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Love Always
Nathaniel Montgomery can't escape the pressure to be perfect, to be smart, to be successful. To live the life chosen for him--one that doesn't include being gay.
Wren Cunningham lives on the streets and does what it takes to survive. No one has ever given a damn about him, so he works with the cards he's been dealt and pushes his dreams aside.
Fate steps in when Nate and Wren meet at eighteen years old. They have one week to live how they want, to pretend everything they hope for is within reach. What they don't expect is to find exactly what they need in each other...or to fall in love.
But sometimes love isn't enough, and goodbyes are inevitable.
No matter how much time passes, Nate and Wren never forget. They always find their way back to each other, and that helps them make it through. It's never been a question of if they want each other. Their love is constant and never fades. Love Always.
They've spent their whole lives dreaming about their future together. To have a fighting chance, they'll need to find a different kind of strength--learning to love themselves first.
If not, their next goodbye will be their last.
Wren Cunningham lives on the streets and does what it takes to survive. No one has ever given a damn about him, so he works with the cards he's been dealt and pushes his dreams aside.
Fate steps in when Nate and Wren meet at eighteen years old. They have one week to live how they want, to pretend everything they hope for is within reach. What they don't expect is to find exactly what they need in each other...or to fall in love.
But sometimes love isn't enough, and goodbyes are inevitable.
No matter how much time passes, Nate and Wren never forget. They always find their way back to each other, and that helps them make it through. It's never been a question of if they want each other. Their love is constant and never fades. Love Always.
They've spent their whole lives dreaming about their future together. To have a fighting chance, they'll need to find a different kind of strength--learning to love themselves first.
If not, their next goodbye will be their last.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2019
381 people are currently reading
1135 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
115 books7,154 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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August 29, 2019I've wanted to tell this story for a long time. Sometimes those stories that mean a lot to you, take longer before you're ready to tell them and I was finally ready this year! I loved writing this book. I just wanted to show that sometimes life is HARD and things get in the way, but no matter what, the love between Nate and Wren was always there. This is one of my favorite books I've written.
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September 21, 2019DNF 45%
Review update. I decided to write what didn't work for me.
I am feeling completely detached from this story.
The week they have spent together feels like an out of body experience to me. It doesn't touch me. I am stopping when they meet again 15 years later.
The story deals with some tough problems, the kind that makes great stories. However, there was no time to develop any of it. As a result, it turned out superficial, big issues were brushed off easily. Needless to say, but saying anyway, too much telling.
Review update. I decided to write what didn't work for me.
I am feeling completely detached from this story.
The week they have spent together feels like an out of body experience to me. It doesn't touch me. I am stopping when they meet again 15 years later.
The story deals with some tough problems, the kind that makes great stories. However, there was no time to develop any of it. As a result, it turned out superficial, big issues were brushed off easily. Needless to say, but saying anyway, too much telling.
September 19, 2019
4 Solid Stars
Nate’s parents wanted him to be someone else, someone different. They wanted him to be perfect (in their own eyes), they wanted him to be a lie and they’d put a lot of pressure on him. So Nate gave himself a week to be himself and get over everything; his sexuality, his dreams…
Wren didn’t trust anyone, he had no one to rely on, he lived in streets and most of the times selling drugs. Wren carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, regret, and pain in his eyes, and sadness draped around him like a cloak. He tried to hide it...
How can we be good for each other if we’re not good for ourselves? How can we fight for each other if we can’t fight for ourselves?
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s a stand-alone novel. It’s an emotional read and very beautifully written. Loved the writing. It was told in 3 parts and the first two parts made me want to open my chest and give them my own heart. Of course there were some flaws and I had some issues but still I enjoyed every word of the story! My issues are It’s a second chance romance, angsty with well-developed characters. Overall, it was a good read and hope you enjoy it as well!
Nate’s parents wanted him to be someone else, someone different. They wanted him to be perfect (in their own eyes), they wanted him to be a lie and they’d put a lot of pressure on him. So Nate gave himself a week to be himself and get over everything; his sexuality, his dreams…
Wren didn’t trust anyone, he had no one to rely on, he lived in streets and most of the times selling drugs. Wren carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, regret, and pain in his eyes, and sadness draped around him like a cloak. He tried to hide it...
How can we be good for each other if we’re not good for ourselves? How can we fight for each other if we can’t fight for ourselves?
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s a stand-alone novel. It’s an emotional read and very beautifully written. Loved the writing. It was told in 3 parts and the first two parts made me want to open my chest and give them my own heart. Of course there were some flaws and I had some issues but still I enjoyed every word of the story! My issues are It’s a second chance romance, angsty with well-developed characters. Overall, it was a good read and hope you enjoy it as well!
March 25, 2023
So basically what happens is that Wren and Nate have this unbelievably romantic and life changing week when they randomly meet in Hollywood, they part ways wishing they had it all figured out and they could be together and then 15 years later they reunite. And holy shit does it get boring! The first 34% is fantastic! But then what happens at their first reunification is Wren and Nate being like “fuck! What could have been!” And “wow, it’s always been you!” And that just goes on and on with so much sappiness that doesn’t feel genuine or exciting. But what really did me in was that when they were 18 (15 years ago), these guys were so interesting, they had so much chemistry together and I couldn’t wait to see how it all unfolded. They had such unique personalities and then when we reach the 15 years later portion I’m like okayyy and who’s this talking now? Their personalities didn’t really stand out anymore to me and they immediately picked up where they left off 15 years ago in the least interesting way possible. I was expecting so much more angst! So much more…something!!! A little more push and pull or drama, not just them having sex immediately after reuniting and then going about daily tasks or sightseeing. The sightseeing was so good in the first portion though!!! Idk!!! And then when we do get conflict it feels empty and half baked. And at their second reunification, they part ways again to work on themselves and it all turns into a big old Tell and Show. What I mean by that is we’re told so much through these emails they send back and forth to each other where they’re away from each other for five years and working on themselves. The word love is thrown around so much in this book that it started to lose any meaning for me. It felt like that’s all they would say to each other again and again and AGAIN. And them just saying stuff like “I would wait lifetimes for you” so much!!!! Which is all nice and sweet when not said ten million times. It feels especially ironic that in a decades long romance, I feel like I must have missed whatever romantic connection supposedly happened. I could have skipped big portions of the book and it wouldn’t have mattered. I didn’t buy into their romance at all by the end.
Definitely reminds me of Before Sunrise and if you’re looking for a gay Before Sunrise like movie I cannot recommend Weekend (2011) written and directed by Andrew Haigh enough!!!! So powerful, thought-provoking and beautiful. I will also be shouting out one of my all time favorite shows Looking and Looking the movie (both from Andrew) because why not!! 🥰
Definitely reminds me of Before Sunrise and if you’re looking for a gay Before Sunrise like movie I cannot recommend Weekend (2011) written and directed by Andrew Haigh enough!!!! So powerful, thought-provoking and beautiful. I will also be shouting out one of my all time favorite shows Looking and Looking the movie (both from Andrew) because why not!! 🥰
September 30, 2024
Wow this book was one big flop for me and there are so many reasons for why this didn't work for me :-/!! Inasmuch as Ms. Hart mentions working on this book for as long as she has, the end result still felt like it had so many holes in it; it felt sloppy, hurried, and unpolished :-/!! Also, we know Wren went to jail and then became a doctor, but for such a massive undertaking that this wonderful man met head on, it felt like a great disservice to him to summarize everything he has been through in a few short sentences [perhaps even less than three]!! But Ms. Hart sure was generous with the amount of years these guys squandered away ... so 15 years passed, and then another FIVE?!!? WHY?!!? I get why but I mean ... WHY?!!? There are no explanations, there is no insight, there is no reasoning and there is no logic!! There ARE a crap-ton of silly and non-sensical notes these two share over the additional 5 years [FIVE!!] they spend apart, after having lamented that FIFTEEN was all they wanted to waste!! The time and the notes felt like fillers and it felt like a colossal waste of pages and TIME!!
For such an important and significant project, this book felt underwhelming, and it's perhaps for this reason I am so annoyed with what I've read here! To have something mean so much to an author, I would have expected a far superior end result and this one left a lot to be desired; I felt there was a disservice to the overall storyline and that this book was executed poorly!! There was ZERO basis for the love these two shared, it was completely and entirely inconceivable; to declare this a love-story to champion through the years is an insult to stories that actually ARE that way, and what was the point of bringing up Brian and the potential of having loved him had Nate not existed?!!? In fact, what was the point to ANY of this?!!? Yes, yes, timing, opportunity, and all that jazz, I agree with the idea, but the actual story to support that fell flat :-/! I have to admit, in case it isn't obvious here - come on now, it's obvious - I was quite irritated with this one! It was like watching a movie that was stuck on fast-forward!! I felt zero connection whatsoever!!
I'm very very surprised by this because I expected much MUCH more from this author!! I suppose all authors have their duds however and this one definitely was that from my perspective :-/!! I can definitively say this book is NOT a good or accurate representation of Riley's work, and doesn't come close to being one of her great ones (which are few and far between and essentially don’t exist anymore in her most recent works/writing - she just SUCKS now)!! That's just MY legitimate opinion!!
This is all I have to say and beyond this, I am not interested in discussing this book at all!!
****** This review wasn't proofread or revised yet, which explains the complete lack of formatting [I wrote this quickly on my iPad, on the go!! I will format and revise very shortly!!
For such an important and significant project, this book felt underwhelming, and it's perhaps for this reason I am so annoyed with what I've read here! To have something mean so much to an author, I would have expected a far superior end result and this one left a lot to be desired; I felt there was a disservice to the overall storyline and that this book was executed poorly!! There was ZERO basis for the love these two shared, it was completely and entirely inconceivable; to declare this a love-story to champion through the years is an insult to stories that actually ARE that way, and what was the point of bringing up Brian and the potential of having loved him had Nate not existed?!!? In fact, what was the point to ANY of this?!!? Yes, yes, timing, opportunity, and all that jazz, I agree with the idea, but the actual story to support that fell flat :-/! I have to admit, in case it isn't obvious here - come on now, it's obvious - I was quite irritated with this one! It was like watching a movie that was stuck on fast-forward!! I felt zero connection whatsoever!!
I'm very very surprised by this because I expected much MUCH more from this author!! I suppose all authors have their duds however and this one definitely was that from my perspective :-/!! I can definitively say this book is NOT a good or accurate representation of Riley's work, and doesn't come close to being one of her great ones (which are few and far between and essentially don’t exist anymore in her most recent works/writing - she just SUCKS now)!! That's just MY legitimate opinion!!
This is all I have to say and beyond this, I am not interested in discussing this book at all!!
****** This review wasn't proofread or revised yet, which explains the complete lack of formatting [I wrote this quickly on my iPad, on the go!! I will format and revise very shortly!!
September 25, 2019
Riley Hart has STOLEN my heart! With every book I read by her, I fall deeper in love with her stories and characters. Nate and Wren were no different. They sucked me in, right from the beginning, and held my heart until the end. It's been days since I read this one and my heart still beats so hard for them. This story isn't easy. It's difficult and messy and stressful and sad. But it's also beautiful. SO beautiful. They deserve all the love in the world. And true love is worth waiting for...even if it feels like forever. Five LOVE ALWAYS stars!
August 29, 2019
I beta read this and it's hands down my favorite book Riley has ever written. Nate and Wren are heartbreakingly real and engaging and their love story transcends their lifetime. Their love story is painful and beautiful and hands down the best book I've read this year.
June 1, 2020
«" I hate you,” I said again.
“I love you,” he replied. ».
Five stars because this book was something else.
Another ride with one of my favorite author.
For once, Riley tells a story that takes place over years. 20 years exactly. That's so uncommon for her. She nailed it tough.
This story wasn't perfect at all. On the contrary. Sometimes it was rushed, some feelings were expressed too soon and I happened to be irritated by the waiting part. But I loved this. So much.
Nate and Wren met in a club at 18 years old. Nate is searching for an "escape" before becoming a "good boy" for his family. Wren is "working" to survive.
Wren is one of my favorite character ever. He grew up with addict parents. Soon he became independent. He worked hard to get away from this s*** life...until he made a big mistake. So he left and started doing some nasty jobs to survive. Then he met Nate. And Nate gave him the most beautiful thing in the word: HOPE. For once in his life somebody truly see him for what he is and truly believe in him. This hope gave him strength. Strength to came back and accomplished what he wants in this life. His dream. And what a dream!
Nate is the "rich boy". His future is all drawn: university (like his father AND his grandfather), wedding (with a woman of course), retake family business. But this was not Nate's dream.
He loves music, his guitar, singing, writing songs, AND...the most important: boys ! That would not do. So he decided to take one week. One week of freedom: parties, boys, music. Everything he wants. He met Wren on the very first day of this week.
Part 1: the weekend.
I have to admit that for me this week was perfect until the end. The end was rushed. Many declarations, many promises. But they were 18 years old. So that was ok.
Timing was bad.
Time passed...
Part two: 15 years later (si si). Grrr.
The role are reversed.
Wren has regained control of his life while Nate ... completely derails.
It was hard to see Nate like that.
« Fuck, baby. I know. And I’m here. We’ll do it together.”
“We can’t, Wren. You know that. I have to do this by myself. And you have your own stuff to do.”
I shook my head. “Nate—”
“Fifteen years ago, you needed to be able to stand on your own. You needed to work on yourself, and I did too. I hated that, but it was what had to be done. I’m still not finished, Wren. I have a lot of work to do, as do you. And we can’t just depend on each other. There’s nothing I want more than to do that, to cling to you and never leave your side, but I can’t. It won’t help me, and it won’t help you.”
« We’ll get through it.”
We would. I didn’t think there was anything we couldn’t get through.
He started to cry then. We lay down in the sand, both crying and holding each other. I didn’t know how long we stayed out there, until we cried enough to rival the ocean and all our tears dried up. »
He is lost, broken and he finds strength in bad habits.
Timing was bad. Again.
Time passed. Again.
Part three: 5 years later.
This is it.
« I smiled into his hair. ��You smell the same too.” I inhaled.
“What do I smell like?”
“Comfort and home,” I replied. ».
Wren accomplished his dream. He's an incredible man. He fights for young men who was lost like him. He traveled to help people the best way he can. He's totally the Doctor I hope I'll be a day.
Nate has finally managed to tell his story, to fulfill his dreams also on his side.
They are ready for each other.
This part was not rushed.
They start dating (yeah yeah, after 20 years).
They start hanging out.
They start introducing one another in their life.
One step...Then another until the beautiful ending.
This book was beautiful .
It's not about falling in love. They are already in love since the first weekend.
It's about finding themselves in this life.
One of them had a clear path.
The other had to fight to make his way.
The clear path derailed.
The fuzzy path has cleared up.
Separation.
Pain.
Bad decisions.
Then HOPE again.
And finally found each other after 20 years.
« Wren grabbed my face and kissed my forehead. “Come on, baby. Let’s go.”
And we did. We walked out, hand in hand, proud.
Happy.
Healthy.
Whole.
Together.
We would have our bad days. We would struggle. That’s what life was, but no matter what, we would do those things together.
The way we would be for the rest of our lives. ».
Love this.
Love Riley Hart.
“I love you,” he replied. ».
Five stars because this book was something else.
Another ride with one of my favorite author.
For once, Riley tells a story that takes place over years. 20 years exactly. That's so uncommon for her. She nailed it tough.
This story wasn't perfect at all. On the contrary. Sometimes it was rushed, some feelings were expressed too soon and I happened to be irritated by the waiting part. But I loved this. So much.
Nate and Wren met in a club at 18 years old. Nate is searching for an "escape" before becoming a "good boy" for his family. Wren is "working" to survive.
Wren is one of my favorite character ever. He grew up with addict parents. Soon he became independent. He worked hard to get away from this s*** life...until he made a big mistake. So he left and started doing some nasty jobs to survive. Then he met Nate. And Nate gave him the most beautiful thing in the word: HOPE. For once in his life somebody truly see him for what he is and truly believe in him. This hope gave him strength. Strength to came back and accomplished what he wants in this life. His dream. And what a dream!
Nate is the "rich boy". His future is all drawn: university (like his father AND his grandfather), wedding (with a woman of course), retake family business. But this was not Nate's dream.
He loves music, his guitar, singing, writing songs, AND...the most important: boys ! That would not do. So he decided to take one week. One week of freedom: parties, boys, music. Everything he wants. He met Wren on the very first day of this week.
Part 1: the weekend.
I have to admit that for me this week was perfect until the end. The end was rushed. Many declarations, many promises. But they were 18 years old. So that was ok.
Timing was bad.
Time passed...
Part two: 15 years later (si si). Grrr.
The role are reversed.
Wren has regained control of his life while Nate ... completely derails.
It was hard to see Nate like that.
« Fuck, baby. I know. And I’m here. We’ll do it together.”
“We can’t, Wren. You know that. I have to do this by myself. And you have your own stuff to do.”
I shook my head. “Nate—”
“Fifteen years ago, you needed to be able to stand on your own. You needed to work on yourself, and I did too. I hated that, but it was what had to be done. I’m still not finished, Wren. I have a lot of work to do, as do you. And we can’t just depend on each other. There’s nothing I want more than to do that, to cling to you and never leave your side, but I can’t. It won’t help me, and it won’t help you.”
« We’ll get through it.”
We would. I didn’t think there was anything we couldn’t get through.
He started to cry then. We lay down in the sand, both crying and holding each other. I didn’t know how long we stayed out there, until we cried enough to rival the ocean and all our tears dried up. »
He is lost, broken and he finds strength in bad habits.
Timing was bad. Again.
Time passed. Again.
Part three: 5 years later.
This is it.
« I smiled into his hair. ��You smell the same too.” I inhaled.
“What do I smell like?”
“Comfort and home,” I replied. ».
Wren accomplished his dream. He's an incredible man. He fights for young men who was lost like him. He traveled to help people the best way he can. He's totally the Doctor I hope I'll be a day.
Nate has finally managed to tell his story, to fulfill his dreams also on his side.
They are ready for each other.
This part was not rushed.
They start dating (yeah yeah, after 20 years).
They start hanging out.
They start introducing one another in their life.
One step...Then another until the beautiful ending.
This book was beautiful .
It's not about falling in love. They are already in love since the first weekend.
It's about finding themselves in this life.
One of them had a clear path.
The other had to fight to make his way.
The clear path derailed.
The fuzzy path has cleared up.
Separation.
Pain.
Bad decisions.
Then HOPE again.
And finally found each other after 20 years.
« Wren grabbed my face and kissed my forehead. “Come on, baby. Let’s go.”
And we did. We walked out, hand in hand, proud.
Happy.
Healthy.
Whole.
Together.
We would have our bad days. We would struggle. That’s what life was, but no matter what, we would do those things together.
The way we would be for the rest of our lives. ».
Love this.
Love Riley Hart.
August 29, 2019
I don't often use this word, but I was BLESSED with an ARC of this book. I've been a Riley Hart fan since I stumbled upon Broken Pieces and I never thought I'd love a book as much as I loved that one. But then came Wren and Nate.
They are...
This book is honestly amazing. It's probably the best book of 2019. Riley knocks it out of the park not only with the story, but with her skill as a writer and the depth of the emotions in this book and in these men. I'm speechless. And blown away. I want this book to be released so I can make everyone read it.
I won't tell you what it's about or what happens. But it's BEAUTIFUL. And REAL.
It was SO easy to give this book five stars.
They are...
This book is honestly amazing. It's probably the best book of 2019. Riley knocks it out of the park not only with the story, but with her skill as a writer and the depth of the emotions in this book and in these men. I'm speechless. And blown away. I want this book to be released so I can make everyone read it.
I won't tell you what it's about or what happens. But it's BEAUTIFUL. And REAL.
It was SO easy to give this book five stars.
August 17, 2022
2.5 stars - I was looking for something very specific when I picked up this book. I was basically chasing a feeling that I only get from stories that span decades and I went into this one expecting a punch to the gut. Unfortunately, I had to shelve my masochism because this book did not, in fact, break my heart or suck the air from my lungs. I shed not a single tear and I'm an easy target right now, having already cried over the Better Call Saul finale last night and a Death Cab for Cutie song today. This book was somehow too much and not enough at the same time and I'm starting to feel a reading slump coming on that is absolutely not welcome in my life.
Spoilers ahead because this girl needs to vent a bit...
I enjoyed reading about the week Nate and Wren spent together in LA when they were 18. They fell into the kind of love that only teenagers can pull off - sudden, hard and all-consuming. But their timing was off and that week was all they had before life reared its ugly head and they parted ways "until next time". Then the story fast forwards 15 years and I started rubbing my hands together maniacally because I just knew it was going to hurt. The potential was there, but it fell depressingly flat. Nate wasn't in a good place in his life and Wren was leaving the country, so it seemed that their timing was off again. They got another week together and another "until next time". Then there were 5 years of emails, of distance, of not being ready, of bettering themselves separately so together they'd be stronger and I was just not about it. It felt so contrived. Life wasn't getting in their way, they were getting in their own way. It was the opposite of pining because it was self imposed and the only feelings and thoughts I was privy to were those they included in their incredibly supportive emails to each other. I wanted to see them struggle with their separation. I wanted it to be hard for them to be apart. It was implied later, but I wanted to see it as it happened. And when they finally - finally! - got together for real, I got bored and completely lost interest.
In defense of this book, I do think that my expectations colored my opinions and that is completely on me. It was a well written love story about support, patience, hope and learning to love yourself so that you can love someone else. If I hadn't gone into this looking for the next Rock, The Story of Us, When I See You Again or Two Tribes I probably wouldn't have been disappointed. I was in the mood for angst, though. I wanted something crushing and this just wasn't it.
Spoilers ahead because this girl needs to vent a bit...
I enjoyed reading about the week Nate and Wren spent together in LA when they were 18. They fell into the kind of love that only teenagers can pull off - sudden, hard and all-consuming. But their timing was off and that week was all they had before life reared its ugly head and they parted ways "until next time". Then the story fast forwards 15 years and I started rubbing my hands together maniacally because I just knew it was going to hurt. The potential was there, but it fell depressingly flat. Nate wasn't in a good place in his life and Wren was leaving the country, so it seemed that their timing was off again. They got another week together and another "until next time". Then there were 5 years of emails, of distance, of not being ready, of bettering themselves separately so together they'd be stronger and I was just not about it. It felt so contrived. Life wasn't getting in their way, they were getting in their own way. It was the opposite of pining because it was self imposed and the only feelings and thoughts I was privy to were those they included in their incredibly supportive emails to each other. I wanted to see them struggle with their separation. I wanted it to be hard for them to be apart. It was implied later, but I wanted to see it as it happened. And when they finally - finally! - got together for real, I got bored and completely lost interest.
In defense of this book, I do think that my expectations colored my opinions and that is completely on me. It was a well written love story about support, patience, hope and learning to love yourself so that you can love someone else. If I hadn't gone into this looking for the next Rock, The Story of Us, When I See You Again or Two Tribes I probably wouldn't have been disappointed. I was in the mood for angst, though. I wanted something crushing and this just wasn't it.
September 6, 2019
Until I see you again.
A gorgeous story spanning a lifetime.
Loss, separation, and a hard won hea.
Two men from different walks, just struggling to be together.
A gorgeous story spanning a lifetime.
Loss, separation, and a hard won hea.
Two men from different walks, just struggling to be together.
September 16, 2019
Un libro muy muy irregular. La relación entre ellos es un tanto instalove, pero es algo comprensible entre chicos de 18 años, edad en la que los protagonistas se conocen. La historia de amor es bonita, pero incluye años de separación, que en algunos momentos son difíciles de entender, concretamente su última separación, la autora no nos da la información suficiente para entenderlo. Además, toca de forma superficial temas que se sienten importantes para la trama, mientras que la parte final del libro se hace repetitiva y tediosa.
Bonita pareja, pero irregular libro.
Bonita pareja, pero irregular libro.
didnt-finish
September 5, 2019I thought I was almost finished then realized I was only half way through. Think I'm done nevertheless.
There's so much missing here, e.g. anything that would make me care about the characters or find any of it believable. The interesting bits are glossed over.
Disappointing. I liked the premise.
There's so much missing here, e.g. anything that would make me care about the characters or find any of it believable. The interesting bits are glossed over.
Disappointing. I liked the premise.
March 11, 2022
3.5 stars
I’m not sure how I feel about this one. On one hand, I loved both the MCs, Nate and Wren. Their story of is both sad and hard to read at times. As kids, they met as total opposites, but things changed. Each of them had their own battles to struggle with until they felt good enough for each other. Again sad, yet sweet.
So what did I have a problem with? At times, the story dragged a little. I get whey the author wrote it that way, but I was getting a little bored. However, I loved the long battled HEA
I’m not sure how I feel about this one. On one hand, I loved both the MCs, Nate and Wren. Their story of is both sad and hard to read at times. As kids, they met as total opposites, but things changed. Each of them had their own battles to struggle with until they felt good enough for each other. Again sad, yet sweet.
So what did I have a problem with? At times, the story dragged a little. I get whey the author wrote it that way, but I was getting a little bored. However, I loved the long battled HEA
October 14, 2022
3.5-4 stars
dang what these two went through was a lot but i thought well done, yes the time apart was long but i think needed, especially the second part. it went from helping each other know what love is at the beginning, to learning to love yourself and all your flaws.
i was hooked in this book, this way of telling a story isn't always my favorite with a long break between getting together, but to me it kinda worked with these two characters.
this was worth the read, it definitely isn't like her other lighter angst books, this one had the main characters working for their HEA.
dang what these two went through was a lot but i thought well done, yes the time apart was long but i think needed, especially the second part. it went from helping each other know what love is at the beginning, to learning to love yourself and all your flaws.
i was hooked in this book, this way of telling a story isn't always my favorite with a long break between getting together, but to me it kinda worked with these two characters.
this was worth the read, it definitely isn't like her other lighter angst books, this one had the main characters working for their HEA.
September 20, 2019
Ok....This is the first review that I have done that I felt the book was a solid 5 when I started reading only to get so mad I put it down to 1.
WTF RILEY HART...I mean what the actual FUCK!!!
When I started reading, I kept getting punched in the feels. Seriously, if Im blowing snot at 10-15%, its gonna be a bumpy ride.
Two boys..so young, so naive, so beautiful together.
But this shit...Ohh There Are Spoilers Acoming...
Ok..fast forward 15 years. I get that Wren wanted to be better. He owned his shit, went to jail, got out & became a doc. Nate fell apart. He didnt immediately go to college but he did, kinda gave up, married a woman then became an alcoholic. The whole time he loved Wren but thought they were done.
They meet again in a very contrived manner and have another week together where the word LOVE got thrown around alot but they ended up spliting again. Wren had a YEAR contract to go to Tanzania & Nate went to rehab. All to find themselves for themselves.
BUTTTTT...Wren is gone FIVE years.
In those five years, there are letters about how much they love each other and hearts and bullshit. Nate writes a book & Wren is getting blowjobs on the side! Gee!! I guess he didn’t learn about fidelity in med school.
When I read that part about Wren, I was just done.
WTF RILEY HART...I mean what the actual FUCK!!!
When I started reading, I kept getting punched in the feels. Seriously, if Im blowing snot at 10-15%, its gonna be a bumpy ride.
Two boys..so young, so naive, so beautiful together.
But this shit...Ohh There Are Spoilers Acoming...
Ok..fast forward 15 years. I get that Wren wanted to be better. He owned his shit, went to jail, got out & became a doc. Nate fell apart. He didnt immediately go to college but he did, kinda gave up, married a woman then became an alcoholic. The whole time he loved Wren but thought they were done.
They meet again in a very contrived manner and have another week together where the word LOVE got thrown around alot but they ended up spliting again. Wren had a YEAR contract to go to Tanzania & Nate went to rehab. All to find themselves for themselves.
BUTTTTT...Wren is gone FIVE years.
In those five years, there are letters about how much they love each other and hearts and bullshit. Nate writes a book & Wren is getting blowjobs on the side! Gee!! I guess he didn’t learn about fidelity in med school.
When I read that part about Wren, I was just done.
September 10, 2019
This book is marvellous. Just brilliant.
I finished it yesterday, and my heart is so incredibly full. There is sorrow and pain, but above all love and hope. So MUCH love and hope. Nate and Wren are wonderful, they totally have stolen and shatterd my heart. I'm so happy and deeply touched. This book makes me feel so *alive* right now. Inside. This story is a gift and a miracle and I'm so grateful.
Love Always is one of the Top3 greatest books I've read in 2019.
I can't stop crying while I think about Nate and Wren but it is tears of happiness and joy but most of all BLISS. This book is so beautiful beyond words and it means everything to me. Its so truly and absolutely well done how Riley Hart put their love into words. So amazing. So much power. Wren and Nate are showing, what real love is and what love felt like. And how much love hurts. 💔
Riley did everything right.
I love absolutely everything about this book. I wouldn't have it any other way.
It will be one of my favorites forever.
I finished it yesterday, and my heart is so incredibly full. There is sorrow and pain, but above all love and hope. So MUCH love and hope. Nate and Wren are wonderful, they totally have stolen and shatterd my heart. I'm so happy and deeply touched. This book makes me feel so *alive* right now. Inside. This story is a gift and a miracle and I'm so grateful.
Love Always is one of the Top3 greatest books I've read in 2019.
I can't stop crying while I think about Nate and Wren but it is tears of happiness and joy but most of all BLISS. This book is so beautiful beyond words and it means everything to me. Its so truly and absolutely well done how Riley Hart put their love into words. So amazing. So much power. Wren and Nate are showing, what real love is and what love felt like. And how much love hurts. 💔
Riley did everything right.
I love absolutely everything about this book. I wouldn't have it any other way.
It will be one of my favorites forever.
September 21, 2019
I can't believe I actually finished this, I can't even find a reason as to why I kept turning the page, I mean I liked the first part and I couldn't wait to get to know those boys turning into men but since since I forgot what was in the blurp (which I actually prefer these days, cause that means am going in blind & will not judge or have too many expectations of how things will go) so that first time jump really knocked the wind out of me.
But I told myself, don't judge too quickly Rachel give it a chance.....but then, things just weren't working out from that point on.
And don't even get me started on that separation that was supposed to last a year, each time I turned the page & found 1yr later with Nate saying "am not ready" as his only explanation!!
I just...........I don't have the strength, am sorry.
But I told myself, don't judge too quickly Rachel give it a chance.....but then, things just weren't working out from that point on.
And don't even get me started on that separation that was supposed to last a year, each time I turned the page & found 1yr later with Nate saying "am not ready" as his only explanation!!
I just...........I don't have the strength, am sorry.
October 4, 2019
Until next time...
Absolutely heartbreaking 😭 but I loved it 💕💕
4.5 stars
May 12, 2022
2.5⭐
I got bored in parts with this one. When it started they were only 18 and spent one week together and then didn't reconnect for 15 years. Then it was one more week and no reconnection for another 5 years. It just seemed to drag on and on for me. I didn't really feel for either character.
I got bored in parts with this one. When it started they were only 18 and spent one week together and then didn't reconnect for 15 years. Then it was one more week and no reconnection for another 5 years. It just seemed to drag on and on for me. I didn't really feel for either character.
September 7, 2019
2.5 stars
I will probably be the cheese who stands alone here. But I struggled to finish this one and had a major disconnect with the characters. I think it's because I couldn't suspend disbelief at the idea that they fell in love after a few days and that love was then all consuming for 20 years when they weren't even together during those 20 years. They didn't know each other that well (Nate didn't even know Wren's last name for the first 15 years) and I'm not sure what it was that even drew them together in the first place. There was a lot of telling (the internal monologues were getting to be so repetitive) and not enough showing for me. The narration tells us that they each thought the other was the kindest person in the whole world with the biggest heart, who just wanted to help people and didn't deserve the pain life had thrown at them. They were almost too sweet and perfect. And trusting for being strangers who had just met. So because Wren tended to Nate's bruised hand and Nate wanted to help Wren get off the street, this meant they were fated to be together forever? I just wasn't feeling it. For me the central storyline was basically I love you, so let's have sex, but I'm not ready for a relationship with you, so goodbye. Repeat. I found myself bored, wishing something would finally happen to move the story forward. And when they finally got together for real, it was nice to see them settle in but then the last third also dragged a bit because there wasn't a lot more to go from there. So yeah, sadly this was a miss for me.
I will probably be the cheese who stands alone here. But I struggled to finish this one and had a major disconnect with the characters. I think it's because I couldn't suspend disbelief at the idea that they fell in love after a few days and that love was then all consuming for 20 years when they weren't even together during those 20 years. They didn't know each other that well (Nate didn't even know Wren's last name for the first 15 years) and I'm not sure what it was that even drew them together in the first place. There was a lot of telling (the internal monologues were getting to be so repetitive) and not enough showing for me. The narration tells us that they each thought the other was the kindest person in the whole world with the biggest heart, who just wanted to help people and didn't deserve the pain life had thrown at them. They were almost too sweet and perfect. And trusting for being strangers who had just met. So because Wren tended to Nate's bruised hand and Nate wanted to help Wren get off the street, this meant they were fated to be together forever? I just wasn't feeling it. For me the central storyline was basically I love you, so let's have sex, but I'm not ready for a relationship with you, so goodbye. Repeat. I found myself bored, wishing something would finally happen to move the story forward. And when they finally got together for real, it was nice to see them settle in but then the last third also dragged a bit because there wasn't a lot more to go from there. So yeah, sadly this was a miss for me.
March 21, 2022
I sat on this review for a couple of days because I really wasn't sure how to rate it. I've gone with 3.5 rounded up because despite my current love affair with all things Riley Hart, I struggled with this one. And I'm still not quite sure why.
the MCs meet as young men (at 18years old) and the first many, many chapters of the book explore their one week together at that time.
From then on we see their interactions at about three different points across their lives, which I enjoyed but the places they were in, one of the MCs in particular I just found really heart breaking.
I loved seeing how both characters grow so much and how it was clear that at different times, for different reasons, they needed their space away from each other. I just couldn't get past that they fell in love in that one week and then there really was no one else (in terms of love) at all for either of them after that. Despite the time apart. Despite that really, they didn't actually know each other at all that well. There was a lot of telling each other that they loved each other and it did feel a bit repetitive after a while.
Nonetheless, I did enjoy it
the MCs meet as young men (at 18years old) and the first many, many chapters of the book explore their one week together at that time.
From then on we see their interactions at about three different points across their lives, which I enjoyed but the places they were in, one of the MCs in particular I just found really heart breaking.
I loved seeing how both characters grow so much and how it was clear that at different times, for different reasons, they needed their space away from each other. I just couldn't get past that they fell in love in that one week and then there really was no one else (in terms of love) at all for either of them after that. Despite the time apart. Despite that really, they didn't actually know each other at all that well. There was a lot of telling each other that they loved each other and it did feel a bit repetitive after a while.
Nonetheless, I did enjoy it
September 20, 2019
This was a big book for Riley Hart. She tried to not dash through the story and instead focused on character development. I normally love characters when they grow up but I loved young Wren so much. This was not a read you can rush. Relax and Enjoy.
September 6, 2019
I was lucky enough to beta read this wonderful, wonderful book. You are all in for such a treat....
September 8, 2019
4 1/2 stars
Awesome, heart breaking story encompassing 20 plus years.
Beautifully written and hot. Recommend
Awesome, heart breaking story encompassing 20 plus years.
Beautifully written and hot. Recommend
September 9, 2020
This was not a sprint . . . This was a marathon. That is the only way I can think of to explain Wren and Nate's love story. It is an epic story that encompasses many years and many difficulties. Theirs is not an easily won HEA, but oh, man, it is a satisfying one. I smiled, I cried more than once, I raged along with them, and I sighed with utter contentment when it was over. It was just sooooooo good.
December 12, 2019
Oh the feels.
Wren and Nate....oh be still my heart. I loved their journey, their heartache and the passion between these two.
Mama wants more!!
Wren and Nate....oh be still my heart. I loved their journey, their heartache and the passion between these two.
Mama wants more!!
March 20, 2023
It's hard to critique something so beautifully written
The story of Nate and Wren is romantic and so beautifully written but left me feeling disappointed and unsettled. The author let's it be known this is a love story about timing...the right person but wrong time happens. Love Always is written in 3 parts with significant separations between parts. Part 1 was amazing...I wanted so much for young Wren and Nate...but I got why they had to go their own way.... they were 18 and each had life to figure out. Part 2, They meet again many many years later by happenstance or perhaps it was destiny and spend a short passion-filled time reconnecting. Again, they separated knowing it would be at least a year....Wren was willing to give up his dreams to be with Nate...but no, each man had to stand on their own 2 feet. This is where this all fell flat for me. The separation lasts for 5 years solely because Nate was not ready. And during those years....no calls, no texts, only a handful of emails because Nate. Nate is not ready to be with the love of his life or talk to him even but during this time he develops friends and a support system....he becomes accomplished, and he gets fit and healthy! Why couldn't Wren be a small part of that? I was totally pulled out of their story by this separation that went too long imho. If Wren was that much of a trigger that they had to separate with no contact then I have a hard time believing they should be together. So I was pulled out of their romance because I just didn't get it and wanted more...especially for Wren. I've read romances with separation due to military service or factors out of one's control but haven't had this same sense of being over it. Latter third is nice, Wren and Nate reconnect and build a life. It was sweet and pretty steamy but seems their relationship was built on a surface level of physical chemistry and conversations about why it wouldn't have worked out earlier in life. The lack of substance in their relationship is ever evident when Nate runs from Wren to his support person during an emotional crisis. The support was there for that purpose but again, the relationship felt very superficial to me....I was thinking.... hey Wren, what about David...he sounds like a better match for you? The heart wants what it wants and Wren wanted Nate. They did get their hard fought HEA.
The story of Nate and Wren is romantic and so beautifully written but left me feeling disappointed and unsettled. The author let's it be known this is a love story about timing...the right person but wrong time happens. Love Always is written in 3 parts with significant separations between parts. Part 1 was amazing...I wanted so much for young Wren and Nate...but I got why they had to go their own way.... they were 18 and each had life to figure out. Part 2, They meet again many many years later by happenstance or perhaps it was destiny and spend a short passion-filled time reconnecting. Again, they separated knowing it would be at least a year....Wren was willing to give up his dreams to be with Nate...but no, each man had to stand on their own 2 feet. This is where this all fell flat for me. The separation lasts for 5 years solely because Nate was not ready. And during those years....no calls, no texts, only a handful of emails because Nate. Nate is not ready to be with the love of his life or talk to him even but during this time he develops friends and a support system....he becomes accomplished, and he gets fit and healthy! Why couldn't Wren be a small part of that? I was totally pulled out of their story by this separation that went too long imho. If Wren was that much of a trigger that they had to separate with no contact then I have a hard time believing they should be together. So I was pulled out of their romance because I just didn't get it and wanted more...especially for Wren. I've read romances with separation due to military service or factors out of one's control but haven't had this same sense of being over it. Latter third is nice, Wren and Nate reconnect and build a life. It was sweet and pretty steamy but seems their relationship was built on a surface level of physical chemistry and conversations about why it wouldn't have worked out earlier in life. The lack of substance in their relationship is ever evident when Nate runs from Wren to his support person during an emotional crisis. The support was there for that purpose but again, the relationship felt very superficial to me....I was thinking.... hey Wren, what about David...he sounds like a better match for you? The heart wants what it wants and Wren wanted Nate. They did get their hard fought HEA.
September 10, 2019
4.5 Stars
This is going to be a pretty short review because I don’t want to give stuff away.
First, I loved both Wren and Nate and they had amazing chemistry. Although the story is pretty insta, there was enough page time with them together and getting to know each other, that it didn’t feel unrealistic. I loved them together and the progression of their relationship felt natural.
While I liked the story and enjoyed it, it wasn’t an easy read. Theirs wasn’t a happy story and even when Wren and Nate were together and happy, the story had a heavy and sad undertone. It weighed me down and I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Still, even with all the heaviness and sadness, I’m glad I took this journey with Wren and Nate and I’m glad they got their HEA. It wasn’t a smooth road, there were plenty of bumps and bends, but in the end, it was worth the journey for both them and me. Definitely recommendable!
*borrowed through KU*
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January 24, 2020DNF at 44%. Aghh! I’m so angry right now! Love Always? Bullshit. This isn’t how people love each other, Riley Hart! I’m going back and imagining a different path...an alternate ending...for Nate and Wren because I know they would’ve made better choices than this.
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