Channel 21: Still Yours

Channel 20 Something #2

by Amy Patrick

When we’d last seen each other five years ago, I would have bet everything I owned, would’ve bet my mother’s life that Reid loved me. I knew that because I had loved him, too. Madly, passionately, with every fiber of my seventeen-year-old being.
And that was why I’d made sure after our high school graduation night, I would never see him again. So much for that plan.

23-year-old Mara Neely knows who she is and what she wants — she’s an ambitious reporter with a taste for himbos — beautiful dumb guys who don’t even tempt her to get involved past wham-bam-thank you-sir. When she takes a TV news reporting job in Providence, it’s a great step up career wise, but it’s also a little too close to home… and to him, the only guy who’s ever tempted her to let go and love someone.

To billionaire web entrepreneur Reid Mancini, Mara was like a rare comet — beautiful, exciting, and impossible to hold onto. Now his first love is on his television screen and back in his life, and this time, he’s got a surefire plan to catch a star and make her fall.

STILL YOURS is Book 2 of the 20 SOMETHING series, a Contemporary romance series about twenty-somethings in the exciting world of TV news, where what happens behind the cameras is the real news. It's a complete, standalone novel, but can be enjoyed as part of the connected 20 SOMETHING series. It's a swexy (sweet + sexy) contemporary romance, intended for readers 17+.

Genres: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

228 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2014

About the author

I love writing, and I love LOVE. I've been writing seriously since 2010 and have written 35 books (and counting!) Most of them are YA and NA romantic fantasy. There's a dash of paranormal and dystopian romance in my book list as well.

I'm honored to be an Amazon bestseller and multi-award winning author of the bestselling Hidden Saga, which is a 10-book Fae fantasy romance series, the heart-pounding Crimson Accord vampire romance series.

My new Romantasy series, Age of Fae, begins with A Court Bright and Broken, which released on Valentine's Day 2025. Book 2, A Kingdom Ruthless and Radiant comes out May 23rd 2025!

I live in Rhode Island where I write in my car at the beach year round and sometimes crave the heat and humidity of Mississippi, where I grew up. I love hearing from my readers! Reach out and say hi anytime.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still Yours is the second book in the 20Something series from Amy Patrick. If you haven't read my previous review of Channel 20Something (The first book), I would recommend checking that out as the first book was one I really enjoyed. Still Yours did not disappoint me at all and again, I think Amy has made a great addition to the series (I wonder where book 3 will go!). You could read this as a stand alone, but I do feel you would appreciate the characters more by reading Channel 20Something more.

Still Yours follows the life of Mara, a boy crazy girl who likes a dumb sexy man (Think Blonde bimbo in male form), we read a fair bit about her in Channel 20Something and I admit I was looking forward to reading her story. She's smart, sassy and actually a character I liked reading about. Our male, hot, sexy lead takes the form of Billionaire Reid and he is one hot commodity!

I loved seeing why Mara became like she was and the back history of Reid. At times I felt her actions were a little out of character/unrealistic (I know about family issues, but I always feel in books sometimes they are a little overdramatised), but for the most of it I felt that Still Yours was a great ride.

The story has a good flow, it isn't slow and has just the right amount of detail. There's fun, laughter but also those moments when you can really relate to Mara's indecisions and pain. Don't get me wrong though, you will want to throttle her at times and scream to get her act together.

Still like Channel 20Something I liked the ending and felt it was just right without it being too much for me.

If you haven't read Amy Patrick's work before, I really recommend her. She seems to get the right recipe for a New Adult book and knows how to make them interesting and different, keeping away from the run of the mill New Adult books out there.

I gave Still Yours 4 stars and look forward to reading Still Me (20Something #3) soon.

Review also featured on my blog - http://www.bewitchedbooks.co.uk/

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

"Still Yours" is the second book in Amy Patrick's 20 Something series, and it can be read as a stand-alone book. This story centers around news reporter Mara Neely and billionaire web entrepreneur Reid Mancini.

What do you do when you see your childhood sweetheart after all these years? Surely, you don't miss out on the opportunity for a second chance at love! Reid and Mara run into each other at an eatery, and they are struck speechless when they see each other. It's like time stood still. Reid knows the news stations want the opportunity to interview him -- he is after all, the reclusive, hot, and single billionaire who founded StillYours.com.

So Reid concocts a plan. He will give an exclusive interview with Mara's news station if and only if, she is the one to interview him. The catch: she has to follow his itinerary and be with him for the next week. Mara is reluctant to do this. She's always loved Reid. She ran away from him when she was seventeen because what her mom said about love troubled her. Will she still let her mom's words affect her again, or will she give Reid a chance? Reid will do everything to win over Mara's heart again and rekindle the love the two of them shared. He wants his second chance at love. His life is complete with her in it. He doesn't want to lose her again!

"Still Yours" was such an enjoyable book! Reid made me swoon, and I enjoyed seeing Reid and Mara rekindle their romance! This was actually the first book I've read by Amy Patrick, and it definitely won't be my last. I plan to catch up on Heidi's story in "Channel 20Something", and I'm looking forward to Kenley's story which is released next month called "Still Me." Wonderful job by Amy! "Still Yours" is definitely a must read!

[Angie Hulsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Amy Patrick’s Channel 20 Something and was anxiously anticipating the next book in the series and I wasn't disappointed! I love Amy's voice and I believe that Still Yours is even better than the first book. While they’re both great reads, Still Yours just had that extra something that kept me reading and not stopping until I was finished. I totally blame Amy for my dirty house! Amy’s writing, character development, and pacing improved from the first book. I am a sucker for first loves, and the story of Reid and Mara is perfect. Who wouldn't like to be reunited with their first love and, to make it even better, he’s a millionaire?!?!? When Reid and Mara see each other for the first time there are sparks, but not insta-let’s –get-back-together. These two characters struggle with old feelings, resentment, hurt, and new feelings. I loved everything about Reid. He’s smart, and his love for Mara never wavered. He understood her and wouldn't let her leave him again. I understand why she left Reid when they were younger, but hated that they wasted so much time that they could have spent together. When I finally reached the end, it was perfect! Fantastic writing Amy!

[Anima · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the second book in a series it could be read as a stand alone. Mara, a Rhode Island reporter, left her high school sweetheart after graduation and never looked back. She's successful in her career and has moved back home to care for her ill mother. Reid is a billionaire dot com success story, having started a website to bring sweethearts together called StillYours.com. He's a tough guy with an icy appearance and never does interviews. They have a week together to make an interview happen. This story is a smooth attempt for Reid to woo Mara back into his heart. However something happened to her parents around graduation and scarred her forever. Mara is witty, hard headed and smart. Reid is sexy, a romantic and always gets his way. The characters are believable and the outcome predictable but a real joy to read. I received a copy from Netgalley for review.

[Vangelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapter hooked me. I was invested in Mara and Reid's story. I wanted to know EVERYTHING about this couple. I don't know what to say other than the fact that I absolutely adored this book from Mara to the freaking Princess Bride references. I greatly enjoyed Still Yours and I can't say that enough. I had the hugest grin on my face throughout the whole book except for one part where I was FREAKING OUT like crazy but that was because I was really into this book and these characters were too dang stubborn for their own good. I'm telling you GET THIS BOOK when it's available, you won't regret it. AND THEN come talk to me once you've read it; I will be happy to fangirl with you over this book

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was, I felt, better written that the first. That is not to say that I didn't enjoy book 1 because I did, however, I cared more about the characters.

Mara's perspective on love has been broken, skewed, twisted even, by someone who ought to know better. The resulting fight she has between head and heart is really quite engaging. And, as with the previous book, this one does not follow the yellow brick road to HEA land. Oh no, there are definitely moments when Mara is off on a detour of her own.

The relationship between Mara and Reid was engaging - characters I wanted to read about. The chemistry between them was entertaining and full of feeling.

So did the billionaire get the girl? I'm not saying.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars.

I'd read all the others in the series, but not read this one because the heroine is described as an ambitious reporter with a taste for himbos. I was afraid I wouldn't like her. Finally, I decided I should trust Amy Patrick. I've loved all the other 20Something books.

And of course, I loved this H/h, Reid and Mara. I think Still Yours is my favorite of the series. It's about true love. I adored the fun and the sweetness of their quoting the movie dialogue. Loved the heroine's butterflies and fortune cookie. I don't want to give any spoilers, so I won't say anything more specific. This book is really special--There was so much tenderness in this book!

[Katarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series, and it's just as good as the first. Possibly even a little bit better, and I can't wait to read the next installment.

The writing is excellent. Easy to read, conversational tone, engaging and fast paced. There are no boring or slow parts in the book, and it's rare for me to read every single page. Usually there are always parts i skim or skip.

It's a nicely developing romance between 2 likeable and believable characters. You kinda expect them to get together at the end, but that's what you expect from a romance book. It was still a great story and can be read as a stand alone.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Ok, I take back my statement that says I don't care for New Adult rom-coms because this was just so cute, and so entertaining. I'm such a girl right now. I want to pick up her other books, because I want to know what happens.

I'll have my review up soon on my blog at http://www.millionpages28.wordpress.com, so check it out if you're curious to hear my other thoughts, because I liked it very much.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this take on public life for tv personalities and the characters that surround this particular read was refreshing. Mara and Reid through me for a loop first but as the story progressed I was able to pick up and keep up. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 stars.

Well, I liked this one more than the first book.

Mara and Reid were great, I liked them a lot. I wish I had known Reid more, though. I felt the book only touched the surface with him, but what I saw, I liked. He was really hurt after Mara left and he really tried to move on, not really moping about Mara for five years. I liked that even if he never forgot about her, he actually made something of himself in life.

As for Mara, I could see where she was coming from in regards to what she did to Reid. I gotta say, her mother was awful. Yeah, she was brokenhearted, but to dump all that crap on her daughter and then show her that photo? Jeez, woman. I never really liked the mother, at all. And even if things got better for her at the end, I felt she was too all over the place, not really discussing things with her husband and daughter. She just gave Mara a short speech and that was that. All was forgotten. Kinda anticlimactic.

And on that matter, I felt that Mara’s reasons for leaving five years ago were rather weak. I don’t know, I get she was a teenager and sensible, but it felt a little meh to leave Reid for the reason she did. Reid never gave her any reason to distrust him, in the four years they were together. And yet after a few months of her mother saying shit about her Dad, Mara believes all men are crap? I don’t know, again, I get she was a teenager and talking to Reid would’ve helped, but come on, Mara.

I still liked that she overcame her doubts and even though Reid helped her, he also stood his ground on what he believed. He was no push over.

It was an overall entertaining read and I’ll check the next book when it comes out.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of Still Yours: A 20 Something Novel by Amy Patrick for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In Providence, Rhode Island Mara is a reporter who has gone back home to care for her mother. She is a bit at war with herself with the subject of love. Her heart tells her one thing and her head tells her it’s a lost cause. Mara and Reid meet each other at a restaurant and are shocked to see each other. It’s been a long time since they have seen each other and the both still have feelings for each other. Reid is a wealthy bachelor. Mara’s news station wants an interview with Reid and he agrees to give the interview, but only to Mara. Reid is wanting a second chance with Mara. When she was seventeen she left Reid behind but never got over him.

Mara is a smart girl that has let her mother’s opinion determine some of her outcomes. Reid is a romantic and is seen as a cool private tough character. I really like the chemistry between Reid and Mara. I pretty well knew what the outcome would be but I enjoyed every minute reading the story as it unfolded.

This review, or links to this review, may also be found on my profile pages as follows:
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A3RJ...
Pintrest http://www.pinterest.com/baltimore333/
Twitter https://twitter.com/chb548s
Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/107592987...

[Mary Chin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this ARC on Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. Anyway, this book is the second instalment in the 20 Something series, but it's basically a standalone book, so it doesn't matter if you haven't read the first book. So yeah. This book is about a newscaster, Mara, who unexpectedly met up back with the love of her life. The boy whose heart she broke into pieces. Not everyone get a second shot at true love, but sighpie, this girl so did. And she was still stubborn, unable to believe in true love, after what happened to her family. So now, she had to interview the ohsofamous Reid, and she tried so hard to push back the feelings that never went away. I loved Mara though. She's so independent, so strong, willing to do anything to protect her heart. And having to take care of her mother at that state, damn, she's awesome. And then there's Reid. The one guy who could get any girl he wanted, but was still fixated on his high school sweetheart. And he's HOT. And a techie who created a matchmaking networking site. Pretty awesome huh? HAHA. This book was just perfect. It wasn't draggy at all, and sure, there were some parts where I wished the girl would just accept Reid back because oh God, he was so hurt. Sigh. But this book is perfeeeect. I might just pick up the rest of the book in this series the next time I visit the library. HOORAY hehe.

[Kate ✨ is a dreamer · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars
This book was very well executed, but it lacked a special something that really makes the story. For me, this book was almost like a comic. She gets a job in her hometown *snapshot* Bumps into Reid *snapshot* Regresses into teenage self and regrets pushing him away *snapshot* More thoughts about Reid, heart to hearts with herself *snapshot* Gets "forced" to interview him, which turns into a weeklong interview *snapshot* Enjoys her time with him then convinces herself that they can't o anywhere (somehow) *snapshot*, etc. It's the same cycle over and over, like a carousel. Over half the book was describing encounters and her being all wishy-washy, convincing herself that they can't be together because of misconceptions and something that happened her senior year of high school- and I didn't think her reasoning for pushing him away wasn't all that solid, especially since they'd been dating since freshman year. I was a very cliché plot, and not altogether unique or brilliantly put together. Characters weren't that developed, just surface.

This was a nice quick-read, a fun "sitting by the beach tanning" book that you forget about the next day. But, enjoyable.

***ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

See more of my reviews on my blog Thoughts At One In The Morning.

My Thoughts:

After reading the first 20Something book (Channel 20Something) and enjoying it, I was curious what else was in store for these lovely ladies. So when the chance came around to read Mara's story, I was all over it. Second chance romances are always adorable, and this one most definitely is!

Mara and Reid together again is a volatile thing. The feelings are just below the surface, but Mara doesn't want to give in when it could mean something and end in heartbreak. She saw heartbreak firsthand and there was no way she'd let that happen to her, too. But Reid is hard to resist. And seriously hard for me to resist. There were all these Princess Bride quotes and I couldn't help but get very swoony. Reid's a romantic and it's hard for Mara not to cave, but is she willing to risk heartbreak for a chance at true love?

Still Yours is a beautiful love story. Seeing Mara and Reid putting their hearts on the line caused all the feels and swoons. Amy Patrick's 20Something series is one to keep your eye on and check out!

My Rating: Very Good

[BookAngel Blog · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was optimistic about this book. And I did like parts of it. I thought that the concept was interesting. This book was also good enough that I want to check out the other two in the series. They seem like they might be better than this one, but I don’t know.

Mara was irritating. She kept standing in her own way. She also acted like interview Reid was worse than anything. It was just a touch dramatic. Yes, it wouldn’t be fun to interview your lost love, but to not want to do it so much that you are willing to get fired over it? Very dramatic. Just act more professional.

Reid was very cute. I love nerdy guys so I liked him a lot.

The depression battle with her mother was a extra depth that I wasn’t expecting. I actually really liked it. It made Mara a little less irritating.

The ending, like the rest of the book was very dramatic. I wasn’t that crazy about it. Just the fact that she was the one standing in her own way the whole time. I also don’t like the constant dramatic reactions and insinuations of things.

Not my favorite, but still readable.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but didn't love it. I love a second chance romance - a couple reconnecting after being apart. Mara and Reid were high school sweethearts dating since 9th grade. After graduation, Mara walks away from Reid. She has her reasons for doing this - she'd rather leave before she gets her heartbroken. Her dad cheated on her mom and her mom couldn't get over it and taught Mara it's better to be with someone who can't break your heart. The part of this book that I struggled with is that Mara is incredibly frustrating. Her actions and her reasoning just didn't make sense to me. Reid was amazing, so sweet and patient and he deserved so much more. Mara did to him exactly what she didn't want done to her - she broke his heart when she walked away after graduation. Even with how frustrated I was with Mara and her decisions, I still liked this book and look forward to reading more in this series.

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

[Becca ~BS BOOK REVIEWERS~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still Yours is the second book in the 20Something series by Amy Patrick.
Mara and Reid are high school sweethearts when Mara calls it quits after graduation to save them from heartache. After years of a terrible dating spree, Mara takes a job back home and wants to make it she has to land an exclusive interview with the secretive 20 something billionaire who creating a popular dating site. That billionaire just so happens to be Reid. Some feelings never go away. It’s complicated to say the least!
This series has grown on me. We got a glimpse of Mara in Chanel 20Something and I am happy to hear her story. This series just gets better.
Mara is a complex character and has a history with Reid. The way this story plays out is beautiful! The tension, feelings, remorse, and out lashes of anger are spot on. This story touched my heart and made me smile. This book was better than the first. I can’t wait to see where we go next.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ik wou graag een keertje een New Adult boek proberen omdat ik daar van alle kanten allerlei dingen over hoorde. Young Adult is voor lezers tussen de 15 en de 18. New Adult zou zich richten op lezers tussen de 18 en de 26. Dat is al wat dichter bij mijn eigen leeftijdscategorie.

Helaas was dit eerste boek geen schot in de roos. Het was supervoorspelbaar, ik irriteerde mij dood aan het hoofdpersonage dat maar geen beslissingen kon nemen of ongegronde beslissingen nam en blegh. Mensen die drama maken voor drama en dan niet willen communiceren, ik snap dat niet. Zo'n mensen wil ik het liefst van al door elkaar schudden en eens goed tegen roepen.

Soit. Ik heb het uitgelezen omdat het een recensie-exemplaar was en ik dus feedback moest geven, maar anders had ik nooit het einde gehaald, vrees ik.

[Brittany's Book Bumblings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my full review on Book Bumblings

Is this book cheesy and schmaltzy? Yes. But in the best way! I will excuse cheese in the name of true love. :) It was an adorable second-chance romance. I really liked that Reid was just like, "Yeah, I got this. I'll show you." the whole time, while Mara was fighting their love so hard. Also, she kind of sucked at fighting her attraction, if the number of times they made out was any indication.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the 20 something series, but it can be read as a standalone as each book covers a different couple. I happened to read the first book and was apprehensive about this one as I did not like the immaturity in the first book. I loved Still Yours. It is a 2nd chance romance which happen to be one of my favorites. Mara broke up with her high school boyfriend as she believes love can only lead to pain. Now Reid is a self-made billionaire and has agreed to his first ever interview, only if Mara is the reporter. Their love story is sweet with lots of Princess Bride quotes.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this is a romance formula but why do the main characters have to be so irritating? I've read plenty of good "formula" romance books but I've read plenty that didn't have the girl so "stupid".i prefer the latter. It's late so I'll leave it there because I did like Reid a lot. There was not a damn thing wrong about him except he loved a dough dough. I received this book as ARC from net galley for honest review.

[Phoenix · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had many highs and lows for me. I never really could buy into the fact that Mara would be so betrayed by her dad that she would run from love. Her constant rejection of love made me so frustrated with her. I liked the end but wish I could have liked Mara more.

For more reviews, go to my blog bbsbookreviews.com

[Kelly Akemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read. Sweet story. A love that never ends story. Not a world or life changing book, but a book that made you smile while you read it. A nice diversion after a long day.

I received a copy of this in exchange for a fair review.

[Anthea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, light read. This book kept me captivated the whole way through. If your looking for a "sweet" romance story, then this book is for you!