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It's Always Been You
All Jerzey wanted was a family of her own. After things didn’t work out with her ex-husband, she took matters into her own hands.
Being a foster mom wasn’t easy, but having her best friend by her side to help makes it a little easier. That is, until the two blur lines and suddenly a friendship isn’t enough.
Being a foster mom wasn’t easy, but having her best friend by her side to help makes it a little easier. That is, until the two blur lines and suddenly a friendship isn’t enough.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2022
199 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Tay Mo'Nae
98 books930 followersTay Mo'Nae is a 27-year-old Urban Romance author who pens about Black Love. She create stories to help her readers escape reality and create a movie in their head. She loves writing about characters that at least one reader can relate too.
With 50 books under her belt, Tay Mo'Nae hopes to gain at least one new reader with every release and have them connect to her characters and story in some way. If she would have to explain her writing she would say she loves "penning complicated characters that find a path to love".
With 50 books under her belt, Tay Mo'Nae hopes to gain at least one new reader with every release and have them connect to her characters and story in some way. If she would have to explain her writing she would say she loves "penning complicated characters that find a path to love".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
May 26, 2023
3.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s Always Been You was the cutest friends to lovers book. Jerzey and O’Shae really thought they were foolin’ somebody. Their feelings for each other was the worse kept “secret” among their friends. Everyone could clearly see the attraction between Jerzey and O’Shae but the two of them. They kept insisting they were “just friends” until they weren’t. Jerzey is dealing with a lot. She’s newly divorced and trying to get past her recent miscarriage. Since it doesn’t look like having a baby naturally is meant to be, Jerzey decides to become a foster parent. Kaiden and Kaydence were sooooooooo adorable. They absolutely stole the book and my heart. While Kaiden and Kaydence gave Jerzey’s life new meaning, this union would not be easy at all. There were definitely some trial and errors but, O’Shae was there every step of the way. I just love how O’Shae stepped up and became the father figure these babies needed with no hesitation. He didn’t have the best example growing up so, O’Shae made sure to show Kaiden and Kaydence, especially Kaiden, what real love looks like from a parent. When he said, “I got you” he meant that. Watching Kaiden open up and finally trust Jerzey warmed my heart and, when he called her mama for the first time, it just about took me out. Cue the waterworks. 🥹🥹🥹 It’s Always Been You was a really sweet and angst free read. You will fall in love with all of the characters. From Jerzey on down to Granny Mae. This was a friends to lovers book done right.
It’s Always Been You was the cutest friends to lovers book. Jerzey and O’Shae really thought they were foolin’ somebody. Their feelings for each other was the worse kept “secret” among their friends. Everyone could clearly see the attraction between Jerzey and O’Shae but the two of them. They kept insisting they were “just friends” until they weren’t. Jerzey is dealing with a lot. She’s newly divorced and trying to get past her recent miscarriage. Since it doesn’t look like having a baby naturally is meant to be, Jerzey decides to become a foster parent. Kaiden and Kaydence were sooooooooo adorable. They absolutely stole the book and my heart. While Kaiden and Kaydence gave Jerzey’s life new meaning, this union would not be easy at all. There were definitely some trial and errors but, O’Shae was there every step of the way. I just love how O’Shae stepped up and became the father figure these babies needed with no hesitation. He didn’t have the best example growing up so, O’Shae made sure to show Kaiden and Kaydence, especially Kaiden, what real love looks like from a parent. When he said, “I got you” he meant that. Watching Kaiden open up and finally trust Jerzey warmed my heart and, when he called her mama for the first time, it just about took me out. Cue the waterworks. 🥹🥹🥹 It’s Always Been You was a really sweet and angst free read. You will fall in love with all of the characters. From Jerzey on down to Granny Mae. This was a friends to lovers book done right.
October 11, 2022
This story gave me all the feels 🥰🥰🥰 Best friends since age 12, O’Shea and Jerzey had a deep bond that went to “Infinity and beyond”! What a beautiful story! Both O’Shea and Jerzy had broken homes growing up. She bounced around from group home to foster home until she found a forever home at age 12 and he was rescued by the love of his grandparents after suffering abuse at the hands of his parents. Going through such traumatic experiences caused these two to rely heavily on each other and become each other’s peace. The has a bond that couldn’t be penetrated.
Jerzey always knew she wanted to be a mother but after a failed marriage and what she felt was a broken womb, she decided to mother two beautifully traumatized babies Kaydence and Kaiden through the foster care system. With the help of her bff O’Shea a new level of love was unlocked both within themselves as well as for each other as they parented these two babies and showered them with the love and affection the so desperately deserved. Y’all know kids in books are a weakness for me and these two stole my heart. At just 8 years old, Kaiden was such a protector when it came to his little sister 😭🥰 I loved the way he cared for her. They experienced so much in their short little lives and had a wall built that was not easily knocked down but baby when Kaiden showed his emotions it was a joy to witness. And Granny Mae!!!! Heaven sent!
This story spoke to me so deeply and Tay definitely tapped into a new level of writing with this story. If I wasn’t counting down the days until I’m an empty nester I’d want to foster some kids after reading this story! I shed a few thug tears! 😭
This was by far the hardest book for me to rate because it was easily, no questions asked a 5 star story! However the editing was non existent and diminished my reading experience. It was as if Tay finished the book at 11:59pm on 10/8 and uploaded it straight to kindle. I mean every single page and every singe paragraph has an error. Misspelled words, missing or wrong punctuation and words used in the incorrect context. She has been promoting book for MONTHS. Invest in your craft. If this is your passion then put your best foot forward. I usually shy away from allowing errors to taint my reviews but when you’re an established author with 20+ books in your catalog I expect more! This was very disappointing! You’ll enjoy the story 100% but you’ve been warned!!
Jerzey always knew she wanted to be a mother but after a failed marriage and what she felt was a broken womb, she decided to mother two beautifully traumatized babies Kaydence and Kaiden through the foster care system. With the help of her bff O’Shea a new level of love was unlocked both within themselves as well as for each other as they parented these two babies and showered them with the love and affection the so desperately deserved. Y’all know kids in books are a weakness for me and these two stole my heart. At just 8 years old, Kaiden was such a protector when it came to his little sister 😭🥰 I loved the way he cared for her. They experienced so much in their short little lives and had a wall built that was not easily knocked down but baby when Kaiden showed his emotions it was a joy to witness. And Granny Mae!!!! Heaven sent!
This story spoke to me so deeply and Tay definitely tapped into a new level of writing with this story. If I wasn’t counting down the days until I’m an empty nester I’d want to foster some kids after reading this story! I shed a few thug tears! 😭
This was by far the hardest book for me to rate because it was easily, no questions asked a 5 star story! However the editing was non existent and diminished my reading experience. It was as if Tay finished the book at 11:59pm on 10/8 and uploaded it straight to kindle. I mean every single page and every singe paragraph has an error. Misspelled words, missing or wrong punctuation and words used in the incorrect context. She has been promoting book for MONTHS. Invest in your craft. If this is your passion then put your best foot forward. I usually shy away from allowing errors to taint my reviews but when you’re an established author with 20+ books in your catalog I expect more! This was very disappointing! You’ll enjoy the story 100% but you’ve been warned!!
October 10, 2022
What A Beautiful Story
This needs to be an audiobook! With Wesleigh & Emmanuel or Jakobi….because some of Tay’s narrators ruin it for me….This story was AMAZING…I think this is now my new favorite Tay story….I loved the genuine connection from these friends to lovers…I’m definitely a sucker for a good story with kids….and the matriarch and her home spun wisdom…all of the gave me a genuine heartfelt story. You know Tay gives us a little mess…but, the fact that she kept it to a minimum for this story was great. I loved how invested in the children Jerzey was from the very beginning and O’Shae didn’t realize how good he would be with them…he recognized himself in Kaiden which spark an immediate interest. He also took time and help the children adjust…This was a really good story.
This needs to be an audiobook! With Wesleigh & Emmanuel or Jakobi….because some of Tay’s narrators ruin it for me….This story was AMAZING…I think this is now my new favorite Tay story….I loved the genuine connection from these friends to lovers…I’m definitely a sucker for a good story with kids….and the matriarch and her home spun wisdom…all of the gave me a genuine heartfelt story. You know Tay gives us a little mess…but, the fact that she kept it to a minimum for this story was great. I loved how invested in the children Jerzey was from the very beginning and O’Shae didn’t realize how good he would be with them…he recognized himself in Kaiden which spark an immediate interest. He also took time and help the children adjust…This was a really good story.
November 14, 2022
I debated on if to rate this a 3 or 5 stars but I had to do a 5 stars b/c it was good but those errors pissed me off so much & I usually overlook errors..I loved this story..her ex deserved that ass whooping & more. This was a beautiful friends to lovers story 🥰
October 12, 2022
warm and fuzzy 🥰
All the feels and I love when a friends to lovers is done right! A journey to happiness but what beautiful story between Jersey and O’Shea!
All the feels and I love when a friends to lovers is done right! A journey to happiness but what beautiful story between Jersey and O’Shea!
October 14, 2022
***This Text May Contain Spoilers***
Before I got into this book, I was warned. Yet, I still wasn’t prepared. I’ll clarify. The story was super cute. The drama was bearable, the love was evident. But am I the only one who thought Payton was really the victim in this story? Don’t get me wrong. Her attitude sucked, her personality could use some work. But, O’shea did her wrong. I would not proceed to date a man who told me that their best friend comes first. Their girl best friend at that. O’shea was at Jerzey’s beck and call while he had a whole girlfriend. Am I the only one who felt some type of way about that? The whole Mario situation was different cause he was trash. I feel like Payton needs a story cause sis was done dirty.
But I loved Jerzey’s heart and the way she love these foster babies were everything in this story. O’shea was so good to her. He protected and loved her and the kiddos so well. But I still felt some type of way about him.
Now, my real issue: The amount of spelling errors, missing words, and punctuation in this story was disgusting. At one point in the story, Jerzey was trying to wake up her son. (Pg 219) “When I stepped inside, I rushed to his bed. He was sleep but seemed to be having a coughing fit. “Kaiden,” I shoot him gently. He groaned and attempted to pull away from me. “Wake up, honey.” I shoot him again.”
SHOOT HIM!?!?
There's a part that kinda threw me off. It was the encounter between the teenagers. Too much details. It was weird.
I feel like this author gave us the first draft of the story. This isn’t a terrible book, but the errors were atrocious. So, read at your own risk.
2 7⭐️
Before I got into this book, I was warned. Yet, I still wasn’t prepared. I’ll clarify. The story was super cute. The drama was bearable, the love was evident. But am I the only one who thought Payton was really the victim in this story? Don’t get me wrong. Her attitude sucked, her personality could use some work. But, O’shea did her wrong. I would not proceed to date a man who told me that their best friend comes first. Their girl best friend at that. O’shea was at Jerzey’s beck and call while he had a whole girlfriend. Am I the only one who felt some type of way about that? The whole Mario situation was different cause he was trash. I feel like Payton needs a story cause sis was done dirty.
But I loved Jerzey’s heart and the way she love these foster babies were everything in this story. O’shea was so good to her. He protected and loved her and the kiddos so well. But I still felt some type of way about him.
Now, my real issue: The amount of spelling errors, missing words, and punctuation in this story was disgusting. At one point in the story, Jerzey was trying to wake up her son. (Pg 219) “When I stepped inside, I rushed to his bed. He was sleep but seemed to be having a coughing fit. “Kaiden,” I shoot him gently. He groaned and attempted to pull away from me. “Wake up, honey.” I shoot him again.”
SHOOT HIM!?!?
There's a part that kinda threw me off. It was the encounter between the teenagers. Too much details. It was weird.
I feel like this author gave us the first draft of the story. This isn’t a terrible book, but the errors were atrocious. So, read at your own risk.
2 7⭐️
October 16, 2022
Jerzey and O'Shea had a beautiful friendship. But, you could tell that there were stronger feelings, right below the surface, ready to come out and play! O'Shea was the ultimate protector of his friend, and would do anything for her. While coming up together, he knew she had the purest heart, but a little too trusting of people. Jerzey was such a sweetheart! Although she was dealt a bad hand in life, she made the best of it, and wanted to create a family of her own. That damn Mario! 😠 Just a old hater for no reason at all! Is O'Shea a better man than you? Yes! Move on sir! The way that he played with Jerzey's feelings on some get back ish, was horrible! I wished big hurt for him! Just trash! Now these babies! Kaiden and Kaydence just stole my heart! Poor things! Whew... the way Kaiden protected his sister! ❤ These kids deserved all the love that Jerzey had to give them. When O'Shea and Jerzey finally gave in to their feelings, it was full speed ahead! They were just adorable together, and I could feel the love they shared! Great read! 👍👍👍
February 12, 2023
⭐️⭐️
Meh.
I think I’m in the unpopular opinion group on this one. But something was missing- grammar and spelling errors aside, something was not clicking for me. The Mario storyline was too “soap opera” for me. And in regards to Payton, O’Shea was in the wrong.
What he and Jerzey were portraying to everyone was wrong, considering there was a part of their relationship that had a secret component. I understood they were trying to preserve the friendship, but come on- that we’re “just friends” act was a lie. So that was trash and it felt like they were gaslighting everyone else, specifically Payton. And while the author wanted her to come off crazy, I think his lies led to her behaving that way. Any time Payton said anything about them, I was in full agreement. Again- this all made the couple unappealing to me.
Less so in the Mario situation- but that was so over the top to me.
Either way- I loved the foster aspect. But it was all too soap opera and even then something was off.
This one wasn’t for me.
Meh.
I think I’m in the unpopular opinion group on this one. But something was missing- grammar and spelling errors aside, something was not clicking for me. The Mario storyline was too “soap opera” for me. And in regards to Payton, O’Shea was in the wrong.
What he and Jerzey were portraying to everyone was wrong, considering there was a part of their relationship that had a secret component. I understood they were trying to preserve the friendship, but come on- that we’re “just friends” act was a lie. So that was trash and it felt like they were gaslighting everyone else, specifically Payton. And while the author wanted her to come off crazy, I think his lies led to her behaving that way. Any time Payton said anything about them, I was in full agreement. Again- this all made the couple unappealing to me.
Less so in the Mario situation- but that was so over the top to me.
Either way- I loved the foster aspect. But it was all too soap opera and even then something was off.
This one wasn’t for me.
October 9, 2022
“I got you. Whatever fears you got, pour that shit into me and let me carry them. You’re never alone with me with you.” - O’Shea
It’s Always Been You is a phenomenal friends to lovers story. It’s raw, intense, and a painfully beautiful love story. The main characters, Jerzey and O’Shea, have been in each other’s life since they were young teens. O’Shea has always been protective of Jerzey and everyone can see that there is more to the friendship.. but them. Tay Monae literally wrote a masterpiece! There, I said it. There is not a stone left unturned; it is a complete story. She bled the ink out of her pen writing this story and I could not get enough! The character development and growth, the organic relationship formed, and the uncomfortable conversations had within the book was amazing. My heart was literally ripped out of my body, I wanted to give it to Jerzey and the kiddos. Whew, they deserved all the happiness!
O’Shea is literally perfection. He is the standard as to what a best friend and lover should be. When he said, “You’re never gonna win when it comes to me having your back Jerzey. I don’t play about you, never have. The sooner you learn to the accept that, the less fussing you’ll have to do.” I almost threw my kindle!! He is a whole man! I loved that O’Shea had his own battles that he overcame and his past shaped him to be the caring and protective person that he was. I loved how gentle he was with Jerzey and the children. He took on the father figure role with no hesitation. It was always Jerzey for him!! Jerzey is my favorite, I wanted to give her the biggest hug! She deserved true love and the family she always craved. I loved that Tay Monae showed us the vulnerable side of Jerzey, but she did so in a way that didn’t make Jerzey seem like some damsel in distress. She really held her own, especially when it came to her ex-husband.
While there were a ton of parts that tore me to shreds throughout the story, my absolute favorite part was Jerzey becoming a foster parent to Kaiden (10 y/o) and Kaydence (4 y/o). Listen, I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where a character was a foster parent. I loved that!! Those scenes with the children were intense; I felt their pain, fear, and unwavering protectiveness of each other. Jerzey and O’Shea provided all the love that the children needed. I just could not get enough of it. Talk about character’s growth? She literally wrote the heck out of Kaiden and Kaydence’s character. When they started calling Jerzey mom, I almost lost it. It was beautiful.
There is nothing that I would change about this book, everything happened in the manner that it was supposed to. Jerzey and O’Shea didn’t rush their love but when they came to the realization that it was supposed to be them together-my heart fluttered. The whole last 80% of the book had me in tears. This is a book that everyone should read. It was quite the journey and worth every page swiped!! Fantastic job on this book!!!
My absolute favorite quote was, “Because they weren’t you. More importantly I never bothered to form anything like we have. You’re my best friend Jerzey. You know the good and bad when it comes to me. There’s nothing I can hide from you or want to. I never felt like that with anyone else I’ve been with. All this aimless dating had been pointless being that my best friend was the perfect match for me the whole time.” - O’Shea knew Jerzey was his forever lover!
It’s Always Been You is a phenomenal friends to lovers story. It’s raw, intense, and a painfully beautiful love story. The main characters, Jerzey and O’Shea, have been in each other’s life since they were young teens. O’Shea has always been protective of Jerzey and everyone can see that there is more to the friendship.. but them. Tay Monae literally wrote a masterpiece! There, I said it. There is not a stone left unturned; it is a complete story. She bled the ink out of her pen writing this story and I could not get enough! The character development and growth, the organic relationship formed, and the uncomfortable conversations had within the book was amazing. My heart was literally ripped out of my body, I wanted to give it to Jerzey and the kiddos. Whew, they deserved all the happiness!
O’Shea is literally perfection. He is the standard as to what a best friend and lover should be. When he said, “You’re never gonna win when it comes to me having your back Jerzey. I don’t play about you, never have. The sooner you learn to the accept that, the less fussing you’ll have to do.” I almost threw my kindle!! He is a whole man! I loved that O’Shea had his own battles that he overcame and his past shaped him to be the caring and protective person that he was. I loved how gentle he was with Jerzey and the children. He took on the father figure role with no hesitation. It was always Jerzey for him!! Jerzey is my favorite, I wanted to give her the biggest hug! She deserved true love and the family she always craved. I loved that Tay Monae showed us the vulnerable side of Jerzey, but she did so in a way that didn’t make Jerzey seem like some damsel in distress. She really held her own, especially when it came to her ex-husband.
While there were a ton of parts that tore me to shreds throughout the story, my absolute favorite part was Jerzey becoming a foster parent to Kaiden (10 y/o) and Kaydence (4 y/o). Listen, I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where a character was a foster parent. I loved that!! Those scenes with the children were intense; I felt their pain, fear, and unwavering protectiveness of each other. Jerzey and O’Shea provided all the love that the children needed. I just could not get enough of it. Talk about character’s growth? She literally wrote the heck out of Kaiden and Kaydence’s character. When they started calling Jerzey mom, I almost lost it. It was beautiful.
There is nothing that I would change about this book, everything happened in the manner that it was supposed to. Jerzey and O’Shea didn’t rush their love but when they came to the realization that it was supposed to be them together-my heart fluttered. The whole last 80% of the book had me in tears. This is a book that everyone should read. It was quite the journey and worth every page swiped!! Fantastic job on this book!!!
My absolute favorite quote was, “Because they weren’t you. More importantly I never bothered to form anything like we have. You’re my best friend Jerzey. You know the good and bad when it comes to me. There’s nothing I can hide from you or want to. I never felt like that with anyone else I’ve been with. All this aimless dating had been pointless being that my best friend was the perfect match for me the whole time.” - O’Shea knew Jerzey was his forever lover!
June 22, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
tay monae never disappoints when it comes to a good romance! love me some jerzey and o’shae fr ❤️🩹
tay monae never disappoints when it comes to a good romance! love me some jerzey and o’shae fr ❤️🩹
November 5, 2022
heart warming
Friends to lovers has to be done a certain way for me to really love it so i didn’t care much for that part, but the way O’Shea treated Jersey was big “hurt her and I’ll break your face” energy. Jersey having to go through so much to have a family was heart aching but the way everything turned out was sweet. It was giving real hallmark mahogany vibes.
Friends to lovers has to be done a certain way for me to really love it so i didn’t care much for that part, but the way O’Shea treated Jersey was big “hurt her and I’ll break your face” energy. Jersey having to go through so much to have a family was heart aching but the way everything turned out was sweet. It was giving real hallmark mahogany vibes.
February 15, 2024
The audiobook is fantastic
January 22, 2025
A sweet friends to lovers story with blended family.
October 9, 2022
Happily ever after isn't always easily attained, in real life and in the fictitious world. Jerzey and O'Shae have been best friends since they were kids and have wanted nothing but the best for each other. But what if, the thing they both so desperately need, is staring them right in the face, they just have been too foolish to see it? "We wasted so much time trying to make it work with other people when in reality we should have been looking at each other." Their love story is one that is filled with an abundance of emotions, but the endgame is still the same, happily ever after.
Jerzey is a veterinarian that gives readers girl next door vibes. She's carefree and focusing on her lifelong goal, creating a family. "Even with the kind of childhood she had, Jerzey never let it harden her. She was a kind spirit, big hearted, slightly naive, and caring." Fresh out of a divorce, she decides the best way to get the family she's always longed for is to become a foster mom. Being a foster child herself, she thinks she's equipped to handle everything her foster kids, Kaydence and Kaiden, throw her. She quickly realizes that she was terribly wrong, and just as much as the kids need a father figure like O'Shae, she needs him as well. "You're never gonna win when it comes to me having your back Jerzey. I don't play about you, never have. The sooner you learn to accept that, the less fussing you'll have to do."
O'Shae was brash and closed off to the world, his best friend, Jerzey, and Granny Mae being his only soft spots. Everyone can see the connection between him and Jerzey, even his girlfriend Payton. With him trying to help Jerzey with her new little family, he causes discord in his relationship, making his already complicated relationship more complicated. "I can't help it; I always feel you prefer to be around her over me." Falling into a groove with Jerzey, Kaiden and Kaydence feels right to him, and it gives him plenty of things to think about. "It was wrong, I shouldn't even be thinking of Jerzey in that light. She was my best friend, had been that way for 15 years, yet lately I'd been seeing something different in her."
Typically, the friends to lovers trope isn't my thing. I loathe when the main characters are in relationships with other people, dragging them through the motions, only to end up with their best friend. I'm happy to say, that wasn't the case in this book. O'Shae was technically the only one in a relationship and Tay made Payton's character so terrible, I was happy when she finally got her walking papers. Tay Mo'nae has been skillfully sharpening her pen, unofficially making herself a romance maestro. This book embodied the five basic elements of a love story (a sympathetic heroine, a strong hero, emotional tension, a believable plot and a happily ever after), paired with some past trauma and a splash of drama. It was a heartwarming read that had several scenes that made me oooh and ahh. I felt she gave a traditional trope a unique spin, making me fall in love with it. This book did touch on some very sensitive subjects that may be triggering for some, but it does not take away from the storyline. When it releases on October 9th, I highly recommend romance readers to tap in.
Jerzey is a veterinarian that gives readers girl next door vibes. She's carefree and focusing on her lifelong goal, creating a family. "Even with the kind of childhood she had, Jerzey never let it harden her. She was a kind spirit, big hearted, slightly naive, and caring." Fresh out of a divorce, she decides the best way to get the family she's always longed for is to become a foster mom. Being a foster child herself, she thinks she's equipped to handle everything her foster kids, Kaydence and Kaiden, throw her. She quickly realizes that she was terribly wrong, and just as much as the kids need a father figure like O'Shae, she needs him as well. "You're never gonna win when it comes to me having your back Jerzey. I don't play about you, never have. The sooner you learn to accept that, the less fussing you'll have to do."
O'Shae was brash and closed off to the world, his best friend, Jerzey, and Granny Mae being his only soft spots. Everyone can see the connection between him and Jerzey, even his girlfriend Payton. With him trying to help Jerzey with her new little family, he causes discord in his relationship, making his already complicated relationship more complicated. "I can't help it; I always feel you prefer to be around her over me." Falling into a groove with Jerzey, Kaiden and Kaydence feels right to him, and it gives him plenty of things to think about. "It was wrong, I shouldn't even be thinking of Jerzey in that light. She was my best friend, had been that way for 15 years, yet lately I'd been seeing something different in her."
Typically, the friends to lovers trope isn't my thing. I loathe when the main characters are in relationships with other people, dragging them through the motions, only to end up with their best friend. I'm happy to say, that wasn't the case in this book. O'Shae was technically the only one in a relationship and Tay made Payton's character so terrible, I was happy when she finally got her walking papers. Tay Mo'nae has been skillfully sharpening her pen, unofficially making herself a romance maestro. This book embodied the five basic elements of a love story (a sympathetic heroine, a strong hero, emotional tension, a believable plot and a happily ever after), paired with some past trauma and a splash of drama. It was a heartwarming read that had several scenes that made me oooh and ahh. I felt she gave a traditional trope a unique spin, making me fall in love with it. This book did touch on some very sensitive subjects that may be triggering for some, but it does not take away from the storyline. When it releases on October 9th, I highly recommend romance readers to tap in.
October 16, 2022
Good story, needs editing
This author writes good stories but there's no improvement in her writing. She consistently puts out books that aren't edited for grammar. There are wrong words, words used in the wrong context, poor sentence structure, etc. It's frustrating to read because I like the stories but the book is difficult to get through with so many mistakes. I don't expect perfection but this is like, every other page. I don't understand why she doesn't want to put out her best work because she has great stories to tell. It's the lack of effort though. I'm going to reserve her books for when I'm in a book drought, if I continue reading them at all.
This author writes good stories but there's no improvement in her writing. She consistently puts out books that aren't edited for grammar. There are wrong words, words used in the wrong context, poor sentence structure, etc. It's frustrating to read because I like the stories but the book is difficult to get through with so many mistakes. I don't expect perfection but this is like, every other page. I don't understand why she doesn't want to put out her best work because she has great stories to tell. It's the lack of effort though. I'm going to reserve her books for when I'm in a book drought, if I continue reading them at all.
October 12, 2022
I Think I am In love
You all the world needs men like O'Shea. I loved that man to pieces. He was not about to let anyone speak or act crazy about his best friend, Jerzey. Jerzey's heart and compassion were enough to fill the oceans around the world. And to think she married a jealous loser. I was so happy Jerzey could share her vast heart with Kaydence and Kaiden; the kids deserved her kindness and all the trappings. I adored this story.
Additional Note: I changed my rating to reflect the content issues. 3.0 star rating.
You all the world needs men like O'Shea. I loved that man to pieces. He was not about to let anyone speak or act crazy about his best friend, Jerzey. Jerzey's heart and compassion were enough to fill the oceans around the world. And to think she married a jealous loser. I was so happy Jerzey could share her vast heart with Kaydence and Kaiden; the kids deserved her kindness and all the trappings. I adored this story.
Additional Note: I changed my rating to reflect the content issues. 3.0 star rating.
October 14, 2022
What Happened?
This is the 11th book I have read by Tay Mo'Nae and the each of the previous books were EXCELLENT! The premise of "It's Always Been You" was also excellent. The issue with this book is literally the hundreds of grammatical errors! It's like someone else wrote this book and put Tay Mo'Nae's name on it! It took so much away from the story that I can only rate it three stars.
This is the 11th book I have read by Tay Mo'Nae and the each of the previous books were EXCELLENT! The premise of "It's Always Been You" was also excellent. The issue with this book is literally the hundreds of grammatical errors! It's like someone else wrote this book and put Tay Mo'Nae's name on it! It took so much away from the story that I can only rate it three stars.
January 23, 2023
Review
This is another great story. You are my favorite author. I love all of your books. I love romance books. I'm going to keep reading more of your work.
This is another great story. You are my favorite author. I love all of your books. I love romance books. I'm going to keep reading more of your work.
February 24, 2023
The kids I’m this book had me in tears. Kaiden was so protective over his sister 🥰🥰
May 20, 2025
3.5⭐️
I loved the found family aspect of this book, but I hated how Jersey let her ex treat her and what she let him get away with. So...
I loved the found family aspect of this book, but I hated how Jersey let her ex treat her and what she let him get away with. So...
October 16, 2022
Great Read
I really enjoyed this book. Friends to lovers is my favorite trope. I wanted to give it a 5-star rating but there were so many grammatical errors. 🥹
I really enjoyed this book. Friends to lovers is my favorite trope. I wanted to give it a 5-star rating but there were so many grammatical errors. 🥹
December 2, 2022
I’m convinced I received the wrong version of this book. The version I read was not ready for publication or release. What I read had copious amounts of spelling errors, grammatical errors, misplaced words, incorrect words, incorrect punctuation, no punctuation, and fragmented sentences.
This story needed heavy proofreading and editing.
The story is there but It got lost in the grammatical errors.
Insert heavy sigh, this was my first read from this author.
This story needed heavy proofreading and editing.
The story is there but It got lost in the grammatical errors.
Insert heavy sigh, this was my first read from this author.
October 9, 2022
Sip Approved✅
Let’s Set the Mood Right Quick:
It’s Always Been You by Tay Mo’Nae
Drink: Best Friend
Music: I’ve Been Thinking About You by Mariah Carey
O’Shea Jacobs: If, “I got you,” was a person it would be O’Shea. O was truly that man. When he was for you, he was completely for you.
Jerzey Mathews: If, “heart of gold,” was a person it would be Jerzey. She was truly such a kind and loving individual.
Tay Mo’Nae came out swing with this one. This story was heartwarming and beautiful. Friends to lovers at its best. Friends to lovers is one of these sisters’ favorite tropes and this story shows why. O’Shea and Jerzey had such a beautiful friendship that it was effortless to watch them morph their relationship into something more. They were the perfect definition of finding your other piece to a puzzle. But this story was so much more than just friends finally taking that leap. This one was also about a woman with a vast amount of love to give giving it to two siblings who needed love and acceptance like they needed their next breath. Jerzey is everything a foster parent should be and going through these trials with her took us on a ride that we weren’t ready for. The highs and lows of this story were so real and believable that you wept with Jerzey and cheered these kids on. This story didn’t just tug on our heart string it yanked on them lol. Tay Mo’Nae never does things the way you expect, and this story isn’t any different. She had us on the edge of our seats rooting for Jerzey and the small family she was building. This story truly isn’t to be missed. We highly recommend.
Recipe can be found on Google by Difford’s Guide
Let’s Set the Mood Right Quick:
It’s Always Been You by Tay Mo’Nae
Drink: Best Friend
Music: I’ve Been Thinking About You by Mariah Carey
O’Shea Jacobs: If, “I got you,” was a person it would be O’Shea. O was truly that man. When he was for you, he was completely for you.
Jerzey Mathews: If, “heart of gold,” was a person it would be Jerzey. She was truly such a kind and loving individual.
Tay Mo’Nae came out swing with this one. This story was heartwarming and beautiful. Friends to lovers at its best. Friends to lovers is one of these sisters’ favorite tropes and this story shows why. O’Shea and Jerzey had such a beautiful friendship that it was effortless to watch them morph their relationship into something more. They were the perfect definition of finding your other piece to a puzzle. But this story was so much more than just friends finally taking that leap. This one was also about a woman with a vast amount of love to give giving it to two siblings who needed love and acceptance like they needed their next breath. Jerzey is everything a foster parent should be and going through these trials with her took us on a ride that we weren’t ready for. The highs and lows of this story were so real and believable that you wept with Jerzey and cheered these kids on. This story didn’t just tug on our heart string it yanked on them lol. Tay Mo’Nae never does things the way you expect, and this story isn’t any different. She had us on the edge of our seats rooting for Jerzey and the small family she was building. This story truly isn’t to be missed. We highly recommend.
Recipe can be found on Google by Difford’s Guide
October 9, 2022
It’s Always Been You by Tay Mo’Nae is about veterinarian Jerzey Matthews and mechanic O’Shae Jacobs. Jerzey and O’Shae are best friends since childhood, so of course he’s there for her as she deals with the aftermath of her divorce. As she tries to navigate being a new mom to foster children Kaiden and Kaydence. This is a difficult new role because the children have had traumatic experiences in previous foster homes. The foster parent storyline was my favourite part of the story, it’s not often we see it used in a romance. This is a sweet story,
as the title goes it’s always been them for them.
The quick change in their relationship wasn’t surprising everyone was waiting for it. Jerzey went through a lot of heartache and pain when her true love was in front of her the whole time! I don’t know why O’Shae was playing, he was out here wasting women’s time. I understand why Payton was so upset but she was taking it out on the wrong person. Jerzey didn’t overstep boundaries, O’Shae didn’t have any with her!! Jerzey and O’Shae’s love is unconditional and destined. If you’re a fan of the friends to lovers trope this one is for you.
Cw~ mentions miscarriages, mentions child abuse
ARC REVIEW - I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
as the title goes it’s always been them for them.
The quick change in their relationship wasn’t surprising everyone was waiting for it. Jerzey went through a lot of heartache and pain when her true love was in front of her the whole time! I don’t know why O’Shae was playing, he was out here wasting women’s time. I understand why Payton was so upset but she was taking it out on the wrong person. Jerzey didn’t overstep boundaries, O’Shae didn’t have any with her!! Jerzey and O’Shae’s love is unconditional and destined. If you’re a fan of the friends to lovers trope this one is for you.
Cw~ mentions miscarriages, mentions child abuse
ARC REVIEW - I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2022
Beautiful Story!
What a wonderful story! O'Shae and Jerzey's friendship was so beautiful and was such an anchor for both of them. I hated to hear how both of them had such a rough early childhood, but they were still caring adults and just the right parents for Kaiden and Kaydence. My heart bled for those babies and what they had been through, I'm so glad Jerzey and O'Shae and Granny Mae were able to love on them and build them up. Mario deserved way worse than O'Shae gave him. He's the definition of trash. Jerzey and O'Shae were sooooo good together when they finally gave in to the obvious! And thank you for that glimpse of my all-time faves, Samara and Zavion.☺️ This was a great story! Excellent writing as usual! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
What a wonderful story! O'Shae and Jerzey's friendship was so beautiful and was such an anchor for both of them. I hated to hear how both of them had such a rough early childhood, but they were still caring adults and just the right parents for Kaiden and Kaydence. My heart bled for those babies and what they had been through, I'm so glad Jerzey and O'Shae and Granny Mae were able to love on them and build them up. Mario deserved way worse than O'Shae gave him. He's the definition of trash. Jerzey and O'Shae were sooooo good together when they finally gave in to the obvious! And thank you for that glimpse of my all-time faves, Samara and Zavion.☺️ This was a great story! Excellent writing as usual! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
May 27, 2025
I just love a HEA and this one was very touching with the babies involved. As for Jersey’s ex-husband…I wish her BFF would’ve whooped his ass a little more and I didn’t like how the ex got away with what he did to Jersey.
January 17, 2026
Jerzey & O’Shea! My oh my. this book had me smiling and crying. it was such a beautiful story. Tay does it every timeeeee
October 24, 2022
another one
She never disappoints! I can count on her when I have readers block to help me get out of it! This was one of my fave tropes friends to lovers. And baby he did not play when it came to her!
She never disappoints! I can count on her when I have readers block to help me get out of it! This was one of my fave tropes friends to lovers. And baby he did not play when it came to her!
October 14, 2022
Good story but took away star for grammatical errors.
March 26, 2023
Jerzey. God bless that women heart. She was a sweet woman like frfr. All she wanted was a family to call her own. She became a dope ass foster mom. O'shae. The way he cared for Jerzey is what made me love him. Him & Jerzey was sooo cute. He was always there for her. They had a rough upbringing but they was each other safe place. I was getting frustrated with O'shae because it was taking him so long to get rid of his ex. Payton was just annoying asf. Mario wasn't shit. The way he did Jerzey was grimy asf. I felt he needed more than a ass whooping cause what he did was unredeemable.
Kaiden & Kadence was too cute. My heart went out to them kids. Never understand how people have kids & mistreat them. Kaiden was so guarded but I get why he was that way. He was so overprotected over his little sister. He was too young to be dealing with grown people problems. Kids are suppose to be kids period. I loved Granny Mae. I felt like that was my grandma. Her character hit home for me. I was super happy Jerzey & O'shae got their HEA.
Kaiden & Kadence was too cute. My heart went out to them kids. Never understand how people have kids & mistreat them. Kaiden was so guarded but I get why he was that way. He was so overprotected over his little sister. He was too young to be dealing with grown people problems. Kids are suppose to be kids period. I loved Granny Mae. I felt like that was my grandma. Her character hit home for me. I was super happy Jerzey & O'shae got their HEA.
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