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.

ebook

Expected publication 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 St 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.

[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.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review - This was a beautiful yet heartbreaking prequel to A Yes Or No Question. It follows the development of Sam and Jamison's story. I would still read it after A Yes or No Question. Though you could really read it either way.

Dual POV
Black Cat x Bad Boy
Found Family
He's only soft for her
Trauma and healing
Complex families
Survival
No third-act breakup
Spice - Fade to black as appropriate for the age of our MCs in this book.

Our FMC is Sam. She is from a rough family life and does not have many friends, though she's very smart and does well. I adored her character through this. I found her relatable, and her depth was beautiful.

Our MMC is Jamison, and gosh, I fell in love with him in this book. You saw so much more about what he has been through and how he came to be who he is.

This book did exactly as I wanted as a prequel, explaining the backstory of the Sam, Jamison and to a lesser degree Billy. It walked you through the traumatic events that were hinted at in A Yes Or No Question and I love that it leads you right to the start of that book.

The way Lauren Monica writes makes these characters unforgettable in my mind. I hope there is another book coming, as knowing how smart Sam is, I want to see her use it!! I want to see her succeed.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Annaleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this 4.5 stars. It was a great read and I crave more. I can tell this author puts lots of love and creativity to her writing. There is multiple aspects of this books but the mental health is my favorite. The representation is perfect and realistic. It almost feels like you are living in the book. The romance that developed is so sweet but they go through those ups and down and show their love through it all. I am grateful I got the chance to read this and I will share one of my favorite quotes. Please read the trigger warnings when this is available to the public🩷

"I accept the pain. Let it consume me. Until I can barely feel it anymore. Until it becomes a pulse in the background. The force that drives me forward." Page 101🩷

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read A Yes or No Question and getting more insight on Jameson and Sam's relationship in Always Love You More was definitely what I needed to fill in the missing pieces of their relationship. Both Jameson and Sam's upbringing is heartbreaking but despite all of the struggles and trauma they endured they both find comfort in one another and the way they both love each other is unmatched. I also liked that we got to hear more of Billy’s story and his family dynamics. I do feel that some parts of the book toward the middle felt as if it dragged on a little too much for me but other than that I would say it was a great book.

[Jess Waxler · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ARC REVIEW ⭐️ Okay so let’s start with I LOVED this story. The dynamic between Sam & Jameson is so pure & I think they’re good for each other but so toxic for everyone else. I cried multiple times reading this. You could just feel the love & also the pain. The way Levi treated Jameson broke my heart. I can’t imagine ever treating my sons the way that Levi did. When it was revealed that Levi & Johnny died, I was devistated. Not for Levi of course but I could just feel the panic & how scared Johnny must have been. It was nice to see that the character didn’t just automatically rebound after such a loss. Overall this book was so good & I will be buying it when it comes out!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent this book as an ARC and I was a little hesitant to read a romance, but this book was so much more than that. The story follows two individuals Sam and Jameson through their love story while unraveling their complex and traumatic lives and situations and the way in which they handle them together. The only thing I didn’t love about the book was Sam’s reliance on Jameson it almost felt a little toxic, but i’m not sure if that was the intent. Overall, great read and will be reading the first book in this series. This is the prequel but can be read first!

[Jessica Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. Trauma and loss can be very difficult for anyone. Being able to move forward from it is where the real challenge begins.
Jamie and Sam finds one another and goes through some difficult things . Although both Jamie’s and Sam’s dad not the best parent examples, they work hard and are there for one another. Jamie loves hard and treats Sam so well considering his upbringing. This story may be fiction but truthfully, is a wonderful example of things people go through around you that we are unaware of. Looking fwd to the next book.
Highly recommend.

[Jacqueline Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a phenomenal read for me. it was very well-written and articulate. This story pulled at my heartstrings and had me tearing up quite a few times. I loved and hated how much I related to these characters, how they grew up and the relationships with their parents. The ending of this did throw me off however, it seemed pretty abrupt compared to the rest of the storyline, but the author alluded to the fact her other book picked up right where this one leaves off. I will definitely be picking that one up next; I'm not quite ready to part with these characters yet.

[Kelsey Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75⭐️⭐️
I couldn’t put this book down, I loved it so much!! Jameson and Sam were exactly who they needed to be for each other and came in to each other’s life’s when they needed someone. Two troubled teenagers just trying to handle the awful cards they have been dealt their whole life’s. With all the pain these two characters went through, all the grief and suffering- they found the light in each other and knew they would always love each other more than the darkness. This book will make you really feel for the characters shows just how much of a difference one person can make in your life.

[Sydney Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Reader✨ I really enjoyed this book. The love that Sam and Jameson have for each other throughout was so intense. ❤️
The heavy themes such as substance abuse, grief, violence were all handled well. There were multiple moments throughout when Sam was dealing with her grief that felt so raw and real, as someone who's experienced a sibling loss I felt like I was reading about my own feelings.
I haven't read A Yes or No Question yet, but am excited to after this. :)

[Nicoletta Papalas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really did enjoy this book. The emotional core was strong from start to finish, and the relationships felt raw and real. My only hesitation in rating it higher is the pacing; there were stretches where the story lingered a bit longer than necessary, and I think tightening it up would have made the impact even stronger. Still, it was a great read, and I’m definitely continuing the series. I’m excited to see where their journey goes next. A heartfelt read, even if it ran slightly long.

[Autumn Kasch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege to read this book as an ARC.

Wow, just…… wow. Always Love You More is Jamison and Sam’s story and boy is it intense. The trials and tribulations they have to go through makes you feel like your bad day is nothing compared to it. I became so invested in their love that I could almost feel how possessive and protective they are about each other.

This story is beautifully written and still sheds light on the struggles so many people are going through each day.

[MaHailey Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be able to get an ARC of Always Love you More by Lauren Monica and let’s just say, I could not put it down! It was such an amazing book I absolute loved the characters.
Lauren Monica does not disappoint with Jamison & Sam!!! The dual pov…. the was Jamison is literally only soft with Sam. Will definitely be buying the physical copy for my shelves on February 24!!!

[Celina Quiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I loved Sam and Jameson in book 1, but getting their story made me love them even more.

Sam is badass on her own, but with Jameson and Billy she doesn’t have to be on her own anymore and the friendship between their group, and the love in their relationship is everything.

I love this duo so much, hell I love this whole trio so much.

[Nikki Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: I loved this book. The storyline had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Both Sam and Jameson had such hard upbringings but they stuck by each other no matter what. And Jameson being so overprotective of Sam was just icing on the cake. Who doesn’t love a possessive MMC with touch her and die vibes.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get this as my first ARC! If you’re a fan of Boys of Tommen, I totally got those vibes from this book. There was heartbreak, trauma, friendship and love. It felt real and raw. I loved this book and will definitely go back and read the first one since I have not yet. Definitely recommend!❤️

[Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this dual POV book! It brought me on a rollercoaster of emotions and I couldn’t put the book down needing to see what came next! Sam and Jameson both had a traumatic upbringing but are able to lean on each other to get through the hard times. Jameson is protective of Sam and although Sam needs that shield sometimes, other times she is a badass who can handle herself!

[Megan Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the feels - happy, sad, angry, worried - all the things. I was heavily invested in the characters of the book. So much so that when tragedy occurred, I shed physical tears. The character development, slow burn, and loyalty - chef’s kiss. I absolutely adored this book. Now I need to get a book trophy for my shelf because it’s a book I’d love to read again!

[Tiff Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 48 hours thats how much I loved it. It makes you feel every emotion you can think of. Jameson and Sam have gone through hell and back there's so much trauma. They deserve a happy ending. I wish we got a little more out of the ending but im so keen to see where Billy's story leads and the rest of the crew pans out.