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Honestly Always You
College student Mandy Carlson has everything she’s ever wanted: a handsome, successful boyfriend, solid future plans, and a possible marriage proposal in the near future. But when her plans are abruptly derailed, the wise-cracking Justin Stanford is there to make her smile. He even suggests they pretend to date so she can sort out her feelings in peace, and she agrees on one condition: They promise to always be honest with each other.
Justin has had his eye on Mandy since freshman year. When she needs a friend, he steps in and does the honorable thing, but he can’t help but think their easy conversation and flirty banter is hinting at something deeper between them. He just worries he can’t keep his promise while keeping his true feelings for her a secret.
As Mandy recovers from her life-changing graduation weekend, she realizes the feelings she’s been faking for Justin might be real. But can she figure out how to let him in without getting burned again?
This fake relationship, friends to lovers, unrequited love steamy romance with rom-com vibes and a touch of forced proximity is intended for mature readers 18+. This story takes place three years before the events in the Codex series.
Justin has had his eye on Mandy since freshman year. When she needs a friend, he steps in and does the honorable thing, but he can’t help but think their easy conversation and flirty banter is hinting at something deeper between them. He just worries he can’t keep his promise while keeping his true feelings for her a secret.
As Mandy recovers from her life-changing graduation weekend, she realizes the feelings she’s been faking for Justin might be real. But can she figure out how to let him in without getting burned again?
This fake relationship, friends to lovers, unrequited love steamy romance with rom-com vibes and a touch of forced proximity is intended for mature readers 18+. This story takes place three years before the events in the Codex series.
312 pages, Paperback
Published August 24, 2021
1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Frey
6 books22 followersMelissa Frey is the author of the supernatural action-adventure Codex series, the Codex companion romance, Honestly Always You, and the non-fiction book How to Work from Home. When she’s not writing, her passion is helping fellow indie authors with writing, editing, and publishing their books and teaching them all about Show vs. Tell. You can find her online at melissafrey.com, connecting with readers and other authors on Instagram, and editing books and anything else she can get her hands on. She’s a new transplant to the Pacific Northwest and loves yoga, the mountains, super-dark chocolate, and her husband, Andrew.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 24, 2021
Mandy and Justin's story is super sweet. I loved the way they embraced their attraction right away, even from the beginning of their fake relationship. The story is an unapologetically sexy examination of how important it is to be honest with yourself as well as your partner.
August 21, 2021
Honestly Always You was such a delightful read!
Rating: 4.5 stars for me.
I loved getting to know Mandy and Justin, as well as seeing their story develop. They felt very human and very real in terms of emotions, mistakes, and just doing things that real people would.
Things I really loved about this book:
*The emphasis in communicating openly and honestly. It is so refreshing to have an author emphasize how communication can be sexy! Being open about feelings, and mental struggles or hurdles in a relationship can only make it stronger.
*The respect shown by Justin when Mandy was vulnerable. It was great seeing how he gave her space, regardless of his feelings, to make sure she was okay. Not everyone would do that for a person they're in love with, especially if they've been waiting for so long.
*The normalizing of women's sex lives. It was great seeing how Mandy owned her own sexuality, and even went and got herself a rebound person to sleep with, without feeling shame. It was also lovely to see that Justin didn't shame her for it, instead, supporting her.
*Sisterly love. I loved that this book showed that you don't have to be blood-related to love someone as family, and it reinforced this by showing Mandy with her sister.
A couple of things that I wasn't a fan of:
*Justin could be a bit smothering at times. The number of flowers he gave her, especially while she was still trying to navigate relationships again, felt a bit pressuring and unrealistic. If I had been in Mandy's position, I would've honestly bailed on him if I had been her.
*On the climax of the story, we saw Mandy's thoughts on her relationship with Justin be repeated over and over a bit more than it was needed. This slowed down the plot a bit because whenever the thought came back, there was nothing new in it.
*The epilogue. I'm not going to give spoilers, however, it took away a bit of the happy notes in which their story had ended as it kinda went against the idea of being fully honest, and strongly hinted at trouble in paradise.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book a lot! This is my first time reading anything by Melissa Frey, but I can already tell it won't be my last!
*Special thanks to the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Rating: 4.5 stars for me.
I loved getting to know Mandy and Justin, as well as seeing their story develop. They felt very human and very real in terms of emotions, mistakes, and just doing things that real people would.
Things I really loved about this book:
*The emphasis in communicating openly and honestly. It is so refreshing to have an author emphasize how communication can be sexy! Being open about feelings, and mental struggles or hurdles in a relationship can only make it stronger.
*The respect shown by Justin when Mandy was vulnerable. It was great seeing how he gave her space, regardless of his feelings, to make sure she was okay. Not everyone would do that for a person they're in love with, especially if they've been waiting for so long.
*The normalizing of women's sex lives. It was great seeing how Mandy owned her own sexuality, and even went and got herself a rebound person to sleep with, without feeling shame. It was also lovely to see that Justin didn't shame her for it, instead, supporting her.
*Sisterly love. I loved that this book showed that you don't have to be blood-related to love someone as family, and it reinforced this by showing Mandy with her sister.
A couple of things that I wasn't a fan of:
*Justin could be a bit smothering at times. The number of flowers he gave her, especially while she was still trying to navigate relationships again, felt a bit pressuring and unrealistic. If I had been in Mandy's position, I would've honestly bailed on him if I had been her.
*On the climax of the story, we saw Mandy's thoughts on her relationship with Justin be repeated over and over a bit more than it was needed. This slowed down the plot a bit because whenever the thought came back, there was nothing new in it.
*The epilogue. I'm not going to give spoilers, however, it took away a bit of the happy notes in which their story had ended as it kinda went against the idea of being fully honest, and strongly hinted at trouble in paradise.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book a lot! This is my first time reading anything by Melissa Frey, but I can already tell it won't be my last!
*Special thanks to the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review*
August 25, 2021
Justin has always had this crush on Mandy. There was just something about her he couldn’t shake. But she was dating someone for a long while. So he couldn’t take that chance. But, things happened at the beginning of the story which prompted him the opportunity to be there for her. Friends to lovers/fake relationship and honesty being a key ingredient in this story.
The story told is in 3rd person. Besides the super steamy scenes, I couldn’t feel their chemistry I wanted to so badly but I didn’t see it. I was quite frustrated with Mandy multiple times but did love Justin’s character. He was quite the kind hearted, loveable kinda guy. The story leads up to the Codex series. It was a 3.8 for me.
The story told is in 3rd person. Besides the super steamy scenes, I couldn’t feel their chemistry I wanted to so badly but I didn’t see it. I was quite frustrated with Mandy multiple times but did love Justin’s character. He was quite the kind hearted, loveable kinda guy. The story leads up to the Codex series. It was a 3.8 for me.
August 25, 2021
When the heroine is faced with the breakup of a romantic relationship, the hero steps up for a fake relationship to appease familial expectations. As the two grows closer from friends to lovers, they explore this new facet to their relationship.
This prequel to the Codex series highly features the solid relationship that was seen within the series. I enjoyed reading more of this couple and felt that this book offered a broader relationship that was already there in the series. It has steamy scenes, family bonding, and a couple that definitely belonged together. Truly a wonderful addition to the Codex series,
**Thanks to the author for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own.**
This prequel to the Codex series highly features the solid relationship that was seen within the series. I enjoyed reading more of this couple and felt that this book offered a broader relationship that was already there in the series. It has steamy scenes, family bonding, and a couple that definitely belonged together. Truly a wonderful addition to the Codex series,
**Thanks to the author for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own.**
August 25, 2021
Honestly Always You is a book that will set your soul on fire! Mandy and Justin are full of wit, flaws, and love. This steamy romance is a page-turner. I only put the book down when I had to. However, I picked it back up when I wasn't needed. Melissa covers everything your heart desires. I highly recommend reading this book!
August 24, 2021
I LOVE this author's Codex series, so I was intrigued by a prequel to Mandy and Justin's established romance! Mandy is smart and driven, and Justin is supportive, fun, and intriguing - a good boyfriend and son. I loved getting to know them better through this steamy contemporary romance.
Honestly Always You is a fake relationship turned real love. It's an unrequited crush finally returned. It's an only-one-bed scenario. It's delicious, and a must-read companion novel for the also must-read Codex series.
Honestly Always You is a fake relationship turned real love. It's an unrequited crush finally returned. It's an only-one-bed scenario. It's delicious, and a must-read companion novel for the also must-read Codex series.
August 23, 2021
***I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review. ****
I haven't read a novel that is purely about romance in a while and this book did not disappoint. I am curious to read the Codex series after reading this book and getting to know Mandy and Justin. Honestly, I think that Mandy and Justin as such a cute couple, and it was a joy to watch their relationship blossom despite some roadblocks along the way. This book is very steamy, but also very cute and sweet at the same time. My one complaint would be the epilogue. I get that the epilogue is meant to set up the first book in the Codex series since this is a prequel of how Justin and Mandy got together, but I didn't really think the rest of what happened in the epilogue was necessary as it made the happy ending seem not so happy. Other than that I enjoyed the book and I look forward to reading the Codex series. I don't think the Codex series is meant to be a romance like this book was. It seems more like it will be a mystery/thriller with some romance in it as well. If you enjoy romance, steamy scenes, and young love then you will enjoy this book.
I haven't read a novel that is purely about romance in a while and this book did not disappoint. I am curious to read the Codex series after reading this book and getting to know Mandy and Justin. Honestly, I think that Mandy and Justin as such a cute couple, and it was a joy to watch their relationship blossom despite some roadblocks along the way. This book is very steamy, but also very cute and sweet at the same time. My one complaint would be the epilogue. I get that the epilogue is meant to set up the first book in the Codex series since this is a prequel of how Justin and Mandy got together, but I didn't really think the rest of what happened in the epilogue was necessary as it made the happy ending seem not so happy. Other than that I enjoyed the book and I look forward to reading the Codex series. I don't think the Codex series is meant to be a romance like this book was. It seems more like it will be a mystery/thriller with some romance in it as well. If you enjoy romance, steamy scenes, and young love then you will enjoy this book.
August 25, 2021
Justin and Mandy had nice blend between sweet and sexy. They were super cute together and the way they found their way towards each other was a fun and exciting ride.
There’s something about a guy with a long-time crush that makes my heart flutter and Justin gave me all of those amazing feelings. He was so determined to show Mandy she was deserving of a real relationship with real love and he went above and beyond.
Mandy’s hesitations and doubts were relatable and understandable, but I loved the way she opened up to Justin and allowed herself to learn with him that real love isn’t as easy as we would like.
These two were sweet as they were HOT together! The steam of this couple was truly 🔥
I loved the 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙮 pact they had and how important it was for them to always be true to themselves and to each other. It allowed them to grow together and help each other the way they needed and it made me root for their happy ending even more
There’s something about a guy with a long-time crush that makes my heart flutter and Justin gave me all of those amazing feelings. He was so determined to show Mandy she was deserving of a real relationship with real love and he went above and beyond.
Mandy’s hesitations and doubts were relatable and understandable, but I loved the way she opened up to Justin and allowed herself to learn with him that real love isn’t as easy as we would like.
These two were sweet as they were HOT together! The steam of this couple was truly 🔥
I loved the 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙮 pact they had and how important it was for them to always be true to themselves and to each other. It allowed them to grow together and help each other the way they needed and it made me root for their happy ending even more
August 24, 2021
Firstly, this is a prequel to her Codex Series with these two main characters, I went in completely blind, so the book could read completely differently if you've read the Codex series.
This book starts straight away with heartbreak. The story and situation was expertly set up and each character gets exactly what they need, not what they want.
Frey executes the angst, the steam, and the storyline.
I also enjoyed the part honesty and communication play in this book. The title fits the story and I love a romance where there is great communication and angst all in one.
So to sum up, prequel that doesn't read like one, HEA with the epilogue that leads into the series, perfectly executed romance, and really well written.
This book starts straight away with heartbreak. The story and situation was expertly set up and each character gets exactly what they need, not what they want.
Frey executes the angst, the steam, and the storyline.
I also enjoyed the part honesty and communication play in this book. The title fits the story and I love a romance where there is great communication and angst all in one.
So to sum up, prequel that doesn't read like one, HEA with the epilogue that leads into the series, perfectly executed romance, and really well written.
August 24, 2021
Very juicy and hot. Loved this book to the Moon and back, the characters are relatable (at least for me) and lovable. One of the best romance books I’ve read. The only downside for me which left me with a bitter taste at the end was the “sadomasochistic” light references, which are not up my alley anymore.
August 25, 2021
I am always game for a spicy romance novel, and this book did not disappoint. I fell in love alongside the characters and my heart ached for them through the ups and downs of their relationship. This is a prequel, and you can bet that I will be reading the rest of the series ASAP.
August 14, 2021
I had the honor & the privilege of reviewing an early edition of Melissa Frey's Honestly Always You.
Mandy and Justin have been classmates in college for years--but it isn't until graduation approaches that Justin has an opportunity to express the unrequited love he's felt for the last three years. An awful breakup and pending family visit has Mandy scrambling to avoid awkwardness with her family and she asks Justin for a favor. What follows is a fake relationship to appease Mandy's family that evolves into a loving partnership that sees Mandy & Justin take that leap of faith together.
In spite of the bumps in the road that include their insecurities and family strife, Justin & Maggie make the decision to power through. Without revealing too much, there is a sequence that is my absolute favorite, where Justin takes Mandy on a surprise date. It's sweet, romantic, and incredibly thoughtful in equal measure.
It might be her first bona fide romance novel, but if you loved Melissa Frey's Codex series, you'll love Honestly Always You. I'm definitely putting her other books on my TBR list!
Mandy and Justin have been classmates in college for years--but it isn't until graduation approaches that Justin has an opportunity to express the unrequited love he's felt for the last three years. An awful breakup and pending family visit has Mandy scrambling to avoid awkwardness with her family and she asks Justin for a favor. What follows is a fake relationship to appease Mandy's family that evolves into a loving partnership that sees Mandy & Justin take that leap of faith together.
In spite of the bumps in the road that include their insecurities and family strife, Justin & Maggie make the decision to power through. Without revealing too much, there is a sequence that is my absolute favorite, where Justin takes Mandy on a surprise date. It's sweet, romantic, and incredibly thoughtful in equal measure.
It might be her first bona fide romance novel, but if you loved Melissa Frey's Codex series, you'll love Honestly Always You. I'm definitely putting her other books on my TBR list!
August 24, 2021
What I liked:
😆 Witty Banter
🔥 Open door romance
👩❤️👨 Sweet Romance
If you like this kind of romance, give it a read! Bonus: it's a prequel romance that ties into her codex series, so if you like the characters, you haven't seen the last of them with this book!
😆 Witty Banter
🔥 Open door romance
👩❤️👨 Sweet Romance
If you like this kind of romance, give it a read! Bonus: it's a prequel romance that ties into her codex series, so if you like the characters, you haven't seen the last of them with this book!
January 23, 2022
This was sweet 🥲 I’ve been looking forward to introducing myself to these characters for a while and this has definitely intrigued me and made me excited to dive into the Codex series soon!
The school setting was fun, and the fake-dating trope wasn’t as cringe-y to me here as it normally is because the characters were always pretty open about their feelings. The “honesty” bits helped with that 🥺 And the fake-dating doesn’t last long because it doesn’t take these characters the entirety of the book to realize they have feelings for each other 🤣
Overall, so cute and fun.
The school setting was fun, and the fake-dating trope wasn’t as cringe-y to me here as it normally is because the characters were always pretty open about their feelings. The “honesty” bits helped with that 🥺 And the fake-dating doesn’t last long because it doesn’t take these characters the entirety of the book to realize they have feelings for each other 🤣
Overall, so cute and fun.
December 17, 2021
I adored this story from the quick wit and fun banter to the intensity of their growing feelings. Be warned, Mandy, our cute heroine, may annoy you as she fights tooth and nail from falling for Justin who's all in. He knows what he wants and is ready to cannon ball in. He is the best book boyfriend— sweet, patient, kind, thoughtful and most importantly persistent. He does not let Mandy get lost in her head.
Honestly? I loved this story... Sometimes fear keeps us frozen, won't let us move forward. That was Mandy, she feared another broken heart. But the ones she loves help her see that those things that are the scariest may be the BEST things afterall.
I also loved the ending and how it leads into the Codex series.
Honestly? I loved this story... Sometimes fear keeps us frozen, won't let us move forward. That was Mandy, she feared another broken heart. But the ones she loves help her see that those things that are the scariest may be the BEST things afterall.
I also loved the ending and how it leads into the Codex series.
October 26, 2022
Oh was a pleasantly surprised by this little gem of a book. It was so much more than a sweet love story. It had me hooked on Mandy and Justin from start to finish. I am so eager for the Codex books now. I’m glad I read this first. Melissa is truly a talented writer and such a great character creator. Loved it so much!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews