I don’t date. I don’t need to date. Tis something I’ve believed my entire life. After escaping from my past and my hometown, I didn’t think I’d meet anyone who could change that but I didn’t bank on coming face to face with an Adonis in a suit either. I’m supposed to resist him but with his sparkling ocean eyes drawing me in, I don’t think I can.
Denny Blanc
No commitments, no feelings and no complications - rules I’ve sworn by my whole life. Rules that help to keep my shadows at bay.
Until an Irish siren calls to me and makes me want to break free from my rules and make her mine, always.
One word fills my thoughts, makes me feel whole and terrifies me at the same time: MINE!
Author's Note: A steamy, love at first sight story, with a few unexpected twists thrown in along the way.
*Trigger warning - This book contains discussions of violence, depression and panic attacks. It also has parental abuse - parent to adult and past parental abuse as well. There is a guaranteed HEA though.
Koko Heart is 'just a girl following her dreams and writing love stories straight to the heart'.
After years of being encouraged to publish her work by her loved ones, she finally listened. And can now proudly add published author to her name.
She writes steamy, contemporary romances but admits that she likes to test herself with different styles, so you could be getting a tear jerker or a laugh out loud kind of book with her, but she always guarantees a happily ever after.
She lives with her husband and four children in the UK, which is where she bases most of her stories, but she does like to throw in characters from other places as well.
An enjoyable emotional romance read. Denny and Darcie were two damaged souls that fate brought them together. Their banter was wonderful, as their connection. I loved Darcie’s Irish glossary and accent and the close family members’ support was strong and amazing.
Despite some repetitions, this debut had almost everything!
Omg, I absolutely loved this book, first time reading this author and you wouldn't believe this is her debut novel.
I adored the chemistry between Denny and Darcie, it was intense in places with soo many twists and turns, be prepared for all the feels. I won't give too much away but it certainly grips you, be warned of the triggers though.
The underlying message of this story I felt was you can choose who you want as your family, the ones who see the real you and believe in you.
All of the characters are amazing especially the children their personalities will have have you laughing and the way the author brings Darcie's accent to laugh.
Highly recommend this book and the author, can't wait for her next ones.
I love how Darcie and Denny fell in love with each other despite their past traumas. Their romance is adorable but their chemistry is hot. They both helped each others soul to heal. And the way Denny loved his nieces made you fall in love with him a little but more. I can't wait to see what Koko has next for us. If it's anything like her debut book then we are in for a treat.
This story was so well written it is hard to believe it's a debut novel. I was hooked from the start! They are both broken souls that meet at the wrong time but we all know that fate works out in due time. There were some twists and turns and if need be please watch for the trigger warnings.
Debut novels can be a tricky thing. Diving into a book without knowing anything about the author has its risks. And Mine, always by brand new author Koko Heart was no exception. The risk here, however, involved losing my whole heart to two characters and their amazing story. Mine, always is an emotional experience, pulling the reader in and holding on until the very last page.
Darcie and Denny seem to be the perfect opposites attract couple. She’s beautifully inexperienced, but just worldly enough to resonate with the reader as real and likable and endearing. And Denny is a wonderfully developed, conflicted, but captivating hero. And together they are magic! Heart throws everything she can at her characters and guides them through it all with grace, intensity, and humor. The banter between Darcie and Denny is authentic and deep, while shedding as much light on their individual character as their passionately emotional interactions do.
The characters face several emotionally deep and mentally challenging situations, and Heart handles them all with respect and care. Plus, the family she builds around Darcie and Denny creates the perfect support system for the characters and their story. Not only will readers fall in love with the main characters, but the littles Darcie is tasked to care for shine in their ability to make everyone smile, and bring everyone together.
Mine, always has certainly created a buzz around Koko Heart and her writing, leaving this reader with a massive book hangover and a craving for more.
Two beautifully broken souls meet at not quite the right time, but one cannot fight destiny, and neither can they. Koko Heart takes us on Denny and Darcie's eventful journey to find happiness. Be ready to feel all the feels. A beautiful debut novel by this author from whom I hope to read many more.
A wonderful debut novel! The author captivated the readers with great characters, strong family dynamics and a plot that made you want to keep reading!
Omg! I loved this! You would never believe it's the debut novel from this author! It gives you all the feels! I'm excited to see what else is to come from Koko Heart.
This is the debut novel for this author and she brought a powerful story of love overcoming the obstacles to be together. This is a story about trusting each other to love them, even during their darkest days. There are twists and turns in the plot that will draw you into the story. I’m looking forward to many more good books from this author.
I absolutely loved this book, I was hooked within the first few pages!! The plot was romantic, sexy and surprising and I adored all of the characters. I found it an exciting and addictive read and when I thought I knew what was coming next, I was hit with a plot twist yet it was an easy read. I would recommend this to anyone and cannot wait for the next book from Koko Heart!
It's been a long time since I read a romance that was EVERYTHING!
It's hard for me to describe what I mean without spoiling you, but I'll try. First of all, I believe in love at first sight because my own love story was love at first sight, so I can just go with it when an author writes it as gripping as this author. She had me from the very first page and didn't let go until the story was told, beginning, middle, and end.
I think you would enjoy this book even more like I did if you can "hear" an Irish accent. The author writes one of the characters as having come from Ireland and her accent is thick. She's trying hard to change it, but it's precious sometimes how she drops the h out of think or thing. I loved every single character in this book, even the villains. I loved to hate them. LOL
I'm told this is the author's debut novel and that's just amazing to me. I wouldn't have guessed it. I'll definitely be seeking to read more in the future from this amazing talent. Many thanks to the author for a review copy.
This book drew me, immersed me in the characters and wrapped me up in their love.
I enjoyed every minute of their story as they fell in love and tried their hardest to overcome past trauma and the obstacles in their way to keep each other. Not only is it a love story but there is also suspense and the characters build beautifully as the plot twists and turns along.
As a debut novel this is beyond impressive and I simply can't wait to read more of Koko's work.
I was an ARC reader in return for an honest review.
An awesome experience!!!! Yes, I said it. I felt Denny and Darcie’s whole story right down to my toes, tingles and all!!! So excited to see what Koko Heart creates next because this debut book has me hooked! These characters were some of my absolute favorites! I not only fell in love with Darcie and Denny, but that whole family!!!! Five stars all the way!!! I definitely recommend Mine, Always!!!
'One of the best debut novels I've had the pleasure of reading from an author with incredible promise! - The British Bibliophile
I'd like to start off my review by personally thanking Koko for sending me paperback copies of not just 'mine, always', but all of her currently published works for me to catch up on before her next release. We happened to come across each other on Instagram and over time, our mutual likes of each others' posts evolved into private messages. Over the last several weeks, I've had the pleasure of getting to know and talk to Koko--pre being sent the books--and I'll say this outright, this lady is going to be an author who CARES about her readers and will connect with them. I hold authors in high regard who take the time to actually converse with their readers outside of what they write, and Koko would definitely make a reader feel less like one and more of a friend instead.
Koko is a UK-based, indie, self-published author. If that isn't reason enough to support her without even looking at her work, I don't know what is. I read many authors, most of which are based outside of the UK, so I was thrilled to find she's a fellow Brit and self-published indie author both. Self-published authors (and I can speak from experience) need just as much support as authors who release books via a publisher, so I'm very proud to be on Koko's ARC team to both help her and watch her grow.
NOTICE: From this moment on, I will be talking about some elements from this book. None are major spoilers, but points touching upon this and that. Nothing that will ruin your reading experience. Proceed at your own discretion
The heroine, Darcie Quinn, finds herself in new employment in London where upon starting her first day of said employment, she comes face-to-face with someone she wasn't expecting to see. A handsome stranger who piques her interest as the two cross paths, one leaving the home, one entering. This would not be the first or last time that would happen.
Keen to make a good first impression on her employers and the children she'd be looking after, Darcie aims to put her past behind her and carve out a new life with their help. She's to be the nanny of the couple whose house she comes to, the house the handsome stranger happens to also live under the same roof of. You'll have to read the book to find out just how that connection comes about, wink wink.
As with any new job, things don't always go swimmingly first time you dip your toes in. This is the same case with Darcie. From a background and past she'd much rather forget and not have experienced, it seems said past wants to catch up with her. This time, she has a guardian angel of sorts, in the form of Denny Blanc. She is the Irish siren that has called out to him, causing him to break free from the rules he's always lived his life by in order to make her, his. He's taken her well and truly under his wing, and he's going to do his best to make sure that his little siren isn't hurt by anyone ever again.
Here's where things don't go swimmingly...again.
Denny as a mortal man, can only do so much in the way of protection. Darcie's past does indeed catch up with her, and it seems that the past might just consume her after all. Cue Denny and the pseudo-family Darcie has been accepted into. Though not 'family' by traditional meaning, they are her found family and will stop at nothing to make sure that she gets back to them safe and sound so her life can truly begin. Will they triumph? There's only one way to find out.
For a debut novel, I was considerably impressed with Koko's efforts. As she and I have spoken about in regards to both our own debut novels, we are aware of what we've done, what we didn't do and what to avoid the next time around. I can see several similar parallels of her debut novel to my own--not in a negative sense--, and I can definitely say that this was one of the most valiant debuts I've seen by a self-published indie author. Although I haven't read a lot of debut novels, this by far is up there with the cream of the crop of what I have read.
I have had the pleasure of reading her follow-up novels after this and I can tell the difference in read quality, which I will talk about in one or both of those reviews. What I can talk about, is the growth of Koko in just those three published novels. It's evident that she has put time, heart and soul into crafting stories that readers will enjoy, and this debut novel set her firmly in the ground of growth and she has begun to sprout and grow from humble and hard-working beginnings. With the right support and honest feedback as to her future novels, I believe she has great promise within the book and author communities.
Koko should be very proud of herself for what she has written and published here. I wish I had personally aced my own debut novel as well as she has, and I mean that with much sincerity and heart. Incredibly proud of a fellow British author taking her first steps into this vast, bright and beautiful world.
I loved this book, especially as the story featured a nanny (I have been a nanny for nearly 30 years).
The storyline was good, the characters were all written well. I especially loved the character of Denny as he had so many layers to him. The story wasn’t a straightforward one for the characters involved, and the author did a great job at bringing different parts of the story out throughout the book.
Loved the Nat and George characters and can’t wait to read the short story about them next.
I received a copy of this book as part of Secret Date with a Book on Facebook, hosted by Francessca Wingfield of Wingfield Designs. Many thanks to the author also.
This was my first time reading this author and it was good. The banter between the characters was great. Their chemistry was definitely there. The story grips you and keeps you captured from the beginning. I recommend it and I would definitely read more from this author.
This book was amazing! A fab debut from a very promising author. Denny Blanc is a broken soul, needing redemption but not seeking it from anyone. Until he meets Darcie Quinn. An Irish beauty who captures his heart on first sight. The twists and turns on every page that Koko creates are phenomenal and I could not put this book down. Can't wait to read more from Koko Heart. A well deserved 5 stars from me.
Promising Debut In her debut novel Mine, Always, Koko Heart invites us into the world of nanny Darcie Quinn, and businessman Denny Blanc. Two wounded souls who find something neither knew they were looking for, a happily forever after. Heart creates believable, likable main characters and surrounds them with delightful and despicable side characters that are more than simple window dressing. A solid romantic plot, plenty of steam, and a bit of danger and intrigue make Mine, Always, a truly enjoyable read. I look forward to reading Koko Heart’s future work.
A friend recommended Mine, Always to me and I am so glad she did! This book has everything I love, opposites attract, angst, steam and a beautiful storyline of two broken characters finding love. Denny and Darcie not only sizzle on the page, they also tell a story full of heartbreak, past abuse (mental and physical) and resilience. This is the kind of book that you will laugh, cry and fall in love over. It’s also the kind that you will want to revisit over and over because the story is so beautiful!
I love how the author portrayed the hero. He was a bit of a rogue in the beginning, but he was so endearing with his nieces and nephew. I couldn’t help but fall in love with him from chapter one!
Darcie is a breath of fresh Irish air and I just loved her so much! Koko Heart really brought her to life with the nuances she used in dialogue, which made the story feel authentic. I always learn a little bit about myself when I read great characters. From Darcie I learned that no matter what happened in the past, always choose kindness and, with it, Love.
Darcie was raised by an abusive father and an abused mother. She leaves when she is a young adult, when her mother is terminally ill. She would rather live her life alone rather than risk letting someone in, just to discover disappointment at best and more abuse at worst.
MMC Denny is a very good man who was emotionally abused by his mother - so much so, he doesn't believe he deserves love, or happiness.
Together, they find they're both wrong, because together, they're so right.
Supporting characters Dan, Becs, George, Nat, Joseph, Gloria are a wonderful and supportive made and found family.
Oh this gave me all the feels! I absolutely loved this book. I laughed, I nearly cried, and I cheered. I adored Nat. She gave me the wild and crazy bff vibes but also she gave me the chills on how she felt like the odd girl out. I so want a HEA with George. Darcie and Denny omg can you get anymore swoons from two people. Although is was a fast burn, it still get me something to hold out for and I appreciated that. Because it made it all the more relatable. And don’t get me started on Darcie’s monster daddy.
What a great HEA. KOKO brought so much heart and soul into this book. What a great up and coming writer. She delivers just what a romance reader needs a little bit of angst, suspense, HEA, and love. The characters truly come to life with the love they have for one another. It gives the reader a healthy glimpse into a true family.
3 1/2 stars. This is a very solid debut book. Denny and Darcie are two troubled characters that find love in each other. Neither came from the a picket fence background. I liked the instant connection the two of them had. There was a slight issue with repetition, but very slight. Not enough to interfere with my enjoyment of the story. I look forward to what comes next.
I expected some sort of love story, and I did find that, and much more. Attraction at first sight does happen with some couples. Try thinking this story has multiple love stories throughout the narrative. Ugliness rears an ugly head here and there throughout as well. With huge love comes huge loss. No, that is left for the next reader to find out. Toss in a bit of Irish, and I'm a bit Irish, a madman, crazy lunatic of a father who never was (a bit of mystery here for you). Right now, I'm yearning for some new baby sniffs. The past is hard to let go of, but you will read how that past is overcome. FYI: The f word is used throughout, so that is added for those who don't like reading books with that word. Five shiny gold stars!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has enough twists and turns to have kept me interested. Loving that family is not always by blood, it is often what you make it. Great characters, good writing. Many thanks.