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Like Every Time Before
I was fourteen when my family up and moved to Knoxville in ‘54. I didn’t pretend moving would change anything. I was still the oops baby who didn’t belong. That’s okay though. I’d graduate and take off with nothing but my paints to pave my way. At least, that was the plan...until Jimmy Sutton walked into my sanctuary. Jimmy, with that stupid grin that makes his eyes scrunch. He’s got Rock ’n’ Roll dreams with his brother and their magical harmonies. But then he had to go and call me Picasso like it’s the most natural thing and for the first time ever it feels like I belong somewhere. Now he says he loves me but he’s moving on. One summer wasn’t enough but Nashville isn’t that far. But between my dreams and his, miscommunication and missed connections, the years pass us by.Each time we reconnect it feels real... but is it or is it like every time before?
314 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2020
About the author
Robyn Elyse
6 books18 followersRobyn Elyse is the vixen of vintage. Her blast from the past romance novels are steamy, heartfelt, sexy, and filled with all of the best characters including swoon worthy hero’s and fierce heroines.
In her free time Robyn loves to hunt through vintage shops, get lost in her Vintage Love playlist, enjoys wearing a fiesty full red lip and collecting the plethora of emotions evoked from her readers.
Robyn resides in Texas where everything really is bigger and is always on the lookout for great tacos, margs, and that elusive perfect victory curl.
You can find Robyn on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and often checking out vintage hotties for inspiration on Pinterest, Reddit and Tiktok.
In her free time Robyn loves to hunt through vintage shops, get lost in her Vintage Love playlist, enjoys wearing a fiesty full red lip and collecting the plethora of emotions evoked from her readers.
Robyn resides in Texas where everything really is bigger and is always on the lookout for great tacos, margs, and that elusive perfect victory curl.
You can find Robyn on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and often checking out vintage hotties for inspiration on Pinterest, Reddit and Tiktok.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 15, 2021
A friends-to-lovers, vintage romance that will slay your emotions!
When I tell you I’m still thinking about this book days later, I’m not exaggerating. Ruby and Jimmy’s story, told entirely from Ruby’s point of view, will not only break you, it will evoke every emotion you’re capable of feeling—anger, love, happiness, frustration, longing—all of them. I laughed, I cried, and I damn near threw the book at the wall when Jimmy and Ruby continued to be stubborn.
But that ending? Lordy, it will have you swooning. The turmoil, the devastation, the complete and utter heartbreak, will all be worth it when you reach the end.
Despite every wrench thrown in their plans to be together, and all the mistakes they make along the way, you just can’t help but to love both Ruby AND Jimmy. You might want to punch them at times, maybe even rub Jimmy’s face in the dirt, but you’ll love him regardless.
This is NOT a cliffhanger, but any questions you have at the end—and trust me, you’ll probably have a few—will be answered in book two: Turn the Memories Loose, releasing March 12, 2021. And I, for one, cannot wait to read Jimmy’s version of events. Boy has some explaining to do! 😉
When I tell you I’m still thinking about this book days later, I’m not exaggerating. Ruby and Jimmy’s story, told entirely from Ruby’s point of view, will not only break you, it will evoke every emotion you’re capable of feeling—anger, love, happiness, frustration, longing—all of them. I laughed, I cried, and I damn near threw the book at the wall when Jimmy and Ruby continued to be stubborn.
But that ending? Lordy, it will have you swooning. The turmoil, the devastation, the complete and utter heartbreak, will all be worth it when you reach the end.
Despite every wrench thrown in their plans to be together, and all the mistakes they make along the way, you just can’t help but to love both Ruby AND Jimmy. You might want to punch them at times, maybe even rub Jimmy’s face in the dirt, but you’ll love him regardless.
This is NOT a cliffhanger, but any questions you have at the end—and trust me, you’ll probably have a few—will be answered in book two: Turn the Memories Loose, releasing March 12, 2021. And I, for one, cannot wait to read Jimmy’s version of events. Boy has some explaining to do! 😉
December 30, 2020
Like Every Time Before, Robyn Elyse's debut novel, is a contemporary friends-to-lovers romance that spans decades. Told entirely in first person from Ruby's point of view, the story begins in 1954 and moves through time, ending in 1979 with an epilogue in 2000, as it focuses on the pivotal moments in her relationship with Jimmy.
Ruby meets Jimmy in high school when her family moves from Georgia to Knoxville, Tennessee. They're both sophomores and become fast friends. Pretty soon, Ruby and Jimmy are best friends, and their friendship develops into first love. But right before their senior year, Jimmy moves away to Nashville with his family, so that he can pursue a music career with his brother.
They plan to be together again after graduation, to get married and travel the world - Jimmy singing and Ruby painting - but things don't go as planned. Despite their great love for each other, a series of events, misunderstandings, mistakes, and life-altering choices keeps them apart for several years.
What could possibly keep Ruby and Jimmy apart for so long? And how will they ever find their way back to each other? Read the book to find out. (And keep a tissue or two handy.)
I loved Ruby and Jimmy's story. There's a good amount of angst in this book, but it was different than my typical angsty read. It wasn't the type of angst that completely wrecks you emotionally, ripping your heart out and shredding it to pieces before putting it back together again. Instead, there was the subtle undertone of such a sweet melancholy steadily moving throughout the story in a beautiful way. It was a cozy, inviting, familiar kind of sadness that was very compelling. I was invested in Ruby and Jimmy from the start. Their journey isn't easy, but when they finally get their happy ending, it's very satisfying.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
Ruby meets Jimmy in high school when her family moves from Georgia to Knoxville, Tennessee. They're both sophomores and become fast friends. Pretty soon, Ruby and Jimmy are best friends, and their friendship develops into first love. But right before their senior year, Jimmy moves away to Nashville with his family, so that he can pursue a music career with his brother.
They plan to be together again after graduation, to get married and travel the world - Jimmy singing and Ruby painting - but things don't go as planned. Despite their great love for each other, a series of events, misunderstandings, mistakes, and life-altering choices keeps them apart for several years.
What could possibly keep Ruby and Jimmy apart for so long? And how will they ever find their way back to each other? Read the book to find out. (And keep a tissue or two handy.)
I loved Ruby and Jimmy's story. There's a good amount of angst in this book, but it was different than my typical angsty read. It wasn't the type of angst that completely wrecks you emotionally, ripping your heart out and shredding it to pieces before putting it back together again. Instead, there was the subtle undertone of such a sweet melancholy steadily moving throughout the story in a beautiful way. It was a cozy, inviting, familiar kind of sadness that was very compelling. I was invested in Ruby and Jimmy from the start. Their journey isn't easy, but when they finally get their happy ending, it's very satisfying.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
January 12, 2021
IN LOOOOVE
First of all… HOW DARE YOU. I’ve cried so many times over the past few hours that I haven’t in this entire pandemic. You’ve made me feel things! How dare you.
Omg, to say this book is amazing is an understatement. Honestly, it is everything that I never knew I needed in my life. I came into it obsessed with the idea of a book based in the 50s because HELLO, if I had to be reborn into ANY time period, that would be it. A time of the BEST cars, the BEST music, the BEST style. Mama was looking forward to some 50s loving and I was NOT disappointed. Any book that has a reference of Elvis as ‘that young kid’ is in the BEST time period ever.
The slow burn was perfect. They met young and I’m there with my breath held the entire time, talking to the characters (as if they could hear me) whispering, “Now kissssss” for pages and pages, feeling ALL THE FEELS, loving ALL THE LOVE.
The characters are so incredible. She built them from the first word and you mesh with them so well. These are characters that are real. SO REAL. They’re young and confused and they have dreams when they’re smacked in the face with a love that is just… everything.
Honestly, she is one of my new favourite writers. She lays out the span of their entire relationship, their flaws and their love in such a way that I feel it could be so real.
Added to that, I love musicians and she brought me a musician that was just perfect. Honestly, Jimmy is one of my favourite characters ever. I love him so much. I love that he tries so hard, makes mistakes, stumbles and then picks himself back up. I love that you can see the depth of everyone in this book. They’re allowed to make mistakes and feel bad for making them. They’re allowed to be imperfect and I LOVE THAT!!!
I will read EVERY book by Robyn Elyse ever. That’s it. The end. AMAZING BOOK!!!!
First of all… HOW DARE YOU. I’ve cried so many times over the past few hours that I haven’t in this entire pandemic. You’ve made me feel things! How dare you.
Omg, to say this book is amazing is an understatement. Honestly, it is everything that I never knew I needed in my life. I came into it obsessed with the idea of a book based in the 50s because HELLO, if I had to be reborn into ANY time period, that would be it. A time of the BEST cars, the BEST music, the BEST style. Mama was looking forward to some 50s loving and I was NOT disappointed. Any book that has a reference of Elvis as ‘that young kid’ is in the BEST time period ever.
The slow burn was perfect. They met young and I’m there with my breath held the entire time, talking to the characters (as if they could hear me) whispering, “Now kissssss” for pages and pages, feeling ALL THE FEELS, loving ALL THE LOVE.
The characters are so incredible. She built them from the first word and you mesh with them so well. These are characters that are real. SO REAL. They’re young and confused and they have dreams when they’re smacked in the face with a love that is just… everything.
Honestly, she is one of my new favourite writers. She lays out the span of their entire relationship, their flaws and their love in such a way that I feel it could be so real.
Added to that, I love musicians and she brought me a musician that was just perfect. Honestly, Jimmy is one of my favourite characters ever. I love him so much. I love that he tries so hard, makes mistakes, stumbles and then picks himself back up. I love that you can see the depth of everyone in this book. They’re allowed to make mistakes and feel bad for making them. They’re allowed to be imperfect and I LOVE THAT!!!
I will read EVERY book by Robyn Elyse ever. That’s it. The end. AMAZING BOOK!!!!
Read
January 12, 2021First of all… HOW DARE YOU. I’ve cried so many times over the past few hours that I haven’t in this entire pandemic. You’ve made me feel things! How dare you.
Omg, to say this book is amazing is an understatement. Honestly, it is everything that I never knew I needed in my life. I came into it obsessed with the idea of a book based in the 50s because HELLO, if I had to be reborn into ANY time period, that would be it. A time of the BEST cars, the BEST music, the BEST style. Mama was looking forward to some 50s loving and I was NOT disappointed. Any book that has a reference of Elvis as ‘that young kid’ is in the BEST time period ever.
The slow burn was perfect. They met young and I’m there with my breath held the entire time, talking to the characters (as if they could hear me) whispering, “Now kissssss” for pages and pages, feeling ALL THE FEELS, loving ALL THE LOVE.
The characters are so incredible. She built them from the first word and you mesh with them so well. These are characters that are real. SO REAL. They’re young and confused and they have dreams when they’re smacked in the face with a love that is just… everything.
Honestly, she is one of my new favourite writers. She lays out the span of their entire relationship, their flaws and their love in such a way that I feel it could be so real.
Added to that, I love musicians and she brought me a musician that was just perfect. Honestly, Jimmy is one of my favourite characters ever. I love him so much. I love that he tries so hard, makes mistakes, stumbles and then picks himself back up. I love that you can see the depth of everyone in this book. They’re allowed to make mistakes and feel bad for making them. They’re allowed to be imperfect and I LOVE THAT!!!
I will read EVERY book by Robyn Elise ever. That’s it. The end. AMAZING BOOK!!!!
Omg, to say this book is amazing is an understatement. Honestly, it is everything that I never knew I needed in my life. I came into it obsessed with the idea of a book based in the 50s because HELLO, if I had to be reborn into ANY time period, that would be it. A time of the BEST cars, the BEST music, the BEST style. Mama was looking forward to some 50s loving and I was NOT disappointed. Any book that has a reference of Elvis as ‘that young kid’ is in the BEST time period ever.
The slow burn was perfect. They met young and I’m there with my breath held the entire time, talking to the characters (as if they could hear me) whispering, “Now kissssss” for pages and pages, feeling ALL THE FEELS, loving ALL THE LOVE.
The characters are so incredible. She built them from the first word and you mesh with them so well. These are characters that are real. SO REAL. They’re young and confused and they have dreams when they’re smacked in the face with a love that is just… everything.
Honestly, she is one of my new favourite writers. She lays out the span of their entire relationship, their flaws and their love in such a way that I feel it could be so real.
Added to that, I love musicians and she brought me a musician that was just perfect. Honestly, Jimmy is one of my favourite characters ever. I love him so much. I love that he tries so hard, makes mistakes, stumbles and then picks himself back up. I love that you can see the depth of everyone in this book. They’re allowed to make mistakes and feel bad for making them. They’re allowed to be imperfect and I LOVE THAT!!!
I will read EVERY book by Robyn Elise ever. That’s it. The end. AMAZING BOOK!!!!
June 12, 2021
This book has been on my TBR list for quite some time, and I was so excited to finally get the chance to read it! Like Every Time Before is an incredible Slow Burn Vintage Romance Read and I fell hard in love with Ruby and Jimmy's story.
The story begins in the mid 50's and takes you through the decades as you experience the whirlwind of the life Ruby leads. You will laugh, cry and gasp at all the right moments, but will keep coming back for more. Written in a style that rivals authors like Nicholas Sparks and Colleen Hoover, you have a great chance of reaching for a tissue or two before the story is over.
The next book in the series is written from Jimmy's perspective and I can't wait to read everything from his point of view.
Be sure to grab a glass of wine, a box of kleenex and curl up with this book before this summer is over. Enjoy being transported back into time with Like Every Time Before. ❤
The story begins in the mid 50's and takes you through the decades as you experience the whirlwind of the life Ruby leads. You will laugh, cry and gasp at all the right moments, but will keep coming back for more. Written in a style that rivals authors like Nicholas Sparks and Colleen Hoover, you have a great chance of reaching for a tissue or two before the story is over.
The next book in the series is written from Jimmy's perspective and I can't wait to read everything from his point of view.
Be sure to grab a glass of wine, a box of kleenex and curl up with this book before this summer is over. Enjoy being transported back into time with Like Every Time Before. ❤
October 14, 2021
This book has been on my TBR list for quite some time, and I was so excited to finally get the chance to read it! Like Every Time Before is an incredible Slow Burn Vintage Romance Read and I fell hard in love with Ruby and Jimmy's story.
The story begins in the mid 50's and takes you through the decades as you experience the whirlwind of the life Ruby leads. You will laugh, cry and gasp at all the right moments, but will keep coming back for more. Written in a style that rivals authors like Nicholas Sparks and Colleen Hoover, you have a great chance of reaching for a tissue or two before the story is over.
The next book in the series is written from Jimmy's perspective and I can't wait to read everything from his point of view.
Be sure to grab a glass of wine, a box of kleenex and curl up with this book before this year is over. Enjoy being transported back into time with Like Every Time Before. ❤
The story begins in the mid 50's and takes you through the decades as you experience the whirlwind of the life Ruby leads. You will laugh, cry and gasp at all the right moments, but will keep coming back for more. Written in a style that rivals authors like Nicholas Sparks and Colleen Hoover, you have a great chance of reaching for a tissue or two before the story is over.
The next book in the series is written from Jimmy's perspective and I can't wait to read everything from his point of view.
Be sure to grab a glass of wine, a box of kleenex and curl up with this book before this year is over. Enjoy being transported back into time with Like Every Time Before. ❤
June 11, 2021
What is "vintage romance"? Yeah, I asked that too. But that's one of the only reasons why this novel is unlike most books I've read before. Robyn Elyse takes us back in her time machine and coasts us through the wild ride that was the fated relationship of Ruby and Jimmy. Like Every Time Before is told entirely from Ruby's perspective, in the informal personal tone like you're reading your momma's diary. The ups, downs, and misunderstandings that have your heart breaking and filling along with Ruby. The story packs a punch, and may leaving you want to throw a swing or two, but hold onto your Kindles and see the story that reminds us that sometimes our dreams don't turn out the way we planned...but that it's never too late for a happy ending.
January 15, 2021
Heartbreakingly beautiful...
Like Every Time Before follows Ruby and Jimmy's relationship, spanning decades and through sometimes cruel twists of fate. With uplifting highs and crushing lows, this book is an emotional rollercoaster. One you don't want to end.
Robyn Elyse does an amazing job crafting this beautiful story. The characters are interesting and relatable. Ruby- strong and resilient, stays true to herself regardless of what life throws at her. Jimmy- flawed but lovable, follows his big heart with unfaltering loyalty to those he loves, even if it doesn't always work out for him.
Like Every Time Before is an emotional journey depicting what true love is.
Like Every Time Before follows Ruby and Jimmy's relationship, spanning decades and through sometimes cruel twists of fate. With uplifting highs and crushing lows, this book is an emotional rollercoaster. One you don't want to end.
Robyn Elyse does an amazing job crafting this beautiful story. The characters are interesting and relatable. Ruby- strong and resilient, stays true to herself regardless of what life throws at her. Jimmy- flawed but lovable, follows his big heart with unfaltering loyalty to those he loves, even if it doesn't always work out for him.
Like Every Time Before is an emotional journey depicting what true love is.
January 11, 2021
Timeless...endless...full of intense emotions.
Such an intense read full of emotional turns and twists. Robyn pulls you in and has you feeling all the feels for this couple. New love, young love through the ages changes but this journey shows you a true love story that has you wanting so desperately for this couple to have a happily ever after. You will cry, you will laugh, you will feel like you are right there with them.
Such an intense read full of emotional turns and twists. Robyn pulls you in and has you feeling all the feels for this couple. New love, young love through the ages changes but this journey shows you a true love story that has you wanting so desperately for this couple to have a happily ever after. You will cry, you will laugh, you will feel like you are right there with them.
January 27, 2021
Vintage fun
I love hate this book. The emotions it puts you through are just...and then gluing, barely noticing the scars only to start all over again. Love-hate. But it's real. No fairytale with a few bumps then happily ever after. No. It's real.
I love hate this book. The emotions it puts you through are just...and then gluing, barely noticing the scars only to start all over again. Love-hate. But it's real. No fairytale with a few bumps then happily ever after. No. It's real.
August 11, 2021
If you’re a sweet romance reader this book is for you. It gets a little gritty in some areas but it hooks you from the start. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m not usually a sweet romance reader. This story almost reminds me of a Johnny Cash / June Carter type story.
January 12, 2021
Like Every Time Before is a wonderful book. The book is a great contemporary love story. Robyn Elyse does a fantastic job with the story plot.
Ruby is 14 year old who feels unwanted and unloved by her family.
James(jimmy) is part of the Sutton brother band with his brother Ron.
When Ruby and Jimmy becomes best friends neither knew that their friendship would grow into love but it did. But their future was heading into two different directions. Jimmy heads for stardom with his brother and Ruby planning on tour for painting. But they promise each other to wait for the other person. This is where I was able to see all the twist turn up and down of their relationship.
I get to see the tragic of how their letters bring them together and keep them apart.
I love the characters and how they interact.
I will definitely recommend Like Every Time Before. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. I had to finish it just to see how it ended. You won’t be disappointed with the ending.
Ruby is 14 year old who feels unwanted and unloved by her family.
James(jimmy) is part of the Sutton brother band with his brother Ron.
When Ruby and Jimmy becomes best friends neither knew that their friendship would grow into love but it did. But their future was heading into two different directions. Jimmy heads for stardom with his brother and Ruby planning on tour for painting. But they promise each other to wait for the other person. This is where I was able to see all the twist turn up and down of their relationship.
I get to see the tragic of how their letters bring them together and keep them apart.
I love the characters and how they interact.
I will definitely recommend Like Every Time Before. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. I had to finish it just to see how it ended. You won’t be disappointed with the ending.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews