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It's Always Been You
Regret is a heavy burden to bear. And twice as hard to let go....
Aoife Brennan could blame karma for her lack of a love life. Payback for the once-in-a-lifetime love that she let slip through her fingers ten years ago. In reality, it’s The Albert, the bistro-by-day, bar-by-night success, that keeps her too busy to think about her aching, empty heart. Most of the time.
But then, the face of the woman who walks into The Albert reignites the spark that died all those years ago. Elizabeth Elliott—the woman who broke Aoife’s heart and left it in a pile of worthless pieces.
Ten years ago, Liz knew she should have dropped everything—including her husband—to follow her heart when Aoife begged her to run away together. In fact, after Liz made the choice to let Aoife go, to say her life imploded would be an understatement.
They try to pretend they can navigate this new normal—and even dance around the shimmering hope of a fresh start. But Liz has a daughter now, and an ex who figures heavily in the girl’s life. With baggage like this, recapturing what they once had could be an impossible dream…
Aoife Brennan could blame karma for her lack of a love life. Payback for the once-in-a-lifetime love that she let slip through her fingers ten years ago. In reality, it’s The Albert, the bistro-by-day, bar-by-night success, that keeps her too busy to think about her aching, empty heart. Most of the time.
But then, the face of the woman who walks into The Albert reignites the spark that died all those years ago. Elizabeth Elliott—the woman who broke Aoife’s heart and left it in a pile of worthless pieces.
Ten years ago, Liz knew she should have dropped everything—including her husband—to follow her heart when Aoife begged her to run away together. In fact, after Liz made the choice to let Aoife go, to say her life imploded would be an understatement.
They try to pretend they can navigate this new normal—and even dance around the shimmering hope of a fresh start. But Liz has a daughter now, and an ex who figures heavily in the girl’s life. With baggage like this, recapturing what they once had could be an impossible dream…
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2024
253 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Tereze
41 books763 followersMelissa Tereze is a best-selling author living in Liverpool, UK, with her fiancée and Golden Retriever. She holds a degree in Sports Development, and when she’s not writing, she can be found at a local bar singing one of her favourite tracks.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 13, 2024
3 ★ It’s Always Been… hindsight bound.
June 10, 2025
It's Always Been You
For me, second-chance romances depends on the reason it ended in the first place and on if the guilty party has redeemed themself. This fits the bill!
Liz and Aoife had a passionate affair that ended abruptly. After 10 years, they meet up again for the first time and realize that the feelings - good and bad - are still there. Things are different, circumstances are different. How can they deal with the past and move forward together?
Dual POV and plenty of flashbacks that help you truly understand their history. Another great romance!
For me, second-chance romances depends on the reason it ended in the first place and on if the guilty party has redeemed themself. This fits the bill!
Liz and Aoife had a passionate affair that ended abruptly. After 10 years, they meet up again for the first time and realize that the feelings - good and bad - are still there. Things are different, circumstances are different. How can they deal with the past and move forward together?
Dual POV and plenty of flashbacks that help you truly understand their history. Another great romance!
September 13, 2024
It's Always Been You
Sigh, it's over. Happy, full, content heart. Melissa Tereze outdid herself with the newest book in her repitoire.
The MCs have amazing chemistry, even after all the years apart. I appreciate how the couple does not gloss over feelings or hurts that caused their initial divide and how wven though one was at fault, both took responsibility.
I enjoyed the secondary characters. They served their purpose and added to the storyline. Tereze can create some sinister characters when warented and did a wonderful job on the exes.
This second chance romance was beautifully put together, slightly angsty, as it should be in my opinion and made the couple work ao it lasted.
I enjoy all of Tereze's books, and I am looking forward to any more that come our way. This is another that will definitely be in my reread pile.
Sigh, it's over. Happy, full, content heart. Melissa Tereze outdid herself with the newest book in her repitoire.
The MCs have amazing chemistry, even after all the years apart. I appreciate how the couple does not gloss over feelings or hurts that caused their initial divide and how wven though one was at fault, both took responsibility.
I enjoyed the secondary characters. They served their purpose and added to the storyline. Tereze can create some sinister characters when warented and did a wonderful job on the exes.
This second chance romance was beautifully put together, slightly angsty, as it should be in my opinion and made the couple work ao it lasted.
I enjoy all of Tereze's books, and I am looking forward to any more that come our way. This is another that will definitely be in my reread pile.
April 27, 2025
Liz was an absolute nitwit, and why the ever-loving hell didn’t she get legal advice about, let’s see… being fired without cause, having access to her joint bank account revoked, signing documents under duress without a notary being there, being kicked out of her home with no notice, being denied access to her savings, and so forth. All of these are illegal, yet, somehow, this supposedly intelligent businesswoman just rolled over and accepted it? Pre-nups are not quite as legally binding in the UK as people like to believe, and they don’t overrule things like being able to access your own bloody money, or having job protections!
While cheating doesn’t look good in divorce proceedings, it doesn’t mean your savings, investments and property are no longer yours! Even if she placed her money into her husband’s investment portfolio (and what an idiot if she did), she’s still entitled to that money unless he can prove it was a gift. Nor is cheating grounds for dismissal — you *might* be able to argue that sleeping with a subordinate was gross misconduct, but as it was plainly consensual and Aoife didn’t complain or report her, that’s unfair dismissal. This is England, not somewhere that you can be fired because the boss doesn’t like you.
While cheating doesn’t look good in divorce proceedings, it doesn’t mean your savings, investments and property are no longer yours! Even if she placed her money into her husband’s investment portfolio (and what an idiot if she did), she’s still entitled to that money unless he can prove it was a gift. Nor is cheating grounds for dismissal — you *might* be able to argue that sleeping with a subordinate was gross misconduct, but as it was plainly consensual and Aoife didn’t complain or report her, that’s unfair dismissal. This is England, not somewhere that you can be fired because the boss doesn’t like you.
October 4, 2024
This book was ok. I don't often read a lot of second chance romance. It was nice to see an age gap that actually could work and wasn't mostly fantasy. It would have seemed more problematic their first time around, but even then I think I could have rooted for the Liz and Aoife.
The chemistry between the two MCs was pretty much instantaneous. It was also very spicy. There are a plethora of spicy scenes in the book. I feel like it did start to feel a little repetitive with them after the first few. Nothing really adventurous or anything in any of the encounters...which is fine if that's what you're into, but I feel like either add some different spice, or use fewer scenes. The romance itself was a little slower to develop. Both women had feelings right away, and both were interested in starting over, but both suffered from insecurities and guilt about what happened in the past.
The past is seen quite a bit in pieces of flashbacks. We do get a pretty clear picture of what happened before, and how it affected both women and their lives moving forward. The problem I had was that I wasn't that interested in rehashing what came before, I wanted to focus on the here and now.
There was no third act breakup. There is some very mild drama with Liz's ex-wife. The biggest complaint I have about this book is how repetitive it got. Between the vanilla sex scenes, the rehashing of the past from each POV, and the constant reassurance that before was so bad, but they'll never do that again, and isn't it so great we found each other...it felt like a bit like a broken record. We are constantly bombarded with how guilty they both feel for the past, and how broken they were in their own ways, and how now would be so much better. Could have seriously cut down on the page count if that was removed from the book.
The chemistry between the two MCs was pretty much instantaneous. It was also very spicy. There are a plethora of spicy scenes in the book. I feel like it did start to feel a little repetitive with them after the first few. Nothing really adventurous or anything in any of the encounters...which is fine if that's what you're into, but I feel like either add some different spice, or use fewer scenes. The romance itself was a little slower to develop. Both women had feelings right away, and both were interested in starting over, but both suffered from insecurities and guilt about what happened in the past.
The past is seen quite a bit in pieces of flashbacks. We do get a pretty clear picture of what happened before, and how it affected both women and their lives moving forward. The problem I had was that I wasn't that interested in rehashing what came before, I wanted to focus on the here and now.
There was no third act breakup. There is some very mild drama with Liz's ex-wife. The biggest complaint I have about this book is how repetitive it got. Between the vanilla sex scenes, the rehashing of the past from each POV, and the constant reassurance that before was so bad, but they'll never do that again, and isn't it so great we found each other...it felt like a bit like a broken record. We are constantly bombarded with how guilty they both feel for the past, and how broken they were in their own ways, and how now would be so much better. Could have seriously cut down on the page count if that was removed from the book.
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August 14, 2025I have this toned down stigma towards second chance books.. mainly because I do not believe in them. I need to talk with my therapist about that because books are not helping me cope.
November 6, 2024
While reading this, the question "Would I enjoy this more if the past was collected as the first part of the book in chronological order instead?" As a second chance romance, I had a difficult time appreciating the "second-chanceness" of it. Aoife and Liz's regular interactions resumed early on in the story. With the way the past scenes were scattered throughout the book, I couldn't really appreciate their past for what it was. It almost felt like a "one night to forever" story.
That said, it wasn't really what led me to give this book just three stars. The first and bigger part was the numerous lines of self-pitying dialogue that border on being emotionally manipulative and go like "I know you'll never believe what I said" constantly popping up when they talk, and it gets grating. Like, just get the ebook and search for the phrase "I know" and you'll find a lot of it.
The second issue is this one scene where the daughter goes something like Almost all complaints I have bring down the score, but the are rare instances that set the ceiling. This is one of those instances.
