It's Always Been You

by Shani Denise

She spent years loving a man who made her question her worth.

When Lisa finally chooses herself and walks away, she returns home determined to heal, rebuild, and remember the woman she used to be.

She wasn't looking for love.

Especially not in the middle of Target.

And definitely not with Lance Walker--the childhood best friend, professional basketball star, and first crush she never quite got over.

Somewhere between old memories, new chemistry, and feelings neither of them can hide anymore, Lisa realizes the love she's been searching for may have been there all along.

But after surviving the wrong man, will she be brave enough to trust the right one?

Sometimes finding forever starts with finding yourself.

155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2026

About the author

Shani Denise writes soulful, spicy urban romances that celebrate Black love in all its beauty, power, and magic. A proud Detroit native, she infuses every story with the city’s signature blend of grit and warmth. Penned the poetic lover girl, Shani brings a lyrical boldness to her storytelling—her voice raw, heartfelt, and unapologetically real. Through richly drawn characters and emotional, heat-filled narratives, she delivers love, healing, and intensity on every page, crafting unforgettable stories that linger long after the last chapter.

Reviews

[pagesofmarz · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

First off I’m honored for the ARC! This was my first book from this author and I sure will be reading other books!

This was such a good read Lisa (Z) and Lance 😍 wow my girl had been through it all but when this title said “it’s always been you” it’s stood on that 👏🏾😍 Ahhh you get the immediate feels from the first meeting!

Lisaaaa 🥹 she was breaking my heart in the beginning I knew she had checked out and it was just so sad but when my girl got up I cheered for her and I was so happy she had a family behind her ! Dad nevaaa played lol but yeah her story her healing 😍 and Lance oh lance was just so patient lol they gave me some feels because you could tell he was just waiting for her to catch up!

This book was a nice quick and straight-to-the-point good read ! Even the side characters are loved from me except Trey … leave him where he at lol

The book did have parts where I just wanted a lil more emotion a lil more background but overall great read

But again honored to get an ARC of this book ! At it right on up in one sitting lol

[Camillia E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute and quick read about childhood friends to lovers.

Lisa is a woman to wears her heart on her sleeve and tries to see the good in people, even if it hurts her. But one day, she finally decides to love herself and start her healing journey & that's when the real story starts.

An unfortunate event brought her childhood best friend, Lance, back into town and they fall back into their groove.

I always love stories that focuses on the FMC finding herself, not sacrificing her growth and then finding her true love.

Also, I love books set in Detroit/Metro Detroit because I can picture every scene.

[Symone · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

There were so many gems throughout this book. Chile, I stayed highlighting! 🤧💕 Watching Lisa wake up and not only pull herself out of a dark place but also realize her worth was so inspiring. It's soooo easy to lose yourself in a relationship that serves no good purpose in your life, and sometimes finding your way back to yourself can be even harder. So I was genuinely happy to see her removed from that situation and placed in the right place at the right time. Back home, surrounded by the love she needed and the man she deserved. 💕

[Azvelyn · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ | ARC Review

It’s Always Been You by Shani Denise was such a cute friends-to-lovers read! 🥹❤️ This one gave me ALL the feels. Lisa & Lance’s chemistry was effortless and undeniable, and I loved watching their friendship naturally turn into something more.

A sweet, feel-good romance that reminded me why friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes. 🥰 Definitely ate this one up!

[Jasmine Blanding · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Always Been You was such a great read and well written!
Although it was a quick read, the book was very relatable. This book is about healing and finding yourself again.
Lisa finally took her power back and rediscovered herself after facing a reality she thought she never would. Lance, her childhood best friend. would later arrive... And, well I recommend reading this book to find out all it entails.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and even highlighted some of my favorite quotes because it was relatable. A must read for sure!! Grateful to have been an ARC reader 🫶🏽

[Jerricka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this book as an ARC

This book was great. The way this author made me want more and more. I wanted to be apart of this story so bad. I could not put it down. The FMC is me!! I want a love like this. I want what she has. A real man!!!!!

[Sherhonda Hill-Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Review of Advanced Reader Copy**

This was a cute and quick read about childhood friends that became more than that in the end. Lance came just in time for Z to feel appreciated and loved after what she had been through. I loved how supportive her family and friends were.

[Toni Marquis (cognac.chapters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute childhood besties to lovers quick read. Lisa, affectionately known as Lizze Bee or Z, and Lance were childhood besties growing up in a suburban cul du sac of Detroit. Their mamas are best friends who’ve been planning their lives together since birth. And what is the age old saying, “mothers know best”? And in this case boy did they. Lisa is living back home after coming off a devastating heartbreak. She’s not really trusting a new love interest even if she’s known Lance since kids. But Lance always knew Lisa was the one but was just waiting on Z to catchup.

Besties to lovers is my all time favorite trope, so I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were some instances in the story where time lapsed with no warning or the storyline took an abrupt turn. But nonetheless this was such a feel good love story.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lance V Trey (not really 😭 😂)

This is probably my fourth or fifth book by **Shani Denise**, and at this point she's an automatic read for me. She's such a lover girl, and honestly, I love that for us. I know every time I pick up one of her books, I'm going to get a sweet romance with a woman who is loved properly and a man who isn't afraid to love her out loud.

Z was engaged to Trey, a man who managed to cheat both before and after putting a ring on her finger. Although they never made it down the aisle, she stayed longer than she should have because comfort can be hard to walk away from. When she finally leaves and ends up reconnecting with her childhood best friend Lance, she starts to see that she deserves so much more.

What I loved most about this story was watching Z rediscover her confidence and begin embracing the things that make her who she is. As a plus-size FMC reader, I will never get tired of seeing women loved openly, appreciated fully, and reminded of their worth. There were also a few moments that had me laughing because Z's personality felt so genuine and relatable.

Overall, this was such a cute, comforting romance and the perfect palate cleanser if you've been reading heavier books. Shani Denise has a way of writing love stories that feel soft, uplifting, and full of heart, which is exactly why I'll keep coming back for more.

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. I always feel blessed to get the chance to read these stories early, and this one was no exception. ❤️📚✨

**⭐️⭐️⭐️.5**

[Tanisha Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 ADVANCED READER COPY REVIEW 📚

✨ Quick Read | Second-Chance Romance | Healing | A Little Spice 🌶️

Whew, honey! This one was a quick read, but it definitely gave me something to think about! 👏🏾
Have you ever loved someone so much that you became comfortable accepting their behavior, even when it was costing you pieces of yourself? Whew! The self-betrayal, the young and dumb love, the red flags we overlook, and the moment when ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! 😩🙌🏾

BABYYYY, it’s relatable! Because sometimes, we get so caught up in loving someone else that we forget the importance of loving ourselves. And let's talk about the MMC, who definitely exhibits some narcissistic tendencies! 👀

One line that stood out to me was:
💫 “She remembered who she was and the game changed.” 💫

THAT PART RIGHT THERE! 🔥
At its heart, this story is about healing, rediscovering yourself, and reclaiming your power. It's about realizing that sometimes, the greatest love story begins when you finally choose YOURSELF. And in finding your way back to who you truly are, you may discover the love that was there all along. ❤️
And listen… there was a little spice in the mix, too! 🌶️😂 Because why not?!
This story is a reminder that many of us have experienced—or will experience—those moments when love challenges us to choose between holding on to someone else and holding on to ourselves.

✨ Sometimes, finding love means finding yourself first.

📖 A relatable read about love, lessons, healing, and knowing when it's time to take your power back!

#AdvancedReaderCopy #ARCReview #SecondChanceRomance #HealingJourney #SelfLove #RomanceReads #BookReview #ChooseYourself

[Priscilla Obie · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 **It’s Always Been You by Shani Denise**

Shani girl… **YOU DID YOUR BIG ONE WITH THIS ONE!** 👏🏾👏🏾

I related to Lisa in so many ways. Staying in a relationship where you’re mistreated, not loved properly, not valued, and constantly making excuses for someone because somewhere along the way, you stopped believing you were worthy of the kind of love you deserved… whew. 🥺 That part hit DEEP.

What I loved most was watching Lisa finally **find herself and recognize her worth.** ❤️ Yes, Lance played a part in reminding her what it feels like to be loved correctly, but ultimately, it was Lisa growing into the woman she was always meant to be. And I LOVED that for her!

And baby… **THAT PRAYER?!** 🙌🏾🙏🏾 I highlighted it. I saved it. I went back and read it again because it was EVERYTHING. Some words you don’t just read—you keep them.

And Lance?! 😮‍💨❤️ **THE ULTIMATE BOOK BOYFRIEND!** The way that man loved her?! Sir! 🥹😂

This story made me laugh, made me emotional, had me highlighting and annotating all throughout the book, and most importantly, it reminded me that sometimes finding love starts with finding **yourself** first.

Thank you, Shani, for trusting me with an advanced copy. I truly enjoyed every bit of Lisa and Lance’s story. Congratulations, girl! 🥂📚 I already know **It’s Always Been You** is going to be a SUCCESS! ❤️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
**Whatever you do… JUST KEEP READING!** 📖✨

[Brittany Emm]

This was such a heartwarming, uplifting read about second chances, personal growth, self-compassion, taking your time, and learning to believe that you're worthy of genuine love! 🥹❤️ The FAMILY SCHEMING really got me—watching them try to set people up is hilarious lol.

Lisa's always been the type to give way more than she gets back, and after everything Trey put her through, I was thrilled to see her finally prioritize HERSELF! Sometimes you gotta stop accepting crumbs, understand your value, and recognize that you deserve a love that brings comfort instead of heartache. 👏🏾❤️

Getting to know Lisa and Lance's world was really enjoyable—they're childhood best friends whose journeys went in separate directions, yet their unspoken connection and spark never really faded. 🥰 What I appreciated most about their story is how it shows that working through your stuff and discovering who you are matter just as much as finding the right person.

another fantastic one, it's genuinely such an enjoyable read!!
Thank you for allowing me to experience this ARC.

[Jay DaBibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa went home to find herself and ran into a reason to take her time in Target. Listen, my Target trips are clearly missing something!

This friends-to-lovers story unfolded so beautifully! Like so many women, Lisa found herself accepting disrespect from a man she thought loved her. Watching her finally choose herself made me root for her before the romance even began. She deserved the chance to heal, remember her worth, and discover what else life had waiting for her.

And then there’s Lance. A childhood best friend, a first crush, and now a big NBA player reconnecting with his “Z.” Their shared history and the close-knit community they grew up in gave their connection so much heart. I loved watching those familiar feelings grow into something more.

What made this story special was that Lisa’s decision to choose herself opened the door to so much more. The friendship, the chemistry, and the way their love unfolded had me fully invested. Shani Denise gave me a beautiful reminder that walking away can be the beginning of everything you deserve.

[Kris Bush · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This is a good one. One perspective throughout the book. It’s romance, it’s not fully closed door but it’s also not explicit. You know the sexual relationship is there, you know it’s passionate and beautiful but it’s not explicitly described.

Now the characters L&Z, Lance and Lisa aka Lizeebee. I love her nickname (one of my daughter’s middle name is Elizabeth and she has this nickname as well).

Lance just gets it. He’s patient. He’s kind. He’s loving. He’s protective. He’s proactive. He’s certain. He’s sure, sure about her, sure about them.

Lisa she’s healing, she’s been hurt, she’s learning to trust again, more herself than anything.

And them? They got it. They’ve always had it. So much so, those around them had been waiting for it.

I recommend this book to those who want something good with minimal spice.

Just so you know I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Portia Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

This sweet, feel-good romance follows Lisa, a woman who finally finds the strength to walk away from her fiancé, Trey, after several betrayals left her feeling foolish and worn down. Moving back home with her parents, she finds comfort in the small things, like wandering the aisles of Target as her personal therapy. It’s actually at Target where she runs into Lance, her childhood best friend and now NBA player, who has returned home due to illness in his family. As the two reconnect, their old bond slowly deepens into something more, and the story unfolds with plenty of warmth and tenderness. This is a story about healing after betrayal, rediscovering your own worth, and trusting yourself enough to let love in again. It's a comforting, easy read and a great pick for anyone who loves a second-chance, friends-to-lovers romance.

[Christina Purefoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This is an honest review for an advanced copy received from author *

This was the perfect story about how losing oneself & healing can bring you to your happy ever after… Even if that person is your best friend 💜

Lance & Lisa happened to be best friends that grew up together but both secretly longed for each other - maybe not so secretly because the mama’s were messy lol 😂

But life happens which included poor relationship decisions, becoming a shell of oneself and attempting to rebuild the person you once were - one day at a time. The issue is that Lance knew what he wanted, set his sights & sunk the shot at just the right time 🩵 However, dealing with damaged people take patience & Lisa can’t fathom how patient her man is being… kinda like when you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. But, her faith in her friend first helped her make, what one could assume is, the best choice of her life

It reminded me of a modern Love & Basketball moment and I was here for the whole thing… look out Monica and Quincy because Lance and Lisa are coming for you…

If you need an afternoon read pick it up!

[Miesha Smiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to ARC read this book for my honest opinion. Y’all, there is just something about a good childhood friends-to-lovers romance that gets me EVERY SINGLE TIME. And It’s Always Been You by Shani Denise reminded me exactly why I love this trope so much. This book gave me Love & Basketball vibes, but with a MUCH better male main character. I’m talking loyalty, emotional maturity, patience, and a man who genuinely knows how to love his woman.

It’s a quick, sweet, nostalgic read about second chances at love, the beauty of friendship, and finding your way back to someone who has always felt like home.

Four stars from me! And if childhood friends-to-lovers is your thing, I definitely recommend picking this one up.

[Nuski Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars for me

This was a cutesy one POV friends to lovers novella.

Lisa has always given more than she took and her ex Trey tried to break her. I was so happy for her when she decided to leave and choose herself.

I do wish that we got a little more back story or scenes on the friendship over the years. It was slightly unclear to me what type of friendship they had at this point in their lives when they bumped into each other at target. He was at the engagement party but acted like he hadn’t seen her since he left for the draft. But also it’s unclear how old they are, how long he’s been playing in the NBA ect. I guess I say all that to say I didn’t feel that usual friends to lovers angst because not much was given to be invested in them becoming a couple.

[Brandy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW****

They say a man knows who his partner is supposed to be the moment he meets her, and for Lance, that person was Lisa.

Apparently, Lisa was the only one left out of the loop until heartbreak and a life-changing event brought these two back together. Their story was filled with emotions, second chances, and the realization that sometimes what’s meant for you will find its way back to you.

Although I would have loved more of Trey’s backstory and felt like there was more to explore there, overall, this was a really good story. I enjoyed watching Lance and Lisa’s journey unfold and seeing how everything eventually came full circle.

[Adeshola · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Lisa is a woman that has lost herself for Treys marriage proposal. She is accepting his foolishness. He is a constant cheater and Trey is using and abusing Lisa. She ended up leaving that relationship and she begins to find herself. Lisa moves back home and her past reminds her of who she was and who she is. Lisa runs into her first crush one day down at the Target. Lance is her crush and her parents and his parents have always thought they should be together. And eventually they get together.

I really enjoyed the romance but I saw the story was more about Lisa finding her self-confidence. Sometimes finding yourself helps you find the love that was always there.

So it was more about the growth than the romance. Thus the 4.25 stars!

[Nette 🤎 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a ARC Review
I really enjoyed this cute quick read! I love a good childhood friends-to-lovers romance, especially when two people find their way back to each other later in life. There’s just something special about that kind of love story.

I also loved the themes of healing, learning to put yourself first, and getting a second chance at love. Sometimes you have to take time for yourself, grow, and figure things out before you can fully show up for someone else. And sometimes, life brings you right back to the person who was meant to be in your life all along.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable read, and I’m always here for a good Black romance!

[Raylyn Trice · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC, all thoughts are my own. This book was cute and I really enjoyed the characters. Lisa and Lance were the perfect couple and Lance was so kind and understanding especially after everything Lisa went through.

My hang up was the writing style it was more telling me what happened than showing me. I don’t mind it every now and then but there were a lot of times where I was like well let me see.

I do recommend this book it’s a cute, quick, feel good romance. I read it on a Sunday afternoon and it was the perfect relax day book.

[Nisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good, quick read! Lisa and Lance were made for each other in my eyes. I loved their childhood-friends-to-lovers story and watching Lisa heal from past relationship trauma before going after the love she deserved. The way her family loved and protected her, especially her daddy, was everything! The story gave me Love & Basketball vibes, and that’s one of my favorite movies. This was my first read by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. I’ll be diving into more of her catalog before the year ends!

[Monique McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

It was a beautiful book. Love, fears, hurt, lies, secrets, being scared, and growing. This book has a reflection of life. Sometimes you have to love who are with you to find your true love.
I am glad Lisa left Trey. He was using her and didn't care. She had to go through the pain and hurt. It did take a while, but she got the strength to walk away.
I was happy to see Lance and Lisa get over their fears. Their mother's were hilarious. They wanted them together.
Lisa stepped out on faith and got her man.
It was a cute book.

[Sheree Ware-Abner · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

*************ARC review***************
Thank you Shani for allowing me to ARC your book.

This is a story about not a second chances per se but allowing the inevitable to happen. The story is about Z & L Lisa(Lizzie Bee) & Lance. The best friends since the womb finally coming to terms with what was destined from the beginning. Lisa coming off of a traumatic situationship and Lance a renowned basketball phenom returning home due to a family emergency. They fell into their comfortable familiarity. Aunt Yvette(Lance's mom) and Lisa's mom was HILARIOUS!! And Uncle Monte(Lance Dad) and Lisa's dad just let them stew in their shenanigans! It showcased the wiles of being a close knit cul-de-sac, which means that EVERYBODY knows your business before it is even your business. This was a cute, fully circle, quick read, HEA story. And last but not least, TREY IS TRASH!!!!

[Sharee Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review-
This was such a beautiful journey of love, healing, and finding your way back to each other. ❤️ Lisa had to take a journey of healing after the heartbreak caused by her fiancé, learning to overcome her doubts and realize that she was worthy of love. Watching her and Lance find their way back to each other and finally embrace the love and bond they shared was beautiful. Sometimes, you have to heal yourself before you can fully accept the love you deserve. 🥹💕 I loved seeing their journey come full circle!

[Tash Boogie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn romance between Lisa and Lance, childhood friends who get reacquainted when Lance returns to their hometown. Lisa is dealing fresh off a break up with her ex, Trey and Lance reminds Lisa of who she was before Trey and who she can continue to grow into. Both of them reveal their childhood crushes on each other and tip toe into a relationship that makes them realize there is no better place for the both of them.

[Keisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so honored to get an ARC— This book is the second chance, healing book that reminds you that love is there and it finds you at the right time! I got upset with Lisa, felt butterflies, even kicked my feet while giggling.

My favorite characters are Lisa and Lance’s moms 😂🤣.

If you need/want a feel good easy read with loss live, healing, finding yourself and second chance love. Pick this up!!

[Kristen Hill · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

📚 ARC REVIEW | It’s Always Been You by Shani Denise
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5/5
Childhood friends to lovers | Second-chance romance | Healing ❤️
I really enjoyed this one! I loved watching Lisa’s journey of rediscovering herself, recognizing her worth, and learning that she deserves so much more. And Lance?! 🥹 Their connection was so sweet and refreshing! I especially loved that their romance wasn’t filled with unnecessary drama. Sometimes choosing yourself is all you need 🫶🏽

[RaeReads · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Chileee this was sooo cute!!! Lisa and Lance had me rooting for them from the beginning. Baby, I enjoyed watching their connection unfold and seeing Lisa find her footing, embrace her healing, and finally put herself first. The childhood friends-to-lovers storyline made this such an enjoyable read, and I loved that the romance didn’t overshadow Lisa’s personal growth. A sweet, easy read with just enough emotion to keep me invested. Shani Denise definitely delivered with this one!

Thank you to the author for this review all opinions are my own