You, Always

by Luci Woodbury

She’s running from her past. He’s chasing his. Could one night together change everything?

Gianna is a good little Italian girl, she could never actually follow through with being an escort for a night, could she? But then how could she turn down an offer of fifty thousand dollars?

From the outside looking in, Gianna had the perfect life. Married to her high school sweetheart, professional football player Daniel Sanders, she had lived a life of luxury without having to lift a manicured finger. But underneath the surface, there were cracks that Gianna had meticulously been ignoring, and after they become a gaping, unavoidable chasm, she had to flee. Facing a future with no qualifications, no job prospects, and running out of designer handbags to sell for money, Gianna did the one thing she could think of to support herself: she signed up as an escort. Now, she wonders who is the mysterious man crazy enough to spend fifty thousand on one night with her? And, is she crazy enough to accept?

468 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2026

Reviews

[Sarina Bek · Rating 5 out of 5]

You, Always truly took me on an emotional roller coaster. From heartbreak to hope, Luci Woodbury delivers a story that is raw, confronting, and deeply moving.

I admire the way she fearlessly incorporates difficult but important themes such as domestic violence, emotional and physical abuse, financial control, and substance abuse. These elements are not included for shock value—they are woven into Gianna’s journey in a way that feels authentic and purposeful.

Gianna finds the love of her life, Zayn, only to lose him due to circumstances completely beyond his control. Shattered and at her lowest point, she becomes vulnerable to Daniel’s manipulation, which leads her into a relationship and ultimately a marriage built on emotional, financial, and physical abuse. Gianna endured so much pain it is heartbreaking, but knowing she was strong enough to finally walk away is incredibly powerful.

The unexpected reunion with her first and only love is beautifully written and adds another layer of emotion and destiny to an already compelling story. It feels like a full-circle moment earned through growth, resilience, and healing.

I also deeply appreciated how Luci incorporates Gianna’s Italian background. As a second-generation Italian born and living in Australia, this aspect resonated with me personally. The cultural elements added richness and authenticity to Gianna’s character and made her journey feel even more meaningful.

This is not just a romance—it’s a story about survival, identity, strength, and finding your way back to the love you deserve.

[Irenes Dragon Nest · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read was tender, heavy, and quietly emotional. The depiction of abuse felt painfully relatable as someone who has been in a similar situation, the all-consuming nature of it, the way you can’t see any exits or alternatives, was written incredibly well and with a lot of care. That aspect of the story really stood out to me. In fact I will say that this part of the story stayed with me long long after finishing the book.

The part where the FMC doesn’t recognize the MMC felt a bit unbelievable at first, but when viewed through the lens of her trauma, I guess there could be parts that make sense. Overall, this was a reflective, intimate read that handled difficult themes with sensitivity and haunting care.

Thanks to The Berry Agency and Luci Woodbury for this ARC read.

[Krystal Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC READER**

This story was an emotional roller coaster. Gianna and Zayn are truly meant to be with one another, he shows her what love truly means.

I will say, Gianna’s character development was very disappointing and really slow. She didn’t change until the very end which was rather disappointing.

Aside from that, it was a really good Melbourne based read.

⭐️ 3.5 stars
🌶️ 1 chilli for spice

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this read! what a fantastic book! Gianna is relatable and very likeable and Zayne is an absolute dream boat! I really liked the slow burn of this one, the flashback chapters were done beautifully and made sense, the side characters like Anna and Sam were perfect editions too! solid solid read I loved it!

[Ellie Rodger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Luci does a great job at making Gianna a very relatable character. The flashback chapters were done really well and the change in tone from the characters made it easy to tell you were reading a flashback.

I loved the slow burn of this book and the character development was great too. I’d really love to see how Anna and Percy’s story develops.

[Nicole Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh I loved this so much! The character depth was so amazing I really connected with Gianna, the emotion was written so well and the heavier topics were done really respectfully. I laughed out loud so many times and felt every feeling while reading! This does not feel like a debut book, the writing is beautiful! Thank you so much Lucy for the chance to read an eARC of your book 😍

[Tanika Millington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a good read!!!
Gianna is relatable and very likeable which made it to be a easy read and kept me so interested. And then our MMC being an absolute dream boat! It was a beautifully written slow burn, giving us the tension that is needed. I really felt like the heavy topic’s were done so well, very respectfully and with so much care.
Thank you so much Lucy for the chance to read an eARC of your book

[Book Hooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - I was lucky to receive an advanced copy of "You, Always, and it completely owned me. Luci manages to capture the intensity of first love with such honesty that you feel every butterfly and heartbreak all over again. The dual timeline is beautifully done, the characters feel real and layered, and the handling of domestic violence is thoughtful and grounded. A nostalgic, emotional, beautifully written debut.

[Steph Prince · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel so honoured that I got this as an ARC! What an amazing story, one I can hands down say captures what an abusive relationship can be

[Gosia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t DNF but… I DNFed this one at 42%

I just knew it wouldn’t get better so I stopped while it was still near 3 stars and not lower.

Look, this story had potential but I had (still have) way too many questions, and not the good kind but just pure confusion.
Woman leaves her controlling and emotionally abusive husband, mind you they are not divorced yet, just separated, and she kind of don’t want to know him she filed for divorce when she did (how does she think it works???), and she signs up to be an escort. Make that make sense. Then she doesn’t accept any clients but this one particular one because he offered crazy amount of money. So she does it for money, but from the beginning she already decided she won’t get through with it. She does cause he’s hot. He’s also a bit of an asshole (which doesn’t make sense, even after you know some more about him later in the book). She does sleep with him but runs before the night is over and doesn’t get paid (or actually refuses the money - which was the cause for the whole ordeal in the first place!!!)
Then it turns out he’s her divorce lawyer. And she totally lies to him about all the details of her marriage which, I think, are kind of important if you want to get a divorce.

In general, FMC’s actions don’t make sense. Her family doesn’t make sense (the whole “you CANNOT skip Sunday lunch”, her mother not believing in divorce “cause she’s Italian”, her ex suddenly appearing on family lunch after 6 months like nothing happened). And what was she doing for the whole 6 month??? Partying, selling her bags, and volunteering once a week.
I don’t know, just a lot of things were lacking full logical sense.

For the most part it felt like ticking off the boxes of some “what would sell on booktok” checklist. I know what the author wanted to achieve during certain scenes but I don’t think it was successful.

I discovered some amazing authors thanks to “random” ARC signups cause I liked the blurb but I feel like maybe I should really, really stop with all the signups and stick to the authors I know. It’s an okay debut, but I look for books better crafted. The writing was not bad, but the execution, on and off attitude, characters actions not making sense and inconsistencies were just too much.

Oh, and quite a lot of Harry Potter references. Like, really?

2.5⭐️ for my standards but I’m marking it as 3 cause:
I DNFed after all
I don’t want to be the first 2 stars, it wasn’t THAT bad

[Nikita Love · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This book broke me and put me back together in a 12 hr period! I was absolutely losing my mind over Gianna and Zayn. This is a full range emotion book. From the highest high to the lowest low. I honestly don’t think that I’ve read anything quite like it; the only thing i know to compare it to is King of Greed by Ana Huang, and its just simply for the second chance aspect and the utter devastation that they both wreak on your emotional wellbeing.
I genuinely could not get enough of the past-tense chapters we get of the mains initial love story. Experiencing it and the present at the same time was shattering. Seeing how happy they were and knowing they were apart for 10 years and everything they both went through in between was devastating.
I just want to hug Gianna. The girl had been through so much. I just wanted her to finally get a win. Shes honestly such a relatable character that i can see parts of her resonating with most women, which i appreciate. She has complexities; shes obviously a victim in a lot of circumstances, but she also is not without blame in other things and i appreciate that she was honest about that. Daniel put her through so many horrible things, but she also admits that at least part of her got with him in the first place to hurt Zayn because he left. That takes a lot of humility. I wish that she would have just been more open about things with Zayn. Her communication was not great at times, but it was understandable with everything she had endured why she had reservations with a lot of things.
Zayn was actually so well thought out. Gosh I wish we had his POV. It was have amplified everything he had with Gianna tenfold! Obviously we know they have history before it ever comes out bc of the way he acts with her, but the twist sent me reeling! Knowing his background and then seeing that he was able to claw his way to the top and be successful was so satisfying. My heart broke for him in the past-tense chapters. And seeing how he was with G even after 10 years was so sweet. Knowing all the history makes you look back on that first interaction so differently. All the times he’s around her before she knows it’s him and it’s just killing him inside that she doesn’t recognize him. He’s so devoted to her but also wasn’t a total pushover either. He didn’t let her get away with hiding behind things or running away from him without calling her on it. The way he championed for her all the way. He made her feel safe enough to let her walls down and tell him what she had been through and then he took care of the problem for her. What a freaking guy.
It’s so tragic in so many ways, all the wasted years and the what-ifs are so gut wrenching. But they came together in the end and everything worked out how it was supposed to. Both of them deserve the happy ending they got with each other, and the cherry on top was her getting pregnant after suffering infertility previously. You love to see it 🥹

[Kaylah Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in with its glossy premise, the kind that whispers luxury, scandal, and impossible choices, but what kept me reading was the quiet ache beneath it all.
Gianna’s life looks perfect from the outside. The footballer husband, the money, the image. But as the story peels back the layers, it becomes painfully clear how fragile that perfection is. The domestic violence themes are handled in a way that feels uncomfortably real. Not always loud or explosive, but insidious, creeping in through control, expectation, and the slow erosion of self. It’s the kind of portrayal that makes you pause and think, yes, this is how it actually happens.
Her decision to become an escort isn’t written as reckless or sensational. It feels desperate, complicated, and deeply human. Fifty thousand dollars isn’t just money here. It represents safety, choice, and a brief illusion of control when everything else has been stripped away. Watching Gianna wrestle with her identity as a “good Italian girl” versus a woman trying to survive was one of the most compelling parts of the book.
There’s also something oddly intimate about reading a story set so close to home. Living only an hour from the location, the settings felt familiar in a way that grounded the story even further. It made Gianna’s isolation feel sharper, like this could be happening just down the highway, behind the gates of any polished, enviable life.
The romance carries tension rather than fantasy. It’s messy, uncertain, and shaped by trauma rather than magically cured by attraction. I appreciated that the book doesn’t pretend one night, or one man, can fix years of damage. Instead, it allows space for healing to be slow and uncomfortable.
Overall, this is a story about survival disguised as a scandalous romance. It explores how far someone will go when their choices have been quietly taken away, and how strength doesn’t always look loud or triumphant. Sometimes it looks like running, starting over, and daring to believe you deserve more.
A thought-provoking, emotionally layered read that lingered with me long after I closed the book.

[Alto Zee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Applause for Luci Woodbury, this story was intriguing, I could not put it down.

The story tore at my heart for many different reasons, it was just so damn realistic in its depictions. Gianna, is desperate to make her own way in the world having escaped a manipulative, cold and calculated marriage to an AFL star. How many times have AFL stars been in the news for various things, this story goes behind the scenes of that and gives you some insight into their lives. Gianna escapes but not unscathed. Incoming Zayn, her divorce lawyer and first love. I absolutely loved that Luci Woodbury took her time telling Gianna's story and then telling Zayn's but also, their story together. This was a love story that withstood the tests of time and spanned over 10 years. I loved how we got to unravel the story from the beginning for ourselves. The trauma that Gianna faced within her marriage coupled with her heartbreak over losing her first love made for an incredible story. The depictions of culture and the way Luci described the relationship Gianna had with her parents gave so much more meaning to this story. The depictions of domestic violence and emotional abuse made this more meaningful than I could have ever imagined. I would have given my left limb to have had dual perspectives as Zayn's mind would have been so interesting to fish around. His story was something any person could relate to. His touch her and die persona was something that absolutely gave me life. I give You, Always a 4.5 stars. I absolutely would recommend this book. Thank you to the Berry Agency and Luci Woodbury for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Emily Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to describe this book, because it is both a sweet romance where a high school lovers reunite after the FMC separates from her husband, while also a story of heart break, trauma and a desperation to survive. I was hooked from the start, reading the entire (very long) book in one day and nearly one reading session! Picture me, curled up under a beach umbrella telling myself "just one more chapter" as the UV slowly turned me as pink as the cover of this book 🤣 But I just couldn't stop reading because I was cheering on this second chance romance while also begging for justice to come to her ex husband.

This is not a light and fluffy romance, but I found the heart wrenching moments were perfectly balanced by the romance and the story of Gia getting her life back. I also really appreciated how the MMC was written, because while he was possessive and willing to do anything to protect her, he also wasn't controlling which was so important in the context of Gia's abusive ex.

If you love emotional contemporary romances, I am begging you to read You, Always - but please check the trigger warnings! There is little (but still some) on page abuse, but there is a lot more discussed throughout the book that may be triggering. I definitely cried a couple times

Thank you to Luci and The Berry Agency for gifting me an eARC of this book.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy, and I have to say it really hit the mark in so many ways.

This story is emotional, heavy, romantic, and isn’t afraid to explore hard topics. It doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable conversations, and I appreciated how deeply the author leaned into the complexity of relationships, family dynamics, and personal struggles.

The chemistry between Gianna and Zayn was undeniable. Their tension, vulnerability, and emotional connection carried the story. You could feel every layered conversation between them and there were a lot of in-depth discussions that added real weight to the narrative.

Some parts felt incredibly relatable, especially around family struggles and navigating complicated emotions. Other parts didn’t fully connect with me personally, but that didn’t take away from the overall impact of the story.

This isn’t a light, fluffy romance it’s heavy, thought-provoking, and emotionally charged.

Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars)

Would recommend if you enjoy romance mixed with emotional depth and hard-hitting themes.

[MinsBookNook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had this on my TBR for a little bit, and I should have listened to my sisters earlier. This debut novel is one you want to add to your reading list!
I did find the beginning of the story slower paced, so stick with it because I guarantee you will not be disappointed. The further you get into the story the more gripping it became with a faster pace and more layers revealed.
The ex-husband is like the whack a mole game or a pop-up book from hell! My skin crawled each time he appeared, what could possibly happen next. But don’t you worry there is a HEA for Gianna and Zayn and he gets what he deserves.
This book is full of yearning, chemistry, re-discovery of self after past trauma and a second chance with her first love.
This book does touch on some sensitive topic, so if you have triggers, please check first.
I cannot wait to see what Luci dose next.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️ 🌶️

Tropes:
🩷 Slow Burn
🩷 Second Chance with First Love
🩷 Touch her and die
🩷 Possessive MMC
🩷 Abusive ex-husband
🩷 Emotional Scars & healing
🩷

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a European Australian descendant I loved the nods to Italian cultural and how those roots run deep within your person and soul. The descriptive language of a cafe as a place where the urgent business of the outside world doesn’t exist set the tone. Luci had me hook line and sinker from the moment Gianna walked into that hotel room. This book had the best case of mistaken identity I’ve seen in a long time. The emotional scars that plagued the characters run deep. We got to experience first hand the growth that all these characters go on in this journey. Everyone dreams of being the girl on the end of the it’s always been you trope. This one has you following the characters through their ups and downs. I love a dedication to the characters and I think this book does them the perfect justice. She did what I find near the impossible and tied the characters endings up in a perfect bow. ARC READ

[aims.readsalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a second chance romance, and stories packed with emotion are always the most special to me 🩷

So this debut? SO loved!

‘You, Always’ is a beautiful, heartfelt book about first love, fate, and finding your way back to the person who feels like home.

It follows Gianna in the depths of a divorce, doing everything she can to make ends meet while rediscovering who she is after years in a relationship that slowly stripped her of herself.

As Gianna starts over, she unexpectedly crosses paths with the boy who broke her heart as a teenager - and begins to realise that the love she thought was long gone might have been waiting all along.

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this. The characters, the chemistry, the angst, and the ache… it’s a story of heartbreak, healing, and hope. And I just know it will stay with me for a long time.

Thank you Luci Woodbury and The Berry Agency!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Bookfunnel for allowing me to read this advanced copy.

I could not put it down. From the start i wanted to know of G's background and what she was running from, only for her to run start into her first love and his protective nature.

The past 10 years have not been easy on her and we learn more of this as the story progresses, from emotional, financial and even physical abuse from her ex

She starts to find herself again, volunteering, going back to school and even standing up for herself finally to her mother who was constantly support her ex coming back to her life.

This story will have you yelling at your book or phone depending on how you read it, but you will always be rooting for G

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel very lucky to have been selected as an ARC reader for You, Always by Luci Woodbury. From page one, this book completely captured my attention. I loved how unpredictable the story is — just when you think it might follow a familiar romance path, it takes a different and refreshing direction.

The writing is beautiful and engaging, and the story bravely touches on heavy themes such as emotional, physical, and financial abuse, handled with sensitivity and depth. Both the main and secondary characters are memorable and well developed.

The subtitle says it all: “She is running from her past, He is chasing his.” Perfectly accurate and impossible to put down.

[Trinh Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Book Review ✨
You, Always by @luciwoodburywrites_

When I first heart about this book on release day, I knew it was going to be so good!

Amazing—this book truly surprised me in the best way. For a debut novel, it’s beautifully written and emotionally gripping. I finished this in 2 days because I couldn’t put it down ( overnight reading much) The story pulls you in with raw feelings, healing, and second chances, and it doesn’t let go. I loved the depth of the characters, especially watching Gianna find her worth while navigating love, trauma, and growth. Zayn is chef kiss, gentle but loving!

Tender, intense, and heartfelt—this was such a beautiful read. 💕📖100 % recommend!

[Micheline Marin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredibly emotional and so freaking relatable. We either have been or know someone who’s been in Gianna’s situation Zayn and Gianna’s love was so real and felt genuine. There were parts where I was giggling and kicking my feet. And then I was crying and pissed off at some of the characters. It was such a well balanced story. In my opinion it did second chance romance so good. It didn’t feel like it was forced. Absolutely love this for me. It was a 10 out of 10. I hope to get more of their story and maybe even Bestie story because that’s interesting there I would like to see what’s going on with that as well. Oh, and before I forget f**k Daniel 😂 he’s exactly where he needs to be.

[Ashlee Muldoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. The story line was written beautifully and touched on different forms of DV and breaking away and finding happiness again.

Gianna is such a strong character with a big personality! She’s smart, witty, feisty and someone who’s finding their own.

I love how Luci writes what topics with so much respect and kindness. She also shows dark sides and how there is light and justice can be served.

Thank you so much to The Berry Agency and Luci for the ARC I enjoyed this so much.

[Chloe Emmerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from the very first moment ❤️

Would I read again? Yes

What did I like:
1. Melb background - love an Aussie book
2. How she didn’t recognise him in the hotel room 😂😂 I don’t think I’d recognise someone from high school if they had changed that much too
3. How the FMC talked about her experience, and everything we saw through the hope house.
4. The family, they were so real and authentic and while the meddling wasn’t great, they always had her back. Same with Anna.
5. The dark brooding man, we love a dark and tortured MMC

[Tong Ly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Read!

I completed the book in a very short amount of time. I’m still shock about Zayn. I didn’t even suspect it! Wow. Her first love? And her one night stand? This book got me hooked from the first chapter. I cried a few times. Happy tears!
I love how Zayn was written in the story where he let Gianna shines in her own story. I love love second chance and it was written pretty well!
The plot was good, the spice was even better!

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading Luci Woodbury, and I went in expecting a standard romance — but this story had far more emotional depth than I anticipated, especially through Gianna.

At first glance, Gianna seems like a ditzy socialite, but she’s anything but. She’s a woman carrying the quiet weight of a failing marriage, family expectations, and the terrifying uncertainty of starting over.

I found her incredibly relatable. Her fear, her hesitation, her longing for something more — all of it felt grounded and real. The family dynamics, the pressure to maintain appearances… it all adds layers that make her journey compelling.

What truly ties the story together is her childhood connection with Zayn. Their history and their present gives the book its full‑circle moment — the kind you can’t help but root for.

The story is sweet, tender, and emotionally heavy in all the right ways. Absolutely worth the read.

And Zayn? He’s coming for you…

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book. Could not put it down read it within 24 hours staying up way to late to finish it. Connected so well to the character emotionally. 10/10 can not wait to read many more book to come from Luci Woodbury. Amazing debut book 👏👏👏

[Emma MacLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book…..This romance thriller delivers a compelling mix of heart pounding suspense and emotionally charged romance, keeping me hooked from the first page to the final twist.
Can’t wait for the next book xx

[Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible!!! From the second I started this book I was so hooked I could not put it down! Such a cleverly written book that had me feeling every single bit of emotion - the ending having me in tears.
What an amazing debut book by Luci Woodbury I can’t wait to read more 👏👏👏

[Arnelle Battista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally read this book in 2 days. Couldn’t put it down! Amazing characters with very relatable storylines and they really suck you in to there love story. So well written. Amazing debut novel. Can’t wait for more from Luci