Worthy Now: The Despite It All Duet

by Nomi J. Avery

Jake

She’s back. Seven years of silence and she comes rolling into town acting like she didn’t decimate me when she left.

Sure, she’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. More so now than back when we were nothing but a couple of naive kids with hearts in our eyes. But if she thinks she can waltz back into my life like nothing ever happened, she’s got another thing coming. It’s taken me too much time and a lot of hard work to put the pieces back together.

Even still, I can’t help but wonder what could have been. Teresa Davidson was once the love of my life - my soulmate - and deep down, I know that hasn’t changed. Admitting it might make me a fool. But Lord help me, I still want her.

Tessa

I’m back. Seven years away has been too long, and with my mom’s recent diagnosis, I had no choice but to return.

The problem is, my biggest regret still haunts me here and his ocean eyes seem to find me wherever I go, regarding me with a cold detachment I despise. If he’d just give me five minutes of his time, I could explain. But Jake Nelson has always been incredibly stubborn, and he can really hold a grudge.

I hate knowing the love of my life - my soulmate - can't stand the sight of me. But I can’t let his pride get in the way of everything we could be. Come hell or high water, I’ll find a way to wear him down.

Worthy Now is Book Two in The Despite It All Duet and should not be read as a standalone. This second chance, small town romance is intended for ages 18 and over and contains some dark themes that may be upsetting.

Please check the author's website at www.nomijavery.com for a full list of content warnings.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance

424 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2025

About the author

Nomi J. Avery is a German author living in rural Ontario. A passionate long-time romance reader, she’s dreamed of becoming a published author since she was a little girl. A life-long 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.

Reviews

[Kiara Johnson Polcyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨ arc review✨
I could not wait to get my hands on this arc! Book 1 left us with such a cliffhanger, that I needed to know what happened next. Nomi did not disappoint. I fell in love with Jake and Tessa all over again while I read this book. The author is such an incredible writer. Everything so was descriptive and captivating. There were so many curveballs in this book that I did not see coming. I highly recommend this duology to anyone who enjoys second chance romances, small town romances, a bit of suspense and a whole lot of spice!

[Melanie Sharpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review:

I was so happy to finally get my hands on this book after the cliff hanger of the first book!! Thanks to Nomi and Nicole for the advanced copy!

I loved seeing a happily ever after finally happen for Tessa and Jake after the ups and downs of the first book. I felt like the conflicts were resolved rather quick in this book (including the conflict that comes up later on), but in the same breath I loved how much we got to see them happy and together. Other books often leaving me wanting more and I didn’t feel like that when this book ended.

The spice was so good! It was so much more than the first book! 🔥

I think it might have been closer to 5 stars had I not had that time between the two books! I wish I could have read them on after another. I think after reading the stress of the first one, continuing and hearing about all the good in their lives would have been more satisfying. Reading them apart made me notice the minimal conflict in the second book and how fast they resolved.

Overall, I love both books and would recommend the series! Childhood romances have a deep connection that other tropes can’t replicate, and Nomi did a great job pulling in the reader and making us cheer for Tessa and Jake in both books. I can’t wait to read other books by Nomi!

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthy Now by Nomi J. Avery was everything I wanted and more! This was such a beautiful second chance romance for Tessa and Jake, full of heart, growth, and that long-awaited happily ever after. Even with a few bumps in the road, their journey felt so real and so worth it.

I loved seeing these two older, wiser, and even sexier this time around. The communication was such a refreshing change, and the added spice? Whew, it definitely turned up a notch in this book!

I cried, I giggled, I swooned, and I loved on this story just as much as the first one. Nomi J. Avery has a way of pulling you in and making you feel every emotion right alongside the characters.

[Whatkatie.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. The tears of joy I have just wept! This was sent to me as an arc read and wow. The who story was just so incredible. I absolutely loved this book, and I can't even describe how amazing it is. The hard story lines, the characters, the emotional roller coaster. Just simply perfect. Jake and Tessa have a place in my heart always

[Tamarra Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two picks up where book one ended.

Tessa broke Jake’s heart, shattering the foundation of the relationship they had built, hurt by her betrayal he went on a downward spiral, with so much as not a good bye, Tessa left to pursue her career.

Only Tessa returns home, her mother’s cancer diagnosis forcing her to face what she left behind, her past and present colliding. Whilst Tessa was happy where she was, coming home was the one thing her heart missed.

Tessa comes face to face with the boy, now man who holds her heart. Between them there is nothing but spite and animosity. But Tessa is not solely responsible for what happened between them, because accountability works both ways.

When Tessa finally lays out the truth of what she has held back, and Jake fills in the gaps, do they come to the realisation that they were both manipulated, gullible pales into comparison on how foolish Tessa feels at the time she lost with Jake to a simple misunderstanding and lack of communication.

With Jake and Tessa on talking terms, they rekindle their friendship, igniting feelings between them both, ones that refused to stay buried. They take steps towards repairing the damage and reconciling the time that they have lost, reminiscing on their childhood and the fond memories they have of each other.

When Tess comes to the realisation that home is where the heart is, that where she truly belongs is being by Jake’s side, is almost derailed when Jake believes that Tessa is going to leave him again, thinking what a fool he was to let Tessa back into his life, only to realise his mistake when Tessa sets the record straight, she’s staying.

For Jake, Tessa is his one and only, his forever, and he is not letting her go, they both made the monumental mistake of letting each other go, but this is their second chance, a chance Jake takes, with the help of their family and friends does he pulls off the most beautiful proposal.

And what should be a moment of celebration turns into bloodshed when the one person who came between them, Jessica threatens to destroy their happiness for a second time, but as fate would have it, they got their reprieve, their past finally laid to rest.

Moving forward they waste no further time, tying the knot in front of family and friends, becoming husband and wife, binding their love and lives together as one, bridging the gap, becoming whole, completely, forever, but the most bitter sweet ending in their happily ever after was their future, in their home, with there two beautiful children and nothing and no one can compete with that.

The spicy scenes were perfect and on point. I am so happy that Jake and Tessa found their way back to each other.

Highly recommend both the author and the book. Can’t wait to read what this author writes next.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶️🌶️🌶️

This Duet is everything. When I signed up for the first book in the Duet, Before I Deserved You, I had seen the signup, not knowing more than the basic outline of the story….but what I read was a story of a boy and a girl, Jake and Tessa, meeting as kids and becoming friends, until they became teenagers and finding their first love in each other. It was a story of the highs of first love, the self doubts, trust issues, a traumatic home life for Jake with an abusive father and another girl so vicious in wanting what she couldn’t have, in this case Jake, that she would do anything and everything to break up a lifetime kind of love….and a secret comes to light that tears them apart.

Before I Deserved You ended on a heartbreaking cliffhanger but we didn’t have to wait too long for Worthy Now.

Before I Deserved You ended with Jake and Tessa being 18. Worthy Now moves forward 7 years and they haven’t seen each other in all that time. Tessa living in LA and Jake still living in their hometown, a family emergency calls Tessa back home.

Even though time has passed, Tessa never truly moved on from Jake…..and Jake never truly moved on from Tessa. But time has passed, past hurts still burn and can wounds ever truly heal that were left open and never dealt with for so long? And Is love enough to push through to a much deserved Happy Ever After?

These characters that Nomi created are warm and welcoming, like ultimate comfort characters. Through the love and heartbreak in the first book, the growth and love in Worthy Now soothes the ache that Before I Deserved You left you feeling in the cliffhanger. I have to mention Carter, Jake’s best friend, a consistent reason I legitimately laughed hard throughout this Duet, his energy and one liners were everything and the comedic break that everyone needed.

The epilogue was everything I hoped it would be and I can honestly say, I’ll miss these characters whole heartedly. The truest of love can be weakened sometimes but it never breaks and will always become stronger again when the two people who are meant to be realize that they’re each others HEA.

Read this Duet. It’s everything you want in a love story spanning a decade of childhood sweethearts to adults realizing you never truly get over your first real love.

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthy Now is the most perfect conclusion to this duet. This is book 2 in The Despite It All Duet. You do have to read book 1 in order to understand what's going on this book. Book 1 sort of ended on a cliffhanger and book 2 picks up where book 1 leaves off.
Tessa and Jake have been through so much! So so much. I thought for sure there wouldn't be a way to come back to each other. It jut seemed like obstacle after obstacle. But true love always finds a way.
I won't say more on the story itself because I don't want to give too much away, but this is definitely not a duet you want to pass up on.
I experienced every emotion in this book. I was furious at Jake in the beginning. Like.. I couldn't understand how he could be upset at her after everything he had sort of put her through with the whole Jessica situation. But I also understand his hurt and anger. But Jake sure did redeem himself. The way Jake and Tessa love each other.... if it's not like that, I don't want it. The spice is spectacular.
The writing is so so good. It keeps you flipping through the pages. The story is easy to follow and all the characters are absolutely amazing and lovable, except Jessica. We get to watch the characters grow from children into adults, but the amount of character growth Jake experienced was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. He gave up everything to protect his brother and sister from his father. That little moment he shared with his sister when she admitted that she saw and felt guilty that she never helped, broke me. But Jake came out strong in the end, defeated all his demons, and made a comfortable life for them. Ive never felt more proud of a man I didn't know.
This duet is everything. You have to read this!!! Bump it to the top of the tbr, this isn't one you're going to want to miss out on!!!! I can't wait to see what Nomi has next for us.

[Nik Rose (momsonplay) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nik’s ARC Review
🌼 Worthy Now by Nomi J. Avery
💗 Genre: Romance
🗓️ Publish Date: August 15, 2025

‼️ Spoilers ahead if you haven’t read Before I Deserved You!! I highly recommend starting there so you’ll get the full emotional ride.

📕Story Premise: 5/5
When Tessa finally returns back home after seven years to care for her sick mother, she is forced to confront Jake, the boy she left behind. With the feelings between them still strong, they need to see if they can move past the betrayal and hurt that broke them apart years ago.

💗 OTP Energy: 5/5
After Avery broke my heart in book one, I wasn’t sure I could handle Worthy Now. Thankfully, her Author’s Note promised a Happily Ever After, so I was able to powe through and I’m so glad I did. The miscommunication trope had me stressed, but these two deserved their ending. Seven years apart after surviving so much together? One year too many. I needed these two to be endgame.

✍️ Writing Style: 4/5
I appreciated how the author’s writing style matured with the characters in this duet. The first book was about Tessa and Jake as teens, so the closed-door scenes felt appropriate for that stage in their lives. It felt as if I was reading from a teenager’s point over, but be mindful it dives deep into dark themes. However, In Worthy Now, they’re well in their twenties, and Avery did a great job showing how much deeper their mutual pining and emotions ran for one another.

⭐️ Final Verdict: 4/5
After leavin us with that cliffhanger at the end of book one, Worthy Now was the closure I needed for Tessa and Jake. I can rest easy now knowing that miscommunication will no longer be what keeps these two apart.

[Isabella Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝗜 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂. 𝗜 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘆.”

This book was absolutely the balm I needed for my soul after the heartbreak of the first book, before I deserved you (which you absolutely need to read before diving into this one). After that gut wrenching cliffhanger in book one…I was happy for the break between books. There were a lot of heavy and emotionally trying topics discussed. And you truly felt how the MC’s struggled with the loss of each other and then the uncertainty of being reunited again.

In this book we see and finally understand why Jake was so hurt and why Tessa up and leaving him affected him the way it did. It’s no shock why he had the feelings he did. Thankfully, the miscommunication is resolved and we see these two start to really communicate and mend those wounds.

What I loved so much about this book is how we see the growth in both Jake and Tessa. They are adults now, versus the teenage version of them presented in book one. They are more mature. More understanding. And able to see a little clearer now that they aren’t in the emotional turmoil of being a teenager…because we all know, when things happen in our teens, we see it as the end of the world, and our rational thinking goes out the window. While their hurt was real and valid, they never really gave each other the opportunity to sit and communicate like adults…and now they are able to do that.

I enjoyed getting to finally see their physical connection. I really appreciated how the spice in book one was closed door and just mentioned, rather than gotten into deeply…because they were teenagers…but now they are deep into adulthood and we can see just how much chemistry they truly have.

I loved getting to see Tessa and Jake FINALLY happy and living their lives together like they always wanted. I think in some books we miss that part because the happy ending really starts at the end of the book. This happy ending is weaved throughout the entire book with how they navigate coming back together and I loved every moment.

Thank you so much to Nomi J Avery for the opportunity to ARC read this amazing book and allowing me to be part of your team and this beautiful journey 💛

💛2nd Book in Duet
🌼Emotional Read
💛Second Chance Romance
🌼Found Family
💛Mutual Pining
🌼Romantic Suspense
💛Miscommunication
🌼Emotional Development
💛Small Town Romance
🌼Broody MMC
💛Guarded FMC
🌼Soulmates
💛SPICE
🌼Dual POV
💛HEA

[The Plot Thickens Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Amanda on behalf of The Plot Thickens Book Club.
Title: Worthy Now
Author: Nomi J Avery
Rating: 3.5 Stars

Worthy Now is a small-town romance, 7 years after we left the FMC, Tessa, MMC Jake, and friends in Before I Deserved You. Best friends as children, and an intense love as teenagers, they complement each other so well, even though they are so very different.
​There is definite character growth for Tessa and Jake. Tessa moves away for college, then work. In that time, she has grown more confident and more assertive in who she is, but she has never forgotten the boy and town she left behind. Jake had a tougher time, but you could argue that his issues were self-inflicted. Already using drugs before high school graduation as a coping mechanism, Jake progresses and it took an OD for him to get clean. Now, a clean, thriving business owner and proud uncle, he is finally in a good place.
​I love their story: small town love and best friends. The antagonist, Jessica Cartwright, didn’t throw a curveball at them, but a right hook that they once again had to navigate, but this time, they did it together. Their story proves that communication goes a long way. The comedic relief from sub characters like Carter and Jake's siblings is fantastic, and the banter between them is well done. The writing is better in Worthy Now vs Before I Deserved You.
​Worthy Now has much spicier scenes than Before I Deserved You, and they were very well written and sexy! They are not stand-alones, but I would recommend them to someone 18+. The story and growth of the characters were great, and the HEA was what they both deserved.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake is still hurting, and honestly? Rightfully so. Tessa walked away seven years ago and left him to pick up the pieces. Now she’s back, and he’s colder, more guarded, but still so full of the love he’s trying to pretend isn’t there. His bitterness is sharp, but underneath it, you can feel how badly he still wants her—and how scared he is to want her again.

Tessa returning isn’t just about the past. She’s dealing with real-life stuff—her mom’s sick, she’s older, stronger, but still carrying the weight of her biggest regret: walking away from Jake. And now he won’t even look at her. The way she tries to reach him, to make things right, to prove she never stopped loving him… it gutted me.

The chemistry? Still there. Off the charts. But it’s the tension that had me hooked. The silence. The looks. The pain that never really healed. Watching them slowly break down each other’s walls was so satisfying. They’re both so stubborn, so in love, so unbelievably them—even after all this time.

This book doesn’t play around with fluff. It’s heavy, angsty, full of heartbreak, but it also brings the healing. The growth. The forgiveness. The idea that even when everything’s gone wrong, maybe, just maybe, you’re still worthy of love. Worthy now.

If you read book one, you need this. If you haven’t—go back. This duet is a full-body experience, and Jake and Tessa’s story will stay with me for a long time.

[Sharlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐/🌶️🌶️🌶️

First of all, Thank you for this ARC!

Where book one leaves us with the consequence of certain choices. Book two is all about resolving the problems and getting a happy ending. This book has a lot less heartbreak and the conflict between the two is easily solved. But I'd like to believe that is because of how great their love is for each other. I swoon and sigh.

These two had me on an emotional rollercoaster and I'm happy to see that I don't have to worry anymore. The teenagers we left in book one return as grown ups who have grown into themselves and have a better understanding of how things work. Don't get me wrong, Jake is as stubborn as ever and Tessa still can be somewhat on the naive side of things. But overall they've matured and that shows in the way they communicate with each other. And don't even get me started on the spice. That kicked up a notch or two and we are not mad about it.

A special shoutout to Carter and Megan. I love their dynamic, I love how they made their big family and included Jake as well. Honorable mentions for Caleb, Anna and Jude. And although I really don't like Megan, I think we needed her appearance in this book. 

Go and read this duet!

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Wow, I am so glad that I got to see the ending to Tessa and Jake’s love story. It was a long time coming 😍 in the first book, we saw their teenage years, which for Jake included abuse, loss of a parent, and alcoholism. The ending left them with a traumatic break-up that followed them for seven years. Now that Tessa is back in town, she finds her way back into Jake’s heart. It turns out, she never left.

Worthy Now was healing in many ways. We get to see Jake grow into a mature man. He’s overcome addiction, anger issues, and worked through some of his past with the help of therapy. It is refreshing to see the adults that Tessa and Jake grew into - and I am so glad they broke out of their past communication issues.

The way that mental health issues and suicide are talked about and handled to some extent gave me pause. The author handles mental health concerns tastefully when it comes to the MMC. However, Jessica has a mental illness and is talked about and dealt with in a rather stigmatizing way. Side note: make sure to read the content warnings if this is a trigger for you.

Overall, I enjoyed Tessa and Jake’s journey and I can’t wait to see what Nomi J. Avery writes next. ❤️

[Simplicity of Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it, and yes, I’ve said that on every book platform I’m on, and I stand by it.

I finished both books in two days (commitments who?). No regrets. This duet wrecked me in the most beautiful way possible.

In the second part, we fast-forward seven years and see Tessa and Jake as adults, finally getting a second chance to mend what broke them. I loved that they actually communicated early on (we love to see growth 🫶), even with Jake being his stubborn, guarded self. That’s what I adore about these characters; they’re flawed, human, and painfully real. Stubborn, triggered, trying, growing.

There’s also a touch of suspense in this duet, and honestly, I did not see that twist coming. I had a feeling something was going to happen, but not that. I love it when a book can still surprise me like that.

I think I’m starting to understand why I love second-chance romance so much; it’s the growth. The reminder that people aren’t perfect, that we’re all works in progress, and that’s okay. You can still be loved through the mess, and this author captures that sentiment perfectly.

Pick this one up if you love stories that are raw, real, and full of growth. The kind that reminds you love isn’t perfect, but it’s always worth it.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars

Worthy Now is everything I needed and more. I already loved Tessa and Jake from the first book, but I can confidently say they are one of my new favorite couples from any romance book.

After being gone for 7 years, Tessa is back and determined to repair her relationship with Jake after ending things on bad terms. This is a spicy second chance romance. We get to watch the characters grow through their past traumas and insecurities while they learn to love and trust once again.

Reconnecting with old characters and bringing new ones into the mix (I need a Caleb in my life), we get to watch as they all finally get the endings they deserve.

Nomi absolutely destroyed and then rebuilt my heart and soul with this duet. Thank you so much for trusting me with your sweet book babies and allowing me to read them both early. I will never forget this story and the immense impact it made on me these past few months.

[Pà · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book a lot. Jake was hurt deeply, and you could feel it was justified. Tessa left him years ago, but now she came back and everything between them was tense and emotional. Jake was colder and guarded but still carried a lot of love he tried to hide. Tessa faced her own struggles, with her mom being sick and all, and she wanted to fix what she broke with Jake. The chemistry between them was strong, full of silent moments, looks, and pain that never fully healed. Watching them slowly open up again and break down walls was so satisfying. The story wasn’t light or easy, it was heavy, angsty, with heartbreak, but also healing, growth, and forgiveness. The characters felt real and their emotions hit hard. This was definitely a5 star read, and I hope to see more like this. Thank you so much to the author and Naughy Noor PR for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.

[Sabrina Mordini · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up
After the intensity and heartbreak of Before I Deserved You, I was eager to see how Jake and Tessa’s story would finally unfold. In this second part, we meet them as adults, and the shift in tone reflects their growth — the story is more mature, both emotionally and in the romance itself.

As a second-chance love story, it delivers plenty of longing and reconnection, though I found myself wishing for a little more build-up before they found their way back together. Things move quickly after their reunion, with only a few real points of tension. Still, it was satisfying to see the pieces fall into place after so much struggle in the first book.

This conclusion might not carry the same level of angst and heartache as the opening, but it balances the duet nicely, offering closure, healing, and the happy ending Jake and Tessa truly deserved.

[Stephanie Routhier · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book as an ARC. This review and thoughts are mine alone.*

Rating: 4.75⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️


I’m not a huge fan of cliffhangers. So i am very glad i read them consecutively. I think my ranking might be based on both books as a whole as well.

Tessa and Jake have really gone through the wringer.. but i find the way the conflicts were resolved in the second book to be more realistic than in the first. They almost seemed to have been brushed under the rug, as opposed to them taking things out like adults. Which makes me wonder if the reviews for the first book were taken as constructive criticism.

I did thoroughly enjoy this, and i think my 4.75 is based on the cliffhanger. I usually avoid them entirely due to being impatient.

[lu_betweenthecovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a beautiful story. Jake was perfect, he was raw, gentle and a beautiful soul that went through a tough adolescence that nearly cost him everything because of it. He made mistakes, but with the help of his amazing friends and siblings he became stronger, mature and a business man.
I had some problems with Tessa, she was moved by her insecurities and not by her love for Jake, she made mistakes, a lot of them and nearly paid the price for them.
I loved how the book is based on their second chance at love from the beginning, so we can read about they rebuilding their relationship based on communicating to one another, on building trust once again and being true to themselves.
It was a beautiful conclusion of their journey.

[Sarah Landis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fitting and satisfying conclusion to Tessa and Jake’s story. I loved how it picked up seamlessly where Worthy Of left off, making it easy to dive back in and feel fully immersed in their world again.

What really stood out to me was how the struggles from book one didn’t magically disappear—Nomi J. Avery carried them forward in a very real and respectful way. It gave the characters’ growth so much weight, and the emotional payoff was worth it.

It was also such a treat seeing Anna and Jude all grown up, along with Megan and Carter’s growing family woven into the story—it gave that small-town continuity that I adore.

A heartfelt, emotional, and beautifully done second chance romance that truly honored Jake and Tessa’s journey 💓

[Kate Fordham · Rating 5 out of 5]

So i jumped into this book, because I need to know if Tessa and Jake ever got back together after that ending in book 1!!

After leaving for college Teresa doesn't come back to town because her mum is sick. A reason she hasn't return in 7 years is because she doesn't want to bump into Jake.

It's inevitable as its a small town, Teresa tries to make amends with Jake but hes not having any of it and punishes her for leaving every chance he gets.

They both realise they aren't over their love towards each other, they are drawn to each other.
It wouldnt be a great story without a little drama thrown in with the return of jessica.

I love they get the HEA, after everything they have been through they deserve the happiness!!

Great ending

[Lyndsay Blackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nomi, YOU DID IT AGAIN!!! I don’t know where to start because this book would get ALL the stars if I could!

I Love Jake and Tessa soooo much and was so glad to see them make a come back in book 2! This book was EVERYTHING I didn’t know I needed yet EVERYTHING I was waiting and hoping for after reading Before I Deserved You.

There were times I was on the edge screaming and crying, no not again, but you did not disappoint.

10/10 would recommend both books to any and everyone because my heart is SO FULL right now. I’m sad to see this duet come to an end but excited for what Nomi has coming next.

[Chanelle Léger-Brine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthy Now by Nomi J. Avery
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This is the absolute closure I needed, but I’m so sad that this duet is over 🥺

To see Jake & Tessa evolve as individuals, but as a couple as well was everything! All of their family & friends were all included in this story & it was truly amazing.

AND the spice be spicing in this book 🌶️🥵

This book was nerve wracking, and an absolute emotional roller coaster, but sooo worth it 🖤

I said it in my last review & I’ll say it again : this is the kind of read where you start reading one page & cannot stop!!!

Nomi, you did it again! This is an incredible read & I will continue to recommend this duet 🖤

[Nicole M · Rating 5 out of 5]

So… my brain is all over the place about how to write this because my first thought and the one that screams the loudest is closure. When you view this as the second half of a Duet (as it is meant to be viewed), it is exactly what is needed to mend all that was broken in the first half. Jake and Tessa have always had chemistry and that doesn't go away despite years and mistakes and anger. After the heartbreak of the cliffhanger that came with book one, Worth Now was honestly very healing. This book felt very honest and real about the experience of people do stupid things when they are young and whether or not they can fix their dumb mistakes.

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and I love that this helped answer a lot of questions that I was left with after book one.

Tessa and Jake are literally two of my favorite characters. I love a good second chance romance story. What I loved about this story is that the characters and what they were going through just all felt so genuine and real. The spice was so good in this book and I feel like it was authentic and how it was approached.

This book really wrapped up a lot of things for me and I love the possibility of a good happily ever after story. I feel like these two characters deserve that and so much more.

I give this a solid four out of five stars.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎯 If you love second-chance romances that wreck you and heal you in the same breath — this duet is IT.

Book 2 of The Despite It All Duet picks up right where Before I Deserved You left us hanging.
Tessa’s back in town after seven years… and Jake? Yeah, he’s still pissed, still guarded, but that spark? Unstoppable.

💔 Expect:
• Small-town tension
• High-angst, slow-burn
• Old wounds, new chances
• Emotional punches you’ll feel in your chest

By the end, you’ll be smiling through tears because this is redemption, healing, and love worth fighting for.

📖 Read Book 1 first — trust me, the payoff in Worthy Now is chef’s kiss.

[Ashley Olmeda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did the ARC for the first book and the cliff hanger I was left on destroyed me. I just finished the ARC for this which is the second book in the duet and omg Nomi you did not disappoint girl. I laughed and cried and laughed some more. I love Jake and Tessa and couldn’t have asked for a better ending but omg Jessica that crazy wench 😮‍💨🫣 I didn’t see that one coming. My heart dropped and I felt sick waiting for the outcome of that one. This is a must read duet from Nomi please pick them up and read them you will not be disappointed.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC! I am so happy to have finally read the conclusion to Jake and Tessa’s love story. Was it ever a roller coaster! As in the first book of this series (Before I Deserved You), there were some surprises along the way that I didn’t see coming. I went through a lot of emotions with this book! It was nice to see the characters grow from the previous book and I was satisfied with how the story ended. If you’re looking for something to make you feel all the feels, this duet is it! Both books are available now!

[shadowarc13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” Worthy Now picks up seven years after Before I Deserved You. Tessa has built a life in Los Angeles, while Jake remained in their hometown. When a family emergency brings Tessa back, their paths cross again. Neither of them has ever truly moved on.
Does the past still linger? Can old wounds finally heal? And is love strong enough to carry them through the pain toward the healing they deserve?
This duet is emotional, powerful, and best read back-to-back. Absolutely worth it! 💛

[Cady Zimmermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold onto your seat this book will take you for a ride. This book will having you turn the pages to see how it plays out. Jake and Tessa have been through so much at young ages that you root for their happy ending. They do get the happy ending with a lot of hurdles to set it. This book two in a series you have to read book one because it leaves on a jaw dropping cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read more from this author.