Love You Always

Nashville Star #2.5

by Ava Hunter

Sal and Luke’s love story continues in this suspenseful new novella in the Nashville Star series.

Sal Kincaid has been to hell and back—and survived.

Now, her life is where it’s always meant to be. With Luke, her country superstar husband by her side, her career as a paramedic taking off, and an exciting secret she’s keeping close to her heart, Sal’s future has never been brighter.

But when tragedy strikes, Sal is left fighting for her life and everything in it— including her and Luke’s perfect second chance. And Luke will do whatever it takes to find his wife before it’s too late.

Before he loses the one person he can’t live without.


Love You Always is book 2.5 in the Nashville Star Series. It’s a novella (35,000 words) that ends in an HEA. It’s best enjoyed as a continuation of Book One—Sing You Home. There are trigger warnings for references to abuse and pregnancy loss.

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Novella, Small Town Romance, Contemporary

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2022

About the author

Ava Hunter is an Amazon top 50 bestselling author. She writes romance with heart, humor, and heat.

Her bestselling books include Babymoon or Bust, an accidental pregnancy rom-com, and Tame the Heart, a grumpy/sunshine cowboy romance with Yellowstone-vibes.

When she’s not at her computer with a hot cup of coffee, you’ll either find her reading the latest true crime book or traveling with her family. Otherwise, she’ll be behind her desk, plotting out or typing up her next dreamy love story.

Instagram: @authoravahunter

TikTok: @authoravahunter

Reviews

[Andrea Wimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not OK, people! I am NOT OK. Well, I do feel giddy and haven't stopped swooning, because OMG! Sal and Luke are the most beautiful couple. This book was everything I was hoping for, the perfect resolution for all the angst and pain they went through and the perfect continuation of the happy ever after they deserved.

We want to think that once we read the words The End in a romance, everything will be perfect and nothing will ever go wrong for the couple we learned to love through the pages. Well, that's exactly this story. Sal and Luke are perfect together, I think they're one of my favorite fictional couples, they're sweet, funny, they support each other and had endure so much heartache and had struggled so much during their relationship that every second they have together is gold, but that doesn't mean that they were automatically free of trouble and everything was easy after they got together again. This book shows them working together to make their relationship work and overcome their fears and struggles that came as a consequence of everything they had to endure in previous books.

I loved how they eased each other's insecurities and protected one another fiercely in every way. Luke is the perfect book boyfriend/husband. His fear of losing Sal was so real to me. He made me feel every single emotion. I cried with him, smiled, swooned and bit my nails seeing him fighting for Sal with all the situations that were thrown their way during this story. Sal was the same beautiful badass heroine I love so much. You can't help but love her! She's such a brave character, kind and with the biggest heart. Her love for Luke was so heartwarming and beautiful, even with all the issues and troubles they were facing. My heart felt for her in different ways during the story, her struggles, her desire to help others and the passion that sparked in her after everything she went through. She blew my mind with her courage and with everything she did to get her happy ending.

If you're wondering if this book is any steamy? Well, let me tell you Sal and Luke gave me the right amount I was looking for! Hot and super romantic as always.

As always, the intrigue I love from Ava's books had me biting my nails for a long time. I just love the suspenseful elements in Ava's stories, they work out so perfectly to bring the couple together and make me excited about their happy ending (which was so well deserved after that emotional roller coaster ride). My heart was on edge and at the same time so full, seeing all the support and love Luke and Sal got from the rest of the group. My heart was bursting seeing them together and being a family with the Kincaid clan and the rest of the cast. Griff and Alabama being part of the group? aaahhh... my freaking little heart! Seeing them all together was simply perfection!

I also need to mention how much I enjoyed seeing more of Seth, Luke and Sal's friendship. I had fun reading their banter and the bickering between Seth and Luke. They have the most beautiful bond and it made me feel happy to see them together after so much pain. I loved how strong they were together and it was very moving to see them willing to sacrifice even their lives for each other. Their scenes together made me smile wide. Now, can I wait for Seth's story? I don't think I can. Ava Hunter, you don't play nice... You can't leave me like this! I am not OK after that teaser!

The perfect closure for a perfect couple, a love that endured the worst and deserves forever! My heart is full, happy and anxious to keep getting more Nashville Star love!

I could say this series can't get any better, but I just know it will. I'll be waiting not so patiently for book 3. I've been obsessed with this series since book 1 and I know I will continue to love them. If you haven't read any of Ava's books, you're missing out.

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know how she packs such a powerful punch with such a short story but there you go.

Sal and Luke have finally settled into there life again after everything that’s happened.

“Whatever happens, I want us to walk our road without trouble, together. Live every da!! second we’re alive. Tours. The bus. Our friends and family.

Emotional, sweet, sexy and nail biting intense at times. All the feels and more.


This whole series is nothing but 5 Star Goodness!!
Go grab them now.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sal and Luke Kincaid may have technically found their HEA, life hasn’t been easy for them. He may be a famous country star, but the universe is about to throw them another curveball. But through it all, holy wow, can you ever feel the soul-deep, transcendent love between Luke and Sal!

Sal has a big heart, which makes her an excellent paramedic. But a kindness shown to an abused young woman at the hospital one night ultimately results in Sal, once again, fighting for her life. As she sits captive on a cold, dirty floor, kept company by an abused, scruffy mutt, she knows with absolute certainty that somehow, some way, Luke will find her.

Oh my heart, y'all, this one grabbed me by the throat and wouldn’t let go! I flew through the pages, desperate to find out how Sal would escape a madman or Luke would rescue her. My heart rate is still beating fast from this nail-biting ride!

Part unbreakable bonds of family and friends, part epic forever love, and part breath-taking suspense, you absolutely won’t want to miss this extremely intoxicating, tenderly heartfelt, unbelievably amazing read! (And if you like this one, just wait until you read the rest of the series.😉)

[Tori - Novel Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute novella to see Sal and Luke again! But omg how much more tragic things can they go through…

[Brooke Maclennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

- 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

“You are the most important piece of my world, darlin’. I don’t spin without you in it.”

Love You Always is a novella in the Nashville Stars series by Ava Hunter. This centres around life for Sal and Luke Kincaid after the events of book one. Just when they think they’ve got their happily ever after with each other, darkness looms on the horizon and it’s going to take everything they both have to come out the other end unscathed.

Wow, I am blown away by this one, how Ava manages to put so much heart and soul into such a short number of pages is nothing short of incredible. I think I could read an entire series about these two.

Sal and Luke are the epitome of couple goals, everything about them and their love for each other is absolutely swoon-worthy. Luke has never not been in love with Sal, I think after everything he’s fallen more in love with her and Sal even though she can’t remember most of their time together before the plane crash, she’s fallen in love with Luke all over again. These two were destined to be together and it’s amazing to see everything they’ve overcome, this book was full of love, healing as well as some really intense and gripping drama. I was on the edge of my seat for most of this book waiting to see what happened and hoping for the best for these two.

These two deserve nothing short of the happiest of endings and I am so glad they finally got it, their loud, full happy house, the family they always wanted and everything in between. The found family vibes in this book were absolutely everything, every single character, especially the Brothers Kincaid (shoutout to Griff too) would literally put their lives on the line for the other. I feel like this family truly shows the meaning of love, whether by blood or not everyone shows up for each other every single time.

Ava Hunter writes the most heartfelt, gripping, beautiful stories and I have experienced nothing but pure joy reading about every character she brings to life. I can’t wait to continue on with this series and more books that Ava will continue to write in the future.

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE YOU ALWAYS by @authoravahunter is the novella I didn’t know I needed about Sal and Luke 😍 I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book, it publishes April 4!


