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Always Been His

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My best friend’s older brother was my first love. Now I’m sleeping across the hall from him.
The world knows me as Echo.
Grayson Douglas still knows me as Sienna.


When my manager adds another tour without my consent, I walk out of Madison Square Garden, turn off my phone, and catch a midnight train home to Maine.

I need rest. Privacy. A chance to remember who I was before millions of strangers decided who I should be.

I don't need to sleep across the hall from my best friend's older brother.

Grayson is my first love, my most forbidden secret, and the man I’ve never stopped writing songs about.

Now he is a billionaire CEO with grease on his hands, grief on his shoulders, and two years of anger he refuses to explain.

He says he doesn't want me in his house.

But he still wakes at 5:58 every morning for ninety stolen seconds with me.

Then Grayson finally tells me why he hates me.

“I waited for you. Hours. I sat there for hours like an idiot waiting for you, and you never came.”

There's only one problem.

“No, you’re wrong. I waited for you.”

One night. Two broken hearts. Two completely different versions of the moment that destroyed us.

Every fight between us feels like foreplay. Every touch feels unfinished. And every memory reminds me why I never really moved on.

But my label is closing in, my best friend has no idea about our secret history, and the truth about Boston could either set us free or break us all over again.

I come home to reclaim my voice, my music, and my life.

Admitting I’ve never stopped loving Grayson could cost me the friendship that feels like family.

Trusting him could cost me my heart all over again.

The world may think it owns Echo.

But Grayson has always loved Sienna.

And this time, I have to decide what I am willing to risk to choose us.

ALWAYS BEEN HIS is a spicy, emotional best friend's older brother romance featuring second-chance yearning, forced proximity, a protective billionaire hero, secret first-love history, no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA.

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2026

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Vivy Skys

60 books226 followers

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5 stars
90 (62%)
4 stars
33 (22%)
3 stars
19 (13%)
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2 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Sheri.
1,008 reviews26 followers
October 15, 2026
OMG I totally would have rated this higher but there was no epilogue! I hate that so much.

Overall, I very much enjoyed this story. I look forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Lenna  Wright.
3,535 reviews35 followers
Review of advance copy
October 10, 2026
I loved every minute of this story, and there was never a dull moment. Vivy Skys does a fantastic job showing the darker side of the music industry and how young artists can become trapped by contracts, expectations, and the constant demands of fame. The pressure placed on performers is a major theme throughout the book, and it made Sienna's journey feel all the more emotional and believable.

Sienna "Echo" Rhodes, 26, signed a six-album /32 year contract at eighteen and has spent years living more as Echo than as herself. Between nonstop touring, recording, and public appearances, she barely has time to breathe, let alone reconnect with the people who matter most. Running away from Madison Square Garden last performance and returning home forces her to confront everything she left behind, including Grayson Douglas, 29, the one man she's never been able to forget and her best friend Iris, she feels like she has neglected.

The childhood friends-to-lovers and best friend's older brother dynamic was perfectly executed. Sienna and Grayson share years of history, making their connection feel genuine and deeply rooted. Their separation was heartbreaking, especially knowing it stemmed from lies and manipulation rather than a lack of love. Watching them slowly work through old wounds and uncover the truth kept me invested from beginning to end.

I also appreciated that the story balanced the romance with family struggles and personal growth. Grayson has a tremendous amount on his shoulders while helping run the family business and dealing with his father's declining health. Those moments added emotional depth and made the stakes feel real. The small amount of outside relationship drama never overwhelmed the story and was resolved without dragging out unnecessary conflict.

The pacing was excellent, the emotions hit all the right notes, and the chemistry between Sienna and Grayson was impossible not to root for. If you enjoy second-chance romance, childhood connections, music industry drama, and a hero and heroine determined to fight their way back to each other, this book is an easy recommendation. A wonderful, satisfying read from start to finish.

Love is a blessing, so many leave the world without it, don't be afraid of it, don't be careful of it but give it everything you have!
13 reviews
October 19, 2026
You know those love stories where two people can spend years apart, misunderstand each other, and still somehow belong together? Sometimes the people who love us most are the ones we accidentally hurt the deepest. Yeah… Sienna and Grayson absolutely got me with this one. Sienna has loved Grayson for what feels like forever, and the fact that their story goes all the way back to before the fame, the sold-out concerts, and the pop-star lifestyle made their connection feel that much more special. She might have become a star, but deep down, she's still the girl who left a piece of her heart with the boy she never stopped loving. And Grayson? Oh, I was absolutely rooting for this man. He's juggling so much. He's got his own struggles, but that softer side of him had me swooning. The YEARS of longing, the chemistry, the hurt, the sweetness, and those moments when you can practically feel how much these two have missed each other? YES, PLEASE. Give me all the second-chance romance with a side of childhood crushes that turn into forever love!
Vivy Skys delivered a beautiful blend of angst, family struggles, friendship, secrets, passion, and the kind of love that never really goes away, even when life gets messy. I loved the small-town Maine setting, the emotional depth, and the reminder that sometimes home isn't a place at all. It's the person your heart keeps finding its way back to. Five stars from me! Grayson and Sienna were absolutely worth the wait, and I'm so happy I got to be part of their journey. This is a wonderful start to the Maine Hearts series, and I'm already looking forward to seeing whose love story Vivy gives us next! If you're a sucker for childhood crushes, years of yearning, second chances, and a man who has loved his girl all along, add this one to your TBR!
247 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
October 4, 2026
Sienna has always been a singer; she is scouted after a talent show and plans to go to UCLA for college. She has been in love with her best friend's brother for years. He was her first lover and has been in her heart for since that time.
Her corrupt manager targets Grayson and tells him Sienna left. He was bitter and turns to a local girl in their hometown. He is being torn apart by his father dementia, and pressures from the family company he is managing.
Sienna escapes from a venue when her plans for a Bali vacation are cancelled by her manager and the label. She travels back to her hometown in Maine. She ends up staying with her best friend which also entails Grayson being in the house.
They are both antagonistic, each believing the other is at fault for the issue in Boston. They finally get to the bottom of the issue which was her manager intervening. They rekindle their romance, but she is faced with a huge buyout of her contract if she doesn't return to reordering and touring.
There is a great HEA ending to this story which every reader will appreciate.
I loved the characters in this story. Sienna was young when she signed her contract but has upheld all the conditions. She is fiercely protective of her grandmother and her best friend. Grayson is a stalwart businessman who has a soft side. He solves all Sienna's problems and allows her to take the reins on her career.
A very worthwhile read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Korkoi.
8,016 reviews37 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 7, 2026
Home is Where her Heart Always was -
Sienna was only looking to take the break from performing, that had already been agreed, but she found out her plans had been changed without her knowledge, so she took drastic measures to keep to her original plans. Grayson on the other hand hadn’t gotten over Sienna in the years they had been apart, so he was weary about having to spend time in close proximity with her. However, it felt like Sienna and Grayson’s lives hadn’t changed the more time they spent together, which led to them rekindling their secret relationship.

Unfortunately, Grayson and Sienna’s happiness didn’t last as the discovery of their relationship impacted not only her relationship with her best friend, but also her public life as a musician. Nevertheless, Grayson and Sienna managed to navigate all the drama and obstacles in their path to successfully getting the happily ever after they deserved.

The author did a great job with this moving, well written romance story with an emotional depth that highlighted the challenges and pressures young musicians endure, as they try to balance their public and private lives. In addition, the characters were engaging and the storyline was realistic, which made this story come alive on the pages and ensured a meaningful reading experience.

I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Donna L.
341 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 30, 2026
Great Start to New Series!

Vivy Skys has expanded her writing with this new series set in small-town Maine. She proves once again that her writing is diversified across different genres and tropes. Grayson and Sienna’s story is about a childhood crush that withstands musical pop-star fame and perceived unrequited love.
Their love story endured years of yearning and a secret that emotionally wounded them both.

What you can expect:
🎸 Pop-Star Heroine Rebuilding After Burn-Out
📆He’s Had it Bad for Her for Years and She for Him
💞 Swoony, Fate-Fueled Love
🌊Spicy Scenes

This is a second chance story filled with angst, longing, emotional intensity, and undeniable chemistry. Vivy Skys does a fantastic job balancing vulnerability, tension, and romance in a way that keeps you completely hooked. I’m looking forward to the next couple in the series. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.


Profile Image for Cathy Moir-Allen.
793 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 7, 2026
Book one of "Maine Hearts". Sienna Rhodes at eighteen thought her music dreams were coming true, but eight years later her life has descended into a nightmare and she doesn't even recognize herself in the mirror anymore. After a forty-five stop tour and a sold out concert at MSG, looking forward to her first break in eight years, she discovers that her manager, behind her back, has extended the tour. It's the final straw. She heads home to Maine, to where the only man she has ever loved, the one who broke her heart, still lives. Grayson Douglas is at a crossroads. His father suffers from dementia and barely remembers his name. The board wants him to take over the family corporation. The only woman he has ever loved broke his heart two years ago and now his sister has just informed him that Sienna's going to be staying with them for a while. A great book about loving despite the odds.
Profile Image for Laura vega.
34 reviews
October 15, 2026
What a sweet love story about a love that never dies. Vivy Skys latest book was different for me as I am used to reading mafia romance by Vivy, that this combination businessman and popstar is refreshing, witty, and hopeful.
Echo is a star, she makes money for her record company, expectations are hard and Echo overshadows Sienna, cause Sienna to lose the inner light that made her a popstar in the first place.
Grayson has loved Sienna since childhood. He is angry, hurt and still loves his girl. Through twist and turns, Gray and Sienna find themselves back together, finding a love so strong that they make miracles happen.
Vivy Skys writes such a tantalizing story, this reader is held captive. Always Been His, Five stars hands down.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for C Schmidt.
368 reviews3 followers
October 19, 2026
This is the story of Sienna and Grayson and it was a good story. Sienna and Grayson have loved each other since they were in high school, but neither would pursue the other because Sienna’s ‘s best friend is Grayson‘s sister.

Sienna promised Iris years ago that she would never pursue her brother and she kept that promise. She left to go to college and ended up being discovered and became a huge, huge popstar.

The story is about how Sienna and Grayson find their way back to each other. I give this about 4 1/4 stars. It kept my interest for the most part but was fairly predictable. Overall, good book.
10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 1, 2026
This was a pleasant and delightful book. The romance was truly glorious between Sienna and Gray. The pacing of the plot was well laid out. A beautiful side plot was the relationship between Gray's father and step-mother as well as Gray's relationship with them. Those relationships were sweet and touching. The HEA was just right: not too sugary sweet nor disappointing leaving unanswered questions to Sienna and Gray's journey.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
349 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 2, 2026
Sienna well known singer close to a burnout with a manager who won't let her rest, there was only one option escape.
Years ago Sienna and Grayson were in love but fame and interference from her manager ruined it, secretly back home in Main and meeting Gray again.
Its a beautifully written love story and love can last if they can understand what or who broke them up and leaves you really wanting them to have a second chance.
How long can her manager finds her again ready to force her back in the stage.
Profile Image for Kim H.
178 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy
October 9, 2026
This is Book 1 of Maine Hearts and is a spicy, emotional best friend's older brother romance featuring second-chance yearning, forced proximity, a protective billionaire hero, secret first-love history, no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA. I enjoyed the emotional journey and the heartbreak. Sometimes it is as simple as miscommunication and the angst that both Grayson and Sienna face is deep, raw and emotional. Loved the spice and the chemistry between them! Great read!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
730 reviews
October 12, 2026
Remember, "the moments you don't waste are the ones that stay with you."
I was immediately drawn into Sienna and Grayson's compelling 2nd chance love story which combines heartbreak, deception, romance, humor, threats, contracts, the bonds of friendship and family, wishes and secrets. The well-written storyline creates passionate moments, grand gestures and quiet special moments. The characters are strong, very likeable and multilayered. This charming book is the first in the series and I highly recommend it! I received this ARC from the talented author, Vivy Skys.
4,667 reviews36 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 12, 2026
“Always Been His” by Vivy Skys

-This story contains an emotional, spicy second-chance romance. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts about the story.
Sienna and Grayson confront the lies that separated them when she returns home exhausted by fame. Their shared history, strong chemistry, and touching family moments make their reunion worth rooting for.
A well-paced, sweet story with a satisfying happy ending. It’s always nice to read a second chance tale.


Profile Image for Debbie Brown.
2,157 reviews19 followers
October 15, 2026
Vivy Skys has written a wonderful second chance romance story. I love this couple Grayson and Sienna’s story starts as a childhood crush. Their lives took different paths, wounded souls with an emotional story with sizzling chemistry between Grayson and Sienna. A captivating story filled with romance, lasting love that will make you believe in love again. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Berta Greenleaf Richardson.
1,559 reviews8 followers
November 1, 2026
Small town Maine is the setting for a second chance romance. Sienna is now known as Echo all over the pop world while Grayson is a billionaire who is waiting for his father to hand over the company. Sienna needs a break from touring and he needs to deal with a father who has dementia. The love is still there but so is the pain from years ago. Will they be able to make a go of it the second time around?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,812 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 9, 2026
This book will instantly grab you and not let you go. Sienna has so much courage and determination, I loved the decisions she made. I loved how Grayson was there for her. The gripping scenes, unexpected moments, intriguing details, and tension filled characters won’t let you down.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amy Hutchins.
968 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2026
Wow, just wow. I became so emotionally invested and was not let go until the end. Talk about second chances. I was rooting for Sienna and Grayson the whole way through, between the chemistry, the misunderstandings, and the reconnection, you want them to get their HEA! This was just soo, so good.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Judy.
2,269 reviews13 followers
October 21, 2026
Sienna needs a break from all the chaos that follows a pop-star. Just enough time to decompress and reset. Things don't always go the way we want it and she's gone her limit. Some secrets that effected their lives will either make or break their second chance. So good.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,216 reviews6 followers
October 8, 2026
Forever Love
Sienna has loved Grayson forever, long before she became a pop star. And he’s loved just as long. He’s her base, her home, her heart and soul. Even when her manager lies to both of them they still find a way back to each other. Back home.
64 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 10, 2026
You get drawn into this sweet and lovable story even if you don’t want to be drawn. It’s almost the small town, girl next door second chance romance, but with some added spice thrown in.
Totally lovable.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
475 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2026
Thos book is so much better than I expected. It is a true love story with two different happy endings. I am definitely on team Grayson and Sienna. The only thing better would have been him making the purchase. Lol.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
228 reviews
October 19, 2026
Grayson & his Songbird

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved all the characters & the storyline. Was so happy for the HEA ending. Great read.
Profile Image for Dawn Becher.
45 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2026
💗💗💗🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Where to begin…it was a slow start but then it sure picked up. Great read. You will not be disappointed at all.
83 reviews
October 27, 2026
beautiful story

Love lost for a little while,Love found. Stronger than ever. A must read with characters that will make you root for them in the next book.
Profile Image for meg.
31 reviews
November 2, 2026
Cute, cliche, but a great soft read on a fall Sunday
653 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
September 28, 2026
Sienna (Songbird/ Birdie) Rhodes is our strong and beautiful singer and song writer. To the world she’s Echo. The hot, top of the charts, pop rock band.
She has been in love with our sweet, caring, muscular and handsome MMC, Grayson Douglas since sixth grade.
And he’s been fond of her, her whole life. Recognizes it as love when he was nineteen. About the same time as her.
They became an item but her becoming the famous Echo, and a horrible lie from Sienna’s manager Nicki splits them.
They lost two years of being together. Could they ever understand why.
A second chance comes from Sienna getting exhausted and tired of her wants not being took into consideration by her manager. So an impulsive decision is made. Headed home but will Sienna and Grayson take a second chance?
If so there are lies, shattered hearts, hurt and crushed feelings, and misunderstandings still standings.
This is a sweet romance story on the way to forever, crushed too soon.
There are so much they have to get through, but eventually they get a well deserved happy ending.
There are spicy areas so go into it knowing that. With each getting their dreams come true beyond their imagination.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews