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Ivy Ridge #2
Never Really Mine
What happens when you have a drunken one-night stand with your childhood best friend? I’ll give you a little hint.
Two pink lines.
I’ve been in love with my best friend Beau Cunningham, since… well, forever. Only, risking losing him isn’t an option. He’s the person I can call when I’m at my lowest; the one who pulls me out of the darkness. I have to live with the fact that he will never really be mine.
Until one drunken night changes everything. I wake up next to Beau, and do what I do best when faced with confrontation.
I run.
Except I can’t run from the fact that eight weeks later, two lines show up on the pregnancy test. Those two pink lines change the trajectory of both our lives, and I know I need to keep my emotions in check to protect my heart.
Beau has always shown me that he’s here for me in every way possible, and he doesn’t waver once we find out I’m pregnant. He’s all in and wants me to know it. Can I let myself fall, and trust that he will be there to catch me?
Author’s Note Welcome back to Ivy Ridge! Never Really Mine is a standalone, spicy small-town romance featuring a plus size heroine, and a sexy, tattooed hero. While the book is a standalone, it is highly recommended that you read book one first. Please be sure to check trigger warnings listed in the front of the book. Take care of yourself. Your mental health matters more than a book.
Two pink lines.
I’ve been in love with my best friend Beau Cunningham, since… well, forever. Only, risking losing him isn’t an option. He’s the person I can call when I’m at my lowest; the one who pulls me out of the darkness. I have to live with the fact that he will never really be mine.
Until one drunken night changes everything. I wake up next to Beau, and do what I do best when faced with confrontation.
I run.
Except I can’t run from the fact that eight weeks later, two lines show up on the pregnancy test. Those two pink lines change the trajectory of both our lives, and I know I need to keep my emotions in check to protect my heart.
Beau has always shown me that he’s here for me in every way possible, and he doesn’t waver once we find out I’m pregnant. He’s all in and wants me to know it. Can I let myself fall, and trust that he will be there to catch me?
Author’s Note Welcome back to Ivy Ridge! Never Really Mine is a standalone, spicy small-town romance featuring a plus size heroine, and a sexy, tattooed hero. While the book is a standalone, it is highly recommended that you read book one first. Please be sure to check trigger warnings listed in the front of the book. Take care of yourself. Your mental health matters more than a book.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2024
195 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Alice Daniels
7 books56 followersAlice Daniels is a born and raised Minnesotan who loves to write books based on the small town she grew up in. Her books are sweet, heartfelt, and sexy, with relatable characters.
As a child, she was an avid fiction reader, which evolved into a deep love for romance novels and the community surrounding them. She recently discovered a passion for putting her ideas into writing and decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming an author.
She spends time with her family and friends when she’s not writing, especially on the lakes or outdoors in the summer.
Follow Alice on Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads for book updates, teasers, and future releases!
As a child, she was an avid fiction reader, which evolved into a deep love for romance novels and the community surrounding them. She recently discovered a passion for putting her ideas into writing and decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming an author.
She spends time with her family and friends when she’s not writing, especially on the lakes or outdoors in the summer.
Follow Alice on Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads for book updates, teasers, and future releases!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
August 24, 2024
I want to preface this review by saying that the surprise/accidental pregnancy trope isn't my favorite, so my perspective may be slightly biased. This is the second book by this author and although I was genuinely excited for Beau and Marley’s story—since I’m a sucker for a second chance love story—I found myself disappointed.
Beau and Marley have had a complicated relationship, dancing around their feelings for each other since they were best friends in high school. The story sets up an intriguing premise: a conversation between Beau and Marley’s father leads to a significant miscommunication, causing Beau to suppress his feelings for Marley for years. This could have been an excellent foundation for a compelling romance with emotional depth and character development.
However, the story takes a turn when Marley becomes pregnant with twins after a night of passion. The accidental pregnancy trope, in this case, felt more like a plot device than a natural progression of their relationship. It overshadowed the elements of second-chance romance that I was initially drawn to.
One of the significant issues I had with the book was Marley’s portrayal during her pregnancy. She is constantly hormonal, moody, and irrational, and while she acknowledges this herself, it didn’t sit well with me. Her behavior, combined with the fact that she cried all the time, felt like a frustrating and exaggerated representation of pregnancy, which I found annoying and unrealistic.
The amount of miscommunication between Beau and Marley was also laughable. Despite Beau being nothing but loving and caring towards her, Marley repeatedly turned him away, which became tiring after a while. The miscommunication felt forced and prevented any real emotional connection or growth between the characters.
Another moment that gave me pause was towards the end when Marley developed a clogged milk duct, and Beau helped her by creating suction with his mouth. While some readers might view this as a moment of intimacy, it came across as an out-of-place kink inconsistent with the rest of the story. It felt unnecessary and added an uncomfortable element that took away from the romance.
In conclusion, while this author has a strong writing style and a knack for creating relatable characters, this book didn’t quite hit the mark. The focus on the surprise pregnancy trope, the frustrating miscommunications, and some questionable scenes left me disappointed. Will I reread this author? Yes. Was this my favorite? No.
Beau and Marley have had a complicated relationship, dancing around their feelings for each other since they were best friends in high school. The story sets up an intriguing premise: a conversation between Beau and Marley’s father leads to a significant miscommunication, causing Beau to suppress his feelings for Marley for years. This could have been an excellent foundation for a compelling romance with emotional depth and character development.
However, the story takes a turn when Marley becomes pregnant with twins after a night of passion. The accidental pregnancy trope, in this case, felt more like a plot device than a natural progression of their relationship. It overshadowed the elements of second-chance romance that I was initially drawn to.
One of the significant issues I had with the book was Marley’s portrayal during her pregnancy. She is constantly hormonal, moody, and irrational, and while she acknowledges this herself, it didn’t sit well with me. Her behavior, combined with the fact that she cried all the time, felt like a frustrating and exaggerated representation of pregnancy, which I found annoying and unrealistic.
The amount of miscommunication between Beau and Marley was also laughable. Despite Beau being nothing but loving and caring towards her, Marley repeatedly turned him away, which became tiring after a while. The miscommunication felt forced and prevented any real emotional connection or growth between the characters.
Another moment that gave me pause was towards the end when Marley developed a clogged milk duct, and Beau helped her by creating suction with his mouth. While some readers might view this as a moment of intimacy, it came across as an out-of-place kink inconsistent with the rest of the story. It felt unnecessary and added an uncomfortable element that took away from the romance.
In conclusion, while this author has a strong writing style and a knack for creating relatable characters, this book didn’t quite hit the mark. The focus on the surprise pregnancy trope, the frustrating miscommunications, and some questionable scenes left me disappointed. Will I reread this author? Yes. Was this my favorite? No.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2025
I am really enjoying this series!! I’m excited to start the next one! And I’ve even downloaded the first book in Alice’s other series to start after that! This town is sweet and there’s so much love! Beau and Marley were so good, and so good for each other!!! Friends to lovers is superior in my opinion and this was no different!!
I loved that we got flashbacks of when they were younger and we got an idea of why they never worked about before! I love love love that Marley and Beau really were BEST FRIENDS. and they cherished that above everything else, even though there would have been nothing better than them giving into their feeeeelings!!! But it was well worth the wait, and even afterward it wasn’t straightforward. They had a lot to work through and it was written well!!
I also really appreciated how Marley’s mental health was written. Even though she was well, her anxiety and depression was always there and she was always managing it. And after the babies were born, she was still managing it. It was never something that was shoved, or that was going away. And it was not something Beau shied away from either, he made sure she knew he was always going to be there for!
I loved that we got flashbacks of when they were younger and we got an idea of why they never worked about before! I love love love that Marley and Beau really were BEST FRIENDS. and they cherished that above everything else, even though there would have been nothing better than them giving into their feeeeelings!!! But it was well worth the wait, and even afterward it wasn’t straightforward. They had a lot to work through and it was written well!!
I also really appreciated how Marley’s mental health was written. Even though she was well, her anxiety and depression was always there and she was always managing it. And after the babies were born, she was still managing it. It was never something that was shoved, or that was going away. And it was not something Beau shied away from either, he made sure she knew he was always going to be there for!
August 27, 2024
“I’ve got you, remember? I’m here to catch you when you fall. I’ll be the one to watch you get back on your own two feet when you feel strong enough.”
✨Surprise Pregnancy
✨Childhood Friends to Lovers
✨One Night Stand
✨Forced Proximity
✨”It’s Always Been You”
Normally, I’m not a huge fan of surprise pregnancy tropes. But this one actually exceeded my expectations. This story was actually really freakin’ adorable and I think it fit with Beau and Marley’s story perfectly.
“I’m standing here, swollen ankles, huge pregnant belly wearing a shirt that no longer fits, no makeup, and my hair up in a towel atop my head, and he’s still looking at me like I hung the moon. Like I’m the one he would sacrifice everything for.”
They are childhood best friends who seemed to always have feelings for one another, but were always too scared to reveal their secrets. Until one night when they finally cave, and their chemistry lights up like fireworks. This leads to a surprise pregnancy and Beau steps up without hesitation. He was always in it for the long haul, and his dedication to proving that was so beautiful to read. He treats her with such gentle care and so much love—there were so many out loud “aww” moments. Alice Daniels did a great job creating a beautiful love story between two best friends who are destined to be together.
“You deserve every good thing in this world, and if I’m what you want, then I’ll work to earn your love every single day for the rest of my life.”
Thank you Alice Daniels for the eARC of this lovely story!! ❤️
✨Surprise Pregnancy
✨Childhood Friends to Lovers
✨One Night Stand
✨Forced Proximity
✨”It’s Always Been You”
Normally, I’m not a huge fan of surprise pregnancy tropes. But this one actually exceeded my expectations. This story was actually really freakin’ adorable and I think it fit with Beau and Marley’s story perfectly.
“I’m standing here, swollen ankles, huge pregnant belly wearing a shirt that no longer fits, no makeup, and my hair up in a towel atop my head, and he’s still looking at me like I hung the moon. Like I’m the one he would sacrifice everything for.”
They are childhood best friends who seemed to always have feelings for one another, but were always too scared to reveal their secrets. Until one night when they finally cave, and their chemistry lights up like fireworks. This leads to a surprise pregnancy and Beau steps up without hesitation. He was always in it for the long haul, and his dedication to proving that was so beautiful to read. He treats her with such gentle care and so much love—there were so many out loud “aww” moments. Alice Daniels did a great job creating a beautiful love story between two best friends who are destined to be together.
“You deserve every good thing in this world, and if I’m what you want, then I’ll work to earn your love every single day for the rest of my life.”
Thank you Alice Daniels for the eARC of this lovely story!! ❤️
August 29, 2024
This is my first time reading a book by this author and let me tell you I was not disappointed.
Never Really Mine is the second book in the Ivy Ridge series Marley and Beau have been close since their teenage years and have felt a mutual attraction for just as long. After a kiss at 18, they both feared that a relationship would jeopardize their friendship, leading them to suppress their feelings for years.
The story picks up at Beau's brother’s and Marley’s best friend’s wedding, where a drunken one-night stand results in a positive pregnancy test eight weeks later. Beau is determined to pursue a relationship with Marley regardless of the consequences, while Marley struggles with her long-standing anxiety and depression, making it difficult for her to accept her feelings. The novel explores their journey through pregnancy, highlighting the challenges and growth they experience as they move towards parenthood.
I have not read book one but after reading this I am definitely going to read book one.
Never Really Mine is the second book in the Ivy Ridge series Marley and Beau have been close since their teenage years and have felt a mutual attraction for just as long. After a kiss at 18, they both feared that a relationship would jeopardize their friendship, leading them to suppress their feelings for years.
The story picks up at Beau's brother’s and Marley’s best friend’s wedding, where a drunken one-night stand results in a positive pregnancy test eight weeks later. Beau is determined to pursue a relationship with Marley regardless of the consequences, while Marley struggles with her long-standing anxiety and depression, making it difficult for her to accept her feelings. The novel explores their journey through pregnancy, highlighting the challenges and growth they experience as they move towards parenthood.
I have not read book one but after reading this I am definitely going to read book one.
August 20, 2024
Ever since the last book, I knew that I NEEDED Beau and Marley’s story ASAP. And Alice delivered.
💜Best friends to lovers
💜Forced proximity
💜Roommates
💜One night stand
💜Surprise pregnancy
💜Lactation kink scene🔥
Beau and Marley have been best friends for the majority of their lives. But for most of their teenage and adult lives, they have been attracted to each other. But neither of them wanted to do anything to put their friendship in jeopardy.
Until one night changes everything.
I knew that the journey for these two would not be easy. The push and pull game between them is strong and at times, I wanted to shake some sense into these. The love of their life is right in front of them and they don’t realize.
Alice gives us some great mental health representation with Marley. Our girl Mar goes through it in this book and her mental health is definitely affected. The author did a great job navigating through this and giving us a realistic representation.
Beau is such a cinnamon roll and I love him for it. The way he drops everything and is there for Marley whenever she needs him is so special.
Of course I’m going to mention the lactation k!nk scene - OH MY GOD.
Looking forward to see who the next book is about!
💜Best friends to lovers
💜Forced proximity
💜Roommates
💜One night stand
💜Surprise pregnancy
💜Lactation kink scene🔥
Beau and Marley have been best friends for the majority of their lives. But for most of their teenage and adult lives, they have been attracted to each other. But neither of them wanted to do anything to put their friendship in jeopardy.
Until one night changes everything.
I knew that the journey for these two would not be easy. The push and pull game between them is strong and at times, I wanted to shake some sense into these. The love of their life is right in front of them and they don’t realize.
Alice gives us some great mental health representation with Marley. Our girl Mar goes through it in this book and her mental health is definitely affected. The author did a great job navigating through this and giving us a realistic representation.
Beau is such a cinnamon roll and I love him for it. The way he drops everything and is there for Marley whenever she needs him is so special.
Of course I’m going to mention the lactation k!nk scene - OH MY GOD.
Looking forward to see who the next book is about!
January 4, 2025
Alice Daniels’s “Never Really Mine” is a childhood best friends to lovers romance with a surprise pregnancy twist, and it’s Beau and Marley’s story.
I’ve been curious about Beau and Marley ever since I read the first book in this series, and so I was super excited to see that they were getting their own book.
When Marley gets pregnant due to a drunken one night stand she had with Beau, they have to figure out how they’re going to navigate their relationship going forward.
On one hand, they’ve literally been best friends for twenty years, and because of that, I can definitely understand how close they are.
On the other hand, this book was a little more angsty than I was expecting, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Honestly, I think fans of small town romance and the forced proximity trope will really enjoy Beau and Marley’s story!
I’ve been curious about Beau and Marley ever since I read the first book in this series, and so I was super excited to see that they were getting their own book.
When Marley gets pregnant due to a drunken one night stand she had with Beau, they have to figure out how they’re going to navigate their relationship going forward.
On one hand, they’ve literally been best friends for twenty years, and because of that, I can definitely understand how close they are.
On the other hand, this book was a little more angsty than I was expecting, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Honestly, I think fans of small town romance and the forced proximity trope will really enjoy Beau and Marley’s story!
August 18, 2024
This was such a good novel with the surprise pregnancy trope that I devour every time! Beau and Marley have been friends for a long time and even have matching tattoos.
I loved how gentle and sweet Beau was to Marley and how he was completely in from the beginning. Marley was more reluctant and distant. Her insecurities were so big at times but she was very relatable to a lot of readers.
This was a heartwarming and touching story!
I loved how gentle and sweet Beau was to Marley and how he was completely in from the beginning. Marley was more reluctant and distant. Her insecurities were so big at times but she was very relatable to a lot of readers.
This was a heartwarming and touching story!
August 18, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down! I finished in one day and loved it. Having both tropes of friends to lovers and pregnancy, made it such a fun and happy read. As a plus size female I loved that the fmc was plus size, and loved how mmc loved her at every moment. A small note not having to do with the plot, this is the second book I’ve read that had my name in it. So that made me excited!
September 2, 2025
I needed a palette cleanser/quick read and this did the job
August 26, 2024
“What happens when you have a drunken one-night stand with your childhood best friend? I’ll give you a little hint.
Two pink lines.“
This was the sweetest book. The FMC and MMC have been best friends since they were little. Their friend relationship is adorable. They really have been there for each other through absolutely everything and have always leaned on each other. They see each other go through other relationships, but they both don’t know that the other wants to cross the line. Until it happens. I loved the accidental pregnancy trope in this, it is sort of the push that’s needed for them to go further. I loved all of the family support in their pregnant and in their relationship. It was nice that they had people there for them and were happy instead of it being a book about being scared to tell those close to them. I really look forward to more from this author!
Two pink lines.“
This was the sweetest book. The FMC and MMC have been best friends since they were little. Their friend relationship is adorable. They really have been there for each other through absolutely everything and have always leaned on each other. They see each other go through other relationships, but they both don’t know that the other wants to cross the line. Until it happens. I loved the accidental pregnancy trope in this, it is sort of the push that’s needed for them to go further. I loved all of the family support in their pregnant and in their relationship. It was nice that they had people there for them and were happy instead of it being a book about being scared to tell those close to them. I really look forward to more from this author!
September 10, 2025
Changed my mind it's 4 stars I can't stop thinking about this book for real.
I've never been pregnant but this feels like a realistic depiction of pregnancy, but also that one scene towards the end with the pump kind threw me for a loop.
I've never been pregnant but this feels like a realistic depiction of pregnancy, but also that one scene towards the end with the pump kind threw me for a loop.
June 5, 2025
loved the book except for…
How many times Marley said “I have to protect my heart” or something along those lines throughout the entire book. “I can’t lose him” “he says he’s all in but I can’t believe him” why not?? You’ve spent all this time saying Beau is the only person who has seen you at your lowest and been able to pull you out of it. Why would he be lying to you now by saying that he wants to be with you but not meaning it. Also, not wanting to give in because of thinking she was too much for him, and that he would get tired of her…but has he gotten tired of you yet??
This was my main complaint, because there was no real conflict that warranted a lot of the angst once they found out about the pregnancy. I understand that she was struggling with her mental health, but this felt repetitive and excessive in a way that had me skipping over a few paragraphs here and there.
Overall, loved the story. Just felt slow and repetitive at times.
How many times Marley said “I have to protect my heart” or something along those lines throughout the entire book. “I can’t lose him” “he says he’s all in but I can’t believe him” why not?? You’ve spent all this time saying Beau is the only person who has seen you at your lowest and been able to pull you out of it. Why would he be lying to you now by saying that he wants to be with you but not meaning it. Also, not wanting to give in because of thinking she was too much for him, and that he would get tired of her…but has he gotten tired of you yet??
This was my main complaint, because there was no real conflict that warranted a lot of the angst once they found out about the pregnancy. I understand that she was struggling with her mental health, but this felt repetitive and excessive in a way that had me skipping over a few paragraphs here and there.
Overall, loved the story. Just felt slow and repetitive at times.
August 19, 2024
This was super sweet! Being an L&D nurse, I'm a sucker for anything pregnancy related, so I was super excited about this one! And before I go any further, kudos to Alice Daniels! Lovely prose! I love her attention to detail in her writing. I could literally picture everything! This is my first time reading anything from her, so I'm excited to check out her other books.
So let's chat Never Really Mine.
First things first, this is a standalone that is interconnected in a series, but I'm going to go out on a limb, and totally recommend reading book 1 first. The secondary characters are briefly introduced in this novel, but I felt myself having to remind myself of who was who throughout the story. If I had read the first book first (like a normal person, lol), I'm thinking I would've been more familiar. BUT you will still enjoy this book if you read it first.
Speaking of the secondary characters, I love how supportive everyone is! They surround Beau and Marley, and just love on them and encourage them--not to mention, they also serve as comic relief (lol). It literally felt like one big ol' happy family! So sweet!
Beau (MMC) is top-tier book boyfriend material. This kid LOVES the FMC--like, he literally loves EVERYTHING about her, and he shows her in so many different ways. He is incredibly patient, very understanding, very self-less, very in-tune with Marley's needs and feelings. And he has tattoos and long hair. C'mon. He's absolutely precious.
Okay, so I'm going to be that person: Marley (FMC) was a difficult character for me to personally root for (don't shoot me!). I found her to be fairly negative and mean. Maybe it stems from her mental health, but wow, this girl wasn't happy about anything, and her resistance to everything (especially Beau) was rather infuriating (and no, pessimism and anxiety are not synonymous even though one can cause the other). I realize she's a fictional character, but she would benefit from some actual therapy along with that medication.
Speaking of which... I did appreciate the mental health representation. All of Marley's concerns with her body, with her pregnancy, the aftercare, even her relationship with Beau: these are all VERY real issues that can trigger severe anxiety and depression, and especially given her history, she's even more prone to succumbing to those dark thoughts. I thought that was done carefully well.
The spice was delicious! I loved getting it from both of their perspectives, and gosh, all the little moments in-between were super romantic and sweet.
There is a bit of miscommunication that occurs that is finally resolved towards the end. I know that might be frustrating for some readers; for me, I just felt bad for the characters because they lost so much precious time because of it.
All of this to say, this was super sweet, super entertaining! It's a very domestic story with low angst/low stakes, so if you are looking for a sweet romance with a couple experiencing the changes of growing a family, check this one out! It's super sweet!
Huge thank you to Alice Daniels for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
⭐- 4.0
🌶- 2.5
So let's chat Never Really Mine.
First things first, this is a standalone that is interconnected in a series, but I'm going to go out on a limb, and totally recommend reading book 1 first. The secondary characters are briefly introduced in this novel, but I felt myself having to remind myself of who was who throughout the story. If I had read the first book first (like a normal person, lol), I'm thinking I would've been more familiar. BUT you will still enjoy this book if you read it first.
Speaking of the secondary characters, I love how supportive everyone is! They surround Beau and Marley, and just love on them and encourage them--not to mention, they also serve as comic relief (lol). It literally felt like one big ol' happy family! So sweet!
Beau (MMC) is top-tier book boyfriend material. This kid LOVES the FMC--like, he literally loves EVERYTHING about her, and he shows her in so many different ways. He is incredibly patient, very understanding, very self-less, very in-tune with Marley's needs and feelings. And he has tattoos and long hair. C'mon. He's absolutely precious.
Okay, so I'm going to be that person: Marley (FMC) was a difficult character for me to personally root for (don't shoot me!). I found her to be fairly negative and mean. Maybe it stems from her mental health, but wow, this girl wasn't happy about anything, and her resistance to everything (especially Beau) was rather infuriating (and no, pessimism and anxiety are not synonymous even though one can cause the other). I realize she's a fictional character, but she would benefit from some actual therapy along with that medication.
Speaking of which... I did appreciate the mental health representation. All of Marley's concerns with her body, with her pregnancy, the aftercare, even her relationship with Beau: these are all VERY real issues that can trigger severe anxiety and depression, and especially given her history, she's even more prone to succumbing to those dark thoughts. I thought that was done carefully well.
The spice was delicious! I loved getting it from both of their perspectives, and gosh, all the little moments in-between were super romantic and sweet.
There is a bit of miscommunication that occurs that is finally resolved towards the end. I know that might be frustrating for some readers; for me, I just felt bad for the characters because they lost so much precious time because of it.
All of this to say, this was super sweet, super entertaining! It's a very domestic story with low angst/low stakes, so if you are looking for a sweet romance with a couple experiencing the changes of growing a family, check this one out! It's super sweet!
Huge thank you to Alice Daniels for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
⭐- 4.0
🌶- 2.5
September 5, 2024
This is the 5th book I have read from the author and once again, Alice gave me everything I was wanting for this storyline! My favorite thing is these are standalone books, but do all connect - loved seeing some previous character from both the series appear in this book. If you are looking for a small town romance book that you could read in a few sittings at home or on vacation, then this is the book for you! If you are newer to smut or prefer a book that’s not filled with spicy scenes 🌶️ on each page, this book and series are for you!
Since reading, ‘Flowers in your Hair’ I was dying to get to Marley and Beau’s story! Who doesn’t love a friends to lovers story? This one is more than that, it’s childhood friends, turned best friends who both fall for one another but deny it as they don’t want to ruin their friendship. The author builds the build up tension and sexual frustration perfectly over the first and second book in the Ivy Ridge Series. Thankfully, readers don’t have to wait long until finally getting the scene we all have been waiting for - Marley & Beau giving into their desires, thanks liquid courage! 🥂
If you read the book description you know that a night of passion leads to more than what was planned. Unlike some, I don’t mind a surprise pregnancy🤰🏼- this book kept the surprises coming! The reaction to finding out you’re pregnant along with the fears, joys, and concerns that come with that were perfectly and realistically displayed in this book. Especially for someone like Marley who struggles with mental health!
Marley - I appreciated the author showing us more when it comes to Marley’s mental health. Especially how during what some say is the “happiest time of your life” there are those who struggle, which is okay! I completely understood and felt seen when it came to Marley’s reaction after Beau attempted to surprise her, in a big way. I really enjoyed seeing how Marley got to where she was when we first met her and where she ends as this book comes to a close. I was so thankful that Marley had Beau and he never gave up on loving her, he fought for that love and for their life not just with his words but his actions!
Beau - what a guy, love him! Learning more about why Beau has been so closed off about perusing Marley was heartbreaking. I thought Beau was a wonderful best friend and partner for Marley. He takes the news of the surprise pregnancy better than most, though he has concerns and fears of his own. To say Beau supported Marley is an understatement! Loved the tattoo Beau got during this book, so thoughtful! 🦋
Spicy scenes - Thankfully, readers don’t have to wait long to get the spicy scene we have all been waiting for! Though it comes with a surprise pregnancy the author did great at finding ways to continue to incorporate spicy scenes that were realistic to the phases of pregnancy and the desires women have.
Since reading, ‘Flowers in your Hair’ I was dying to get to Marley and Beau’s story! Who doesn’t love a friends to lovers story? This one is more than that, it’s childhood friends, turned best friends who both fall for one another but deny it as they don’t want to ruin their friendship. The author builds the build up tension and sexual frustration perfectly over the first and second book in the Ivy Ridge Series. Thankfully, readers don’t have to wait long until finally getting the scene we all have been waiting for - Marley & Beau giving into their desires, thanks liquid courage! 🥂
If you read the book description you know that a night of passion leads to more than what was planned. Unlike some, I don’t mind a surprise pregnancy🤰🏼- this book kept the surprises coming! The reaction to finding out you’re pregnant along with the fears, joys, and concerns that come with that were perfectly and realistically displayed in this book. Especially for someone like Marley who struggles with mental health!
Marley - I appreciated the author showing us more when it comes to Marley’s mental health. Especially how during what some say is the “happiest time of your life” there are those who struggle, which is okay! I completely understood and felt seen when it came to Marley’s reaction after Beau attempted to surprise her, in a big way. I really enjoyed seeing how Marley got to where she was when we first met her and where she ends as this book comes to a close. I was so thankful that Marley had Beau and he never gave up on loving her, he fought for that love and for their life not just with his words but his actions!
Beau - what a guy, love him! Learning more about why Beau has been so closed off about perusing Marley was heartbreaking. I thought Beau was a wonderful best friend and partner for Marley. He takes the news of the surprise pregnancy better than most, though he has concerns and fears of his own. To say Beau supported Marley is an understatement! Loved the tattoo Beau got during this book, so thoughtful! 🦋
Spicy scenes - Thankfully, readers don’t have to wait long to get the spicy scene we have all been waiting for! Though it comes with a surprise pregnancy the author did great at finding ways to continue to incorporate spicy scenes that were realistic to the phases of pregnancy and the desires women have.
August 26, 2024
Never Really Mine is the second in the Ivy Ridge series, featuring best friends Marley Bell and Beau Cunningham, both of whom appeared as side characters in book one, Flowers in Your Hair. Marley and Beau have been best friends since they were teenagers — and attracted to each other just as long. After one kiss at 18, both get it stuck in their minds that pursuing a relationship will ruin their friendship, so they proceed to put those feelings on the back burner for years and years.
Fast forward to Beau’s brother’s and Marley’s best friend’s wedding, when one drunken night leads to a one night stand and, eight weeks later, a positive pregnancy test. Beau is all in from the beginning, having decided to pursue Marley no matter the consequences. But Marley needs more convincing that it’s okay to acknowledge her feelings in spite of the anxiety and depression that have plagued her for her entire life. This novel follows this couple’s pregnancy, with all its ups and downs, as they grow closer in their journey to parenthood.
Miscommunication is a huge trope/plot device in this story and I’ll be honest, it’s not my favorite. There is more than one instance of Beau jumping the gun and making decisions without consulting Marley. The story treats these moments as romantic and thoughtful (SPOILER: he buys her a house after she repeatedly tells him she’s not ready to sell hers) and I found it to be tone deaf at best. He wants this to work so badly and he’s willing to do anything to have her, even stepping over her boundaries at points. His intentions are good, but by the end of the story, I wasn’t sold on his character.
I loved Marley in Flowers in Your Hair and I was excited to read her book, though I’m a little disappointed with her character in here. As someone who also deals with anxiety, I understand where she’s coming from, but she had so much spunk in book one, and seems very muted for book two. I feel as though her anxiety and depression were treated seriously, which I appreciate, but I just was… underwhelmed by her overall.
It’s also worth reading the trigger warnings at the front of the book in regards to some of the later spicy scenes, which were not my thing (but may be yours!)
Overall, having read all of Alice Daniels’ books so far, the actual writing gets better and better with each book. While not all of the tropes in this one are my exact cup of tea, it’s still worth another trip to Ivy Ridge.
Fast forward to Beau’s brother’s and Marley’s best friend’s wedding, when one drunken night leads to a one night stand and, eight weeks later, a positive pregnancy test. Beau is all in from the beginning, having decided to pursue Marley no matter the consequences. But Marley needs more convincing that it’s okay to acknowledge her feelings in spite of the anxiety and depression that have plagued her for her entire life. This novel follows this couple’s pregnancy, with all its ups and downs, as they grow closer in their journey to parenthood.
Miscommunication is a huge trope/plot device in this story and I’ll be honest, it’s not my favorite. There is more than one instance of Beau jumping the gun and making decisions without consulting Marley. The story treats these moments as romantic and thoughtful (SPOILER: he buys her a house after she repeatedly tells him she’s not ready to sell hers) and I found it to be tone deaf at best. He wants this to work so badly and he’s willing to do anything to have her, even stepping over her boundaries at points. His intentions are good, but by the end of the story, I wasn’t sold on his character.
I loved Marley in Flowers in Your Hair and I was excited to read her book, though I’m a little disappointed with her character in here. As someone who also deals with anxiety, I understand where she’s coming from, but she had so much spunk in book one, and seems very muted for book two. I feel as though her anxiety and depression were treated seriously, which I appreciate, but I just was… underwhelmed by her overall.
It’s also worth reading the trigger warnings at the front of the book in regards to some of the later spicy scenes, which were not my thing (but may be yours!)
Overall, having read all of Alice Daniels’ books so far, the actual writing gets better and better with each book. While not all of the tropes in this one are my exact cup of tea, it’s still worth another trip to Ivy Ridge.
February 7, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Did somebody say unexpected pregnancy? Say no more, you can count on me to read this book.
That said, even if this book wasn’t about the unexpected pregnancy trope, I would have read it anyway, because after discovering Marley and Beau in Flowers in Your Hair , I would have had to be paid a huge amount of money not to read the book about them in the Ivy Ridge series.
Never Really Mine made me feel a lot of emotions. You can feel Marley and Beau’s inner struggles through the writing. Although everyone knows that the two best friends are made for each other, they are far too afraid of losing their friendship to admit it to each other. A few dances and glasses of alcohol later—alcohol to be consumed in moderation, of course—the two best friends give in to temptation. Eight weeks later, the consequences of their night together appear as two pink lines on a pregnancy test.
I don’t know about other readers, but I for one wish I had been there to reassure Marley about both her pregnancy and her relationship with Beau. The young woman has long struggled with her mental health and has built a huge wall around her heart to protect herself. This wall is preventing her from seeing that something is changing in Beau. The young man, whom I almost wanted to shake in Flowers in Your Hair for the way he behaved and hurt Marley, finally admits his feelings for his friend, but Marley is not ready to see that this is not a mirage, but reality.
I really enjoyed the book and loved seeing Marley and Beau’s relationship develop as Marley’s pregnancy progressed. I really needed to read this HEA.
I can’t wait to continue my discovery of the Ivy Ridge series when Can't Let You Go comes out.
Did somebody say unexpected pregnancy? Say no more, you can count on me to read this book.
That said, even if this book wasn’t about the unexpected pregnancy trope, I would have read it anyway, because after discovering Marley and Beau in Flowers in Your Hair , I would have had to be paid a huge amount of money not to read the book about them in the Ivy Ridge series.
Never Really Mine made me feel a lot of emotions. You can feel Marley and Beau’s inner struggles through the writing. Although everyone knows that the two best friends are made for each other, they are far too afraid of losing their friendship to admit it to each other. A few dances and glasses of alcohol later—alcohol to be consumed in moderation, of course—the two best friends give in to temptation. Eight weeks later, the consequences of their night together appear as two pink lines on a pregnancy test.
I don’t know about other readers, but I for one wish I had been there to reassure Marley about both her pregnancy and her relationship with Beau. The young woman has long struggled with her mental health and has built a huge wall around her heart to protect herself. This wall is preventing her from seeing that something is changing in Beau. The young man, whom I almost wanted to shake in Flowers in Your Hair for the way he behaved and hurt Marley, finally admits his feelings for his friend, but Marley is not ready to see that this is not a mirage, but reality.
I really enjoyed the book and loved seeing Marley and Beau’s relationship develop as Marley’s pregnancy progressed. I really needed to read this HEA.
I can’t wait to continue my discovery of the Ivy Ridge series when Can't Let You Go comes out.
August 18, 2024
Never Really Mine🦋🌺
after reading reckless & out on a limb, I’ve loved unexpected pregnancy romances. theres something about them which is so wholesome, but I am 100% childless (apart from my dog) so maybe that’s why I like them so much…
Since the age of eleven, Marley and Beau have been best friends with secret crushes. Fast forward, twenty years and one drunken night changes their lives forever. Their romance develops throughout Marleys pregnancy, but it doesn’t stop her from questioning her self worth and whether Beau is just with her through obligation. Beau couldn’t gone to the end of the world for her, but something in her mind made her not fully believe him as the fear of losing him is just too strong. The story is so well written, I was obsessed from start to finish. I found it so relatable but also so sweet, funny, raw and steamy. Beau proved himself to be top tier boyfriend material, which is just right as I was so mad with him after the first book, so he redeemed himself in this one.
Beaus love for Marley was on another level and almost made me cry once or twice. I loved their relationship with one another and being able to see it grow on another level, with them still being able to laugh as best friends but also find new ground with becoming parents.
I will mention that Marley at times did frustrate me, no matter how many times Beau proved himself, she just couldn’t get over that he wanted to be with her and have that happy ending. But I do however, know that she suffers with insecurities and mental health and I believe the author did an amazing job of putting those feelings and thoughts onto paper.
Overall, this book was so sweet and well written and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series. Thank you so much to Alice for sending me an arc of this book in return for an honest review.
after reading reckless & out on a limb, I’ve loved unexpected pregnancy romances. theres something about them which is so wholesome, but I am 100% childless (apart from my dog) so maybe that’s why I like them so much…
Since the age of eleven, Marley and Beau have been best friends with secret crushes. Fast forward, twenty years and one drunken night changes their lives forever. Their romance develops throughout Marleys pregnancy, but it doesn’t stop her from questioning her self worth and whether Beau is just with her through obligation. Beau couldn’t gone to the end of the world for her, but something in her mind made her not fully believe him as the fear of losing him is just too strong. The story is so well written, I was obsessed from start to finish. I found it so relatable but also so sweet, funny, raw and steamy. Beau proved himself to be top tier boyfriend material, which is just right as I was so mad with him after the first book, so he redeemed himself in this one.
Beaus love for Marley was on another level and almost made me cry once or twice. I loved their relationship with one another and being able to see it grow on another level, with them still being able to laugh as best friends but also find new ground with becoming parents.
I will mention that Marley at times did frustrate me, no matter how many times Beau proved himself, she just couldn’t get over that he wanted to be with her and have that happy ending. But I do however, know that she suffers with insecurities and mental health and I believe the author did an amazing job of putting those feelings and thoughts onto paper.
Overall, this book was so sweet and well written and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series. Thank you so much to Alice for sending me an arc of this book in return for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2025
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
I may have went into this biased but I don’t even care because I will eat surprise pregnancy every single time. Yearning, right person/wrong time, one unforgettable night, two pink lines... 💕
Unlike the first book, Never Really Mine brought some angst with the sweet, tender moments. Marley and Beau have been close since they were young and the mutual attraction has always been there. The timing never felt right until a fuck it moment happens and everything shifts.
Beau is finally ready to give them a real shot, but Marley is afraid—afraid to ruin their friendship, afraid of losing herself to her own darkness while also facing her pregnancy. Marley could be frustrating at times, but that’s what made her feel real. She’s a plus-size baddie dealing with mental health struggles, and Beau has been there for every dark moment since they were kids. I loved how he kept showing up for her, even when she wasn’t sure what she wanted. 🦋
Their journey was never going to be easy. The push and pull between them is so strong—frustrating, and yet addicting. There were moments I wanted to scream, “just let him love you already!” 😅 But that slow burn tension, that hesitation, is what made their love story hit so good.
Alice Daniels definitely knows how to write characters—I’ve not once but twice lost sleep just to finish their books.
I may have went into this biased but I don’t even care because I will eat surprise pregnancy every single time. Yearning, right person/wrong time, one unforgettable night, two pink lines... 💕
Unlike the first book, Never Really Mine brought some angst with the sweet, tender moments. Marley and Beau have been close since they were young and the mutual attraction has always been there. The timing never felt right until a fuck it moment happens and everything shifts.
Beau is finally ready to give them a real shot, but Marley is afraid—afraid to ruin their friendship, afraid of losing herself to her own darkness while also facing her pregnancy. Marley could be frustrating at times, but that’s what made her feel real. She’s a plus-size baddie dealing with mental health struggles, and Beau has been there for every dark moment since they were kids. I loved how he kept showing up for her, even when she wasn’t sure what she wanted. 🦋
Their journey was never going to be easy. The push and pull between them is so strong—frustrating, and yet addicting. There were moments I wanted to scream, “just let him love you already!” 😅 But that slow burn tension, that hesitation, is what made their love story hit so good.
Alice Daniels definitely knows how to write characters—I’ve not once but twice lost sleep just to finish their books.
August 19, 2024
⭐️4.5 🌶️3.5
Tropes:
Childhood best friends to lovers
Surprise pregnancy
One night stand
Forced proximity
Plus size FMC
Depression Rep
This beautiful story follows Beau and Marley who are childhood best friends and neighbours. They both have feelings for each other but are too afraid to speak up in case it destroys their friendship so remain friends.
After one night together results in an unexpected pregnancy, they’re forced to live together and Beau declares his love for her. He is all in and wants Marley to know but Marley’s heart is guarded and is afraid to get too close.
She has depression and Beau has always been her anchor to get her out of her darkness so she is afraid if they don’t work out, she will lose him.
I love how in tune Beau is to Marley - her emotions, moods and change in behaviour. He loves her deeply and would do anything for her. He never leaves her side and is her strength during her episodes of depression. He is patient with her and continues to show her that he will always be there.
This is a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a sweet love story.💜
This is my first Alice Daniels book but definitely won’t be my last - can’t wait to read her other books. 🤩
Tropes:
Childhood best friends to lovers
Surprise pregnancy
One night stand
Forced proximity
Plus size FMC
Depression Rep
This beautiful story follows Beau and Marley who are childhood best friends and neighbours. They both have feelings for each other but are too afraid to speak up in case it destroys their friendship so remain friends.
After one night together results in an unexpected pregnancy, they’re forced to live together and Beau declares his love for her. He is all in and wants Marley to know but Marley’s heart is guarded and is afraid to get too close.
She has depression and Beau has always been her anchor to get her out of her darkness so she is afraid if they don’t work out, she will lose him.
I love how in tune Beau is to Marley - her emotions, moods and change in behaviour. He loves her deeply and would do anything for her. He never leaves her side and is her strength during her episodes of depression. He is patient with her and continues to show her that he will always be there.
This is a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a sweet love story.💜
This is my first Alice Daniels book but definitely won’t be my last - can’t wait to read her other books. 🤩
August 25, 2024
3.5 Stars
2 Chili Peppers
Tropes
Surprise Pregnancy
Best Friends to Lovers
Forced Proximity
One Night Stand
Dual POV
"That's my girl."
First I want to start with, I absolutely love the cover of this book. Second, I enjoyed reading it, but I will be honest, I wasn't the biggest fan of Marley. The miscommunication, the "I love him, but I can't be with him," drove me crazy. It was like she couldn't make a decision at all.
I liked Beau, I was rooting for him. I loved how much he loved and cared for Marley even though she kept pushing him away. I loved how he dropped everything to rush by her side. I love how he loved his family. But there was also miscommunication between himself, his father, and Gabriel.
Something else that bothered me was they didn't talk for 8 weeks after the wedding. But yet it is mentioned he has a key to her home and work so why couldn't he go there and talk to her? It's not like she disappeared off the face of the earth. He saw her at Sunday Brunch.
I liked that we saw the characters from the other book, especially Gramps. He is one of my favorite characters.
I look forward to seeing what book three has in store. Thank you Alice Daniels for this ARC.
2 Chili Peppers
Tropes
Surprise Pregnancy
Best Friends to Lovers
Forced Proximity
One Night Stand
Dual POV
"That's my girl."
First I want to start with, I absolutely love the cover of this book. Second, I enjoyed reading it, but I will be honest, I wasn't the biggest fan of Marley. The miscommunication, the "I love him, but I can't be with him," drove me crazy. It was like she couldn't make a decision at all.
I liked Beau, I was rooting for him. I loved how much he loved and cared for Marley even though she kept pushing him away. I loved how he dropped everything to rush by her side. I love how he loved his family. But there was also miscommunication between himself, his father, and Gabriel.
Something else that bothered me was they didn't talk for 8 weeks after the wedding. But yet it is mentioned he has a key to her home and work so why couldn't he go there and talk to her? It's not like she disappeared off the face of the earth. He saw her at Sunday Brunch.
I liked that we saw the characters from the other book, especially Gramps. He is one of my favorite characters.
I look forward to seeing what book three has in store. Thank you Alice Daniels for this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2024
Never Really Mine, written by Alice Daniels, is a small-town pregnancy romance in the Ivy Ridge series. It can be read as a standalone, which I am grateful for because I did not get a chance to read book one. This is my first book by Alice Daniels, but not my last.
I must admit I usually avoid pregnancy tropes because of my own battles, but when I read that Marley was plus-sized, Beau was tattooed, and it was a small-town romance, how could I possibly stay away??
Beau and Marley have been best friends for most of their lives, and for a significant portion of that time, they have been attracted to one another, but neither wanted to act on this attraction. That is until one night. Fireworks! Oh, and pregnancy. It did make my heart happy to know that Beau was all in from the beginning. The author did an excellent job with the mental health rep when working with Marley. Her depression and anxiety were completely relatable.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and its characters. I want to go back and read the first one, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to Alice Daniels for gifting me an eARC of Never Really Mine. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I must admit I usually avoid pregnancy tropes because of my own battles, but when I read that Marley was plus-sized, Beau was tattooed, and it was a small-town romance, how could I possibly stay away??
Beau and Marley have been best friends for most of their lives, and for a significant portion of that time, they have been attracted to one another, but neither wanted to act on this attraction. That is until one night. Fireworks! Oh, and pregnancy. It did make my heart happy to know that Beau was all in from the beginning. The author did an excellent job with the mental health rep when working with Marley. Her depression and anxiety were completely relatable.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and its characters. I want to go back and read the first one, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to Alice Daniels for gifting me an eARC of Never Really Mine. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 28, 2024
This small town book, shows us two best friend who have feelings for each other since forever.
But, as expected they don't act upon their feelings because thay are afraid to lose each other and their friendship (that means the world to them). After a night with low innibitions, they hook up, and them a couple of months later find they are expecting. And this is the main approach to this story. It then revolves on how they accept their feelings and describing their pregnancy life/joys/ problems.
I can say I really loved Beau. He was so, so sweet. I believe every woman deserved to have a man like that in her life! He was not only her friend, but truly her partner and lover. We always put her first and fought for their friensdship and for their feelings even when she didn't believe they could happen, and always did that with an open heart and positivity. He was amazing!
Marley is more of an introvert, with a history of depression, and this takes her mind in a big part of the story. She never feels good enough, and strugles to believe she can be loved (even with all the effort Beau makes).
We can see their journey through the pregnancy and experience their fears, and see how a good relationship and partnership is so crucial during that time.
But, as expected they don't act upon their feelings because thay are afraid to lose each other and their friendship (that means the world to them). After a night with low innibitions, they hook up, and them a couple of months later find they are expecting. And this is the main approach to this story. It then revolves on how they accept their feelings and describing their pregnancy life/joys/ problems.
I can say I really loved Beau. He was so, so sweet. I believe every woman deserved to have a man like that in her life! He was not only her friend, but truly her partner and lover. We always put her first and fought for their friensdship and for their feelings even when she didn't believe they could happen, and always did that with an open heart and positivity. He was amazing!
Marley is more of an introvert, with a history of depression, and this takes her mind in a big part of the story. She never feels good enough, and strugles to believe she can be loved (even with all the effort Beau makes).
We can see their journey through the pregnancy and experience their fears, and see how a good relationship and partnership is so crucial during that time.
September 7, 2025
“Loving someone you can never have is a pain that I’d never wish on anyone. Watching him love someone else? That’s a rare form of torture.”
Oh how this book had me. I will be honest and that I spent most of it just frustrated. It was like every time I thought Beau & Marley were going to fall into each other, BAM! Roadblock!
And even more frustrating was Marley. Gosh. I loved her because I really saw myself in her. Afraid to love because she was afraid to fall. Afraid of the hurt. Afraid of losing her best friend. But dang….a few times I wanted to pummel her and yell, “HES RIGHT HERE. HES ALWAYS BEEN RIGHT HERE. HES WAITING FOR YOU!!!!” (And to be clear, Beau didn’t help much. He was her constant, and while he kept saying the words and doing the things - it was clear that he needed to communicate more clearly that his feelings were well past “you are my best friend and happen to be carrying my babies feelings” and more towards the “I want to make you my wife” feelings.)
But those last chapters….😭😭😭😭 Super glad I read them before I put my mascara on for the day, or I would have had to re-do it. Watching them finally come together and meet their new family. My heart was in that delivery room with them. A happy heart for me with a very happy book ending.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖: KU
Oh how this book had me. I will be honest and that I spent most of it just frustrated. It was like every time I thought Beau & Marley were going to fall into each other, BAM! Roadblock!
And even more frustrating was Marley. Gosh. I loved her because I really saw myself in her. Afraid to love because she was afraid to fall. Afraid of the hurt. Afraid of losing her best friend. But dang….a few times I wanted to pummel her and yell, “HES RIGHT HERE. HES ALWAYS BEEN RIGHT HERE. HES WAITING FOR YOU!!!!” (And to be clear, Beau didn’t help much. He was her constant, and while he kept saying the words and doing the things - it was clear that he needed to communicate more clearly that his feelings were well past “you are my best friend and happen to be carrying my babies feelings” and more towards the “I want to make you my wife” feelings.)
But those last chapters….😭😭😭😭 Super glad I read them before I put my mascara on for the day, or I would have had to re-do it. Watching them finally come together and meet their new family. My heart was in that delivery room with them. A happy heart for me with a very happy book ending.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖: KU
August 16, 2024
4.5 stars!!
Surprise pregnancy has honestly become one of my most favourite tropes which I’m sure my friends would find absolutely bizarre haha. This one was such a goodie because it had a delightful best friends to lovers storyline too.
Beau and Marley together were like what best friend dreams are made of! Friends for over 20 years with an almost unbreakable bond. They even had matching tattoos together with the sweetest of meanings!! I loved that Beau was all in from the very start and was so tender and caring of Marley.
Sweet Marley broke my heart with her insecurities and inability to believe she could have a HEA with Beau. If could’ve come across as annoying and was definitely frustrating but I also understand mental health struggles well and I thing the author did a great job of conveying those feelings.
I loved all the side characters in this book too. The Cunningham family, and friends were such fun! The hilarious group text threads were also hilarious with all their teasing and banter.
Overall this was a very sweet, fun small town romance and I cannot wait to start the next story in this series! Whoever the couple is, I’m already chomping at the bit for them 😂❤️
Surprise pregnancy has honestly become one of my most favourite tropes which I’m sure my friends would find absolutely bizarre haha. This one was such a goodie because it had a delightful best friends to lovers storyline too.
Beau and Marley together were like what best friend dreams are made of! Friends for over 20 years with an almost unbreakable bond. They even had matching tattoos together with the sweetest of meanings!! I loved that Beau was all in from the very start and was so tender and caring of Marley.
Sweet Marley broke my heart with her insecurities and inability to believe she could have a HEA with Beau. If could’ve come across as annoying and was definitely frustrating but I also understand mental health struggles well and I thing the author did a great job of conveying those feelings.
I loved all the side characters in this book too. The Cunningham family, and friends were such fun! The hilarious group text threads were also hilarious with all their teasing and banter.
Overall this was a very sweet, fun small town romance and I cannot wait to start the next story in this series! Whoever the couple is, I’m already chomping at the bit for them 😂❤️
August 23, 2024
Never Really Mine is a good friends to lovers story!
What you get.....
♡Small Town Romance
♡Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
♡Secret Tattoos For Each Other
♡One Night Stand
♡Forced Proximity
♡Plus Size FMC
♡Surprise Pregnancy
♡Angsty
♡Mental Health Rep
♡Pierced N!pples
♡Both are Obsessed
♡Spicy Scenes
♡Nickname
Marley and Beau have been best friends for 20 years, and both have strong feelings for each other but don't want to ruin the friendship. They also think they aren't good enough for each other.
One drunken night together, and everything changes. Two pink lines 8 weeks later, and they have to rethink their relationship.
Beau is amazing! He is so sweet and cares so much for Marley. He was all in on them being together from the start. Marley, on the other hand, pushed back. Her insecurities and anxiety got the best of her, and it took a lot for her to finally give into happiness. She is a very relatable character, but at times, I want to yell at her to give him a chance!!
I love that they have tattoos for each other and we got to see how old friends are doing! I can't wait for the next book!
What you get.....
♡Small Town Romance
♡Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
♡Secret Tattoos For Each Other
♡One Night Stand
♡Forced Proximity
♡Plus Size FMC
♡Surprise Pregnancy
♡Angsty
♡Mental Health Rep
♡Pierced N!pples
♡Both are Obsessed
♡Spicy Scenes
♡Nickname
Marley and Beau have been best friends for 20 years, and both have strong feelings for each other but don't want to ruin the friendship. They also think they aren't good enough for each other.
One drunken night together, and everything changes. Two pink lines 8 weeks later, and they have to rethink their relationship.
Beau is amazing! He is so sweet and cares so much for Marley. He was all in on them being together from the start. Marley, on the other hand, pushed back. Her insecurities and anxiety got the best of her, and it took a lot for her to finally give into happiness. She is a very relatable character, but at times, I want to yell at her to give him a chance!!
I love that they have tattoos for each other and we got to see how old friends are doing! I can't wait for the next book!
September 2, 2024
Never Really Mine
Book 2 of the Ivy Ridge Series
By Alice Daniels
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝐼 𝑔𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝐼’𝓂 𝒹𝑜𝓃𝑒. 𝐼’𝓂 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒𝒸𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔𝒾𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝓂𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝒻𝓊𝒸𝓀𝑒𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊’𝓋𝑒 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓂𝑒𝓉.”
▪️Surprise Pregnancy
▪️Childhood Best friends
▪️Small town Romance
▪️ Curvy Heroine
This is book 2 of the Ivy Ridge Series, it is a standalone and I personally didn’t read book 1. This book follows Beau and Marley childhood best friends and after one drunken night, they find themselves pregnant. It was honestly a quick read for me. I loved that Alice depicted the struggles of mental health that comes with pregnancy and a supportive mmc like Beau just makes our heart melt. Marley is just a modern woman with body positivity that does show pregnancy ain’t easy like we wish. Beau is just in love with his best friend and wants to do right by her. I love this book exactly what I wanted to read in a small town romance.
#ArcReview #BookReview
#RomanceReads #BookRecommendation #BookLovers #MustRead #bookstagram #books #booklover #ku #kindle #bookaddicts #reading #read #booksbooksbooks #bookish #bookworm #booktok
Book 2 of the Ivy Ridge Series
By Alice Daniels
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝐼 𝑔𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝐼’𝓂 𝒹𝑜𝓃𝑒. 𝐼’𝓂 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒𝒸𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔𝒾𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝓂𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝒻𝓊𝒸𝓀𝑒𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊’𝓋𝑒 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓂𝑒𝓉.”
▪️Surprise Pregnancy
▪️Childhood Best friends
▪️Small town Romance
▪️ Curvy Heroine
This is book 2 of the Ivy Ridge Series, it is a standalone and I personally didn’t read book 1. This book follows Beau and Marley childhood best friends and after one drunken night, they find themselves pregnant. It was honestly a quick read for me. I loved that Alice depicted the struggles of mental health that comes with pregnancy and a supportive mmc like Beau just makes our heart melt. Marley is just a modern woman with body positivity that does show pregnancy ain’t easy like we wish. Beau is just in love with his best friend and wants to do right by her. I love this book exactly what I wanted to read in a small town romance.
#ArcReview #BookReview
#RomanceReads #BookRecommendation #BookLovers #MustRead #bookstagram #books #booklover #ku #kindle #bookaddicts #reading #read #booksbooksbooks #bookish #bookworm #booktok
September 4, 2024
I'll admit, I went into this book with some reservations - accidental pregnancy isn't usually my thing. But oh my gosh, Beau and Marley's story is so much more than that trope. It's a stunning exploration of friendship, love, and the power of true connection. Their relationship is built on a foundation of trust, laughter, and adventure, and it's breathtaking to see them navigate their feelings amidst life's ups and downs.
As I turned the pages, I felt like I was right there with Beau and Marley, experiencing their joy, their fears, and their doubts. The author's writing is so evocative and immersive that it's impossible not to become fully invested in their love story. And the supporting cast? Absolutely delightful! The friends and family who surround Beau and Marley add depth, humor, and warmth to the story.
What I loved most about this book is the way it made me feel. It's a true feel-good romance that will leave you smiling, sighing, and maybe even tearing up a little (in the best way possible). Alice Daniels has a gift for crafting stories that touch the heart, and I'm so grateful to have read this one.
As I turned the pages, I felt like I was right there with Beau and Marley, experiencing their joy, their fears, and their doubts. The author's writing is so evocative and immersive that it's impossible not to become fully invested in their love story. And the supporting cast? Absolutely delightful! The friends and family who surround Beau and Marley add depth, humor, and warmth to the story.
What I loved most about this book is the way it made me feel. It's a true feel-good romance that will leave you smiling, sighing, and maybe even tearing up a little (in the best way possible). Alice Daniels has a gift for crafting stories that touch the heart, and I'm so grateful to have read this one.
September 16, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
First time reading a surprise pregnancy trope and I may have to add more to my TBR, tbh :) I told my fiancé it makes me want just oneeeeeeee more. Just 1!
Also my first book with a character w/depression and as someone who has experienced depression (both pre and postpartum) and anxiety, it's nice to see it talked about. The way Beau has been Marley's rock is.... 😍😍
I love a good childhood friends to lovers story. It was a a nice slow-ish burn 🔥 it was hard to see how good they were together but lots of hesitation to take that big step in changing their friendship forever.
This was such a precious book. So cute. And precious. So precious. Really easy and light read.
So thankful for Alice for giving me the opportunity to read as a reviewer. This is definitely a favorite ARC read and it is a book that will definitely be added to my physical bookshelf.
I also just want to add in a quote from the book that really struck me (as someone who has some serious mom guilt) and am so freaking happy to see in a book.
"It's okay to need a break. Just because I'm taking a little bit of time to myself, doesn't mean I'm not a good mom."
🌶🌶🌶
First time reading a surprise pregnancy trope and I may have to add more to my TBR, tbh :) I told my fiancé it makes me want just oneeeeeeee more. Just 1!
Also my first book with a character w/depression and as someone who has experienced depression (both pre and postpartum) and anxiety, it's nice to see it talked about. The way Beau has been Marley's rock is.... 😍😍
I love a good childhood friends to lovers story. It was a a nice slow-ish burn 🔥 it was hard to see how good they were together but lots of hesitation to take that big step in changing their friendship forever.
This was such a precious book. So cute. And precious. So precious. Really easy and light read.
So thankful for Alice for giving me the opportunity to read as a reviewer. This is definitely a favorite ARC read and it is a book that will definitely be added to my physical bookshelf.
I also just want to add in a quote from the book that really struck me (as someone who has some serious mom guilt) and am so freaking happy to see in a book.
"It's okay to need a break. Just because I'm taking a little bit of time to myself, doesn't mean I'm not a good mom."
August 28, 2024
Don't be fooled by the sweet and innocent cover, this book is packing some serious spice! And it also had me crying at multiple points.
Beau & Marley have been best friends and neighbors since they were kids, have been in love with each other just as long, and both are afraid they aren't good enough for the other and will ruin their friendship.
As someone who struggles constantly with anxiety and depression, I identified so much with Marley. I loved how Beau took care of her when she was struggling. Beau was so sweet to Marley during her pregnancy (not a spoiler, it's in the blurb), and there were a couple of times I just wanted to yell at Marley to get over her fears and let Beau in! At the same time, I thought Beau majorly overstepped by buying Marley a house without making sure she was ok with it!
Overall, I really loved this book. I think the things that upset me were minor, and were made up for with the spicy moments and the sweet moments. Can't wait to read more books about the Cunningham brothers!
Beau & Marley have been best friends and neighbors since they were kids, have been in love with each other just as long, and both are afraid they aren't good enough for the other and will ruin their friendship.
As someone who struggles constantly with anxiety and depression, I identified so much with Marley. I loved how Beau took care of her when she was struggling. Beau was so sweet to Marley during her pregnancy (not a spoiler, it's in the blurb), and there were a couple of times I just wanted to yell at Marley to get over her fears and let Beau in! At the same time, I thought Beau majorly overstepped by buying Marley a house without making sure she was ok with it!
Overall, I really loved this book. I think the things that upset me were minor, and were made up for with the spicy moments and the sweet moments. Can't wait to read more books about the Cunningham brothers!
August 27, 2024
🦋 Never Really Mine 🦋
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Finished: 8/18/24
Thank you to the author for letting me read this early! This is book 2 of the Ivy Ridge series, which are contemporary romance stand alones. I haven't read book 1, which is Flowers in your Hair, but I don't think it hindered me from reading this book.
I thought this was a sweet childhood friends to lovers, who after a one-night stand turn out to get pregnant.
Beau was a pretty swoon-worthy MMC. A good balance of a protective friend and partner. Making sure he could be the best for Marley for the entirety of the book.
So, that being said, Marley was hard to root for just because of her always getting in the way of her own happiness. I get why it was happening because of her anxiety and depression but it still makes it a tad repetitive throughout the book. I feel bad saying this but Marley really wasn't that great to Beau and the only positives I can think of is how the author still made sure that during her pregnancy she had great relationships with the other women in her life. And made a point to think of her pregnancy and mental health above her relationship.
Also, there was a detail at the end that I thought was cringey 🫣 I've had three kids, so I really enjoyed the joys of pregnancy and planning that Marley and Beau experience in the story. But I think this small thing the author could have left out 😅 it shows an intimacy between the couple that should have stayed in knowledge of only the two of them.
Despite the few issues I had with the book, I thought Marley and Beau were a very cute couple, and if you enjoyed the surprise pregnancy trope, you should definitely check it out! Once I started, I couldn't put it down!
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Finished: 8/18/24
Thank you to the author for letting me read this early! This is book 2 of the Ivy Ridge series, which are contemporary romance stand alones. I haven't read book 1, which is Flowers in your Hair, but I don't think it hindered me from reading this book.
I thought this was a sweet childhood friends to lovers, who after a one-night stand turn out to get pregnant.
Beau was a pretty swoon-worthy MMC. A good balance of a protective friend and partner. Making sure he could be the best for Marley for the entirety of the book.
So, that being said, Marley was hard to root for just because of her always getting in the way of her own happiness. I get why it was happening because of her anxiety and depression but it still makes it a tad repetitive throughout the book. I feel bad saying this but Marley really wasn't that great to Beau and the only positives I can think of is how the author still made sure that during her pregnancy she had great relationships with the other women in her life. And made a point to think of her pregnancy and mental health above her relationship.
Also, there was a detail at the end that I thought was cringey 🫣 I've had three kids, so I really enjoyed the joys of pregnancy and planning that Marley and Beau experience in the story. But I think this small thing the author could have left out 😅 it shows an intimacy between the couple that should have stayed in knowledge of only the two of them.
Despite the few issues I had with the book, I thought Marley and Beau were a very cute couple, and if you enjoyed the surprise pregnancy trope, you should definitely check it out! Once I started, I couldn't put it down!
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