Always With Love

Billy and Me #2

by Giovanna Fletcher

The next much-anticipated romantic chapter in Billy and Sophie's love story from bestselling author Giovanna Fletcher.

Sophie's got used to being the girlfriend of Billy Buskin, the biggest movie star in the world. Sort of.

But when she and Billy take a trip to visit his family in Los Angeles, she quickly discovers she's totally unprepared for the chaos of Hollywood, the paparazzi and Billy's controlling mother.

And when Billy extends his stay in LA, leaving Sophie to fly home to Rosefont Hill alone, it seems there's more than just miles between them.

Now Sophie must decide if they can overcome their differences for good. Because not every love story lasts the distance . . .

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Fiction, Adult, Ebooks, Young Adult

400 pages, Paperback

First published August 23, 2016

About the author

Giovanna grew up in Essex with her Italian dad Mario, mum Kim, big sister Giorgina and little brother Mario, and spent most of her childhood talking to herself (it seems no one wanted to listen) or reading books.

At thirteen she left Essex behind to attend the full-time Sylvia Young Theatre School, where she met her husband Tom Fletcher. Following SYTS she completed an acting BA (hons) at Rose Bruford – since then she's been acting, chaperoning mini actors and dabbling in a spot of freelance journalism.

Giovanna is a firm believer in the power of magpies and positive energy. To see what makes Giovanna smile, view her blog at www.giovannasworld.com, or her Twitter page @mrsgifletcher

Billy and Me is Giovanna's debut novel.

Reviews

[Agi · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Always with Love" was one of my most anticipated books this year. I've read Giovanna Fletcher's debut novel "Billy and Me", then adored "You're the One that I Want" and haven't had a pleasure to read "Dream a Little Dream" - yet! - even though it's on my TBR pile. (And I know. There are two novellas as well). Keeping in mind that "Always with Love" is continuation of "Billy and Me" and we are going to meet the lovely Sophie and the super - handsome Billy, I started to read the book almost immediately after tearing open the envelope. "Always with Love", even though it's a sequel, can be easily read as a stand - alone, because even without many significant flashbacks you can quickly understand what happened before. So - did the book live up to my expectations?

Well, yes and no. Ms Fletcher's writing style is fluent and vivid, though somehow I just couldn't connect with it. You know, when reading some books it feels as if they are reading themselves, they're so quick and easy to follow, but here I was struggling a little with the writing style. I can't put my finger on what exactly the problem was, but for me it was just a kind of struggle to go through the book. I also couldn't fully engage with the story. After reading the blurb I was expecting something rather very exciting, some LA/Hollywood adventures and even though the blurb itself was suggesting troubles in paradise and you could easily guess what kind of troubles they're going to be (which was not a bother to me!), the story felt somehow flat, without twists, turns, ups nor downs. It was as if you were reading on the same level, as if it was written on a very straight line and the author was very careful not to move beyond this line. Which is a shame, really, as I think Ms Fletcher could use the setting and the brilliant idea in a much more exciting way.

I also, funnily enough, as in the first book I didn't have any problems, couldn't engage with Sophie and Billy. They seemed a little too flat for my liking, their dialogues felt wooden and too forced and it really surprised me, as I still can remember the lovely feeling I had about them from "Billy and Me". I am also not sure what to think about Billy's family, maybe except for his brother and one of his sisters. The rest of the family was, well, I don't know, lazy? In any case, they benefited from Billy's fame and money. I could understand that his mother was bothered and wanted him to continue his career, but I also couldn't stop thinking that she was doing it for her own comfort and convenience. I don't know, there was something in her that made me want to yell at her, shake her and point her in the direction of the next job. And these are not only Sophie and Billy that are so different, but their families as well, they couldn't be more different - while Sophie's is small and quiet, Billy's is large and loud, and it was nice to see those contrasts.

I liked the dual setting of the story, as we travelled between Los Angeles and England, Rosefont Hill, a place where Sophie lives, has her family and her beloved tea - shop. We spent a lot of time at Billy's home in Los Angeles but also Sophie went on some sight - seeing trips, and we also have a very briefly described visit to Disneyland (I could thought it was a significant visit, what with it being such an occasion and with the fuss being made around it, but no, nothing, just a quick visit to Disneyland with a personal guide and bodyguards...) and I really liked her enthusiasm and that she really enjoyed the sights.

I was waiting how the author is going to bring together lives of two so very different people and well, the outcome was really OK, but you must read the book for yourself of course and see how it ends. It was also interesting to see if the real love is going to conquer all the problems and obstacles, because it is crystal clear that Sophie and Billy are madly in love with each other (which give me hope, haha, as I also have a little crush on some pop star :D Please, don't say old and stupid :D ). Despite all my problems with the book I liked to see how the relationship between those two love birds developed and matured and it was great to see that the author has made it a "real" relationship, with ups and downs and not only a bed of roses. She shows how it really is when we have to do with a working relationship, with long - distance relationship, when family comes in the way.

Yes, you're right, I am SO torn about this book! I wanted to love it so much, I had so high expectations, but somehow, it just didn't work for me. It lacked life, excitement and action that I got in Giovanna Fletcher's previous books. It was nice, please don't get me wrong, and it is probably my fault that I couldn't connect with it as much as I wanted and it's not that I didn't like it, as there were moments that I enjoyed. But sometimes you just don't get on with the book and it was, sadly, the case. However, I am of course not crossing Giovanna Fletcher out of my list of favourite authors and am already looking forward to her next release.

Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.

[Aleida Oskam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Billie and Sophie continues... In a typical chicklit kind of way. It was a nice read but didn't get me all that excited.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billy and Sophie two of my favourite characters from all the books I've read and another story about them, what's not to like it was another easy read which I liked how the sections were split just like the last book.

Part One
Detailing a little of the events between the ending of the last book and the start of this one while Billy and Sophie fly to LA to see his family. I take to Lauren instantly just like Sophie does. Even after finishing the whole book I didn't take to his mum much at all. It's a shame his brother Jay wasn't in the story more too.

Part Two
Is back in Sophie's home town and that to me is where is belongs. Peter (Molly's Son) and Sophie start to become more involved with each other regarding the tea rooms and a woman called Rachel is employed there too. Rhonda is a better manager to Billy than Paul ever was. That was one thing that bugged me in the last book Billy thought he was brilliant, I didn't like him just like Sophie.

Part Three
Can Peter and Sophie just be friends? As someone who believes men and women can be friends I was slightly disappointed Peter tried to kiss her. I wanted them to remember Molly together. However it's not a major love triangle or anything more a misunderstanding. It's not the sort of thing that would ruin a relationship like Sophie and Billy's in my eyes.

Part Four
Sophie and her mum's relationship has never been stronger. The one part of the arguments between Billy and Sophie I found the worst was the one about her mum. Out of anyone in my life I wouldn't want those things said about my mum. However Billy and her mum do get along, it must be a little difficult to see your mum as a friend when you have Billy's mum to be fair. His proposal at the end is sweet even though I did guess it was coming unlike Sophie. Always With love I do wish Sophie would stop doubting herself she makes Billy a much more normal and nice guy as he can become so selfish in times of his acting career.

I'd love there to be another book about Billy and Sophie following from this one they are two great characters. I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the first one but it was still a high 4 star read for me.

[Sophie Neasham · Rating 1 out of 5]

Always with Love by Giovanna Fletcher
⭐️
Sophie is a spoilt little brat in this book. She pushes Billy to do a film, then complains the entire time he’s filming, she splits up with him for kissing someone in the first book, then makes a very similar mistake herself and hides it. But oh woe me, she’s the victim. She constantly victimises herself, making Billy the bad guy, when in reality he has changed everything for her. His entire personality and hopes and dreams are squished into a box so that she can continue to live her pathetic life on the hill.

She also never consults Billy on decisions. He puts his career and life on hold for her and she just swans off starting a business, moving house, selling the house he wanted. She’s so selfish!

The book is written by a woman, which is obviously fine, but she seems totally clueless when it comes to a man’s mind. Seriously? Billy’s nostrils flare as he happens to randomly think back to three months ago when he blurted something out about Sophie’s mum and he just regrets it so much, and Sophie can just see that’s what he is thinking in that moment? Even though in the argument he didn’t even insult the mother? Of course that’s what he’s thinking love. Maybe I’m a cynic, but I just feel like it’s so obviously coming from a woman’s perspective that it’s unrealistic. But really, would a young guy really say ‘love makes the world a better place and I want the life I lead to be one that’s driven always with love. With you’ am I really supposed to buy that?!

I loved the first book, but this book was boring, hard to focus on and I hated the main character.

Do not recommend. Yes read the first book, but pretend there is no sequel.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a follow on to Billy and Me but it can be read on its own, everything you would need to know about what has gone before is explained and in a nice way, without making you feel as if you are being info dumped. Tea shop owner Sophie and her boyfriend, heart throb movie star Billy have spent the last few months living in a quaint rural village, Rosefont Hill where Sophie has her tea shop, whilst Billy has been having a break from the Hollywood whirl. The story here starts when they make a trip to California and Sophie will meet Billy’s family for the first time. So far they are still in the honeymoon phase of their relationship but what will happen when reality bites and Billy goes back to his acting career? Can their relationship survive the separations?

It is a pleasant, easy to read romantic story but one that just feels as if something is missing. For me, it just needed a bit more drama as it all just felt a little mundane and dull at times. I wanted wall to wall glitz, glammer, intrigue, jealousies, passion with a capital P and pure escapism for this read. It just doesn’t quite give me that. It has some lovely cute moments in it, but any obstacles that are thrown their way all seem to be dealt with just a little bit too easily. It just could have done with a little more oomph to it, but on the whole I have to say it is not a bad read. I received a review copy from the publisher via Netgalley.

[Kirsty Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

So looking forward to this book I'm a massive fan of Giovanna and can't wait to read more about Billy and Sophie's amazing adventure!

[Anja · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this sequel to 'Billy and Me' Sophie is happy with her famous boyfriend Billy and everything seems great, she loves living in Rosefont Hill and working in her teashop.
One day the both of them fly over to Los Angeles and Sophie gets to meet Billy's big family for the first time. But all those paparazzi and people she thinks don't really want her there might not really be her thing.
And to make things worse, Billy needs to stay longer, meaning Sophie has to fly back to England alone. Soon, she starts to wonder if they can really overcome the distance...

I really liked the story and quickly finished it. I don't really know if the first part was better or not because it's been ages since I read it. It only got four stars from me, so there must've been something missing. Same with the sequel: It was good, but not perfect. I generally don't like chick-lit books that take place in Los Angeles / Hollywood (at least most of the time). I don't hate them or anything, I just like the English-village-ones better. And not all of it is Hollywood, there's enough of England in it, but still.

I could totally relate to Sophie, though, which was quite nice. Also, I really liked Billy of course, and one of his sisters was great.
There was not really anything to worry about or any big disasters or anything. The ending was lovely and a perfect conclusion to the story.

There's not much else I can say really. It was just a nice sequel!

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quickly realised when reading the synopsis that you really needed to read Billy & Me which was released in 2013. I quickly rectified that and as I enjoyed it so much I was keen to get going with this sequel. I was so pleased that I did as I really enjoyed it! This can certainly be read as a standalone, but is so much more enjoyable having the back story of these two. Billy and Sophie when we last left them had settled into life in a rural countryside setting in Kent and when we return things seem about as perfect as you could ask for. However, when Billy arranges a trip to visit his family in Los Angeles, Sophie realises things are going to be chaotic once again!

Billy's parents and siblings are not what I expected and although Sophie is made to feel welcome she soon realises she is a little out of her depth when it comes to understanding the sort of fame and life that Billy has over there. When Billy is offered the chance to stay on a while, she realises that the distance between them will be the biggest test for their relationship. As Sophie returns to the UK and her little tea shop, she realises that the distance isn't the only thing that will pose a problem (but I will say no more on that front).

The story flows well and I loved both Billy's family as well as the return of all the villagers in Sophie's home town. There were also some old fashioned elements in this story such as the decision for Billy and Sophie to go back to some of the old traditions and write to each other. The book picks up pace as both Sophie and Billy are pushed to the limits whilst desperately trying to make things work. There were certain things that felt a little unfinished and in all honesty I was surprised we didn't get more insight into Billy's family's characters. That aside, this is an easy read with characters I really like and as such I thought it was a great sequel.

[Cass Glaves · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is part of a series which documents the love story of a young girl in a sleepy village in Kent, Sophie, and a "heart throb" Billy Buskin, an up and coming hot shot actor, from LA. Very realistic! not.....Anyway this book was OK, but boy did it drag! it was a nice enough story but to be honest, it was wayyyyy too long. it could have been written in half the pages and still told me the same story. A bit bland for me, with no real depth to the story. Unfortunately it would NOT inspire me to read any more.

[Signe Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG YES
I had some conflicting thoughts about whether to give this a 4.5 or a 5 stars while reading it, but that ending was too good to give it anything other than 5. LOVED IT.

[Suzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will write a review soon... I hope

[Kerryrosalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in this series but found this a little slow and dull. This carries on from where the first book left off and tell the story of a long distance relationship but it’s just a lot of the same with them going backwards and forwards on planes!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently I read - and loved! - Giovanna Fletcher's debut novel Billy & Me. It was fantastic, and I could hardly believe how long it took me to read it (I will forever be ashamed!) so I was ecstatic when a copy of Always With Love landed in my possession. I love that there's a sequel, and something tells me this might not be the last Sophie & Billy novel, too, which makes me even more excited. I could read about Sophie & Billy forever because they're so down to earth, and their relationship is so real. There's no messing around, no silly break-ups, it's a real relationship and sure they have hard times, but in a relationship that's what you do, you have ups and downs, and you try your hardest to make it through...

Always With Love picks up not long after the Christmas novella Christmas With Billy & Me (SO cute, btw) as Billy and Sophie head to L.A. to meet Billy's parents, who live in what sounds like one of the loveliest houses in L.A. - I dreamt about going in their swimming pool, I'm telling you. While in L.A., Billy gets the opportunity to work on a film of a lifetime, so Sophie heads back home alone, along with all the rumours that they've broken up (they haven't) and we get to see what it's like long-distance, between the two of them. And it's hard, and Sophie begins to wonder if it's all worth the hassle, and she needs to decide what she wants from her life, instead of what everyone else wants for her.

Always With Love was such a lovely read. It's so lovely to be back with Sophie, Billy, and everyone else. Rosefont Hill feels like home, it's so cute, and seems like the best place to live - the most idyllic village. It was also interesting to see how Sophie and Billy handled being thousands of miles apart, and I loved the fact they wrote letters to each other, because letter writing is a lost art. And the letters were so cute! Billy & Sophie are just two of the nicest people you could ever meet, and to get a glimpse into their lives is amazing. I could read about them for books and books and books, because you kind of feel like no matter what happens, these two are destined to be together, and it will all be okay in the end.

I was so sad to finish Always With Love. It was amazing and in two books and a novella, I am firmly a massive fan of Giovanna Fletcher. She's a fantastic writer, a brilliant storyteller and injects so much warmth and love into her books, I'm surprised the book doesn't glow. I am now eagerly anticipating the third chapter in this story, because this cannot be the end. I need more Sophie in my life, and I love her mum, too - her mum's storyline with Colin made me all warm and fuzzy inside. This book was just all sorts of goodness, and I lapped it up.

[Emma Streets · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
This one just made me happy to read and sometimes that's all you need to make it a great book.
I love the story the characters are incredible.
It all so sweet

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back with Sophie and Billy and I couldn’t be happier. I love their story in Billy and Me, they are such a cute couple and share this unique connection. It wasn’t easy for them in the beginning, but their love is strong.

Now, some time has passed. Sophie has gotten used to being Billy Buskin’s (the movie star) girlfriend. Together they live with her mum and he helps her in her tea shop. When they go to LA to visit his family everything changes.

Sophie gets to know his big family, which is not easy, especially his mother proves to be difficult. She also has a great time with some of them though. And then Billy gets his big chance to be in a movie and he takes it. Sophie flies home alone and manages everything there. This is now testing their love. The distance between them is not easy, although the talk on the phone and write each other letters. They both start thinking about what they really want in life.

Billy is tempted by his celebrity status and Sophie sees that, sometimes in the media first. And Sophie works a lot, spends time with her mum and her mum’s fiancé Colin. Added to the picture then is Molly’s son Peter. Molly was very close to Sophie before she died and now Sophie is even more passionate about the shop. Well, Peter seems to become a great friend, can they just be friends?!

I loved how Giovanna created a story where distance and love were so close. Both Sophie’s and Billy’s feelings came across beautifully and it was wonderful to read about them again. It might seem obvious what was going to happen, but it’s all part of their lives and Giovanna also added other elements to the story, which made it more exciting. Sophie’s mum got her story and I adored reading about the mother-daughter relationship. Billy’s family also added some sparks to it all.

This book might not have the big WOW moment, but the writing is amazing, I got hooked immediately and sometimes less is more.

I would love to read about these two characters again, like five years later or something like that.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the wonderfully romantic sequel to Billy & Me, and also the Christmas e-book short story, Giovanna Fletcher once again has weaved her magic, and written a book that I couldn't get enough of. I read it in one sitting, quite happily one evening, and didn't put it down at all.

If you haven't read Billy & Me, then don't worry as this definitely works as a standalone story, which was useful as although I remember loving the original, I couldn't recall the details, but slowly bits started to come back to me, as I remembered how caught up I was in the writing the first time around too.

I have no idea how Giovanna Fletcher, keeps writing these magical books, but I am so glad that she does, as she is fast becoming a favourite author of mine.

I loved the dual settings of this book, with part of the story taking place in Los Angeles where Sophie travels for the first time to meet the whole of Billy's family, with mixed consequences, as well as in Sophie's home village of Rosefont Hill.

Billy's family is large and noisy, and as different from Sophie's upbringing as you can get, but they all pretty much struck various chords with me and I found myself really liking them all. Sophie's mum is being given a second chance at happiness and one of my favourite scenes in the book involved wedding dress shopping.

I am desperately hoping that this isn't the last we will see of Billy and Sophie, as I would love to be reacquainted with them in the future. This is certainly a story not to be missed though, as it weaves the heat of LA, the small town feel of Rosefont Hill, two very different people that are madly in love, and some great character development, into a truly brilliant novel.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Michael Joseph for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like Billy and Me, Always with Love is utterly sweet and charming. I was so happy to know that we were getting more of Sophie and Billy's story. Yea, I didn't love it as much as Billy and Me, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Sophie and Billy spend quite a bit of the book apart. Being on different continents is hard. Both characters are equally frustrated. Which sucks. So well Sophie and Billy's relationship had its highs and lows, Sophie had a lot of time to really figure out what she wanted aside from Billy. So I saw Always with Love as more of a book focused on Sophie as an individual. Her hopes and dreams were more prominent. I do have to say that I was a little miffed that from 400 pages Billy and Sophie are only together about a quarter of that. Definitely less than half. I know. I know, Sophie being happy with herself is more important and the key to being happy with Billy. But c'mon, gimmie the romance! I do hope we get one final novella though. The last ten pages were so rushed. All discussions and conflicts between Sophie and Billy were left until then and I'm not sure it completely satisfied me. I think a novella of a certain event would do wonders to really wrap up their story. Overall, I love Fletcher's books and Always with Love didn't disappoint.

[Buggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't sleep last night so I bought this book and read it. Now that Mrs. Fletcher has written more books, it's quite easy to find a 'formula' in the way she writes things, and in all honesty... it works. Whatever she's doing, it works. She went off her 'formula' for Dream a little Dream (and I hated the book!) but this just works.

However... I missed something. I missed a whole lot. The story is sugary sweet and the 'conflicts' in the book are just minor disagreements that were boring. Things would have been a lot more interesting if there had been a bigger conflict, like, I don't know, someone set the shop on fire?

I found Sophie and Billy a little bland. Had they been a dish, I'd have called for more pepper. Please. More pepper. Chili. Make it extra hot.

I would have given this four stars if the cliché of how men and women can't be just friends hadn't been thrown in. It's not exciting, it's not unexpected and the book would have been fine without it. The whole idea read as if it was put in 'to make it more interesting' but it was annoying.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every once in a while, I love a chick lit. And Giovanna Fletcher always hits the spot. I was elated when I found out she was following up Billy and Me with a sequel, immediately reading the first book again before diving in to this one. I honestly think I liked Always with Love a little better than its predecessor. As with all relationships, Sophie's and Billy's has hit a wall. They need to learn how to work around Billy's crazy acting schedule and Sophie's dedication to her tea shop. I found that they actually behaved like adults trying to mend things. Too often in chick lit do you see couples bickering all the time and breaking up over something that should be minor. I appreciated the realistic nature of their relationship in that aspect. Here's hoping that this becomes a full series because I need another Sophie and Billy fix!

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent follow on from Billy and me lovely to hear how things are going for both Billy and Sophie and it really keeps you guessing to what will happen to them both and will they get together. Sophie decides she can time time off from running her cage and go with Billy to his home in America and seeing his family. Once she gets there Billy's mum wants him back working as an actor in his home country and not chasing after Sophie and she invites someone to the house New Year's Eve and it gets Billy thinking again and does he decide to act again or does he fly home with Sophie can they work everything out for the best. A must read an easy read and great characters.

[Zee Monodee · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much as I absolutely adored Billy and Me, I just couldn't get into this one... It sometimes felt like I wasn't reading the same people by the same author in the same world. In fact, if it weren't for the names, it would feel like a different story altogether. The magic just wasn't there this time, and the words refused to flow, making this a clunky read that I had no rush or desire to get back into after I put it down. Shame, because I really loved the first book and had been expecting this one so much.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to Netgallery and the publishers in allowing me to read this title.

Really enjoyed Always with Love, love Giovanna Fletchers a style of writing, having loved Billy and Me, I knew I wasn't going to be disappointed with Always with love.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read, really nice to once again be back visiting these characters!

[Fernanda Fumagali · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5

[Sibel Gandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5/5

[Songül · Rating 3 out of 5]

aslında sıkılmadan ilerliyor ama bence yazar olayı 2 kitaba bölerek gereksiz uzatmış. 1 kitapta da yeterli bir şekilde özetleyebilirdi diye düşünüyorum.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am alway happy to read about Sophie and Billy and this book did not disappoint😌

[Coral · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great follow up to the first Billy and Me, enjoyed finding out what they got up to next!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little light read. Perfect to end 2020 with

(2 little gripes - LA is 8 hours behind the UK in December, not 7, and Mr Blobby is from Noel's House Party not Live & Kicking 😆)

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Giovanna always writes a cracker, but I love this continuation in the story of Billy and Sophie :)