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Always Alex
Robin Alexander cooks up another tale using her favorite recipe—love, family, and a healthy dose of humor.
Dana Castilaw grew up tossing coins in a well, hoping her wishes would come true, but the candy fountain, puppy, and love never seemed to manifest. At eighteen, she left her hometown of Barbier Point, Louisiana, longing to be free of her father’s chokehold on her life and with a heart full of dreams she hoped would come true. Years later, she is forced to return home with at least one granted wish—her daughter, Sydney.
Alex Soileau stood at Dana’s side for years tossing her coins into the well, making the same wish each time, a secret plea that she refused to reveal even to her best friend. Time and maturity insisted that she give up on her one fervent desire, but her heart never would.
Reunited as adults, both women realize that maybe there was magic in the well after all.
Dana Castilaw grew up tossing coins in a well, hoping her wishes would come true, but the candy fountain, puppy, and love never seemed to manifest. At eighteen, she left her hometown of Barbier Point, Louisiana, longing to be free of her father’s chokehold on her life and with a heart full of dreams she hoped would come true. Years later, she is forced to return home with at least one granted wish—her daughter, Sydney.
Alex Soileau stood at Dana’s side for years tossing her coins into the well, making the same wish each time, a secret plea that she refused to reveal even to her best friend. Time and maturity insisted that she give up on her one fervent desire, but her heart never would.
Reunited as adults, both women realize that maybe there was magic in the well after all.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2014
67 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Robin Alexander
51 books814 followersBorn in 1965, Robin Alexander grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she still resides. An avid reader of Lesbian fiction, Robin decided to take the leap and try her hand at writing. It didn't take long for her favorite hobby to become a full-time author.
Since her heritage is Scottish and Irish and she’s allergic to seafood, she’s considered an honorary Cajun. When she’s not writing, she’s exploring her state with the top off her Jeep in search of the small towns on the water that inspire her.
Robin is awkward, sometimes shy, loaded with anxieties, accident prone, dangerous with power tools, and has been known to make idiotic decisions. She has been fortunate enough to turn her shortcomings into the hilarious characters you’ll find in her novels and short stories. Her passion is writing funny tales about falling in love, being imperfect and reveling in friendship.
Robin is convinced she has the best job in the world, and she’s extremely grateful for her fans who support her and enable her to do what she loves.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Since her heritage is Scottish and Irish and she’s allergic to seafood, she’s considered an honorary Cajun. When she’s not writing, she’s exploring her state with the top off her Jeep in search of the small towns on the water that inspire her.
Robin is awkward, sometimes shy, loaded with anxieties, accident prone, dangerous with power tools, and has been known to make idiotic decisions. She has been fortunate enough to turn her shortcomings into the hilarious characters you’ll find in her novels and short stories. Her passion is writing funny tales about falling in love, being imperfect and reveling in friendship.
Robin is convinced she has the best job in the world, and she’s extremely grateful for her fans who support her and enable her to do what she loves.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
July 23, 2022
Sweet and funny. I laughed out loud a few times. The romance isn’t anything new two friends realize they’ve always been in love after reuniting. I kind of wish I had a family member like Thelma, she was hilarious and outrageous.
February 12, 2021
Review of Always Alex by Robin Alexander, Audiobook narrated by Lori Prince
I’m so happy that Robin Alexander is releasing her back catalogue in audio and even happier that most of them are narrated by Lori Prince. I’ve read Always Alex years ago but couldn’t remember much. I’m happy that I gave this a go as it was a feel-good story about friendship, family and love.
Dana Castilaw and Alex Soileau were childhood best friends in the small town of Barbier Point, Louisiana. Years later both women left town, Alex to college and Dana to get married. More than a decade later, Dana, divorced with a teenage girl and broke, has to return to Barber Point to live with her father with whom she hasn’t spoken in years. As she’s trying to rebuild her life, she discovers that Alex is back in town and, with her, all those feelings that she ignored years ago reappear. As both women reconnect, will they give love a chance?
This book hits the best friends to lovers, return to hometown and coming out tropes. I could also add the slow burn romance but it doesn’t feel so slow as the book is relatively short. It doesn’t feel rushed either as Ms. Alexander gives time for the characters to reconnect and rediscover their feelings for each other.
Ms. Alexander introduces a cast of secondary characters who balance the serious with the funny. Alex’s granny is the typical quirky old lady ubiquitous in this author’s work. There are always guaranteed hilarious and ridiculous scenes that ease the tension of the main conflict and this book is no exception. Lori Prince has the perfect timing for these comedy moments and, as usual, performs them expertly.
The romance is sweet but also passionate. Both main characters are likable and their chemistry is hot. But this novel goes beyond romance and also deals with loss, family conflicts and second chances. It gives a positive and feel-good message, exactly what I needed after a stressful week.
I suspect that the audiobook version has a lot to do with my enjoyment. Lori Prince did a great job switching between emotional and hilarious moments. Her timing is perfect and her deadpan deliveries are epic. Personally, I didn’t like Alex’s voice but it didn’t deter me from enjoying this audiobook. If you are looking for a romantic, humourous and feel-good story, then this one is for you. 4.5 stars.
Length: 6 hours, 18 minutes
Available in Scribd
I’m so happy that Robin Alexander is releasing her back catalogue in audio and even happier that most of them are narrated by Lori Prince. I’ve read Always Alex years ago but couldn’t remember much. I’m happy that I gave this a go as it was a feel-good story about friendship, family and love.
Dana Castilaw and Alex Soileau were childhood best friends in the small town of Barbier Point, Louisiana. Years later both women left town, Alex to college and Dana to get married. More than a decade later, Dana, divorced with a teenage girl and broke, has to return to Barber Point to live with her father with whom she hasn’t spoken in years. As she’s trying to rebuild her life, she discovers that Alex is back in town and, with her, all those feelings that she ignored years ago reappear. As both women reconnect, will they give love a chance?
This book hits the best friends to lovers, return to hometown and coming out tropes. I could also add the slow burn romance but it doesn’t feel so slow as the book is relatively short. It doesn’t feel rushed either as Ms. Alexander gives time for the characters to reconnect and rediscover their feelings for each other.
Ms. Alexander introduces a cast of secondary characters who balance the serious with the funny. Alex’s granny is the typical quirky old lady ubiquitous in this author’s work. There are always guaranteed hilarious and ridiculous scenes that ease the tension of the main conflict and this book is no exception. Lori Prince has the perfect timing for these comedy moments and, as usual, performs them expertly.
The romance is sweet but also passionate. Both main characters are likable and their chemistry is hot. But this novel goes beyond romance and also deals with loss, family conflicts and second chances. It gives a positive and feel-good message, exactly what I needed after a stressful week.
I suspect that the audiobook version has a lot to do with my enjoyment. Lori Prince did a great job switching between emotional and hilarious moments. Her timing is perfect and her deadpan deliveries are epic. Personally, I didn’t like Alex’s voice but it didn’t deter me from enjoying this audiobook. If you are looking for a romantic, humourous and feel-good story, then this one is for you. 4.5 stars.
Length: 6 hours, 18 minutes
Available in Scribd
November 3, 2021
This may be my new Alexander favorite. The belligerent, speak her mind grandma character was fabulous. Again, Lori Prince is the best narrator for sarcasm and humor and the combo did not disappoint in this one. Listened through Scribd.
August 3, 2022
As always a wonderful friends-to-lovers book by Robin Alexander. Lovely and well written main and second characters. Very entertaining to read. Low on the angst but high on feelings and personal development. Highly recommend.
February 11, 2016
Ever fell in love with your not-so-straight best friend? Well, join the club.. the book club, of course. :-)
The great debate in the movie When Harry Met Sally is whether or not men and women can truly have platonic relationships with the opposite sex. If all you know about the movie is the infamous Meg Ryan moaning scene and you have plans to watch it at some point in the future, skip the rest of this paragraph. For those who have watched the movie, you know that the answer is a resounding “NO”. And this makes me wonder… What about lesbians? Is it just a free for all?! Thankfully, not all the time. At least, not in my experience. There are definitely friends that I would never ever ever ever sleep with and friends that would never ever ever ever sleep with me, I’m sure.
However, Always Alex does bring to light that sometimes, you can be just one baby step away from best friends to lovers which can also bring a massive heap of confusion for the people involved, especially if they identify as lovers of the opposite sex. I have a friend who believes that your best friend is like a lover that you never want to sleep with. But what if your best friend is someone that you do want to sleep with? And don’t most lesbians identify their partner as their best friend? Is this why we have such a thing as lesbian bed death?!?!?! Dana and Alex explore this terrain (minus the lesbian bed death), and Robin Alexander captures the experience of the growth and transition of their relationship beautifully. Dana and Alex are both down-to-Earth, down-and-dirty (smirk), and totally relatable. Reading this novel and getting to know these characters is almost like the experience of listening to a good country song. You can really connect to the story and your feel it in your soul.
Oh, and if you do read this novel… You’re going to get a kick out of Maw Maw. She’s Dana’s grandmother and she’s hilariously vulgar and ratchet. She might just be my hero…
P.S. Here is the Urban Dictionary definition of lesbian bed death:
lesbian bed death – (n.) when sexual relations between a lesbian couple have virtually ceased, yet the companionship remains.
In order words… Best Friends. :-P
The great debate in the movie When Harry Met Sally is whether or not men and women can truly have platonic relationships with the opposite sex. If all you know about the movie is the infamous Meg Ryan moaning scene and you have plans to watch it at some point in the future, skip the rest of this paragraph. For those who have watched the movie, you know that the answer is a resounding “NO”. And this makes me wonder… What about lesbians? Is it just a free for all?! Thankfully, not all the time. At least, not in my experience. There are definitely friends that I would never ever ever ever sleep with and friends that would never ever ever ever sleep with me, I’m sure.
However, Always Alex does bring to light that sometimes, you can be just one baby step away from best friends to lovers which can also bring a massive heap of confusion for the people involved, especially if they identify as lovers of the opposite sex. I have a friend who believes that your best friend is like a lover that you never want to sleep with. But what if your best friend is someone that you do want to sleep with? And don’t most lesbians identify their partner as their best friend? Is this why we have such a thing as lesbian bed death?!?!?! Dana and Alex explore this terrain (minus the lesbian bed death), and Robin Alexander captures the experience of the growth and transition of their relationship beautifully. Dana and Alex are both down-to-Earth, down-and-dirty (smirk), and totally relatable. Reading this novel and getting to know these characters is almost like the experience of listening to a good country song. You can really connect to the story and your feel it in your soul.
Oh, and if you do read this novel… You’re going to get a kick out of Maw Maw. She’s Dana’s grandmother and she’s hilariously vulgar and ratchet. She might just be my hero…
P.S. Here is the Urban Dictionary definition of lesbian bed death:
lesbian bed death – (n.) when sexual relations between a lesbian couple have virtually ceased, yet the companionship remains.
In order words… Best Friends. :-P
July 13, 2014
What can I say? Robin Alexander *always* manages to write at least one 'laugh out loud' moment into her books. With Always Alex there were many, many of those moments.
If you're after a feel good book with a large dose of humor then do yourself a favor and add Always Alex to your reading list.
I'd probably rate this book 4 stars, however going to provide 'bonus points' for Maw Maw's antics and quick wit, which had me in stitches a number of times.
A very enjoyable read.
If you're after a feel good book with a large dose of humor then do yourself a favor and add Always Alex to your reading list.
I'd probably rate this book 4 stars, however going to provide 'bonus points' for Maw Maw's antics and quick wit, which had me in stitches a number of times.
A very enjoyable read.
May 17, 2018
4 stars. Forgot I finished this one last week. It's another solid book from Alexander. Enjoyed this slightly less due to the old crazy lady. I find that I enjoy Alexander's books more when there are no crazy old ladies present.
September 3, 2020
Robin Alexander is comfort food and we could all use some comfort nowadays. Dana and Alex's love story had toaster oven-ness, laughs, chemistry, Southern charm, the requisite kooky old aunt, and even a pleasant teenager. Well done.
Two notes: 1. There are some fat shaming jokes that didn't age well. 2.
Four stars! ☆☆☆☆
Two notes: 1. There are some fat shaming jokes that didn't age well. 2.
Four stars! ☆☆☆☆
June 18, 2017
The romance was fine, although not anything particularly new. It reminded me a lot of Just Jorie in tone and family aspects (both books had mouthy seniors who made me laugh out loud). I suspect I just need to put a lot of time between each Robin Alexander book I read so they don't all feel the same or blend together.
Full review: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/alway...
Full review: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/alway...
August 20, 2024
Oh my, Robin Alexander you stole my heart again! Lori Prince narrates another one of Alexander's southern fried, got all the feels, I want to know these people, lesbian romance to perfection. I laughed out loud at Thelma, the most irksome grandma that I'd love to have in my family and swooned with Dana and Alex getting their happy ever after. I just want to live in a Robin Alexander book! Hilarious and romantic I'd definitely give this 10+ stars. Love, love, love...
June 28, 2019
Back with the "one from highschool equals love forever" trope.
I really don't like it but in this book, the writer pull it off more than okay. Probably because half the book seems more focused on one the main healing relationship with her dad that the romance.
The families from both sides are satisfyingly complex and the dialogs are great as usual.
There is though a pretty annoying character and I don't understand her purpose to the story (the Maw-Maw). For those who read the boo, what did you think ? Does she bring something, really, to the story ?
I really don't like it but in this book, the writer pull it off more than okay. Probably because half the book seems more focused on one the main healing relationship with her dad that the romance.
The families from both sides are satisfyingly complex and the dialogs are great as usual.
There is though a pretty annoying character and I don't understand her purpose to the story (the Maw-Maw). For those who read the boo, what did you think ? Does she bring something, really, to the story ?
July 19, 2017
Omg I think I am a fan of Robin Alexander now. This is my eleventh books that I read from this author. To be honest, you can say I'm being bias (am I using the right word, bias?), well, it is not my thing to read the book that one of the main character is a single mother, I kinda dont like it. I'm not sure if i had read it before but with the mention of it i normally turn it down and go find some other book instead. However, this book, Always Alex, with this same author, I gave it a shot. And yes! Robin never disappointed me, her books always have humors, funny and sweet, oh! And not depressing drama (that is what I love about Robin's books). I kept smiling and giggling the whole time when i read her books, not only this one. I like both main characters, and everyone in it. Maw Maw is so damn funny and Sydney is also cool and very supportive. The romance is so sweet, when i read this book I can feel it in my chest.. fluttered?, pain?, Idk it's in my chest. (I wish I would be able to find my other half some day as well, someone that made me feel complete, someone that you cant live without, like in this book). I know this is fiction and I know I am dreamy about it but well, you know, there is nothing wrong to dream of what you want or need right?
Sorry I feel like I ended up talking about myself instead. And the review is more about the author and not about this book.
Well, to sum it up, I am very satisfied with this book, humors, funny, romance, not depressing drama, this book have them all.
Sorry I feel like I ended up talking about myself instead. And the review is more about the author and not about this book.
Well, to sum it up, I am very satisfied with this book, humors, funny, romance, not depressing drama, this book have them all.
January 18, 2024
As with all Robin Alexander books I have so far read: this is a wonderfully sweet romance with a great characters and a focus on the family dynamics. Also, totally hilarious!!
September 2, 2020
Sweet and funny
June 3, 2024
I've read this one many times and it's always a favorite as a quick and cute palette cleanser after some heavier books. This is a cute romance with best friends who lost touch and are back in the same town again and wouldn't you know it, both of them have always been in love with the other but only one of them knew it.
I enjoy Maw Maw in particular as a supporting character who brings chaos and inappropriate commentary to keep things light and fun.
I enjoy Maw Maw in particular as a supporting character who brings chaos and inappropriate commentary to keep things light and fun.
August 10, 2014
3.5 stars
Well written entertaining story with lots of witty dialogue. Enjoyed watching Dana make peace with her father. Clara his housekeeper was a highlight as a character in this story arc. She was drawn with a love and earnestness that was hard to resist.
Alex's family were a bit too over the top for me. The treehouse,as her mother described it was great. The whole idea of a house up on stilts and the comedic moments with the pineapple wallpaper in the bathrooms were cute. Memaw and her smoking, drinking irreverent ways went from cute to campy to awkward and predictable in a short period of time. Floating wiglets while amusing, get old fast.
Overall a nice romance.
January 28, 2017
I really enjoyed this one. I'd go 3.5 if Goodreads would allow it. There were some places where the POV switched within the same scene and I had to stop to figure out whose head I was in and there were a couple of typos which didn't bother me nearly as much as the POV things... But the story and the characters were engaging and there were several aspects that reminded me of my favorite LJ Maas story, None So Blind except with less angst and much more honest communication.
This one will go on my re-read list.
This one will go on my re-read list.
April 12, 2021
I wanted to listen to something short-ish, light and funny while I read through a more “serious” book... and Robin Alexander always delivers on that front! 3.75 stars.
September 3, 2024
Always Alex was a decent read, but it didn't blow me away. The pacing was slow, which made it hard to stay hooked. That said, the story was well-written, with some sweet and funny moments that I enjoyed. It’s good, just not very memorable.
March 15, 2024
4.5⭐️ I love when a story can make me actually laugh out loud. This was one of those stories. There were quite a few times I caught myself just giggling and downright laughing. This was my first book by this author and it definitely won’t be my last.
May 27, 2025
Robin Alexander has sapphic, southern romcoms down to a science. For the record, every southern American family has a Maw Maw and our worlds revolve around them. This book is funny and snarky and oh, so frigging sweet. It was just what I needed after a gut wrenching dark romance that just broke me in all the good ways, followed by a disappointing read from a well-known author.
Dana’s journey to figuring out who she is was just so sweet. I loved her comebacks when Alex told her “You don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable doing.” I’ve never seen it written the way it was in this book and I just adored it. I needed no angst and sweetness and this book delivered that for me.
Dana’s journey to figuring out who she is was just so sweet. I loved her comebacks when Alex told her “You don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable doing.” I’ve never seen it written the way it was in this book and I just adored it. I needed no angst and sweetness and this book delivered that for me.
August 17, 2017
Well I loved this book.
Alex has always been in love with her best friend Dana who was always aloof. She cant tell it to her so instead she makes wishes every time they go near this creepy wishing well. And then life happens and they get seperated in their own lives. After nearly 18 years they both are brought back to their hometown. But this time things are different as Dana is no longer the aloof kid who cant see whats happening around her. And sparks are bound to fly.....
It was fun, and had me feeling good after reading it. The leads are amazing and dont act like wusses who are afraid to express themselves. And the ensemble cast was hilarious. Its heartwarming and it was such a relief that there was no drama or misunderstandings between the leads. This is not one of those books with a lot of angst and drama. If you need a book which aint that long this is the one..
Go ahead...read it and feel warm and fuzzy.
Alex has always been in love with her best friend Dana who was always aloof. She cant tell it to her so instead she makes wishes every time they go near this creepy wishing well. And then life happens and they get seperated in their own lives. After nearly 18 years they both are brought back to their hometown. But this time things are different as Dana is no longer the aloof kid who cant see whats happening around her. And sparks are bound to fly.....
It was fun, and had me feeling good after reading it. The leads are amazing and dont act like wusses who are afraid to express themselves. And the ensemble cast was hilarious. Its heartwarming and it was such a relief that there was no drama or misunderstandings between the leads. This is not one of those books with a lot of angst and drama. If you need a book which aint that long this is the one..
Go ahead...read it and feel warm and fuzzy.
November 30, 2022
Maw Maw is very funny. I liked this quite a lot.
4 YEARS LATER
Still makes me laugh. And now, it paints a moment of my life. And that is quite something.
4 YEARS LATER
Still makes me laugh. And now, it paints a moment of my life. And that is quite something.
June 29, 2025
Ok, so this was, lovely 😊
Story as old as time in the sapphic book world: childhood friends, one is in love with the other while the other is oblivious. College comes and they drift apart, until one day they find themselves back in the same small town where they grew up.
This story may not be new, but Robin Alexander has created a delightfully, charming, often laugh out loud funny story with wonderful characters, including a foul mouthed Maw Maw.
4⭐️ highly recommend
Story as old as time in the sapphic book world: childhood friends, one is in love with the other while the other is oblivious. College comes and they drift apart, until one day they find themselves back in the same small town where they grew up.
This story may not be new, but Robin Alexander has created a delightfully, charming, often laugh out loud funny story with wonderful characters, including a foul mouthed Maw Maw.
4⭐️ highly recommend
March 7, 2021
You can’t help but laugh out loud when listening to one of Robin’s stories. Alex has been pining for Dana since childhood. Dana is trying to rebuild her life and relationship with her father. You can always find outrageous family members in Robin’s stories and they really add to the wonderful story. Lori Prince is an excellent choice to narrate. She has some unique voices that are so perfect for the characters. This is a wonderful friends to forever story.
November 19, 2016
Entertaining read about friendship, family and love. I enjoyed the family and friends dynamic, although outrageous at times. When I read Robin Alexander books, I know what I am in for so, the story and characters did not disappoint.
July 5, 2014
Quick read. Great humor, laughed out loud more than once! Fun and easy... Nothing very unpredictable, but still good.
February 10, 2017
This book is worth reading just for the crazy things that come out of Alex's Grandmother's mouth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews