down my favorite. He was so broken. So, so broken, but the way he always found the right words to uplift Andy made me smile every single time. One of his love languages has to be words of affirmation. The demons that were trying to take over his mind, reminding him that he didn’t deserve to be happy, to be loved, to live—broke my heart. I was rooting for him so hard. I was rooting for Andy just as hard. Both deserve everything good in the world.
Declan and Andi both went through so much trauma and pain. I love them both. Don’t get me wrong, Andi got on my damn nerves at times. She was so judgmental, and kept having to apologize for the same thing. Which was judging Declan when she didn’t even know him in the beginning. Kind of weird because at the same time she was a fan. I was hurt for him when she said what she said at the picnic. That was a slippery slope, she was on, considering she could’ve sent him down a dark path where his sobriety would’ve been gone down the drain.
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐧. My heart broke for him so much. The way his addiction was written was absolutely beautiful, heartbreaking, and realistic. Addiction hits so close to home for me. I cried. The biggest loss he took and being that it was his fault especially broke my heart. His choice lead to consequences. To a heartbreaking reality that he couldn’t change. Omg what his foster dad did to him. 🥺 I wanted to reach into this book and hug him so badly. All I wanted was for him to find happiness. To find peace. To never let his pain drive him to drugs and alcohol again. Andi and Max were undoubtedly what he needed. His bond with Max was so adorable. Declan getting a chance at being a father again—my heart! 🥹
𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐢. Her story was similar to Declan’s. Her mother being addicted to drugs, as his mother was also addicted to drugs. Being abandoned. Being unloved. I really felt for Andy. I understood completely why she was so guarded. Declan being so broken really messed up his chances when he left after she tried to help him. I hate third act breakups, (even though it didn’t last). Andy did not deserve to be hurt intentionally or little Max. I really needed Declan to see he was so worth it.
When he said, “you’re everything to me. All of my tomorrows belong to you.” My heart screamed. Like double swoon.
Now, after him confessing to his ex-wife I partially blame his friend. He knew that Declan was recovering, so he should’ve made certain there were no temptations around him. Especially since he hasn’t been sober for long. God, I was so disappointed in Declan. He found so many excuses to use. Addiction is a hard fought battle that he lost every time. I really wished he fought hard to stay sober for himself. Not just Andy and Max. I know that’s not realistic. He has been through so much and my heart still breaks while writing this review.
This book spoke to me on a very deep level. As I watched someone I love battle addiction with both drugs and alcohol. This book was so realistically beautiful. So raw. So emotional. Easily became one of my favorites.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2025
From the moment I opened the pages of this novel, I was ensnared by its powerful narrative, which struck me like a lightning bolt to the heart. Kyla Faye has crafted a true literary masterpiece, showcasing an extraordinary command of language and an acute attention to detail that brings every scene to life. The book is an emotional rollercoaster, immersing the reader in a world of palpable feelings that resonate long after the final page has been turned.
The characters leap off the page, vividly drawn and deeply relatable. At the center of the story are Declan and Andy, two fractured individuals navigating the murky waters of their deeply troubled lives. Declan, a richly layered protagonist, is grappling with the demons of drug addiction. His internal battle is portrayed with an honesty that is haunting yet enlightening. Faye delves into his psyche, revealing the layers of his chaos and desperation as he seeks a fleeting escape from his tumultuous existence. Declan's journey is not just about addiction; it is a poignant exploration of vulnerability and the fragile nature of human resilience.
In contrast, Andy is a character shaped by her painful past, marked by an unstable upbringing due to her mother's descent into addiction. This haunting childhood experience informs her understanding of love and trust, leaving scars that she seeks to heal. Her resilience is one of the novel's highlights, giving her a depth that instantly creates empathy in the reader. The connection she shares with Declan is electric, alive with tension and a raw magnetism that drives the narrative forward, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the ruins of their lives.
The intimate scenes between them unfold with an exquisite intensity, characterized by lush descriptions and a sultry undertone that evokes a sense of urgency and yearning. Faye's prose dances with rich imagery, drawing the reader deeper into the emotional landscape of her characters, where every glance and touch is laden with potential and vulnerability.
The storyline is masterfully woven, intricately entwining themes of addiction, redemption, and the search for love amid chaos. As Declan and Andy traverse their respective journeys, Faye skillfully explores the complexity of healing—illustrating that while the path is riddled with challenges, it is also filled with moments of grace, connection, and possibility.
Kyla Faye has succeeded in creating an evocative emotional connection that resonates profoundly, making it difficult to articulate the depth of impact this book has had on me. It transcends the realm of mere storytelling; it serves as a poignant reflection of the struggles many face in their own lives. I cannot emphasize enough how remarkable this book is—it is a poignant and beautifully written work, populated by genuine and compelling characters that linger in the mind long after the reading experience. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a heartfelt and transformative read.
The characters leap off the page, vividly drawn and deeply relatable. At the center of the story are Declan and Andy, two fractured individuals navigating the murky waters of their deeply troubled lives. Declan, a richly layered protagonist, is grappling with the demons of drug addiction. His internal battle is portrayed with an honesty that is haunting yet enlightening. Faye delves into his psyche, revealing the layers of his chaos and desperation as he seeks a fleeting escape from his tumultuous existence. Declan's journey is not just about addiction; it is a poignant exploration of vulnerability and the fragile nature of human resilience.
In contrast, Andy is a character shaped by her painful past, marked by an unstable upbringing due to her mother's descent into addiction. This haunting childhood experience informs her understanding of love and trust, leaving scars that she seeks to heal. Her resilience is one of the novel's highlights, giving her a depth that instantly creates empathy in the reader. The connection she shares with Declan is electric, alive with tension and a raw magnetism that drives the narrative forward, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the ruins of their lives.
The intimate scenes between them unfold with an exquisite intensity, characterized by lush descriptions and a sultry undertone that evokes a sense of urgency and yearning. Faye's prose dances with rich imagery, drawing the reader deeper into the emotional landscape of her characters, where every glance and touch is laden with potential and vulnerability.
The storyline is masterfully woven, intricately entwining themes of addiction, redemption, and the search for love amid chaos. As Declan and Andy traverse their respective journeys, Faye skillfully explores the complexity of healing—illustrating that while the path is riddled with challenges, it is also filled with moments of grace, connection, and possibility.
Kyla Faye has succeeded in creating an evocative emotional connection that resonates profoundly, making it difficult to articulate the depth of impact this book has had on me. It transcends the realm of mere storytelling; it serves as a poignant reflection of the struggles many face in their own lives. I cannot emphasize enough how remarkable this book is—it is a poignant and beautifully written work, populated by genuine and compelling characters that linger in the mind long after the reading experience. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a heartfelt and transformative read.
November 18, 2025
I honestly believe that there might be something very wrong with me. I mean there is a lot wrong with me, but the main reason I just came right out like that is because even though I read a lot, I can say without a doubt, that my favorite books are the ones that tear out my soul from the very beginning and tear it apart with every chapter. I love a book that leaves me feeling ripped apart and that’s exactly how I felt reading this book. I don’t know if I have ever been brought to tears by the prologue before, but I have now. The rawness and the realness of this story had me in its clutches and I had trouble focusing on anything other than what was going to happen with these two broken souls. Declan has been through what no one should ever have to go through and the fact that it was his recklessness that took the life of his son made his pain so much worse. I have been around so many addicts in my life, and this is exactly what I would expect to see. Someone that struggles and suffers. He said it best when he said he will always be an addict and every day is a struggle. Andy was honestly one of my favorite characters. She had so much in her life that has broken her down, from the fact that she never felt she fit anywhere due to being biracial, the fact that her mother put her addiction before her, or that she was a young mother who learned that nothing in this world is free. Add on top of all of that that she is plus sized and so uncomfortable with her own body. When she talked about the evils of growing up in diet culture, I was right there with her, choking down one of those horrible shakes. These two were so real and so relatable.
This book made for a perfect audiobook. It is long, but I really didn’t want to stop listening. The narrators were perfect in their roles. Gregory Salinas’s portrayal of the broken rockstar addict was exactly what you would expect Declan to sound like. I haven’t listened to Geneva Mitchell before, but she was perfect as the sweet but traumatized Andy. I felt such a connection and part of that was due to the way Mitchell narrated the part.
I could go on about this book forever. It is a long ride, and the burn is super slow, but it all adds to just how amazing this book is. It is definitely spicy; it just takes a bit to get there. And the absolute star is Max. Every time she called Declan “best friend”, my heart melted. I fell in love with this book. It was the first time reading this author, but I really feel like I will be following her long into the future.
This book made for a perfect audiobook. It is long, but I really didn’t want to stop listening. The narrators were perfect in their roles. Gregory Salinas’s portrayal of the broken rockstar addict was exactly what you would expect Declan to sound like. I haven’t listened to Geneva Mitchell before, but she was perfect as the sweet but traumatized Andy. I felt such a connection and part of that was due to the way Mitchell narrated the part.
I could go on about this book forever. It is a long ride, and the burn is super slow, but it all adds to just how amazing this book is. It is definitely spicy; it just takes a bit to get there. And the absolute star is Max. Every time she called Declan “best friend”, my heart melted. I fell in love with this book. It was the first time reading this author, but I really feel like I will be following her long into the future.
November 6, 2025
Because of You is book 2 of the Part of Me series by Kyla Faye. However this was my first book by Kyla Faye, so it can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed her writing so much I plan to go back and listen to book 1.
Declan is the lead singer in a popular band, Riot. When the band moves to Vegas he finds himself in a small town just outside of Vegas. In an effort to maintain his sobriety his band mates thought it was best that he didn’t live in Vegas with them. Declan, blindsided by their decision, was obviously upset until the night he ran into Andy, the hotel manager and her daughter, Max. Andy is a single mom with no support and she has her guard firmly in place. From the moment they meet their chemistry is evident, but Andy refuses to just a summer fling for Declan. As they begin spending more time together their chemistry turns into a soul deep connection. Now with Riot back on tour will Declan be able to resist the drugs and alcohol that have already ruined his life once?
This book was an emotional rollercoaster! I mean WHOA! Kyla ripped my heart out and put it back together. The trauma and guilt Declan carries with him from the loss of his son is heartbreaking. Add in Andy’s upbringing with a dad who didn’t want her and a mother that wanted drugs more than her and you have yourself a very heavy, raw, emotionally charged story. The way Kyla portrayed Declan’s addiction was so realistic, making my heart hurt even more. Aside from the heavy emotional aspect of the story, I loved the pace at which Andy and Declan’s relationship changed and I adored the way Declan treated Max and Andy. Since this is a romance, I feel the need to say there is plenty of filthy spice sprinkled in as well. Just be sure to check your triggers before making this journey with Declan and Andy.
Because of You is narrated in duet by Gregory Salinas and Geneva Mitchell. I have been a big fan of Gregory for a while now, but this was my first time hearing him in a role like this. I was blown away by his performance and the way he was able to capture Declan’s struggles and heartache, but of course he also brought his charming charisma to life so well. This was my first time listening to Geneva and I loved her performance as Andy. Andy was guarded, sassy, and fierce, but she also had a softer, more vulnerable side as her relationship progressed with Declan and Geneva performed that perfectly. This is an absolutely stellar audiobook!
Declan is the lead singer in a popular band, Riot. When the band moves to Vegas he finds himself in a small town just outside of Vegas. In an effort to maintain his sobriety his band mates thought it was best that he didn’t live in Vegas with them. Declan, blindsided by their decision, was obviously upset until the night he ran into Andy, the hotel manager and her daughter, Max. Andy is a single mom with no support and she has her guard firmly in place. From the moment they meet their chemistry is evident, but Andy refuses to just a summer fling for Declan. As they begin spending more time together their chemistry turns into a soul deep connection. Now with Riot back on tour will Declan be able to resist the drugs and alcohol that have already ruined his life once?
This book was an emotional rollercoaster! I mean WHOA! Kyla ripped my heart out and put it back together. The trauma and guilt Declan carries with him from the loss of his son is heartbreaking. Add in Andy’s upbringing with a dad who didn’t want her and a mother that wanted drugs more than her and you have yourself a very heavy, raw, emotionally charged story. The way Kyla portrayed Declan’s addiction was so realistic, making my heart hurt even more. Aside from the heavy emotional aspect of the story, I loved the pace at which Andy and Declan’s relationship changed and I adored the way Declan treated Max and Andy. Since this is a romance, I feel the need to say there is plenty of filthy spice sprinkled in as well. Just be sure to check your triggers before making this journey with Declan and Andy.
Because of You is narrated in duet by Gregory Salinas and Geneva Mitchell. I have been a big fan of Gregory for a while now, but this was my first time hearing him in a role like this. I was blown away by his performance and the way he was able to capture Declan’s struggles and heartache, but of course he also brought his charming charisma to life so well. This was my first time listening to Geneva and I loved her performance as Andy. Andy was guarded, sassy, and fierce, but she also had a softer, more vulnerable side as her relationship progressed with Declan and Geneva performed that perfectly. This is an absolutely stellar audiobook!
October 16, 2025
🎧✨ ALC Review: Because of You by Kyla Faye ✨🎧
🎧 Narrated by Geneva Mitchell & Gregory Salinas
Tropes:
Rockstar Romance | Single Mom | 10-Year Age Gap | Plus-Size FMC | Close Proximity | Men’s Mental Health | Found Family | Broken but Healing | “Mama” x “Good Boy”
If you’ve ever loved someone who’s a little too broken, or found beauty in the wreckage of a life that didn’t go as planned, Because of You will gut you in the best way. This isn’t a glossy rockstar romance. It’s raw, emotional, and achingly human. It’s the kind of story that looks pain in the face and still chooses love.
Declan is a man haunted by his own ghosts. A once-golden musician now surviving in grayscale, he’s every bit the tortured soul you want to fix, but Kyla Faye never lets him be just the sad trope. He’s messy, self-aware, heartbreaking, and still somehow worthy of love. Andy is our fierce, plus sized while still learning to accept her body and appreciate it for the powerhouse it is, soft, traumatized, resilient single mom. Kyla wrote her just as layered as Declan but in different ways. They both have shared trauma but the differences and how they overcome it tell the real story. She’s not here to save him; she’s just trying to save herself and her daughter. And maybe, accidentally, they both find something worth holding onto.
But let’s talk audio because this duet narration? Phenomenal. Geneva Mitchell brings a warmth and quiet strength to Andy that makes her feel real. You can hear every flicker of exhaustion, fear, and hesitant hope in her tone. Gregory Salinas, though… he is Declan. His performance is so good. He gives Declan’s pain texture. The kind of voice that sounds like it’s been through hell and still chooses tenderness. Together, they create a rhythm that pulls you under until you forget you’re listening to fiction. Every pause and inhale feels intentional, every whispered confession lands exactly where it’s supposed to. Right in your chest.
Because of You is about loss and addiction, yes, but also about what it means to claw your way back toward the light when you’ve convinced yourself you don’t deserve it. It’s messy and healing and deeply moving. It broke me open and reminded me that sometimes, the hardest love stories are the most honest ones.
Thank you to Kyla Faye and Luna Literary Management for the ALC.
🎧 Narrated by Geneva Mitchell & Gregory Salinas
Tropes:
Rockstar Romance | Single Mom | 10-Year Age Gap | Plus-Size FMC | Close Proximity | Men’s Mental Health | Found Family | Broken but Healing | “Mama” x “Good Boy”
If you’ve ever loved someone who’s a little too broken, or found beauty in the wreckage of a life that didn’t go as planned, Because of You will gut you in the best way. This isn’t a glossy rockstar romance. It’s raw, emotional, and achingly human. It’s the kind of story that looks pain in the face and still chooses love.
Declan is a man haunted by his own ghosts. A once-golden musician now surviving in grayscale, he’s every bit the tortured soul you want to fix, but Kyla Faye never lets him be just the sad trope. He’s messy, self-aware, heartbreaking, and still somehow worthy of love. Andy is our fierce, plus sized while still learning to accept her body and appreciate it for the powerhouse it is, soft, traumatized, resilient single mom. Kyla wrote her just as layered as Declan but in different ways. They both have shared trauma but the differences and how they overcome it tell the real story. She’s not here to save him; she’s just trying to save herself and her daughter. And maybe, accidentally, they both find something worth holding onto.
But let’s talk audio because this duet narration? Phenomenal. Geneva Mitchell brings a warmth and quiet strength to Andy that makes her feel real. You can hear every flicker of exhaustion, fear, and hesitant hope in her tone. Gregory Salinas, though… he is Declan. His performance is so good. He gives Declan’s pain texture. The kind of voice that sounds like it’s been through hell and still chooses tenderness. Together, they create a rhythm that pulls you under until you forget you’re listening to fiction. Every pause and inhale feels intentional, every whispered confession lands exactly where it’s supposed to. Right in your chest.
Because of You is about loss and addiction, yes, but also about what it means to claw your way back toward the light when you’ve convinced yourself you don’t deserve it. It’s messy and healing and deeply moving. It broke me open and reminded me that sometimes, the hardest love stories are the most honest ones.
Thank you to Kyla Faye and Luna Literary Management for the ALC.
October 18, 2025
Because of You takes place after the events of Our Way Back (continuing to read this review if you haven't read the first book may spoil key events), and Declan is struggling to find himself and move on with his life after his divorce to Camille has been finalized.
After dealing with A LOT of hard times in both his childhood and adult life, he and his band (Riot) move to Las Vegas to record their next album before they go on tour. But given his demons, his team and band decide that living in Vegas is the biggest possible trigger, and they make the executive decision to have him live in a small town outside of the city to keep his head clear. While he's trying to stay away from drugs and alcohol, he finds his next addiction in a young single mom, Andy, hellbent on giving him a hard time for just trying to live.
I was excited to hear about Declan's story, but I was admittedly not prepared for just how devastating the events in his life have been. His self-hatred and lack of desire to truly live for himself was really heartbreaking, but I feel like it's honestly probably relatable for someone who would go through what he did. Coping with his abandonment issues from his mom, his drug use and continuous relapses, and feeling truly useless was bound to have him continue to spiral.
On the flip side, Andy's life story was equally as heartbreaking and difficult, and she's only 21 years old. Having to grow up so much earlier than others around her, she is trying to break the cycle and struggles that she dealt with growing up with her mom, Diane, as she is always trying to put Max first and eliminate anything from their lives that might bring them harm. She was strong, fearless, and willing to do the right thing, even if it hurt her in the end.
This book just made me... feel. I definitely shed a few tears because the audiobook narrator did such an amazing job and the emotions of the words just felt so real. I know people who have struggled with addiction, so it just hit me a little differently, I think. I would absolutely recommend this audiobook to someone who is looking for a tortured soul MMC, but also a love story.
This is absolutely a story you need to check your triggers for before using, especially if you struggle reading about addiction and drug use on page.
Thank you to Luna Literary Management and Kyla Faye for the advanced listener's copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After dealing with A LOT of hard times in both his childhood and adult life, he and his band (Riot) move to Las Vegas to record their next album before they go on tour. But given his demons, his team and band decide that living in Vegas is the biggest possible trigger, and they make the executive decision to have him live in a small town outside of the city to keep his head clear. While he's trying to stay away from drugs and alcohol, he finds his next addiction in a young single mom, Andy, hellbent on giving him a hard time for just trying to live.
I was excited to hear about Declan's story, but I was admittedly not prepared for just how devastating the events in his life have been. His self-hatred and lack of desire to truly live for himself was really heartbreaking, but I feel like it's honestly probably relatable for someone who would go through what he did. Coping with his abandonment issues from his mom, his drug use and continuous relapses, and feeling truly useless was bound to have him continue to spiral.
On the flip side, Andy's life story was equally as heartbreaking and difficult, and she's only 21 years old. Having to grow up so much earlier than others around her, she is trying to break the cycle and struggles that she dealt with growing up with her mom, Diane, as she is always trying to put Max first and eliminate anything from their lives that might bring them harm. She was strong, fearless, and willing to do the right thing, even if it hurt her in the end.
This book just made me... feel. I definitely shed a few tears because the audiobook narrator did such an amazing job and the emotions of the words just felt so real. I know people who have struggled with addiction, so it just hit me a little differently, I think. I would absolutely recommend this audiobook to someone who is looking for a tortured soul MMC, but also a love story.
This is absolutely a story you need to check your triggers for before using, especially if you struggle reading about addiction and drug use on page.
Thank you to Luna Literary Management and Kyla Faye for the advanced listener's copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 10, 2024
“Because of you, I’m alive.”
This is an emotionally heavy read; please check trigger warnings before reading. And if you’re like me, you might want a box of tissues on standby.
I’m still recovering from reading this book. Kyla did an amazing job with the characters and the struggles they faced. Andy and Declan will forever be a part of my big, fat, purple heart.
Andy is a single mother with mommy issues and is fiercely independent. Declan is a rock star with a drug addiction and a past that haunts him. The way you could tell that no matter what scars they had on their hearts, they were in love and wanted to see each other happy, was heartwarming and inspirational. They relied on each other to keep their heads above water.
Declan’s unwavering love for Andy warmed my heart, and how he called her “Mama” was one of the sweetest things I have ever read. He consistently showed that he cared and that he loved both Andy and his best friend (Andy’s daughter).
This book was a hard read for me because I have struggled with depression and anxiety most of my life, and I could relate to how the characters were feeling especially Declan. My heart broke for these two amazing characters, but somewhere along the way, I feel like the book helped to heal some parts of me that struggled in the past and how I viewed myself.
The phone call near the end of the book shattered my heart, and the last two pages put it back together and made me realize, along with Declan, that I am worthy and we all deserve to be happy and find love.
I am so happy that I got to experience the book this way, heartbreak and all. A big thank you to Kyla for sending me an ARC copy of this amazing book! I can’t wait to read more from you!
Favorite quotes:
“I can’t let her go. Even if that means destroying her in the end. She’s mine until her very last breath. Until I ruin us both.”
“I’m worthy. I deserve to live. I deserve to forgive myself.”
“Let me love you how you deserve to be loved.”
“No matter what happens between us, I’ll never regret the time we’ve spent together.”
“We’re in each other’s veins.”
*ARC copy provided in exchange for my honest review and opinion*
This is an emotionally heavy read; please check trigger warnings before reading. And if you’re like me, you might want a box of tissues on standby.
I’m still recovering from reading this book. Kyla did an amazing job with the characters and the struggles they faced. Andy and Declan will forever be a part of my big, fat, purple heart.
Andy is a single mother with mommy issues and is fiercely independent. Declan is a rock star with a drug addiction and a past that haunts him. The way you could tell that no matter what scars they had on their hearts, they were in love and wanted to see each other happy, was heartwarming and inspirational. They relied on each other to keep their heads above water.
Declan’s unwavering love for Andy warmed my heart, and how he called her “Mama” was one of the sweetest things I have ever read. He consistently showed that he cared and that he loved both Andy and his best friend (Andy’s daughter).
This book was a hard read for me because I have struggled with depression and anxiety most of my life, and I could relate to how the characters were feeling especially Declan. My heart broke for these two amazing characters, but somewhere along the way, I feel like the book helped to heal some parts of me that struggled in the past and how I viewed myself.
The phone call near the end of the book shattered my heart, and the last two pages put it back together and made me realize, along with Declan, that I am worthy and we all deserve to be happy and find love.
I am so happy that I got to experience the book this way, heartbreak and all. A big thank you to Kyla for sending me an ARC copy of this amazing book! I can’t wait to read more from you!
Favorite quotes:
“I can’t let her go. Even if that means destroying her in the end. She’s mine until her very last breath. Until I ruin us both.”
“I’m worthy. I deserve to live. I deserve to forgive myself.”
“Let me love you how you deserve to be loved.”
“No matter what happens between us, I’ll never regret the time we’ve spent together.”
“We’re in each other’s veins.”
*ARC copy provided in exchange for my honest review and opinion*
October 30, 2025
✨️ALC Review✨️
This narrated in duet by Gregory Salinas and Geneva Mitchell. They were both fantastic. Salinas was so believable as Declan. I felt every single bit of shame, frustration, self-hate, and also hope and desire through his voice. There were often a lot of emotions within one scene and he had me right there with every step. Mitchell is a new-to-me narrator and I thoroughly enjoyed her performance. Like Declan, Andy goes through a gamut of emotions and I felt all of them through the audio.
This was a very tough story and I wondered at times if I could finish. NOT because it wasn't good - Kyla did a wonderful job with this storyline and character development. She writes in a way the really puts the reader in the story. I have no experience with addiction but it all seemed very believable.
I talked to these characters so much; my child had to tell me to stop yelling 😅 As you can imagine, Declan, an addict with a troubling past, makes some hurtful decisions and I wanted to shake him and then just love on him. Oh man, he broke my heart.
Andy was an amazing FMC. As a daughter of an addict and a young struggling mother, she was so dang strong. She does whatever necessary to take care of her daughter. I especially loved that even as she recognized her relationship with Declan may be short lived and was hesitant at first, she loved with her whole heart.
You guys, when I say I bawled while listening, I mean blubbering mess. My heart was shredded. I can't recall a book recently where the characters had such a hard-fought HEA (hopefully that's not a spoiler, this is a romance after all) and I was cheering so hard for them. Addiction might be a huge focus but there's a beautiful romance with lots of spice too.
You might have to be in the right mind set for this one and check your trigger warnings, but would definitely recommend this audio book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶
Rockstar Romance | Single Mom | Addiction
Age Gap | He Calls Her Mama | Mental Health | He Tattoos Her Name On His C***
This narrated in duet by Gregory Salinas and Geneva Mitchell. They were both fantastic. Salinas was so believable as Declan. I felt every single bit of shame, frustration, self-hate, and also hope and desire through his voice. There were often a lot of emotions within one scene and he had me right there with every step. Mitchell is a new-to-me narrator and I thoroughly enjoyed her performance. Like Declan, Andy goes through a gamut of emotions and I felt all of them through the audio.
This was a very tough story and I wondered at times if I could finish. NOT because it wasn't good - Kyla did a wonderful job with this storyline and character development. She writes in a way the really puts the reader in the story. I have no experience with addiction but it all seemed very believable.
I talked to these characters so much; my child had to tell me to stop yelling 😅 As you can imagine, Declan, an addict with a troubling past, makes some hurtful decisions and I wanted to shake him and then just love on him. Oh man, he broke my heart.
Andy was an amazing FMC. As a daughter of an addict and a young struggling mother, she was so dang strong. She does whatever necessary to take care of her daughter. I especially loved that even as she recognized her relationship with Declan may be short lived and was hesitant at first, she loved with her whole heart.
You guys, when I say I bawled while listening, I mean blubbering mess. My heart was shredded. I can't recall a book recently where the characters had such a hard-fought HEA (hopefully that's not a spoiler, this is a romance after all) and I was cheering so hard for them. Addiction might be a huge focus but there's a beautiful romance with lots of spice too.
You might have to be in the right mind set for this one and check your trigger warnings, but would definitely recommend this audio book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶
Rockstar Romance | Single Mom | Addiction
Age Gap | He Calls Her Mama | Mental Health | He Tattoos Her Name On His C***
November 6, 2025
Thank you to Luna Literary for my advance audiobook copy of Because Of You by Kyla Faye in exchange for my honest opinion. I also appreciate the grace with my delay of my review as I wrapped my head around this one.
This has been my favorite audiobook to date. Gregory Salinas and Geneva Mitchell are BEYOND amazing. Pure, raw emotion. This story came to life on their lips. I laughed. I cried. I felt SO much through this story, you couldn't have picked better narrators...and Greg freaking SANG parts when Declan, the main character was singing!!!!
This is an emotional read. Check your trigger warnings, this story deals with addiction (but tastefully done). This is also the 2nd book in an interconnected standalone series. I didn't read the first one and I don't think I missed out on anything.
I also really connected with this because I'm a local Las Vegas girlie and this book takes place in a fictional (but kinda real) town that's about an hour away (but in an area where we go riding and camping) so it really felt immersive for me.
Reader's digest version: Declan has battled an addiction for too much of his life and his band fell by the wayside because of it. He's "clean" and so the band wants to reunite and put out new music (love his bandmates). They decide to record and practice in Las Vegas, but have Declan stay out in Loganville so he isn't tempted to party. Declan meets Andy, the hotel manager in Loganville, and they start a friendship. Andy has a past with her mother that is an addict, so will she be able to befriend Declan?
5 star read. This book absolutely DESTROYED me. I haven't felt this emotional with a read in a long time. This one has stayed with me and trying to find the words for this one has been difficult. This was an amazing, amazing book and I highly recommend it.
I even let go of the mispronounciation of Nevada throughout this one...I could understand Declan mispronouncing Nevada since he came from New York, but Andy grew up in Nevada, gah! Soap box over 😂.
Seriously, read this book!
This has been my favorite audiobook to date. Gregory Salinas and Geneva Mitchell are BEYOND amazing. Pure, raw emotion. This story came to life on their lips. I laughed. I cried. I felt SO much through this story, you couldn't have picked better narrators...and Greg freaking SANG parts when Declan, the main character was singing!!!!
This is an emotional read. Check your trigger warnings, this story deals with addiction (but tastefully done). This is also the 2nd book in an interconnected standalone series. I didn't read the first one and I don't think I missed out on anything.
I also really connected with this because I'm a local Las Vegas girlie and this book takes place in a fictional (but kinda real) town that's about an hour away (but in an area where we go riding and camping) so it really felt immersive for me.
Reader's digest version: Declan has battled an addiction for too much of his life and his band fell by the wayside because of it. He's "clean" and so the band wants to reunite and put out new music (love his bandmates). They decide to record and practice in Las Vegas, but have Declan stay out in Loganville so he isn't tempted to party. Declan meets Andy, the hotel manager in Loganville, and they start a friendship. Andy has a past with her mother that is an addict, so will she be able to befriend Declan?
5 star read. This book absolutely DESTROYED me. I haven't felt this emotional with a read in a long time. This one has stayed with me and trying to find the words for this one has been difficult. This was an amazing, amazing book and I highly recommend it.
I even let go of the mispronounciation of Nevada throughout this one...I could understand Declan mispronouncing Nevada since he came from New York, but Andy grew up in Nevada, gah! Soap box over 😂.
Seriously, read this book!
November 14, 2025
Thanks so much Kyla Faye and Luna Literary Management for the book. I was given this book as an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review completely voluntarily.
Because of You is the second book in Kyla Faye’s Part of Me series, and while it’s an interconnected story, it can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read the first book before diving in, and did not feel lost or disconnected from the story. This was my first Kyla Faye book, and now I’m annoyed it took me this long to pick her up.
The story follows Declan, the MMC, whose life has been defined by addiction and the destructive choices that spiral out of it. He’s messy, chaotic, sometimes frustrating. His decisions have consequences, not just for himself but for the people around him, and Faye doesn’t shy away from showing the fallout. Andy, the FMC, is a single mother who grew up surrounded by addiction even though she was not an addict herself. Her life is shaped by survival, resilience, and the fierce determination to give her daughter, Max, a better life than she ever had. Andy’s toughness, compassion, and vulnerability create a compelling counterbalance to Declan’s volatility.
I will say this book is much heavier than I expected. The story places addiction, loss, and mental-health struggles squarely at the forefront. It isn’t just atmosphere; these issues are woven into the characters’ identities, their choices, and their arc of healing. While I wasn’t personally triggered, readers should be aware that this story does not shy away from darkness.
What makes this book truly shine is the character growth. Declan’s journey from self-destruction to genuine accountability felt earned and believable. He backslides, he lashes out, and he makes terrible decisions but that imperfection makes his eventual steps toward growth feel authentic. The moments where Declan behaves poorly intentionally adds weight and realism rather than detracting from the narrative. The messiness makes the redemption better and matter more. Andy’s arc is equally strong: moving from a guarded, self-reliant survivor to someone willing to trust, accept support, and build a future with someone imperfect but trying.
By the time I reached the end, I found myself thinking about these characters long after I’d closed the book. This story sticks with you. It’s emotional, heavy, raw, and honest—but it’s also hopeful in a way that feels earned rather than forced.
This was my first Kyla Faye book, but it definitely won’t be my last.
Happy reading friends,
~ Maebae 💚
I’m a fellow book lover reviewing the good, the bad, and everything bookish in-between. All thoughts, opinions, and reactions are completely my own. I wasn’t paid, sponsored, or influenced in any way.
Because of You is the second book in Kyla Faye’s Part of Me series, and while it’s an interconnected story, it can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read the first book before diving in, and did not feel lost or disconnected from the story. This was my first Kyla Faye book, and now I’m annoyed it took me this long to pick her up.
The story follows Declan, the MMC, whose life has been defined by addiction and the destructive choices that spiral out of it. He’s messy, chaotic, sometimes frustrating. His decisions have consequences, not just for himself but for the people around him, and Faye doesn’t shy away from showing the fallout. Andy, the FMC, is a single mother who grew up surrounded by addiction even though she was not an addict herself. Her life is shaped by survival, resilience, and the fierce determination to give her daughter, Max, a better life than she ever had. Andy’s toughness, compassion, and vulnerability create a compelling counterbalance to Declan’s volatility.
I will say this book is much heavier than I expected. The story places addiction, loss, and mental-health struggles squarely at the forefront. It isn’t just atmosphere; these issues are woven into the characters’ identities, their choices, and their arc of healing. While I wasn’t personally triggered, readers should be aware that this story does not shy away from darkness.
What makes this book truly shine is the character growth. Declan’s journey from self-destruction to genuine accountability felt earned and believable. He backslides, he lashes out, and he makes terrible decisions but that imperfection makes his eventual steps toward growth feel authentic. The moments where Declan behaves poorly intentionally adds weight and realism rather than detracting from the narrative. The messiness makes the redemption better and matter more. Andy’s arc is equally strong: moving from a guarded, self-reliant survivor to someone willing to trust, accept support, and build a future with someone imperfect but trying.
By the time I reached the end, I found myself thinking about these characters long after I’d closed the book. This story sticks with you. It’s emotional, heavy, raw, and honest—but it’s also hopeful in a way that feels earned rather than forced.
This was my first Kyla Faye book, but it definitely won’t be my last.
Happy reading friends,
~ Maebae 💚
I’m a fellow book lover reviewing the good, the bad, and everything bookish in-between. All thoughts, opinions, and reactions are completely my own. I wasn’t paid, sponsored, or influenced in any way.
October 17, 2025
Ok, first and foremost, big shout out to Gregory Salinas and Geneva Mitchell for bringing these characters to life. From the very first sentence of chapter one, I knew immediately, their voices would help me visualize their story scene by scene—which helps me appreciate the story a lot more!
Onto the book review…
NGL I was nervous! You know me, I dive into books head first. I read the tropes, determine I like them, and head straight to reading. Definitely should have read the blurb, the TW/CW or even the authors note 🤦🏽♀️. So, if you’re like me and wanna read blind but still curious about the review, all I’ll say is that it’s heavy but so worth the read! Declan and Andy were absolutely meant for each other! And Max is literally the sweetest! Now, you’ll need to stop reading here bc I’m about to expand on that!
Several years ago, I read a book that had addiction in it where both MCs were struggling with it. Long story short, that story broke me (to the point where I was sad about it for WEEKS) and I swore I never wanted to read a book about addiction again! Fast forward to the present and the first chapter is basically the MC struggling with his addiction and the fatal consequences it had…and mind you this is an ALC so, I literally signed up for this…it was my fault for selecting this…so I chose to push though…and thank goodness I did because this was a much better story!!!
There was definitely a chapter or two that the author could have put in there to really twist the knife and devastate me but I’m glad she didn’t! This was a wonderful story of two people who were meant for each other! Idk, I might have to check out the rest of the band’s story!
Shout out to Luna Literary for providing the ALC!
Onto the book review…
NGL I was nervous! You know me, I dive into books head first. I read the tropes, determine I like them, and head straight to reading. Definitely should have read the blurb, the TW/CW or even the authors note 🤦🏽♀️. So, if you’re like me and wanna read blind but still curious about the review, all I’ll say is that it’s heavy but so worth the read! Declan and Andy were absolutely meant for each other! And Max is literally the sweetest! Now, you’ll need to stop reading here bc I’m about to expand on that!
Several years ago, I read a book that had addiction in it where both MCs were struggling with it. Long story short, that story broke me (to the point where I was sad about it for WEEKS) and I swore I never wanted to read a book about addiction again! Fast forward to the present and the first chapter is basically the MC struggling with his addiction and the fatal consequences it had…and mind you this is an ALC so, I literally signed up for this…it was my fault for selecting this…so I chose to push though…and thank goodness I did because this was a much better story!!!
There was definitely a chapter or two that the author could have put in there to really twist the knife and devastate me but I’m glad she didn’t! This was a wonderful story of two people who were meant for each other! Idk, I might have to check out the rest of the band’s story!
Shout out to Luna Literary for providing the ALC!
October 21, 2025
4.5 stars
"I can no longer sit around waiting for someone to save me from myself. It's time to save myself and grow up."
"I want to live and I want to fight."
"You're my everything, I want all of your tomorrows."
Big thanks to the author and Lunar Literacy for the ALC! wow wow! This is my first read by this author and it did not disappoint! I truly enjoyed this story a lot, and I love that the audio is a duet narration, this aspect truly brought the story together and added the additional emphasis with the story. Two beautifully broke characters come together as one. This story is a hard / challenging read, please tread lightly and carefully when reading this. This story will definitely pull at your heart strings for sure but the ending and epilogue is so well worth it. The author does not shy away from the ugly horrors of what a drug / alcohol addiction looks like, and what the potential bumpy road to recovery looks like, and I respect the heck out of the author for being so raw and real with these characters. As the reader, I was immersed into the setting and mindset of Declan and Andy, both characters have some form of proximity to drug addiction, but it truly impacted them in different ways. I adore Andy's character so much, her love and protection for Max was so pure and the way she made a way out of no way (as a single mom) to always uplift and support her daughter was beautiful to read. Andy's vulnerability and sense of wanting to always take care of others is engrained in her and I love how she rallied behind Declan and did all she could to support and protect him. Declan, oh awe. Truly truly love how fleshed out, and powerful his story is, he was dealt a sad hand and his journey isn't pretty, but it truly made the story flow so well.
"I can no longer sit around waiting for someone to save me from myself. It's time to save myself and grow up."
"I want to live and I want to fight."
"You're my everything, I want all of your tomorrows."
Big thanks to the author and Lunar Literacy for the ALC! wow wow! This is my first read by this author and it did not disappoint! I truly enjoyed this story a lot, and I love that the audio is a duet narration, this aspect truly brought the story together and added the additional emphasis with the story. Two beautifully broke characters come together as one. This story is a hard / challenging read, please tread lightly and carefully when reading this. This story will definitely pull at your heart strings for sure but the ending and epilogue is so well worth it. The author does not shy away from the ugly horrors of what a drug / alcohol addiction looks like, and what the potential bumpy road to recovery looks like, and I respect the heck out of the author for being so raw and real with these characters. As the reader, I was immersed into the setting and mindset of Declan and Andy, both characters have some form of proximity to drug addiction, but it truly impacted them in different ways. I adore Andy's character so much, her love and protection for Max was so pure and the way she made a way out of no way (as a single mom) to always uplift and support her daughter was beautiful to read. Andy's vulnerability and sense of wanting to always take care of others is engrained in her and I love how she rallied behind Declan and did all she could to support and protect him. Declan, oh awe. Truly truly love how fleshed out, and powerful his story is, he was dealt a sad hand and his journey isn't pretty, but it truly made the story flow so well.
July 12, 2024
*I was very kindly provided an ARC by the amazing author for this book. The detailed goodreads review will be up after its release day, so stay tuned for that! *
🍒🎶 𝕭𝖊𝖈𝖆𝖚𝖘𝖊 𝖔𝖋 𝖄𝖔𝖚 🎶🍒
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Range of Emotions - I'm not even going to start with that because trust me, you all aren't ready for it.
Spice Level - 🌶🌶🌶🌶
~𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰~
Just a little heads up that the book's second in series, so some of the things I'll say 'might' sound like a spoiler.
Here's the thing, as soon as Declan opened his mouth in Book 1 aka 'Our Way Back' I knew that he was going to steal my heart in such a brutal way, that after everything, I'll still tell him to do it all over again (trust me y'all, I ain't exaggerating).
When I first started reading, Andy's character got into my nerves because of how judgmental she was but as the story progressed on, I could see, understand, feel her character. I love how she stood her ground when situations went to shit. I love how she was a rock for Declan and didn't give up on him as soon as they hit rock bottom. There were times when I wanted to smack Declan in the head but that's the thing about people with addiction. Addiction isn't something that can be fixed with a snap of fingers. It takes time and I love how Kyla portrayed every struggle and win with such heartfelt emotions.
I'm also not usually the type that likes reading addiction stories, and quite frankly, I went into this with my finger crossed, but boy, was I wrong! Kyla didn't just deliver. She straight up went for the homerun.
Declan and Andy will forever hold a special place in my heart. So, to Declan and Andy for being everything and so much more 🥂
🍒🎶 𝕭𝖊𝖈𝖆𝖚𝖘𝖊 𝖔𝖋 𝖄𝖔𝖚 🎶🍒
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Range of Emotions - I'm not even going to start with that because trust me, you all aren't ready for it.
Spice Level - 🌶🌶🌶🌶
~𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰~
Just a little heads up that the book's second in series, so some of the things I'll say 'might' sound like a spoiler.
Here's the thing, as soon as Declan opened his mouth in Book 1 aka 'Our Way Back' I knew that he was going to steal my heart in such a brutal way, that after everything, I'll still tell him to do it all over again (trust me y'all, I ain't exaggerating).
When I first started reading, Andy's character got into my nerves because of how judgmental she was but as the story progressed on, I could see, understand, feel her character. I love how she stood her ground when situations went to shit. I love how she was a rock for Declan and didn't give up on him as soon as they hit rock bottom. There were times when I wanted to smack Declan in the head but that's the thing about people with addiction. Addiction isn't something that can be fixed with a snap of fingers. It takes time and I love how Kyla portrayed every struggle and win with such heartfelt emotions.
I'm also not usually the type that likes reading addiction stories, and quite frankly, I went into this with my finger crossed, but boy, was I wrong! Kyla didn't just deliver. She straight up went for the homerun.
Declan and Andy will forever hold a special place in my heart. So, to Declan and Andy for being everything and so much more 🥂
October 22, 2025
THIS BOOK. HOLY FLIPPING ANGST.
Truthfully. This is one of the angstiest books that I’ve ever read. Maybe it’s my mood, but I read a lot of angst and this one affected me to my absolute core. Go into this book completely blind.
🎸Rockstar romance
🎸Age gap
🎸Single mom
🎸Addict MMC
Declan is an addict. He knows it. The world knows it. But he is trying to be better for his band. So when they relocate to Vegas, he is shipped to the outskirts to stay away from the partying and temptations.
Andi is a young single mom to Max. Truth be told, they are the furthest thing from rich and barely surviving, but Andi is the absolute BEST mom and she will do what she needs to do for her daughter.
On paper, Declan and Andi should never work out. They are opposites in every way. But the journey that Kyla takes us on is absolutely heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. These two characters truly go THROUGH IT.
This book is HEAVY. There are seriously triggering things that take place, so read the content warnings beforehand, if need be. I cried so hard in this book. For these characters and their love story. Their love is truly soulmate level deep, but is the timing right for them?
Gregory Salinas and Geneva Mitchell perform this audiobook beautifully in duet narration. Their voices had me absolutely enthralled in this book. I finished this is less than 36 hours because I could not put it down!
There is so much more that I want to write, but I don’t want to spoil anything! READ THIS BOOK 👏
Truthfully. This is one of the angstiest books that I’ve ever read. Maybe it’s my mood, but I read a lot of angst and this one affected me to my absolute core. Go into this book completely blind.
🎸Rockstar romance
🎸Age gap
🎸Single mom
🎸Addict MMC
Declan is an addict. He knows it. The world knows it. But he is trying to be better for his band. So when they relocate to Vegas, he is shipped to the outskirts to stay away from the partying and temptations.
Andi is a young single mom to Max. Truth be told, they are the furthest thing from rich and barely surviving, but Andi is the absolute BEST mom and she will do what she needs to do for her daughter.
On paper, Declan and Andi should never work out. They are opposites in every way. But the journey that Kyla takes us on is absolutely heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. These two characters truly go THROUGH IT.
This book is HEAVY. There are seriously triggering things that take place, so read the content warnings beforehand, if need be. I cried so hard in this book. For these characters and their love story. Their love is truly soulmate level deep, but is the timing right for them?
Gregory Salinas and Geneva Mitchell perform this audiobook beautifully in duet narration. Their voices had me absolutely enthralled in this book. I finished this is less than 36 hours because I could not put it down!
There is so much more that I want to write, but I don’t want to spoil anything! READ THIS BOOK 👏
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