I read Sing You Home back in September, and I quickly fell in love with Sal and Luke, but mainly Luke because he is DREAMY 😍😍😍He’s the country music heartthrob Book boyfriend I didn’t know I needed in my life.

I ADORED the first book in Ava’s Nashville Star series, so when she announced that she was writing a novella that follows Sal and Luke’s story, I squealed with delight! As Ava just said recently in a post, she didn’t feel like their story was done. And I agree! Sal and Luke went through SO MUCH in Sing You Home. This novella gives them a further happy ending, where all their dream really do come true.

Love You Always had me feeling right back at home with my favourite characters. If you have read Ava’s first two books in her Nashville Star series (Sing You Home, and Find You Again), then you know how much heart, heartache, truth, suspense, AND sexual tension she packs into her books. This was all present in Love You Always

This book does include Griff Greyson and Alabama from Find You again, so if you have missed them as well, fear not! They are in this book. Also, a side note, the @acmawards were on Monday night, and Ava shared in her stories that Eric Church was her inspiration for country bad boy Griff 😎 just another incentive to pick up her books! I’m going to need to know who was your inspiration for ALL the members of the brothers Kincaid please Ava!!

If you are a fan of country music, cowboys, men fully devoted to their women, then I HIGHLY recommend picking up Ava’s books. They have become one of my favourite series! I am eagerly awaiting the third book to come out in July!!

[♏Vanessa♏ · Rating 2 out of 5]

😴😴😴

Felt bored out of my mind with this one. I zoned out quite a bit, still missed nothing. Thankfully this was short.
This is a sequel, despite not reading the previous book I followed the story easily, so it can be read as a standalone.
She has learned to live and rebuild her life after the trauma from the past and amnesia. They are having problems getting pregnant.
There is some drama with a patients from the hospital.... There is a hea.
May I just say, I read J Lou' s story before this and I detested her, after this one I dislike her even more. I mean who goes to a friend's house in a moment of crisis, when he is out of his mind with worry and files her nails because she needed something to do???? Guess what you self-absorbed b!tch, it's not about you!😠😤😠😤😠😤
Any way, I'm 100% sure not to read this author again as I disliked her characters, story was boring and all in all a big waste of time.

[Erin Branscom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke and Sal are back and are steamy as ever. ❤️ I was so happy to get more of my favorite music couple. Alabama and Griff have op in, too. So happy to have this!

Watch my Amazon Live with Ava: https://amazon.com/live/broadcast/2a7...

[Yolanda McGee~Veronica's Reading Vault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love You Always (Nashville Star #2.5) is a novella that I desperately needed and I was more than happy to read. Considering that Luke and Sal are the OG’s of this series and given their roller coaster journey, no one is more deserving of all the goodness and an HEA. Everything turned out just as it should’ve for this amazing and wonderful couple that I simply can’t get enough of.

[HappyKT]

Lots of love but outshined by unnecessary drama. Why can't these two just have peace?! I came wanting another chapter from this sweet couple and found another opportunity for this author to torture us all.

[Shana · Rating 3 out of 5]

They just can't catch a break, can they? At least it was only a day and not 9 months.

[Brittany waggingwithwords · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava you write these spectacular stories that grip you from the very first page and then still leave you needing more at the end, even though you wrap everything up beautifully. ⁣
⁣
I can not get enough of Sal and Luke their love is so pure and you just feel it in your soul.⁣
⁣
Sal has been through the ringer though, oof. I think I chewed my nails off reading what she had to endure not just once in her life, but twice. ⁣
⁣
The love and support these two have from their close friends and family is so beautiful. They are always there for each other, no matter what it takes, no questions asked. ⁣
⁣
Thank you for writing Sal’s side. It was beautiful. I can’t wait for Seth and Lacey!⁣
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Read, Read, No Sleep, Repeat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love You Always is book 2.5 in the Nashville Star series and starts soon after the ending of Find You Again. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this fabulous novella and it was lovely to reconnect with the characters from the first two books and see how Sal and Luke’s lives were progressing following their previous traumas.

Love You Always is the sweetest read and the perfect book to devour al fresco on an unseasonably hot day in Edinburgh! Having said that, it definitely wasn’t relaxing, as the drama had my heart pounding. Won’t someone cut poor Sal a break?!

One of the great things about this series is how well the characters are depicted and the strong bonds that they have with each other. Sal and Seth’s (her brother in law) relationship was one of my favourites and it was beautiful to see how deep their familial love was for each other and how he supported both her and Luke.

Sal is an absolute warrior and one of the strongest female characters I’ve encountered. She has such a unique and traumatic back story, but is still determined to work and help others as a paramedic, despite battling memory loss on a daily basis and the tragedies from her past. On top of this, she’s so sweet and giving. And Luke . . . we’ll he’s the perfect hero; super hot, but grounded despite his fame and fiercely protective and loyal to Sal. There are good levels of spice in this novella and Sal and Luke’s chemistry is HOT!

It was great to catch up with Alabama and Griff (I love them!) and see how happy they are and how they’ve cemented themselves in the Kincaid family, having overcome their differences from the past.

The writing style of this series is very different to the usual books I read. It’s written in third person, active, present tense, so I felt like I had a bird’s eye view, watching the story unfold before my eyes. I really enjoyed it, and it made the dramatic scenes even more tense and exciting!

There are a number of potentially triggering but important issues tackled in this novella including domestic violence and baby loss, but the author handles them really sensitively.

Love You Always is a short but feisty, action packed novella, crammed with loveable characters, heart-stopping drama, and swoon worthy romance, and I’d recommend it to all romance lovers.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. A positive review is not required.

This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

We revisit the Kincaid family, especially Sal and Luke in Love You Always. If you have not read at least Book 1 of the Nashville Stars series, I would highly recommend this first before diving into this book. Else, there would be a lot of spoilers and new characters that may overwhelm you.

Something awful again happens to Sal that has Luke spiral again into remembering and reliving the trauma of Book 1. It was pretty scary to see a strong man like Luke crumble with the unknown. I can now see what his first time might have been experiencing the uncertainty. It was raw and sad that will surely bring in angst and heartbreak like no other.

I enjoyed the story's suspense and felt empowered by Sal's selflessness and courage during those "dangerous moments."
It was exciting and heartstopping at times.
I don't know if I agree if it was good or bad that Sal placed herself again in a precarious position and risked her and Luke's future. It was tricky to be good and still be safe, so the opposite happened. Sal had to go through a similar experience as Book 1 but with more at stake than just getting back to Luke. But being Sal who she is - she is one determined woman fighting for a righteous cause.

Love You Always is a quick, easy, and saccharine read that will make anyone swoon and love the "second chance" theme running throughout the story but is also packed with a lot of suspense. Readers will empathize with the couple's traumas, but this is balanced out by the sweetness and love oozing out of each page. It may be too sweet for me, but I did enjoy the suspense and action a lot.

Tropes: second chances, country romance, sweet country sweethearts, rockstar romance

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Love You Always (Nashville Star Book 2.5)
Author: Ava Hunter
Hero/Heroine: Luke & Sal
Trope: Second Chance/Romantic Suspense

TW/CW: Mentions of domestic abuse, drug overdose and miscarriage

THE GOOD 😀

It was so good to return to the gang again in this suspense filled novella. Having already been through their fair share of drama, I thought Luke and Sal would catch a break, clearly I was wrong.
Picking up from where Sing You Home left off, Luke and Sal are in a good place, with Sal starting back as a paramedic, picking up where she left off before she was kidnapped. When helping a patient ends up with Sal back in danger, it seems as if these pair will never get their happy ending.
As with previous Ava Hunter books, I was hooked from the first word. So much suspense and drama packed into so few chapters, Love You Always was literally a love letter for Luke and Sal, their relationship going from strength to strength, even after everything they’ve been through. I’m not going to go into too much detail as I don’t want to give any spoilers, however I will say that this was a perfect continuation of the Nashville Stars series, really hitting home the importance and family and friendships. And I loved how Griff and Alabama had become part of their family as well.
Fast paced and intense, this was another impressive book from this talented author. I cannot wait to read Seth’s story.

THE BAD ☹️

Not a bean.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Fast paced and suspense filled, with the same wonderful characters from previous books
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book packs a lot in a short read, and I love it!

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
STEAM: 🔥🔥



Love You Always is a quick novella read that bridges the first two books of Ava Hunter's Nashville Star series to the third one. While she does a phenomenal job in giving enough background to these beloved characters, I highly recommend reading the first two books to get the full experience that is Sal and Luke (and their friends).

Life is back to somewhat normal for Sal and Luke. He is writing, singing, and touring again, while she is back to work as a paramedic. They are struggling to conceive, something that has given Sal a lot of anxiety. When she is brought in to consult on a patient with an abusive husband, it brings back the traumatic experiences she and Luke went through in Sing You Home.

I need a hot minute to recover from the unexpected twists in this short read. Ava Hunter packs so much into so few pages, and I loved every bit of it. You get angst, drama, tension, suspense, and most importantly romance.

It is also a nice refresher on this Nashville Star world. We get Griff and Alabama, Jace and Emmy Lou. And finally a nice preview to Seth's story. The countdown has begun, folks! I am so ready for Book Three.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Ava Hunter for providing an ARC. **

[Darrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Sing You Home last year, it was such a treat to get to revisit Sal and Luke in Love You Always! Sal’s back to work as a paramedic and Luke’s gearing up for album release with the Brothers Kincaid, country music’s hottest band. Despite getting back to a mostly normal life, both Luke and Sal are still healing after the events that play out in Sing You Home. After several losses, Sal is desperate to start a family. Just when you think she’s finally getting the HEA she deserves, things take a tense turn. I could NOT put my kindle down once I started this story. I just love seeing how deeply Sal and Luke’s love runs, and getting to revisit the whole band family.

Ava’s such a great writer! She uses each and every one of the 35,000 words in this novella to give us a story that’s sweet, steamy, suspenseful, and soulful. She has a unique voice that I think really makes these characters feel SO real. There are so many lines like this that will keep you swooning:

“You are the most important piece of my world, darlin’. I don’t spin without you in it.”

Thanks so much to Ava for sending me a digital review copy. You can check out this series on Kindle Unlimited!

CW: pregnancy loss, domestic abuse, kidnapping, PTSD, brief depiction of animal cruelty

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have been around for a little bit, you know I adore Ava Hunter's books! After I read the first one, I have been hooked on this little county gang. I am so excited this Nashville Star Novella is out in the world!

This is a small but mighty read. I was pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoyed jumping back in with Sal and Luke. This picked up beautifully from where their story left off. Secondly, this was exactly what the series needed to bring everyone from both books together again AND set the stage for books to come. It’s a really great addition to the series.

Don’t let the small size of this one fool you. It packs a big punch in the best way. True to the author's writing style, it gets your heart racing in a way that you weren’t expecting, making it a read you don’t want to put down. Intense for sure.

Emotional, sexy, and powerful. This novella is perfection. If you haven’t picked up this series. I highly recommend. It’s the perfect mix of steamy love and nail-biting drama. I can’t wait to see what Ava Hunter has in store for us next.

[Jen (jensdreamylittlereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read Sing You Home, I fell in love with Sal and Luke and their love story. I have so much love for this couple. That's why after discovering that these characters were going to have a continuation novella, I had to read it immediately. I was immediately hooked. Ava Hunter once again me fall in love with her characters and the way she created a brilliant love story. This novella is crammed full of love, romance, heat, danger and suspense. There is laughter, tears and angst all rolled into one beautiful story. I devoured this story!

I so loved this book. There's so much packed into this beautiful novella, that I was amazed about how much I was able to get out of it. So worth the read! It’s short but has a lot of depth. There are twists. Heat. Love. Suspense. Ava Hunter is the total package when it comes to delivering the kind of soul-searing, heart-shattering stories that are quickly making her one of my top go-to authors.

[Cindy thismomreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic continuation of Luke and Sal’s story!
I loved the connection and chemistry these two have, and this book was just as wonderful and had all of that and more.

Filled with tender moments, some spice that o lay these two bring, a big dose of suspense and a wonderful addition of friends and family.

A great way to catch up with this couple and see what happens a year after their book ends.

*this Novella should be read after Sing You Home (series book 1), where we first meet Luke and Sal, as there a references to that book in this story.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this little follow up!!

I loved this little follow up to Luke and Sal’s story. Parts of this were a “nail biter”, but I loved the conclusion and it made me so happy for them. One of my favorite things about this series is Sal’s relationship with her brother in law Seth. Ever since he found her (in the first book) they have such a meaningful bond. God I love him so much and I can’t wait for his book. I also loved seeing Alabama and Griff again!

[Renee Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suffering from a debilitating book hangover after reading Books 1 and 2 of the Nashville Star Series, this novella is just the Luke and Sal fix I so desperately needed! Ava Hunter is a fabulous storyteller. This novella is full of suspense, emotion, friendship, love, and family - all the elements we have come to enjoy in this wonderful series. I know Books 3 and 4 are on the horizon and I can’t wait to read more about these delicious Brothers Kincaid and the strong, amazing women who love them!

[N Bookstagram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sal & Luke melt my heart!

I was so happy to read more about Sal and Luke - this novella had me on the edge of my seat!
I can’t cope with the ups and downs but I adore them as a couple, as individuals, as an amazing love story!
The end of this had me grinning with joy. Looking forward to more.
My favourite scene by far - sitting on the kitchen floor drinking wine out the bottle, eating cold pizza and utterly in love and happy. Bliss x

[Kait · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love You Always is the first Nashville Star novella and I am absolutely convinced that Ava Hunter can do no wrong!

I loved catching up with Sal and Luke and where they are in their lives. The way these two love each other is NEXT LEVEL! Seriously though, these two are strong contenders for favorite book couple this year! This has lots if angst, but also lots of heart.

This one is best read after Find You Again, but before Need You Now. I’m excited for the rest of the series!

[Cindie Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

Wow, just wow! I’m falling in love with Sal and Luke. With each story, it grows more and more. A random act of kindness lands Sal in hot water again. Her friends and family all gather to try to save her. But she’s strong and determined to save herself. Although this is fiction, it could give someone who’s in a similar situation insight into how to behave. Can’t wait to see what happens in Seth’s book

[Saidah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again?

Trying not to spoil anything, but the premise that a life-changing situation— with a villain that’s described the same way twice: greasy, stocky, etc — happens twice to a character seems kind of wild. Otherwise, I’m glad to revisit some of our favorite characters in the series.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re ever going to love and root for a couple, it’s gonna be Sal and Luke. Their genuine love and determination to fight for their family will have you swooning for days. I’m so glad the whole gang made an appearance in this book and i can’t wait to hear Seth’s story in book 3!!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: infertility, kidnapping, domestic violence, a dog gets kicked and hit. A lot of pregnancy talk.

I liked getting more of Sal and Luke’s story. Really looking forward to Seths story in book 3.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading the 3rd book and felt like i missed something and turns out this novella is quite necessary for the next book haha. It was short and i feel it's main purpose was to give the hero of the next book some sort of trauma and guilt to deal with

[Rorie MacPherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sal and Luke FINALLY gets some happiness but not before going through hell one more time. This was a quick and easy read, so much DRAMA but I eat that up, a perfect little installation into this series!