That said, it wasn't really what led me to give this book just three stars. The first and bigger part was the numerous lines of self-pitying dialogue that border on being emotionally manipulative and go like "I know you'll never believe what I said" constantly popping up when they talk, and it gets grating. Like, just get the ebook and search for the phrase "I know" and you'll find a lot of it.
The second issue is this one scene where the daughter goes something like Almost all complaints I have bring down the score, but the are rare instances that set the ceiling. This is one of those instances.
July 7, 2025
Melissa Tereze never disappoints!
September 11, 2024
Aoife Brennan loved Elizabeth Elliott.
She still loves her and she knows she will always love her.
She also knows that this woman broke her and her heart! But no matter what happened, she believes that no one else can ever touch her like she did and bring out the feelings she awakened in Aoife. Now, ten years after Liz broke her, she walks into her bar „The Albert“ with a daughter in tow and wants it as the location for her fiftieth birthday? And she looks better than ever!
Can life be any crueler?
Liz knows what her biggest mistake in life was. Not that she cheated on her then-husband or didn't really love him.
She knows that it was wrong to cheat, even though he treated her badly and didn't love her. No, her biggest mistake was hurting and pushing away the woman she loved more than life itself in a way that can never be made right again.
Now, ten years later, she happens to be sitting across from Aoife Brennan and Liz can hardly believe that fate has given her a chance to at least apologize and explain herself?
Will she get that chance?
That doesn't really sound like a second chance at love is possible, does it?
I won't say much more about the story because I don't want to give anything away as spoilers, but I can definitely say that I think Melissa Tereze has an extremely talented hand for Second Chance Romance.
It's turning into a favorite book and "Always Allie" is my absolute number one favorite book among Second Chance romances!
Longing, loss, loneliness, low self-esteem, doubt, but also courage, love and, as always, extremely hot scenes with just the right level of spiciness make it absolutely recommendable and a pure reading pleasure.
Of course, there's also angst and drama!
A must for all Melissa Tereze Fans and for everyone else!
Thanks so much for the ARC!!!
She still loves her and she knows she will always love her.
She also knows that this woman broke her and her heart! But no matter what happened, she believes that no one else can ever touch her like she did and bring out the feelings she awakened in Aoife. Now, ten years after Liz broke her, she walks into her bar „The Albert“ with a daughter in tow and wants it as the location for her fiftieth birthday? And she looks better than ever!
Can life be any crueler?
Liz knows what her biggest mistake in life was. Not that she cheated on her then-husband or didn't really love him.
She knows that it was wrong to cheat, even though he treated her badly and didn't love her. No, her biggest mistake was hurting and pushing away the woman she loved more than life itself in a way that can never be made right again.
Now, ten years later, she happens to be sitting across from Aoife Brennan and Liz can hardly believe that fate has given her a chance to at least apologize and explain herself?
Will she get that chance?
That doesn't really sound like a second chance at love is possible, does it?
I won't say much more about the story because I don't want to give anything away as spoilers, but I can definitely say that I think Melissa Tereze has an extremely talented hand for Second Chance Romance.
It's turning into a favorite book and "Always Allie" is my absolute number one favorite book among Second Chance romances!
Longing, loss, loneliness, low self-esteem, doubt, but also courage, love and, as always, extremely hot scenes with just the right level of spiciness make it absolutely recommendable and a pure reading pleasure.
Of course, there's also angst and drama!
A must for all Melissa Tereze Fans and for everyone else!
Thanks so much for the ARC!!!
March 5, 2025
Listened to the audiobook. It was basically 10 hours of self flagellation and people dissecting their feelings. So much lengthy dialogue and internal monologue that just repeats the same sentiments over and over.
About 70% of the scenes are mainly just conversations with people hashing out feelings, often feelings that have already been discussed to death. (Guilt, unworthiness, insecurity, fear) There aren't many instances of people doing things, moving the story forward by actually interacting with the world. I think the last 2-3 hours have more meaningful activity/interactions than the rest of the book.
Most of the flashback scenes don't really serve the story. Like, if we already know through narration and conversation what happened in the past and the impact it had, it's not necessary to have a lengthy flashback later in the book depicting that same event, especially when the flashback doesn't reveal any new information. I mean, if you're determined to describe the past in great detail no matter what, then just tell a linear story, rather than basically telling the same story twice.
The author also doesn't make much of an effort to create a sense of time/place. Rarely is any part of the environment described. We spend a good deal of time in their homes with no idea what the homes look like, which would give insight into the characters. What does Aoife's restaurant look like? There are possibly more scenes there than anywhere. We know there's a bar and a little stage and couches apparently. But... what's the color scheme or decor theme? Is it classic with lots of wood and polished brass? Or modem with glass and clean lines? Is it brightly lit, or warm and cozy?
The narrator is good, and is probably the only reason I was able to finish. She added color to dialogue that I suspect would fall pretty flat in black and white.
About 70% of the scenes are mainly just conversations with people hashing out feelings, often feelings that have already been discussed to death. (Guilt, unworthiness, insecurity, fear) There aren't many instances of people doing things, moving the story forward by actually interacting with the world. I think the last 2-3 hours have more meaningful activity/interactions than the rest of the book.
Most of the flashback scenes don't really serve the story. Like, if we already know through narration and conversation what happened in the past and the impact it had, it's not necessary to have a lengthy flashback later in the book depicting that same event, especially when the flashback doesn't reveal any new information. I mean, if you're determined to describe the past in great detail no matter what, then just tell a linear story, rather than basically telling the same story twice.
The author also doesn't make much of an effort to create a sense of time/place. Rarely is any part of the environment described. We spend a good deal of time in their homes with no idea what the homes look like, which would give insight into the characters. What does Aoife's restaurant look like? There are possibly more scenes there than anywhere. We know there's a bar and a little stage and couches apparently. But... what's the color scheme or decor theme? Is it classic with lots of wood and polished brass? Or modem with glass and clean lines? Is it brightly lit, or warm and cozy?
The narrator is good, and is probably the only reason I was able to finish. She added color to dialogue that I suspect would fall pretty flat in black and white.
September 13, 2024
Amazing second-chance story. In fact, the first chance ended so badly, it’s almost an enemies to lovers kind of thing? The first half was wonderful as Aoife and Liz bump into each other again by chance (chance spelled S-o-f-i-a as it happens), and then have to try to navigate through that train wreck of a situation given where they left things. But though their relationship kind of started in infamy (shagging the boss being the least of it), they’re both great characters, and it’s easy to understand where they’re coming from, but also easy to root for them to get past it.
Let me spare a moment for Sofia, though. I’ve always loved books where kids play an important role in the story, and I frankly wasn’t expecting this to be one of those. Both because the “kid” is eighteen, and because she started out being a mix of problem and solution at the same time. But I’ve got to say, Sofia grew on me fast. She was so sweet, and absolutely amazing with Liz, and eventually Aoife as well. It was kind of refreshing actually to have a kid who’s intentional about helping things along, instead of innocently and accidentally pulling the characters together.
Now, when Aoife and Liz finally got over their past… it seemed a bit early in the book. If happiness arrives too soon, you know what is surely to follow, right? Thankfully, while there was drama, there was no third-act breakup. Yay! And, though things weren’t fully resolved until the epilogue, there was actually quite a decent amount of happiness to be had toward the end there… which was also great. Any book I don’t need to beg for three more chapters just to feel the joy is a win for me.
So, yeah. It was great. :)
Let me spare a moment for Sofia, though. I’ve always loved books where kids play an important role in the story, and I frankly wasn’t expecting this to be one of those. Both because the “kid” is eighteen, and because she started out being a mix of problem and solution at the same time. But I’ve got to say, Sofia grew on me fast. She was so sweet, and absolutely amazing with Liz, and eventually Aoife as well. It was kind of refreshing actually to have a kid who’s intentional about helping things along, instead of innocently and accidentally pulling the characters together.
Now, when Aoife and Liz finally got over their past… it seemed a bit early in the book. If happiness arrives too soon, you know what is surely to follow, right? Thankfully, while there was drama, there was no third-act breakup. Yay! And, though things weren’t fully resolved until the epilogue, there was actually quite a decent amount of happiness to be had toward the end there… which was also great. Any book I don’t need to beg for three more chapters just to feel the joy is a win for me.
So, yeah. It was great. :)
November 10, 2024
As far as lesbian age-gap novels with characters who find each other again after a failed affair go, the obvious comparison to this book is Ami Spencer's The Storm Within Her. While Spencer's novel is a fantastic look at how the leads make their relationship work the second time around, I found It's Always Been You to be yet another recent miss from Tereze.
The biggest issue I had with the novel was the time between Aoife and Liz's original breakup and reunion. Ten years is a long, long time for two characters to be apart, and to me at least, it simply wasn't believable that as soon as Liz explained why she didn't go back to find Aoife, the two were immediately considering a relationship.
To make matters worse, the flashbacks felt really shehorned in, whereas with The Storm Within Her, they really contributed to the story. In this novel though, their placement in the middle of the narrative made me feel like the characters were staring into the distance while the flashback played in their heads, cartoon style.
Also, this novel fell into the same trap as a lot of Tereze's other works where really complex and devastating issues were brought up, yet their impact on the characters' psyche wasn't written with enough detail. As a result of this lack of detail, we don't really get the impact of Liz overcoming the adversity she faced after her breakup with Billy. To be entirely honest, I found Sofia to be a more interesting character than Liz, and I would happily read a novel about her and her blended family instead.
Overall, I was unfortunately a bit disappointed.
The biggest issue I had with the novel was the time between Aoife and Liz's original breakup and reunion. Ten years is a long, long time for two characters to be apart, and to me at least, it simply wasn't believable that as soon as Liz explained why she didn't go back to find Aoife, the two were immediately considering a relationship.
To make matters worse, the flashbacks felt really shehorned in, whereas with The Storm Within Her, they really contributed to the story. In this novel though, their placement in the middle of the narrative made me feel like the characters were staring into the distance while the flashback played in their heads, cartoon style.
Also, this novel fell into the same trap as a lot of Tereze's other works where really complex and devastating issues were brought up, yet their impact on the characters' psyche wasn't written with enough detail. As a result of this lack of detail, we don't really get the impact of Liz overcoming the adversity she faced after her breakup with Billy. To be entirely honest, I found Sofia to be a more interesting character than Liz, and I would happily read a novel about her and her blended family instead.
Overall, I was unfortunately a bit disappointed.
September 23, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Letting go of the person who completes you doesn’t just alter your life—it transforms theirs as well. Liz’s decision to part ways with Aoife was rooted in reasons powerful enough to break both their hearts. Years later, a chance encounter brings them back into each other’s lives. As they reconnect, they face some deeply emotional and realistic conversations. The guilt both women harbor from their past affair has profoundly influenced many of the decisions they've made since their separation a decade ago. Their present is intertwined with flashbacks, offering readers insights into various facets of their relationship. While the story is rooted in past infidelity, much of the focus is on Liz and Aoife absorbing who they’ve grown into over the past ten years, as they navigate both old emotions and the new ones that arise.
It’s Always Been You is a heartfelt second-chance romance filled with profound emotions, authentic dialogue, and richly developed characters. While heartbreak is at its core, the story highlights the strength of resilience and self-belief. It's a journey of embracing the past, releasing what’s gone, and moving forward with hope. Grab your copy and enjoy!
Letting go of the person who completes you doesn’t just alter your life—it transforms theirs as well. Liz’s decision to part ways with Aoife was rooted in reasons powerful enough to break both their hearts. Years later, a chance encounter brings them back into each other’s lives. As they reconnect, they face some deeply emotional and realistic conversations. The guilt both women harbor from their past affair has profoundly influenced many of the decisions they've made since their separation a decade ago. Their present is intertwined with flashbacks, offering readers insights into various facets of their relationship. While the story is rooted in past infidelity, much of the focus is on Liz and Aoife absorbing who they’ve grown into over the past ten years, as they navigate both old emotions and the new ones that arise.
It’s Always Been You is a heartfelt second-chance romance filled with profound emotions, authentic dialogue, and richly developed characters. While heartbreak is at its core, the story highlights the strength of resilience and self-belief. It's a journey of embracing the past, releasing what’s gone, and moving forward with hope. Grab your copy and enjoy!
September 16, 2024
This is one of my favourite books by Melissa Tereze.
Firstly, it's a good story.
What makes it so good? That's a good question and one I had to think about.
There is continuation from characters in previous books (Sam and Luciana) - I always like that
There is evidence in the story of philanthropy - Sam providing office space, staff and a contract
It's a second chance romance - who hasn't had one of those?
It's an age gap romance - see above.
The characters are well written - and you can practically see their emotions as they are written on the page.
There is evidence of both women facing adversity and overcoming it
There is of course misunderstandings
There is always an ex trying to mix things up a bit
There's a teenager involved who has more emotional maturity than some of the adults (ok, one of the adults)
There is an epilogue which is fun rather than over the top romantic
I enjoyed this. Do we get in life what we deserve? Is there karma? And not just the bad things?
Firstly, it's a good story.
What makes it so good? That's a good question and one I had to think about.
There is continuation from characters in previous books (Sam and Luciana) - I always like that
There is evidence in the story of philanthropy - Sam providing office space, staff and a contract
It's a second chance romance - who hasn't had one of those?
It's an age gap romance - see above.
The characters are well written - and you can practically see their emotions as they are written on the page.
There is evidence of both women facing adversity and overcoming it
There is of course misunderstandings
There is always an ex trying to mix things up a bit
There's a teenager involved who has more emotional maturity than some of the adults (ok, one of the adults)
There is an epilogue which is fun rather than over the top romantic
I enjoyed this. Do we get in life what we deserve? Is there karma? And not just the bad things?
January 22, 2025
2.5 Liz is a design executive who seduces her employee, Aoife. Liz was married to a man at the time. Liz and Aoife break up and meet up by accident ten years later. Both of them can't resist each other, and soon are back to together. Aoife learn's that Liz has been married again and is now divorced from a woman, Siobhan, and has adopted Siobhan's daughter Sophia who is now 18.
This book was extremely repetitive. Liz was consistently trying to tell Aoife how she was still in love with her. Constantly telling her she was sorry. And Aoife constantly tells her how much she missed her and how she barely survived the breakup
There is way too much drama in the story. Siobhan was a total trouble maker, trying to inset herself back into Liz's life. Liz was unable to see what was happening around her and stand up to Siobhan. Poor Aoife was hurt all over again.
I didn't like either character, both were weak minded. The side characters were okay, but didn't add to the story, except for Sophia who caused heart ache and was immature.
Overall I was bored with this book.
This book was extremely repetitive. Liz was consistently trying to tell Aoife how she was still in love with her. Constantly telling her she was sorry. And Aoife constantly tells her how much she missed her and how she barely survived the breakup
There is way too much drama in the story. Siobhan was a total trouble maker, trying to inset herself back into Liz's life. Liz was unable to see what was happening around her and stand up to Siobhan. Poor Aoife was hurt all over again.
I didn't like either character, both were weak minded. The side characters were okay, but didn't add to the story, except for Sophia who caused heart ache and was immature.
Overall I was bored with this book.
September 12, 2024
The Mistress of second chance novels, Melissa Tereze never disappoints. Think about what would happen if the woman you fell in love with 10years ago and for whatever reason you split up, never to see each other again, until said woman walked back through the door of the pub you now own. What would you do?
Find out what Aoife does when Elizabeth walks back into her life. Ms Tereze writes a beautiful story of heartbreak, soaring emotions, disappointment and redemption but unending love that will win through in the end.
As I reader I find myself thinking these are real people and not characters on a page. You get drawn into their lives and only want them to succeed.
Melissa Tereze is one of my favourite authors and I’ll say it again, she never disappoints.
Do yourself a favour and get a copy of It’s Always Been You and you will love it as much as I do.
I received an ARC for an honest and fair review
Find out what Aoife does when Elizabeth walks back into her life. Ms Tereze writes a beautiful story of heartbreak, soaring emotions, disappointment and redemption but unending love that will win through in the end.
As I reader I find myself thinking these are real people and not characters on a page. You get drawn into their lives and only want them to succeed.
Melissa Tereze is one of my favourite authors and I’ll say it again, she never disappoints.
Do yourself a favour and get a copy of It’s Always Been You and you will love it as much as I do.
I received an ARC for an honest and fair review
September 11, 2024
Aoife, owner/manager of the bistro&bar The Albert, is shocked when Sofia books a event for her mother.... who is Aoife's ex, Elizabeth Elliot. Whom, it should be noted, had been married when they slept together 10 years ago.
Liz is shocked to run into Aoife again, and is even more stunned to realize she still has feelings for her. But Aoife is understandably bitter, with how harshly Liz dumped her back then. Oh, and Liz divorced her husband and married a woman in the years between....
AND Sofia knows the two had a thing, and hopes to get them back together too. Oh, and her other mom is a ass.
Good, solid read. I will admit I have issues with the boss/employee and the cheating stuff, but the author handles it well, so much so I felt bad for Liz.
Liz is shocked to run into Aoife again, and is even more stunned to realize she still has feelings for her. But Aoife is understandably bitter, with how harshly Liz dumped her back then. Oh, and Liz divorced her husband and married a woman in the years between....
AND Sofia knows the two had a thing, and hopes to get them back together too. Oh, and her other mom is a ass.
Good, solid read. I will admit I have issues with the boss/employee and the cheating stuff, but the author handles it well, so much so I felt bad for Liz.
September 11, 2024
Another hit from Melissa in the form of a heart-wrenching and captivating second-chance romance that dives deep into the complexities of love, regret, and the choices that shape our lives. Aoife Brennan's world is turned upside down when the woman who shattered her heart, Elizabeth Elliott, walks back into her life after a decade. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but the past makes the possibility of a future seem almost impossible. This emotional rollercoaster of a novel will leave you rooting for Aoife and Liz as they struggle to reclaim what was lost. A beautifully written and emotionally charged story! Oh, and let’s not forget the trademark spice.
October 2, 2024
so good
Wow, what a book. Tereze certainly has a way with words, words that will have you internally screaming while also melting at the many cute moments.
This book is certainly a rollercoaster of emotions. You just want the two main characters to sort it out, but you also see the reasoning behind being hesitant. With the essential backstory included you understand so much more than your average story.
Both main characters are so well written, as with all MT’s books you instantly fall in love with them. The addition of Sofia is the icing on the cake.
This story will have you laughing, screaming, sighing and smiling. It’s beautifully written and a joy to read.
Wow, what a book. Tereze certainly has a way with words, words that will have you internally screaming while also melting at the many cute moments.
This book is certainly a rollercoaster of emotions. You just want the two main characters to sort it out, but you also see the reasoning behind being hesitant. With the essential backstory included you understand so much more than your average story.
Both main characters are so well written, as with all MT’s books you instantly fall in love with them. The addition of Sofia is the icing on the cake.
This story will have you laughing, screaming, sighing and smiling. It’s beautifully written and a joy to read.
October 4, 2024
Redemption
Melissa Terese has written an emotional and exceptional story of redemption — plotted in the exorbitant price Elizabeth “Liz” Elliott must pay for her adultery and naïveté.
Rather than risk losing her company and livelihood, Liz severs her affair with her employee and the love of her life, Aoife Brennan, choosing, instead, to remain with her husband and presumed business partner.
Ten years pass before Liz encounters Aoife again, a decade since Liz devastated Aoife by rejecting her love and reneging on promises to spend their lives together.
But will she ever be able to redeem her betrayal of Aoife to earn back her love?
Melissa Terese has written an emotional and exceptional story of redemption — plotted in the exorbitant price Elizabeth “Liz” Elliott must pay for her adultery and naïveté.
Rather than risk losing her company and livelihood, Liz severs her affair with her employee and the love of her life, Aoife Brennan, choosing, instead, to remain with her husband and presumed business partner.
Ten years pass before Liz encounters Aoife again, a decade since Liz devastated Aoife by rejecting her love and reneging on promises to spend their lives together.
But will she ever be able to redeem her betrayal of Aoife to earn back her love?
October 6, 2024
Sometimes What Starts Wrong Can Turn Out So Right
Aoife and Luz had an affair ten years ago, when Luz was still married to a man, a very nasty, brutish selfish man. And because of that man, Liz lost the first person she’d truly ever loved in her life - Aoife. Aoife was shattered when Liz chose to stay with her husband but she had no idea Liz was being blackmailed by the guy.
So when they meet ten years later, things are beyond complicated. And this is the story Melissa Tereze brings us - a story of forgiving both others and ourselves, a story about the power of love, a story about perseverance.
Aoife and Luz had an affair ten years ago, when Luz was still married to a man, a very nasty, brutish selfish man. And because of that man, Liz lost the first person she’d truly ever loved in her life - Aoife. Aoife was shattered when Liz chose to stay with her husband but she had no idea Liz was being blackmailed by the guy.
So when they meet ten years later, things are beyond complicated. And this is the story Melissa Tereze brings us - a story of forgiving both others and ourselves, a story about the power of love, a story about perseverance.
October 21, 2024
How Can You Not Love It?
So this book hits close to home for me so it was a “do I / don’t I” where it came to reading it. I’m so glad I chose to because it just brings a lot of hope.
All of the characters were a joy (even when you wanted to kick them up the backside), and the storyline was sensitively done.
I did read one review before reading that mentioned how many times characters “cheek puffed” so that stuck in my head because it crops up a lot, but in a fun way. I’m adding arms sliding around waists to this as a spot the descriptive. Not in a mean spirited way at all. I write and I’m guilty of doing the same :-)
So this book hits close to home for me so it was a “do I / don’t I” where it came to reading it. I’m so glad I chose to because it just brings a lot of hope.
All of the characters were a joy (even when you wanted to kick them up the backside), and the storyline was sensitively done.
I did read one review before reading that mentioned how many times characters “cheek puffed” so that stuck in my head because it crops up a lot, but in a fun way. I’m adding arms sliding around waists to this as a spot the descriptive. Not in a mean spirited way at all. I write and I’m guilty of doing the same :-)
September 11, 2024
Such a gorgeous second chance love story! Ten years ago Aoife worked for Elizabeth and they had a torrid 18 month affair until one day Elizabeth called it off. She couldn't tell Aoife why. Aoife did the only thing she could do was quit.
Now, 10 years later Aoife owns The Albert a bistro/bar and has an appointment for a party for Sophie's mother's 50th birthday. When her mother comes in, it's Elizabeth.
This is such a sexy, angsty gorgeous second chance love story! You'll fall in love with Aoife, Elizabeth and of course Sophie! This is A FAVORITE!! Worth more than 5 stars!
Now, 10 years later Aoife owns The Albert a bistro/bar and has an appointment for a party for Sophie's mother's 50th birthday. When her mother comes in, it's Elizabeth.
This is such a sexy, angsty gorgeous second chance love story! You'll fall in love with Aoife, Elizabeth and of course Sophie! This is A FAVORITE!! Worth more than 5 stars!
September 13, 2024
Can’t put this down
Some books just suck you in and hold you captive for hours on end. And this is one of those books.
My personal favorite book of the year. The second chance romance is told in such a beautiful way that I'm still swooning.
Grief, passion, trauma, and love in precisely the right ratios. There’s depth, there’s character development, hesitation, anger, and relief. And we mustn’t forget hot love scenes to top it all off.
Now is five stars really the maximum number that is allowed?
Some books just suck you in and hold you captive for hours on end. And this is one of those books.
My personal favorite book of the year. The second chance romance is told in such a beautiful way that I'm still swooning.
Grief, passion, trauma, and love in precisely the right ratios. There’s depth, there’s character development, hesitation, anger, and relief. And we mustn’t forget hot love scenes to top it all off.
Now is five stars really the maximum number that is allowed?
September 24, 2024
I had to give Melissa Tereze a five because the story is well written. There is entirely too much heartache throughout the book as Liz and Aoife revisit their past in each of their heads since meeting again after being apart for ten years. The character of Aoife is much too good for Liz. I could not see this happening in real life. In my opinion, if you love someone as much as Liz claimed to love Aoife, she would've done her best to find Aoife again once she was ready for love, instead of marrying another woman.
September 30, 2024
Good book
A wonderful book about second chance. Liz is married but she is not in love with her husband., and the way he treats her is more like abusive. When Aoifie started working for their company she just knew Liz was her person. Their affair lasted for a year and a half tell things went wrong. Forward ten years Aoifie now own a bistro/ bar that is popular. Liz's daughter wants to give her mom a big 50th birthday party. Aoifie is joyed to see Liz but very nervous. After long talks of what happened a well written love story of two people making it work for a hea
A wonderful book about second chance. Liz is married but she is not in love with her husband., and the way he treats her is more like abusive. When Aoifie started working for their company she just knew Liz was her person. Their affair lasted for a year and a half tell things went wrong. Forward ten years Aoifie now own a bistro/ bar that is popular. Liz's daughter wants to give her mom a big 50th birthday party. Aoifie is joyed to see Liz but very nervous. After long talks of what happened a well written love story of two people making it work for a hea
September 13, 2024
A Second Chance To Change Regrets and 💔
A story that has a lot of past heartbreak for one and major regrets for another. When they accidentally meet ten years later, how do you right the wrong to the one love you let go and how do you forgive when your heart was shattered. Melissa takes us through the past of Aiofe and Liz as they are trying to navigate in the present. Started with a few tears but ended with a big smile. Every story that Melissa writes has a lot of heart and soul with a few tears in between. This one has our heart too.
A story that has a lot of past heartbreak for one and major regrets for another. When they accidentally meet ten years later, how do you right the wrong to the one love you let go and how do you forgive when your heart was shattered. Melissa takes us through the past of Aiofe and Liz as they are trying to navigate in the present. Started with a few tears but ended with a big smile. Every story that Melissa writes has a lot of heart and soul with a few tears in between. This one has our heart too.
September 12, 2024
When I read chapter one that Melissa Had posted on her social media, my heart was absolutely racing!
This is definitely up there in my top 3 along with Mrs Middleton and At First Glance!! I absolutely fell in love with these women!! The back story with them made my heart break!! I loved how they found themselves together again and boy was the sex hot hot hot!!! I also loved seeing two of my favorite ladies from another book make an appearance!!
Another home run for Melissa Tereze!!
This is definitely up there in my top 3 along with Mrs Middleton and At First Glance!! I absolutely fell in love with these women!! The back story with them made my heart break!! I loved how they found themselves together again and boy was the sex hot hot hot!!! I also loved seeing two of my favorite ladies from another book make an appearance!!
Another home run for Melissa Tereze!!
September 16, 2024
Where to start? Tereze has the creative ability to take a trope and use her words to take you on a journey through a unique story. This one, a second chance romance, didn’t disappoint. The characters stand out from the page and not just the primary characters but also the secondary. Sofia, Liz’s daughter, enters and exits as the most mature eighteen year old I have read. I think there may be another story lurking there.
A great read again.
A great read again.
September 30, 2024
pretty good
Anytime there’s people stepping up for a kid that isn’t theirs, I’m all in. For Sofia, this story gets 5 stars. For the bs lesbian drama I have to take one away.
‘Unforgivable circumstances’ always wind up being easily explained contrivances and that drives me nuts.
I liked Aoife and I was alright with Liz’s character, more so at the back quarter of the story.
Overall a good story.
Anytime there’s people stepping up for a kid that isn’t theirs, I’m all in. For Sofia, this story gets 5 stars. For the bs lesbian drama I have to take one away.
‘Unforgivable circumstances’ always wind up being easily explained contrivances and that drives me nuts.
I liked Aoife and I was alright with Liz’s character, more so at the back quarter of the story.
Overall a good story.
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