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Half Moon Lake #1
Always Yours
She’s the one that got away. But I’m the guy who let her go.
I’ll admit it, I’m an idiot.
I walked away from the only girl I’ve ever loved.
I messed up. I know I don’t deserve a second chance, but I would give anything to make it right.
It’s too late. Bella’s made it abundantly clear those feelings died a long time ago. Why does she get so angry when all I’m trying to do is move on? It’s as if she’s suddenly interested in us again. Even if she is, I’m torn. The last time we tried, it almost destroyed us both.
She’s leaving soon, and my small town life is crumbling around me. I have to try. I have to see if there is still an us. I can’t let her get away again.
Given the option, she will forever be my always.
Author's Note: Always Yours is a full length, standalone, best friends to lovers, second chance, small town romance. Join this single mom and restaurant owner and their funny meddling family on a journey to their happily ever after.
I’ll admit it, I’m an idiot.
I walked away from the only girl I’ve ever loved.
I messed up. I know I don’t deserve a second chance, but I would give anything to make it right.
It’s too late. Bella’s made it abundantly clear those feelings died a long time ago. Why does she get so angry when all I’m trying to do is move on? It’s as if she’s suddenly interested in us again. Even if she is, I’m torn. The last time we tried, it almost destroyed us both.
She’s leaving soon, and my small town life is crumbling around me. I have to try. I have to see if there is still an us. I can’t let her get away again.
Given the option, she will forever be my always.
Author's Note: Always Yours is a full length, standalone, best friends to lovers, second chance, small town romance. Join this single mom and restaurant owner and their funny meddling family on a journey to their happily ever after.
ebook
Published August 30, 2022
227 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Ranney
17 books218 followersA.J. Ranney lives in Maryland with her ever-growing zoo, including two kids, two cats, an attention loving dog, a bunny, a cricket eating lizard and her lovable well-meaning husband. She likes to leave the chaos of her real world behind and lose herself in a steamy romance novel. Her passion for reading romance prompted her writing journey, leading her to create relatable happily ever afters that come from her own dreams and experiences. She loves coffee, sushi, wine, and her family. Not necessarily in that order. Her inner peace comes from the water, always relating to her zodiac sign the Pisces. It’s no wonder the small town she created in her stories is situated on a lake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 31, 2024
ARC readers are absolute liars
It’s a mess of a book. Exhausting.
The H is an idiot, and the drama is stupid.
It’s a mess of a book. Exhausting.
The H is an idiot, and the drama is stupid.
July 30, 2022
What an amazing small town, second chance love story. Everything about it screamed “Just tell Bella that you love her.” There were times I was mad at both Bella and Rhett because I wanted them to communicate better, but that’s how real life is. A series of things we should have done better. I loved the large family that was created around Rhett and am secretly hoping there will be a novel about Ashley and Jackson. Can’t wait to read AJ Ranney’s next novel.
December 31, 2022
I'll preface this by saying that I read book 2 first (
Impossibly Yours
) and don't remember having any issues with Rhett and Bella there, so presumably they are doing just fine? Or I just like Rhett better when he's sitting on the sidelines and I'm not privy to his innermost thoughts. One of those ;)
Always Yours is a second chance romance, single parent (mom, in this instance) story. Rhett and Bella's families were close when they were growing up, and supposedly their mothers at least were convinced from an early age that these two would end up together. Then life--and a whole lot of drama--interfered, Bella had another man's baby (though the father is dead now, which is both kinda convenient while still a source of angst for some characters) and for reasons I'm not going to go into here, she is actually living with Rhett's parents with her little boy. As someone who was a single parent to a six-month-old and two-year-old, I get it. The more help, the merrier. I wouldn't have made it through grad school the first time or my early years of working as a mom without family around to help. (Though, geez, there were times that those built in babysitters were a little *too* convenient for her, IMO. Leaving Brandon with others happens an awful lot in this book. Bella has a heck of a lot more of a life than I ever did, somehow, even considering she's fictional)
But I digress...overall this book was...OK, keeping in mind it's a debut. My biggest issue is with the hero--he starts out as a bit of a jerk (except in the prologue, he was OK there), and as much as he claimed to be learning and growing and changing, he just wasn't terribly convincing about it. As great as he seemed to get along with Bella's three-year-old, Rhett also couldn't seem to handle having him around when he had "important" things to do--like talking to Bella to convince her that they'd make a great family together, for pete's sake. Dude, if you can't handle a preschooler interrupting your dinner conversation on the regular, I don't think you're ever going to be in the running for father of the year. It somehow takes his (also childless) best friend to point out to him the ridiculousness of this; personally I'm not convinced he proved himself after that point at all since when we get to the proposal, Brendan is once again absent, this time playing with his (soon-to-be actual) aunts. Honestly, I don't know why Bella kept holding out second, third, twenty-sixth, etc chances to him. I know her BFF is biased, being one of Rhett's sisters, but I would have been trying to get her to move on, if she'd have been asking my opinion.
