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Ever Known
Some heartbreaks end everything. Others reveal what was there all along.
Tennyson Truman thought she had her future figured out — until she was dumped just a week before her wedding and forced to start over from scratch. Picking up the pieces isn’t easy, but she’s never had to do it alone. Austin Banks, her best friend since they were teens, has always been there — steady, loyal, and quietly in love with her.
They’ve spent years working side by side at his family’s beloved restaurant, where Austin has been her protector, her confidant, and the one person who knows her better than anyone else. But all the while, Austin has kept his true feelings hidden, watching from the sidelines as Tennyson fell for someone else.
When Tennyson finally discovers the truth about Austin’s love for her, everything changes. The friendship they’ve shared for years ignites into something powerful, undeniable, and years of buried desire erupt into a chemistry neither could have predicted. What Tennyson thought was lost forever — love — feels like a second chance.
But just as they begin to build something real, Austin makes a choice that shatters her trust. Now, Tennyson must decide if she can forgive the one person who’s always been there to protect her… or if some betrayals run too deep, even for love that’s been ever known.
.
.
.
Even Known is a heartfelt friends-to-lovers, workplace romance where he falls first and love gets a second chance.
Tennyson Truman thought she had her future figured out — until she was dumped just a week before her wedding and forced to start over from scratch. Picking up the pieces isn’t easy, but she’s never had to do it alone. Austin Banks, her best friend since they were teens, has always been there — steady, loyal, and quietly in love with her.
They’ve spent years working side by side at his family’s beloved restaurant, where Austin has been her protector, her confidant, and the one person who knows her better than anyone else. But all the while, Austin has kept his true feelings hidden, watching from the sidelines as Tennyson fell for someone else.
When Tennyson finally discovers the truth about Austin’s love for her, everything changes. The friendship they’ve shared for years ignites into something powerful, undeniable, and years of buried desire erupt into a chemistry neither could have predicted. What Tennyson thought was lost forever — love — feels like a second chance.
But just as they begin to build something real, Austin makes a choice that shatters her trust. Now, Tennyson must decide if she can forgive the one person who’s always been there to protect her… or if some betrayals run too deep, even for love that’s been ever known.
.
.
.
Even Known is a heartfelt friends-to-lovers, workplace romance where he falls first and love gets a second chance.
346 pages, Paperback
Published June 22, 2025
5 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Joseph
12 books284 followersM.R. Joseph is a bestselling author of contemporary romance, new adult, and rom-com novels. A self-proclaimed book nerd turned writer, she crafts heartfelt, funny, and romantic stories that readers can’t get enough of. Hailing from the City of Brotherly Love, she draws inspiration from the world around her, including music and moments shared with her husband, kids, friends, and her dog, Scarlet. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her unwinding in her magical backyard or soaking up the sun on a East Coast beach, surrounded by family and music. A lover of books, laughter, and life’s little joys, she pours all of that magic into every story she tells.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 20, 2025
Sometimes the things we least expect turn out to be the greatest of surprises we never saw coming.
YAY! Missy is back to writing!
And what a beautiful book to make a comeback with.
Galavanting around Ireland on vacation, I haven't really had time to read. I tried to sneak in some moments to read because I was getting so into Tennyson and Austin's story.
"You really do love me, don't you?"
"Truly, deeply, honestly."
YAY! Missy is back to writing!
And what a beautiful book to make a comeback with.
Galavanting around Ireland on vacation, I haven't really had time to read. I tried to sneak in some moments to read because I was getting so into Tennyson and Austin's story.
"You really do love me, don't you?"
"Truly, deeply, honestly."
June 21, 2025
Friends to Lovers? check
Slow Burn to spicy? check
Characters you fall in love with? check
At some point I thought I would never forgive this author if anything bad happened to Austin.
I was attached to Tennyson and Austin to the point I couldn't put down the book.
Everyone should have a friend like Kat.
Slow Burn to spicy? check
Characters you fall in love with? check
At some point I thought I would never forgive this author if anything bad happened to Austin.
I was attached to Tennyson and Austin to the point I couldn't put down the book.
Everyone should have a friend like Kat.
June 26, 2025
It’s been a hot minute since MR Joseph released a new book and this one was worth the wait! I read this baby in one sitting because I seriously could not put it down.
Best friends. Check. Swoon worthy. Check. Oh no he didn’t. Check. Douchey ex. Check. Awesome best friend. Check.
This book ticked all of my boxes. I’ve been in such a reading slump and Ever Known had me in a choke hold from the very start. Austin is everything I want in a book boyfriend and Ten is the definition of strength. Don’t even get me started on the best bestie ever - Kat!
I hope this is the beginning of more to come from this author. Go read it and enjoy! Thank me later
Best friends. Check. Swoon worthy. Check. Oh no he didn’t. Check. Douchey ex. Check. Awesome best friend. Check.
This book ticked all of my boxes. I’ve been in such a reading slump and Ever Known had me in a choke hold from the very start. Austin is everything I want in a book boyfriend and Ten is the definition of strength. Don’t even get me started on the best bestie ever - Kat!
I hope this is the beginning of more to come from this author. Go read it and enjoy! Thank me later
June 23, 2025
M.R. Joseph didn't have to worry one minute about coming back into the romance writing pool. She may have took a long hiatus but her words were just as beautiful as before.
I've read all of her books and loved each differently and when I saw she had a new book I just knew I needed to read it.
Melissa wrote this beautiful love story with loads of emotion and heart. Some tears were shed, some laughs were had, some angry words were thrown and some swooning occurred. It was a journey. A sweet and beautiful journey.
I absolutely loved this story from the first till last page. I'm so happy Melissa is writing again and finding happiness doing it. I can't wait for more words from her.
I've read all of her books and loved each differently and when I saw she had a new book I just knew I needed to read it.
Melissa wrote this beautiful love story with loads of emotion and heart. Some tears were shed, some laughs were had, some angry words were thrown and some swooning occurred. It was a journey. A sweet and beautiful journey.
I absolutely loved this story from the first till last page. I'm so happy Melissa is writing again and finding happiness doing it. I can't wait for more words from her.
June 25, 2025
This is my first M.R Joseph book and let me tell you I’ll definitely be reading more!
Tennyson and Austin had me by a chokehold. Two best friends turned lovers. I loved the dynamic trio of Tennyson, Austin, and Kat along with their families. The author had me in my feelings happy, angry, and sad throughout this book. I really enjoyed reading. Also let me know forget the spicy scenes 🥵🥵
Tennyson and Austin had me by a chokehold. Two best friends turned lovers. I loved the dynamic trio of Tennyson, Austin, and Kat along with their families. The author had me in my feelings happy, angry, and sad throughout this book. I really enjoyed reading. Also let me know forget the spicy scenes 🥵🥵
June 18, 2025
I feel so lucky to have received an ARC of this stunning story. I LOVED every moment—yes, even the ones that broke me, tore my heart apart, and had me sobbing into my pillow. Tennyson and Austin completely stole my heart. And Austin? He’s mine, sorry not sorry. This book is emotional, raw, and absolutely unforgettable. I can’t wait for everyone to meet these two next week!
June 27, 2025
M.R. Joseph delivers a stunning emotional rollercoaster in Ever Known, a poignant, beautifully written story that weaves heartbreak, healing, and redemption into every page. This is not just a romance; it’s a journey of survival, forgiveness, and rediscovery that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt broken—and dared to hope again.
At the heart of the story are Tennyson and Austin, two deeply relatable characters whose pain feels personal and whose growth is both believable and inspiring. Tennyson is a woman trying to find herself again after unimaginable heartbreak. Her quiet strength and vulnerability make her impossible not to root for. She isn’t perfect, but that’s what makes her real. Her journey feels like a mirror for anyone who’s had to rebuild their life from the ruins of grief.
Austin, on the other hand, is more than just a romantic lead. He’s layered with his own regrets and scars, and his path to redemption is handled with care and realism. His chemistry with Tennyson isn’t rushed—it simmers, grows, and earns every tender, heartfelt moment. Watching Austin break down his walls while helping Tennyson build hers back up is what gives the novel its emotional weight.
The heartbreak in Ever Known is palpable, but it’s not gratuitous. Joseph uses pain not as a plot device, but as a lens through which love, resilience, and healing shine even brighter. The redemption arc—both individually and as a couple—feels hard-won and all the more satisfying because of it.
Joseph’s writing is immersive, with prose that flows effortlessly and dialogue that feels natural. She doesn’t shy away from the raw, messy parts of healing, and that honesty makes the happy moments feel earned, not just handed to the reader… and don’t even get me started on the steamy parts! Woo, call the FF because it’s going to get real hot in here!
If you’ve ever loved and lost—or simply needed to believe that the pieces can be put back together—Ever Known will speak to you. It’s emotional without being overwrought, romantic without being cliché, and deeply human in all the best ways.
Highly recommended for fans of second chances, soulful connections, and stories that stay with you long after the final page.
At the heart of the story are Tennyson and Austin, two deeply relatable characters whose pain feels personal and whose growth is both believable and inspiring. Tennyson is a woman trying to find herself again after unimaginable heartbreak. Her quiet strength and vulnerability make her impossible not to root for. She isn’t perfect, but that’s what makes her real. Her journey feels like a mirror for anyone who’s had to rebuild their life from the ruins of grief.
Austin, on the other hand, is more than just a romantic lead. He’s layered with his own regrets and scars, and his path to redemption is handled with care and realism. His chemistry with Tennyson isn’t rushed—it simmers, grows, and earns every tender, heartfelt moment. Watching Austin break down his walls while helping Tennyson build hers back up is what gives the novel its emotional weight.
The heartbreak in Ever Known is palpable, but it’s not gratuitous. Joseph uses pain not as a plot device, but as a lens through which love, resilience, and healing shine even brighter. The redemption arc—both individually and as a couple—feels hard-won and all the more satisfying because of it.
Joseph’s writing is immersive, with prose that flows effortlessly and dialogue that feels natural. She doesn’t shy away from the raw, messy parts of healing, and that honesty makes the happy moments feel earned, not just handed to the reader… and don’t even get me started on the steamy parts! Woo, call the FF because it’s going to get real hot in here!
If you’ve ever loved and lost—or simply needed to believe that the pieces can be put back together—Ever Known will speak to you. It’s emotional without being overwrought, romantic without being cliché, and deeply human in all the best ways.
Highly recommended for fans of second chances, soulful connections, and stories that stay with you long after the final page.
June 26, 2025
So excited to read MR Joseph's new release! Welcome back!!! I absolutely loved Austin and Tennyson!
You know that feeling you got when you read a book and you just can't wait to get back to it ? Ever Known was calling to me when I had to have my attention elsewhere. I couldn't wait to get back to these two see how their story was going to turn out.
I am a sucker for friends to lovers romance but this just hit all the right buttons. Austin and Ten have been best friends for years. Austin always there watching, waiting in the wings for Tennyson to finally "see" him.
One moment, one kiss tilts their worlds. Tennyson tries to play it off but is lingers in the back of her mind until she decides she needs to know more.
Once these two gave in it was like the 4th of July. Fireworks everywhere.
He was everything she wanted until he wasn't and she let him know in more ways than one that he had hurt her and hurt her deeply.
I will not pretend that I was not angry at both of them at some point during this book but was rooting for them just the same.
Such a beautiful story of friendship, devotion, emotional healing, forgiveness and most of all love.
If you have never read M.R. Joseph now is the time!!
You know that feeling you got when you read a book and you just can't wait to get back to it ? Ever Known was calling to me when I had to have my attention elsewhere. I couldn't wait to get back to these two see how their story was going to turn out.
I am a sucker for friends to lovers romance but this just hit all the right buttons. Austin and Ten have been best friends for years. Austin always there watching, waiting in the wings for Tennyson to finally "see" him.
One moment, one kiss tilts their worlds. Tennyson tries to play it off but is lingers in the back of her mind until she decides she needs to know more.
Once these two gave in it was like the 4th of July. Fireworks everywhere.
He was everything she wanted until he wasn't and she let him know in more ways than one that he had hurt her and hurt her deeply.
I will not pretend that I was not angry at both of them at some point during this book but was rooting for them just the same.
Such a beautiful story of friendship, devotion, emotional healing, forgiveness and most of all love.
If you have never read M.R. Joseph now is the time!!
June 27, 2025
Loved Austin and Tennyson's friends to lovers romance! It's amazing how one kiss can change your whole life! The poetry at the beginning of each chapter was perfect and tied everything together completely!
June 29, 2025
absolute perfection!!!
The anticipation of this book was so worth the wait!! The story pulls you in and makes you feel all the feelings deep inside!!! Exactly what I’ve been waiting for!!!
Best friends to lovers is my favorite trope! And when the guy falls first… well that’s just the cherry on top!! What a come back for M.R. Joseph!!
The anticipation of this book was so worth the wait!! The story pulls you in and makes you feel all the feelings deep inside!!! Exactly what I’ve been waiting for!!!
Best friends to lovers is my favorite trope! And when the guy falls first… well that’s just the cherry on top!! What a come back for M.R. Joseph!!
June 23, 2025
This was my first book of M.R. Joseph
I really enjoyed reading Tennyson & Austin story it was a slow burn ready but I really enjoy reading their story and getting to know them better.
I really enjoyed reading Tennyson & Austin story it was a slow burn ready but I really enjoy reading their story and getting to know them better.
August 4, 2025
This book gave me all the feels!!! All of them! A love story between two friends. It had me laughing, crying, anxious, angry and happy! Definite page turner.
July 3, 2025
I love all her books and this one did not disappoint!! So glad she wrote another one!
June 18, 2025
Oh this book!!!!! I absolutely loved it! Tennyson and Austin are everything! They have such a cute sweet best friends to lovers relationship. This book is like spicy hallmark movie with some angst. I love love loved it ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
June 27, 2025
Ever Known is my first book by this author and she definitely gained herself a new reader. I did find out after reading this book, that she released previous books but it has been years since her last release and she was nervous about releasing again. Let me tell you - she has zero to worry about. Whether this is her first or fifth or tenth, she nailed this one out of the park.
This was quite the emotional rollercoaster and I enjoyed every up and down with these two. The blurb is all you need to know going into this story. The flow is perfect and the plot is so realistic. I enjoyed watching Tennyson and Austin go through the natural progression of their relationship. But what really stood out to me was their real and authentic feelings and reactions towards one another.
Melissa wrote an exceptional romance story between two best friends that will stay with me. I loved these characters, their story and everything in between. Melissa really knows how to reel the reader in, keep them invested and have them falling in love with the story. I hope we get more from this author in the near future.
This was quite the emotional rollercoaster and I enjoyed every up and down with these two. The blurb is all you need to know going into this story. The flow is perfect and the plot is so realistic. I enjoyed watching Tennyson and Austin go through the natural progression of their relationship. But what really stood out to me was their real and authentic feelings and reactions towards one another.
Melissa wrote an exceptional romance story between two best friends that will stay with me. I loved these characters, their story and everything in between. Melissa really knows how to reel the reader in, keep them invested and have them falling in love with the story. I hope we get more from this author in the near future.
October 10, 2025
Ever Known is a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance that starts with a gut punch and ends in healing.
When Tennyson Truman is left heartbroken a week before her wedding, she’s forced to confront the life she thought she wanted and the man who’s always been there. Austin Banks, her best friend since childhood, is patient, protective, and quietly devoted, the kind of hero who loves from the background until he can’t hide it any more.
Their journey is filled with emotional tension, unspoken longing, and the fear of losing the one person who feels like home. M.R. Joseph builds the story around found family, heartbreak, self-rediscovery, and the bravery it takes to open your heart again after betrayal.
There’s no insta-love here; every look, every touch, every small moment carries years of history and aching restraint. If you love tropes like “he falls first and he loved her longer,” and “he’s her safe place,” this book delivers them with warmth and sincerity.
Ever Known will break your heart, soothe it, and remind you that sometimes the love you need has been beside you all along.
When Tennyson Truman is left heartbroken a week before her wedding, she’s forced to confront the life she thought she wanted and the man who’s always been there. Austin Banks, her best friend since childhood, is patient, protective, and quietly devoted, the kind of hero who loves from the background until he can’t hide it any more.
Their journey is filled with emotional tension, unspoken longing, and the fear of losing the one person who feels like home. M.R. Joseph builds the story around found family, heartbreak, self-rediscovery, and the bravery it takes to open your heart again after betrayal.
There’s no insta-love here; every look, every touch, every small moment carries years of history and aching restraint. If you love tropes like “he falls first and he loved her longer,” and “he’s her safe place,” this book delivers them with warmth and sincerity.
Ever Known will break your heart, soothe it, and remind you that sometimes the love you need has been beside you all along.
June 27, 2025
I’ve really missed M.R. Joseph’s books, and I’m so glad she’s back—with characters I absolutely loved!
Tennyson and Austin have been best friends forever. Austin has always been her constant person, the one quietly looking out for her, even as he watched her fall for someone else. He stayed in the background, putting her happiness first… until that guy broke her heart. That’s when Austin finally says, "Enough is enough".
This story has it all—best friends to lovers, a sloooow burn (the kind that makes you ache in the best way), and off-the-charts chemistry. Watching them figure out their way to each other was such a satisfying journey. Yes, there were a few emotional bumps along the way that broke my heart—but in true M.R. Joseph fashion, she puts all the pieces back together again. And thank goodness, because I was not okay!
If you love heartfelt romance with heat and friendship, this one will hit you right in the feels.
And side note - this cover is EVERYTHING! - Just beautiful.
Tennyson and Austin have been best friends forever. Austin has always been her constant person, the one quietly looking out for her, even as he watched her fall for someone else. He stayed in the background, putting her happiness first… until that guy broke her heart. That’s when Austin finally says, "Enough is enough".
This story has it all—best friends to lovers, a sloooow burn (the kind that makes you ache in the best way), and off-the-charts chemistry. Watching them figure out their way to each other was such a satisfying journey. Yes, there were a few emotional bumps along the way that broke my heart—but in true M.R. Joseph fashion, she puts all the pieces back together again. And thank goodness, because I was not okay!
If you love heartfelt romance with heat and friendship, this one will hit you right in the feels.
And side note - this cover is EVERYTHING! - Just beautiful.
June 27, 2025
4 star
This is Tennyson and Austin’s story. These two have been friends for years. When she gets dumped just a week before her wedding, she is heartbroken. Austin is right at her side helping her work through it. When she finds out that Austin loves her she has to look at her life and make sure she wants to move forward with him. After all if things don’t work out she is losing so much more. As they build a future a choice is made by Austin that breaks the trust she has always had in him. Can they come back from that and move forward or has she lost everything?
I recommend this book.
This is Tennyson and Austin’s story. These two have been friends for years. When she gets dumped just a week before her wedding, she is heartbroken. Austin is right at her side helping her work through it. When she finds out that Austin loves her she has to look at her life and make sure she wants to move forward with him. After all if things don’t work out she is losing so much more. As they build a future a choice is made by Austin that breaks the trust she has always had in him. Can they come back from that and move forward or has she lost everything?
I recommend this book.
September 9, 2025
📖 Arc review
📖Ever Known by M.R Joseph
💙Friends to lovers
💙He falls first
💙Close Proximity
💙Protective MMC
💙YEARNING
A MAN THAT YEARNS IS A MAN THAT EARRNNNNSSS!!!!!!!!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
📖4.5/5
I made the GRAVE MISTAKE of starting this book before bed and I stayed up until 1:30 am to finish it . I was in a chokehold from chapter one .
My heart was breaking for Ten and all she was going through. I absolutely loved Kat and I definitely need her story in full detail .
DADDY AUSTIN🤌🏼
The man that you are !!!!
Ugh I love a man that YEARNS!!!!!
My only con is I wish the ending was drawn out a little more I felt like the reunion was too rushed at the end .
I definitely need more !
📖Ever Known by M.R Joseph
💙Friends to lovers
💙He falls first
💙Close Proximity
💙Protective MMC
💙YEARNING
A MAN THAT YEARNS IS A MAN THAT EARRNNNNSSS!!!!!!!!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
📖4.5/5
I made the GRAVE MISTAKE of starting this book before bed and I stayed up until 1:30 am to finish it . I was in a chokehold from chapter one .
My heart was breaking for Ten and all she was going through. I absolutely loved Kat and I definitely need her story in full detail .
DADDY AUSTIN🤌🏼
The man that you are !!!!
Ugh I love a man that YEARNS!!!!!
My only con is I wish the ending was drawn out a little more I felt like the reunion was too rushed at the end .
I definitely need more !
October 10, 2025
Ever Known
By: MR Joseph
First I’d like to thank MR Joseph for giving me a copy of the beautiful piece of work.
If you have the pleasure of meeting Missy, you’d see how much of her soul is put into this touching love story.
Angst.✅
Classic old literature mixed with current love ✅ I do believe that’s the part I love the most. It makes you want to keep reading.
Please, fall in love with a book by its cover, this is one you won’t want to miss. You can thank me later
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
By: MR Joseph
First I’d like to thank MR Joseph for giving me a copy of the beautiful piece of work.
If you have the pleasure of meeting Missy, you’d see how much of her soul is put into this touching love story.
Angst.✅
Classic old literature mixed with current love ✅ I do believe that’s the part I love the most. It makes you want to keep reading.
Please, fall in love with a book by its cover, this is one you won’t want to miss. You can thank me later
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
July 22, 2025
Austin and Ten
Loved this book but became a bit frustrated with the stubbornness of the female lead. Austin had the best intentions, but she couldn't get past her past relationship. Otherwise the romance was beautiful between them. The side character of Kat is portrayed perfectly. Always honest and there for the both of them.
Loved this book but became a bit frustrated with the stubbornness of the female lead. Austin had the best intentions, but she couldn't get past her past relationship. Otherwise the romance was beautiful between them. The side character of Kat is portrayed perfectly. Always honest and there for the both of them.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews