What do you think?
Rate this book
Something Borrowed Collection #1
Always Been Yours
After years of waiting for her boyfriend to propose, office manager Hanady Ellsworth takes matters into her own hands. Now she’s engaged and planning her dream wedding with the help of her closest girlfriends. So why is she suddenly reading into everything Marco says and second guessing her choice? When her best friend is injured on the job, helping him through months of recovery is the perfect distraction from her confusing feelings.
Or not.
With a broken femur, Keenan Ochoa can’t exactly stand up for what he wants (or rather, who). But he knows firsthand Marco’s a jerk who doesn’t appreciate how gorgeous Hanady is—from her tall stature and generous curves to her sassy sweetness and strong faith. This injury might be the perfect chance for him to show her which of them is the better man.
Her Christmas wedding is coming fast, so he’ll have to get creative if he wants to sweep her off her feet when he can’t put weight on his. If she doesn't see she's marrying the wrong guy soon, his leg won't be the only thing broken.
Always Been Yours first appeared in the Something Borrowed: Christmas Weddings Collection in 2020. Be sure to check out the interconnected stories from Toni Shiloh, Mikal Dawn, Teresa Tysinger, and Andrea Boyd.
Or not.
With a broken femur, Keenan Ochoa can’t exactly stand up for what he wants (or rather, who). But he knows firsthand Marco’s a jerk who doesn’t appreciate how gorgeous Hanady is—from her tall stature and generous curves to her sassy sweetness and strong faith. This injury might be the perfect chance for him to show her which of them is the better man.
Her Christmas wedding is coming fast, so he’ll have to get creative if he wants to sweep her off her feet when he can’t put weight on his. If she doesn't see she's marrying the wrong guy soon, his leg won't be the only thing broken.
Always Been Yours first appeared in the Something Borrowed: Christmas Weddings Collection in 2020. Be sure to check out the interconnected stories from Toni Shiloh, Mikal Dawn, Teresa Tysinger, and Andrea Boyd.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
29 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Jaycee Weaver
38 books305 followersWhen New Mexico resident and USA Today bestselling author Jaycee Weaver isn't reading or writing, she enjoys dates with her brainiac hubby, drinking coffee, crafting, pretending she's a nature photographer, and making her teenagers cringe.
Jaycee considers herself a recovering perfectionist and frequent hot mess. She does her best to live her faith in action authentically, trusting God to be Lord over the good, the bad, and the ugly even when it’s hard.
Jaycee considers herself a recovering perfectionist and frequent hot mess. She does her best to live her faith in action authentically, trusting God to be Lord over the good, the bad, and the ugly even when it’s hard.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 9, 2022
Argh. I was disappointed. Reading over the summary, it sounded like something I would really enjoy, but several factors really soured it for me.
For starters (and probably the biggest factor), the physical side of things was pretty much on the edge of the line of what I'm comfortable with. Passionate kissing, more descriptive than I was comfortable with. Several uses of "sexy," talk about admiring someone's backside, talk about people's "smoldering" eyes when things got especially passionate. A couple honeymoon scenes at the end that got heavy on the innuendo (also--seeing a guy in only boxer shorts--did we really need that?) But above all--why, why, why was the fact that her jerk fiance had apparently been trying to get her into bed (we never see this, but we're told that it had happened) not a way bigger red flag than all the other red flags? Seriously, when Hanady is recounting all the things that should have clued her in, it's almost totally focused around his increased drinking and his passive-aggressive comments related to her size, and his wanting to get more physical is barely an afterthought. Like, that should have been a HUGE clue that they weren't on the same page as far as their faith, shouldn't it? And when she finally mentions it to Keenan, his first response is understandable anger, and when she says "of course I didn't," he responds with "well, I really can't blame him" or something along those lines. Seriously?!? You guys, that's not some sort of nice moral choice that Hanady's made; we're talking about what would have been outright sin if she'd caved to him. And the fact that it's treated like the least of his issues really, really bugged me.
Also, the fact that literally nobody warned Hanady about the red flags they apparently saw a long time ago in Marco's behavior just made me mad. I could understand Keenan not wanting to look like a jealous, sore loser to an extent, but her dad? And with an excuse like "well, I just wanted you to be happy"? You would seriously rather have her marry a jerk with the power to make the rest of her life miserable than even suggest to her that there might be a problem she hasn't noticed? Yeah, I was mad. :S
My other issue (much less than the others) was that we really didn't get to see that much of Keenan and Hanady together before she broke up with Marco. And while I appreciated Keenan's honor in not trying to come between them, it made him a pretty passive character for most of the story. Don't get me wrong, I did like him, but I could really have used more time with him, and to see him take more of an active role in changing Hanady's mind. Maybe the point was to have her be strong on her own and not be "saved" by him? But still...it didn't give us much basis to root for him beyond the fact that he was the obviously better choice. I would have liked to see some action from him--even if he was flat on his back for part of the time.
So, yeah. Keenan and Hanady were both sweet characters, and I enjoyed the time we spent with them--more before they actually got together since the noticing and physical aspects really ramped up afterward--but overall this one just wasn't for me.
Content--see above for sexual/romantic content; mentions of social drinking and concerns about characters drinking to excess; talk about a character being "plus-size" and some rude comments and attitudes (condemned); a few comments about bras, periods, etc.
For starters (and probably the biggest factor), the physical side of things was pretty much on the edge of the line of what I'm comfortable with. Passionate kissing, more descriptive than I was comfortable with. Several uses of "sexy," talk about admiring someone's backside, talk about people's "smoldering" eyes when things got especially passionate. A couple honeymoon scenes at the end that got heavy on the innuendo (also--seeing a guy in only boxer shorts--did we really need that?) But above all--why, why, why was the fact that her jerk fiance had apparently been trying to get her into bed (we never see this, but we're told that it had happened) not a way bigger red flag than all the other red flags? Seriously, when Hanady is recounting all the things that should have clued her in, it's almost totally focused around his increased drinking and his passive-aggressive comments related to her size, and his wanting to get more physical is barely an afterthought. Like, that should have been a HUGE clue that they weren't on the same page as far as their faith, shouldn't it? And when she finally mentions it to Keenan, his first response is understandable anger, and when she says "of course I didn't," he responds with "well, I really can't blame him" or something along those lines. Seriously?!? You guys, that's not some sort of nice moral choice that Hanady's made; we're talking about what would have been outright sin if she'd caved to him. And the fact that it's treated like the least of his issues really, really bugged me.
Also, the fact that literally nobody warned Hanady about the red flags they apparently saw a long time ago in Marco's behavior just made me mad. I could understand Keenan not wanting to look like a jealous, sore loser to an extent, but her dad? And with an excuse like "well, I just wanted you to be happy"? You would seriously rather have her marry a jerk with the power to make the rest of her life miserable than even suggest to her that there might be a problem she hasn't noticed? Yeah, I was mad. :S
My other issue (much less than the others) was that we really didn't get to see that much of Keenan and Hanady together before she broke up with Marco. And while I appreciated Keenan's honor in not trying to come between them, it made him a pretty passive character for most of the story. Don't get me wrong, I did like him, but I could really have used more time with him, and to see him take more of an active role in changing Hanady's mind. Maybe the point was to have her be strong on her own and not be "saved" by him? But still...it didn't give us much basis to root for him beyond the fact that he was the obviously better choice. I would have liked to see some action from him--even if he was flat on his back for part of the time.
So, yeah. Keenan and Hanady were both sweet characters, and I enjoyed the time we spent with them--more before they actually got together since the noticing and physical aspects really ramped up afterward--but overall this one just wasn't for me.
Content--see above for sexual/romantic content; mentions of social drinking and concerns about characters drinking to excess; talk about a character being "plus-size" and some rude comments and attitudes (condemned); a few comments about bras, periods, etc.
November 4, 2021
Always Been Yours is a wonderful holiday read that includes a Christmas wedding. I couldn't put the story down. I appreciate the fact that the author made the main character as a plus-size woman and she did a fantastic job because all of us have different body types and shapes.
November 1, 2021
Christmas books are so fun, but throw in a wedding and it’s even better! This new story by Jaycee Weaver has so much packed in it. I love the relationships Hanady had with all her friends. From the first page of this story, the reader will be captured in a tale so sweet they won’t want to put it down. I know I was that way. I read this book in one day because it held me spellbound. It had spunk, sass, and lots of laughs. There were also some tender moments between the characters.
I loved all the fun quirky phrases this author had her characters use and think. It was easy to picture all the scenes as I read along. The story unfolded so smoothly and so charmingly. This will be one fun book to read over and over again.
One thing I appreciated the author doing was she made the main character a plus-size woman. I love this because so many of us are not skinny models or even middle-weight individuals. This is one book I can truly relate to.
Jaycee Weaver is a wonderful author who spins beautiful stories. Whenever I pick up one of her books I’m blessed. She packs fun quirky moments and deep life lessons into each of her books.
I highly recommend you pick this book up. You might also want to pick the other books in this sweet collection of books, to get to know some of the other characters in this story.
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved all the fun quirky phrases this author had her characters use and think. It was easy to picture all the scenes as I read along. The story unfolded so smoothly and so charmingly. This will be one fun book to read over and over again.
One thing I appreciated the author doing was she made the main character a plus-size woman. I love this because so many of us are not skinny models or even middle-weight individuals. This is one book I can truly relate to.
Jaycee Weaver is a wonderful author who spins beautiful stories. Whenever I pick up one of her books I’m blessed. She packs fun quirky moments and deep life lessons into each of her books.
I highly recommend you pick this book up. You might also want to pick the other books in this sweet collection of books, to get to know some of the other characters in this story.
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 15, 2022
the right one all the while
I loved this story! It is so important when one plans to get married to know without that she has found the right one. If God is at the center, then He will lead the way. Very good!
I loved this story! It is so important when one plans to get married to know without that she has found the right one. If God is at the center, then He will lead the way. Very good!
March 31, 2024
A sweet romance started in a multi-author collection.
November 14, 2021
This was a super squeaky clean Christian story that’s labeled as a romance - I saw nothing romantic in it.
We’re dropped into the story as our h flies into Denver for a girls weekend and to shop for a wedding dress. And boohoo cuz she’s plus size she can’t get a couture dress from a particular shop. Um did you call before your appointment? Anyway, we’re introduced to her girl gang - who I would imagine will be the h’s of the series.
Once she’s stumbled into a shoppe and 2 fgms find her the perfect dress that fit her like magic she heads back to the ABQ where her constantly fat shaming and out of town fiancée belittles her at every turn. He never calls her by her name 🚩
Then SUDDENLY her male BFF (our H) is injured - insert manufactured drama and h starts helping him out while realizing her fiancé is a dirt bag.
She breaks off her engagement but doesn’t tell the H. Insert more manufactured drama about not getting deposits back for cancelling the wedding so hey let’s have a company Christmas party - that’s a thing right? (Yes, those exist)
There is little to no romance in this book between the H & h. No shy glances, no hand brushing. Once the H hears that h is single - he proposes and they get married ON HER PLANNED WEDDING DAY TO THE DIRT BAG.
Just an odd little story and I have no plans to continue on with the series.
We’re dropped into the story as our h flies into Denver for a girls weekend and to shop for a wedding dress. And boohoo cuz she’s plus size she can’t get a couture dress from a particular shop. Um did you call before your appointment? Anyway, we’re introduced to her girl gang - who I would imagine will be the h’s of the series.
Once she’s stumbled into a shoppe and 2 fgms find her the perfect dress that fit her like magic she heads back to the ABQ where her constantly fat shaming and out of town fiancée belittles her at every turn. He never calls her by her name 🚩
Then SUDDENLY her male BFF (our H) is injured - insert manufactured drama and h starts helping him out while realizing her fiancé is a dirt bag.
She breaks off her engagement but doesn’t tell the H. Insert more manufactured drama about not getting deposits back for cancelling the wedding so hey let’s have a company Christmas party - that’s a thing right? (Yes, those exist)
There is little to no romance in this book between the H & h. No shy glances, no hand brushing. Once the H hears that h is single - he proposes and they get married ON HER PLANNED WEDDING DAY TO THE DIRT BAG.
Just an odd little story and I have no plans to continue on with the series.
November 30, 2024
Under her nose
I am a sap for those friends to forever trope books and movies, so I wasn't surprised that I enjoyed this book. I loved the role reversals in this plot, although most of them should have been warning flags for the heroine, Hanady. She proposed to Marco after dating three years, and even provided her own ring, formerly her mother'sring. But until her friend and coworker, Keenan, was severly injured at work, she just kept moving wedding plans forward, never seeing the love that was right in front of her for many years longer. I thought she handled the termination of her engagement in a very mature fashion that provided absolute closure for both parties with no lingering questions. The idea of what to do with a reception it was too late to cancel was original and practical.
All in all I thought this book was an enjoyable read with sympathetic characters, snappy banter, great body affirming messages, and a sweet and swoony relationship between Hanady and Keenan.
I purchased a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to share my review.
I am a sap for those friends to forever trope books and movies, so I wasn't surprised that I enjoyed this book. I loved the role reversals in this plot, although most of them should have been warning flags for the heroine, Hanady. She proposed to Marco after dating three years, and even provided her own ring, formerly her mother'sring. But until her friend and coworker, Keenan, was severly injured at work, she just kept moving wedding plans forward, never seeing the love that was right in front of her for many years longer. I thought she handled the termination of her engagement in a very mature fashion that provided absolute closure for both parties with no lingering questions. The idea of what to do with a reception it was too late to cancel was original and practical.
All in all I thought this book was an enjoyable read with sympathetic characters, snappy banter, great body affirming messages, and a sweet and swoony relationship between Hanady and Keenan.
I purchased a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to share my review.
December 17, 2025
A quick, sappy read. I liked enough of the book to finish it but though it is technically a clean book there’s a lot of physical emphasis in their thoughts, especially as the wedding drew near and afterwards, as well as making out. The dad and friends not “interfering”, to not share their concerns about Marco was scary. I appreciated that there wasn’t swearing written down even though some profanity was used by some of the characters. The last part of the book was predictable and rushed. I think many would like this story for a quick read but I’m not planning on reading more in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2022
Well, it took me forever to get into this book, 11 months. So far me, it started slow, and was easy to put it down. In my quest to clear out pending novels, I picked the book up again and finally read to a point of not wanting to put it down. Bec I didn’t like the fella Hanady had selected, I was indifferent to it. But as Hanady proceeds thru the wedding prep process, she starts to pay attention to her fiancé and actually not like his behavior and treatment. Will she continue in this charade bec she has spent money and the wedding is just days away, or will she choose her own happiness over community gossip about her.
December 31, 2025
Finally!
Finally, a story with a plus-sized FMC! This was a delightful story! I loved Keenan and Hanady and their relationship! Without giving spoilers, it’s hard to say everything I liked about this book! ;-D I also loved her best friends and look forward to the rest of the series!
Finally, a story with a plus-sized FMC! This was a delightful story! I loved Keenan and Hanady and their relationship! Without giving spoilers, it’s hard to say everything I liked about this book! ;-D I also loved her best friends and look forward to the rest of the series!
December 20, 2021
This is a great friends-to-more story! I really enjoyed it. I loved the angst that Keenan felt over his feelings for Hanady. I also related to Hanady for trying to make a relationship work that just wasn't. I highly recommend this to fans of inspirational, contemporary romance.
January 6, 2022
Good story
I loved she was able to see the forest, in spite of the trees, before it was to late. Good details for a short story. Sad her family and friends felt they couldn't tell her the truth. Will diffinantly read more by this author
I loved she was able to see the forest, in spite of the trees, before it was to late. Good details for a short story. Sad her family and friends felt they couldn't tell her the truth. Will diffinantly read more by this author
June 25, 2023
True love
I have never heard of this author until it was sent to me through my kindle unlimited for a new read. I am so glad I read this book! The storyline and characters were right on point.
Cannot wait to read book 2. I highly recommend this book. Great job Jaycee Weaver.
I have never heard of this author until it was sent to me through my kindle unlimited for a new read. I am so glad I read this book! The storyline and characters were right on point.
Cannot wait to read book 2. I highly recommend this book. Great job Jaycee Weaver.
November 15, 2023
feel good Christmas book
Charming, sweet, clean. Even the bad guy isn’t too bad. Hallmark movie worthy. I am looking forward to the reading about the rest of the group.
I hope Nate gets a book too.
Charming, sweet, clean. Even the bad guy isn’t too bad. Hallmark movie worthy. I am looking forward to the reading about the rest of the group.
I hope Nate gets a book too.
July 3, 2024
Cute, Hallmarky read. Hanady js a relatable character with womanly curves and she works to love herself and retain her self-esteem. She just gets into her head thinking she might miss out on her HEA and chooses the wrong man…but Keenan is there just waiting. ❤️
May 22, 2022
True love defined.
This book wasn't too long, I really enjoyed finishing in one sitting. I also love Christian based stories and how true love really is.
This book wasn't too long, I really enjoyed finishing in one sitting. I also love Christian based stories and how true love really is.
January 4, 2026
A nice Christmas romance. I was a bit irritated that several friends and even her father didn’t voice their concerns about Hanady’s non-Christian boyfriend.
July 8, 2022
I wanted to look Hanady in the eyes and ask, "What are you thinking, girl?!" more than a few times after I first met her in this book. I was awfully glad she had a level-headed dad and a loving bunch of girlfriends praying for her! I just wish she'd been more open with them all about Marco. Thankfully, her dad has a great foreman on the job, too...
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews