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It Was Always You #2
Roderick: Billionaire Hotshot
She's the best friend who never gave up on him.
He vowed to protect her.
One kiss could compromise a decade-long friendship.
He was born into chaos… somewhat broken from the start.
Her past is equally marred. Equally tormented. Equally scarred.
She's been his pillar––his glue––since the day he came to her rescue.
She's the best friend who never gave up on him… no matter how screwed up his life became… no matter how much his fame sent him spiraling.
Then one day she became more. Much more.
Roderick knows better. Dominika is untouchable.
The bad boy always gets what he wants. But did he push the envelope too far?
One kiss and he could lose his best friend…
You’ll love this breathtaking best friends to lovers romance, because there’s nothing quite like watching a bad boy fall to his knees.
USA Today Bestselling Author Scarlett Avery brings you a heart-wrenching love story so deep, so gripping, so engulfing, you'll need days to recover.
Rod is as badass as they come. Tall, dark and handsome only scratches the surface when it comes to this former drummer turned video music exec. His steamy romance is beautiful and poignant.
This is Book 1 in the Torrid Chronicle and Book 1 in the overall Bad Boy Studs series.
Get it now.
No cliffhanger and no cheating. HEA guaranteed. Each standalone romance in this steamy series can be read on its own, but it’s way more fun to start with Book 1.
He vowed to protect her.
One kiss could compromise a decade-long friendship.
He was born into chaos… somewhat broken from the start.
Her past is equally marred. Equally tormented. Equally scarred.
She's been his pillar––his glue––since the day he came to her rescue.
She's the best friend who never gave up on him… no matter how screwed up his life became… no matter how much his fame sent him spiraling.
Then one day she became more. Much more.
Roderick knows better. Dominika is untouchable.
The bad boy always gets what he wants. But did he push the envelope too far?
One kiss and he could lose his best friend…
You’ll love this breathtaking best friends to lovers romance, because there’s nothing quite like watching a bad boy fall to his knees.
USA Today Bestselling Author Scarlett Avery brings you a heart-wrenching love story so deep, so gripping, so engulfing, you'll need days to recover.
Rod is as badass as they come. Tall, dark and handsome only scratches the surface when it comes to this former drummer turned video music exec. His steamy romance is beautiful and poignant.
This is Book 1 in the Torrid Chronicle and Book 1 in the overall Bad Boy Studs series.
Get it now.
No cliffhanger and no cheating. HEA guaranteed. Each standalone romance in this steamy series can be read on its own, but it’s way more fun to start with Book 1.
360 pages, ebook
Published March 7, 2022
1392 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Avery
78 books1,371 followersBestselling Amazon Author Scarlett Avery’s Book Boyfriends aren’t like ANY others you’ve ever cuddled to before.
These dirty-talking, DOMINEERING, saucy seducers will make you forget all the other ones. Yeah, Scarlett’s Alpha Males are that DANGEROUSLY HOT!
Be warned: Her books have been dubbed, “Epic & Mind-Blowing”! This Canadian romance author’s books will melt your e-readers and they will leave you on the edge of your seat!
I dare you to discover how SIZZLING they REALLY ARE...
P.S.: Once you 1-click Scarlett’s books, there’s NO going back!
These dirty-talking, DOMINEERING, saucy seducers will make you forget all the other ones. Yeah, Scarlett’s Alpha Males are that DANGEROUSLY HOT!
Be warned: Her books have been dubbed, “Epic & Mind-Blowing”! This Canadian romance author’s books will melt your e-readers and they will leave you on the edge of your seat!
I dare you to discover how SIZZLING they REALLY ARE...
P.S.: Once you 1-click Scarlett’s books, there’s NO going back!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
April 30, 2020
3 🤔❤️🤔⭐️s
This story had almost all the premises to fall in love with.
Fantastic writing, great pace and flow, romance, secrets, serious and sensitive issues, drama, steamy sexy scenes.
I just couldn’t love it...
This story had almost all the premises to fall in love with.
Fantastic writing, great pace and flow, romance, secrets, serious and sensitive issues, drama, steamy sexy scenes.
I just couldn’t love it...
June 8, 2020
Torrid Love
I was so enthralled by this story and didn't want to put it down. I loved how Dom and Rod helped each other improve their lives when they meet in school and continue as good friends forever. They help each other mature. As they mature their friendship gets more important as they become lovers. Dom is worried how Rod will react as he learns her hidden secret. She tells her secret in front of Rod and his brothers and her surrogate family at a great breakfast. Rod's heart is hers. I'm going to strongly suggest that you read this amazing love story and I know I'm leaving some of the plot out because I really want you to read it! Praise to Scarlett Avery and her brilliant writing.
I was so enthralled by this story and didn't want to put it down. I loved how Dom and Rod helped each other improve their lives when they meet in school and continue as good friends forever. They help each other mature. As they mature their friendship gets more important as they become lovers. Dom is worried how Rod will react as he learns her hidden secret. She tells her secret in front of Rod and his brothers and her surrogate family at a great breakfast. Rod's heart is hers. I'm going to strongly suggest that you read this amazing love story and I know I'm leaving some of the plot out because I really want you to read it! Praise to Scarlett Avery and her brilliant writing.
April 27, 2020
I love everything Scarlett Avery writes. This is the first book in her new series and it doesn't disappoint. Hot and sexy! Rod and Dom are fantastic. I'm ready for the next one!!🔥🔥Scarlett certainly knows how to write a great romance! Thank you for another fantastic book! 5 Stars!!
October 7, 2020
A best friends to lovers, bad boy romance read. This story beautifully tells the story of Rod and Dom, addressing some traumatic events that happened to her. Well told and captivating this book is just perfect.
May 23, 2020
Kudos for a well written and empathic erotic romance
The storyline was good, the characters engaging. This is the first book in this series, and of this author’s, that I’ve read. I’ll be reading more.
Thank you for your incorporation if such a sensitive topic. But not letting it dominant the heroine’s life. Thank you too for your sharing at the end of book.
The storyline was good, the characters engaging. This is the first book in this series, and of this author’s, that I’ve read. I’ll be reading more.
Thank you for your incorporation if such a sensitive topic. But not letting it dominant the heroine’s life. Thank you too for your sharing at the end of book.
November 2, 2019
Was ok
I love reading Ms. Avery's books but this one was not what I was hoping for. Just cause it does not appeal to me does not mean you won't like it. Get the book and read it for yourself.
I love reading Ms. Avery's books but this one was not what I was hoping for. Just cause it does not appeal to me does not mean you won't like it. Get the book and read it for yourself.
May 29, 2020
Sexy and emotional! What a great storyline. Love the heat between Dom and Rod. A few twists and turns so kept it exciting!
October 18, 2020
What a fantastic read!! I loved this friends to so much more tremendously! It combined not only that but a rock star vibe with a CEO added with Rob’s character. Through in Dom who’s not only his best friend but a kick butt videographer. Dom is tired of being in the friend zone but her friendship with Rob is too important to loose. Rob feels the same. Tension between the two gets so high that something has to give. Jealousy catapults them into an area that is finally more.
I loved this story and can’t wait to read more.
I loved this story and can’t wait to read more.
May 4, 2022
Best friends since their teens, Rod and Dom can't seem to get out of their own way as adults. She's tired of wanting him to be something other than a friend. He's never done relationships and thinks he doesn't know how to love someone. Plus, he doesn't want to ruin being her best friend. He finally, with an intervention from a brother and his best friend, decides it's time to go after what he wants. Dom is on board somewhat reluctantly, she's loved him forever and fears what could happen if they didn't make it as a couple. Not too worry, he's all in. However, a dark secret that she's been harboring for five years rears its ugly head but he's there to protect her this time.
November 10, 2019
As good as Miss Scarlett gets!
“Torrid Love” by Scarlett Avery is absolutely perfect! The love story of Rod and Dom is an incredibly natural friends to lovers story and I totally loved it! They meet when Rod comes to Dom’s aide as she is being bullied by one of the “mean girls” in her high school. Rod makes it known that if anyone comes after Dom - they will surely answer to HIM. Fast forward the years and they are both incredible successes in their own right. Working together in the music industry has allowed them the chance to imagine what it would be like if they ever came together. When one of them broaches the subject of a one night taste - - they both are IN!! From then on neither one can forget how GOOD it was between them and they both long for more. It’s a romantic story, a sexy story, a tender and touching story, a happy, HAPPY ending story. I loved it. Wouldn’t change a thing about it. Can heartily recommend it story. Thank you, Miss Scarlett for giving us what we crave: The HEA with a heaping side of HOT!! I am a fan and devotee!!
“Torrid Love” by Scarlett Avery is absolutely perfect! The love story of Rod and Dom is an incredibly natural friends to lovers story and I totally loved it! They meet when Rod comes to Dom’s aide as she is being bullied by one of the “mean girls” in her high school. Rod makes it known that if anyone comes after Dom - they will surely answer to HIM. Fast forward the years and they are both incredible successes in their own right. Working together in the music industry has allowed them the chance to imagine what it would be like if they ever came together. When one of them broaches the subject of a one night taste - - they both are IN!! From then on neither one can forget how GOOD it was between them and they both long for more. It’s a romantic story, a sexy story, a tender and touching story, a happy, HAPPY ending story. I loved it. Wouldn’t change a thing about it. Can heartily recommend it story. Thank you, Miss Scarlett for giving us what we crave: The HEA with a heaping side of HOT!! I am a fan and devotee!!
November 5, 2020
I love Scarlett Avery's writing, so I was super excited to read this story which has been changed up a tad from what I understand. Roderick Wolf was the drummer for the popular group, Random Misconception, but has changed things up by being a part owner in a music video company, where his best friend, Dominika, works. Here's the thing though, he wants to spend a ton of time with her, the one who never gave up on him, but she has to watch him with other women which really sets me off these days because it screamed selfishness in my eyes. Finally, he starts seeing her in a different light, and I'm still pissy about him because Dom deserved so much better to me. And remember, this is only my opinion which you shouldn't go by. Rod is struggling with feelings for her, which made me want to throat punch him, (again this is just me), while she's hiding a secret, and you already know secrets always find a way to come out, so how will it all play out in the end?! You know what to do to find out! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
April 30, 2020
Gripping, intense, and HOT!
This story of Rod and Dom is a remake. New title, new cover and a lot more added or adjusted from Ms. Avery. I'm pretty sure I gave the other version 5 🌟 star review and didn't think it could be better. I was wrong. This amazing story had me gripping the arm of my chair, experiencing all the feels, and captivated by the intense, HOT and steamy intimacy scenes. There's no cheating or cliffhanger and you get a very happy ever after! Warning....there is a difficult topic surrounding Dom when she was at the tender age of 17 that some who've experienced the same might find it hard to read this story. Not everyone gets a happy ever after, but be assured, Dom and Rod find theirs. Enjoy!!😊
This story of Rod and Dom is a remake. New title, new cover and a lot more added or adjusted from Ms. Avery. I'm pretty sure I gave the other version 5 🌟 star review and didn't think it could be better. I was wrong. This amazing story had me gripping the arm of my chair, experiencing all the feels, and captivated by the intense, HOT and steamy intimacy scenes. There's no cheating or cliffhanger and you get a very happy ever after! Warning....there is a difficult topic surrounding Dom when she was at the tender age of 17 that some who've experienced the same might find it hard to read this story. Not everyone gets a happy ever after, but be assured, Dom and Rod find theirs. Enjoy!!😊
May 8, 2020
Rod and Dominika
I really enjoyed this book for a few reasons. First, Rod was the perfect alpha protector. He was a “one and done” type. Dominika had several chapters in her life that resulted in the kind of woman she became and a piece of her came from each of those moments.
One of Scarlet Avery’s many talents is her ability to write Kindle melting hot encounters that always seem fresh, and always leave us swooning. The story is a gripping one without being caught up in too much angst.
I really enjoyed this book for a few reasons. First, Rod was the perfect alpha protector. He was a “one and done” type. Dominika had several chapters in her life that resulted in the kind of woman she became and a piece of her came from each of those moments.
One of Scarlet Avery’s many talents is her ability to write Kindle melting hot encounters that always seem fresh, and always leave us swooning. The story is a gripping one without being caught up in too much angst.
October 9, 2020
Rod and Dom have been friends for years since he saved her in school but things have changed and Rod doesn’t know how to handle it. Rod was always the bad boy rocker, well he stopped being a rockstar and now he’s a producer and Dom is a awesome videographer. When Dom comes back from Europe they decide to give in to their feelings just once but even though Dom wants more she can’t ever have more with the secret she carries. Your not sure if the friendship will survive never mind the sexual relationship but this book keeps you on your toes.
October 19, 2020
Torrid Love
(Bad Boy Stud, Book 1)
Scarlett Avery
I loved reading Rod and Doms story. It was a steamy page turner that was hard to put down. This pair had been together through thick and thin. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that they'd end up together and have their own HEA!!!
Looking forward to reading Torrid Passion next in this series.
(Bad Boy Stud, Book 1)
Scarlett Avery
I loved reading Rod and Doms story. It was a steamy page turner that was hard to put down. This pair had been together through thick and thin. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that they'd end up together and have their own HEA!!!
Looking forward to reading Torrid Passion next in this series.
November 8, 2020
This was a well written read that keeps your interest from the beginning up until the very end. I always enjoy a good friends to lovers read and this one definitely didn't disappoint. I'm anxious to see what comes next from this author.
July 1, 2020
Eh
The wording was really weird and cheesy. They would say words like alas, freaking, darn and then Hit you with an “ force my cum out of my dick”. What?!?!?
The wording was really weird and cheesy. They would say words like alas, freaking, darn and then Hit you with an “ force my cum out of my dick”. What?!?!?
October 6, 2020
This book was amazing in every way. The story was written so well and everything about it pulled me in. I actually read this book twice just in case I missed something. So good.
October 12, 2020
What a great story line. Love the heat between Dom and Rod. A few twists and turns so kept it exciting! Passion and the way the author wrote this story will keep you wanting to read.
October 27, 2020
I love this story. It’s passionate and protectiveness wrote to perfection.
January 23, 2022
Sexy Fun
Wish I had a hot best friend to fall in love with! Scarlett Avery writes hot, sexy books. Read all in this series!!!!
Wish I had a hot best friend to fall in love with! Scarlett Avery writes hot, sexy books. Read all in this series!!!!
May 1, 2020
Admittedly, friends to lovers has always been one of my favorite tropes. I love the emotion and angst when a character realizes that he desires what has been right in front of him for years. Scarlett Avery was able to create this moment (and others) flawlessly. The book was made so much better by having characters that I loved. Rod was loyal, protective and an Alpha. Dom was brave, resilient and strong. These two were perfect for each other from the very start of their journey.
This book is a bit darker than the author’s other stories. It touches on a delicate issue that was artfully written. Dom's actions are driven by this topic, but it didn't define who she was and her life. It was an important story to tell, and I loved how it was written and unfolded. Scarlett Avery definitely has a talent for storytelling that will leave you wanting more.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention the steamy scenes. No one can write them quite like Scarlett Avery. You get the sex and so much more. I love that you can feel the intensity, passion and emotions of the characters in these moments. Sex scenes are easy to find in books, but she makes you feel the desire, hunger, lust, etc. These scenes are pure magic!
Friends to lovers + Great characters + A fantastic story line + The steamy scenes we love = Another incredible read from Scarlett Avery!
This book is a bit darker than the author’s other stories. It touches on a delicate issue that was artfully written. Dom's actions are driven by this topic, but it didn't define who she was and her life. It was an important story to tell, and I loved how it was written and unfolded. Scarlett Avery definitely has a talent for storytelling that will leave you wanting more.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention the steamy scenes. No one can write them quite like Scarlett Avery. You get the sex and so much more. I love that you can feel the intensity, passion and emotions of the characters in these moments. Sex scenes are easy to find in books, but she makes you feel the desire, hunger, lust, etc. These scenes are pure magic!
Friends to lovers + Great characters + A fantastic story line + The steamy scenes we love = Another incredible read from Scarlett Avery!
April 22, 2020
Roderick Wolfe
Dominika Jacek
Scarlett Avery never ceases to amaze me. To the best of my knowledge, I have read all of her books. And I will continue to read them, for her style of writing catches, and holds my attention, and makes me want to know what happens next.
Torrid Love, is a true friends to lovers romance.
Roderick "Rod" and Dominika "Dom," are best friends. Practically joined at the hip. They have been friends, since Rod stood up to some bullies, on Dom's behalf. Later, Rod saves her again from another bully, a monster in fact.
Over the course of life, Rod and Dom's feelings of friendship, has morphed into more. Finally, their blinders have come off, and they see each other, as the one they truly love.
It is never good to keep secrets! They could, or your mind will convince you, that it will ruin everything. Yet Dom, is still scared, so she keeps quiet. But then her past comes back to haunt her. The secret comes out, but then she learns it has no impact on how the people that love her, feel about her. In short, it's best to just come forward, face the music, so to speak. Your relationships will survive far better with honesty, than holding back the truth.
Bravo, Scarlett, yet another 5 star romance book.
Dominika Jacek
Scarlett Avery never ceases to amaze me. To the best of my knowledge, I have read all of her books. And I will continue to read them, for her style of writing catches, and holds my attention, and makes me want to know what happens next.
Torrid Love, is a true friends to lovers romance.
Roderick "Rod" and Dominika "Dom," are best friends. Practically joined at the hip. They have been friends, since Rod stood up to some bullies, on Dom's behalf. Later, Rod saves her again from another bully, a monster in fact.
Over the course of life, Rod and Dom's feelings of friendship, has morphed into more. Finally, their blinders have come off, and they see each other, as the one they truly love.
It is never good to keep secrets! They could, or your mind will convince you, that it will ruin everything. Yet Dom, is still scared, so she keeps quiet. But then her past comes back to haunt her. The secret comes out, but then she learns it has no impact on how the people that love her, feel about her. In short, it's best to just come forward, face the music, so to speak. Your relationships will survive far better with honesty, than holding back the truth.
Bravo, Scarlett, yet another 5 star romance book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2020
Scarlett delivers romance !
A great story of unrequited love , but is it ? The story is filled with the passion of friendship through the years between 2 longtime friends and reading about their longing for each other all along not realizing their desire for more . The writing is wonderful . Scarlett takes the reader to a place where one feels as though this is really happening and you just want to call Rod or Dom and give them some sincere advice on love . Alas it is only fiction , but hell , it's great fiction ! You've got to read it !
A great story of unrequited love , but is it ? The story is filled with the passion of friendship through the years between 2 longtime friends and reading about their longing for each other all along not realizing their desire for more . The writing is wonderful . Scarlett takes the reader to a place where one feels as though this is really happening and you just want to call Rod or Dom and give them some sincere advice on love . Alas it is only fiction , but hell , it's great fiction ! You've got to read it !
May 7, 2020
A truly Torrid Love!!
What a beautiful, hot, amaizing, incredible ride I had with this book. Rod and Dom !! What an amaizing and beatiful couple. I feel in love immediately with them, their sweet love for each other , that beatiful friendship they have , and their secret love for each other's.
Sweet Dom, who life give her a horrible cards to play, she is brave, because you need to be a warrior to survive and stand up again.
Rod was this incredible , sensual, hot man, with a heart of gold, who tried to protect her. This books is so beatiful
I traded slow because I wanted to enjoy the most minimal detail of them. Thanks For give us this beatiful book, sooo hot!!! And I can't wait for the next one!!
What a beautiful, hot, amaizing, incredible ride I had with this book. Rod and Dom !! What an amaizing and beatiful couple. I feel in love immediately with them, their sweet love for each other , that beatiful friendship they have , and their secret love for each other's.
Sweet Dom, who life give her a horrible cards to play, she is brave, because you need to be a warrior to survive and stand up again.
Rod was this incredible , sensual, hot man, with a heart of gold, who tried to protect her. This books is so beatiful
I traded slow because I wanted to enjoy the most minimal detail of them. Thanks For give us this beatiful book, sooo hot!!! And I can't wait for the next one!!
May 17, 2020
Great
This was a good book. Sometimes it was a bit to much explaining, but maby that is just me, I don't necessarily have to know their whole life story, but that's maby just me. I love the whole brother, friend banter (the supporting characters are just as important as the leads😊) and omw this bad boy Rod with the golden hart is just swoon worthy. Will definitely read the other bad boy books, can't wait for Roark to get knocked to his a§§ by a special girl. Ps if you don't like hot and steamy scenes and f boms, don't read this book
This was a good book. Sometimes it was a bit to much explaining, but maby that is just me, I don't necessarily have to know their whole life story, but that's maby just me. I love the whole brother, friend banter (the supporting characters are just as important as the leads😊) and omw this bad boy Rod with the golden hart is just swoon worthy. Will definitely read the other bad boy books, can't wait for Roark to get knocked to his a§§ by a special girl. Ps if you don't like hot and steamy scenes and f boms, don't read this book
September 25, 2024
Always Mine was great!
Always Mine, book 2 of the It Was Always You series, by Scarlett Avery @scarlettaveryauthor. This is a reread of this book, though when I read it before it was Roderick, book 2 of the Billionaire Hotshot series.
I thoroughly enjoyed & loved reading this book about Roderick & Dominika! Tropes/TWs: MF, Billionaire, Childhood Friends, Best Friends to Lovers, recovery after SA, & Former Rockstar.
Always Mine, book 2 of the It Was Always You series, by Scarlett Avery @scarlettaveryauthor. This is a reread of this book, though when I read it before it was Roderick, book 2 of the Billionaire Hotshot series.
I thoroughly enjoyed & loved reading this book about Roderick & Dominika! Tropes/TWs: MF, Billionaire, Childhood Friends, Best Friends to Lovers, recovery after SA, & Former Rockstar.
November 6, 2019
Best friends to lovers a tricky step for a one and done party animal Rod Wolfe. Rod and Dom were there for each other always since she was the new girl being bullied as a teen. He was overzealous in warning off guys in order to protect Dom. Roderick, the ex-drummer in a rock band used his fame as spring board to second career in Video Production. Over the years he has pushed and guided Dom a talented video director/editor to spread her wings. Once he realized he HAD to kiss her he was a goner. I laughed, cried and enjoyed all his over the top demands. I used my KU subscription to read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2020
Loved it
It's my first time reading ScarlettvAvery and she did not disappoint. Torrid Love is filled with lots of emotions and suspense. I loved the relationship between Rod and Dom, and how their friendship grew into something more. Loved the ending. Looking forward to reading the new book in this series!
It's my first time reading ScarlettvAvery and she did not disappoint. Torrid Love is filled with lots of emotions and suspense. I loved the relationship between Rod and Dom, and how their friendship grew into something more. Loved the ending. Looking forward to reading the new book in this series!
May 20, 2020
Beat Book Yet!
This is not a new author to me and I must say I’m extremely impressed by her latest story and characters. I’m so anxious for the next book in the series and have found a renewed excitement for Ms. Avery’s books.
This is not a new author to me and I must say I’m extremely impressed by her latest story and characters. I’m so anxious for the next book in the series and have found a renewed excitement for Ms. Avery’s books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews