Everything I Always Wanted

by Stephanie Nicole Norris

It was a mouthwatering kiss that changed everything…One thing that held constant in Shelby Donahue’s life was her career. As a world renowned artist, Shelby’s paintings traveled the globe, landing in museums and homes across the nation. But what she couldn’t seem to get under control was her love life. Her mother insisted it was because of her best friend, Sebastian Cartwright. They’ve known each other for years. Sebastian and Shelby shared everything; embarrassing moments, secrets, dating tips, affection, and even an explosive kiss during one tipsy night on Shelby’s birthday. But, when Shelby’s current boyfriend asks for her hand in marriage she should be excited, dancing, ready… but she isn’t.Shelby can’t stop thinking about the kiss she shared with Sebastian. It had to be a fluke, right? A simple, delicious, fiery kiss that pulled at her loins and caused her heartbeat to slam against her ribcage. Honestly, it rocked her world and thoughts of what could be played like piano keys in her head. But their friendship was too important to mix with the uncertainty of a relationship. Even worse, what if Sebastian didn’t feel the same way? It could ruin everything. Should Shelby accept the marriage proposal, or shed her fears and open up to her best friend? Find out in Everything I Always Wanted.

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Audiobook

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2017

About the author

Stephanie Nicole Norris is an author from Tennessee with a humble beginning. After becoming a young adult, her love for romance sparked, leaving her captivated by heroes and heroines alike. With a big imagination and a creative heart, Stephanie penned her first novel in 2010. She went on to write grin-inducing romance and has received multiple literary awards.

As a prolific writer, Stephanie’s catalog continues to grow. Her books can be found at major retailers, including Amazon, and her website, www.stephanienicolenorris.com.

Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m going to preface my review by saying, I liked Everything I Always Wanted. It was cliched and predictable but, it was still pretty good. With that said, this book was unnecessarily frustrating. Shelby and Sebastian were silly and dislikeable. More so Sebastian than Shelby because, he was the one causing all of the conflict. Sebastian claimed Shelby was the love of his life but, his actions said otherwise. This man was a walking contradiction. He fought harder to keep them apart than for them to be together. The excuses he gave were ridiculous and none of them made sense. Sebastian kept trying to force Shelby to take the teaching position in Paris even after she told him she didn't want it. She just wanted to be with him. No woman should have to work that hard to get the man who claims to love her to be with her. When Shelby is finally tired of being the only one fighting for them and walks away, he has the audacity to act shocked and hurt. By then, I was so done with Sebastian, I didn’t even want him and Shelby together. I definitely was not rooting for them. While Everything I Always Wanted was a good read, I could’ve done without all of the angst, silliness, and corny dialogue.

[Kameel · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐3.5 stars for story
⭐⭐⭐⭐4.5 stars for the narration/performance

I always enjoy a good friends to lover storyline.....There was some unnecessary back and forth...but Sebastian and Shelby really did care deeply for one another even as best friends....I think the story really would have been a lot better if this author did more research....there was some contradictions within the story for instance, about the length of time the two had been in each other's lives as well as about and what an artist can earn working at a university and several other things I noticed....I understand the the idea of a romance novel, but I love realism within the story...it makes the story more relatable and more believable. Ms. Wesleigh did a fantastic job narrating, but I have to say, this time I wasn't so taken with Benjamin Charles' performance, he tried a little to hard this time....and for me it didn't go over well.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Everything I Always Wanted: A Friends to Lovers Romance
Author: Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher: S. N.N.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Everything I Always Wanted: A Friends to Lovers Romance" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Views....

A sweet romance story that features Shelby Donovan and Sebastian Cartwright who had been long time friends since childhood. Now that they were grown will this feeling grow a little deeper for them? It is a good romance read in how this author brings it all out so well to the readers. I will say that the heroine got on my nerves a little but I stayed in there and by the end I was won over in understanding her thought pattern. I even think this would make a sweet movie. Just seeing how these two will seek one or maybe two things about each other gave this story quite a intriguing plot. Not wanting to stop their friendship as to what will happen if each one starts to change their feelings about each other ... as they seemed to be seeing each other in a quite a different way now. Nor Shelby and Sebastian wanted to lose their friendship that they held so high for each other. No matter what each one thought maybe this would bring problems to their forever friendship they had for each other and / or even a career change in location....what were they going to do about this type of situation that was before them? Who will finally give in? And just who or what was 'Excalibur? ' To get the answers to these questions and so much more you will have to pick up this well written novel, "Everything I Always Wanted: A Friends to Lovers Romance" and see how well this author brings it all out to the reader giving us a ending to a good read. I enjoyed as I got toward the end of the story how one of these two [Shelby/ Sebastian] will finally confess their love and do something about it. Will Shelby accept the marriage proposal from Sebastian and will they finally get their HEA? Pick up this read to find out. Would I recommend this novel? YES!

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I really enjoyed this captivating journey that Shelby and Sebastian were on, the problem was neither one was sure of the final destination. They wasted a lot of valuable time.

Sebastian and Shelby had a solid foundation and a truly "loving" friendship. Sebastian constantly demonstrated to Shelby, how a real man treats and protects his lady. Her sleazy ex-boyfriend got the beat down he deserved.

Nevertheless, they needed to REALLY listen to each other, instead of guessing what the other one needed or wanted.

Awesome story!

[Enecia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo, so good!

This book was so, so good. It's well written, the characters developed nicely and the emotions it evoked were all over. I love everything I've read from this author and will keep her on my list to watch for new releases.

[Amaka Azie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An okay read for me. But not enough conflict in the story to keep me interested. Skipped a few pages to get to sweet well written moments.

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelby and Sebastians love story was beautiful. I love the deep love they had for each other that they built from a young age. Wesleigh and Benjamin killed this narration. 5 stars!

[Alvina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I need

I just realized that this is the famous artist and photographer hubby that was mentioned in Julian's book (Falling For A Rose series)... OMG! I just fell in love with this author all over again💕.

Now, to these 2 love birds, Sebastian Cartwright and Shelby Donahue, wow, what a roller coaster for sure. I got whiplash with all the uncertainty Sebastian was throwing Shelbys' way. I was kind of hoping she'd move on bc he just couldn't get himself in a good emotional state to be with his one true love. Yet, I'm a sucker for love, so I'm glad he finally came to his senses. He didn't have to do my man Julian like that, but it is what it is🤷🏾‍♀️. The Heart wants what it wants.

Shelby seemed like such a sweetheart. I thought she needed a bit more of a backbone when it came to Sebastian, yet I totally understand what love & being in love can do to your common sense, so I digress. I loved that she was an artist. A successful artist and the inspiration behind her drawings were astounding; real natural raw talent. That Alan, her ex, would've gotten his manhood kicked by how he manhandled her. That was an unexpected twist, yet I don't expect anything less from this dynamic author. I'm glad Sebastian handled Alan; he was a jerk🤦🏾‍♀️.

I loved, loved, loved the family aspect, yet I'm realizing that's part of the greatness of SNN. It draws you in and hooks you. So good.

Obviously, I read this after I read her later work, yet I'm glad I read it. You can never go wrong with a SNN book. And since I read her other works first, I can definitely see her growth in those works from this book. PHENOMENAL❤️.

Read this book and then read the rest of her catalog; again, you CAN NOT go wrong with a SNN book. Highly recommend anything she writes.

[Msafiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually liked the book. I wanted to shake some sense into Sebastian a couple of times. But I did like the tension, and the story had lots of tension! After the couple decides to be together, there is usually a roadblock, like an ex that won’t go away or misunderstanding/jealousy over a 3rd person. There were a few of those, which made the story more intense. I listened to the audiobook. The male reader is ok, but he did sound a bit off. He had a very low, controlled, calculated tone.

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Audiobook**

I really enjoyed this story. Shelby and Sebastian going from friends to lovers was a battle well worth it. I adore when the “friends” can’t see that they belong together even when it’s apparent to everyone around them. I’m just glad Sebastian got out of his head and got his Buttercup. Shelby calling the sword Excalibur had me dying! Wesleigh and Benjamin Charles really bought these characters to life!

[Sigourney Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved

Shelby and Sebastian wowzer. I enjoyed this story. Sebastian kinda got on my nerves about not coming our to tell Shelby how he felt about her, a little childish but glad they were able to be together. I love the chemistry between them.

[Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

Short, sweet & to the point. This was A Perfect love story ❤️ Good Job! Can’t wait to read more

[RedEnigma94 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Likeable but Smackable Couple🤣

I liked the story, but that did not stop me from wanting to smack these two frustrating as heck best friends. Shelby and Sebastian could never keep a relationship with anyone else because they were in love with each other, and totally devoted to one another, yet scared to give in and possibly lose their friendship. Shelby wasted her time with ol boy Alan, but came to her senses after while. I was like, "thank you!" She put on her brave, big girl panties and decided to risk it all to get with her best friend. Sebastian scared me for a min with the hesitation but finally took the plunge with Shelby. Now they've been sexin' each other up but so confused about their relationship status that Shelby accepts an invitation for a date with another man right in front of Sebastian! Say what now?! 👀 I was like, "if y'all don't get 'y'allselves' together?!" Yep, I said "y'allselves!🤣Ugh!

And just when I think they're back on track, Sebastian does the most asinine thing ever! He kept pushing her to take a job in a foreign country even after she said she only wanted to be with him. I get it--a little bit--he didn't want her to feel like he was the cause of holding her back in any way. I. Get. It. But d-a-m-n! How many times did she have to tell him that's not what she wanted?! Whew! I just about wanted to Karate Kid him in his throat for the way he was acting. 🙄 Anyway, they got their HEA...finally. Sheesh!

Now I want to know what happened to Alan after that physical altercation in Shelby's office? Arrested? Restraining Order? What? Because he about lost his everloving mind going after Shelby the way he did. 😠

[BossyLadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im a sucker for friends to lovers romance. This may be my favorite trope. Shebly and Sebastian. First let me say I hated the names. Neither name seemed to fit the characters. This was your basic friends to lovers story. Childhood friends. Best friends. Somewhere along the line, one or both start catching feelings. Something dramatic happens where feelings are revealed. Then the push and pull of whether they're gonna risk the friendship for love. Inevitably, one person wants to risk it all and the other doesn't. The friendship and the relationship are at risk. Then something else happens that brings them together. Viola. HEA.

This story followed that same formula except SNN threw in an ex-fiance who suddenly became abusive? Then we didn't hear from him the rest of the book. I thought that was odd because it really wasn't needed. There was no need to make him the bad guy when Shelby was breaking his heart. If SNN wanted to go that route, she should've laid the foundation earlier for that personality trait. It was just odd.

Sebastian also got on my nerves. He had this paternalistic thing happening where he refused to listen to Shelby love for him bc he thought he knew what was best for her. So he pushes her away. Ugh. Then he decides he couldn't live without her and goes to get his girl. Soooooo unnecessary. It all worked out in the end but not did he waste time.

[sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love friends to lovers novels

This is the first book I've read by this author. As long as it's a full novel, definitely won't be the last. I highly recommend this one. I love friends to lovers novels and this was a really good one. Sebastian and Shelby had known each other since elementary school and were best friends. Through the years and different relationships, they were always there for each other. There seemed to be an unspoken rule never to cross that "invisible" line. Even though they both had in their hearts. I loved how Ms. Norris blended the past into present, including the family dynamics. Also, her style of writing in portraying their love and how they expressed it. Of course when male and female are friends, it always causes problems in their love life. I feel it's because the people around can see the flow of love that the friends don't. Friends are so busy fighting to prove to others the friendship isn't a threat. Besides that, you never want to lose that person who's there through thick and thin. Sebastian and Shelby experienced all of those feelings and more. That's why friends to lovers are so beautiful. It's a relationship that's based on deeper emotions besides attraction and sex. I hope Ms. Norris other writings are of this same quality.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written Beautiful story

During this year of self containment due to COVID 19 restrictions
I must admit I have read many many books, especially romance novels However none touched my heart like this one. Shelby and Sebastian had everything they needed in each other Friendship,Love,Trust and Respect, and yet they fought against it all for fear of losing what they had. Without giving anything away I’ll say it pays to just be honest ☺️

Ms. Norris used her skills as a writer and penned this beautiful story in such a way that I could feel every emotion and visualize every scene What I appreciate most is that she didn’t find it necessary to use the “f “ word or any other expletives to describe the most intimate moments that took place between these two very special characters. To be able to master the vocabulary and paint a beautiful picture for you reader is true artistry.

Don’t get me wrong I’m not a prude by any means, in my 73 years of being a romantic at heart and reading many wonderful romance novels ( especially African American), I realize depending on the author and setting , sometimes it’s deemed necessary to use certain words to drive home a certain level of intensity during moments of passion.

[Mary Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story about two best friends who love each other but are afraid to admit it to each other. Shelby and Sebastian have a friendship dating back to elementary school and because neither one wanted to lose the friendship they have skirted around the romantic love they feel for years. Shelby tried to change the relationship on her 21st birthday but Sebastian backed away because he was afraid he would somehow keep her from achieving her dreams. They are both world renowned artists, he for photography and she for her paintings, but it isn’t until she receives a marriage proposal that she accepts only because she wasn’t sure what she should do that she ultimately realizes she wants Sebastian and no other. However, convincing Sebastian of that isn’t easy. Get this book to read how they go about ultimately finding their HEA. It will make you believe in true, everlasting love again if you ever doubted it. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily writing a review because I want to let others know just how good this book is.

[*Ebony I* · Rating 5 out of 5]

When friendship isn't enough

Shelby and Sebastian had been friends since elementary. They had a crazy chemistry that made potential partners very leery of their "friendship." Shelby had started to feel like after all these years it was time to act on her feelings for Sebastian, but his mixed signals were throwing her for a loop. Sebastian was such an interesting character...talented, protective, thoughtful, and nerve wrecking. He was THE ultimate over thinker and I ain't gone lie he worked my nerves a few times. He was so scared of hurting Shelby that he made what he thought were unselfish decisions. Shelby at times was a little green, but babygirl had some fearless moments. Overall, I enjoyed this roller coaster from friends to lovers.

[Mary Calton Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌠🌠

What an entertaining story! The portrayal of the two characters was fiya! I loved that they were from St. Louis and began their ascent with normal people and maintained their unassuming personality after fame. The author's depiction is incredible. I first read, "Everlasting Desire" in the "Unparalleled Love" series. I have been hooked on her artistic works. This is a phenomenal love story and not another woman or man to threaten happiness. A happy alternative was possible in the ending.

[Deidra Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting romance… the delusion of Shelby and Sebastian needs to be studied! Sebastian worked my nerves so bad- he was Shelby’s best friend in all ways but kept her in the dark. He refused to affirm her and that irritated me so bad! And Shelby… I was almost embarrassed for her! “Why don’t you love me” “is there someone else?”.. I literally screamed! Like girl, 🗣️Stand tf up!!!! 4 stars because black author… but 😕 Cringe in all the steps it took to get to a HEA. Almost made the “friendship” unbelievable.

[Tangela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Am In Love With My Best Friend

Great book. The first I have read by Mrs. Norris. A new arthur to keep and eye on.


This is a story about two friends who fall in love. They meet in elementary school and stayed friends.

As adults, both had problems with relationship ( I wonder why ). With both comparing people to them.

The H had a very unstable boyfriend. I think he was a clinging person ( with his own wright ).

[Loucy Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

An expected romance that took me on a rollercoaster ride!

I loved everything about Sebastian and Shelby’s romance. I began this book, thinking it would be a typical “friends becoming lovers” type of book. It was that, BUT with a lot more goodness attached to it. I wish I could read more about their wedding and pregnancy, but the ending left me satisfied. I look forward to reading more stories by Stephanie soon!

[Momo Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmm

While I love all of your books, this one just wasn't it for me now mind you the storytelling was great little to no grammatical errors but I just didn't like the lead characters they were disrespectful from jump and if they have feelings they should not have brought another person into it and treated him like crap. If you like for friends lovers romance than definitely get this .

[Val Mcghee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Everything I Always Wanted: A Friends to Lovers Romance was awesome, riveting and invigorating all at the same time. I enjoyed reading about the journey of friends becoming lovers. Everyone around them saw the love they both had for one another Sebastian truly loved Shelby as she him. They endured many hurdles before they were able to know for sure that true and real love conquers all.

[Robbin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book😩

This story was everything but omg Shelby and Sebastian got on my LAST nerve 😭 I was actually glad when she walked away at one point because it definitely felt like he was playing games. Very hot & cold as she described it smh It’s honestly just crazy that two people who were clearly madly in love with each other were willing to live a life apart all because they weren’t being adults and just saying how tf they felt 😭 Can’t wait to read more from this author!

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends to lovers

Sebastian and Shelby. Get ready to explore a story of devote commitment between two parties who are each other's ying to their yang. Go on the journey of self discovery where the fear of breaking ties of a long time friendship was overcome by a love that is deeper than either Shelby or Sebastian could imagine. You'll smile, you'll become frustrated and ultimately you'll root for a couple who was destined to be.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I enjoyed this book but Sebastian and Shelby both got on my nerves. The back and forth Sebastian was doing was nerve racking. At one point I felt Shelby should just leave him alone.
Shelby also acted like she was kinda slow at times. How can you sleep with a man then accept a date with another man in his face.
I would like to know what happened to Alen after his beat down.
I'm happy they finally got it together.

[Yvonne Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Enjoyable

Oh my what a wonderful story and it's so hauntingly beautiful. There is plenty of heart break and romance with all the twists and envy and sizzling hot passion of the characters. The story is awesome with awesome characters, also will these two get their HEA? There is a lot more than what meets the eye in this book and nothing is what it seems, which makes this so exciting that I can't wait to read another extremely awesome book.

[Moneka Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I Always Wanted 💕

Let me start by saying I loved this book! I was in my feelings for awhile. Sebastian needed to get himself together because it should not have taken him that long to realize that Shelby was the one. Whew chile I was in here yelling at him. I ALMOST wanted her to let him go…..ALMOST 😂 Get into this book you will NOT regret it. You may get angry but trust me it’s worth it

[Cherie l brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Call the Fire Department, my Kindle was too hot to hold🔥🔥. I am interested in a friends to romance novel bec friendship is necessary to remain in a relationship. But when best friends mix it up, friendships can get dicey. Shelby Donahue and Excalibur, Sebastian Cartwright are friends, that tasted a little more. But did their lives get dicey. Can they with thru these new conflicts, or did just ruin both a friendship and a relationship?