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Before I Deserved You: The Despite It All Duet
Jake
I’m in love with my best friend.
I’m not exactly sure when it happened, but I’ve been drawn to her since she moved to our small town in sixth grade. With her beautiful hazel eyes and radiant kindness. The desire I feel for her borders on uncontrollable. It doesn’t matter though; I can’t risk our friendship. Especially not now that my life has been turned inside out.
My old man is mean on a good day; now he’s downright unhinged. But I’ll take every ounce of his grief if it means he’ll keep his hands off my brother and sister. Protecting them and hiding the extent of my waking nightmare from the rest of the town is all that matters.
Tessa
I’m in love with my best friend.
I was enamored the second that boy found me alone under a tree all those years ago. I’ve been attached to his hip ever since. He’s mesmerizing, with his inky hair and deep blue eyes. All the other girls seem to think so, too. I’ve watched him charm the ladies too many times to count, wishing he’d turn around and notice me.
It feels wrong to make my move now that his world is falling apart, but as I look at his familiar features, I realize I don’t have a choice. My growing feelings can no longer be ignored, and he needs my love now more than ever.
I just hope it’s not too late to save him.
Before I Deserved You is Book One in the Despite It All Duet and should not be read as a standalone. This coming-of-age, small town romance is an emotional read with plenty of angst and ends on a cliffhanger. Intended for ages 18 and over, it contains some dark themes that may be upsetting.
Please check the author’s website for a full list of content warnings.
I’m in love with my best friend.
I’m not exactly sure when it happened, but I’ve been drawn to her since she moved to our small town in sixth grade. With her beautiful hazel eyes and radiant kindness. The desire I feel for her borders on uncontrollable. It doesn’t matter though; I can’t risk our friendship. Especially not now that my life has been turned inside out.
My old man is mean on a good day; now he’s downright unhinged. But I’ll take every ounce of his grief if it means he’ll keep his hands off my brother and sister. Protecting them and hiding the extent of my waking nightmare from the rest of the town is all that matters.
Tessa
I’m in love with my best friend.
I was enamored the second that boy found me alone under a tree all those years ago. I’ve been attached to his hip ever since. He’s mesmerizing, with his inky hair and deep blue eyes. All the other girls seem to think so, too. I’ve watched him charm the ladies too many times to count, wishing he’d turn around and notice me.
It feels wrong to make my move now that his world is falling apart, but as I look at his familiar features, I realize I don’t have a choice. My growing feelings can no longer be ignored, and he needs my love now more than ever.
I just hope it’s not too late to save him.
Before I Deserved You is Book One in the Despite It All Duet and should not be read as a standalone. This coming-of-age, small town romance is an emotional read with plenty of angst and ends on a cliffhanger. Intended for ages 18 and over, it contains some dark themes that may be upsetting.
Please check the author’s website for a full list of content warnings.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2025
23 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Nomi J. Avery
3 books21 followersNomi J. Avery is a German author living in rural Ontario. A passionate longtime romance reader, she’s dreamed of becoming a published author since she was a little girl. A lifelong dream that was finally fulfilled with the release of her Despite It All duet.
When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and exploring the rugged Canadian backcountry, and sampling delicious foods. She has a weakness for tortured heroes, morally gray men, and mute MMCs.
If you asked her what her idea of a perfect day is, her answer would be to curl up in bed with a good book, a family-sized tray of sushi, and a chilled glass of pinot grigio.
When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and exploring the rugged Canadian backcountry, and sampling delicious foods. She has a weakness for tortured heroes, morally gray men, and mute MMCs.
If you asked her what her idea of a perfect day is, her answer would be to curl up in bed with a good book, a family-sized tray of sushi, and a chilled glass of pinot grigio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 24, 2025
“𝓕𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓘 𝓶𝓮𝓽 𝓱𝓲𝓶, 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝔀𝓮 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓴𝓲𝓭𝓼, 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓮𝔀 𝓙𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓝𝓮𝓵𝓼𝓸𝓷 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻.”
Oh man…I’m going to need for authors to please tone it down. I like to be emotionally wounded but this is becoming notional warfare and I am unable to cope with all the feelings I’m having to process 😩
I don’t even know where to start with this review. It’s…a beautifully painful and tragic book. Childhood friends who come from very different backgrounds…are dealing with things that no kids should ever have to deal with, yet in the midst of the chaos they find peace and solace in each other.
Jake and Tessa meet in 6th grade and the moment they do they know they will be tied together forever. It’s a story of how young love can help heal wounds and give you a sense of peace and home in a time where nothing seems right.
When we start the book, Tessa is an adults and heading back to her hometown. She hasn’t spoken to Jake in years and we aren’t told why but we know it’s something big and tragic. We then backtrack to when they first met at kids and follow along with their friendship and see how the lines start to become blurred…messy even.
This is a very very emotionally heavy book. Please read the trigger warnings and also think about whether you are in the right headspace to take on emotionally charged reading. The cliffhanger did me in and I’m just…trying to figure out how I’m supposed to deal with everything the authors left me to unpack.
I’m being very vague in this review because it’s the kind of book you NEED TO READ to understand. A review won’t do it justice. It won’t drop you into the turmoil…you need to be in and go through it all alongside Tessa and Jake.
I’m very impatiently waiting for the second book to see where it takes us and hopefully get some answers to some very important questions 💚
Thank you so much to Nomi J. Avery and Naughty Nook PR for the opportunity to go read this amazing book 💚
💚Small Town Romance
💚Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers
💚Coming of Age
💚Angst/Tension
💚First Love
💚Found Family
💚Mutual Pining
💚Grief/Loss
💚Abusive Parents
💚Deception
💚Emotional Read
💚Dual Timeline
💚Dual POV
💚Cliffhanger
Oh man…I’m going to need for authors to please tone it down. I like to be emotionally wounded but this is becoming notional warfare and I am unable to cope with all the feelings I’m having to process 😩
I don’t even know where to start with this review. It’s…a beautifully painful and tragic book. Childhood friends who come from very different backgrounds…are dealing with things that no kids should ever have to deal with, yet in the midst of the chaos they find peace and solace in each other.
Jake and Tessa meet in 6th grade and the moment they do they know they will be tied together forever. It’s a story of how young love can help heal wounds and give you a sense of peace and home in a time where nothing seems right.
When we start the book, Tessa is an adults and heading back to her hometown. She hasn’t spoken to Jake in years and we aren’t told why but we know it’s something big and tragic. We then backtrack to when they first met at kids and follow along with their friendship and see how the lines start to become blurred…messy even.
This is a very very emotionally heavy book. Please read the trigger warnings and also think about whether you are in the right headspace to take on emotionally charged reading. The cliffhanger did me in and I’m just…trying to figure out how I’m supposed to deal with everything the authors left me to unpack.
I’m being very vague in this review because it’s the kind of book you NEED TO READ to understand. A review won’t do it justice. It won’t drop you into the turmoil…you need to be in and go through it all alongside Tessa and Jake.
I’m very impatiently waiting for the second book to see where it takes us and hopefully get some answers to some very important questions 💚
Thank you so much to Nomi J. Avery and Naughty Nook PR for the opportunity to go read this amazing book 💚
💚Small Town Romance
💚Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers
💚Coming of Age
💚Angst/Tension
💚First Love
💚Found Family
💚Mutual Pining
💚Grief/Loss
💚Abusive Parents
💚Deception
💚Emotional Read
💚Dual Timeline
💚Dual POV
💚Cliffhanger
August 22, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
“𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍?”
I went through EVERY EMOTION POSSIBLE while reading this book. I literally couldn’t put it down. Read in 24 hours.
The story starts off in the present day, introducing an adult, Tessa and Jake. We learn that Tessa has been away for a while, but we don’t know what caused the rift between her and Jake’s relationship. We then spend the majority of the story in the past getting Jake and Tessa’s backstory. We see them become friends and eventually fall in love. We also experience the secrets, lies, and downfalls that come with their high school relationship.
There are no words for how much I enjoyed this book. I was literally hooked by chapter 1. And then as I kept reading, I just got more and more hooked on the story, the characters, and everything in between. I laughed, I cried, I got angry. And now, I just need answers because WHAT WAS THAT CLIFFHANGER.
Thank you to Nomi J. Avery NaughtyNookPR for the opportunity to read this ARC. I can’t wait for book 2!
“𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍?”
I went through EVERY EMOTION POSSIBLE while reading this book. I literally couldn’t put it down. Read in 24 hours.
The story starts off in the present day, introducing an adult, Tessa and Jake. We learn that Tessa has been away for a while, but we don’t know what caused the rift between her and Jake’s relationship. We then spend the majority of the story in the past getting Jake and Tessa’s backstory. We see them become friends and eventually fall in love. We also experience the secrets, lies, and downfalls that come with their high school relationship.
There are no words for how much I enjoyed this book. I was literally hooked by chapter 1. And then as I kept reading, I just got more and more hooked on the story, the characters, and everything in between. I laughed, I cried, I got angry. And now, I just need answers because WHAT WAS THAT CLIFFHANGER.
Thank you to Nomi J. Avery NaughtyNookPR for the opportunity to read this ARC. I can’t wait for book 2!
June 24, 2025
Before I Deserved You by Nomi J Avery tore me open in all the ways. This book is real in the bruised, aching, vulnerable and relatable way that feels like this story could be happening to any number of people right now.
The characters are so deeply human. Messy, hurting, grieving, loving in all the wrong ways and still trying to find their footing. I felt every sharp edge of their pain, their regret, their hope. I couldn’t look away, even when it hurt.
And then... that cliffhanger. That cliffhanger. I’m clinging to the fact that the next book is just a few months away because if I had to wait longer, I might actually combust.
The characters are so deeply human. Messy, hurting, grieving, loving in all the wrong ways and still trying to find their footing. I felt every sharp edge of their pain, their regret, their hope. I couldn’t look away, even when it hurt.
And then... that cliffhanger. That cliffhanger. I’m clinging to the fact that the next book is just a few months away because if I had to wait longer, I might actually combust.
September 15, 2025
Warning Triggers:
⚠️ physical abuse (alcoholic parent)
What to expect:
🎸 Coming of Age
❤️ Friends to Lovers
🎸 Angst
❤️ Deception
Tessa moves into a new town and befriends Jake, their relationship develops from best friends to lovers over the years. Jake has a bit of a difficult upbringing due to his father being so hard on him, wanting him to take over the construction business.
"I'll gladly go to jail for the rest of my life if it means they never have to experience what I`ve been forced to endure."
Jake loses his mother and ends up being the main caretaker for his younger brother and sister. His father spirals and deals with grief through a bottle, night after night. Eventually, it shifts and ends up beating his son to help him deal with his pain. Jake is burning the candle at both ends, by caring for his siblings, working for his father after school, and on weekends. He can't seem to get it together and something needs to give.
Tessa and their two close friends try and help Jake. Eventually, life starts to ease up, but now that Jake finally has time to relax, he starts partying and spending less time with the people who matter. This hurts Tessa and she doesn't know what to do anymore.
"I'll be here waiting for you once you get back. You're for me, Teresa Davidson. I'd wait a fucking lifetime if that's how long it took for you to get everything you ever wanted. Don't disappoint me by settling for anything less than you deserve."
Jake may have Tessa now but will he always? Some high school sweethearts never last, could that be true for them? Will they survive Jake's new lifestyle of fun in the fast lane? Book 1 ends in a cliffhanger and it's worth the read to find out what happens next!
⚠️ physical abuse (alcoholic parent)
What to expect:
🎸 Coming of Age
❤️ Friends to Lovers
🎸 Angst
❤️ Deception
Tessa moves into a new town and befriends Jake, their relationship develops from best friends to lovers over the years. Jake has a bit of a difficult upbringing due to his father being so hard on him, wanting him to take over the construction business.
"I'll gladly go to jail for the rest of my life if it means they never have to experience what I`ve been forced to endure."
Jake loses his mother and ends up being the main caretaker for his younger brother and sister. His father spirals and deals with grief through a bottle, night after night. Eventually, it shifts and ends up beating his son to help him deal with his pain. Jake is burning the candle at both ends, by caring for his siblings, working for his father after school, and on weekends. He can't seem to get it together and something needs to give.
Tessa and their two close friends try and help Jake. Eventually, life starts to ease up, but now that Jake finally has time to relax, he starts partying and spending less time with the people who matter. This hurts Tessa and she doesn't know what to do anymore.
"I'll be here waiting for you once you get back. You're for me, Teresa Davidson. I'd wait a fucking lifetime if that's how long it took for you to get everything you ever wanted. Don't disappoint me by settling for anything less than you deserve."
Jake may have Tessa now but will he always? Some high school sweethearts never last, could that be true for them? Will they survive Jake's new lifestyle of fun in the fast lane? Book 1 ends in a cliffhanger and it's worth the read to find out what happens next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2025
Before I Deserved You is a raw and emotional friends-to-lovers, small town, coming-of-age romance that pulled at all my heartstrings.
Jake and Tessa have the kind of friendship that makes you ache—in the best way. The deep, unspoken bond between them, built over years of love, loyalty, and longing, makes every moment feel intense. Jake’s protectiveness, especially over his younger siblings, is heartbreaking and heroic. The trauma he’s trying to hide adds a depth to this story that goes far beyond the sweet romance you might expect at first glance.
Tessa, meanwhile, is full of quiet strength. Her love for Jake is so pure, and her willingness to step in—despite his resistance—makes her impossible not to root for. Their dynamic is tender, angsty, and filled with a slow-burn yearning that had me hooked from the first page.
This book brings attention to the hidden struggles behind closed doors and the resilience it takes to keep going. The ending though?! That cliffhanger hit HARD and left me immediately desperate for book two. I was definitely expecting more of present-day Jake and Tessa, but fingers crossed we get their full-circle moment soon!
I am hoping for more from side characters like Megan, Carter, and Jake’s siblings—I’d love to see where their lives take them.
📚 Tropes & Themes:
– Friends to lovers
– Small town
– Coming-of-age
– Angst + emotional damage
– Cliffhanger (book 1 of 2!)
– Dual POV
Jake and Tessa have the kind of friendship that makes you ache—in the best way. The deep, unspoken bond between them, built over years of love, loyalty, and longing, makes every moment feel intense. Jake’s protectiveness, especially over his younger siblings, is heartbreaking and heroic. The trauma he’s trying to hide adds a depth to this story that goes far beyond the sweet romance you might expect at first glance.
Tessa, meanwhile, is full of quiet strength. Her love for Jake is so pure, and her willingness to step in—despite his resistance—makes her impossible not to root for. Their dynamic is tender, angsty, and filled with a slow-burn yearning that had me hooked from the first page.
This book brings attention to the hidden struggles behind closed doors and the resilience it takes to keep going. The ending though?! That cliffhanger hit HARD and left me immediately desperate for book two. I was definitely expecting more of present-day Jake and Tessa, but fingers crossed we get their full-circle moment soon!
I am hoping for more from side characters like Megan, Carter, and Jake’s siblings—I’d love to see where their lives take them.
📚 Tropes & Themes:
– Friends to lovers
– Small town
– Coming-of-age
– Angst + emotional damage
– Cliffhanger (book 1 of 2!)
– Dual POV
August 13, 2025
This book was perfection. It touched on so many sensitive topics and portrayed them beautifully. I loved how each character grew, and I'm still in awe of it. I read this book as I was sent its sequel as an arc, and as it is a duet, I decided I needed to read this one, and I was not disappointed. I can tell this is a book that will stick with me for a while :)
September 4, 2025
This book was absolutely amazing I can’t stop yapping about it to all of my friends! It has all the things I love , small town , friends to lovers , second chance , & oh my lord the ANGST, the DRAMA!
I absolutely lived for it. This book made me feel like I was sitting down watching my fav teen drama show in the best way possible ( since book 1 they are in HS )
I’m going to need everyone to read this duet asap!! Great job Nomi!! You are now an insta buy author !!
I absolutely lived for it. This book made me feel like I was sitting down watching my fav teen drama show in the best way possible ( since book 1 they are in HS )
I’m going to need everyone to read this duet asap!! Great job Nomi!! You are now an insta buy author !!
June 10, 2025
4.5/5 stars: I can't WAIT for the next book!
This story will destroy you in all the best ways. I went through so many emotions reading this. I got so angry at certain points that I had to step away for a moment and just process what was happening. These characters felt so real while I was reading, I was hurting with them.
Jake's story is absolutely heartbreaking, and Tessa is basically an angel. I can't get over the things they went through. My heart can't take it💔
Full list of tropes and triggers from author website:
Tropes:
✨️Small Town
✨️Mutual Pining
✨️First Time
✨️Found Family
✨️First Love
✨️Best Friends to Lovers
✨️Coming of Age
✨️Emotional Read
✨️Angst
✨️Cliffhanger
✨️Deception
Triggers:
⚠️Parent with Breast Cancer
⚠️Neglectful Parent
⚠️Alcoholic Parent
⚠️Physically, Emotionally, and Mentally Abusive Parent
⚠️Parental Death
⚠️Mention of Car Accident and Drunk Driving
⚠️Drug Use (Not Intravenous)
⚠️Teen Drinking
⚠️Teen Pregnancy (Not MCs)
⚠️Mention of Abortion
⚠️Cheating (...?)
This story will destroy you in all the best ways. I went through so many emotions reading this. I got so angry at certain points that I had to step away for a moment and just process what was happening. These characters felt so real while I was reading, I was hurting with them.
Jake's story is absolutely heartbreaking, and Tessa is basically an angel. I can't get over the things they went through. My heart can't take it💔
Full list of tropes and triggers from author website:
Tropes:
✨️Small Town
✨️Mutual Pining
✨️First Time
✨️Found Family
✨️First Love
✨️Best Friends to Lovers
✨️Coming of Age
✨️Emotional Read
✨️Angst
✨️Cliffhanger
✨️Deception
Triggers:
⚠️Parent with Breast Cancer
⚠️Neglectful Parent
⚠️Alcoholic Parent
⚠️Physically, Emotionally, and Mentally Abusive Parent
⚠️Parental Death
⚠️Mention of Car Accident and Drunk Driving
⚠️Drug Use (Not Intravenous)
⚠️Teen Drinking
⚠️Teen Pregnancy (Not MCs)
⚠️Mention of Abortion
⚠️Cheating (...?)
May 28, 2025
First let me say thank you to Nomi for the opportunity to be a part of this ARC team!!! 🥰🥰🥰
I don’t even know where to begin as I literally just laid this book down.
The emotions, the grief and pain, the familiarity from my own past and my own experiences of trauma. THIS BOOK HIT ALL THE FEELS!!!! 😭😭😭😭
Jake’s story is a hard one and my heart broke for him through this whole book. Growing up in an abusive household is not easy, especially when you’re protecting younger siblings. Add on being in high school and navigating that whole experience!
Tessa has the heart and soul of a sweet earth angel. Her move from LA to Texas was one she was not looking forward to one bit and fought her parents on as much as she could. Little did she know Jake and a few others would turn her small town experience into one she never imagined.
My only complaint on this book…. I was left with a cliffhanger and I need answers now 😅😅
Thank you Nomi for taking me on this journey with Jake and Tessa and I can’t wait for book 2!
Tropes:
- Coming of age
- Best friends to lovers
- Small Town Romance
- Found Family
- Mutual Pining
- Cliffhanger
Potential Triggers:
- loss of family member
- alcoholic parent
- physically, emotionally and mentally abusive parent
- grief
- mention of drugs and alcohol use
I don’t even know where to begin as I literally just laid this book down.
The emotions, the grief and pain, the familiarity from my own past and my own experiences of trauma. THIS BOOK HIT ALL THE FEELS!!!! 😭😭😭😭
Jake’s story is a hard one and my heart broke for him through this whole book. Growing up in an abusive household is not easy, especially when you’re protecting younger siblings. Add on being in high school and navigating that whole experience!
Tessa has the heart and soul of a sweet earth angel. Her move from LA to Texas was one she was not looking forward to one bit and fought her parents on as much as she could. Little did she know Jake and a few others would turn her small town experience into one she never imagined.
My only complaint on this book…. I was left with a cliffhanger and I need answers now 😅😅
Thank you Nomi for taking me on this journey with Jake and Tessa and I can’t wait for book 2!
Tropes:
- Coming of age
- Best friends to lovers
- Small Town Romance
- Found Family
- Mutual Pining
- Cliffhanger
Potential Triggers:
- loss of family member
- alcoholic parent
- physically, emotionally and mentally abusive parent
- grief
- mention of drugs and alcohol use
May 28, 2025
Arc reader review.
I wanted to finish the book last night but after my cat kicked the phone out of my hand for the fourth time I understood it was time to stop and cuddle.
What can I say about the book... Some scene hit way too close to home but they were written it's such a way that it didn't bother me. I knew what to expect from the form anyways.
Jake is broken but he is such an incredible guy. He is a superhero like Jude loves to remind him even if Jake himself doesn't believe it. He is stronger than he gives himself credit for. And as for Tessa, she is just a teen with insecurities and a love so strong it brought her so much pain.
Let's not forget Carter, he is everything. Best friend of the year for sure.
I am not going to lie, the ending had me on my ass, I was not expecting it but man am I even more excited for the second book. Like you said, it was the perfect moment to stop it.
All in all, it was a really good book, greatly written and I am so glad I wad given the chance to read it.
I wanted to finish the book last night but after my cat kicked the phone out of my hand for the fourth time I understood it was time to stop and cuddle.
What can I say about the book... Some scene hit way too close to home but they were written it's such a way that it didn't bother me. I knew what to expect from the form anyways.
Jake is broken but he is such an incredible guy. He is a superhero like Jude loves to remind him even if Jake himself doesn't believe it. He is stronger than he gives himself credit for. And as for Tessa, she is just a teen with insecurities and a love so strong it brought her so much pain.
Let's not forget Carter, he is everything. Best friend of the year for sure.
I am not going to lie, the ending had me on my ass, I was not expecting it but man am I even more excited for the second book. Like you said, it was the perfect moment to stop it.
All in all, it was a really good book, greatly written and I am so glad I wad given the chance to read it.
June 15, 2025
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A hint of spice, which for this book, is perfect.
I knew from the third page I was reading something special. Something that was going to have me questioning if I really needed to do any work today or if I could just consume this book. You know when you read something that’s just magical and you then realize you don’t want it to end? That’s what Before I Deserved You Is.
This is Jake and Tessa’s story. We get a glimpse of an adult Tessa who has returned back to her hometown after being away for seven years. We know she left abruptly after high school, but at this point, we don’t know why.
She’s being looking for Jake Nelson ever since she drove back into town. It’s been seven long years. She never even said goodbye, and Jake was her best friend. An unbreakable bond…..until it wasn’t.
Arriving at Jake’s house, face to face for the first time, we’re sent back to the beginning, 6th grade, where Jake and Tessa meet for the first time and a friendship is born.
For the rest of the book, we stay in the past, going through high school, up to eighteen and the journey it took to get there.
What happens when friendships change, outside threats to the people you love threaten to destroy everything you’ve ever wanted and the lines between love and friendship become blurred?
Parts of this book was like reading myself at seventeen. It’s dual POV. Through Jake and Tessa’s eyes and things that Tessa said made me cry, because I’d lived and felt those exact emotions.
Jake and Tessa are amazing characters. The side characters (their friends) are written perfectly, funny, caring and sensitive to the darker elements in this book. The writing is BEAUTIFUL. The story flows and you feel what they feel, you remember the teen angst and how your heart broke to break with theirs all over again.
Read this book. Then read the second book which is out later this year. It’s a beautiful story with a cliffhanger that had me staring at the wall. Perfection.
A hint of spice, which for this book, is perfect.
I knew from the third page I was reading something special. Something that was going to have me questioning if I really needed to do any work today or if I could just consume this book. You know when you read something that’s just magical and you then realize you don’t want it to end? That’s what Before I Deserved You Is.
This is Jake and Tessa’s story. We get a glimpse of an adult Tessa who has returned back to her hometown after being away for seven years. We know she left abruptly after high school, but at this point, we don’t know why.
She’s being looking for Jake Nelson ever since she drove back into town. It’s been seven long years. She never even said goodbye, and Jake was her best friend. An unbreakable bond…..until it wasn’t.
Arriving at Jake’s house, face to face for the first time, we’re sent back to the beginning, 6th grade, where Jake and Tessa meet for the first time and a friendship is born.
For the rest of the book, we stay in the past, going through high school, up to eighteen and the journey it took to get there.
What happens when friendships change, outside threats to the people you love threaten to destroy everything you’ve ever wanted and the lines between love and friendship become blurred?
Parts of this book was like reading myself at seventeen. It’s dual POV. Through Jake and Tessa’s eyes and things that Tessa said made me cry, because I’d lived and felt those exact emotions.
Jake and Tessa are amazing characters. The side characters (their friends) are written perfectly, funny, caring and sensitive to the darker elements in this book. The writing is BEAUTIFUL. The story flows and you feel what they feel, you remember the teen angst and how your heart broke to break with theirs all over again.
Read this book. Then read the second book which is out later this year. It’s a beautiful story with a cliffhanger that had me staring at the wall. Perfection.
October 1, 2025
Nothing will prepare you for the feels this book will give you.
Jake and Tessa go from childhood friends to lovers. There love for each other is a beautiful thing, built on mutual trust and understanding.
Tessa gives herself to Jake completely, wholeheartedly and irrevocably. She’s the girl that is kind, compassionate and understanding a best friend that you’ll want to have walk beside you.
When Jake loses his mother, Jake’s life goes into a downward spiral, his father goes off the deep end, but through it all Tessa has been his strength, steadfast and resilient, supporting him through this challenging moment in his life.
It’s not until Tessa, Megan and Carter realise the magnitude of what Jake has been dealing with at home, does his dad get a wake up call, only the repression that Jake has been feeling allows him to now let loose and Jake becomes the person Tessa fears he’ll become, his father.
Time and again Tessa has expressed her feelings, been open and honest, not once has Jake acknowledged her, only to shut her down, and the one thing Tessa feared Jake would do, he did, even when he was honest with her, he irrevocably broke her trust, severely damaging their relationship.
Tessa is hurt and broken, she is a shell of herself, Jake gives her the space she needs, but Jake knows that what he did isn’t an easy fix, but time doesn’t heal all wounds, even when Jake finds out that the situation he was in was a set up from the get go, yet it was Tessa’s insecurities about Jessica that led them to where they are right now, because even when Jessica has the audacity to rub salt into Tessa’s wounds, Tessa doesn’t give her the reaction she wanted, yet when Tessa drops her bombshell, the betrayal Jake feels pales into comparison to what she felt when he shattered the only good thing he had in his life, and now as Jake and Tessa deal with the fallout, it begs the questions, will they both come out of this together or alone.
Highly recommend both the author and the book, now onto book 2 - Worthy Now
Jake and Tessa go from childhood friends to lovers. There love for each other is a beautiful thing, built on mutual trust and understanding.
Tessa gives herself to Jake completely, wholeheartedly and irrevocably. She’s the girl that is kind, compassionate and understanding a best friend that you’ll want to have walk beside you.
When Jake loses his mother, Jake’s life goes into a downward spiral, his father goes off the deep end, but through it all Tessa has been his strength, steadfast and resilient, supporting him through this challenging moment in his life.
It’s not until Tessa, Megan and Carter realise the magnitude of what Jake has been dealing with at home, does his dad get a wake up call, only the repression that Jake has been feeling allows him to now let loose and Jake becomes the person Tessa fears he’ll become, his father.
Time and again Tessa has expressed her feelings, been open and honest, not once has Jake acknowledged her, only to shut her down, and the one thing Tessa feared Jake would do, he did, even when he was honest with her, he irrevocably broke her trust, severely damaging their relationship.
Tessa is hurt and broken, she is a shell of herself, Jake gives her the space she needs, but Jake knows that what he did isn’t an easy fix, but time doesn’t heal all wounds, even when Jake finds out that the situation he was in was a set up from the get go, yet it was Tessa’s insecurities about Jessica that led them to where they are right now, because even when Jessica has the audacity to rub salt into Tessa’s wounds, Tessa doesn’t give her the reaction she wanted, yet when Tessa drops her bombshell, the betrayal Jake feels pales into comparison to what she felt when he shattered the only good thing he had in his life, and now as Jake and Tessa deal with the fallout, it begs the questions, will they both come out of this together or alone.
Highly recommend both the author and the book, now onto book 2 - Worthy Now
June 17, 2025
Before I Deserved You is one of those books that grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. It’s emotional, angsty, and packed with that slow-burn, friends-to-lovers tension that keeps you fully invested. Jake and Tessa have a bond that runs deep—best friends since they were kids, always circling around each other but never quite landing in the same place at the same time.
Told in dual POV, this story takes us back through their high school years, where feelings grow, secrets build, and lines between friendship and love start to blur. We know from the start that something happened—Tessa left town suddenly, and now, years later, she’s back, hoping to find the boy who meant everything to her. But before we get those answers, we’re taken back to the beginning, and let me tell you—it’s a journey.
Jake’s life is hard. His home life is toxic, and the way he shoulders everything to protect his siblings broke my heart. He’s guarded, fiercely loyal, and barely holding it together. Tessa sees it all, even when he tries to hide it, and her love for him is steady and strong. She’s the kind of friend—and maybe more—that never gives up, even when he tries to push her away.
The writing pulls you right in. You feel their heartbreak, their longing, their fear of crossing the line and losing each other forever. The side characters bring some levity, but this is a heavy, emotional story that doesn’t shy away from real-life struggles.
᪥ Friends To Enemies To Lovers
᪥ Small Town
᪥ Coming Of Age
᪥ Angst
᪥ First Love
᪥ Cliffhanger
᪥ Dual POV
Told in dual POV, this story takes us back through their high school years, where feelings grow, secrets build, and lines between friendship and love start to blur. We know from the start that something happened—Tessa left town suddenly, and now, years later, she’s back, hoping to find the boy who meant everything to her. But before we get those answers, we’re taken back to the beginning, and let me tell you—it’s a journey.
Jake’s life is hard. His home life is toxic, and the way he shoulders everything to protect his siblings broke my heart. He’s guarded, fiercely loyal, and barely holding it together. Tessa sees it all, even when he tries to hide it, and her love for him is steady and strong. She’s the kind of friend—and maybe more—that never gives up, even when he tries to push her away.
The writing pulls you right in. You feel their heartbreak, their longing, their fear of crossing the line and losing each other forever. The side characters bring some levity, but this is a heavy, emotional story that doesn’t shy away from real-life struggles.
᪥ Friends To Enemies To Lovers
᪥ Small Town
᪥ Coming Of Age
᪥ Angst
᪥ First Love
᪥ Cliffhanger
᪥ Dual POV
August 5, 2025
This book wrecked me—in the best way.
Before I Deserved You by Nomi J. Avery is raw, emotional, and honestly, I’m still not okay after finishing it. Jake and Tessa’s story is the kind of slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance that grips your heart and squeezes it the entire time.
Jake broke me. He’s going through hell at home—dealing with an abusive father, loosing his mother, trying to protect his younger siblings, and still somehow showing up for everyone else while falling apart inside. And the way he loves Tessa? Silently, selflessly, painfully. Ugh. It hurt so good.
Tessa’s love for him runs just as deep. She’s been in love with Jake forever, always by his side, always hoping he’d finally see her the same way. Watching her want more while also knowing he’s barely keeping it together? Pure emotional torture—but in a way that keeps you turning the pages.
There’s so much heartache and tenderness packed into this story. The chemistry is there, but it’s more than just physical—it’s emotional, messy, and so real. I felt every bit of their longing, their fear, their hope.
And that ending? Yeah… I was NOT ready. Total cliffhanger. I’m desperate for the next book.
If you like angst, protective boys with broken hearts, and best friends who are clearly meant for each other, this one’s for you. Just don’t go in expecting butterflies and sunshine. This one hurts. But it’s so, so worth it.
Before I Deserved You by Nomi J. Avery is raw, emotional, and honestly, I’m still not okay after finishing it. Jake and Tessa’s story is the kind of slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance that grips your heart and squeezes it the entire time.
Jake broke me. He’s going through hell at home—dealing with an abusive father, loosing his mother, trying to protect his younger siblings, and still somehow showing up for everyone else while falling apart inside. And the way he loves Tessa? Silently, selflessly, painfully. Ugh. It hurt so good.
Tessa’s love for him runs just as deep. She’s been in love with Jake forever, always by his side, always hoping he’d finally see her the same way. Watching her want more while also knowing he’s barely keeping it together? Pure emotional torture—but in a way that keeps you turning the pages.
There’s so much heartache and tenderness packed into this story. The chemistry is there, but it’s more than just physical—it’s emotional, messy, and so real. I felt every bit of their longing, their fear, their hope.
And that ending? Yeah… I was NOT ready. Total cliffhanger. I’m desperate for the next book.
If you like angst, protective boys with broken hearts, and best friends who are clearly meant for each other, this one’s for you. Just don’t go in expecting butterflies and sunshine. This one hurts. But it’s so, so worth it.
August 13, 2025
Before I Deserved You was such a gut wrenching story! I felt like I had a pill stuck in my throat and couldn't swallow it down. Reading Jake's story is utterly heartbreaking. Tessa is such a sweet heart and stood by him through it all. They are so great together and I hate that Jessica tried to tear them apart. And now, damage is done and it's a matter of how to move forward from here!
Jake's home life is just torturous! Dealing with his abusive father after the death of his mother, trying to live up to his fathers unrealistic standards while working, balancing school, taking the brunt of the abusive to protect his brother and sister, and trying to balance a relationship in the mix... I broke for him. And Tessa was there every step of the way, doing whatever she can to help him. Tessa's character portrays as a sweet, soft spoken, gentle, innocent young woman which is why I think the ending of book 1 has such a shock factor! I didn't expect that from her at all, though, I don't really think Jake can be that upset. Up until this point, he wasn't sure where he stood either! I can't wait to see if book 2 brings them back together and how they manage to move forward.
I absolutely love Nomi's writing. It's captivating, yet easy to follow. You can feel every emotion the characters are going through due to the writing.
This is definitely worth the read and needs to be checked out immediately!!!
Jake's home life is just torturous! Dealing with his abusive father after the death of his mother, trying to live up to his fathers unrealistic standards while working, balancing school, taking the brunt of the abusive to protect his brother and sister, and trying to balance a relationship in the mix... I broke for him. And Tessa was there every step of the way, doing whatever she can to help him. Tessa's character portrays as a sweet, soft spoken, gentle, innocent young woman which is why I think the ending of book 1 has such a shock factor! I didn't expect that from her at all, though, I don't really think Jake can be that upset. Up until this point, he wasn't sure where he stood either! I can't wait to see if book 2 brings them back together and how they manage to move forward.
I absolutely love Nomi's writing. It's captivating, yet easy to follow. You can feel every emotion the characters are going through due to the writing.
This is definitely worth the read and needs to be checked out immediately!!!
Read
June 25, 2025❤️ It’s rare that I find the time to read an entire book in a single day. But with this one, it wasn’t just a want. It was a need! It swept me up and made me feel like a teenager again, dreaming about marrying my best friend, while also speaking directly to the older, wiser version of me who knows all too well that life doesn’t always play fair.
🔥 The romance in this story hits hard. When lifelong friends Jake and Tessa start to fall for each other, it’s the kind of slow burn that feels achingly familiar. We’ve all had THAT boy from our hometown, the one we secretly (or not so secretly) loved. But just like in real life, the sweetness is tangled with something heavier. Nomi does a phenomenal job portraying the growing tension and violence in Jake’s home life, and the helplessness his friends feel as they try to support him.
💔 As the story unfolds, trauma, jealousy, and self-doubt build toward an emotional crescendo—and we’re reminded that sometimes, love alone isn’t enough to conquer the challenges we face.
🪐 The book ends on a cliffhanger, but we already know this isn’t the end of Jake and Tessa’s story. Seven years later, she’s back in town. And I need to know what happens next!!!
Thankfully, book two, “Worthy Now,” arrives in August, and I’ll be first in line to get my hands on it 😉
🔥 The romance in this story hits hard. When lifelong friends Jake and Tessa start to fall for each other, it’s the kind of slow burn that feels achingly familiar. We’ve all had THAT boy from our hometown, the one we secretly (or not so secretly) loved. But just like in real life, the sweetness is tangled with something heavier. Nomi does a phenomenal job portraying the growing tension and violence in Jake’s home life, and the helplessness his friends feel as they try to support him.
💔 As the story unfolds, trauma, jealousy, and self-doubt build toward an emotional crescendo—and we’re reminded that sometimes, love alone isn’t enough to conquer the challenges we face.
🪐 The book ends on a cliffhanger, but we already know this isn’t the end of Jake and Tessa’s story. Seven years later, she’s back in town. And I need to know what happens next!!!
Thankfully, book two, “Worthy Now,” arrives in August, and I’ll be first in line to get my hands on it 😉
July 6, 2025
I finished this book last night, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. That cliffhanger completely shattered me. 😭 I didn’t expect this story to pull me in so deeply, but it did, and it wrecked me in the most beautiful way. It’s the kind of book that grabs hold of your soul and doesn’t let go.
Tes and Jake’s story is beautiful and devastating all at once. The way it moves between their childhood and their present is seamless, and each timeline adds so much depth to who they are and what they’ve been through. Their love is quiet but powerful…built on years of pain, longing, and moments stolen between chaos. It’s a story of two people who find light in each other when the world around them is so dark.
This book handles difficult topics with honesty and tenderness. You get to see their struggles, their heartbreaks, and the way they carry love like a lifeline. Tes and Jake make each other better even when life tries to tear them apart.
I’m in love with this story. And I’m not okay after that ending. I need answers. I need healing. I need them.
✨ Small Town
✨ First Love
✨ Best Friends to Lovers
✨ Mutual Pining
✨ Found Family
✨ Coming of Age
✨ Angst
✨ Emotional
✨ Cliffhanger
Thank you @nomijaveryauthor and @naughtynookpr for letting me ARC read this book! 📚❤️
Tes and Jake’s story is beautiful and devastating all at once. The way it moves between their childhood and their present is seamless, and each timeline adds so much depth to who they are and what they’ve been through. Their love is quiet but powerful…built on years of pain, longing, and moments stolen between chaos. It’s a story of two people who find light in each other when the world around them is so dark.
This book handles difficult topics with honesty and tenderness. You get to see their struggles, their heartbreaks, and the way they carry love like a lifeline. Tes and Jake make each other better even when life tries to tear them apart.
I’m in love with this story. And I’m not okay after that ending. I need answers. I need healing. I need them.
✨ Small Town
✨ First Love
✨ Best Friends to Lovers
✨ Mutual Pining
✨ Found Family
✨ Coming of Age
✨ Angst
✨ Emotional
✨ Cliffhanger
Thank you @nomijaveryauthor and @naughtynookpr for letting me ARC read this book! 📚❤️
July 3, 2025
Damn this book! So much angst and heartbreak man! And the cliffhanger 😭, literally can't wait for book 2!
"Before I Deserved You" by Naomi J Avery is a coming-of-age small town romance that centers on Jake, who has been in love with his best friend since she moved to their town in sixth grade. The story explores themes of friendship evolving into romance, emotional struggles, and the impact of trauma on young people. It is noted for its emotional depth and contains plenty of angst, ending on a cliffhanger that sets up for further installments in the series.
The characters, especially Jake and Tessa, are portrayed with strong development, making the story engrossing and emotional. The narrative captures the highs and lows of relationships and the fragility that comes with emotional vulnerability. Readers have praised the book for its realistic depiction of trauma and the complexities of young love. The writing style is engaging and quick-paced, keeping readers invested despite some mixed reviews about the story's progression and impact.
The book is intended for mature readers (18+) due to its themes and emotional content. Overall, it is a heartfelt read that resonates with those who appreciate emotional romance and coming-of-age tales.
"Before I Deserved You" by Naomi J Avery is a coming-of-age small town romance that centers on Jake, who has been in love with his best friend since she moved to their town in sixth grade. The story explores themes of friendship evolving into romance, emotional struggles, and the impact of trauma on young people. It is noted for its emotional depth and contains plenty of angst, ending on a cliffhanger that sets up for further installments in the series.
The characters, especially Jake and Tessa, are portrayed with strong development, making the story engrossing and emotional. The narrative captures the highs and lows of relationships and the fragility that comes with emotional vulnerability. Readers have praised the book for its realistic depiction of trauma and the complexities of young love. The writing style is engaging and quick-paced, keeping readers invested despite some mixed reviews about the story's progression and impact.
The book is intended for mature readers (18+) due to its themes and emotional content. Overall, it is a heartfelt read that resonates with those who appreciate emotional romance and coming-of-age tales.
June 27, 2025
Tessa merece algo mejor.
Sé que Jake tiene una vida difícil, pero eso no justifica su falta de respeto hacia ella, especialmente con lo de Jessica. O sea, cuando están de novios, él se la pasa bebiendo y yendo a fiestas donde está Jessica, quien es descaradamente obvia al decirle que quiere estar con él. Y en lugar de ponerle límites o dejarle claro que no está interesado, él coquetea con ella, la deja que lo toque, se le restriegue, ¡y todo esto frente a Tessa! Cuando ella le expresa cómo se siente y le pide que se aleje de Jessica, él se enfada, le dice que está loca y que es una dramática. Y la pobre de Tessa, en vez de hacerle frente, siempre termina pidiéndole perdón.
Me alegré por el final, ese tipejo se lo tenía bien merecido. Lo malo es que, con lo insegura que es Tessa, seguramente se va a sentir culpable, se irá a la universidad y no saldrá con nadie durante ese tiempo. Mientras tanto, él probablemente volverá a ser un mujeriego y hasta lo veo capaz de hacerse novio de Jessica solo para herirla.
Sé que Jake tiene una vida difícil, pero eso no justifica su falta de respeto hacia ella, especialmente con lo de Jessica. O sea, cuando están de novios, él se la pasa bebiendo y yendo a fiestas donde está Jessica, quien es descaradamente obvia al decirle que quiere estar con él. Y en lugar de ponerle límites o dejarle claro que no está interesado, él coquetea con ella, la deja que lo toque, se le restriegue, ¡y todo esto frente a Tessa! Cuando ella le expresa cómo se siente y le pide que se aleje de Jessica, él se enfada, le dice que está loca y que es una dramática. Y la pobre de Tessa, en vez de hacerle frente, siempre termina pidiéndole perdón.
Me alegré por el final, ese tipejo se lo tenía bien merecido. Lo malo es que, con lo insegura que es Tessa, seguramente se va a sentir culpable, se irá a la universidad y no saldrá con nadie durante ese tiempo. Mientras tanto, él probablemente volverá a ser un mujeriego y hasta lo veo capaz de hacerse novio de Jessica solo para herirla.
August 11, 2025
How can a book make you feel everything? 🥺
You will find a friendship that feels like forever, a love that sweeps you off your feet, and heartbreak sharp enough to steal your breath. You will taste happiness, but life isn't sugar-coated here. It tests you, it breaks you 💔
I mean... how can you make me fall in love and then tear me apart in the same breath? I laughed, I loved and I shattered at the same time 😮💨
5☆ and that feeling when we first fell in love as teenagers? The innocent feelings, the flutter in the chest, the rush in the veins... Like a first taste of something forbidden and intoxicating. Nights spent dreaming of stolen kisses, days replaying every word they said like a broken record. The thrill, the ache, the endless "what ifs." And when it shatters, it leaves scars that burn sweetly forever and teaching you what it means to really want someone. This story reminds me of that ❤️
⚠️ Please check the trigger warnings. Your mental health matters 🌼
This is book one in the despite it all duet, and it ends on a cliffhanger.
You will find a friendship that feels like forever, a love that sweeps you off your feet, and heartbreak sharp enough to steal your breath. You will taste happiness, but life isn't sugar-coated here. It tests you, it breaks you 💔
I mean... how can you make me fall in love and then tear me apart in the same breath? I laughed, I loved and I shattered at the same time 😮💨
5☆ and that feeling when we first fell in love as teenagers? The innocent feelings, the flutter in the chest, the rush in the veins... Like a first taste of something forbidden and intoxicating. Nights spent dreaming of stolen kisses, days replaying every word they said like a broken record. The thrill, the ache, the endless "what ifs." And when it shatters, it leaves scars that burn sweetly forever and teaching you what it means to really want someone. This story reminds me of that ❤️
⚠️ Please check the trigger warnings. Your mental health matters 🌼
This is book one in the despite it all duet, and it ends on a cliffhanger.
August 17, 2025
This book pulled me in right from the start. Even though it’s a new adult romance with closed-door scenes, the plot feels well-developed and the characters come across as real and genuine.
The story opens with the main characters as adults, but quickly takes us back to their teenage years, between sixteen and eighteen. I really enjoyed the friends-to-lovers arc — it’s heartfelt, intense, and full of raw emotions. Despite the romance, this isn’t a light read. It weaves in some heavy themes like grief, child abuse, and cheating, and I thought the author handled them with depth and sensitivity, showing how young adults might realistically cope with such struggles.
The pacing is emotional and sometimes all-consuming, balancing tragedy with tenderness. And yes — it ends on a cliffhanger, which only makes me more eager to dive into the second book of the duet to see where Jake and Tessa’s journey leads.
If you like small-town, coming-of-age romances with plenty of angst and real-life challenges, this one is definitely worth picking up.
The story opens with the main characters as adults, but quickly takes us back to their teenage years, between sixteen and eighteen. I really enjoyed the friends-to-lovers arc — it’s heartfelt, intense, and full of raw emotions. Despite the romance, this isn’t a light read. It weaves in some heavy themes like grief, child abuse, and cheating, and I thought the author handled them with depth and sensitivity, showing how young adults might realistically cope with such struggles.
The pacing is emotional and sometimes all-consuming, balancing tragedy with tenderness. And yes — it ends on a cliffhanger, which only makes me more eager to dive into the second book of the duet to see where Jake and Tessa’s journey leads.
If you like small-town, coming-of-age romances with plenty of angst and real-life challenges, this one is definitely worth picking up.
June 27, 2025
"Before I Deserved You"
is a slow, emotional love story about two people who’ve been hurt and are trying to learn how to love again. Nomi J. Avery writes a touching and heartfelt story that talks about pain, healing, knowing your worth, and opening up.
The writing feels real and gentle. Avery talks about deep emotions honestly but with care. The main characters aren’t just in love—they’re both trying to heal from the past. What makes this book special is how honest the romance is. There's no quick fix, just slow, real growth and true connection.
It’s a great pick for anyone who likes slow, thoughtful love stories that stay with you even after you finish the book.
⚠️ Heads up: This book talks about trauma, depression, and emotional pain.
Highly recommended for readers who want more than just romance—who are looking for stories that touch the heart and help you heal.
The writing feels real and gentle. Avery talks about deep emotions honestly but with care. The main characters aren’t just in love—they’re both trying to heal from the past. What makes this book special is how honest the romance is. There's no quick fix, just slow, real growth and true connection.
It’s a great pick for anyone who likes slow, thoughtful love stories that stay with you even after you finish the book.
⚠️ Heads up: This book talks about trauma, depression, and emotional pain.
Highly recommended for readers who want more than just romance—who are looking for stories that touch the heart and help you heal.
August 3, 2025
This book took me by surprise—in the best way. It starts in the present, with seven years of silence and betrayal looming between the characters, so I wasn’t expecting to be taken back to the very beginning of Jake and Tessa’s love story. But that journey? I absolutely loved it.
Their connection is so pure and powerful, which makes you constantly wonder—what could’ve gone so wrong? Tessa stood by Jake through so much, and Jake... he went through absolute hell. His story broke my heart. What hit the hardest is how real and relevant his experiences felt—especially the parts about silent suffering, hidden abuse, pride, and the fear of appearing weak. So many kids in real life go through this, and the way this book handled that pain was honest and impactful.
Despite the heaviness, the love between Jake and Tessa shines. It’s emotional, raw, and deeply rooted, and it makes you feel everything right alongside them. I’m beyond ready to see how their story wraps up in book two.
Their connection is so pure and powerful, which makes you constantly wonder—what could’ve gone so wrong? Tessa stood by Jake through so much, and Jake... he went through absolute hell. His story broke my heart. What hit the hardest is how real and relevant his experiences felt—especially the parts about silent suffering, hidden abuse, pride, and the fear of appearing weak. So many kids in real life go through this, and the way this book handled that pain was honest and impactful.
Despite the heaviness, the love between Jake and Tessa shines. It’s emotional, raw, and deeply rooted, and it makes you feel everything right alongside them. I’m beyond ready to see how their story wraps up in book two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2025
I knew going in that this book would end on a cliffhanger but holy smokes batman! I didn't realize it would be THAT kind of cliffhanger. I had to message the author when I finished at midnight because of the impact this book had on me. I saw pieces of myself and my life story in this book. Tessa and Jake's story is one about second chances, emotional and physical abuse from a parent, what watching someone go through that looks like, and first love. This story had me all up in the feels! I cried, laughed, and wished poor Jake could just catch a damn break! High school years can be so rough and leave a lot of scars, and unfortunately those don't just go away as we age, that trauma has to be processed. Part 2 is coming out in August and I can't wait to see Tessa and Jake get their happy ending!
June 12, 2025
This book really got to me. Jake’s story was so emotional, it felt very deep. You can feel the weight he carries, and still he keeps going. He’s not just a “damaged boy” trope, he’s layered, heavy, and incredibly human. Tessa brings a different kind of strength. She’s gentle, but not naive. Her presence gives this story warmth even when everything else feels heavy. The writing is honest. No sugarcoating, no pretending pain isn't real which is something that I appreciate and loved. It made the emotional parts hit harder. Also, that ending. I knew it was coming but it still punched me. I need the next one right now. Thank you so much to the author and Naughty Nook PR for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
July 3, 2025
Before I Deserved You is an emotional, second chance romance with a crazy cliffhanger.
Tessa moved to the small town when she was in elementary school. The first person who really made an effort to know her was Jake. Jake was sweet and kind. He took Tessa under his wing right away. Tessa had a crush right away, but after years was still okay with just being friends.
Tragedy strikes Jake’s family and Tessa is there for support and anything else he needs. Jake soon sees Tessa as more than just a friend and they start to date.
This book was so well written, I cannot wait for the second part of the duet. To fully understand everything in this book you need to read it and I swear you won’t be disappointed!
Tessa moved to the small town when she was in elementary school. The first person who really made an effort to know her was Jake. Jake was sweet and kind. He took Tessa under his wing right away. Tessa had a crush right away, but after years was still okay with just being friends.
Tragedy strikes Jake’s family and Tessa is there for support and anything else he needs. Jake soon sees Tessa as more than just a friend and they start to date.
This book was so well written, I cannot wait for the second part of the duet. To fully understand everything in this book you need to read it and I swear you won’t be disappointed!
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September 13, 2025This review is for the duet as a whole but contains no spoilers.
“This story is filled with emotional intensity and is achingly beautiful. Tess and Jake don’t just teeter on the edge of destruction, they run into it hard and fast. They go through a storm of emotions that I could feel as if it was my own. The author tackled the messy dynamics of a family that is broken, the need to grow up too fast and friends that become a lifeline. The secondary characters captured my heart as much as the main characters did.
This story didn’t just tug at my heart, instead it had claws that dug in deep and held on. There is an HEA in book 2 but it doesn’t come easily or without trials and tribulations. This is a 5⭐️duet and I look forward to reading more of this author’s work.”
“This story is filled with emotional intensity and is achingly beautiful. Tess and Jake don’t just teeter on the edge of destruction, they run into it hard and fast. They go through a storm of emotions that I could feel as if it was my own. The author tackled the messy dynamics of a family that is broken, the need to grow up too fast and friends that become a lifeline. The secondary characters captured my heart as much as the main characters did.
This story didn’t just tug at my heart, instead it had claws that dug in deep and held on. There is an HEA in book 2 but it doesn’t come easily or without trials and tribulations. This is a 5⭐️duet and I look forward to reading more of this author’s work.”
October 30, 2025
I finished this book in one sitting, and boy, what a rollercoaster of emotions that was 😭
This is the first part of Jake and Tessa’s story, starting all the way back in 6th grade and following how their friendship slowly (and painfully beautifully) grows into something more. I loved how the author wrote them as real teens - messy, emotional, and trying to figure themselves out. Jake carries so much on his shoulders, and Tessa’s desperate to help, even when she’s still learning who she is.
They’re not perfect, far from it, but that’s what makes it so raw and beautiful. The vulnerability, the confusion, the heartbreak… it all felt so genuine.
And that ending?! A cliffhanger I was not ready for. Safe to say, I’m diving straight into book two.
This is the first part of Jake and Tessa’s story, starting all the way back in 6th grade and following how their friendship slowly (and painfully beautifully) grows into something more. I loved how the author wrote them as real teens - messy, emotional, and trying to figure themselves out. Jake carries so much on his shoulders, and Tessa’s desperate to help, even when she’s still learning who she is.
They’re not perfect, far from it, but that’s what makes it so raw and beautiful. The vulnerability, the confusion, the heartbreak… it all felt so genuine.
And that ending?! A cliffhanger I was not ready for. Safe to say, I’m diving straight into book two.
June 2, 2025
First I want to thank Nomi for allowing me to not only ARC read this, but be a part of her street team as well.
Let me start by saying I was well aware of all the triggers, so please do not go into this blind and read the trigger warnings before hand.
Tessa and Jake’s story is one I will sit with for a while. The way this book had my mind going even when I would put it down at night was something very few books have ever been able to do. If I could give this book all the stars I WOULD!
This story was such an emotional read for me as these best friends turn to lovers who battle family abuse, death, addiction, deception and so much more! Throughout the book you can only hope for the best and then BOOM something else happens where you’re on the edge of your seat screaming NO, come one because you just want that happy ending. Well news flash!!!!! Thanks Nomi for the cliffhanger ending, can we get book 2 now!? 😂
Let me start by saying I was well aware of all the triggers, so please do not go into this blind and read the trigger warnings before hand.
Tessa and Jake’s story is one I will sit with for a while. The way this book had my mind going even when I would put it down at night was something very few books have ever been able to do. If I could give this book all the stars I WOULD!
This story was such an emotional read for me as these best friends turn to lovers who battle family abuse, death, addiction, deception and so much more! Throughout the book you can only hope for the best and then BOOM something else happens where you’re on the edge of your seat screaming NO, come one because you just want that happy ending. Well news flash!!!!! Thanks Nomi for the cliffhanger ending, can we get book 2 now!? 😂
June 22, 2025
What an emotionally charged roller coaster that you will absolutely love. This was a slow burn romance that I was rooting for the whole entire time.
Jake and Tessa pull on your heart strings and so many ways. There was definite tension in this slow burn relationship that just kind of kept you reading and reading.
Tessa has this resolve about her that is just unwavering. Her heart is dedicated, pure, and sincere. Jake is a ball of turmoil and trauma that just needs Tessa's touch even if he doesn't think so sometimes.
This is the romance novel that you definitely want to read and probably will reread it over and over again.
Jake and Tessa pull on your heart strings and so many ways. There was definite tension in this slow burn relationship that just kind of kept you reading and reading.
Tessa has this resolve about her that is just unwavering. Her heart is dedicated, pure, and sincere. Jake is a ball of turmoil and trauma that just needs Tessa's touch even if he doesn't think so sometimes.
This is the romance novel that you definitely want to read and probably will reread it over and over again.
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