Always Love You More

Baxston Boys #2

by Lauren Monica

Jameson Baxston was brought up to be cold, ruthless, and closed off. Raised by a criminal father, and bearing a notorious last name, he’s learned to keep people at a distance. That is, until a new recruit’s intriguing younger sister starts hanging around. As much as he tries to stay away, he can’t help being drawn to her.

Sam Barlowe shies away from the attention that always seems to follow her. With a difficult home life, a lack of friends, and an attitude that often gets her into trouble, she’s never felt like she fits in. But when she meets Jameson, a boy with walls as high as her own, she sees herself in someone for the first time.

Just as they start to let each other in, tragedy strikes and their worlds are turned upside down. As they both slip back into old habits—doubt and self-destruction—their relationship is put to the test.

Will their demons get the best of them, or will they find a way to love each other more?

Always Love You More is a prequel to A Yes or No Question, following Sam and Jameson’s story. It can be read before or after reading A Yes or No Question.

Genres: Romance

440 pages, ebook

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

Hi!

I'm Lauren Monica, a romance author and poet.

I'm an avid reader and love all things books!

Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok @laurenmonicawrites

Reviews

[Mairi Swan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.
This is a story with two damaged kids and how they overcame the difficulties of their upbringing and the events that made a huge impact on them. Though I don't usually indulge in stories of coming of age this one was truly emotional and in some points heartbreaking.
I loved how Sam and Jamie drew to each other and how we're reading their childhood so we have the background of their future. It describes in a beautiful way the character growth while being human. I would definitely describe it as a slow burn but it wasn't tiresome, in fact it made you crave it for more.
My heart ached for them, for how they were treated from their parents (even neglect is a form of abuse) and then their loss. Maybe I cried a little for them. Even thinking about it now I feel my heart pinched.
This seems to be a prequel (didn't know it when I received the arc) but it feels like a standalone and not something that you should have read before to makes sense. I do plan to read the next story which is Billy's cause I'm really curious about him. He was such a pleasant and supportive feature to Jamie and I liked him.

[Cari Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt all the emotions with this book. These characters had my heart from the start. They had an awful home life, but yet somehow was so strong even when they wanted to give up. This was beautifully written! If you like coming of age romance I recommend you read this!!

[Tiffany Dole · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Arc review✨ 3.75⭐️ I did love this book, I thought the story about two kids finding each other through trauma and loss and grief was fantastic. The only reason this book did not actually get a 4 star rating from me is I felt like it could have been about 100 pages shorter and no pivotal moments would have been lost. That being said I really did enjoy it and do plan on reading the other book in the series! I do want to see how Jaime and Sam’s relationship develops and how their story ends. I’m also super invested in Billy finding his person and how that develops. Overall super good story, just could have been a tiny bit shorter.

[Brianna Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️
*I wanted to say thank you so much because I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book.*

I really enjoyed this! I thought that the relationship dynamic between Jameson and Sam was portrayed really beautifully. They had to go through so much shit at such a young age and they both were still showing up for each other as best as they could every day. The grief that these characters both had to go through also felt so real.
The only thing I would say is that some parts in the middle felt a little too drawn out for me and the ending felt unresolved and a bit rushed.

[Alexandra Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always Love You More by Lauren Monica was incredibly compelling and emotionally gripping from beginning to end.

This story dives deeply into both the MMC and FMC, not just as individuals but within the context of their families, their environments, and the experiences that shaped them. You do not just read about these characters, you feel them. Their struggles, their fears, their coping mechanisms, and their desire to be understood all come through in a way that feels very real and very human.

What stood out most to me was how relatable this book felt. It explores difficult home lives, trauma, mental health challenges, and complicated relationships in a way that is honest and grounded. Nothing felt exaggerated or unrealistic. It felt like a story that could truly happen, and that emotional authenticity made it incredibly powerful.

The emotional range in this book is what made it impossible to put down. There were moments that were intense and unsettling, moments that were heartbreaking, and moments that were full of warmth, connection, and love. I found myself feeling scared, sad, hopeful, and joyful right alongside the characters. Their relationship develops in a way that feels natural and raw, and you truly feel the weight of what they are carrying as individuals and together.

It also reminded me of the emotional grit and character driven tension you see in stories like Sons of Anarchy, where relationships, loyalty, pain, and personal battles all intertwine. That depth made the story feel immersive and emotionally charged without ever becoming overwhelming.

I have not read A Yes or No Question yet and started with this prequel first, and it completely pulled me in. After finishing Always Love You More, I am genuinely excited to go back and read the rest of Sam and Jameson’s story because I feel so connected to them and invested in where their journey goes next.

This book handles trauma, mental health, and relationship struggles with care and realism while still being engaging, heartfelt, and deeply resonant. It is emotional without being heavy handed, powerful without being overwhelming, and incredibly hard to put down.

If you enjoy character driven stories that explore real life challenges, emotional growth, and love shaped by hardship, this is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it.

[Hezza James · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5

In her deeply resonant sequel, Always Love Me More, Lauren Monica delivers a masterclass in the "childhood friends to lovers" trope, grounding the romance in a history that is as painful as it is profound. As the second entry in the Braxston Boys series, this novel shifts the focus to Sam and Jamie, providing a rich backstory that serves as the emotional bedrock for their present-day connection. Their journey is a poignant exploration of how shared trauma can forge an unbreakable bond, resulting in a love that feels remarkably safe, grounding, and earned.

The narrative handles the heavy themes of past abuse with incredible care and honesty, ensuring the characters' resilience feels authentic rather than idealized. I found myself particularly captivated by the duality of the protagonists; Sam’s quiet strength and personal growth are beautifully juxtaposed with Jamie’s unexpected tenderness. Beneath his protective exterior, Jamie possesses an emotional depth and softness that completely steals the heart, making him one of the more compelling love interests in recent contemporary romance. It is a story built on patience and devotion rather than manufactured drama, allowing the characters to heal in a way that feels deeply human.

Rating this 4.5 out of 5 stars, I was struck by how Monica’s writing managed to hurt in the right places while providing immense comfort in others. This is an emotionally rich, healing love story that lingers long after the final chapter, making it a standout addition to the series. The devotion between Sam and Jamie is so vividly rendered that I found myself wanting to immediately restart the book to experience their evolution all over again. For readers who appreciate a romance that prioritizes emotional safety and genuine character arc, this is an absolute must-read.

Please Note: While Always Love Me More can be appreciated on its own, it is best experienced as part of the Braxston Boys series.

[Chelsea A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly a book that keeps you reading until the very last page. It is so easy to get lost in this story.

Jameson is a teenager with a reputation. No one wants to mess with the son of a dealer and thief with anger and control problems, who is doing his best to make sure his son follows in his footsteps. He makes Jameson work for his "business" and trains him for underground fighting rings. With his addict mother and abusive father, Jameson's only saving grace is his cousin Billy.

Sam has a similar home life. Her mother is gone and her sister has moved out to start her own life. Her father and older brother Carson treat her poorly, making her take care of the home while going to school and maintaining a job to keep the bills paid, and becoming borderline abusive when they drink. She has no friends, and her only saving grace is her brother Johnny.

Sam and Jameson meet when Johnny starts working for Levi, Jameson's father. They hit it off from the start, but both have a terrible sense of self worth. Neither believe they are worth the troubke their home live cause. But still, Jameson, Sam, and Billy become best friends and always have each other's backs no matter what; something that is necessary time and time again throughout this story.

Through the dual points of view of Jameson and Sam, we get to see how their relationship evolves and how their backgrounds shape them. We see hopelessness, major heartache, and more struggles than any young adult should ever have to go through. However, no matter how close to the edge they get, the other is always there to pull them back and ground them.

The writing, the dialogue, and the pure emotions in this book will keep you hooked until the very last page.

[Brandice Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always Love You More by Lauren Monica completely wrecked me in the best possible way. From the very first chapter, I was emotionally invested, and by the end, I felt like I had lived every heartbreak, fear, and fragile hope right alongside these characters.

This isn’t just a romance. It’s a deeply layered, character driven story that dives into who these people are at their core...not only as individuals, but as products of their families, environments, and past experiences. The MMC and FMC feel real. You don’t just observe their trauma, coping mechanisms, and longing to be understood; you feel it. Every reaction, every hesitation, every moment of vulnerability makes sense.

What truly stood out to me was how grounded and relatable everything felt. The exploration of difficult home lives, mental health struggles, and complicated relationships is handled with such honesty and care. Nothing felt dramatized for shock value. It felt authentic — like a story that could exist just outside your own front door — and that emotional realism made it even more powerful.

The emotional range in this book is incredible. There were scenes that were intense and unsettling, scenes that broke my heart wide open, and others that felt warm, tender, and full of quiet hope. The relationship develops naturally. You can feel the weight both characters carry and watching them navigate that weight together is both painful and deeply rewarding.

I loved this book so much which is why I gave it a five-star review.

[storieswithlizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.

This story follows Sam and Jameson, two teenagers navigating difficult and complicated lives. Jameson carries the reputation of being the town dealer’s son someone people avoid crossing but he’s determined to carve out a life very different from the one his father leads. Sam, on the other hand, is smart, quiet, and stronger than she first appears. Her home life is far from stable, with a struggling single father and only her older brother Johnny providing any sense of support.

When their paths cross, what begins as a friendship slowly grows into something deeper. In each other, they find comfort, safety, and a sense of belonging that neither of them has experienced before.

This story explores heavy and emotional themes, so checking trigger warnings is important before diving in. The author does a remarkable job creating characters who feel incredibly real, pulling the reader through a full spectrum of emotions from laughter and hope to anger and heartbreak. The banter is sharp and natural, and the character development is especially strong.

While the story touches on grief, violence, and dysfunction, it ultimately centers on love, resilience, and found family. As a prequel to the author’s first book, it left me eager to continue Sam and Jameson’s journey and see where their story leads next.

If you enjoy emotionally layered stories about imperfect lives, powerful character growth, and the healing power of found family, this is definitely one worth reading.

[Alice Palms · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Arc Review!) Like a 4.75 star read and heres why:
This was such a sweet high school romance while still dealing with some genuinely heavy real life issues. Sam is only fifteen at the beginning, and I appreciated that the story never lets you forget how young these characters are while everything is happening to them. It made their struggles feel more real and, at times, more heartbreaking.

I really enjoyed the dual perspective. It flowed smoothly without constant backtracking, which kept me immersed in the story. As their relationship developed, I loved seeing Jameson and Sam’s banter grow into something that felt natural and balanced. I am also always going to love the trope where one character reassures the other that they will not turn out like their parent.

There were moments where the pacing felt a little slow, but it honestly read more like real life than a flaw. I do think it could have been about 50-100 pages shorter though. Sometimes nothing huge happens for a while, and then everything hits at once. One of my favorite aspects was that they actually communicate through hardships instead of constantly being torn apart by misunderstandings.

At the same time, they are just kids, and some of their decisions definitely made me want to scream as a reader. Overall, this felt like a grounded, messy, domestic story that did a great job portraying what it feels like to grow up in difficult circumstances.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

**ARC review**
First, I am a sucker for a story involving the damaged and the slightly less damaged coming together and making something beautiful despite the trauma going on around them.

This is a good YA story about teenagers overcoming life’s obstacles, true loyal friendships and survival of loss. Jameson is the guy with the reputation that no one wants to mess with. Sam was given a reputation of being easy. Them coming together and navigating their less than stellar homelife, while trusting themselves to allow the other in, wasn’t easy. But you knew they needed each other. It is a character driven story, told in such a way that had you hoping they were going to make it through it all.

I was not a fan of how much Sam relied on Jamie for her protection. It seemed to get a little cringy, almost like she knew, given his background, he’d come for her showing his dominance rather than to just get her out where she was.

I went into this blind as I did not read A Yes or No Question. It is an easy read, heartbreaking at times. Overall I enjoyed reading this book. I think this would make a great HS reading, if only to give perspective that no matter where you come from, you are worthy and can find love. These teenagers tried to make the most of the crappy hand they were dealt.

[Marci Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a story doesn’t make you feel something deep in your chest then what’s the point? This book absolutely wrecked me. I had to set it down so many times because it was genuinely heartbreaking. The slow build and constant sense that something awful was coming had my anxiety spiraling the entire time. There is no emotional downtime here just tension, pain, love, and survival woven together relentlessly.

Fate brings Jameson and Sam together, and from the moment they meet, you know they’re meant to be. In a brutal, broken world, they fight to survive and cling to each other as everything threatens to tear them apart. Their connection is raw, desperate, and impossible not to root for.

These are teens and therefore was more YA leaning. I would consider it a mild spice read (around 2/5) and appropriate for the age of the characters it allowed the emotional depth and story to take center stage.

As a prequel to *A Yes or No Question*, this book does exactly what a prequel should: it deepens the story and leaves you emotionally stranded, desperate for what comes next. I need to know how Jameson’s story continues and what happens to his cousin Billy because these characters are not easy to walk away from.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this review is my own.

[Joni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐ 2🌶️
Teen Romance with some darker themes. TW: Abuse between child and parent

If you are looking for a book with some hard to handle situations with coming-of-age love. This would be a great pick for you.

Always love you more is the love story between Jameson and Sam (Samantha). Jameson's family life is complicated. His dad is abusive and involved in illegal activities. Sam comes from a motherless family whose father is physically there but not emotionally. She relies on her brother as her rock. The story spans 3 years, starting when Sam is 15 and Jameson is 16 and ends when Sam is 18.

I'm not typically a fan of teen romances and like my FMC and MMC to be older, with that said, this book is very well written, and the plot demands that the FMC and MMC be younger due to the importance of family dynamics to the story. What I enjoyed the most about this book is the support they find in not only each other but other important characters in the book.

My only big critique of this book is that the relationship between Jameson and Sam at some points feels a bit too dependent for my taste. While Sam starts off as a strong, pretty independent FMC, throughout the book she starts to lose of bit of that as she comes to depend more and more on
Jameson.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: this is an ARC review....
There are topics of substance abuse and death in the book so if this is something you stay away from then I won't recommend it to you but I loved this book.

This was the first book I read from Lauren Monica. It's an interconnected contemporary romance book. While I didn't read book 1 before reading Always Love You More, it didn't feel like I was missing anything. I loved Jameson and Sam. In the book, we meet them when they were young teenagers and we see how they have to face many challenges in their relationship that will test them. I know there are some people who don't like 3rd act breakups, and this book didn't have any. I loved how Jameson was so protective and made sure that Sam was safe and felt secure in her life even though her home life was complicated and hard. My favorite scenes were when they got matching tattoos well Jameson, Sam and Billy (who is the MMC in book 1). I know people always say not to get the name of their love on their body but in the books it's such a cute and hot thing. This book doesn't have a lot of spice so if that's you, then this book is for you.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I’ve now read both of Lauren Monica’s books, and she has completely cemented herself as an auto-read author for me.

The backstory for Sam and Jamie was everything. Painful, emotional, and deeply human, it added so much depth to their present-day relationship that I found myself wanting to go back and reread their story again as soon as I finished. Their love feels safe and grounding—the kind of love built on understanding, patience, and quiet devotion rather than drama for drama’s sake.

The abuse they endured is truly heartbreaking, handled with care and honesty, and it makes their resilience even more powerful. I loved Sam’s strength and growth, and I especially loved how tender Jamie actually is beneath the surface. His softness, protectiveness, and emotional depth completely stole my heart.

This was an emotionally rich, healing love story—one that hurt in the right places and comforted just as much. Beautifully written, deeply felt, and unforgettable.

[Vanessa Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book a 4.7.

❤️strangers-lovers
❤️found family
❤️young love


It was a very good book kept me hooked it would have been a 5 star but I wasn’t loving the ending. It left such a huge cliffhanger and a lot of question I didn’t get the answers to before it ended I hope she continues on the next book.

All together the story with “Jamie” aka Jameson and and “sam” aka Samantha. Jamie’s dad is a criminal dealings. Jamie has always been taught to keep people at a distance and not no one in this hell he calls his life.
Until his dads new workers little sister keeps coming around and he is drawer to her in ways he don’t wanna be. But can’t help not being near her or wanting her to be his. She has the same feelings but didn’t wanna drag him into her he’ll ether but can there relationship handle all the new feelings,grief,loss,and the turmoil,hardships.

I really enjoyed this book it was like watching it on the tv. I could picture it all. No spicy but didn’t have some like hits to but no sense in the book. Just a bunch of kissing and lap sitting lol. 😂 so pg-13 on that part.

Definitely can’t wait to see bout Billy loves interests.

[Kimberly Berkenmeier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that quietly wrecks you. Not with chaos, but with tenderness. It’s raw, emotionally layered, and painfully honest about what it means to love someone deeply… sometimes more than they love you back.

Lauren Monica writes with a softness that sneaks up on you. The emotions feel real, messy, and human. The characters aren’t perfect.. they’re flawed in the most relatable way. That’s what makes their journey hit so hard. You don’t just read their story, you feel it in your chest.

What I loved most was the vulnerability woven into every page. It explores sacrifice, longing, self-worth, and the kind of love that forces you to ask: Is loving someone more enough? Or does love have to meet you halfway?

It’s the kind of book that lingers after the final chapter. The kind that makes you stare at the ceiling for a minute and rethink your own heart.

If you enjoy character-driven romances with depth, vulnerability, aching honesty, and emotional impact, this is absolutely worth the read.

[Eva Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written story! That executed the theme of resilience and childhood trauma very well. This story follows our two characters Jameson and Sam. The two teenagers don’t have the best home environment. Jameson’s dad is abusive and participates in illegal activities and has his son participate in them as well such as drugs, dealing illegal items, and underground fighting. His dad abused him physically in front of others as well. Sam’s Dad was an alcoholic who kept Sam from going anywhere and participating in anything. He was very emotionally abusive and would get onto his son and call him names just because he messed up when playing basketball. Sam and Jameson met through the mechanics shop where Jameson worked and met through Sam’s older brother who got her a job there as a front desk assistant. This is book is very good at exploring teenage romance and childhood trauma resilience. If you like coming of age romance stories and trauma resilience stories then you should check this book out!!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotionally heavy, character driven prequel to 📚 A Yes or No Question 📚 that explores trauma, grief, survival, and first love with a lot of depth.

The book is centered on Sam and Jamison, two teens shaped by loss and difficult family lives, and the story builds a raw, aching connection that feels inevitable yet something the characters have to fight for. It's a slow burn IMO and is filled with tension and emotional weight, with very little downtime, allowing their relationship and the characters’ pain to take center stage.

Monica’s writing makes both Sam and Jamison deeply relatable, and their bond is impossible not to root for. Even Billy's story adds to the emotional investment for the reader and what comes next.

I thought the length of the book was just fine, especially because the payoff is strong and heartfelt. As a prequel, it succeeds beautifully by deepening the backstory and leaving you eager for the rest of the series, earning this a solid 4.5 🌟 ARC read.

[Alyssa Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really was enjoying the story, and I wanted to find out what happened, but I struggled to get myself through this book and DNF'd at 31%.

I'm still giving 2 stars as opposed to 1 because the story did have me intrigued.

My main problem was that on every page, characters were being interrupted. Every. Page. My brain couldn't see past that and continued to focus on the next time a character would be cut off or interrupted. When it happened, I got more and more frustrated. The content was also very dialogue heavy which made me lose focus because I'd forget who was speaking.

This may be the writer's style, and that's totally okay! But as a reader it made it very difficult for me to focus when I found patterns like that.

I struggled to connect with any of the characters, though I was intrigued by what was going on between the MMC and the father. So it may be for other readers, but this was not for me.

[Maureen Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved Always Love You More. This was my first time reading this author, and I was blown away by how beautifully the story was written. The prose flows so smoothly and is packed with emotion — it’s heartbreaking, tender, and deeply affecting all at once.

This book completely sucked me in. I felt like I was right there in the room with the characters, experiencing everything alongside them. My angst levels were through the roof in the best possible way.

Sam and Jameson are unforgettable MCs. Both come from truly awful home lives, yet they find something in each other that no one else sees. Their connection felt so genuine, pure, and refreshingly unhurried. Watching their bond grow was both painful and beautiful.

I also adored Billy and his relationship with the MCs. The loyalty and warmth between them was incredibly heartwarming and provided such a needed light amid the heavier moments.

This story really got under my skin. It’s definitely hard-hitting, so check trigger warnings beforehand, but it is absolutely worth the emotional ride.

Thank you for the ARC — I’m already off to read the next book! 💔✨

[Meagan Levesque · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a closed door romance book. Not something I would usually reach for but the story itself speaks volumes without the added spice.

Jamison and Sam romance blooms in high school. Some readers don't care for the YA style love so if that's you, I would shy away from this one. With that being said, I am glad I read this one. The story has a huge unanticipated plot twist, at least I didn't anticipate it. I love when an author throws in a plot twist you weren't expecting. The book is flooded with relatable moments, even if you grew up in a stable home.

The emotional roller coaster this book will take you on is gut wrenching. I fear I would be lying if I said I didn't shed a few tears during my read. Lauren had me hook line and sinker in just the first few pages. I cant wait to read more on their story and finally read about Billy actually falling in love.

Would I recommend this book?
Yes!

[Heather Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's this slice of life, growing into your own type of book. The main characters, Jameson and Sam, find each other early on and tough out high school and life together with their best friend Billy. The amount of trauma they both endure is insane. Even though I haven't been through any of these circumstances, the author is able to make these characters feel so relatable. And even though I haven't been through these events myself, it made me feel as though I had. I have gone through the highs and lows with these characters. I have felt their pain, their loss, and their love. I would classify this as a sort of spicy young adult novel that will pull you in simply because to a degree, everyone understands what it's like to feel alone. What I appreciate the most is how no matter what is happening, Jameson and Sam always stay with each other through the hard times.

[Jennifer Richter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book completely blind. This is the first read for me from this author & honestly, I'm shook! If you have triggers, make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in. The two main characters, Jamie and Sam are stuck in situations no teenagers should ever be in. The weight of the world is on their shoulders and somehow they find each other and find strength in one another. Both are forced to grow up way too fast and deal with things no kids should ever have to deal with. I had to keep reminding myself they were kids! The story covers the trials and tribulations each character faces alone and together including death of loved ones, mental illness (depression, anxiety), verbal, emotional and mental abuse and yet they are able to find love in and for one another. I cannot wait to read the next book to see what happens, as you're left on a bit of a cliffhanger. Worth the read, I promise!

[KindleandCauldrons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked almost instantly. Jameson and Sam completely pulled me in, and I genuinely don’t know if I trauma bonded with them or if the mom in me just wanted to take them home and give them the love they deserved. Probably both.
Jameson is the broody, closed-off bad boy shaped by his upbringing, and Sam is the ultimate black cat FMC …guarded, anxious, sharp around the edges but so soft underneath. Watching them slowly recognize themselves in each other was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.
The angst felt real, the anxiety rep was honest, and the found family elements added so much warmth to an otherwise heavy story. And no unnecessary third-act breakup? We love to see it.
Now I absolutely need to read A Yes or No Question because I’m not done with them yet. Even though this is technically the second book, it stands strong on its own …but trust me, you’ll want more. 🖤

[Evelyn Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first arc! Typically I only read books where the characters are over the age of 20 but I was genuinely surprised by the teenagers. Coming of age,toxic relationships with not only the people around you but living in a toxic environment was new for me. Reading this book gave me moments of feeling uncomfortable (which I hardly ever do when I’m reading dark romance because it’s mostly smut). I liked following along with both the characters struggles and even growing to love the side characters. The love story was so well written and didn’t feel rushed or phony. There were moments where Sam wasn’t as forthcoming about loving Jameson reactive behavior towards her and as much as it frustrated me I had to remember she’s only 17/18. That being said, Jameson had to put up with a lot. I loved his reactive behavior when it came to Sam and his constant reassurance of his love for her.

[Rachel Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!! Always Love You More by Lauren Monica has me speechless. So many words I want to say and so many tears shed while reading. It is a slow burn that doesn't feel slow because it keeps you hooked and wanting more. It's about two people who have had a rough upbringing and are just trying to survive daily life and feel like they have no one to lean on until they find each other. The character growth is amazing and you definitely feel all the feels with this one because even if you've never experienced what they're going through it feels like you are experiencing it with them. There's love, laughter, and found family, but there is also tragedy, child abuse, drugs/alcohol, and so much more. It's definitely worth the read! Oh and I know it's a prequel, but you can read it as a stand alone. Thank you Lauren Monica for letting me read and experience your book as an ARC reader!!

[Sandy Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review : Always Love You More was a really sweet, easy read. It has that small‑town, everyone‑knows-everyone vibe, and the relationship drama felt pretty real instead of over the top. I liked the main characters—they’re stubborn, emotional, and make questionable choices sometimes, which honestly made them feel more human.
The story moves slowly, but in a cozy way. It’s more about the feelings and the history between the characters than big twists or surprises. A few moments hit harder than I expected, and there were some really cute scenes that made me smile.
If you like emotional, second‑chance‑style romances with a lot of heart, this one is worth picking up. It’s the kind of book you can curl up with and just enjoy without overthinking anything.

[Jackie McClintock · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first arc read and I was not disappointed. This was also my first coming of age book and at first I didn’t know how I would feel about the characters being so young, but I loved it. Sam and Jameson both had rough childhoods and they were drawn to each other instantly. Both showed up for each other even when they had things going on in their owns lives. I wish there was more of the story. I want to continue to read about them and see where their lives end up. Also, I want to know more about Billy. With that being said, the time jumps were at times a little much because I wanted to take my time with the story more. I also was a little annoyed with how quickly Jameson went overboard when it came to Sam. But I did love this book and will definitely be reading the next book.

[Melissa Braxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced readers copy

From the very first chapter of “Always Love You More” by Lauren Monica, I was captivated and utterly entranced. This book is a masterful blend of storytelling that draws you into the lives of Jameson and Sam, making you feel as though you’re right there with them on their emotional journey. It’s a rollercoaster of feelings—moments that leave you breathless and others that bring the biggest, cheesiest smile to your face.

If you’re seeking a coming-of-age romance that will envelop you in a whirlwind of emotions, this book is an absolute must-read. Lauren Monica’s writing is so compelling that you’ll find yourself completely absorbed, eager to see where Jameson and Sam’s story takes you. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!