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Always Been You
8 years of love
6 years apart
1 chance to fall all over again
Mia
I thought I was over him. I was wrong.
The moment his green eyes met mine the years faded away and I was in high school again. Blinded by love, youthfully optimistic, and about to have my heart shattered.
His perfectly sculpted, tattoo covered body maybe heaven sent, but he’s no angel. He destroyed that image a long time ago.
Every nerve ending in my body craves his touch, but I refuse to give him a second chance.
I won’t be fooled again.
Damon
I broke her heart and destroyed myself in the process. Hurting her was the only way I knew how to save her from me. I didn’t know she’d run from her entire future.
But now she’s back and all I can think about his how her curves feel under my hands, the way her hair sways as she walks, and the sounds she makes when I love her to completion.
She may not be ready to forgive me, but I’ll do whatever it takes to make her mine again.
Even if I have to break a few rules to do it.
Always Been You is a sizzling second chance romance that you’ll fall in love with. With a BBW heroine and former military hero you will root for. Ideal for fans of Kate Hunt and Jillian Dodd.
Happily Ever After Guaranteed!
Spice level (insert here)
Get it now!
6 years apart
1 chance to fall all over again
Mia
I thought I was over him. I was wrong.
The moment his green eyes met mine the years faded away and I was in high school again. Blinded by love, youthfully optimistic, and about to have my heart shattered.
His perfectly sculpted, tattoo covered body maybe heaven sent, but he’s no angel. He destroyed that image a long time ago.
Every nerve ending in my body craves his touch, but I refuse to give him a second chance.
I won’t be fooled again.
Damon
I broke her heart and destroyed myself in the process. Hurting her was the only way I knew how to save her from me. I didn’t know she’d run from her entire future.
But now she’s back and all I can think about his how her curves feel under my hands, the way her hair sways as she walks, and the sounds she makes when I love her to completion.
She may not be ready to forgive me, but I’ll do whatever it takes to make her mine again.
Even if I have to break a few rules to do it.
Always Been You is a sizzling second chance romance that you’ll fall in love with. With a BBW heroine and former military hero you will root for. Ideal for fans of Kate Hunt and Jillian Dodd.
Happily Ever After Guaranteed!
Spice level (insert here)
Get it now!
- GenresRomanceSecond Chance
ebook
First published December 16, 2022
28 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Waterhouse
7 books69 followersNicole Waterhouse is a mama to two littles, a wife, taco lover, crime documentary, bravo fan and caffeine addict.
Living in Southern Maine, Nicole loves spending all her free time with her family.
Being an romance reader enthusiast, with her favorite tropes being YA, Mafia, reverse harem, second chance love, age gap, and more.
Nicole loves when the heroine is curvy and plus size as those heroines need their light to shine as well.
Living in Southern Maine, Nicole loves spending all her free time with her family.
Being an romance reader enthusiast, with her favorite tropes being YA, Mafia, reverse harem, second chance love, age gap, and more.
Nicole loves when the heroine is curvy and plus size as those heroines need their light to shine as well.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 30, 2022
This book is so good!!!!! It's a quick read sweet and 🔥🔥🔥 I love Damon and Mia!!! Small Town romance and curvy FMC!!! %100 recommend this!!!
December 28, 2022
I love a good second chance story and if anyone is deserving of a second chance, it is Damon King. I was so blown away by his perseverance to make Mia his once again.
I loved getting the flashbacks to their younger selves. It helped to understand their bond and that they truly belong together.
The spice is excellent 👌 Damon King is elite 🥵🥵
I love that Mia's family already loved Damon so much and knew that other POS was no good for her!
This is definitely a fantastic quick read of second chances in a small town.
I loved getting the flashbacks to their younger selves. It helped to understand their bond and that they truly belong together.
The spice is excellent 👌 Damon King is elite 🥵🥵
I love that Mia's family already loved Damon so much and knew that other POS was no good for her!
This is definitely a fantastic quick read of second chances in a small town.
December 21, 2022
The second chance story is something I'm a sucker for. People make mistakes and it shows their humanity when we see a story like this. The banter was on point and felt natural to me, and the smut, ohhhh boy the smut. This was a pleasure to read.
December 3, 2022
Loved Mia and Damon!!
January 7, 2023
Gosh where do I start! That small town love story was perfect. Damon King is every girls wet dream! I love the story line it kept you wanting more!! I loved there love story. Damon and Mia have a special place in my heart ❤️
December 22, 2022
This is my first time reading this author and wow I absolutely loved this story and read it and finished it the same day.
Theis story is about second chances and lost love finally coming together. Mia the FMC who is a boss b!tch and doesn't take anything from anymore and Damon her first love and next door neighbour's who as first didn't seem like he deserved a second chance but he wormed his way in and fought for that chance. Mia goes home to help with her father's company as he is ill and doesn't trust Mia's brothers to run it!! Once back she runs into Damon the boy who broke her heart and is now working at her father company.
This story has lots of angst and deep love and some communication from the both of them. Damon really stepped up to help not only Mia but her family as well. If you are looking for a feel good story about second chances and lost love and some good old spice this is the book for you
Theis story is about second chances and lost love finally coming together. Mia the FMC who is a boss b!tch and doesn't take anything from anymore and Damon her first love and next door neighbour's who as first didn't seem like he deserved a second chance but he wormed his way in and fought for that chance. Mia goes home to help with her father's company as he is ill and doesn't trust Mia's brothers to run it!! Once back she runs into Damon the boy who broke her heart and is now working at her father company.
This story has lots of angst and deep love and some communication from the both of them. Damon really stepped up to help not only Mia but her family as well. If you are looking for a feel good story about second chances and lost love and some good old spice this is the book for you
March 15, 2025
My first read by this author. Solid four. I enjoyed the mcs and loved the tropes. It was sweet and a fast read.
December 12, 2022
I enjoyed this book. I liked that they had their second chance and that her brothers helped to bring them back together.
December 22, 2022
Couldn't put it down!
I seriously was hooked only a few pages in. Adorable story! It certainly takes you back to young love. I can't wait for more by Nicole!
I seriously was hooked only a few pages in. Adorable story! It certainly takes you back to young love. I can't wait for more by Nicole!
December 14, 2022
(ARC REVIEW)
This book had angst, laughter, and smiles. These two, Mia and Damon, had a bond that was broken. You could feel the angst in this book. If I could have reached through the book and yelled at Damon I would have. I get his reasons but it was still difficult for me as a reader to forgive. Although this man never forgot her. Mia is one of those characters that you just instantly fall in love with. The relationship with her family warmed my heart. The banter between the siblings is what made me laugh. It was a journey to get back to each other and it was the journey I loved reading. This is my first book by Nicole and this won't be my last. This is a standalone.
This book had angst, laughter, and smiles. These two, Mia and Damon, had a bond that was broken. You could feel the angst in this book. If I could have reached through the book and yelled at Damon I would have. I get his reasons but it was still difficult for me as a reader to forgive. Although this man never forgot her. Mia is one of those characters that you just instantly fall in love with. The relationship with her family warmed my heart. The banter between the siblings is what made me laugh. It was a journey to get back to each other and it was the journey I loved reading. This is my first book by Nicole and this won't be my last. This is a standalone.
December 18, 2022
Got this book as a ARC. This book was amazing. This book has the perfect amount of sweetness and smut.. and oh boy the smut was on point!! Don’t let the sweetness of this book fool you into thinking it’s light smut.. lol 😂
February 8, 2023
Who doesn’t love a small town, second chance romance, this was such a cute story that was worth the read, i really did enjoy the characters and their journey throughout. Damon King the MMC really made me swoon! ❤️
The only thing is I just wish the book was longer and more detailed, I would of loved to see the MMCs time apart from the MFC a lot more but that’s just me being greedy haha.
I would really like to read more from this author especially if she sticks to small town romances cus I am a real sucker for that 🥰
The only thing is I just wish the book was longer and more detailed, I would of loved to see the MMCs time apart from the MFC a lot more but that’s just me being greedy haha.
I would really like to read more from this author especially if she sticks to small town romances cus I am a real sucker for that 🥰
January 1, 2023
This is Nicole’s second book and although I enjoyed her first book Slammed into Inferno I could definitely see Nicole’s growth in Mia and Damon’s story.
Mia and Damon were childhood sweethearts until one devastating day Damon breaks Mia’s heart and she leaves her hometown and doesn’t return for 6 years. Unfortunately her dad is having some health issues and she returns to help run the family construction company.
Mia’s heart has never really healed and she gets the shock of her life when she attends the morning meeting and comes face to face with Damon, who now works for her family’s company.
Damon has never stopped loving Mia and he is determined he will win her back and explain his actions from six years ago. This is where the story really begins!
This is a lovely second chance romance with lots of spice and some rather emotional moments.
This has a HEA and I am really hoping we get to know Mia’s brothers more.
I also love the fact that Nicole has once again chosen a plus sized FMC.
Mia and Damon were childhood sweethearts until one devastating day Damon breaks Mia’s heart and she leaves her hometown and doesn’t return for 6 years. Unfortunately her dad is having some health issues and she returns to help run the family construction company.
Mia’s heart has never really healed and she gets the shock of her life when she attends the morning meeting and comes face to face with Damon, who now works for her family’s company.
Damon has never stopped loving Mia and he is determined he will win her back and explain his actions from six years ago. This is where the story really begins!
This is a lovely second chance romance with lots of spice and some rather emotional moments.
This has a HEA and I am really hoping we get to know Mia’s brothers more.
I also love the fact that Nicole has once again chosen a plus sized FMC.
January 15, 2023
Second chance love tropes is one of my favorite to read because they tend to be big on romance, and I absolutely love romance. This one did not disappoint. Mia and Damon's love is the forever and always, written in the stars kind of love. I very much enjoyed all the raw and fiery intimate scenes between them. Especially because Mia is not the typical model size barbie doll we are all used to reading about in novels. She is curvy and plus size and that just makes it feel even more real and relatable. The way Damon just desires and craves her is just so fascinating. Author Nicole Waterhouse really hit it out of the park with the passionate relationship between these two. This novel has a little bit of everything, family bonds, heartbreak, drama and a bit of humor. It's short and you can read this in a single sitting. 4.5/5 ⭐️
October 2, 2024
I very much enjoyed this quick read. I liked the characters alot. I won't say any spoilers but there's a part that was super sad & I wish could have been different but it does have it's part in the whole story. Reading the second one now!
November 19, 2023
Sexy Curvy FMC!
This story made me crazy, cry and laugh. The story its a roller coaster of emotions but in a good way. The HEA was so good! Steamy scenes will make you sweat!
This story made me crazy, cry and laugh. The story its a roller coaster of emotions but in a good way. The HEA was so good! Steamy scenes will make you sweat!
December 31, 2022
love Mia and Damon
A beautiful and raw love story with a happy ending. I was so excited for this book and Nicole did not disappoint!
A beautiful and raw love story with a happy ending. I was so excited for this book and Nicole did not disappoint!
November 25, 2023
Talk about tugging at the heartstrings. My heart broke for Mia and I wanted to throat punch Damon for the prologue. Mia is back in town aftet 6 years away, to help her families business with her brothers. Damon shattered her heart and the family neglects to tell her he is very much around town still. The love between them is very much alive still, even after the past events. I was rooting for them from the beginning. Damon was in a tough spot, but damn he went hard at ending things back then. Looking forward to see more of their HEA as her brothers stories are told!
October 12, 2023
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was an okay read for me. I love the small town romance and second chance at love. I like that it gives us a past and present timeline to understand their relationship before Damon broke her heart. I love Damon Kings perseverance of winning Mia back after 6 years. Damon King sounds v 🥵!
This was an okay read for me. I love the small town romance and second chance at love. I like that it gives us a past and present timeline to understand their relationship before Damon broke her heart. I love Damon Kings perseverance of winning Mia back after 6 years. Damon King sounds v 🥵!
May 11, 2023
Always been you is about Mia our beautiful curvy Fmc 😍 and Damon our muscular tattooed Mmc 🥵 Their story is a second chance romance which is one of my favorite tropes. There’s angst and the chemistry is off the charts. Damon is determined to get Mia back no matter what. There’s also flash back scenes that I enjoyed getting to see glimpses of how they began. I loved and enjoyed mia’s family and how they were rooting for them to find their way back together .🥺 Mr.Damon King didn’t come to play. It’s the way that man loves and adores her body and all and the spice 🥵 was top tier. This was a beautifully written second chance romance. I enjoyed the author Nicole’s writing style. She told their story beautifully and showed the pain and healing throughout the book.
〰️Rating〰️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
〰️Tropes〰️
Friends to lovers
Second chance romance
✨Favorite Quotes✨
Damon- “It has always been you. I never stopped loving you. Never. I will not let another six years pass without telling you how much I am in love with you.”
Mia- You are etched into my heart. There is no one else for me, Damon. Only you.”
🎉 I received this book as a giveaway from the author.🎉
〰️Rating〰️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
〰️Tropes〰️
Friends to lovers
Second chance romance
✨Favorite Quotes✨
Damon- “It has always been you. I never stopped loving you. Never. I will not let another six years pass without telling you how much I am in love with you.”
Mia- You are etched into my heart. There is no one else for me, Damon. Only you.”
🎉 I received this book as a giveaway from the author.🎉
August 17, 2023
Always Been You by @author_nicolewaterhouse
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Am I forever in my small town romance era? Sprinkle in that second chance love story + hot angst & sexual tension, you’ve got Damon and Mia 🙌🏻
Always Been You is all of this and more, I couldn’t get enough of this story! My first book from Nicole but certainly not the last- I’m so excited to see what else she has in store 😉
We’ve seen so many epic pairs coming together with the help of their besties or even their parents BUT I had to say, I was taken by surprise to find out Mia’s brothers were actually pulling the puppet strings (IYKYK). This is an absolute must-read! I laughed, I yelled and had a few tears while reading so be ready💕
#alwaysbeenyou #kindlesale #bookstagram #book #bookish #bookrecommendations
#Momswhoreadspicybooks #momswhoreadromance #spicybooks #curvyfmc #alphamale #smalltownromance #secondchanceromance #bigbookenergy
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Am I forever in my small town romance era? Sprinkle in that second chance love story + hot angst & sexual tension, you’ve got Damon and Mia 🙌🏻
Always Been You is all of this and more, I couldn’t get enough of this story! My first book from Nicole but certainly not the last- I’m so excited to see what else she has in store 😉
We’ve seen so many epic pairs coming together with the help of their besties or even their parents BUT I had to say, I was taken by surprise to find out Mia’s brothers were actually pulling the puppet strings (IYKYK). This is an absolute must-read! I laughed, I yelled and had a few tears while reading so be ready💕
#alwaysbeenyou #kindlesale #bookstagram #book #bookish #bookrecommendations
#Momswhoreadspicybooks #momswhoreadromance #spicybooks #curvyfmc #alphamale #smalltownromance #secondchanceromance #bigbookenergy
February 8, 2025
This is a super easy, quick read. You speed through it. Mia and Damon are BEYOND.
I read this travelling in the car with my boyfriend and so much reminded us of us. The way Damon describes Mia like she's the most beautiful girl in the world. The SPICY scenes. Let me tell you, he has a DIRTY mouth. After 6 years apart because of a stupid decision thinking that he was doing the right thing, Mia comes back to town because her dad is poorly. Surprise, surprise, who works for the family business 🤣.
'I will kiss her again even better than the first time. And I’ll keep kissing her until she forgets every other man’s name. Mia is mine. Mia is my home. Mia is my forever.'
#bibliophile #bookblogger #bookinstagrammer #bookrecommendation #love #romance #ARC
I read this travelling in the car with my boyfriend and so much reminded us of us. The way Damon describes Mia like she's the most beautiful girl in the world. The SPICY scenes. Let me tell you, he has a DIRTY mouth. After 6 years apart because of a stupid decision thinking that he was doing the right thing, Mia comes back to town because her dad is poorly. Surprise, surprise, who works for the family business 🤣.
'I will kiss her again even better than the first time. And I’ll keep kissing her until she forgets every other man’s name. Mia is mine. Mia is my home. Mia is my forever.'
#bibliophile #bookblogger #bookinstagrammer #bookrecommendation #love #romance #ARC
May 11, 2023
This book was so sweet and so great. I felt like I knew these characters right from the jump. They were all so relatable and you find yourself loving them immediately! I love the sweetness of a childhood friends to lovers second chance romance! I devoured this book and I have been in a reading slump this entire year essentially! Will definitely be reading more from this author!
April 4, 2023
“Baby, I am not letting you slip through my fingers again. You are mine and I am yours. No one else, baby.”
This book was amazing and such a great story for the second chance love with Damon and Mia. I was hooked from the very beginning. With how it started I knew this book was going to be an emotional ride. Damon and Mia’s love is based on soul mates who never stopped loving on another after their 6 years apart. This book pulls at your emotions so be ready for some laughs, tears, and heartbreak.
This book was amazing and such a great story for the second chance love with Damon and Mia. I was hooked from the very beginning. With how it started I knew this book was going to be an emotional ride. Damon and Mia’s love is based on soul mates who never stopped loving on another after their 6 years apart. This book pulls at your emotions so be ready for some laughs, tears, and heartbreak.
October 8, 2023
cute 🥰
I loved reading this book it’s so sad how parents can treat their kids sometimes. Damon has loved Mia since they were 10 and thought she was his forever till something happens and their forever was cut short
It’s so great to see the other side characters rooting for them.
Another side character needed to get punched in the d!ck but hey 🤣
My first book from Nicole but won’t be my last 🫶🏽
I loved reading this book it’s so sad how parents can treat their kids sometimes. Damon has loved Mia since they were 10 and thought she was his forever till something happens and their forever was cut short
It’s so great to see the other side characters rooting for them.
Another side character needed to get punched in the d!ck but hey 🤣
My first book from Nicole but won’t be my last 🫶🏽
December 15, 2024
DNF at 53%
It was impossible to finish this one. The writing was so bad and I couldn't handle now the author didn't use contractions. Also, halfway in and all the MMC has said was how he’s gonna make the FMC his again.
It was impossible to finish this one. The writing was so bad and I couldn't handle now the author didn't use contractions. Also, halfway in and all the MMC has said was how he’s gonna make the FMC his again.
December 22, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥
“Back to you” is a steamy and emotionally charged romance novel that explores the complexities of love, desire, and the consequences of crossing boundaries. Written by an amazing author, this book takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of passion, heartbreak, and ultimately, redemption.
The characters of Penny and Aiden are well-developed, with their flaws and vulnerabilities adding depth to their personalities. Penny’s internal struggle between her desire for Aiden and her fear of getting hurt is relatable, while Aiden’s determination to prove himself worthy of a second chance showcases his growth and maturity. The chemistry between them is palpable, and readers will find themselves rooting for their love to triumph over the obstacles they face.
The author skillfully weaves together the past and present, creating a narrative that keeps readers engaged and invested in the outcome. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of intense passion interspersed with introspective reflections and emotional revelations. The steamy scenes are tastefully written, adding to the overall sensuality of the story without overshadowing the emotional depth.
While the plot follows a familiar trope of forbidden love, the author manages to infuse it with fresh perspectives and unexpected twists, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The themes of forgiveness, trust, and self-discovery are explored with sensitivity, making the story more than just a tale of lust and desire.
“Back to you” is a captivating and emotionally charged romance novel that will leave readers yearning for more. With its well-drawn characters, sizzling chemistry, and a compelling storyline, this book is a must-read for fans of second chance romances and steamy love affairs.
December 19, 2023
Back To You 📚 Nicole Waterhouse
4.75 ⭐️ 4.5 🌶️
“Yes, this is a relationship as of today. It always comes back to you, Penny. I can’t stop thinking about you, about us and what you mean to me. I want to make this work with you. I have never wanted to make something work before with another person. I am crazy about you.”
Aiden and penny have my heart, I’m a sucker for a second chance, but add in best friends brother and I was sold just by the tropes.
Penny is the girl he can’t get out of his head , she’s gorgeous and has curves for days, but she’s his sisters best friend.
Aiden is the guy everyone wants, hot muscular, but a playboy, and did I mention her best friends brother.
Nicole writes these two so well, I love penny, and I love how strong she is, and how determined she is. The fact she tells him to eff off is one of my favorite parts.
My favorite part of this book is seeing Aiden accept and grow as a person and penny grow as a women as well, they chemistry and dynamic they have is off the charts.
My only issue was I wanted more for selfish reasons 🤣
#secretbaby #romancetropes #newrelease #smalltowntrope #bestfriendbrotherromance #weddingtrope #bookstagram #books
4.75 ⭐️ 4.5 🌶️
“Yes, this is a relationship as of today. It always comes back to you, Penny. I can’t stop thinking about you, about us and what you mean to me. I want to make this work with you. I have never wanted to make something work before with another person. I am crazy about you.”
Aiden and penny have my heart, I’m a sucker for a second chance, but add in best friends brother and I was sold just by the tropes.
Penny is the girl he can’t get out of his head , she’s gorgeous and has curves for days, but she’s his sisters best friend.
Aiden is the guy everyone wants, hot muscular, but a playboy, and did I mention her best friends brother.
Nicole writes these two so well, I love penny, and I love how strong she is, and how determined she is. The fact she tells him to eff off is one of my favorite parts.
My favorite part of this book is seeing Aiden accept and grow as a person and penny grow as a women as well, they chemistry and dynamic they have is off the charts.
My only issue was I wanted more for selfish reasons 🤣
#secretbaby #romancetropes #newrelease #smalltowntrope #bestfriendbrotherromance #weddingtrope #bookstagram #books
January 23, 2025
Always Been You✨
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️
What to expect when reading ;
-Second chance
-Childhood sweethearts
-Small Town
-Curvy FMC
Mia had her heart torn to pieces when she is called back home to help her family. What she didn’t expect was to run into the man that broke her heart. Damon did what he had to do to protect them and he knew if he got the chance he would make things right but is it too late?
I loved Mia and Damon, you could feel their love for each other jump off the page. Their chemistry was so well written, I devoured this book.
Favorite line: “hello what happen to hating your baby sisters ex”
“Mia, that all may be true. But you don’t even know the half of it. You will always be my concern, whether you like it or not.”
#review #bookstagram #books #booklover
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️
What to expect when reading ;
-Second chance
-Childhood sweethearts
-Small Town
-Curvy FMC
Mia had her heart torn to pieces when she is called back home to help her family. What she didn’t expect was to run into the man that broke her heart. Damon did what he had to do to protect them and he knew if he got the chance he would make things right but is it too late?
I loved Mia and Damon, you could feel their love for each other jump off the page. Their chemistry was so well written, I devoured this book.
Favorite line: “hello what happen to hating your baby sisters ex”
“Mia, that all may be true. But you don’t even know the half of it. You will always be my concern, whether you like it or not.”
#review #bookstagram #books #booklover
January 2, 2025
2.5⭐️
Hits: Second chance romance! Chemistry between MCs was believable. Smut wasn't terrible. Plus size representation.
Misses: The conflict was stupid and not explained well. The FMC is made to seem mean for attempting to hold the MMC accountable for his actions (and by her own family - where is the loyalty??). The resolution of the conflict was so easy that its existence was even stupider.
All in all, it has potential, but it missed the mark for me. Still not terrible (book 2 is waaay worse).
Hits: Second chance romance! Chemistry between MCs was believable. Smut wasn't terrible. Plus size representation.
Misses: The conflict was stupid and not explained well. The FMC is made to seem mean for attempting to hold the MMC accountable for his actions (and by her own family - where is the loyalty??). The resolution of the conflict was so easy that its existence was even stupider.
All in all, it has potential, but it missed the mark for me. Still not terrible (book 2 is waaay worse).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews