Somehow Still You

Reverie Boys #1

by Samantha Anne

A debut second chance romance about coming undone—and choosing to begin again.

Ellie Carter has spent years holding it all together. Balancing motherhood, studying, and a carefully constructed life with a man who promised stability but left her shrinking inside the very world she built.

When a chance encounter with Kieran Hayes—the boy who once stole her heart—shakes the foundation she’s fought so hard to maintain, Ellie is forced to confront everything. The loneliness, the longing, and the question she’s never dared to ask…

What if the life she built isn’t the one she wants?

Kieran is older now. A rising star in an indie band that's finally making waves. But fame hasn’t dulled the memory of the girl who slipped away. Or the ache of their unfinished story.

When fate throws them back into each other’s orbit, what begins as a spark of reconnection quickly deepens into something neither of them expected. Something tender, complicated, and quietly life-altering.

And as Ellie lets go of the life she was told to want, she begins to rediscover the one thing she lost along the way.

Herself.

Somehow Still You is a story of resilience, slow-burning love, and the quiet courage it takes to choose yourself. One breath. One moment. One day at a time.

Genres: Romance

437 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2025

About the author

Samantha is a full-time NHS nurse, a proud Yorkshire lass, wife to her soulmate, and mum to a teenager who keeps her on her toes. She’s been a lifelong bookworm with a not-so-secret dream of writing a novel—though, by her own admission, she never quite believed she’d actually do it. And yet, here she is, doing the damn thing.

Romance is where her heart truly lives. Samantha writes slow-burn, emotional love stories layered with angst, warmth, and the kind of characters who feel like they could walk straight off the page and into your life. Her debut novel, Somehow Still You, is the first in the Reverie Boys series—a project that’s been nothing short of a labour of love. She’s poured her heart, soul, and probably a fair amount of Yorkshire tea into these characters.

Her greatest hope? That readers fall for them just as hard as she has. If you're up for a chat, a behind-the-scenes look at her writing life, or a solid bookish ramble, you’ll find her hanging out on Instagram at @samanthaannewrites. She’d absolutely love to say hi.

Reviews

[samreadsandrambles_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean, I wrote it. I kinda have to be that girl and give it five stars 🤣🥰

HAPPY PUB DAY TO MY FIRST BORN 📖🤍

[Jennie (jennieisreading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I have the words to capture just how special this book is, but here goes ✨💫

Firstly, Samantha, you are the most incredible person I know and thank you for allowing me to be a part of this journey!!! I can’t wait for everyone to read this book and get to know these characters 💗💗💗

Somehow, Still You isn’t just a book you can pick up, put down and then never think about again. Somehow, Still You will CONSUME you! You will live, love and breathe these characters and story 🥹

As a nurse myself, I connected to Ellie straight away. Having been through nursing school, and dealing with those same struggles Ellie is going through really hit home for me and Sam, you really captured that beautifully, honestly and raw.

I didn’t just get to know some new characters in this story, I joined a whole new family! The bonds between these characters are truly heart warming, and I will simply never get tired of reading about Daddy Brian (a Brian Novella pls 🤣🤭)

And Kieran?!? Kieran, Kieran, Kieran. You swept this gal OFF HER FEET!!! I am obsessed. New book boyfriend 🚨ALERT🚨

But in all honesty, between you and me, I actually can’t choose a book boyfriend, because Sam provided a whole BAND of book boyfriends… and I’m afraid to say, I have stolen them all. They are all my book boyfriends 🤭 - you’ll just have to read the book to see just how swoon worthy they are I guess 🤭🤣

This book takes you on a journey of love, loss, new beginnings, chapters ending, and a whole lot of hysterical humour! I can guarantee you will be crying on one page and laughing the next.

If you have a gaping hole left in your heart after reading heart shattering stories such as Binding 13, Say you Swear, Love and Other Words and A Love Letter to Whiskey, you are going to LOVE Somehow Still You. Let me tell you, reader to reader, the slow burn, BURNSSS 🔥

And if you still need convincing to add this book to your TBR ready for release date, here’s the tropes as I know you’re all a sucker for a good trope 🤭

✨ Second Chance
✨ Rockstar x Nurse
✨ Found Family
✨ Emotional Rollercoaster
✨ Slow Burn
✨ He Falls First
✨ Messy, Complicated, Real
✨ Angst and Tension

Get ready to meet Ellie and Kieran 🤭💗

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Now this was an emotional rollercoaster of a read, but in the best way! It is a wonderful debut book! The writing is beautiful, everything quite evidently carefully thought out and the in depth descriptions had me fully immersed and visualising the story. I felt like I was right there on the sidelines routing for Ellie and Kieran. It was incredibly easy to read and fall into and I really enjoyed the snippets of the past woven through as it really helped to build the story. The slow burn was burning, the banter was strong and the side characters were fantastic. There are some sensitive situations throughout the book but the author did a tremendous job at constructing them with the right amount of compassion and empathy. The acknowledgements really showed just how much has been poured into this book. Thank you so much Samantha for selecting me as one of your ARC readers. For all romance readers, this is a must read! Out 18th July.

[becs · Rating 3 out of 5]

if you love books that pull on your heartstrings, this is the book for you!

This book was raw & emotional so buckle in for a long ride because were only just getting started.

I cannot tell you how much of a slow burner this one was, youre thrown deep into the world of South Havens. learning about the town, life, the band and so much more. Sam does such a fab job of making you feel connected to everything.

As much as I loved our main characters, a special mention to Brian (Kieran’s dad) my fave!! he was the cutest human alive.

WHAT A DEBUT! honestly, this was so incredibly written & I’m curious to see what happens next (and for Theo’s book!!)

♥ tropes ♥
Second Chance
Found Family
Rockstar x Nurse
Single mum (read it to find out!)
Emotional
Slow Burn
He Falls First (and boy does he fall!!)

♥ info ♥
1st person
dual pov
believe this is book 1, in a duet within a series (?)

♥ other ♥
Characters - 8/10
Atmosphere - 7/10
Writing Style - 8/10
Plot - 7/10
Intrigue - 7/10
Logic/Relationships - 7/10
Enjoyment - 7/10
Spice - 1/5

Thank you to Samantha for sending me an ebook copy in exchange for my honest review.

‎[ This book review reflects my own views and is based on my personal reading experience. All opinions provided are my honest evaluation of the book ‎]

[this review has been cross posted on various sites]

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Thank you so much to Sam for sending me an ARC of this book 💖

I can’t believe how much I loved this story.

Second chance romance, he falls first, healing, found family vibes. All were immaculate.

Ellie is a hard working mum who’s trying her hardest to do what’s right for her daughter Mia, after being made to feel worthless by those around her. It was horrible to read about how Ellie has been made to feel, but towards the end I think we’re seeing her turn a corner and realise her self worth which I am so happy about. Mia and Ellie both deserve the world. Will Kieran be the one to give it to them?

Kieran is a rockstar with a heart of gold and a great support network around him. I love everything that he brings to this story. He is fully supportive of Ellie without being overbearing or pushy.

Together they are just amazing and I can’t wait to explore their relationship and see what’s to come in book 2!

Ps… Naomi - the best friend every girl needs. Adore her, no notes.

This was such a good, easy read and once I got into it I couldn’t put it down. So excited for book 2!

I highly recommend this book to you if you’re a contemporary romance lover 💖

[Lemonnyyy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow Still You by Samantha Anne

487 Pages 

Reverie Boys Book 1

Holy cow... this resonated so much with me, not that I have been in the exact position as Ellie, but similar.

This follows Ellie Carter, she has been trying so hard to hold her life together for the longest time, in a life that has been carefully constructed and stable, but when Kieran Hayes, the boy who stole her heart many years prior reappears he makes her question if this is the life she wants.

I lapped this up, I am ready to go to war for our Ellie! I was on the edge of my seat for a huge chunk of this it made me mad and frustrated but also warm and fuzzy, and I am oh so ready and feral for book 2!

Every character was amazing and i cant wait to delve into the side charactersa lot more! Individually as well as collectively they all have been there for Ellie and its beautiful! This entire universe is painted in such a beautiful way it makes me want to visit!

I would highly recommend this fantastic debut by Samantha Anne and get strapped in for the ride of your life! For fans of Rockstar Romances, Second Chances, Found Family, Slow Burn, He Falls First and some delicious Spicy goodness.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything it was promised to be and more.

This was a hard book for me to read at times as there were lots of pieces of Ellie’s story reflected in my own but Samantha Anne has written Ellie’s story so beautifully. The raw emotion is felt page to page and I absolutely adored the relationships between Ellie and Brenda, Mia and Naomi.

The music/boy band aspect had me hooked!

I’m lucky enough to receive an ARC of the next book in this series and I am more than ready to see what happens next for Ellie and Kieran🫶🏼

[SimonSaysBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly BEAUTIFUL!! The story made me feel so many emotions and had me in tears multiple times.
I would honestly recommend this to anyone who enjoys romance, heartbreak, ferris wheels and cosy small town beach vibes!
I still think about this book daily 😭❤️

[Courts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Sam for letting me be part of her street team, she deserves all the love for this incredible debut.

Somehow, Still You is not just a romance. It’s an emotional journey that completely consumes you. It’s soft, tender, and beautifully written.

I won’t lie, I savoured this book. I read a few chapters everyday just purely for the fact I didn’t want it to end. The book was also perfect for that, it didn’t feel rushed or slow in any way. Ellie and Kieran’s love story is a slow burn that really spoke to my soul. Kieran’s quiet yearning, the way they both grow and help each other heal, it was everything and more. Their relationship is full of emotion, vulnerability, and depth which I couldn’t get enough of. This book is also funny. You’ll be crying one moment and laughing the next. It’s truly a rollercoaster in the best way and I didn’t want to get off.

Even though I’m not a nurse, Ellie’s story helped me understand the profession more. Sam did such a great job showing the emotional pressure and exhaustion that comes with nursing. It felt honest and real and I appreciated learning more through Ellie’s journey.

And Kieran? New book boyfriend incoming. To be honest, I want them all because the band?? My lord. You’ll get what I mean when you read it and let me tell you, get this high on your tbr because it’s so good.

The side characters are amazing, their friendships are so wholesome and comforting.

What to expect:
• Nurse x Rockstar romance
• Slow burn
• Found family
• Tragic love & emotional healing (check trigger warnings)
• Hilarious, heartwarming side characters
• Deep, vulnerable main characters
• An emotional rollercoaster you won’t forget

The slow burn burns, and the love stays with you long after the final page and I cannot wait to read more of Sam’s writing.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Somehow, Still You is an emotionally complex story about a woman coming to terms with the fact that her relationship isn’t what it should be. Having lost herself, she begins to rediscover who she is when an old flame re-enters her life.

The novel opens by telling the separate stories of Ellie and Kieran four years after they first met. From the outset, the author does an excellent job of exploring Ellie’s emotional landscape — her strained relationship, juggling studying and working, complicated family dynamics with her parents, and the realities of being a mother. We’re also given insight into Kieran’s struggles with life in the public eye as a performer. This backstory makes their eventual reconnection feel more meaningful.

I particularly enjoyed the flashbacks to Ellie and Kieran’s first meeting, which are cleverly interwoven into the present-day narrative and often triggered by a sight, smell, or sound. The pacing felt realistic and restrained; Ellie doesn’t abruptly leave her fiancé or rush into something with Kieran. Instead, their relationship develops gradually through friendship, trust, and repeated chance encounters. These moments gave the story a sense that fate was quietly nudging them together.

While I appreciated many aspects of the book, I wasn’t always compelled to keep reading. At times, I found myself wishing for more moments between Ellie and Kieran.

I also wasn’t personally a fan of the cliffhanger ending. Although readers are warned upfront that the story doesn’t wrap up in a “neatly tied bow,” and it has certainly left me curious about the next book.

Overall, this is a worthwhile read for anyone looking for a more “grown-up” romance. It tackles the complexities of real relationships and avoids the traditional happily-ever-after.

[powerlireads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Samantha Anne’s debut novel and she kindly sent me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is so much more than a Romance. It also focuses on delicate topics, heartfelt friendships and complex families, making it an emotional read that tugs at your heart in unexpected ways.

The chemistry between Kieran and Ellie is addictive, and Kieran makes such a great MMC. He’s charismatic and cheeky, but also unexpectedly tender. His bandmates offer uplifting humour, but in spite of their playfulness and banter, they show emotional maturity and unwavering support for each other, always offering a safe space to express how they feel, which I found really moving.

There are so many supporting characters you meet along the way that all bring something special and unique to the story - I had many favourites - and Samantha captured every relationship so beautifully.

I instantly warmed to Ellie as I found her such an endearing FMC. There were moments in her story that frustrated me, but I do understand the reasons she struggled to acknowledge the truth. She is a strong character, and someone I could relate to.

The dual POV and flashback scenes led to a better understanding of the main characters and their history. It’s a slow burn romance, which I really enjoyed, although the pacing was a little slow in places.

Overall, there is so much emotional depth to this story and although there are heavier themes throughout, they are handled with such care and sensitivity. The characters were impossible not to love and I found myself completely invested in their relationships. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Jen Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝘖𝘩 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵. 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥’𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘺.”

Firstly, I cannot believe this is a debut novel. The writing is wonderful and it is such an emotional rollercoaster of a story but in a good way! I love a romance that tugs at the heartstrings. There are elements of this story that are a tough read, but they’re handled with care and consideration and Sam really brings justice and light to the issues discussed. 

I don’t like to use the word journey too much in reviews but this story really does take you on one. Comparing Ellie’s character at the beginning of the book to the woman she is by the end is just heartwarming and I loved the reclaiming of her life and her self worth. She’s resilient, caring, a loving mother and friend and such a real character. Kieran is a new favourite book boyfriend, I loved him so much and his patience and availability made him an all-round good egg!
 
Some of my favourite chapters are those that took place in Rosemere. I feel like this is the point in the story where the narrative changed and became lighter and more wholesome. I just wanted to jump into the pages and join in with the band, Kieran’s dad and the girls as they got to know each other and let their hair down a bit.
 
If you love these tropes, this book is definitely for you:

🐚slow burn
🐚found family
🐚second chance
🐚rockstar x nurse
🐚dual pov
🐚he falls first

I’m so excited to see where book two takes us but I’m also mentally preparing for more heartache along the way. As long as we get more Brenda, I’ll be happy!

[Hannah Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I wanna thank Sam so much for letting me part of her street team. Honestly, she deserves all the love and hype for this, her debut book. I am so proud of her 👏

I read Somehow Still You over a lazy weekend with the sun shining, and it was the perfect setup.

Ellie and Kierans love was a quiet, soft slow burn that spoke to my soul. Kieran yearns for Ellie so hard in this, and their love story is sweet and soft.

What to expect:

✨️A great bunch of side characters that feel like family
✨️Trauma representation but a lot of healing (please check trigger warnings)
✨️Tragic love
✨️Emotional rollercoaster
✨️Slow burn
✨️Found Family
✨️Nurse x Rockstar

I want to leave this spoiler free, but let me just tell you, when I mean emotional rollercoaster, I mean it. This book put me through the ringer. It was so deep for a romance with both Ellie and Kieran having self doubts and issues of their own, not going to say too much more here but 😢

I love the idea that they came back to each other exactly at the time they are meant to. And both start to help each other in the exact way they need.
The group of friends they have around them is wholesome, the found family vibes are perfect, and Kierans dad is an absolute gem.

If you want a deep, yearning slow burn romance, this is definitely one to put on your list. It's perfect for summer ☀️

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I was to tell you that for me, this book is on the same level as Emily Henry and B K Borison, would that convince you straight away to pick up this debut?

I find it hard with contemporary romances and get bored quite easily of them but them Sam definintely knows what she’s doing with Somehow Still You. I mean, what sort of crack did she put on it that I couldn’t AND didn’t want to stop reading it? The emotions were very much emotioning the whole time and the character’s struggles felt so organic and relatable! I guarantee that one way or another, you will find yourself having goosebumps because Ellie could easily be a classmate, a work colleague, a friend, a sister. We all have an Ellie in our lives, one way or another, and that makes us connect with her so deeply and wanting to protect and see her thrive!

There are some sensitive but very important topics/situations and I found that the author threaded it carefully, with the right words and compassion/ empathy. And I strongly believe that’s one of the reasons why Ellie felt so real and that we all have an Ellie in our lives.

The writing is magnificent and the whole time I was reading (more like devouring) this book, I was amazed at how come this is a debut! Sam’s writing is beautiful.

[mila_readss · Rating 5 out of 5]

✮ 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗬𝗼𝘂 ✮

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Contemporary romance
𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: 488 pages
𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Reverie Boys Duet
𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5 ⭐

𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 18th July

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:

• Slow burn
• Second chance
• Found family
• Banter
• Trauma/healing
• Rockstar x nurse

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂!

This was so beautifully written! I really took my time with it because I just didn’t want it to end. It was super easy to read and flowed really well. I especially loved the scenes that whisked us back into the past, which felt like a movie playing in my mind.

The banter and side characters were absolutely PERFECT! They had such a crucial role, being incredibly supportive and funny when needed, plus they were just full of warmth and love for little Mia.

Kieran, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, is literally my ultimate book boyfriend. He’s the dreamiest guy ever written. It’s such a bummer he’s just a fictional character, but I’ll take it 😂

If you’re on the hunt for a book that offers not just romance, but also an emotional rollercoaster, I’d totally recommend this one to you.

𝗣𝗥 | 𝗚𝗜𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗗

Thanks a ton @samanthaannewrites for letting me read your debut novel as an ARC. I'm super excited for the sequel!

[Tracey Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that can stir so many emotions deserves every one of those stars.
This book is beautiful and heartfelt. At its core a story about second chances, healing, rediscovering yourself and gentle love. Laced throughout with toxic relationships, heartbreak and betrayal.
It’s written in such a way that made me want to take it all in slowly, most of the time with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.
Ellie and Kieran - The pull between these two was something else. The connection, the slow burn, the ache of what could have been paired with the longing and hope of what it could become was real, raw and emotional.
I especially loved the scenes that transported you back to the past, it built the tension perfectly.
Every character played such an important role in the story. Ryder, Theo and Luca, the camaraderie and banter between the band mates felt so real. Naomi with her quick wit and sass had me laughing every time she made an appearance. Brenda was just a complete warm hug and then there was Brian- my heart!!!

I highly recommend this book, everyone needs to meet Kieran “look at me baby” Hayes.

[chapter30_april · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Sam for having me as an arc reader 🥹💕

This book was 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 🥹

Ellie and Kieran are perfection. Second chance romances can be hit and miss for me but Sam has written this incredibly. I was absolutely hooked from chapter 1. The emotions I experienced throughout this… one minute I was laughing the next I was borderline in tears… my heart broke for Ellie. The characters in this story are brilliant from Ryder, Theo and Luca to the beautiful banter between Nay and Ellie I was absolutely obsessed and found myself giggling at my kindle more times than I can count. I absolutely 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃 Brian 🥹 what a babe!

I’m sorry but Kieran… new book boyfriend added to the mix… I absolutely 𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐄 him. He is sweet, he is loyal, he is sexy… he is everything.

The found family vibe in this book is beautiful and wholesome. The slow burn was burning 🤌🏻

I cannot wait for book two, I cannot wait to see what comes next for Ellie and Kieran 👀🤭

Romance girlies, get this book pre ordered and meet these incredible characters, and experience this complete rollercoaster of emotions 🥹

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kieran and Ellie… Heartbreaking, emotional and puts you through it.

What you get:
Dual POV
Dual timeline (at times)
Slow burn
Found family, lost family
Single mum
Second chance
Betrayal

Safety triggers - gaslighting, manipulation, financial/emotional ab…

Of all the characters, Brian would have to be my favourite…
But Kieran and Ellie just catch my heart.
Kieran is the ultimate book boyfriend, while Ellie just keeps having to roll with the punches…Absolute heartbreak with everything that she’s had to face.

An emotional and heartbreaking read about right person, wrong time, wrong circumstances.
I can’t believe this was a debut novel, because it absolutely drew me in, sucked me in, and spat me out absolutely wrecked!

This is an epic slow burn, and honestly, the ending is a bit happy(ish), with more challenges in the way - heading into book 2, which sounds to be just as angsty…

Thanks, Samantha Anne for the complimentary copy...

[Steph Goodrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic debut novel with a relatable female lead.

Ellie is a student nurse nearing the end of her training while navigating a toxic relationship, a teenage daughter from a teen pregnancy and disapproving parents.

She reunites with Kieran who she met 4 years previously at a festival when his band were trying to make it in the industry. They spend a beautiful week together then Kieran wakes to find Ellie has left without giving him any way to contact her or a reason why. Present day sees them brought back into each others orbit again and we see the collapse (thankfully) of Ellie’s relationship with her fiancé followed by her being put back together again by the patient friendship and love of Kieran who’s band have just finished a tour and have 3 months off before they get back in the studio.

I felt so sad for Ellie after the bombshell at the end of the last chapter and look forward to reading book 2 and seeing what happens next.

[Gina Wooldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK! It has every emotion you have ever felt and such a crushing soul searing feeling that you have to catch your breath and remind yourself to breath. I wanted to yell and be angry with Ellie and what she let David do . Then next paragraph I wanted to grab her and hug her and tell her everything is going to be alright. This is only the first book and I’m wrecked in the best way. It makes you look back on your young self and remember the decisions you made and that it’s ok to make mistakes and as long as you remember you are not responsible for everyone and sometimes you have to put yourself first , it’s not selfish it’s taking time to breath and heal.

I suggest a bottle of wine and a box of Kleenex and a warm blanket. Samatha Anne has a wonderful way of painting a scene and causing you to have an emotional reaction to her words. I can’t wait to read the second book .

[Hayley (hayleysbookishera) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this story was written was beyond beautiful, I felt like I was there in South Havens with all the characters, it felt like a TV series with the rockstar x nurse love story.

Ellie & Kieran are just perfect, from their meet cute to their ‘FINALLY’ moment. The bits in between are the obstacles that they help each other get through, they are each other’s rock through thick and thin and let me tell you, I was LIVING for it.

This book made me feel all the feels, one minute I was crying, then I was angry and then I’d find myself laughing, because let’s be honest, the side characters were just as important as the main characters and were the funniest ever.

I would definitely recommend, especially if you love a good slow burn, found family, he falls first, second chances in your romance books.

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars

This was an emotional rollercoaster. I just wanted to hug Ellie for so long, and I still do cause I know the next book is still not going to be kind to her😭

I adore the found family between Ellie, Naomi, Kieran, and the rest of the guys and how they all picked things up after 4 years like no time had passed.

Ellie and Kieran. I don't have the words to describe my love for the two of them, but they are both perfectly imperfect and also perfect for each other.

This is for you if you like:
Yearning & Tension
Slow burn
Second chances
He falls first
Found family
Emotional reads

Also, David can suck it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝘪 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦”

this book was such a cute but emotional read.
the story line was so raw in parts and had me tearing up 🥺
ellie, was such a beautiful fmc, she deserved so much better in the first half of the book, I was getting so angry for her 😭 but i’m glad she finally got the love she deserved!
kieran is the kindest soul and i adored him and the way he treated ellie 💕

i loved all the side characters, especially kieran’s dad brian, literally the sweetest human ever 🥹🤍

what a book to debut with, congratulations @samanthaannewrites 🩷

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely , breathtakingly beautiful story. I loved Ellie and Kieran so much. There were my heart. Poor Ellie was such a beautiful soul but she got lost in what she thought she wanted in life. It wasn’t until seeing Kieran again that she reevaluated her life. These two were meant to be for sure. I was so emotional throughout this story. These two take a seat in your heart and sit there. So well written, and the characters were beautiful. This book held so much depth. So good, it’s been added to my cart to take a plane on my shelves.

[Ella bookishgymgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a special place in my heart ❤️
It’s such a wholesome, slow romance between Ellie and Kieran which is perfect for the both of them and what they’ve been through! I loved the storyline and the flips between the main characters POV, and the found family is my favourite trope!! 💞
Somehow still you ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read book 2! 🤍

Thank you Samantha for sending me an advanced copy to read pre-release 🥰

[Dani (what_dani_read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I don’t think I’ve been this invested in a relationship between two characters since I wholeheartedly shipped Bryce and Hunt in crescent city, but a few chapters into this and I will all in. Ellie and Kieran’s relationship felt so real, and there was such a tenderness to their growth that just spoke to me. I couldn’t put this book down, and the minute I finished, I wanted book two in my hands. I cannot wait to see where Ellie and Kieran’s story goes next

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful debut this is.
This book felt like sitting down listening to a friend.
It was slow and tender and I savoured it.
The FMC is easily likeable and relatable. The MMC is so emotionally stable, strong and totally swoon worthy.
The friendships within the story were ones to cherish and we met some really great characters.
Dual POV is always a win for me and I’m eagerly waiting on book 2.
Fantastic read.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow Still You is a beautiful and touching debut story. The characters mess up and have a hard time, but it’s really nice to see them find love. If you like stories about people growing, healing, and falling in love, this one will make you feel warm and happy, even if it makes you cry a little.

[Sarah Allan · Rating 3 out of 5]

No kidding on the slow burn… whew.

Also didn’t know this was Book 1 of a series. 😞

[Christina W · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️’s


A cosy summertime read with all my favourite tropes ❤️