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It’s Only Ever Been You
Best friends since childhood, Ethan and Emma have shared everything—secrets, dreams, and unshakable loyalty. But as they grow older, the lines between friendship and something more blur, leaving them both hesitant to risk the bond they hold so dear.
When an unexpected kiss at a party changes everything, they’re forced to confront feelings they’ve long buried. But the path to love is anything but smooth. Misunderstandings, heartbreak, and life-changing decisions threaten to pull them apart just as they begin to realize they might be each other’s forever.
From the innocence of first crushes to the fiery passion of adulthood, this is a story of slow-burning love, heartbreak, and the unyielding strength it takes to fight for what matters most. Will Ethan and Emma find the courage to take a leap of faith, or will their fears keep them from the love they were always meant to have?
Perfect for fans of emotional, slow-burn romance with a touch of angst, It’s Only Ever Been You is a poignant tale of love, second chances, and finding home in each other.
When an unexpected kiss at a party changes everything, they’re forced to confront feelings they’ve long buried. But the path to love is anything but smooth. Misunderstandings, heartbreak, and life-changing decisions threaten to pull them apart just as they begin to realize they might be each other’s forever.
From the innocence of first crushes to the fiery passion of adulthood, this is a story of slow-burning love, heartbreak, and the unyielding strength it takes to fight for what matters most. Will Ethan and Emma find the courage to take a leap of faith, or will their fears keep them from the love they were always meant to have?
Perfect for fans of emotional, slow-burn romance with a touch of angst, It’s Only Ever Been You is a poignant tale of love, second chances, and finding home in each other.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2025
79 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
LS Phoenix
23 books54 followersHey everyone, I'm LS Phoenix, and I live in a small town in New England. I’ve been with my high school sweetheart since I was 16, we married in our mid 20’s and had 3 amazing children who are now the best well rounded adults I know. They keep me on my toes and bring endless joy to my life. I’m not sure where I would be without any of them in my life.
Now, here's how I ended up in the world of writing. I’m an avid reader myself and one day as I was reading a book I thought, hmm, I can do this. I used to write when I was in school and I always loved it. I’m a very creative person, sometimes too creative. Is that a thing? Anyway, an idea pops into my head, and it gets stuck and won't go away until I write it all down. then it just spiraled from there and I kept writing. So yeah, I dove headfirst into a sea of words and emotions, all because my brain just wouldn't let it go, and I’m completely okay with that! I love writing!
I'm all about soaking in the beauty of the world and finding inspiration around me. Each character I create, every twist I write, is a reflection of the journey we call life. So I hope you’ll join me on this ride. I can't wait to share my stories and characters with you.
Happy Reading!
Now, here's how I ended up in the world of writing. I’m an avid reader myself and one day as I was reading a book I thought, hmm, I can do this. I used to write when I was in school and I always loved it. I’m a very creative person, sometimes too creative. Is that a thing? Anyway, an idea pops into my head, and it gets stuck and won't go away until I write it all down. then it just spiraled from there and I kept writing. So yeah, I dove headfirst into a sea of words and emotions, all because my brain just wouldn't let it go, and I’m completely okay with that! I love writing!
I'm all about soaking in the beauty of the world and finding inspiration around me. Each character I create, every twist I write, is a reflection of the journey we call life. So I hope you’ll join me on this ride. I can't wait to share my stories and characters with you.
Happy Reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 20, 2025
Oh my freaking heart, this was SUCH A GOOD BOOK! I loved starting from their high school days & working the way up to adulthood. This gives the best angst, emotions pulling you everywhere…. If you liked a love letter to whiskey you will love this! I can’t wait for the release for everyone else to read it!!!
April 5, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Thank you LS Phoenix for the ARC opportunity!
I absolutely loved following along Emma and Ethan’s story. I loved how it started when they were 11 and followed through to adulthood. It was emotional, heartbreaking, trust issues, miscommunication, and a little spicy love story.
5/⭐️
2/🌶️
Thank you LS Phoenix for the ARC opportunity!
I absolutely loved following along Emma and Ethan’s story. I loved how it started when they were 11 and followed through to adulthood. It was emotional, heartbreaking, trust issues, miscommunication, and a little spicy love story.
5/⭐️
2/🌶️
April 5, 2025
What a great book! It kept me on my toes and definitely in my feelings with their back and forth, how they handled the situation. It broke my heart but towards the end it all came full circle and became a happy ending that I enjoyed very much!
March 5, 2025
I was provided the ARC for this book.
I loved this story! I was rooting for them the entire time. I loved that we went on their entire journey from when they were 11 and meeting each other to "now" as adults. It made me super invested in them!
The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star (I wanted to give it a 4.5) was that there was a lot of miscommunication between them, and it got very repetitive. Also, some of the wording during the intimate scenes was a little repetitive. (Calling her beautiful and perfect 1 too many times)
But their love story had me so invested I didn't want it to end!
I loved this story! I was rooting for them the entire time. I loved that we went on their entire journey from when they were 11 and meeting each other to "now" as adults. It made me super invested in them!
The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star (I wanted to give it a 4.5) was that there was a lot of miscommunication between them, and it got very repetitive. Also, some of the wording during the intimate scenes was a little repetitive. (Calling her beautiful and perfect 1 too many times)
But their love story had me so invested I didn't want it to end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
Slow burn, friends to lovers, and second chance romance 🫶🏼
I loved this ARC! Ethan and Emma’s story was so captivating to me. Learning to navigate their friendship and feelings that became stronger than just of friendship!
“Most kids I know think books are boring, but here he is, telling me about his favorite part. It feels like I’ve found a little piece of myself in someone else.” 💕
I loved this ARC! Ethan and Emma’s story was so captivating to me. Learning to navigate their friendship and feelings that became stronger than just of friendship!
“Most kids I know think books are boring, but here he is, telling me about his favorite part. It feels like I’ve found a little piece of myself in someone else.” 💕
March 11, 2025
Thank you first of all for letting me be an ARC reader for this book!
This book definitely had it all. It was the perfect romance book with a beautiful love story mixed in with a little spice. The connection between the MMC and FMC is undeniable from the beginning. This book kept me hooked from the beginning. I can’t wait for the next book. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick romance read that is looking to fall in love with the characters.
This book definitely had it all. It was the perfect romance book with a beautiful love story mixed in with a little spice. The connection between the MMC and FMC is undeniable from the beginning. This book kept me hooked from the beginning. I can’t wait for the next book. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick romance read that is looking to fall in love with the characters.
March 31, 2025
I was blessed with an ARC for It's Only Ever Been You and I could not put it down.
From their first encounter you are already rooting for them to be end game.
I can’t tell you how many times in my head I said “stop being such a jerk” or “just tell him how you feel”
The twists and turns throughout the story are that of real life. The innocence of your first love and the inevitable consequences of choices. One of which is following your own dreams and your own path which will lead you towards where you always wanted to be.
From their first encounter you are already rooting for them to be end game.
I can’t tell you how many times in my head I said “stop being such a jerk” or “just tell him how you feel”
The twists and turns throughout the story are that of real life. The innocence of your first love and the inevitable consequences of choices. One of which is following your own dreams and your own path which will lead you towards where you always wanted to be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2025
Blessed with this ARC! If you’re in a book slump this book will surely cure it! A slow burn but so worth it! Completely outside of my usual genre but this author gained a new follower because I loved it!
March 30, 2025
L.S. Phoenix delivers a heartfelt, slow-burn romance in It's Only Ever Been You, a book that perfectly captures the bittersweet journey of love, friendship, and missed opportunities. This novel was a refreshing departure from my usual reads, offering a feel-good yet deeply emotional experience.
The story follows Emma and Ethan, two polar opposites who seem destined to be in each other’s lives. Emma is a shy, introverted book lover, content in her quiet world, while Ethan thrives on attention, parties, and social interactions. Their friendship begins in childhood when Ethan steps in to defend Emma from bullies, solidifying an unbreakable bond. As they grow older, their relationship evolves into something more complicated, blurring the lines between friendship and love.
One of the biggest themes in this book is miscommunication. Ethan and Emma's struggles with expressing their feelings add layers of angst, frustration, and realism to their story. Chapter 4, in particular, had me screaming at Ethan to just say what he feels! Both characters have the communication skills of a beginner’s pool cue—straight to the point but never quite hitting the mark. However, these moments of frustration are outweighed by the heartfelt and tender moments that make their connection so special.
The side characters in this book strike the perfect balance—adding depth to the story without overshadowing the main couple. I appreciated how Phoenix allowed the readers to immerse themselves in the settings and emotions without over-explaining, giving me the freedom to visualize the world around Emma and Ethan.
One of my favorite moments was when Ethan got a taste of his own medicine—it had me kicking my feet and giggling in satisfaction! Watching him and Emma navigate the ups and downs of life, trying to figure themselves out while holding onto their bond, made the journey all the more compelling.
When life pulls them apart during college, it seems like their story is over. But fate brings them back together years later at a friend’s wedding, where they’re given a second chance to rewrite their story. The tension, the longing, and the ultimate payoff of seeing them find their way back to each other made for an incredibly satisfying read.
If you love a quick but emotional romance that captures the essence of growing up, finding love, and rediscovering it when the timing is finally right, It's Only Ever Been You is a must-read. It’s perfect as a palate cleanser between heavier reads, offering a mix of heartbreak, nostalgia, and hope. A delightful, cozy romance that was hard to put down!
🖤Length: 390 Pages
🖤Genre: Sweet Second Chance Romance
🖤Spice: 🌶️🌶️
🖤Editing: Nothing that pulled me from the story
🖤Series: Forever and Always Series
🖤Ending: Completed Story
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story follows Emma and Ethan, two polar opposites who seem destined to be in each other’s lives. Emma is a shy, introverted book lover, content in her quiet world, while Ethan thrives on attention, parties, and social interactions. Their friendship begins in childhood when Ethan steps in to defend Emma from bullies, solidifying an unbreakable bond. As they grow older, their relationship evolves into something more complicated, blurring the lines between friendship and love.
One of the biggest themes in this book is miscommunication. Ethan and Emma's struggles with expressing their feelings add layers of angst, frustration, and realism to their story. Chapter 4, in particular, had me screaming at Ethan to just say what he feels! Both characters have the communication skills of a beginner’s pool cue—straight to the point but never quite hitting the mark. However, these moments of frustration are outweighed by the heartfelt and tender moments that make their connection so special.
The side characters in this book strike the perfect balance—adding depth to the story without overshadowing the main couple. I appreciated how Phoenix allowed the readers to immerse themselves in the settings and emotions without over-explaining, giving me the freedom to visualize the world around Emma and Ethan.
One of my favorite moments was when Ethan got a taste of his own medicine—it had me kicking my feet and giggling in satisfaction! Watching him and Emma navigate the ups and downs of life, trying to figure themselves out while holding onto their bond, made the journey all the more compelling.
When life pulls them apart during college, it seems like their story is over. But fate brings them back together years later at a friend’s wedding, where they’re given a second chance to rewrite their story. The tension, the longing, and the ultimate payoff of seeing them find their way back to each other made for an incredibly satisfying read.
If you love a quick but emotional romance that captures the essence of growing up, finding love, and rediscovering it when the timing is finally right, It's Only Ever Been You is a must-read. It’s perfect as a palate cleanser between heavier reads, offering a mix of heartbreak, nostalgia, and hope. A delightful, cozy romance that was hard to put down!
🖤Length: 390 Pages
🖤Genre: Sweet Second Chance Romance
🖤Spice: 🌶️🌶️
🖤Editing: Nothing that pulled me from the story
🖤Series: Forever and Always Series
🖤Ending: Completed Story
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 14, 2025
Firstly I just want to start off by thanking L.S Phoenix for allowing me to access the ARC for this book. This was my very first time doing an ARC read and I loved it so massively Thank you!
Tropes for this book are:
😩 Slow Burn
👩❤️💋👨 friends to lovers
✌🏻 second chance romance
💔 heartbreak
🌶️ Spice 2.5
This book was a nice, cute, feel good read and certainly a lovely break from the normal tropes I read. I loved having the freedom to use my imagination of picturing backgrounds and scenes while also still being in the story with them. I loved how the side characters contributed to the story just right as some romances have side characters contribute to the story too much.
Chapter 4 had me screaming for the MMC to be open and honest and both characters have the communication skills of a beginners pool cue - always straight the point but never hit the mark but this frustratation is outweighed by the good moments.
I did laugh when the MMC got a taste of his own medicine though. That made me kick my feet and go “hehe sucked in”.
Otherwise it was a nice read and a nice break from my normal tropes. I definitely recommend this book if you want something cute and slow paced. Huge thank you again to L.S Phoenix for allowing this to be my first ARC read!
Happy Reading everything 📚
Tropes for this book are:
😩 Slow Burn
👩❤️💋👨 friends to lovers
✌🏻 second chance romance
💔 heartbreak
🌶️ Spice 2.5
This book was a nice, cute, feel good read and certainly a lovely break from the normal tropes I read. I loved having the freedom to use my imagination of picturing backgrounds and scenes while also still being in the story with them. I loved how the side characters contributed to the story just right as some romances have side characters contribute to the story too much.
Chapter 4 had me screaming for the MMC to be open and honest and both characters have the communication skills of a beginners pool cue - always straight the point but never hit the mark but this frustratation is outweighed by the good moments.
I did laugh when the MMC got a taste of his own medicine though. That made me kick my feet and go “hehe sucked in”.
Otherwise it was a nice read and a nice break from my normal tropes. I definitely recommend this book if you want something cute and slow paced. Huge thank you again to L.S Phoenix for allowing this to be my first ARC read!
Happy Reading everything 📚
March 30, 2025
In this book we have polar opposites that are drawn to each other and almost could be said to be soulmates.
Emma is a shy and introveted girl that just loves books and to be in her quiet world.
Ethan is a boy who loves attention, parties and is social and outgoing.
They meet at a very young age and from that moment on they become best friends. They support and balance each other and it all goes well until their teenage years, when some new feelings and desires start to arise. With time, things start to blur and get messy and several moments get tangled and confused and missinterpreted.
I can say that for me, the big theme in this story was mostly miscommunication. It happened several times, and in several moments.
They fought in different ocasions to overcome those obstacles, and we could see their angst and despair and even some obcession about each other through out all the book.
Sometimes love isn't enough and time can help. There may be a right person, but not the right moment or time, and both of them had a glimpse of that. When the timing was right all their love and effort was worth it.
Emma is a shy and introveted girl that just loves books and to be in her quiet world.
Ethan is a boy who loves attention, parties and is social and outgoing.
They meet at a very young age and from that moment on they become best friends. They support and balance each other and it all goes well until their teenage years, when some new feelings and desires start to arise. With time, things start to blur and get messy and several moments get tangled and confused and missinterpreted.
I can say that for me, the big theme in this story was mostly miscommunication. It happened several times, and in several moments.
They fought in different ocasions to overcome those obstacles, and we could see their angst and despair and even some obcession about each other through out all the book.
Sometimes love isn't enough and time can help. There may be a right person, but not the right moment or time, and both of them had a glimpse of that. When the timing was right all their love and effort was worth it.
March 13, 2025
I loved being on the entire journey between Ethan and Emma.
I mean, he steps in and saves her from bullied at the age of 11, and it just continues from there.
You watch their friendship go through the ups and downs of life while also trying to figure themselves out.
When it says it's a slow burn..... oooooooph, that is not a lie. You can feel the tension when reading some of the scenes.
I will say there were moments in the book that I didn't like, Ethan, and some where I didn't like Emma, and I caught myself going dear god, y'all can't do this again.... butttt then they go and redeem themselves. However, I think a class on communication would have helped or just not being so stubborn, lol.
I wanted a little more, especially when they were apart. I wanted to hear about what they were doing, how they were growing, and all the in between.
I also loved two of the side characters, Jace & Sarah, and I need more of them, lol.
I was really proud of Emma at the end, that she didn't let fear potentially keep her from her HEA.
Looking forward to reading more by the author!
I mean, he steps in and saves her from bullied at the age of 11, and it just continues from there.
You watch their friendship go through the ups and downs of life while also trying to figure themselves out.
When it says it's a slow burn..... oooooooph, that is not a lie. You can feel the tension when reading some of the scenes.
I will say there were moments in the book that I didn't like, Ethan, and some where I didn't like Emma, and I caught myself going dear god, y'all can't do this again.... butttt then they go and redeem themselves. However, I think a class on communication would have helped or just not being so stubborn, lol.
I wanted a little more, especially when they were apart. I wanted to hear about what they were doing, how they were growing, and all the in between.
I also loved two of the side characters, Jace & Sarah, and I need more of them, lol.
I was really proud of Emma at the end, that she didn't let fear potentially keep her from her HEA.
Looking forward to reading more by the author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
- Slow Burn
- Friends to Lovers
- Second Chance Romance
- Heartbreak
This was such a delightful quick romance to read. I felt like I was right there living the storyline, and feeling like I was back in the confusing state of high school and college relationships.
When Emma (FMC) was 11 she moved to a moved to a new neighborhood and school where she is being bullied by the other children. One day the other children threw her book to the ground while taunting her, until Ethan (MMC) stood up for her. After spending a few days talking and walking home together, they found common interests and quickly became best friends. The book continues to follow them throughout high school and into college where we see them go through a range of emotions and growth that takes them into college. College however presents a new trial that ultimately seems to break them as they then drift apart and lose contact with each other. That is until they are forces back together years later at a friends wedding. They are able to reconnect and fall back into a friendship and eventually into the relationship they both always wanted.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick and easy lighthearted but heartbreaking romance or palate cleanser. It was such a good read that it was hard to put down.
Thank you LS Phoenix for allowing me to read an ARC early.
🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
- Slow Burn
- Friends to Lovers
- Second Chance Romance
- Heartbreak
This was such a delightful quick romance to read. I felt like I was right there living the storyline, and feeling like I was back in the confusing state of high school and college relationships.
When Emma (FMC) was 11 she moved to a moved to a new neighborhood and school where she is being bullied by the other children. One day the other children threw her book to the ground while taunting her, until Ethan (MMC) stood up for her. After spending a few days talking and walking home together, they found common interests and quickly became best friends. The book continues to follow them throughout high school and into college where we see them go through a range of emotions and growth that takes them into college. College however presents a new trial that ultimately seems to break them as they then drift apart and lose contact with each other. That is until they are forces back together years later at a friends wedding. They are able to reconnect and fall back into a friendship and eventually into the relationship they both always wanted.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick and easy lighthearted but heartbreaking romance or palate cleanser. It was such a good read that it was hard to put down.
Thank you LS Phoenix for allowing me to read an ARC early.
March 25, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
It’s Only Ever Been You is an emotional, slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance that had me fully invested from start to finish. Ethan and Emma’s journey from childhood best friends to something more is filled with heartfelt moments, frustrating missteps, and the kind of deep, unshakable connection that makes you root for them the entire way.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the use of flashbacks. Seeing Ethan and Emma’s bond develop over the years—especially through their shared love of books—made their romance feel so authentic and inevitable. The little moments, like Ethan realizing how much he admires the way Emma treats books like something precious, made my heart melt. 🥹
But oh, Ethan. ETHAN. He frustrated me so much at times! The way he would pull Emma in and then pulled away had me wanting to shake some sense into him. His uncertainty and self-doubt added a layer of angst that kept me hooked, but I also wished we had gotten more insight into his relationship with his parents, which seemed to play a big role in his hesitation. On the other hand, Emma’s growth throughout the book was so satisfying to see. Watching her find her voice and stand up for herself made me want to cheer her on. And Sarah? The best friend we all need. I can’t wait to read her and Jace’s story next!
By the time Ethan finally got his act together, I was fully ready to swoon. His grand moment of fighting for Emma made all the heartbreak and tension worth it. The book beautifully captures the fear of risking a friendship for love, but also the magic of realizing that some people are simply meant to be.
If you love slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romances with plenty of angst, emotional depth, and swoon-worthy moments, It’s Only Ever Been You is a must-read!
4.5 ⭐️
It’s Only Ever Been You is an emotional, slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance that had me fully invested from start to finish. Ethan and Emma’s journey from childhood best friends to something more is filled with heartfelt moments, frustrating missteps, and the kind of deep, unshakable connection that makes you root for them the entire way.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the use of flashbacks. Seeing Ethan and Emma’s bond develop over the years—especially through their shared love of books—made their romance feel so authentic and inevitable. The little moments, like Ethan realizing how much he admires the way Emma treats books like something precious, made my heart melt. 🥹
But oh, Ethan. ETHAN. He frustrated me so much at times! The way he would pull Emma in and then pulled away had me wanting to shake some sense into him. His uncertainty and self-doubt added a layer of angst that kept me hooked, but I also wished we had gotten more insight into his relationship with his parents, which seemed to play a big role in his hesitation. On the other hand, Emma’s growth throughout the book was so satisfying to see. Watching her find her voice and stand up for herself made me want to cheer her on. And Sarah? The best friend we all need. I can’t wait to read her and Jace’s story next!
By the time Ethan finally got his act together, I was fully ready to swoon. His grand moment of fighting for Emma made all the heartbreak and tension worth it. The book beautifully captures the fear of risking a friendship for love, but also the magic of realizing that some people are simply meant to be.
If you love slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romances with plenty of angst, emotional depth, and swoon-worthy moments, It’s Only Ever Been You is a must-read!
4.5 ⭐️
March 5, 2025
5 ⭐️ 4 🌶️
* Heartwarming
* Gut wrenching
* Heartbreak
* Slow but very hot burn
LS Phoenix has captured the embodiment of best friends to strangers to lovers. The emotional journey she takes you on with Ethan and Emma is unmatched. Her world building and scene setting encapsulates you right from the start of this book. It’s like you are right there with the characters throughout the whole book. Her use of dual POV ensures that you truly grasp the emotions of both MCs and that feel exactly what they are feeling. To say I needed a box of tissues close to me at certain parts of this book is an understatement. She had me laughing, crying, giggle at the simple flirty banter but fanning myself when the spice and steam turned up. After experiencing Ethan and Emma’s love I left in edge to see what will be coming next!
* Heartwarming
* Gut wrenching
* Heartbreak
* Slow but very hot burn
LS Phoenix has captured the embodiment of best friends to strangers to lovers. The emotional journey she takes you on with Ethan and Emma is unmatched. Her world building and scene setting encapsulates you right from the start of this book. It’s like you are right there with the characters throughout the whole book. Her use of dual POV ensures that you truly grasp the emotions of both MCs and that feel exactly what they are feeling. To say I needed a box of tissues close to me at certain parts of this book is an understatement. She had me laughing, crying, giggle at the simple flirty banter but fanning myself when the spice and steam turned up. After experiencing Ethan and Emma’s love I left in edge to see what will be coming next!
March 24, 2025
This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed Emma and Ethan’s story. It was emotional, heartbreaking, trust issues and misunderstandings that come between them. Best friends forever was the way it was supposed to go, but life has a funny way of getting in the middle of best laid plans. Ethan came to her rescue and they became inseparable fro the start. These two had it bad for each other, but neither wanted to jeopardize their friendship that is until that remarkable kiss between them only to feel rejected afterwards. So much miscommunication between them that leads to heartache and longing for that person you love the most. So much has happened between them, but can Ethan and Emma get their heads out of their butt and realize theyare each others forever? I guess you will have to read to find out.
March 29, 2025
Emma has kept more to herself from the beginning. She's all about books and focused on her personal goals.
Ethan is more outgoing and on his own path with football.
You'll see these two grow together through various stages of life.
Ethan will make you want to smack him upside the head—at least, I did! 😆
And Ms. Emma, your wingman-Sarah wasn't pulling her weight in helping you out.
Keep in mind, this is a slooooow burn, and LS keeps us right on the edge with the push and pull between these two.
A beautifully told story of lost and found love—it had me rooting for them and feeling all the emotions.
This is a standalone, so you’ll get the happy ending we all love, and it’s told from both of their perspectives.
Ethan is more outgoing and on his own path with football.
You'll see these two grow together through various stages of life.
Ethan will make you want to smack him upside the head—at least, I did! 😆
And Ms. Emma, your wingman-Sarah wasn't pulling her weight in helping you out.
Keep in mind, this is a slooooow burn, and LS keeps us right on the edge with the push and pull between these two.
A beautifully told story of lost and found love—it had me rooting for them and feeling all the emotions.
This is a standalone, so you’ll get the happy ending we all love, and it’s told from both of their perspectives.
March 27, 2025
ARC Review!
This storyline had so many twists and turns during the entire book! I was rooting for Emma and Ethan from the start, constantly saying “come on just tell them” time and time again. Such a sweet story that began when they were both very young that showed them as adults with a family at the end tied it up with the perfect bow on top! My only complaint was it felt repetitive at times, miscommunication that made them drift apart multiple times. Overall such a beautifully written story with a good storyline!
This storyline had so many twists and turns during the entire book! I was rooting for Emma and Ethan from the start, constantly saying “come on just tell them” time and time again. Such a sweet story that began when they were both very young that showed them as adults with a family at the end tied it up with the perfect bow on top! My only complaint was it felt repetitive at times, miscommunication that made them drift apart multiple times. Overall such a beautifully written story with a good storyline!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2025
I love a good childhood friends to lovers! Ethan always wanted to keep Emma safe and be her protector. They go through so many feelings and emotions in this story and I feel like they were totally relatable. Of there is a rough patch in their story and then they are faced back together. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ i really enjoyed this story but I wished it didn't skip years through out high-school and college. I'm sure it was supposed to be like that but I feel like things happened between those years we don't know about.
Spice 🌶 🌶
#slowburn #childhoodfriends #secondchance #lsphoenixauthor
Spice 🌶 🌶
#slowburn #childhoodfriends #secondchance #lsphoenixauthor
March 12, 2025
The slow burn in this book is intense! Emma and Ethan will take you on an emotional rollercoaster in this friends-to-lovers romance.
I couldn’t help but find myself yelling at them in my head, urging them to recognize the signs that their years of friendship were blossoming into something deeper.
With plenty of miscommunication, jealousy, and angst, you’ll be glued to the page, desperately hoping for Emma and Ethan to find their happily-ever-after!
I couldn’t help but find myself yelling at them in my head, urging them to recognize the signs that their years of friendship were blossoming into something deeper.
With plenty of miscommunication, jealousy, and angst, you’ll be glued to the page, desperately hoping for Emma and Ethan to find their happily-ever-after!
March 16, 2025
This was my first LS Phoenix read, and it won’t be my last. The book is so well written that I could imagine myself in the book thru every page.
Ethan and Emma both grabbed ahold of my feels and held on tightly. The emotional rollercoaster this book took me on was well worth it for the happy ending.
Ethan and Emma both grabbed ahold of my feels and held on tightly. The emotional rollercoaster this book took me on was well worth it for the happy ending.
March 7, 2025
This book is an adorable friends to strangers to lovers storyline. I am a sucker for dual POV and this doesn't disappoint. The story follows two friends through the trials and tribulations of growing up and apart. In the end love trumps all!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2025
This was such a heartwarming romance, beautifully told from the perspectives of both the FMC and MMC over time. It's a story about realizing someone is "the one" only when the timing aligns perfectly. I really loved this sweet and spicy romance—it was such a delightful read!
March 6, 2025
Oh my heart!! This book had me in all my feels, from the love to the gut wrenching parts, I could not get enough!! Their love story is one of my faves and was absolutely perfect!
March 8, 2025
Classic love story with some spice. Boy meets girl. They both love each other but do t want to admit it until it’s too late. All the happy feels. HEA
March 20, 2025
Thank you so so much for picking me to be one of your ARC readers! The story is sweet but I do feel like majority of the conversations were redundant throughout.
March 21, 2025
Slow burn, second chances story of friends who have to find their way back to each other a few times as they grow. Good story, easy read and look forward to the next one.
March 23, 2025
Fabulous story. Loved how they always came back to each other Im the end. Even when they grew apart they never stopped caring.
March 28, 2025
Slow burn, misunderstandings, and long time friendships. It's Only Ever Been You is a sweet story about friendship that blossoms into love and an even stronger friendship.
March 30, 2025
This book was so good I couldn’t put it down. Getting the view point from when they first met to when they got older held me in.
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