To the Only Boy I've Loved Before

Edenvale Arts Academy #2

by Liwen Y. Ho

I was looking for a place to belong … I never thought it’d be in his heart.

Ava

On the outside, it might look like I have it all. A sweet singing voice. A bestie who loves music as much as I do. And the chance to grow my songwriting skills at Edenvale. The truth is, beneath my happy exterior, I’m just a foster kid trying to get by. What I really want is to matter to someone, especially if that someone’s my best friend’s hot, older brother.

If only Liam Mitchell wasn’t way out of my league.

Liam

It’s senior year, and I should be figuring out my future, but with my dad in jail, I’ve had to step up to take care of my family. The only thing that’s clear is how much I like spending time with Ava Alverson. Beautiful, smart, and strong, she’s the only one I can let my guard down with. She makes me want to clean up my act and be a guy worthy of her love.

If only my ex would let me go so I can give Ava my full attention and show her how much I really care.

Two friends. One unforgettable first kiss. And the chance to cross the lines of friendship into a whole lot more.

Welcome to Edenvale Arts Academy, where the performing arts are celebrated, friendships last forever, and romance takes center stage.

Genres: Young Adult, Clean Romance, Romance, Novella, Young Adult Romance

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2020

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Liwen Y. Ho works as a chauffeur and referee by day (AKA a stay at home mom) and a writer by night. Her strength is in creating character-driven, deep POV romance infused with faith, humor, and happy ever afters.

In her pre-author life, she received a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary. She loves makeovers of all kinds, especially those of the heart and mind. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her techie husband and their two children (AKA munchkins).

Sign up for Liwen's newsletter for news about her upcoming releases, book giveaways and more at http://liwenho.com/free-book!

Reviews

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, so much fun!!! I loved getting to know Liam and Ava, not just as Hannah’s older brother and her best friend but as two high schoolers struggling with life and falling in love. Liam has a lot on his plate, trying to be the man of the house while his dad is in jail and also attempting (very poorly) to end his superficial relationship so that he can get to know Ava better. Ava also has a lot on her plate as a foster child trying to keep her head down and not cause trouble while attending her dream high school and developing her vocal talent.

It’s the classic older-brother-falls-for-younger-sister’s-best-friend trope with sweetness, tenderness, and high school drama in a storyline with a good-paced plot and lovable characters. And Darren and Danica Spark, along with their cool bookstore, play a huge role in this book. Yay to the Spark brothers being featured in this new Edenvale High series (if you haven’t met the Spark brothers, I highly recommend reading that series). I can’t wait to read the next book where we’ll meet Liam’s buddy Max.

I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

[Camilla Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was waiting for this one! Did not disappoint!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been anxious to read Ava and Liam's story after the sneak peak in the first book and I wasn't disappointed. It's a sweet story with a lot of emotion. I loved the depth to Ava and Liam's relationship. Sometimes it's hard for me to read YA and think they've found the one in high school, but then I'm reminded of a good friend who found her love at 12. He was also two years older and they've now been married for 20 years. I can see Ava and Liam having a similar experience.

[. · Rating 5 out of 5]

((Previously published on Purely by Faith Reviews.))

Recommended Age: High school age and older, if the reader is mature enough to handle clean romance. That seems to be the general age of the characters in this series, anyhow.

My Review:

I don't know what to say. Legit, this was one of the best YA romances I've ever anticipated and read. I still don't normally read books under that genre, but I'm going to have to say that's changing if I continue to read this series. I was really looking forward to it after reading the little blurb at the end of the first book. I even have to admit that I liked this book more than the first. Liwen Ho is so good at writing, that's for sure!

Speaking of writing, I'm going to start with that. It was absolutely wonderful, the kind that I'm jealous of because the author clearly has talent. She easily drew me in at the first chapter. I don't know how to explain it, but there's just this unique and refreshing style this author has that really brings you into the story and leaves you wanting more.

I already liked Ava more than Hannah, honestly. My mentality is similar to Ava's, which was one reason why I connected with her so easily. She didn't exactly want to let people in, and I get that so well. I can't say I completely understand what she's been through, though. I don't have any experience with being a foster child and never will because I'm a legal adult, but I have always wanted to foster or adopt one day. Just seeing what Ava went through has further made me want to possibly pursue that once I'm in better circumstances.

I was previously fond of Liam in How to Kiss a Guy in Ten Days. I just love over-protective brothers. But honestly, Ava's point-of-view throughout the whole book was so well-written that I almost found myself getting a crush on Liam. I guess Ava is right. He is the kind of guy you would be attracted to because he does have this amazing personality and work-hard ethics, yet he was also not perfect. That's a good thing because some authors have trouble keeping their characters and stories realistic, me included. Liwen Ho was able to write an authentic sibling argument as well as have a love-hate relationship with Liam and Hannah. Overall, if I can get attached to a male character that easily, then I think the author has done something right.

Content: If you're reading this review (and possibly read my last one on the first book in the series), you gotta know this series has romance by now. Which definitely means some kisses, touching hugging, thinking about that person they like and probably being slightly obsessed, etc. If you literally have a problem with romance, avoid this book because it is definitely not for you. On the other hand, if you are okay with romance, you should read this series if you want some good and wholesome romance. Yes, sure, I cringed at some of the touchy-feely stuff because I could see myself getting embarrassed just as Ava did. But it was so adorable, and I would read this book again.

In the end, I have to admit Liwen Ho has become one of my favourite writers. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series! I wondered if it was going to be focused on Max or Nolan, but I'm glad to know that Nolan will eventually get his own book in the future. I love how Ava was able to give him good advice, and I already need to see him have his own story. I think I need to check out the other Sparks' series the author has after getting introduced to some of them in this book. If you like young adult romance that's clean, but also satisfying and easy to read, then I would pick up the Edenvale Arts Academy series.

Book provided courtesy of the author. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Noma Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story! I don't usually read YA fiction but this is really a cute story! I recommend this book to anyone who likes good clean romance!

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava + Liam

Reader's Notes:
- Ava is a foster child due to her parents dying in a car accident (she has yet to be adopted, though she has seen many of her foster siblings go back home or be adopted)
- Ava's foster father seems harsh to readers- not abusive; just disconnected/seems unloving/scary to the foster children (but there is a bit of a good turn around towards the end of the book for readers, and he is going through something a bit devastating with his wife's physical/mental condition)

Review:
Ava is Hannah's best friend (Hannah's story was book #1 of the series) and Ava is in love with her best friend's brother. But Ava isn't willing to pursue those feelings for a few reasons, number one reason being that he is currently in a relationship.

Liam (Hannah's brother) is done with his girlfriend. She has grown to be very shallow and needy, he doesn't even know why he agreed to go out with her in the first place. But with her mom receiving news that she has cancer, he can't seem to find the right time to tell her without making things worse. As Liam thinks about his current girlfriend, he wonders what kind of person he'd actually want to be in a relationship with...and he is surprised to discover that Ava is the kind of person he wants. But how does he get her to see him and without making her feel like a rebound? And what is going on where Ava lives that she is upset about being late home?

He decides to become a better friend with Ava to find out the answers (his sister seems to be dropping the best friend ball anyways with her new boyfriend taking up all her attention). So Liam and Ava start hanging out more and exchange advice on various things that neither have told many people about. (A lot of it is really good advice for anyone!) And they begin to fall even more in love with each other. Liam is sure that Ava likes him, and she is sure Liam likes her, but now Liam needs to break up with his current girlfriend to not disrespect either girl.

So he does, but she guilts him into pretending to still be with her for Spirit Week for her mother's happiness. Though he agrees and sets up boundaries to protect Ava's heart (who he's now secretly dating), the ex pushes them as much as she can. She tries to make him change his mind about breaking up with her, to no avail.

But what will happen when Hannah does find out that her brother and best friend are secretly dating? How will Ava react to being between two people she loves?

[Caitlyn Santi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I loved this story! After absolutely loving book one I didn't think this series could get any more amazing, but boy did it! I loved To The Only Boy I've Loved Before even more than the first book in the series! I loved Ava and Liam so much and their story is so beautifully written that it had me grinning and happy-sighing more times than I can count! My heart broke for all Ava had been through, and I found myself wishing I could reach through the pages and give her a hug! And I so admired her bravery and determination to look on the bright side. I loved that even though these characters are teenagers they are very mature, and there is very little if any typical angst or drama in this book, so I think it will definitely appeal to a wide range of readers, and especially fans of Kasie West! This book is so good that I hated to see it end! I love Liwen Y. Ho's writing so much, and she is fast becoming one of my favorite authors, I can't wait to read her next book and continue catching up on her amazing backlist!
I highly, HIGHLY recommend To The Only Boy I've Loved Before, I seriously wish I could give it more than five stars! This is a series that YA romance fans will not want to miss!


I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

[Stox4story · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like:

❣️HEA storylines?

😘 Emotion and Drama but not overkill?

💕 Lines like:

…. 'Pretending was a skill I’d learned over the years to survive’…

… 'I couldn’t wait around for someone to rescue me; I needed to take care of myself.’

... 'No one knew I wrote songs; it was something I started doing after my parents passed. Not only were the lyrics too personal for me to share, it was a little scary putting my work out there for people—even my bestie—to hear.’

If you answered yes to the above questions, then you will love this new book by Liwen Y Ho. This is a storyline that has realistic issues. Don’t be surprised if it doesn’t tug and pull at both your heart and your emotions. Yes, it’s a friends to lovers romance, but it’s so much more. It shows the trauma and difficulties of real life. Ava, the female lead, may be a teen but she’s had to face tragedy head on. Both parents died from a car accident and she goes from a wonderful home with loving parents to foster care. Life is not easy. Read and see just how Ava is an overcomer and how friends become family. And who knows, love just may sneak in there too.

[☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Spoilers just a little bit***

https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2020...

So I liked this book, the same as I did the first one.

Also, I felt like Hannah was kind of harsh towards her brother Liam. For him being around Ava, and her not wanting Ava too be with him. I was glad he talked some sense into her because she would've ended up hurting both Ava and her brother Liam.

When I was reading this book and learning that Hope was adopted, I felt like Darren and Dianca could've adopted Ava. & turn out that is what happened In the end. When Ava adopted father put her out all because Liam brought her home and she was seeing him. He wasn't complaining when Ava was bringing them eggs, taking care of the kids, though. But I was also glad that the other children got adopted too, especially with what Liam saw in that window.

Not only that, but it was also a good thing; that Liam and Ava worked things out with each other and started dating.


Besides that, I can't wait to read Max and Angel's story because I can't wait for how Angel tames the playboy, Max.

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eeeek! To The Only Boy I've Loved Before was so beautiful!!! It made my YA heart so happy :) even though it may have taken me a bit to get into the book, I loved the best friend's older brother trope. It may not be my favorite one per se, but it was so well written I was simply rooting for Ava and Liam all the way :D I loved how they complimented each other with their weaknesses and strengths, and I certainly enjoyed how much Liam grew to appreciate not only outward beauty but especially the one that comes from the inside. I think this book managed to be better than the previous one: yes, it pulled at my heartstrings but the ending was perfect and so worth it. Plus, I still loved getting to see previous characters from past books (from Seth and Hannah to Darren, Danica, and Hope 😊). So far, this is YA series is completely recommended ;)

PS: knowing the author's love for the movie While You Were Sleeping, I seriously can't wait to see her rendition of it in the next installment of this series 💕

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m finding myself loving this Young Adult series by Liwen Y. Ho and I am not-so-young. But young true love is so beautiful and can be appreciated by all ages. I was captivated by this story about Ava, a teenager who was in a dubious foster care home, who fell in love with her best friend’s older brother, Liam. It was sweet watching handsome, popular Liam who was dating the prettiest (and most self-centered) girl in school realize that he wanted more in a girlfriend than beauty; he wanted friendship, trust, and compatibility in addition to attraction and that was what he felt with Ava. It turned into true love because they both tried to do what was best for the other, putting one another first. This is the kind of book that I would want my teenager to read. Without lecturing, there are a lot of positive lessons to be learned in it. And it is such a feel-good story! Highly recommend! I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful young adult book about Ava, a girl with a beautiful voice, a hidden talent of writing songs and a foster child in a loveless home. But lucky for her she has a best friend named Hannah and her brother Liam who Ava has a secret crush on. Unknowingly, Liam has a crush on Ava, he describes her voice as "Ava’s voice was like magic. Warm syrup on a stack of your favorite pancakes kind of magic." Oh, flutter flutter goes my heart. He has a complicated relationship he is in which stops him from letting it be known. When he tries to break up with his conceited girlfriend things don't go as planned and problems at Eva's foster home are only some of the troubles they face. But as Ava says, "life is short not to hold onto those you love".

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Life’s too short to not go after your dreams."

This book is giving me all the warm fuzzies and is the perfect read for a blustery, cold weekend (or any other day you crave a feel-good story, really). I'd already fallen in love with Ava and Liam in the first book in the series, and I loved seeing them get their own HEA.
While I feel for Ava, I appreciate that she is pretty much a "self-rescuing princess" type of girl, and her message is one I should definitely heed more often. Life is short, indeed.
It was fun to reconnect with Hannah and Seth, their families, and a couple of other "usual suspects" from book #1.
Looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book filled me with the message of hope because both of the main characters never dwelled on how their lives had changed. Ava lost both her parents in an accident and ended up in foster care. Liam's dad was in jail and his family had to move into an apartment after living in a big house. What a change from his country club life and dreams. His mom was now working two jobs. I enjoyed how this story took off where the first book ended but you could read this one without having read the first book. I really like this new series and its ties to the Spark Brothers series. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the Only Boy I've Love Before manages to be a cute, sweet romance and deal well with serious subjects like foster care and a parent in prison. I loved Ava and Liam! They are likable, not totally self-confident, and just so very right together. There are so many special moments in the book, but I don't want to spoil any of them for you. This story just gave me all the 'feels." There's a great HEA. I think you'll find it well worth the money and your time. I highly recommend this book to clean/wholesome romance readers, to Christian fiction readers, and to readers of YA romance. I received a complimentary copy. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this excellent YA romance.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a breath of fresh air! Sweet, clean, and full of moral life lessons, as well as likable characters. Ava and Liam were a joy to read about as they navigated their new relationship and their own personal difficulties, Ava, struggling to find a place to call home, and Liam, learning to stand up and make tough, but necessary choices. I loved every minute, and read far into the night, anxiously awaiting their happy ending, leaving me with all the warm, fuzzy feelings I love in my romances. I received a copy of this book from the author (many thanks!), am giving my honest opinion, and recommend it highly.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and I'm leaving my honest review

Here are the things made me want to read this story:

- the title

- its a young adult romance

- I read the first one (How to kiss a Guy in ten Days)

- i wanted to see how Liam and Ava's relationship would progress

- A best friend's brother romance


I enjoyed the story, it gives you all the feels of young love. Im so glad Ava didnt change to be with Liam also i wanted to give Liam a good talking to when It came to Savannah. I cant wait for Max's story

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The further I got into this story, the more I found myself thinking "they are talking and acting like teenagers." Then I realized...they are teenagers. Then I smiled & watched as life played out for them. The author has done a wonderful job. The story is interesting while still incorporating some realistic situations faced by many teens today. The under girding element of faith is also a welcome addition.
I requested an ARC & am willingly posting my opinions of this title.

[Jeanne Okerlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

True love can happen at any age!


This is such a wonderful and caring story. Ava lost her parents in a car accident and is now in the foster care system. Liam is over protective to those he cares about. Both Ava and Liam are surprised by the fact that they like each other.


Ava is Liam's sister, , best friend, Ava's foster dad has a no dating rule and Liam has a girlfriend! How can they make a relationship work?


Fantastic storyline and characters.

[Anna Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circumstances shouldn’t dictate.

I loved it! We had gotten to know Liam and Ava in book #1, so it was awesome to watch their love story unfold! I love when real issues are brought into stories, such as Ava’s foster kid background. Ava felt a little more relatable than Liam, but we’ve all felt trapped in situations before. We can take charge! Both characters learned that lesson in this book, and I appreciated that!

[Franki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava and Liam are often in each other’s sphere. The calming, yet sparkling energy that plays between them is palpable. I love how they make each other happy and more complete versions of themselves as they both navigate the waters of a childhood/that many would crumble under.
Beautiful and poignant. Better than the first!
I received an ARC copy of this book and I am leaving a voluntary review.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-warming read

This was a beautiful book that I read through within a day. The main character Ava is so headstrong and independent that I couldn't believe she is only 15. I loved the story and despite the hardships the characters go through, they come out stronger and better in the end. Some of the themes include the difficulties of friendships, being a foster child, and learning to go for your dreams. Also has a HEA of course!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this clean romance. I love the fact that Ava has had a major crush on her bestie's brother for forever, and he finally comes around. I don't usually like high school romances, but they seemed more mature in this one. Great writing. Definitely recommend.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and touching YA

This was a really well written YA story. Both Ava and Liam had troubled family lives, Ava being an orphan and foster care and Liam’s father in prison. Really sweet story. Several moments that really tug at your heart strings. Cute couple. I loved the double date scene with the 5th wheel tagging along.
Rating: G, clean

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Break up or make up?

Liam is a great brother and a good guy. Who wouldn’t want to know him? But he’s certainly not perfect. Ava is amazing. It’s hard to believe what she’s been through. I was happy that with all their problems they were finally able to be together and work on their dreams. It was also great checking in with Hannah and Seth.

[Lenda Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is amazing, she really knows what her readers love.
I love sweet romances and I was impressed by the way she handles some of the dynamics of the characters and their story.
The characters became my friends and I was right there with them throughout the story.
This series promises to be all 5-star books.

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet, clean, YA romance that is full of life's realities. This author has done an outstanding job in creating a story that pulls you in with the early pages and keeps you intrigued through the last pages. The characters are vivid and well described. A very good book with a look at some of the down sides of teens growing up in America today.
I did receive an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING

[Shirley Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book even more than the first one in the series. The ending is easy to guess, but that is one of the joys of rom-coms. Ava is strong when she has to be, but is allowed to be human too. It is wonderful seeing Liam with someone who brings out the best in him. My own problem was there were a couple errors about the foster care system that briefly pulled me out of the story.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars

This was a cute YA story. I really love how the author exposes some of the struggles that teens in foster care face. It doesn’t feel preachy but is just a natural part of the story.

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet high school romance that shows that beauty inside makes a difference. I enjoyed that the author dealt with some of the issues in the foster care system. I also enjoyed the brother and sister banter and seeing more of the couple from the first book in the series.