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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
Now I will admit, that YA and NA romance are not usually my go to for romance. As a more "vintage" gal myself, I sometimes struggle with the age of the characters that trope.
But when it comes to Siobhan Davis' stories...it's makes me a fan. Her characters have a maturity to them.
This is Ryder and Zeta's story. In this story, the maturity level comes from the horrific childhoods both Ryder and Zeta have lived through. The scars of those childhoods have had lasting effects on both of them.
This is a story with so much angst, so much heartbreak but through it all there is love, a deep and abiding love that spans years. Even when the heartbreak that Ryder has caused Zeta, this story is about forgiveness.
I applauded Zeta's strength of character. She is strong when she needs to be, but she also shows her vulnerability when warranted.
Ryder, oh my me, this poor, poor man. The struggles he goes through, the guilt he carries. Then bombshell after bombshell is dropped upon him until he just can't anymore. It was refreshing to see hero with such flaws, it made him more real and how my heart breaked for him.
Everytime I read a Siobhan Davis story, I am stunned, surprised and become an even bigger fan than I am now! Well done Siobhan!!
But when it comes to Siobhan Davis' stories...it's makes me a fan. Her characters have a maturity to them.
This is Ryder and Zeta's story. In this story, the maturity level comes from the horrific childhoods both Ryder and Zeta have lived through. The scars of those childhoods have had lasting effects on both of them.
This is a story with so much angst, so much heartbreak but through it all there is love, a deep and abiding love that spans years. Even when the heartbreak that Ryder has caused Zeta, this story is about forgiveness.
I applauded Zeta's strength of character. She is strong when she needs to be, but she also shows her vulnerability when warranted.
Ryder, oh my me, this poor, poor man. The struggles he goes through, the guilt he carries. Then bombshell after bombshell is dropped upon him until he just can't anymore. It was refreshing to see hero with such flaws, it made him more real and how my heart breaked for him.
Everytime I read a Siobhan Davis story, I am stunned, surprised and become an even bigger fan than I am now! Well done Siobhan!!
Ryder and Zeta will blow you away. This is the first book that I have read from this author and I am going to devour all her other books as this one was fantastic. Ryder is the most tortured soul I think I have ever read and his vulnerability drew me in and made me fall in love with. He has huge demons and the only person who seems to get through to him is Zeta. Zeta herself has her own demons but she is able to overcome them and help Ryder. The minute Ryder set eyes on Zeta it was as if their fates were already sealed and they could do nothing to stop it.
Brilliant characters that had me falling in love with them and the storyline,although hard hitting was great with no plot holes as everything tied up and questions I had were answered.
Brilliant characters that had me falling in love with them and the storyline,although hard hitting was great with no plot holes as everything tied up and questions I had were answered.
This one gets off to a heart-wrenching start and quickly turns intriguing … but then goes on to be extremely slow-paced. DNF for me.
No star-rating.
Audio:
Wen sounds good, decent voice. He speaks extremely slowly though and I found myself wishing I had access to the book via a store whose player allows for speeding up.
No star-rating.
Audio:
Wen sounds good, decent voice. He speaks extremely slowly though and I found myself wishing I had access to the book via a store whose player allows for speeding up.
So angsty this one, but in such a great way. Ryder and Zeta story is a great second chance book. It has a little bit of everything all wrapped up into one book. You have the teenage love story in juvie, the rock star, the writer and all the angst and romance you need in a book. I loved everything about this book, if it wasn't for work getting in the way I couldn't put it down!
This was once again a phenomenal book written by Siobhan Davis. I loved the characters and their growth throughout the book. They deal with real life problems that many individuals face. I love when authors shine light on strong and societal taboo subjects. Siobhan always does an amazing job of doing just that. The feelings that this story bring out in me are ones I do not feel often. Ryder and Zeta are end game and I absolutely love the twist to a second chance at love.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own and I have not been compensated for this review.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own and I have not been compensated for this review.
OH THE ANGST AND HEARTACHE! Yet again Siobhan Davis delivers all the feelings with this effortlessly told, beautiful, moving, and unforgettable story about the unwavering resilience of the human heart. This is a love story that is not easy- it’s messy, it’s rife with heartbreak and torment, it’s brimming with emotional complexity and romantic complications, but it only makes the love at its core all the more epic. This second chance, rockstar romance is more than worth the battle it takes to find the happy ending, it’s a journey both painful and redemptive.
Zeta and Ryder’s love began as teenagers in juvie, both innocent of their crimes but both struggling deeply with their own emotional baggage. Neither have had easy upbringings or lives- and Ryder in particular is mired in a cumbersome myriad of personal demons, his emotional and mental health challenges that he’s trying to work through, as well as parts of his past he can’t escape. Their friendship blooms sweet and tender, and soon that bloom blossoms into a breathtaking love. But life tears that apart, and now years later, Ryder is a rock star, but still drowning in the wreckage of his past. Destructive behavior, ineffective coping mechanisms, and his rockstar lifestyle can’t seem to break his spiral. But reconnecting with Zeta, now a respected journalist assigned to do a story on the band, may shake his destructive vornado. But can they overcome the pains of their past? Is their love still there- after all they’ve been through? Can love stay the same when they have not?
OH MY HEART. Siobhan Davis wrecked me so keenly with her angsty love stories, and this is certainly one of her most beautifully tragic but powerfully redemptive stories to date. I felt both of these characters’ pain, their love, their triumphs and failures SO keenly. From the first word to the last, my heart was in knots. Again, this is not an easy romance. The angst- OH THE ANGST. These two have to battle so much- in themselves, in their worlds, their past and present- and even each other. They certainly suffer for their decisions, in their own agonies.
Siobhan’s emotional, angsty stories really showcase just what a powerful character writer she is- the ways in which she can build so many meaningful nuances, a dynamic substance in the characters whose emotions she so effortlessly helps us embody. They are flawed by redeemable, broken but resilient, complicated but relatable. And Ryder and Zeta are both so special as characters- compelling, sincere, magnetic in their vulnerability and admirable in how they survive. Zeta stole my heart- she’s overcome so much, but she still has such a big open heart. And Ryder- oh my soul, Ryder. This tortured, broken man. The rockgod who is drowning in his pain, his demons swallowing him moment by moment. His anger and torment often blind him, but his love for Zeta always finds a way to surface. And underneath it all, there’s just a sweet, loving man trying to find his way. Oh, and is this man SEXY- plenty of that alpha possessive rockstar swagger!
These two always find a way to save each other from themselves- and as they try to find their love amidst their demons, Zeta becomes Ryder’s salvation. Because his love for her is stronger than his self-destruction, than the darkness he battles. But, he also causes her so much pain, even if he never wanted to hurt her. SO many obstacles between them, but their connection is like the chorus of a love song- strong and loud, unforgettable, powerful, the heart of the story.
This is a passionate and moving story of second chances, of heartbreak and healing. The story of two people who despite the devastation they find in the world around them, and in their own hearts, they just can’t stop falling into each other- and so learn that is where the healing, the power, the hope always lies.
Zeta and Ryder’s love began as teenagers in juvie, both innocent of their crimes but both struggling deeply with their own emotional baggage. Neither have had easy upbringings or lives- and Ryder in particular is mired in a cumbersome myriad of personal demons, his emotional and mental health challenges that he’s trying to work through, as well as parts of his past he can’t escape. Their friendship blooms sweet and tender, and soon that bloom blossoms into a breathtaking love. But life tears that apart, and now years later, Ryder is a rock star, but still drowning in the wreckage of his past. Destructive behavior, ineffective coping mechanisms, and his rockstar lifestyle can’t seem to break his spiral. But reconnecting with Zeta, now a respected journalist assigned to do a story on the band, may shake his destructive vornado. But can they overcome the pains of their past? Is their love still there- after all they’ve been through? Can love stay the same when they have not?
OH MY HEART. Siobhan Davis wrecked me so keenly with her angsty love stories, and this is certainly one of her most beautifully tragic but powerfully redemptive stories to date. I felt both of these characters’ pain, their love, their triumphs and failures SO keenly. From the first word to the last, my heart was in knots. Again, this is not an easy romance. The angst- OH THE ANGST. These two have to battle so much- in themselves, in their worlds, their past and present- and even each other. They certainly suffer for their decisions, in their own agonies.
Siobhan’s emotional, angsty stories really showcase just what a powerful character writer she is- the ways in which she can build so many meaningful nuances, a dynamic substance in the characters whose emotions she so effortlessly helps us embody. They are flawed by redeemable, broken but resilient, complicated but relatable. And Ryder and Zeta are both so special as characters- compelling, sincere, magnetic in their vulnerability and admirable in how they survive. Zeta stole my heart- she’s overcome so much, but she still has such a big open heart. And Ryder- oh my soul, Ryder. This tortured, broken man. The rockgod who is drowning in his pain, his demons swallowing him moment by moment. His anger and torment often blind him, but his love for Zeta always finds a way to surface. And underneath it all, there’s just a sweet, loving man trying to find his way. Oh, and is this man SEXY- plenty of that alpha possessive rockstar swagger!
These two always find a way to save each other from themselves- and as they try to find their love amidst their demons, Zeta becomes Ryder’s salvation. Because his love for her is stronger than his self-destruction, than the darkness he battles. But, he also causes her so much pain, even if he never wanted to hurt her. SO many obstacles between them, but their connection is like the chorus of a love song- strong and loud, unforgettable, powerful, the heart of the story.
This is a passionate and moving story of second chances, of heartbreak and healing. The story of two people who despite the devastation they find in the world around them, and in their own hearts, they just can’t stop falling into each other- and so learn that is where the healing, the power, the hope always lies.
OH THE ANGST AND HEARTACHE! Yet again Siobhan Davis delivers all the feelings with this effortlessly told, beautiful, moving, and unforgettable story about the unwavering resilience of the human heart. This is a love story that is not easy- it’s messy, it’s rife with heartbreak and torment, it’s brimming with emotional complexity and romantic complications, but it only makes the love at its core all the more epic. This second chance, rockstar romance is more than worth the battle it takes to find the happy ending, it’s a journey both painful and redemptive.
Zeta and Ryder’s love began as teenagers in juvie, both innocent of their crimes but both struggling deeply with their own emotional baggage. Neither have had easy upbringings or lives- and Ryder in particular is mired in a cumbersome myriad of personal demons, his emotional and mental health challenges that he’s trying to work through, as well as parts of his past he can’t escape. Their friendship blooms sweet and tender, and soon that bloom blossoms into a breathtaking love. But life tears that apart, and now years later, Ryder is a rock star, but still drowning in the wreckage of his past. Destructive behavior, ineffective coping mechanisms, and his rockstar lifestyle can’t seem to break his spiral. But reconnecting with Zeta, now a respected journalist assigned to do a story on the band, may shake his destructive vornado. But can they overcome the pains of their past? Is their love still there- after all they’ve been through? Can love stay the same when they have not?
OH MY HEART. Siobhan Davis wrecked me so keenly with her angsty love stories, and this is certainly one of her most beautifully tragic but powerfully redemptive stories to date. I felt both of these characters’ pain, their love, their triumphs and failures SO keenly. From the first word to the last, my heart was in knots. Again, this is not an easy romance. The angst- OH THE ANGST. These two have to battle so much- in themselves, in their worlds, their past and present- and even each other. They certainly suffer for their decisions, in their own agonies.
Siobhan’s emotional, angsty stories really showcase just what a powerful character writer she is- the ways in which she can build so many meaningful nuances, a dynamic substance in the characters whose emotions she so effortlessly helps us embody. They are flawed by redeemable, broken but resilient, complicated but relatable. And Ryder and Zeta are both so special as characters- compelling, sincere, magnetic in their vulnerability and admirable in how they survive. Zeta stole my heart- she’s overcome so much, but she still has such a big open heart. And Ryder- oh my soul, Ryder. This tortured, broken man. The rockgod who is drowning in his pain, his demons swallowing him moment by moment. His anger and torment often blind him, but his love for Zeta always finds a way to surface. And underneath it all, there’s just a sweet, loving man trying to find his way. Oh, and is this man SEXY- plenty of that alpha possessive rockstar swagger!
These two always find a way to save each other from themselves- and as they try to find their love amidst their demons, Zeta becomes Ryder’s salvation. Because his love for her is stronger than his self-destruction, than the darkness he battles. But, he also causes her so much pain, even if he never wanted to hurt her. SO many obstacles between them, but their connection is like the chorus of a love song- strong and loud, unforgettable, powerful, the heart of the story.
This is a passionate and moving story of second chances, of heartbreak and healing. The story of two people who despite the devastation they find in the world around them, and in their own hearts, they just can’t stop falling into each other- and so learn that is where the healing, the power, the hope always lies.
Zeta and Ryder’s love began as teenagers in juvie, both innocent of their crimes but both struggling deeply with their own emotional baggage. Neither have had easy upbringings or lives- and Ryder in particular is mired in a cumbersome myriad of personal demons, his emotional and mental health challenges that he’s trying to work through, as well as parts of his past he can’t escape. Their friendship blooms sweet and tender, and soon that bloom blossoms into a breathtaking love. But life tears that apart, and now years later, Ryder is a rock star, but still drowning in the wreckage of his past. Destructive behavior, ineffective coping mechanisms, and his rockstar lifestyle can’t seem to break his spiral. But reconnecting with Zeta, now a respected journalist assigned to do a story on the band, may shake his destructive vornado. But can they overcome the pains of their past? Is their love still there- after all they’ve been through? Can love stay the same when they have not?
OH MY HEART. Siobhan Davis wrecked me so keenly with her angsty love stories, and this is certainly one of her most beautifully tragic but powerfully redemptive stories to date. I felt both of these characters’ pain, their love, their triumphs and failures SO keenly. From the first word to the last, my heart was in knots. Again, this is not an easy romance. The angst- OH THE ANGST. These two have to battle so much- in themselves, in their worlds, their past and present- and even each other. They certainly suffer for their decisions, in their own agonies.
Siobhan’s emotional, angsty stories really showcase just what a powerful character writer she is- the ways in which she can build so many meaningful nuances, a dynamic substance in the characters whose emotions she so effortlessly helps us embody. They are flawed by redeemable, broken but resilient, complicated but relatable. And Ryder and Zeta are both so special as characters- compelling, sincere, magnetic in their vulnerability and admirable in how they survive. Zeta stole my heart- she’s overcome so much, but she still has such a big open heart. And Ryder- oh my soul, Ryder. This tortured, broken man. The rockgod who is drowning in his pain, his demons swallowing him moment by moment. His anger and torment often blind him, but his love for Zeta always finds a way to surface. And underneath it all, there’s just a sweet, loving man trying to find his way. Oh, and is this man SEXY- plenty of that alpha possessive rockstar swagger!
These two always find a way to save each other from themselves- and as they try to find their love amidst their demons, Zeta becomes Ryder’s salvation. Because his love for her is stronger than his self-destruction, than the darkness he battles. But, he also causes her so much pain, even if he never wanted to hurt her. SO many obstacles between them, but their connection is like the chorus of a love song- strong and loud, unforgettable, powerful, the heart of the story.
This is a passionate and moving story of second chances, of heartbreak and healing. The story of two people who despite the devastation they find in the world around them, and in their own hearts, they just can’t stop falling into each other- and so learn that is where the healing, the power, the hope always lies.
What a tale! Completely heart wrenching, but there is nothing like a story that sucks you in to where you feel the love, humor and pain with them. I really enjoyed this book - so many things as this story starts with them as young adults. I received this ARC for an honest review.
Ryder is gone, and he’s taken part of me with him. The part that believed in the dream. In the healing power of love. His love may have been fleeting, and he may have gotten over me and moved on, but I know, without a shadow of doubt, that he is my one true love, and I will never, ever get over him. And, for as long as I live, I will never forgive him for destroying me like this.
You know when you pick up some author’s books that you are going to love the story and even then, they still manage to blow you away? That’s how I felt when I read Only Ever You by Siobhan Davis. I have read every release from Siobhan for about a year now, and I loved each one. She’s an extremely talented author and writes beautiful romances, there is simply no doubt. And from the moment I started reading Only Ever You, I was utterly spellbound! This book was an emotional rollercoaster of epic levels. I absolutely, positively loved every. single. moment. of Only Ever You!!!! I don’t have enough words to express this, but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book.
Only Ever You covers a lot of tropes, so I think it’s going to appeal to a number of readers. The story is a YA, rockstar, and second-chance romance. There is a lot of angst—I mean, I expected that since most second chance romances tend to lean this way with the additional baggage of a past to contend with. But there is also the characters individual heartbreakingly tragedies that add to it. The book is a very slow burn, but jeez, when it gets hawt?! WOW, fire alarm fires have nothing on Only Ever You. Fair warning, have your spouses on standby or your batteries charged, cause this book ignited my kindle… 😉 But it’s still a romance, so just as I depend on a certain level of drama and angst to keep the story interesting, I also want to experience the sweet and easy side of the protagonists relationship. Only Ever You offered sweet moments that really tugged on my heartstrings and a couple of scenes when I couldn’t help but smile and chuckle. So really, if you’re afraid of angst, that’s not a reason to push aside Only Ever You. It’s going to test all of your emotions in the best ways. The book is well written with a consistent pace and flow. And although there is a large time jump—as the story starts in the past and later jumps to the present—it was not hard to follow. For someone such as myself who doesn’t like time jumps in her books, I think this one was not only necessary but well done as it advanced the plot and characters beautifully.
Siobhan wrote Only Ever You in dual POV—which happens to be my favorite perspective in Romances as it lets you get into your protagonist’s heads and experiences all their emotions. And these characters? WOW, they had a lot of ups and downs. Their romance was never easy—they faced heartache the likes of which many of us never experience and their HEA was hard won. While my life has been nowhere near as horrific as the protagonists of this story, I could not help but identify with them. Their characters were well thought out, the plot further cemented their strengths and weaknesses and while not all authors take into account that the storyline can be affected by little characteristics of a protagonist, that is something I felt Siobhan Davis excelled at with these characters. Only Ever You was very much a character driven romance. I think of the books I have had the pleasure of reading by Siobhan Davis, Ryder is by far my favorite hero. He’s conflicted and tortured by his past and as a result, self-destructive. He was delicious in that bad boy way and wholly in-love with the one woman he’s ever truly shared himself with, Zeta. And as far as heroines go? Zeta was AMAZING! She also might just be as conflicted and tortured by her past as Ryder. Yet she’s strong, a survivor and I loved that she was passionate, sassy and ballsy—in no way a wallflower like I would have expected based on her early life. Also, totally random injection here but I loved the Easter egg Siobhan included of my favorite Just An Illusion Weston Brother 😉!!!
As I stated above, I highly recommend Only Ever You. I wish there was more than five-stars available for some books and this is definitely one of them! If you’ve never read Siobhan Davis before, this is a fantastic example of her storytelling abilities and I truly can’t wait to reread this one…
Quotes:
“I’m broken, babe, and a part of me always will be.”
He’s not the same boy I remember because that boy would never have taken a machete to my heart the way that man just did.
There’s nothing more sobering than finding the girl you love bleeding and broken. Especially knowing it’s all your fault.
My records are officially sealed for a reason. To protect me from retaliation. And to close a door on one of the most shocking crimes the world has ever known.
I swear, the instant our eyes met, I felt something spark to life inside me. A connection? A bond? A shared understanding? A mutual dark side? I don’t know how to explain it or describe it, other than it confuses, scares, and excites me, all at the same time.…”because a friendship built on lies is not worth having.”Is it possible to love someone so much it feels like I’m dying every day I spend on this planet without her in my arms?
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All the feels
I don't even have the words for what this book did to me. Ryder and Zeta are everything. The way they love each other is inspiring. I wish I could read it again for the first time
I don't even have the words for what this book did to me. Ryder and Zeta are everything. The way they love each other is inspiring. I wish I could read it again for the first time