As I said, though, Rhett and Bella seemed to be doing just fine in the second book, so make of that what you will. I suppose it has something to do with them being fictional... ;)
Rating: 3 stars / C+
I read this one on the KU platform.
Always Yours is a second chance romance, single parent (mom, in this instance) story. Rhett and Bella's families were close when they were growing up, and supposedly their mothers at least were convinced from an early age that these two would end up together. Then life--and a whole lot of drama--interfered, Bella had another man's baby (though the father is dead now, which is both kinda convenient while still a source of angst for some characters) and for reasons I'm not going to go into here, she is actually living with Rhett's parents with her little boy. As someone who was a single parent to a six-month-old and two-year-old, I get it. The more help, the merrier. I wouldn't have made it through grad school the first time or my early years of working as a mom without family around to help. (Though, geez, there were times that those built in babysitters were a little *too* convenient for her, IMO. Leaving Brandon with others happens an awful lot in this book. Bella has a heck of a lot more of a life than I ever did, somehow, even considering she's fictional)
But I digress...overall this book was...OK, keeping in mind it's a debut. My biggest issue is with the hero--he starts out as a bit of a jerk (except in the prologue, he was OK there), and as much as he claimed to be learning and growing and changing, he just wasn't terribly convincing about it. As great as he seemed to get along with Bella's three-year-old, Rhett also couldn't seem to handle having him around when he had "important" things to do--like talking to Bella to convince her that they'd make a great family together, for pete's sake. Dude, if you can't handle a preschooler interrupting your dinner conversation on the regular, I don't think you're ever going to be in the running for father of the year. It somehow takes his (also childless) best friend to point out to him the ridiculousness of this; personally I'm not convinced he proved himself after that point at all since when we get to the proposal, Brendan is once again absent, this time playing with his (soon-to-be actual) aunts. Honestly, I don't know why Bella kept holding out second, third, twenty-sixth, etc chances to him. I know her BFF is biased, being one of Rhett's sisters, but I would have been trying to get her to move on, if she'd have been asking my opinion.
As I said, though, Rhett and Bella seemed to be doing just fine in the second book, so make of that what you will. I suppose it has something to do with them being fictional... ;)
Rating: 3 stars / C+
I read this one on the KU platform.
September 21, 2022
This was my first book by AJ Ranney and I can’t wait to read more. Always Yours is the first book in the Halfmoon Lake Series and it’s such a beautiful story of love, loss and about becoming the person you wanted to be. Rhett and Bella’s story is so full of love, romance, steam and swooning. It’s a great small town second chance romance. I’m hoping that we get to hear/learn more about the secondary characters as the series continues. The unique pattern of flashbacks was well written into the story and there was never any confusion as to who was telling the story or when it was.
June 15, 2022
I loved reading this book so much! The writing is just as beautiful as the love story. I couldn’t put this down. I highly recommend it!!! Amazing debut.
January 4, 2025
This is a second chance which is one of my favorites. It's also a best friends to lovers and single mom. Rhett and Bella's story was so good. The chemistry was great and it was well written.
July 23, 2022
This book was swoon worthy! The characters were well written with real life issues, you just fell in love with them all. I love the friends to lovers it gets my heart every time!!
October 4, 2022
OMGosh!!
What is it about characters named Rhett that make me swoon? Absolutely loved this story, is was amazing. I definitely recommend it!
What is it about characters named Rhett that make me swoon? Absolutely loved this story, is was amazing. I definitely recommend it!
November 19, 2023
Miscommunication trope lovers this one is for you
🩷 Always Yours 🩷 (Book 1 in the Half Moon Lake series) by AJ Ranney
3/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️
🩷 I know I’m going to need to explain myself - so here it goes. I don’t do well with miscommunication tropes. EVER. They make me angry if I’m being honest. Now, I know sometimes the miscommunication has a purpose and I’m okay with that. In this book though the FMC and MMC just seem to need to take FIVE MINUTES and have a dang conversation - instead the FMC ASSumes and then the MMC does and it is just a mess. So if you love the miscommunication trope this book is for you.
🩷 Now, I enjoyed this being small town - second chance and I truly enjoyed the writing style of the author. She is new to me so it was nice to just find it like a breath of fresh air.
🩷 I enjoyed Rhett the MMC he seemed to just want to always do right even when he never did it the right way. An analytical thinker that if you pushed he’d make the wrong choice and not think before speaking.
🩷 Bella just drove me nuts. I think when you have someone with insecurities from her past, and trying to maneuver in a world where her first love walks away because she again didn’t really see how he processed things was hard. I think I spent a majority of my time just wanting to shake her but I could also see how she could misconstrue things and not think - because when you love hard … it just happens.
🩷 I will continue on with this series and I liked this book enough. I just think you really have to be okay with miscommunication- I’m just not.
📚
🩷 Always Yours 🩷 (Book 1 in the Half Moon Lake series) by AJ Ranney
3/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️
🩷 I know I’m going to need to explain myself - so here it goes. I don’t do well with miscommunication tropes. EVER. They make me angry if I’m being honest. Now, I know sometimes the miscommunication has a purpose and I’m okay with that. In this book though the FMC and MMC just seem to need to take FIVE MINUTES and have a dang conversation - instead the FMC ASSumes and then the MMC does and it is just a mess. So if you love the miscommunication trope this book is for you.
🩷 Now, I enjoyed this being small town - second chance and I truly enjoyed the writing style of the author. She is new to me so it was nice to just find it like a breath of fresh air.
🩷 I enjoyed Rhett the MMC he seemed to just want to always do right even when he never did it the right way. An analytical thinker that if you pushed he’d make the wrong choice and not think before speaking.
🩷 Bella just drove me nuts. I think when you have someone with insecurities from her past, and trying to maneuver in a world where her first love walks away because she again didn’t really see how he processed things was hard. I think I spent a majority of my time just wanting to shake her but I could also see how she could misconstrue things and not think - because when you love hard … it just happens.
🩷 I will continue on with this series and I liked this book enough. I just think you really have to be okay with miscommunication- I’m just not.
📚
September 17, 2022
Such a great book for a new author! Bella and Rhett’s story leaves you with so many emotions you’ll have to keep reading to find out what happens next. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
August 23, 2022
What a read!!!
A J Ranney is a new author to me but I am so eternally grateful I found her. This book is a beautiful tale of star-crossed loves. It was heartfelt, moving, addictive. Utterly beautiful.
Rhett is a well written character. It doesn’t matter the mistakes he makes as a young man, you just want to shake your head at him and give him
a huge hug. Meeting the one person who completed him as a little boy made my heart ache. It’s what we all dream of - having that one person who knows you inside and out. Who loves the very bones of you. There are so many missed opportunities and unconsciously he puts himself in situations that just put them further apart.
Rhett is a definite alpha but he has flaws - which is one reason I love him. He’s relatable, because let’s face it, sometimes men act and say without putting their brain in gear. It’s endearing to see a true to life character.
I love the family dynamic he has with siblings and parents. Their relationships deep and full of love, but not perfect - again akin to real life.
Bella is a beautiful character, inside and out. Again she isn’t perfect and makes her fair share of mistakes, but I love that. Their imperfections make them perfect. My heart aches for her pain and young adult mistakes. She reacts with her heart and not her head and doesn’t always get it right, but that’s okay because as we watch her learn from her mistakes and accept her own culpability, we realise that this could be anyone. This isn’t a book that shows perfect characters. This book shows characters that are not infallible, they screw up, they make mistakes. But to watch their time come to fruition and their feelings grow is stunning.
I love her interactions with Rhett’s family. She’s a strong woman who has endured grief, been left to deal with the consequences of others behaviour. She’s a beautifully loving mother, which I think adds an endearing depth to this poignant story.
In case you couldn’t tell from my ramblings I highly recommend this story.
5 stars is nowhere near enough to fully portray how fantastic this story is.
A J Ranney is a new author to me but I am so eternally grateful I found her. This book is a beautiful tale of star-crossed loves. It was heartfelt, moving, addictive. Utterly beautiful.
Rhett is a well written character. It doesn’t matter the mistakes he makes as a young man, you just want to shake your head at him and give him
a huge hug. Meeting the one person who completed him as a little boy made my heart ache. It’s what we all dream of - having that one person who knows you inside and out. Who loves the very bones of you. There are so many missed opportunities and unconsciously he puts himself in situations that just put them further apart.
Rhett is a definite alpha but he has flaws - which is one reason I love him. He’s relatable, because let’s face it, sometimes men act and say without putting their brain in gear. It’s endearing to see a true to life character.
I love the family dynamic he has with siblings and parents. Their relationships deep and full of love, but not perfect - again akin to real life.
Bella is a beautiful character, inside and out. Again she isn’t perfect and makes her fair share of mistakes, but I love that. Their imperfections make them perfect. My heart aches for her pain and young adult mistakes. She reacts with her heart and not her head and doesn’t always get it right, but that’s okay because as we watch her learn from her mistakes and accept her own culpability, we realise that this could be anyone. This isn’t a book that shows perfect characters. This book shows characters that are not infallible, they screw up, they make mistakes. But to watch their time come to fruition and their feelings grow is stunning.
I love her interactions with Rhett’s family. She’s a strong woman who has endured grief, been left to deal with the consequences of others behaviour. She’s a beautifully loving mother, which I think adds an endearing depth to this poignant story.
In case you couldn’t tell from my ramblings I highly recommend this story.
5 stars is nowhere near enough to fully portray how fantastic this story is.
September 2, 2022
Read this if you:
*Enjoy leaving the real world, and losing yourself in a steamy romance novel
*Are fond of small town, second chance romances
*Adore best friends to lovers tropes
Meet the Author: AJ Ranney lives in Maryland with her two children, husband and her forever growing “zoo”. She enjoys leaving the chaos of the real world and losing herself in a steamy romance novel. Her love for romance novels prompted her to create relatable happily ever after’s that come from her own dreams and experiences.
Synopsis: This single mom and restaurant owner take you on a journey with their meddling family to their happily ever after. Always yours is a full length, stand alone, second chance, small town romance. When Rhett announces that he will be marrying the woman he believes to be the mother of his child, Bella’s heart sinks. This is it, the moment she loses the one she loves forever to another woman. Rhett can’t understand why Bella is so upset, after all she is the one who walked away all those years ago.
Reader’s Thoughts: I LOVED the story of Rhett and Bella! And baby Brendan, when he said “Rhett”, just made my heart melt. I wanted the three of them to be a family so bad this entire novel. It just felt right! I was standing on the side lines with Rhett’s family cheering them on the entire time. I loved the way Ashley told Rhett exactly how it was.
This was my first time reading a book written by AJ Ranney and I am so glad I found her as an author. This book roped me in from the very beginning and I finished the book in one sitting. I am excited to see that this book was the first in the Half Moon Lake Series. This makes me hopeful that there will be even more to come!
Favorite Quote: “Given the option, she will forever be my always.”
Available Now!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you, @katieandbreypa and @a.j.ranney for providing me with a complimentary review copy. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review.
*Enjoy leaving the real world, and losing yourself in a steamy romance novel
*Are fond of small town, second chance romances
*Adore best friends to lovers tropes
Meet the Author: AJ Ranney lives in Maryland with her two children, husband and her forever growing “zoo”. She enjoys leaving the chaos of the real world and losing herself in a steamy romance novel. Her love for romance novels prompted her to create relatable happily ever after’s that come from her own dreams and experiences.
Synopsis: This single mom and restaurant owner take you on a journey with their meddling family to their happily ever after. Always yours is a full length, stand alone, second chance, small town romance. When Rhett announces that he will be marrying the woman he believes to be the mother of his child, Bella’s heart sinks. This is it, the moment she loses the one she loves forever to another woman. Rhett can’t understand why Bella is so upset, after all she is the one who walked away all those years ago.
Reader’s Thoughts: I LOVED the story of Rhett and Bella! And baby Brendan, when he said “Rhett”, just made my heart melt. I wanted the three of them to be a family so bad this entire novel. It just felt right! I was standing on the side lines with Rhett’s family cheering them on the entire time. I loved the way Ashley told Rhett exactly how it was.
This was my first time reading a book written by AJ Ranney and I am so glad I found her as an author. This book roped me in from the very beginning and I finished the book in one sitting. I am excited to see that this book was the first in the Half Moon Lake Series. This makes me hopeful that there will be even more to come!
Favorite Quote: “Given the option, she will forever be my always.”
Available Now!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you, @katieandbreypa and @a.j.ranney for providing me with a complimentary review copy. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review.
January 1, 2025
This is NOT an ARC review
This one is the first book in the series so I feel like there were a lot of expectations for it to set up the world.
I think it does an excellent job of introducing us to the Williams family. Including Bella who isn’t actually a Williams, but she might as well be. From the very beginning it seems if it had to be Bella and her son, or Rhett…the whole family would choose Bella.
There is so much that happened in the past to cause the strained relationship between Bella and Rhett. It takes a lot of the book to really understand all of it because we get little flashbacks but they are very spread out. Once you see the whole picture though you just want to bag their heads together until they both get their 💩 together.
I was not a fan of Rhett in the beginning and throughout the book he redeemed himself, but it seemed to be a struggle. I think if you are so used to reading the “perfect book boyfriend” who doesn’t exist in real life then this “much more realistic book boyfriend” might make you mad, but I promise he gets there in the end so just don’t give up on him too soon.
Also fair warning if you do not enjoy miscommunication as a trope…this one is full of it. That is my least favorite and again had me wanting to bang their heads together a lot.
I did really enjoy this book despite the frustrations & miscommunication. I don’t think Rhett will be winning top book boyfriend of the series for me, but he was still a pretty amazing character and I loved the relationship he had with Bella and Brendan in the end.
This one is the first book in the series so I feel like there were a lot of expectations for it to set up the world.
I think it does an excellent job of introducing us to the Williams family. Including Bella who isn’t actually a Williams, but she might as well be. From the very beginning it seems if it had to be Bella and her son, or Rhett…the whole family would choose Bella.
There is so much that happened in the past to cause the strained relationship between Bella and Rhett. It takes a lot of the book to really understand all of it because we get little flashbacks but they are very spread out. Once you see the whole picture though you just want to bag their heads together until they both get their 💩 together.
I was not a fan of Rhett in the beginning and throughout the book he redeemed himself, but it seemed to be a struggle. I think if you are so used to reading the “perfect book boyfriend” who doesn’t exist in real life then this “much more realistic book boyfriend” might make you mad, but I promise he gets there in the end so just don’t give up on him too soon.
Also fair warning if you do not enjoy miscommunication as a trope…this one is full of it. That is my least favorite and again had me wanting to bang their heads together a lot.
I did really enjoy this book despite the frustrations & miscommunication. I don’t think Rhett will be winning top book boyfriend of the series for me, but he was still a pretty amazing character and I loved the relationship he had with Bella and Brendan in the end.
August 23, 2022
Bella and Rhett! Oh my goodness I loved these characters and book so much!
Just when Bella and Rhett finally admit to having feelings for each other Bella finds out she is pregnant. Rhett panics not thinking he can love another man’s child and ends their relationship before giving it a real chance.
Heartbroken, Bella has to move forward with her life and becoming a mom. Circumstances cause Bella to move in with Rhett’s parents so even though they are not together they see each other all the time. He is involved in her sons' life and becomes the favorite uncle Rhett.
When Rhett makes an announcement of his own Bella decides it is time for a major life decision. She needs to decide if she can stay in this town or if she needs to move back home for good. With the changes going on in his life and knowing Bella may leave for good Rhett finally realizes this may be his final chance to not lose Bella for good.
Bella has always loved Rhett but now she needs to forgive him and learn how to rebuild her trust with him. Even when working through these challenges the connection and chemistry between them is always there. This book had equal amounts sweet, tender scenes and crazy hot steamy ones. Combine it all and it really was a perfect book.
-Small Town
-Second Chance Romance
-Single Mom
-Best Friends to Lovers
Just when Bella and Rhett finally admit to having feelings for each other Bella finds out she is pregnant. Rhett panics not thinking he can love another man’s child and ends their relationship before giving it a real chance.
Heartbroken, Bella has to move forward with her life and becoming a mom. Circumstances cause Bella to move in with Rhett’s parents so even though they are not together they see each other all the time. He is involved in her sons' life and becomes the favorite uncle Rhett.
When Rhett makes an announcement of his own Bella decides it is time for a major life decision. She needs to decide if she can stay in this town or if she needs to move back home for good. With the changes going on in his life and knowing Bella may leave for good Rhett finally realizes this may be his final chance to not lose Bella for good.
Bella has always loved Rhett but now she needs to forgive him and learn how to rebuild her trust with him. Even when working through these challenges the connection and chemistry between them is always there. This book had equal amounts sweet, tender scenes and crazy hot steamy ones. Combine it all and it really was a perfect book.
-Small Town
-Second Chance Romance
-Single Mom
-Best Friends to Lovers
August 29, 2022
A Little Heat, A Lot of Heart, A Solid Debut Novel
Diving into an author’s debut novel is always a treat. Seeing the first words they ever put on a page, connecting with their characters, escaping into the emotions of the story, it’s special. And A.J. Ranney’s debut novel Always Yours is no exception.
Ranney brings a ton of heart to her characters’ lives and tales. The second chance, friends to lovers, best friend’s brother elements in Always Yours blend seamlessly, weaving Rhett and Bella’s lives and their love together beautifully. Ranney’s characters are realistic, sympathetic, and likable, even when you do what to wrap one (or all) of them in a big hug and tell them you love them, but they need to get their ish together. The conflicts Ranney’s characters face are intense, poignant, and emotional, but lead to a well-deserved and captivating HEA. Plus a little steam and heat along the way.
In addition to telling Bella and Rhett’s story, Ranney has created a charming and intricate family dynamic that sets the tone and stage for a wonderful series. I am looking forward to getting to know all of the Williams siblings better as the series continues.
Diving into an author’s debut novel is always a treat. Seeing the first words they ever put on a page, connecting with their characters, escaping into the emotions of the story, it’s special. And A.J. Ranney’s debut novel Always Yours is no exception.
Ranney brings a ton of heart to her characters’ lives and tales. The second chance, friends to lovers, best friend’s brother elements in Always Yours blend seamlessly, weaving Rhett and Bella’s lives and their love together beautifully. Ranney’s characters are realistic, sympathetic, and likable, even when you do what to wrap one (or all) of them in a big hug and tell them you love them, but they need to get their ish together. The conflicts Ranney’s characters face are intense, poignant, and emotional, but lead to a well-deserved and captivating HEA. Plus a little steam and heat along the way.
In addition to telling Bella and Rhett’s story, Ranney has created a charming and intricate family dynamic that sets the tone and stage for a wonderful series. I am looking forward to getting to know all of the Williams siblings better as the series continues.
August 31, 2022
Always Yours by @a.j.ranney is book one in the Half Moon Lake Series!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Rhett & Bella are prime examples of why communication is such an important part of any relationship. It's something that throughout the years they have severely lacked and why things never worked out in the past. There were times I wanted to reach through my phone and shake them. Yell at them... get it together... tell her you love her... stop running from him... and for the love of god will both of you pull your heads out of your bums... it's real life stuff!
That being said! I also really loved them. Bella strong an independent not only for herself but also her young son Brenden. Rhett, an over thinker, and oh so stubborn most of the time but makes you want to slap him and swoon for him all at once! (But that's men right?! 😂) Once they finally got it together and told eachother how they felt I was jumping for joy and screaming "Finally!!!!!"
It's a small town, best friend's brother, second chance, friends to lovers, single mom romance all piled into one amazing story!!! Congratulations A.J!!!
I loved it & can't wait for the next book!! 💜
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Rhett & Bella are prime examples of why communication is such an important part of any relationship. It's something that throughout the years they have severely lacked and why things never worked out in the past. There were times I wanted to reach through my phone and shake them. Yell at them... get it together... tell her you love her... stop running from him... and for the love of god will both of you pull your heads out of your bums... it's real life stuff!
That being said! I also really loved them. Bella strong an independent not only for herself but also her young son Brenden. Rhett, an over thinker, and oh so stubborn most of the time but makes you want to slap him and swoon for him all at once! (But that's men right?! 😂) Once they finally got it together and told eachother how they felt I was jumping for joy and screaming "Finally!!!!!"
It's a small town, best friend's brother, second chance, friends to lovers, single mom romance all piled into one amazing story!!! Congratulations A.J!!!
I loved it & can't wait for the next book!! 💜
August 31, 2022
"You and Rhett have that special bond." "It's a once in a lifetime type of thing. Cherish it."
Bella and Rhett are childhood friends. They love one another but are too afraid to act on it. It's a case of the right person, the wrong time. When one is available, the other isn't, and vice versa. When they are finally able to get together, something always interferes. They are too blind and always seem to be hurting each other, whether intentionally or not, and never seem to be on the same page.
There were many moments when I was frustrated while reading because of all the miscommunication. Every time something happens, they act first and think later. It explodes before they can talk it out with one another. As frustrated as I was, I believe their thoughts are relatable, and I would most likely act the same way. It's funny, but I think even though I was frustrated more times than I can count, I enjoyed Always Yours because it was able to make me feel. I can't wait to read more from A.J. Ranney.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)
December 15, 2022
Communication and timing are everything and seem so simple and yet Rhett and Bella seriously stumble at every turn!
Friends for a lifetime it seemed until they weren't.
Missed opportunities, Over thinking, words unsaid. Do we believe in second chances? More importantly do they?
Can Rhett pull his head out his ass for longer than 2secs ?
Can Bella stop insecurities and past poor choices standing in her way?
When words fail action is needed...and Oh lordy do we get it.
I love how the story stays within a select few characters and we get to see the depth of the ties that have them so close.
AJ Ranney literally had me praying that these guys could overcome the hurdles and blondes with boobs that stand in their way!
I loved this story from start to finish it had me hooked with the will they wont they back and forth pure sexual tension which these guys exude in spades.
Will it go according to plan or will interruptions be the very thing holding them back ?
The Half Moon Lake series is definitely a must read!
Friends for a lifetime it seemed until they weren't.
Missed opportunities, Over thinking, words unsaid. Do we believe in second chances? More importantly do they?
Can Rhett pull his head out his ass for longer than 2secs ?
Can Bella stop insecurities and past poor choices standing in her way?
When words fail action is needed...and Oh lordy do we get it.
I love how the story stays within a select few characters and we get to see the depth of the ties that have them so close.
AJ Ranney literally had me praying that these guys could overcome the hurdles and blondes with boobs that stand in their way!
I loved this story from start to finish it had me hooked with the will they wont they back and forth pure sexual tension which these guys exude in spades.
Will it go according to plan or will interruptions be the very thing holding them back ?
The Half Moon Lake series is definitely a must read!
August 20, 2022
ARC review - provided by the author - I happily give my honest opinion - Rhett was always there for Bella when they were younger, their families were close and they spent a lot of time together. As Bella got older she started to see Rhett as more than a friend but thought he would only ever see her as another little sister, but he felt the same as her. They were both just too scared to do anything about it which led to so many misunderstandings getting in their way. You just want to shake them and tell them to talk to each other. Rhett blames himself for events that caused a major change in Bella’s life and Bella makes a decision that changes everything between them. I loved the connection Bella had with Rhett’s family. At the beginning I did feel a little like I walked in to the story half way through, but this did make sense as the story progressed. I liked the hints of stories to come and look forward to returning to Half Moon Lake.
August 20, 2022
Rhett and Bella grew up as best friends, their dynamic changing as they got older and realized their feelings for one another. They tried a relationship at one point but misinterpretation and lack of communication ended it. With a love triangle threatening to send Bella out of his life for good, can Rhett get Bella to stay and heal their past hurts?
The spice scenes blew me away—well written and balanced, not overwhelming and flowed well. Real life insecurities and relationship issues—lack of communication, misinterpretation—make the book totally relatable. Overall, good read that captured my attention and interest, had spice, and a happily ever after—hitting all my criteria for the making of a good romance novel!
Small town, second chance romance
Love triangles
TW-domestic abuse, sexual assault
The spice scenes blew me away—well written and balanced, not overwhelming and flowed well. Real life insecurities and relationship issues—lack of communication, misinterpretation—make the book totally relatable. Overall, good read that captured my attention and interest, had spice, and a happily ever after—hitting all my criteria for the making of a good romance novel!
Small town, second chance romance
Love triangles
TW-domestic abuse, sexual assault
August 20, 2022
Loved this single mom/second chance romance. Bella has been raising her son on her own after his father is killed in an accident, but she had the help of her best friend's parents who are like her own. The problem is they are also parents to Rhett - the boy who was her first love and who she's never really gotten over. But Rhett had his chance in the past and blew it, so how can Bella trust her heart to him again, especially with a son who is her first priority.
There was lots of yelling at these two from me. You often wanted to knock their heads together and hope some sense was knocked loose but that's what made it a page turner. And, of course, there's the skanky wanna be girlfriend trying to muck things up left and right!
Funny, angsty and steamy with an HEA! I'd definitely recommend!
There was lots of yelling at these two from me. You often wanted to knock their heads together and hope some sense was knocked loose but that's what made it a page turner. And, of course, there's the skanky wanna be girlfriend trying to muck things up left and right!
Funny, angsty and steamy with an HEA! I'd definitely recommend!
August 28, 2022
My Review 💖💖💖💖💖
Always Yours is the first book in the Halfmoon Lake Series and it’s such a beautiful story of love, loss and becoming the person you wanted to be.
Bella has loved Rhett for as long as she can remember he had been the one constant in her life after the tragedy she had went threw. Yet loving him came at a cost. Raising her son has become priority in her life and along the way her focus of what she wanted changed.
Rhett always saw Bella as more than his sisters best friend, she was his other half and he wanted to make sure that she knew just that. An after the heartbreak he had put her through he knew that he was going to have to put in a lot of work to get her back.
These two are such a beautiful couple and more than an a few times did I find myself say REALLY RHETT! It’s a great small town romance and the secondary characters are so awesome and it had me wondering if we would get more from them in this series.
I loved this book and it definitely needs to be on the TBR for small town romance loves.
Always Yours is the first book in the Halfmoon Lake Series and it’s such a beautiful story of love, loss and becoming the person you wanted to be.
Bella has loved Rhett for as long as she can remember he had been the one constant in her life after the tragedy she had went threw. Yet loving him came at a cost. Raising her son has become priority in her life and along the way her focus of what she wanted changed.
Rhett always saw Bella as more than his sisters best friend, she was his other half and he wanted to make sure that she knew just that. An after the heartbreak he had put her through he knew that he was going to have to put in a lot of work to get her back.
These two are such a beautiful couple and more than an a few times did I find myself say REALLY RHETT! It’s a great small town romance and the secondary characters are so awesome and it had me wondering if we would get more from them in this series.
I loved this book and it definitely needs to be on the TBR for small town romance loves.
August 23, 2022
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔: Small Town Romance, Second Chance Romance, Single Mother
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝑳𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍: 🔥🔥🔥
𝑷𝑶𝑽: Dual
~~~~~~~~~~
I seriously loved this second chance romance. You get small town, long time friends who never found the right time to be together, a single mom & two people who need the other one to help heal. This is such an amazing debut for this author.
Bella and Rhett have always had a strong connection, even when they were kids. But they never really figured out how to get out of the friend zone. I loved following their journey to figuring this out.
I also loved the mom aspect of this book. As a mom of two little ones I can so relate to Bella’s worries & Rhett’s frustration with trying to do anything with a small one around. This side was just so relatable for me.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝑳𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍: 🔥🔥🔥
𝑷𝑶𝑽: Dual
~~~~~~~~~~
I seriously loved this second chance romance. You get small town, long time friends who never found the right time to be together, a single mom & two people who need the other one to help heal. This is such an amazing debut for this author.
Bella and Rhett have always had a strong connection, even when they were kids. But they never really figured out how to get out of the friend zone. I loved following their journey to figuring this out.
I also loved the mom aspect of this book. As a mom of two little ones I can so relate to Bella’s worries & Rhett’s frustration with trying to do anything with a small one around. This side was just so relatable for me.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
August 25, 2022
My trope of late seems to be friends to lovers, so this story really needed to stand out. While it was an easy enough read for me, it didn’t set my world on fire.
It’s all there too. There’s dual POV, mutual pining, second chance romance, and some spice. It’s just not without its missteps. The transitions between past and present weren’t completely smooth and while I understand the need for side storylines, I’m not sure they added much here. I also found the miscommunication between the MCs frustrating rather than building a sense of anticipation about the good (read sexy) times to come.
Overall, it’s a pleasant but not entirely memorable read and 3.5 stars from me.
*** Thank you to the author for allowing me to read a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion ***
It’s all there too. There’s dual POV, mutual pining, second chance romance, and some spice. It’s just not without its missteps. The transitions between past and present weren’t completely smooth and while I understand the need for side storylines, I’m not sure they added much here. I also found the miscommunication between the MCs frustrating rather than building a sense of anticipation about the good (read sexy) times to come.
Overall, it’s a pleasant but not entirely memorable read and 3.5 stars from me.
*** Thank you to the author for allowing me to read a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion ***
August 31, 2022
What happens when small town maybe romance gets a second chance at happiness? A lot! A lot happens! Rhett and Bella have been through their individual tough times, but I couldn’t put this book down once I started. They’re both college graduates, both in their home town, but only one of them is truly single. You never really fully fall out of love with the person you’re destined to be with though. That’s exactly where Rhett is for so much of this book. His communication is exponentially lacking, but so is Bella’s. They both know what they really want. How they get there though is through a lot of trial and error. There’s also the matter of Bella’s son. Will he put a damper on their relationship or not? Will Rhett get out of his own head? Find out everything in Always Yours!
September 13, 2022
“Make sure the past doesn’t control your future.”
What a delightful read from start to finish! From the tender cover (rolled up sleeves? Yes, please!) to the very last page. Forgetting for the time being my years’ long crush on Clark Gable, this Rhett is — dare I say it — equally as enjoyable.
This is a couple that you root for. Despite numerous miscommunications, meddling family, and, on occasion, their own stubbornness.
Told in dual POV, Ranney delivers on some of my favorite tropes including:
-Friends-to-Lovers
-Second Chance Romance
-Small Town
-Single Parent
Readers are also treated to just the right amount of spice.
Thank you to the author and to Katie and Brey PA for a copy of this ARC. These opinions are my own and are being expressed without bias.
What a delightful read from start to finish! From the tender cover (rolled up sleeves? Yes, please!) to the very last page. Forgetting for the time being my years’ long crush on Clark Gable, this Rhett is — dare I say it — equally as enjoyable.
This is a couple that you root for. Despite numerous miscommunications, meddling family, and, on occasion, their own stubbornness.
Told in dual POV, Ranney delivers on some of my favorite tropes including:
-Friends-to-Lovers
-Second Chance Romance
-Small Town
-Single Parent
Readers are also treated to just the right amount of spice.
Thank you to the author and to Katie and Brey PA for a copy of this ARC. These opinions are my own and are being expressed without bias.
August 26, 2022
This was my first book by AJ Ranney, and it had me fanning myself! Bella and Rhett had so much built up tension that it was about to make the pages of the book explode! 🤣 It was obvious from the beginning that these two belonged together, but as usual, communication was a serious issue. Add in that Bella has a son who lost his daddy before he was even born, Rhett's guilt over that, and things just kept piling up that kept them apart for so long. This was a hot, sweet, swoon worthy read that was hard to put down. It had all the spice and everything nice plus a family that reminded me of my own. I can't wait to read the next book.
August 30, 2022
This was an absolutely beautiful debut novel from AJ. It is wonderfully written with the emotions laid out on each page. This book had all the things I love: friends to lovers, check. Second chance, single parent, small town, check, check, check!
The chemistry between Rhett and Bella was there from the very beginning of the story. They each had their own issues to work out. Each had baggage that they were holding onto with a vice grip. Once they were able to overcome those things you could really see the relationship blossom. I really loved the world that AJ created, and can’t wait for more!
The chemistry between Rhett and Bella was there from the very beginning of the story. They each had their own issues to work out. Each had baggage that they were holding onto with a vice grip. Once they were able to overcome those things you could really see the relationship blossom. I really loved the world that AJ created, and can’t wait for more!
September 5, 2022
ARC ebook Review
Always Yours
A Novel Written By A.J. Ranney
Fiction - Romance
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a cute story that is the first book in the author’s Half Moon Lake Series. It is perfect for readers who enjoy a small town romance, best friends to lovers, and second chance at romance plot.
Miscommunication and family meddling keep the two main characters apart - Rhett Buchanan and Bella Buchanan. Can Rhett and Bella find their happily ever after together?
Thank you to Katie and Brey PA and the author, A.J. Ranney for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
“Make sure the past doesn’t control your future.”
Always Yours
A Novel Written By A.J. Ranney
Fiction - Romance
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a cute story that is the first book in the author’s Half Moon Lake Series. It is perfect for readers who enjoy a small town romance, best friends to lovers, and second chance at romance plot.
Miscommunication and family meddling keep the two main characters apart - Rhett Buchanan and Bella Buchanan. Can Rhett and Bella find their happily ever after together?
Thank you to Katie and Brey PA and the author, A.J. Ranney for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
“Make sure the past doesn’t control your future.”
September 21, 2022
People make mistakes in almost everything. You know she/ he is the one, yet you excuse yourself from admitting the truth. Communication is the key to any kind of relationship.
Rhett and Bella knew they were meant for each other but never had the guts to admit it. In a small town like Half moon lake nothing stays hidden. Will they talk their heart out and come together or avoid each other for decades???
Always yours is the first book of the Half moon lake series. I liked the way the author wrote about the story and the growth of characters. There were always connections with plot, characters, town and setting. Wonderfully written with a super sweet plot.
Rhett and Bella knew they were meant for each other but never had the guts to admit it. In a small town like Half moon lake nothing stays hidden. Will they talk their heart out and come together or avoid each other for decades???
Always yours is the first book of the Half moon lake series. I liked the way the author wrote about the story and the growth of characters. There were always connections with plot, characters, town and setting. Wonderfully written with a super sweet plot.
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