It's Always Been You

by Rachel Chamberlayne

He’s a former womanizer with a redeemed heart; she’s an old fling battling low self-esteem. After three years of silence, he’s back, and this time she’s wise enough to know he only wants her body, not her heart. Or does he?Evie

I’ve loved my brother’s best friend since before I could talk—and it ended up costing me both my virtue and my heart. When an unexpected health scare forces me to quit my job as a caregiver three years later, Brandon swoops in and makes me a job offer I can’t refuse.

He’s acting like a total saint these days, but I know the real Brandon beneath that deceptively charming, calculatedly clinical doctor’s smile. This is all just a game to him—he loves the chase. Unfortunately, the last time we played games, I fell in love, and he fell in lust.

Still, my cold, black heart might be dumb enough to want to play again—just to feel something.

Brandon

I knew everything would change when I gave my life to Christ. The only change I couldn’t have prepared for was losing the one person who was in my corner when it felt like the whole world had turned against me.

I might have let my Spitfire down, but I’ll never let her go—not until she stops running from me long enough to forgive me. But as her heart begins to soften toward me, that same ember of desire burning between us threatens to send our innocent friendship up in flames yet again.

Hiring her as my assistant will be either the best decision or the worst mistake I’ve ever made.

Author's It's Always Been You is a closed door, fade-to-black contemporary Christian romance that includes mature themes best suited for readers 18+.

Genres: Christian Romance, Christian, Romance, Christian Fiction, Workplace Romance, Second Chance, Second Chance Romance

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2025

Reviews

[Johneice · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOSH. 😮‍💨👏🏾 I have no words for how amazing this book was! This book tackled so many different things. From sin, forgiveness, selfishness, healing, showing grace, and SOOOO much more. I truly have never read a book where the characters are so raw and real. Like, I genuinely felt so many emotions for Evie and Brandon. Although, I am not a big fan of the age gap in this story (12 year difference), their relationship was a rollercoaster. I was so engaged while reading! This also being a Christian based story really tied it all together for me. It was beautiful to see two characters navigating their faith, while also dealing with their personal issues. I could see myself in these characters! I don't know what else to type, seriously. 😂😂😂 I loved this story THAT much! Just go and read the book on November 3, 2025 when it releases. You will not regret it! Thank you to Rachel Chamberlayne and BookFunnel for this e-ARC! ❤️

[Tatum - nuggetybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Brandon & Evie
- Age gap (12 years)
- Brothers best friend, childhood friends
- Forbidden love
- Single dad
- He takes care of her
- Second chance & healing through Christ
- Boss/assistant
- built in playlist

✨ a few of my favorite things
- seeing genuine humans in their walk with Jesus
- The teasing
- How much Brandon yearns for Evie
- How much grace Brandon has for Evie
- The flashbacks
- Evie’s grandma 😂💕
- Brandon trying and struggling and trying again to submit to the Lord
- How protective and caring Brandon is to Evie
- Their letters
- Evie’s faith by the end of the book
- The yellow daisies
- The last chapter and epilogue 🥹

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First off. This book is extremely well written. It covers a range of sin, selfishness, and struggles with grace and kindness from the author. There isn’t shame other than the guilt the characters themselves feel after regrettable actions. Rachel talks about sin in a way that’s gracious and enlightening to the grace and sacrifice of Jesus. I can feel the heart and prayer and thought put into the book by Rachel.

The story feels complete and the characters do not magically get better. The MCs put in the work with the strength and guidance of Jesus to be able show up in big ways for each other.

This book is truly one of the best books I’ve read. The depth of the characters makes them feel like real humans with very real struggles. Rachel also captures the heart of Jesus and the truth of the gospel in a way that shows how Jesus works through His people, no matter how broken we are or if we fall astray. A major theme of this book is focused on the peace and rest only He provides. The main characters walk through being made new and how that can be a long hard process when the enemy uses shame and guilt to keep us from God’s promises. But thank God 1 John 4 is true, especially verse 18 which is shown over the course of the book.

I struggle with age gaps especially ones this large. This one was no exception. However, in the end I felt that the age gap and their love despite it was well addressed. Also Teddy was cute but I was hoping for more of him because I felt he didn’t always feel like he was the age he was stated to be.

I cannot wait for everyone to read this and cry like I did at the goodness of God shown through Brandon, Evie, and all the side characters 💕💕

This is a closed door Christian romance. There is kissing on page and no cursing. There are discussions about sex, intimacy temptations, past addictions, and past self harm. There are heavy topics throughout the book and the author has an author’s note in the beginning of the book leading to content warnings on her website.

**Thank you so much to Rachel for letting me read this gifted ARC. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**

Songs:
Bet u wanna by Sabrina Carpenter
Sugar sweet by Benson Boone
So easy to fall (in love) by Olivia Dean
Lover of mine by Louyah
Religiously by Bailey Zimmerman
Anything by Griff
Stay by Rihanna
Trustfall by Ashley Kutcher
Oh Anna! By Dasha
Cold as you by Taylor Swift
The last time by Taylor Swift & Gary Lightbody
Us. By Gracie Abrams & Taylor Swift
To love someone by Benson Boone

[Tawni Suchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Always Been You by Rachel Chamberlayne is a book that truly encompasses what ✨GRITTY✨ Romance should be.

We have two EXTREMELY imperfect characters, one who is a baby Christian and another who is unsure where she stands with Jesus and a shared history that both are ashamed of for different reasons.

There's a sort of "then and now" timeline where we get a peek at their history through diary entries.

This story deals with sexual sin in a very tactful manner that gives us enough to understand what happened with no unnecessary descriptions. Sin is never glorified but instead handled realistically with care and shows the power of God's grace.

This book is for the reader who wants to see God's grace and redemption at work with even the most lost soul.

The story itself is powerful but the writing flows beautifully, the descriptions are just enough to paint the picture while leaving room for the reader to fill in the blanks, and exquisitely unfolds as both characters discover the goodness of God and the power of His redemptive work.

Evie and Brandon's story hooked me from the very first page.

There are very few books that I've read that have such realistically flawed characters and this is one of them. It also shows that once we become Christians it doesn't mean we are perfect, sinless characters. We are still flawed and need God's grace regularly--it just means we have hope and a God who never turns His back on those who are His.

It's Always Been You is in the top 5 of my favorite books of 2025 and I highly recommend it.

RATINGS:
💋 💋
✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️
18+

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this contemporary Christian romance. I know I’ve loved it when the characters stick with me when I’m not reading and I want to get back to them! And goodness gracious Evie & Brandon were both a bit of a hot mess (kind of like real life people!) and boy did they go through it. Relationship - “it’s complicated” - is definitely them! I rooted for them, felt sorry for them and my heart broke for each of them at different times. The portrayal of having to live with the consequences of your poor choices even though you are forgiven, was real in this book. And it took awhile for Evie and Brandon to work through that and get their HEA but i loved reading about how they came through it. And I loved the way Rachel wrote such a story of hope, healing and forgiveness. Both Brandon and Evie needed it.

I also really appreciated how Rachel portrayed a character who had come to Christ but that didn’t mean their struggles and temptations with sin were over. And the Faith elements and Gospel presentation were amazing. What I love to see in a Christian romance!

This story has so much substance in it and I enjoyed how you had to read all the way through for everything to get tied up.

[Elizabeth Mock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm gonna' start this review out with some honesty. This book is raw, friends. It was a little tough for me to get through. This book deals with some very hard, very heavy (adult) issues, like sexual immorality (past sexual sin), self-harm, anxiety/panic attacks, loss, hard parental relationships, and depression/mental health struggles. In all honesty, I personally tend to lean more towards light-hearted rom-coms, fairytale/fantasy books, happy endings, and Hallmark-movie-style books. So, for someone like me, this book was a little out of my normal reading comfort zone. But, as a Christian, I was very eager to read this book knowing that the author dealt with all those hard, heavy issues within the framework of the Bible and with a Biblical perspective. And I have to say that the author represented Christ and the Biblical worldview so, so well. She definitely didn't shy away from the honest realities of those hard issues and what those sins and struggles look like, but she also framed it all with the hope of Christ and His salvation and redemption. Despite the hard (and very real) issues of sexual sin and mental health portrayed in this story, the themes of forgiveness, the gracious and never-ending love of God for His children, hope of redemption in Christ, finding our identity in Christ, selfless love, Christ's work on the cross being sufficient to forgive ALL sins (no matter how many or how grave), and growing in our sanctification and walk with the Lord are all beautifully woven throughout this book. So, even though this book was a little challenging for me to read (only because of my own personal book tastes), I loved the author's Christian/Biblical perspective and the fact that she never left the reader without hope. Rachel Chamberlayne writes in a way that is incredibly raw and real and deeply emotional and powerful. In every hard, emotional scene, I could FEEL the pain of the characters and felt like I was there in the room with them. Finally, I absolutely loved the ending of this book. The author ended the book with a beautiful picture of hope, unconditional love, grace, and redemption, and the story was concluded so wonderfully.

*Note about content: Even though this book deals with sexual sin, all of those scenes are "fade-to-black." There are no sexually-explicit or "open-door" scenes.

(I was given a free Advanced Reader copy of this book, but all opinions and reviews are mine and are 100% honest.)

[Kathryn Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your grandmother's Christian romance! And thank God for that!

Rachel writes realistic, raw relationships about characters who feel like real people. They make mistakes, they struggle with the effects of trauma, wrestle with insecurities, temptations, guilt, shame, and more. And I love that. I love seeing humans portrayed, especially in the context of being followers of Jesus, as real and relatable and not some fairytale perfection.

The pacing of this story is excellent (the angst ... ugh 😍). I had my hopes for how the romance would go, but Rachel wrote it in such a way as to leave me hanging right up to the ending chapters (so, the best kind of angst).

But honestly? One of my favorite parts of this romance was the non-romantic relationships portrayed, particularly that of Evie and her grandma. Don't get me wrong, I adore Evie and Brandon, but the way other relationships play such a huge role in both Evie and Brandon's lives was just SOO good, so balanced. I'm a huge supporter of this kind of depiction, because I think it's so important to show other healthy relationships speaking into a person's life, not just their romantic interest.

Also, if you think you can get through this book without reading the message of the gospel, think again. It's woven into the characters' journeys, so prepare for it to be a major part of the story. Not in a preachy way, but a "this is part of who these characters are" kind of way. This romance is not a fluffy read. It holds weight, truth, and brings often-silenced topics to the table. With that said, it also made me laugh a lot. I adore Rachel's writing. She has a true gift!

[Amy Tackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is Christian emo romance a thing? Because if not, Rachel Chamberlayne just created it.

At its core, IT’S ALWAYS BEEN YOU is a beautifully heartbreaking redemptive tale about the consequences of sexual sin. We live in a culture where premarital sex is normalized, even for believers, and it’s fictional pieces like this that will help guide us back to Christ. Rachel does a phenomenal job of exploring this topic through a biblical lens, and although it’s meant for adults, I wish I’d read a book like this as a teenager.

I also just love how raw and real this story was. Squeaky clean and sweet romance has its time and place, but for some of us, we need this grittier, more realistic viewpoint of what sexual sin looks like and what the consequences of that are. On the flip side, Rachel also does a wonderful job demonstrating that Christ still loves us, even in our sin. His mercy knows no bounds, and she captured this beautifully.

Whether you’re 15 or 55, this is a powerful story for the ages. Thank you, Rachel, for creating such a heart-wrenching, beautiful book.

[Adia Somi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Chamberlayne seems to have a nack for crafting romances that keep me up late binge reading. It’s Always Been You was definitely one of those. The MCs were both so well written that they drew me deep into their story. I was invested before I knew what was happening, and my oh my their story was a layered one. The plot was expertly revealed and had me on the edge of my seat more than once. A roller coaster of emotions for both the characters and me as a reader.

It’s Always Been You is far from a sweet cozy romance. It addresses heavier darker topics of sexual sin and mental health struggles. These topics are very importantly not glanced over, but neither is the darkness glorified. I thought it especially unique because their consequences and effects are shown through a variety of lenses.

Evie and Brandon are both portrayed in a relatable, raw way. They are each in different places in their own personal faith journeys, neither is suddenly all perfect. I loved how through their struggles themes of redemption and grace were such a huge natural part of their lives. For all the mistakes the greater story is really the healing.

Overall Brandon and Evie’s love story was messy but beautiful. I would highly recommend It’s Always Been You if you’re looking for an adult romance that talks about hard truths from a Christian perspective.

[Audrey Colman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of getting to beta read this book, and read it more than once. And it ripped me apart. Both times.

It’s one of those books where you want to both hug the character and shake them awake at the same time.

Rachel writes in such a way that you can’t help but fall in love with the characters. Can’t help but feel for them, and also feel seen and loved for the things you’ve gone through. Her writing is also such that you are transported into the book, you feel every emotion the character goes through — but thankfully you don’t have to deal with their physical pain. Poor Evie gets to deal with a lot of both emotional and physical pain.

It was hard to decide who I related to more. Brandon or Evie. I felt every twisted, dark piece of Evie’s heart, while also knowing the love of Christ that Brandon had come to know.

Rachel takes a look at sexual sin from a completely biblical perspective, offering readers hope, while also making the reader feel seen and heard.

Rachel, thank you so much for trusting me enough to let me read your book several times along the way. Thank you for bearing your heart, and offering hope to Christian women.

[Parkland Mom · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 Stars
Completed: Dec. 31/25
Format: e-book borrow (Kindle Unlimited)

Book #182 of 2025: NTM author

This is difficult to write but I struggled to enjoy this book. The constant drama of on and off, on and off, on and off was tiresome. I just never became convinced of a healthy relationship. I did not care for the crude choice of words (twice) with “bang” to refer to sex. Totally inappropriate for Christian fiction in my opinion. Evie dressing in a tight lingerie dress to church-or at all-was bothersome.

I did really enjoy the elderly people in this book, as well as the stepmother and her sincerity. I appreciated the healing between Evie and her Dad. Brandon really changed his life and I respected his growth. In all honest, Evie was hard to like. Brandon’s character was correct in giving her time. She had growing up to do. The last few chapters were the best part of the book. I also chose a few quotes that I have in my Highlights’ section. My favourite is: “Now, abiding in Jesus feels like rest—like respite for my soul.”

[nerdygirlmeetsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story checked ALL the boxes for me! I'd had this one in my kindle library for a little while now, but l kept coming across it on TikTok and knew it was time to read it. Now I'm so glad I didn't wait any longer to read it!

Evie and Brandon were everything in this story!
Brandon, Evie's forever crush, is now a single dad, a successful doctor and still utterly in love with the forbidden fruit. Evie has spent years avoiding the subject of Brandon and the forbidden romance they had together, leading to the ultimate night she gave him everything and he shut her out afterwards.

Here we are several years later. They're both at a family holiday event and are brought back together...but where do they go from here??

This book had some fantastic tropes: Brother's Best Friend, Second Chance Romance, Forbidden Romance, One True Love, MMC's who grow and change...just to name a few.

This book is a Christian romance themed book, but does have some content that may be uncomfortable for some readers.

[Chelsey Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything Rachel Chamberlayne writes. She is an absolute auto-read author for me. I read this book twice before it was even published, and that should tell you a lot about how incredible it is.

The themes surround former unbelievers and sexual sin and temptation and it’s a romance, yes, but also; if you’ve ever felt like you have to earn your salvation? If you’ve ever wondered why it feels like everyone else is able to move on from their past, but you’re judged (or judging yourself) for your own? If you’ve ever experienced a complicated friendship (or any kind of relationship) and yearned for biblical reconciliation, this is a book you want to read. 🥀

Note: Just as Rachel herself says, this book is Christian, but that doesn’t mean it’s all ages welcome. If you’re a responsible adult who doesn’t mind reading these themes, or will consider giving them a chance in IABU, I really hope you do! 🤎

[Tamara Wang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had the privilege of being an ARC reader for both Rachel's books so far. It's Always Been You is a wonderful love story set during the holiday season. But unlike many holiday romances, it has so much RANGE. There are swoon-y moments and there are heart-wrenching struggles resulting from sexual sin. There's cute banter and there are characters who experience tough yet refining moments of conviction.
Rachel does not shy away from telling Evie and Brandon's struggles. And yet the whole story points readers to Jesus Christ and affirming the healing and redemption they can have in Him.
IABU is filled with heart and I'm certain any reader will be touched and changed by this story!

[Brittney (booksta.britt) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! There’s so much I could say, truly. I talked with the Author while reading this one and it is honestly a beautiful picture of Christ’s love for us.
I am so proud of the way Rachel handled these harder topics of sexual sin and self worth. She was so mindful of not glorifying sin and even the more difficult moments she never crossed any lines. So thankful! I know she has said she never wants for her writing to cause any lustful thoughts in the reader. She did an amazing job showing the realities of sin. How even though someone is a Christian they can fall into sin if they aren’t letting the Spirit truly lead them. Such a great reminder to be so intentional in your relationship with Jesus.

I love books like this. That feels real, that evokes so many emotions inside of me. That make me sit back when I’m done and consider my heart position.

This is a sweet, hard story with complex characters but so much redemption. So much Jesus. She laid out this story perfectly and wrote these character’s individual stories so well. Honestly, the best book I’ve ever read on this topic. I’m so glad I read this one and I am excited for what you do next 🖤

Content ⚠️
For trigger warnings & details visit https://rachelchamberlayne.com/itsalw...

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first teasers I saw from this book, it quickly became one of my most anticipated fall reads. I had such high expectations for this story... and I am happy to say, it absolutely delivered. In fact, it might have even exceeded those expectations. Let's be clear though, this isn't one of those sweet and easy Christian romances where the characters had it all together and always made the right choices. No, Brandon, Evie, and their history together was messy, flawed and full of angst. Their story dealt strongly with sexual sin (and its repercussions), something they continued to struggle with even after turning to Christ... and I think there's something very real about that... a reminder that our own struggles with sin- whatever that might look like for us, don't always just disappear overnight. I loved that this story didn't shy away from the hard stuff or glorify sin... but pointed right back to God's redemption and the most important relationship of all... the one with Him. Of course, I loved the romance between Brandon and Evie--- it was a tender and emotional one with a perfectly slow burn and a truly hard fought happily ever after that I absolutely love... but it truly was that story of grace and healing that set this one apart!

It's Always Been You is a Christian closed-door romance with fade-to-black/implied intimacy between a non-married couple. It deals with several mature themes, as well as potential triggers. See the author's note at https://rachelchamberlayne.com/itsalw... for the full details.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Tracy Chumbley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Always Been You by Rachel Chamberlayne is one of those rare books that draws you in from the very first page and refuses to let go. From beginning to end, this story captivates with its heartfelt emotion, relatable characters, and deeply meaningful message.

I was immediately drawn to the down-to-earth tone of the writing. Chamberlayne creates a world filled with everyday people, real struggles, and genuine faith — something anyone can connect with. The relationship between Evie and Brandon is beautifully written, filled with twists, complications, and tender moments that keep you intrigued and on the edge of your seat until the very end.

What stood out to me most was how naturally and sincerely the author weaves faith into the story. My favorite part is the introduction and invitation to Jesus Christ — presented with such honesty and sweetness. Chamberlayne shares the truth of our Heavenly Father in a way that feels approachable, never overwhelming. Whether you’re new to faith or have been walking with Christ for years, her words serve as both an introduction and a gentle reminder of His endless love for us.

It’s Always Been You is more than just a love story between Evie and Brandon; it’s also a love story between the Creator and His children. It’s a touching, uplifting, and thought-provoking read that beautifully combines romance and spiritual truth. Rachel Chamberlayne has truly created an exceptional story that speaks to both the heart and the soul.

[Lindsey IG: BookishlyLindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
Man, this book is gritty, raw, and oh so real! Quite frankly, sexual sin isn’t talked about enough, and I love that a Christian author chose to tackle the subject. Rachel did a fantastic job taking us through the journey Brandon and Evie share so deeply. These two have been intertwined in each other’s lives from the very beginning. We watch them navigate different phases of life and grow in unique ways. Both struggle with their own sins and demons—it’s heartbreaking and beautiful. This book shows how living in the flesh can wreak total havoc, even when you think you have the best intentions.

⚠️ sexual sin, self-harm, chronic pain, abandonment (of a parent), gaslighting, and miscarriage.
🤬 None
💋 Fade to Black

Things I loved:
🖤 Grandma
🖤Brandons teasing
🖤 The dual timeline
🖤 Evie’s redemption
🖤Brandon’s letter
🖤God meets us in our mess!

[Cami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved It’s Always Been You by Rachel Chamberlayne. The story between Brandon and Evie depicts realistic and beautiful life experiences that Christians go through today with sin. I love the emphasis of faith, the importance of having a relationship with Christ, and trusting Him in all aspects of our lives through the good and bad. I can’t wait for other readers to read this book and love it just like I did❤️

[Lizzy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the huge honor of being an ARC reader for It’s Always Been You and I am so beyond grateful because this book was fantastic!! Brandon’s care for Evie is beautiful and the way his flesh and spirit both show through in his interactions and thought life paints such a real picture of what following Christ is like. This book is one that truly has the power to help people understand God’s grace and mercy. Obviously, there’s only so much a book can say but I feel like this book could have been so much longer and dove into topics I felt were a little rushed. Overall, I loved Brandon and Evie’s story!!

[Sophia Mccurdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this Christian contemporary romance! It was such a real and emotional story that made you connect to the characters. They weren’t perfect, which made them feel genuine and relatable. I loved the mix of funny moments and emotional ones, and the brothers best friend and second chance tropes were done perfectly. The Christian perspective was beautifully written and added a lot of depth. Such a good read!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, Emotional, and Unforgettable!
This story grabbed me from the first page and never let go. It’s beautifully written, with characters who are real, messy, and completely human. The emotions hit hard love, pain, redemption. all tangled together in the best way. Brandon and Evie friends to more romantic was absolutely amazing. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read some very great, powerful books in my life, lately I seem to be getting into that raw, deep, emotional book that rip your heart out and gets pieced back together in the end. Evie and Brandon have always had this passionate desire for each other ever since Evie ran away from his wedding day. Years later, Evie and Brandon encourage the same kind of passion that got them in the mess to begin with. Only thing that is changed is now Brandon is a born-again believer in Jesus and wants to live for Him and that includes staying away from the temptations with Evie. She doesn’t believe he’s changed, but he is set out to prove her wrong. Evie and Brandon both have such a strong bond and also both been through so much in their lives. I loved how the author really didn’t shy away from the topics not a lot of authors would normally. She brought the ugly parts and the best parts of the characters. This beautiful book about redemption, relationships, and learning to forgive is something I believe every Christian woman should read if they love romance. God’s grace and forgiveness is so strongly expressed. I cried multiple times in this for Evie, Brandon and for their relationship together.

Another 5 or more ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s Always Been You
by Rachel Chamberlayne

Rating Breakdown
Characters: 4.5 ⭐️
Romance: 4.25 ⭐️
Storyline: 4.5 ⭐️
Writing/Pacing: 4.25 ⭐️

Final Rating
4.5 ⭐️ (rounded up from 4.38)

Summary
From Goodreads: “He's a former womanizer with a redeemed heart; she's an old fling battling low self-esteem. After three years of silence, he's back, and this time she's wise enough to know he only wants her body, not her heart. Or does he?”

Review

Characters: 4.5 ⭐️
Wow, these characters were an emotional roller coaster to experience. They had me smiling, laughing, frustrated, stressed out, and wanting to force them both to just sit down in a room and talk until it was all worked out. I really liked how far Brandon had come from the sins of his past. Reading about past Brandon was… rough and frustrating to say the least. Seeing him become the man and father God wanted him to be was heartwarming, even if it was a stressful journey. I found parts of myself in Evie and I’m not entirely sure I understand that completely. I related to her emotional up and downs, the wondering why my life couldn’t be different, and wanting to feel loved and wanted. To be vulnerable, it triggered a crying session (or two) from me. Her sadness almost morphed into my own. Evie finally taking control of her physical/mental health and starting her walk with the Lord and ultimately becoming who she was meant to be was as heartwarming as Brandon’s transformation too. I hope that I’m able to follow Evie’s lead. Last note, I really loved Maggie.

Romance: 4.25 ⭐️
Brandon and Evie’s relationship was as addicting as it was stressful. It was hard for me to understand some of the choices that were made by them, but I understand that it ultimately came down to them both needing to see that God loves them, wants a relationship with them, and has a plan for them. Although Brandon knew that from the start, I think Evie was an aspect of his life that he had a hard time handing over to God fully. He was still chasing a redemption that had already been granted from God, even if he and Evie couldn’t see that. The making progress and then going backwards so many times was hard to read. It was sad and frustrating, but as I said previously, I know it was part of their growth, especially for Evie and all of the feelings she had pushed down. In the end, I’m glad they got their happy ending. If this was a non-Christian romance, I would’ve never believe a couple like them could make it because they’d always be stuck in the same cycle, but because of God’s power and making them a new creation in him, I have faith that they’d make it and create a great life for their family.

Storyline: 4.5 ⭐️
This was such an interesting approach to a Christian romance. I had just read Dare to Hold by Amber Nicole before this and hadn’t intended to go into another book in the genre right after, but this was too intriguing not to start. What I’m really respecting about this generation of Christians is that we’re not shying away from topics that would previously be brought to us with shame and judgement. Don’t get me wrong, the author doesn’t glorify sin, but she tells the story with hope instead of doom. These characters go through a lot, but as the reader, hope never felt lost for them. This story was emotional, but incredibly addicting.

Writing/Pacing: 4.25 ⭐️
I really enjoyed Rachel’s writing style. There were some points where it was kind of slow in my opinion, but it didn’t make me less invested in the story.

Overall: 4.5 ⭐️
This was my first experience with Rachel Chamberlayne’s work, but it definitely won’t be my last. I really enjoy her story telling approach and the way she’s willing to touch topics that other Christian romance writers may not. Highly recommend this book!

[Sarah Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genevieve “Evie” Montgomery has been through so much in her 26 years of life. Her parents’ divorce shaped her teen and young adult years, causing issues with her mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual we’ll-being along the way. All the while, Evie has harbored an undying crush on her 12-years-older brother’s best friend, Brandon. He’s charming, a serial flirt, and doesn’t seem to want to settle down. He’s always loved her, as a little sister, a friend and eventually, as something more once she became Evie becomes an adult. When Brandon becomes a new dad, he relies on Evie for comfort and help during the hard transition. The two grow even closer, leaning on one another, where boundaries are eventually crossed with unavoidable consequences.
Ultimately, due to undisclosed feelings, miscommunication, and a mountain of hurt, the two find themselves not speaking for 3 years. When an accident causes Evie health issues, Brandon jumps at the opportunity to provide her a job and the chance to earn her trust again. The road is long for these two, but they work to find their way back to one another based on an Everlasting Love found in Christ.

This book is not a light read. Evie and Brandon’s story is emotional and angsty. Their lives are so deeply intertwined and they have a deep love for each other despite how much hurt there was present in their relationship. Brandon wasn’t a good communicator when he needed to be and Evie was stubborn and held grudges against him like it was her job.

The back-and-forth, volatile nature of their relationship was heavy for me to read, and it felt very codependent at times. Brandon was grappling with how to lead Evie in a Christlike manner, and it took him a lot of time to release his desires to the Lord. Evie wasn’t truly a Christian while he was trying to do this too, so the unequal faith journeys was something they needed to navigate as well.

The battle of the flesh and the Spirit was very present as they navigated trials, which I can relate to. I loved getting to see Abi and Phil from My Grumpy Editor in the book. 💖

I’m glad the characters were learning to lean on Jesus during this book, and I was relieved that Rachel included the year of growth for Evie and Brandon near the end. They needed that to break their habits, heal, grow in Christ, and not fall into the codependency they had experienced before. This is a story of redemption and love, but I believe it’s mostly one of learning to surrender to God & His will.
🖤1 Peter 5:6-7🖤

Rachel provides a content warning at the beginning of the book with a link to her website. There are quite a few topics mentioned that could be triggering for readers, as her blurb doesn’t include everything.

Thanks for the ARC, Rachel! All thoughts are my own. 🫶🏻

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✨ Yes, Lord, I trust You are who You say you are . . . but I occasionally feel frustrated by Your character. Yes, Lord, I trust you work all things together for the good of those who love You . . . but that doesn’t guarantee I will get what I want. Yes, Lord, I trust you are good and that You have my best interests at heart . . . but that doesn’t mean I get a free pass from adversity. ✨

✨ The only voice I should be listening to is the Lord’s—and His voice convicts, never condemns. His voice comforts, guides, brings clarity and peace of mind.✨

✨ God gave me a second chance I don’t deserve.✨

✨ A woman wants to feel pursued, yes, but she also wants to feel appreciated and adored. Show her that you value her for who she is—not what she has to offer you. Cherish her. Be patient with her. Help her understand that God’s love is what she really needs—and represent His love in her life until she’s ready to accept the real thing. And one day, God willing, maybe she’ll see that you can love her as unconditionally as our heavenly Father.”✨

✨ Prayer is about communicating with God because you desire
to have a relationship with Him.” ✨
~
📖Summary:

After breaking Evie’s heart years ago, reformed ex-womanizer Brandon returns determined to win back the woman he let slip away. Evie—still battling insecurity and wary of his old habits—wants nothing to do with the man who once chose desire over love. But when a health scare forces her to leave her job, Brandon offers her a position as his assistant, pulling her back into his orbit. As they relearn trust, faith, and forgiveness, the unresolved tension between them threatens to spark again. With Brandon’s newfound commitment to Christ and Evie’s guarded heart, both must decide whether their second chance will finally lead to love—or repeat old mistakes.
~

🖊️💞My thoughts:

Well… that was an achingly beautiful book🤧 I felt such a deep, soul-level connection with both characters—each of them carrying so much hurt, hope, and history. Rachel’s writing was like a breath of fresh air; she didn’t tiptoe around the subjects many churches avoid. Instead, she handled them with honesty, grace, and a profoundly Christ-centered touch.

The story was messy, heartbreaking, and at times painfully raw—but so are our own lives. And in that mess, it becomes a powerful reminder that God does His greatest work when we feel the weakest. When we’re swallowed by loneliness, shame, or fear, we often forget that we are held not by the shifting answers of this world, but by the eternal promises of Yeshua HaMashiach.

This book captured that truth beautifully. It showed what a real walk with Christ looks like—joy and doubt, fear and hope, chaos and peace. Amid all the brokenness, the light of redemption shines through. And somehow, in the tension between heartbreak and healing, the beauty of His love becomes impossible to miss.

[Alexis (IG: lexislimitlesslibrary) Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Always Been You is a profound, beautifully written story that fearlessly delves into the messy realities of faith, healing, and forgiveness. This novel is a testament to the power of finding trust in God, even when life's hardest trials leave us broken.

The author, Rachel, doesn't shy away from heavy subject matter. The narrative handles deep topics including mental health representation, sexual sins, and loss of faith. There is a website/link at the beginning of the book for potential triggers. However, it is precisely this unflinching honesty that makes the story so incredibly rewarding and necessary.
I’ve been blessed to be on Rachel's ARC team for both her books, and I was once again blown away by how seamlessly the messages of grace and faith are woven into the plot.

The book is written in a first-person dual POV and I was immediately pulled in.

Brandon and Evie are wonderfully flawed characters that I rooted for, cried with, and was genuinely happy when all the pieces of their puzzle started coming together. Their journey is marked by incredibly vulnerable moments, showing that even after turning to Christ, the human struggle with sin persists, but so too does the knowledge that they will never be forsaken.

Beyond the depth of its themes, the chemistry is amazing! The banter between Brandon and Evie is an absolute joy to read, bringing a necessary lightness into the emotional plot. The romance is palpable, beautifully evolving from initial desire and lust into an unyielding, unconditional love. The strength and impact of the side characters are incredible and I truly did not want the story to end.

Rachel’s ability to bring to light the temptations and trials that Christians face is both inspiring and relatable. I cannot recommend this book enough—it is an absolute must-read for fans of Christian fiction romance. It's one that I will be rereading.

Thank you to the author for my advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Always Been You

A closed door, fade-to-black, contemporary Christian romance.

If this is the first book you’re seeing from this Author, then buckle up because she KNOWS how to write a good romance.

From start to finish, I felt so close to both Brandon and Evie. I resonated with them and their struggles. Their emotions. Their fear of always feeling the shame and guilt.

While I could 1000% relate to Evie in feeling “tossed aside” I could just as much relate to Brandon and his struggle with shame and guilt over past sins. But like the sweet angel that she is, Rachel didn’t leave me in the trenches of this emotions, nor did she do that to her characters. Time and time again, scripture was shared to combat these thoughts and feelings.

As Christians, it’s important, I believe, to talk about s€xual sin—that you aren’t alone. But also that there’s forgiveness and a path forward. Books like this one are so import for men and women in the church to read.

I just loved both of these characters so, so much! I rooted for them the whole time, cried when them, laughed with them. This is why I love books so much; I get to learn from this fictional friends and live in their world for a little while.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone 18 and over! That being said, if you wondering about CW/TW, I encourage you to go to the Author’s website to see a list. https://www.rachelchamberlayne.com/it....

[Hopefulwords · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow. This book reaches down to address the deeper wounds, which includes showing that we may be carrying wounds ourselves while we try to be there for someone else. In a way, it’s almost like this story goes through a maze of red flags, and the characters reach the other side by holding on to the only perfect love — God’s love.

There is a link to trigger warnings in the author’s note at the beginning, and this book does touch on a lot of sensitive subjects. Although it is at no point explicit, the topics are for a mature audience and it is a fade to black romance with premarital s*x. I would even say it is on the edgier side of fade to black because of some vague references. The exact details are not at all described, but there is no doubt that something happened between the characters.

With that said, on to the story itself. Settle in with this one because it’s a just-one-more-chapter kind of story. When you meet Evie, she’s taking care of others. But who is taking care of her? She is closed-off and hurting, and your heart breaks a little more with each revelation of what happened to her. Make sure to have tissues nearby. Evie has scars—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I love how this story shows how pain can cause misunderstandings. It is so easy to think we understand when, in reality, we have no idea how much is left unsaid.

Brandon’s character is a surprise. It almost feels like you are getting to know two people, and what I especially loved about that is the references to his fight to change, to leave the old behind.

Sometimes a story can lose momentum with flashbacks, but not this one—the scenes flow effortlessly. Truly, this story is woven together with great skill. There are also laugh-out-loud moments that sneak up on you, as well as relatable and powerful truths throughout the book.

I realize this book may not be for everyone—again, it does contain sensitive topics—but for me personally, I loved how it plunges into the depths of pain with a message of eternal hope and everlasting love. Simply stated, this story points to Jesus.

In conclusion, I can’t wait to read more by this author. This is an incredible story! 🌹

Content:
-Strong faith themes
-Intimacy level: Fade to black | Premarital s*x
-Mature themes: 18+ | There’s a link to trigger warnings in the author’s note at the beginning.
-Language: No profanity | Some edgy word choices and phrases
-Alcohol

*I received a complimentary eARC from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Nicole | Nicole's Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Always Been You is a real, raw, emotional, faith based romance that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics. It addresses sexual sin and its consequences. It also demonstrates the struggle between our sinful nature and the new creation we are in Christ. Salvation is instantaneous but sanctification is a process. This story illustrates how we have to wrestle our own desires and submit them to God over and over again. It also highlights our struggle with guilt over past sins.

Brandon and Evie’s relationship moved from a deep friendship into something physical. Brandon beings to pull away causing Evie to want to give all of herself to him in a desperate attempt to keep him. Lives are changed. Communication breaks down. Hurt, pride, embarrassment, guilt, immaturity, and anger all play a part in their relationship imploding.

Brandon has come a long way in the last three years but he is ate up with guilt over his past actions and the damage they caused. I love how Brandon pursues Evie in an attempt to gain her forgiveness and earn back her trust. He is steady and unwavering, tender and patient. He is keeps showing up for her in big and small ways. It was good to see how he had matured over time but still had areas that needed work. I feel like his continued struggle with guilt and shame were very realistic. He continually sought God and strived to be the kind of man his son can look up to and the kind of man Evie deserves. I absolutely love Brandon, even with all his mistakes. He’s not a bad person, he just made bad choices. And bad choices don’t get to define us forever.

Evie has been through so much in her life. She struggles with regulating her emotions. She runs from potential pain and discomfort, isolating herself from others. Her character arc is truly beautiful. I love how she slowly begins to seek the Lord and how that changes her throughout the story and ultimately helps her find healing and peace.

I absolutely love that Evie and Brandon both seek out professional counseling and how they both prioritize their relationship with Jesus.

This book is gritty, heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful. It will make you swoon, twist your heart in knots, and bring tears to your eyes. If you like relatable stories with themes of healing, redemption, and forgiveness, you will definitely want to read this one!


Favorites:
❤️He calls her Spitfire
❤️He prays for her and over her
❤️Evie’s journal entries
❤️The game
❤️Abi praying over Evie
❤️How well Brandon knows her
❤️Evie’s care of Grandma and Bert
❤️Biblical truths weaved throughout
❤️Frederick the Bear
❤️The yearning
❤️How he takes care of her
❤️Evie and Brandon finally having THE conversation
❤️Evie’s conversation with her dad
❤️Their year of growth
❤️Brandon’s Letter

[Kelcie Gratz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was incredible. As a new Christian Romance reader, this was chef’s kiss. There was so much longing and tension and so much realness and honesty. I LOVED IT.