| Title | : | Always You (Love Hurts, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780987534385 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 309 |
| Publication | : | First published December 17, 2013 |
One week into my new job, and I suddenly had no idea why I chose high school…I was a seventeen year old boy once, I knew how teenage girls behaved.
You can’t even imagine the hell of trying to teach thirty, hormonal driven seventeen year olds who have been cooped up, away from any male contact.
I could handle the whispers every time I entered the room. I could even handle the obvious attempts at gaining my attention. What I couldn’t handle was her…
Rich bitches and way too many rules. Was it any wonder that I hated school?
Add to that the lack of male contact, and I was going insane. Like literally. I wasn’t used to this. A year ago I was normal. I had a boyfriend, friends and a loving family. There is nothing normal about me anymore, and nobody here lets me forget that.
My name is Wrenn, and I’m only here because my aunt took me in after what happened, but my aunt also happens to be the headmistress of this academy…Can you see my problem?
I’m hated for my lack of money, and I’m hated for who my Aunt is.
Then he arrived. Dalton Reed. My new history teacher.
Slowly, he helped me see that even in the worst situations, there is always hope.
Always You (Love Hurts, #1) Reviews
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4 Sweetly Romantic Stars!
Always You is a story about acceptance and love in the guise of a teacher student romance. It's a quietly romantic book about two people who are so alike and so compatible if it wasn't for the fact that Dalton is Wrenn's teacher. Personally I don't think that the student teacher relationship was the focus of this story it was more of an obstacle. The characters new they shouldn't be together, they weren't together because of the thrill it gave them.
Unlike most stories in this genre there wasn't a lot of angst and conflict. What I mean by that is it was bearable, I could handle it and I didn't get annoyed. I do not enjoy overly angsty books.
Wrenn lives with her aunt, who is the headmistress at an all girls school. She also happens to be a student at this school and is shunned by the other students mainly because she doesn't come from money and because she's the headmistress' niece. The reason for her staying with her aunt is a mystery to the students.
With the arrival of the young and very handsome temporary teacher she feels drawn to him and is thrilled when it seems he might feel the same.
When Dalton sees Wrenn, he feels the connection but won't act on it because he won't jeopardise his career. When they finally give in to their attraction he finds that he can't bear to let her go and neither can she. But he has a secret that threatens the relationship they both hold so dear.
Final Thoughts
Always you was a sweet read, but also very sad. The ending was unexpected and a "real life happy ending" I did take one star off, because I felt Dalton and Wrenn's relationship felt "insta-lovish" which felt wrong for this particular story. In this case I would have wanted more contact between the two characters before some things were said.
The End -
♦ 3.5 STARS. ♦
There's just something about a student-teacher romance story. When they're done right, they can be really good and fun to read. When they're done in a bad way, they can become predictable and clichéd very easily. Always You was a perfect example of the first category. It was a sweet, lighthearted story with lots of romance and very little angst.
Eighteen year old Wrenn hasn't had an easy life. Just a year ago her parents and brother were killed in a car accident. With no other family left, she was forced to move in with her aunt who happens to be the head mistress of an all girls boarding school. Her friends and boyfriend abandoned her ever since she the accident, and when twenty three-year-old Dalton arrives at her school as the new temporary teacher, she finally seems to have found someone to confide in. He's the first person who makes her want to enjoy life again. From the moment they met, the two of them have an instant connection (fueled by the fact that they already met several years ago when she was seven and he was twelve).
They start to spend more and more time together, and after a while neither of them can deny the feeling they have for each other. Luckily, Dalton's contract only runs for eight weeks, but still they have to keep their relationship strictly secret and that isn't always an easy thing to do..."When you feel so strongly for someone you don't want to keep it a secret. You want to shout it from the rooftops. You want everyone to know what you're feeling. Hiding it feels so wrong. How can falling in love ever be a bad thing?"
Wrenn was a very strong heroine, especially considering her young age. I admired the fact that she doesn't care what other people think and that she's determined to stand by Dalton no matter what. She's the one who's made him realize, even at the age of seven, how important it is to life your life in the present without worrying too much about the future and ."Live each day like there is no tomorrow, but don't forget to live each day like there was no yesterday either. Live in the present, for it is a gift from God. That's why it is called the present." - Emily Austen
I loved Dalton! He's a cutie and I can perfectly understand why all the girls were fangirling over him so much. He's sweet, caring and the fact that he might be carrying the same terminal decease that killed his father, made me respect the way he decides to live his life all the more."Whether you realized it or not, since that first time we met all those years ago you've inspired me to be more than I thought I ever could be. It was always you…"
Towards the ending the story might have become a bit too predictable for my taste, but overall I really enjoyed reading Always You. It was a very realistic student-teacher romance with more to the story than just "forbidden romance" elements and it had the perfect .
**ARC courtesy of the author,
Missy Johnson, in exchange for an honest review** -
Title: Always You
Series: No.
Author: Missy Johnson
Release Date: December 19th, 2013
Rating: 2.5
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA:
The start was very good, I instantly liked the characters and was impatiently waiting for development. I was engrossed in the things that were happening and I could empathize with Wrenn, that lost her family in an accident. It seems very fascinating to me that though this novel contained many of the elements that would make me love it, I can’t seem to find too much to say about it.
When things started quickly progressing I felt it was too rushed. I wanted to hit someone when I got the ‘insta love’ vibe. For most part of the book, I didn’t feel it was forbidden relationship. Wrenn and Dalton’s behavior as well as constant winking or comments between them in school were very obvious and didn’t give the book the forbidden feel.
Always You is not angsty or too much gut wrenching read. On the contrary, Dalton and Wrenn’s story is nothing like every other student teacher novel I’ve read, which was nice, but also, I have to confess, I missed some drama. Everything went down so effortlessly, it was bordering on boring. I caught myslef a couple of times wishing for more action, more depth or more… something. As much as I liked this story, it wasn’t very thrilling or action packed. I just missed ANGST.
There were few things, I liked very much. The bittersweet ending was a nice touch. It felt like a enjoyable, big red cherry on the top; The book was not bad at all...I think most people will adore Always You more than I did.
Missy Johnson created cute, funny and sweet story. Fans of this type of new adult romance will be in heaven. Personally, I hoped for a little bit more. I didn’t hate this novel but it didn’t impress me either. But If you're looking for a sweet book to kick off the holidays with some romance, this might be a story just for you.
**ARC courtesy of the author, Missy Johnson, in exchange for an honest review**
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I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from Missy for this book.
This is more of a YA book I would say as there isn’t a lot of ‘smut in it’
But that’s not necessary a bad thing!
Wrenn is an 18year old girl in an all-girls school. A school for rich snobbish girls.
Does she want to be there? NO! but she doesn’t have a choice.
Infact most of her choices were taken away from her when her parents and brother passed away in an accident.
Now Wrenn is living with her aunt who is the headmistress of the school.
Life is bleak and she’s waiting to be done with school and the girls who pick on her.
When they are told they getting a new teacher, Dalton Reid, all the girls are on ‘heat’ literally!
A hot, young male teacher in an all girls school.
Like fresh meat….
All the rich kids bet who can seduce him first…
Wrenn didn’t know that Dalton Reid was what she had been looking for to be whole again.
And Dalton didn't know that Wrenn was the woman who would help him overcome his fears and start living!
The problem is that he is a teacher….
Yes student/teacher romances!
We love these forbidden books!
I admit that this isn't the best story I've ever read however it was pretty gripping because I was literally waiting for shit to hit the fan!
Unfortunately it wasn't as dramatic as I was expecting this making this book utterly sweet!
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IT'S LIVE!!!!!!!
http://amzn.com/B00HDZOTM0
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00HDZOTM0
Just waiting on Kobo and B&N !!
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Always You was an interesting read. I was glued to this book as I wanted to find out what Dalton was hiding. The story was kinda draggy where there were scenes that I really didn't feel attached too.
Dalton is the new teacher in Wrenn's school. Yup, this is a story of student-teacher relationship. I had Ezra and Aria in mind when reading this book. *guilty* I am fan of Pretty Little Liars.
Dalton and Wrenn get closer day by day. They try to resist but Wrenn gives in and the rest is history. They try to be couple outside the school. But there is something Dalton is still keeping away from Wrenn. Read it to find out what he was hiding and how will their student-teacher relationship survive.
"Do you see how aroused you make me> I'll be lucky if I can last more than ten seconds with your mouth on me, Trust me, whatever you do will be the best I've ever had"
"If you don't go now, I'm going to take you down to my room and fuck you senseless"
Happy reading for those who love student-teacher love!
**ARC provided for tour** -
Contains spoilers!!!!
I really enjoyed this read! At times this was heartbreaking but yet beautiful. They both been through alot and deal with a heavy topic. It was filled with loss, hope, love and new beginnings! Dalton and Wrenn were perfect together. At times Wrenn was a bit childish and Dalton could have made better choices but for me it was all very realistic and made this even better.This was so much more than a teacher student read!I only wish the epilogue was a bit different .But as strong as this couple is I know without a doubt they can handle and get through anything and everything! It makes me sad though but at the same time I feel inspired:) They have met before when she is 7 and he is 12.She doesn't remember but he eventually does.It is so sweet because he says that what she told him inspired him!
safety :
both aren't virgins. Hero has more experience. He is 23.It is said that he had countless ONS in college (do I like that no but it is what it is)and never did relationships(due to the fact of his possible future). Even knowing that he was a sweet caring guy.I loved him! Wrenn had a bf before. she's not a virgin. not sure how many partners.Not much I'm guessing she is only 18.She says shes not a slut and doesn't just sleep around. It is mentioned she has given head before and knows her way around a penis(she is worried she isn't experience enough and is scared about having sex or giving oral and him not liking it). Her friend asks her if she has given head before and she replies "For your information, I've been told I'm pretty damn good at it", she says nonchalantly. Friend asks" by who ? the seventeen year old sexpert (referring to her ex bf).She says ok maybe the source of her praise wasnt that reliable. Ok so that I didn't like hearing. Way too much info for me . But that's about it regarding their past. Nothing else is mentioned. Some pushing away from both but nothing for too long or real bad.During one time hero pushes heroine away hero friend sets him up on a date. His mind is on h that he didn't even realize he agreed our better yet didn't tell him he wasn't interested . So his intentions are to tell him he can't make it. But he gets distracted with h trying to talk to him he forgets to tell friend to cancel. So he just goes ahead and meets his friend his gf and the girl they set him up with at the restaurant. he does think she is attractive and pretty. He says she would have been perfect if he was interested in dating and if he wasn't already in love with someone else. He stood bit was enjoying it too much wasn't interested. The h sees him of gets jealous. She's thinking he broke up with me and as already on a date. So her friend has a plan to make him jealous. She invites her gf(friend is gay) and gf
brother. h thinks wow he is hot. this brother hugs her holds her hand with his and pecks her on the lips briefly and surprising the h. She didn't like it but loved that the hero was watching and was angry as hell. lol Did all this bother me of course but not enough to take my enjoyment away. it was a minor thing and was quickly resolved with the hero being all Alpha:) There is a student who tries to proposition the hero bit he isn't having it and shuts her down. She does try and cause a little bit of trouble but doesn't work. No mention of having used condoms in the past but I'm almost positive they did. They always use them together . -
I Fell in love with this book and the love story between Dalton & Wrenn ! This story is so much more than a forbidden love between a teacher and his student. They were dealing with a heavy subject, that I think the author dealt with realistically and correctly.
I loved the characters. I think Wrenn was childish sometimes, and Dalton made some wrong choices. But other than that they were very realistic and I connected with them.
My Dalton
My Wrenn
Wrenn's life is not easy. She lost her entire family in a car accident and she is currently living with her aunt, who is the headmistress at an all girls school.
Her aunt & uncle were wonderful! she was lucky to have them.
She has a best friend named Kassia. They both social outcasts. She was bully by her classmates. Been the headmistress niece wasn't easy.
When Dalton, the new temporary history teacher entered the classroom Wrenn felt drawn to him. BUT unlike all the girls Who directly approached him and tried hit on him Constantly, she didn't do anything with it. She didn't want distractions. Her plans for the future were clear and she wanted to go in a straight line without looking sideways.
What I liked in their relationship is that they started with friendship. They had chance meetings outside the classroom where they found comfort and common ground with the love of Horror films.
"This is my outlet," she add, gesturing to the TV. "Horror movies. it's a good escape. And often less scarier then the reality."
They both started to develop feelings towards each other and tried to deal with them, it's not right to feel for your teacher or your student. Wrenn never imagined that her feelings for Dalton will be returned, for her it feels like an impossible love.
"I was his student. He was my teacher. That was the only thing i knew for sure."
Eventually the lines begin to Blur and there is no turning back from their feelings.
"Anyone who choose not to get to know you is losing out. Not you. You're unlike anyone i've met."
She decides to test his feelings for her and invites him to a movie, leading to ..
"He tilted his head so his lips brushed over mine, the sensation making me dizzy. His hand wandered up to my face, his fingers gently running along my hairline. Then suddenly my lips were crushed up against his with a passion even I wasn't expecting."
They begin a secret relationship and spend lots of time together, where they learn to know each other Deeply. BUT the longer this went, the harder it was for both of them.
Dalton keeps a secret. Secret that bothers him and could affect his relationship with Wrenn. He doesn't know how to deal with it and dosn't want to tell her. He is afraid of her reaction. He thinks the only way to to protect her is by saying goodbye. So he decides to take a step back and by that break Wrenn heart. She doesn't understand why. Everything was fine between them. She thinks it's because he's her teacher and she's his student, but this is far from the truth.
Then something happens that causes Dalton to understand that he can't be without her and push his feelings aside. So, he is trying to get her back, no matter the consequences.
After that they took their relationship to the next level! The scenes between them were H-O-T ! I loved them together! The chemistry between them was amazing ;)
"I always feel good when i'm around you. I feel relaxed and excited at the same time. I feel safe and scared. You bring out everything in me."
"I've never felt so close to anyone before. I don't know what it is with you, but i feel connected to you. Like i was meant to meet you."
When Wrenn discovers Dalton's secret, she breaks down.
Now, Wrenn had to make a decision about the future of their relationship.
There is some drama with one of the student in the school, forcing their relationship to come to the light.
How the headmistress would react?
What is the secret?
What Wrenn decide about the future of their relationship?
Will they find their happy ever after ?
For that you have to read the book ;)
“ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review" -
ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review.
4 Beautiful Always Stars
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”~ Henry Stanley Haskins
Always You by Missy Johnson is one those sweet emotional romantic books that leaves readers to believe in the powers of LOVE. This book goes beyond the typical standard of student/teacher forbidden romance since it went in depth with the emotional connection of two individuals who found friendship, solace, comfort, emotional strength, acceptance, and love through their relationship. What is the price to pay for love? What sacrifices are one willing to make? How strong is one’s love when sickness and health are tested? Can love be enough?
“I so badly want to make them proud of me. I can’t bring them back. I can’t erase the past, but I can control my future.”
Always You is a beautiful young love coming of age story of Dalton Reid and Wrenn. Dalton is 23 years old and freshly out of college and lands his first temporary teaching job at Tennerson Girls Academy, a prestigious private boarding school. Wrenn, is 18 years old repeating her senior year, due to a tragic accident and loss of her family. Wrenn is living with her aunt, Layna, who is the headmistress of the academy.
Wrenn is not your typical high school student. She has distanced herself since the tragic loss of her family. She doesn’t have many friends but only one good friend. The popular girls in her school dislikes Wrenn for no reason when she transferred to the academy. So Wrenn busies herself with school work and her favorite pastime of watching classic horror films.
When Dalton is invited for a faculty dinner social function at Layna’s house, he stumbles upon Wrenn curled up in a room watching a classic horror film. Wrenn finds Dalton attractive and vice versa. Soon teacher and student develops a friendship. They find themselves being able to relate to their common interest of horror films and the meaning of life. Dalton finds Wrenn unbelieveable smart and wise for her age. Besides her best friend, Kassia, she finds Dalton to be the only person who can fully understand her. Behind the tears and her painful past, Dalton finds her to be remarkably strong.
For the first time in her life, Wrenn finally feels alive and so she acts on the attraction and kisses Dalton. As much as Dalton wants to deny the attraction and connection he feels with Wrenn, he finally submits to his wants and desires. Soon they find themselves hiding their relationship from their peers. With enough credits to graduate early, all Wrenn has to do was wait till she graduates and Dalton’s eight week teaching position to be done so they can finally go out in public with their relationship. Like with any forbidden romance, the truth and secrets always finds a way of revealing itself. How strong is their love to survive the criticism of their peers? What is one willing to risk for love?
“Whether you realized it or not, since that first time we met all those years ago you’ve inspired me to be more than I thought I ever could be. It was Always You…”
After reading Always You, it makes you understand the power of Love. Wrenn and Dalton’s love for each other can only be described as beautiful. It reminds us all to never be afraid of the unknown and most importantly sometimes taking chances in love is what makes life worth living for. Whether our time on Earth is cut short, Always You reminds us all that life should be lived to the fullest and sometimes fate has a way of intervening and bringing two destined people together. So if you are looking for a sweet romantic story that will tug a special place in your heart then I would recommend you to read this book.
“Live each day like there is no tomorrow, but don’t forget to live each day like there was no yesterday either. Live in the present, for it is a gift from God. That’s why it is called the present.” ~ Emily Austen
Missy Johnson
**Reviewed on Behalf of Give Me Books Blog** -
Always You had my attention as soon as I heard “student teacher romance.” While it might not have been what I was expecting, it was a short, cute read.
After a horrific accident claimed the lives of her parents and brother, Wrenn is sent away to live with her aunt who is head mistress at an all girls academy. The girls are rich and bitchy and Wrenn couldn’t be more miserable.
Prep school was like my worst nightmare come true. When the thought ‘I wish I died along with the rest of my family’ crossed your mind on a daily basis, it’s pretty obvious your not in a great place emotionally.
When handsome, young teacher, Dalton Reed is hired it causes quite a stir among the girls of Tennerson Academy. Within minutes girls are betting on who will get with him first. It’s all pretty comical, girls dropping pencils just to bend over in front of him, sexual innuendos flying left and right during class, the whole nine. While all this is going on Wrenn and her best friend, Kassia (a fellow outcast) are just watching the crazy unfold.
It doesn’t take long for Dalton to feel like he may be in a bit over his head and when he is invited to the weekly dinner at the headmistress’ house, him and Wrenn strike up an unlikely friendship. They bond over their mutual love for horror movies and it’s all really cute and seemingly innocent. Until it’s not…
“I’ve never felt so close to anyone before. I don’t know what it is with you, but I feel connected to you. Like I was meant to meet you.”
With a foundation of trust and friendship, feelings quickly form and it doesn’t take long before lines become blurred and eventually crossed.
“I can’t tell you how this is going to turn out, Wrenn. All I can do is promise that I will do my best to make this work, if that’s what you decide you want.”
“I think I’m already past making that decision.”
I was surprised how low angst this story was, especially it being a student teacher romance. I think a lot of that it attributed to this particular situation not feeling very taboo. Wrenn is 18, weeks away from graduation, and Dalton is 23, barely out of college. Nothing about them together felt very forbidden, which I missed a little bit. I wanted that nervous, excited feeling. There is definitely more going on in the story that has a huge impact on their relationship -something Dalton has kept secret and causes some definite conflict.
If I was being honest with myself, my career was the least of my worries when it came to Wrenn.
Overall, I liked Always You, but it was more on the okay side of liked it. The relationship between Wrenn and Dalton was sweet and there are plenty of tender moments as well as some steamy ones. Although it didn’t blow me away and I wasn’t as invested in the characters as I like to be, it was a cute romance. I thought the ending was really fitting and I was happy with how it turned out.
“You can’t live life waiting for things to go wrong, because then you’re not really living.”
2.5-3 stars. -
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion***
2 Stars
This really wasn't my cup of tea! It had so much potential to be a great book yet it wasn't. I greatly enjoyed the start and the premise of the book, I mean an all girl's school and a hot young teacher!! However nothing much seemed to happen! The plot development was thin and I just did not feel the chemistry between Wrenn and Dalton. The sex scenes did not deliver for me, there was more sweet than sexy which many would love.
For a story about forbidden romance, they didn't seem to really care about being caught and thus the element that makes such books irresistible was not there. There was no angst which is usually a big plus for me but here I wanted to see more twists and turns, more drama, wanted them to work hard for their relationship.
This was a sweet, light and well written book, it just did not do it for me, I am sure plenty would enjoy it!
The only highlight was the ending, thought it was really cute and felt realistic but again it needed more development, everything felt rushed.
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![[~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1388500902i/22427047._UY200_CR8,0,200,200_.jpg)
2 stars
I was expecting an angsty student teacher romance. What I got was a sweet couple with a secretive illness.
The basis for the storyline was good, but when I think about everything I like in a book: Likeable characters? No. Great writing? No. Good banter? Nope. Steamy? Not even close. Would I recommend this? Definitely no.
It was fast paced and stress-free. The story made you want to know how it all plays out. But other than that, nothing special in my opinion. -
4.5 Stars
So was this the best book ever? No, but I did have trouble putting it down. Who doesn't love a high school senior falling for her hot older (freshly out of college) teacher?!? So hot!! And I adore that cover :)
It had a nice mix of cute moments and steamy moments. It also had some funny scenes--like the lesbian best friend and some heart-wrenching scenes like the ending. I got my HEA tho so I'm happy.
My biggest complaint was probably the language. I actually enjoy language in books when it fits with the characters--but it didn't fit for me. Other than that loved it!!! -
This book reminds me of the first season of Pretty Little Liars.
Dalton Reid: is a 23-year-old, college graduate, newly appointed teacher in an all girls school, loves horror flicks and has a deadly secret.
Wrenn: is 18-years-old, repeating her senior year of high school, and crushing big time on her new teacher. She LOVES horror flicks and lives with her Aunt and Uncle after her family was killed in an accident.FATE. It has brought them together not once, but twice in one lifetime. Now it's up to them what they will do with their fate.
Dalton accepts an 8-week contract at an all girls school for his first teaching job. He soon finds out that this wasn't such a good idea after all. Too many raging hormones trapped in one room can be over kill and not so good for a young, good-looking, male teacher. Or is it?
In walks Wrenn and Dalton's life will take a completely different route then he was prepared for. Can he put Wrenn through heartache when she learns of his secret?
Wrenn is living with the headmistress of the school, who happens to be her aunt. It's her senior year of high school and she's graduating early. She can't wait to get out of this school as the catty girls aren't nice to her. She's got her acceptance letter to the college she wants, keeps her head down, and works her tail off to get high marks. She has one close friend and that's all she needs.
Until Mr. Reid walks through the door of her History class. Life definitely will never be the same for Wrenn. Not only will her life change forever, but her heart will be put to the test when she learns of his deadly secret.
They know it's not completely right and can't be together...at least not until after high school graduation. However, they can't help themselves as they go from innocent moments, to flirting, to watching movies and then beyond.
But watch out! There's always those who are jealous and wish you the worst lot in life. These two just might end up in a heap of trouble and Dalton's job on the line.
What I liked about this book:
1. Their shared love of Horror Flicks/and watching them together
2. Their flirting moments
3. Their sweet moments together
4. Their sexy moments
5. The epilogue
6. The fast pace of the book
7. Little drama or angst to deal with
8. Dalton's jealous side. ;)
9. I appreciate that author made Wrenn of age and Dalton only 5 years older than her. So the age at least wasn't inappropriate.
Content: Drinking. Language. Sexual Situations. -
2.5 Sweet Love Stars
Very cute love story with a powerful message.
I didn't love this one as much as I hoped I would, but I did like it and I would recommend it to others. I have thought long and hard about the rating I thought would be best and have finally decided that 2.5 is the most fitting for me.
Before I begin, you need to know that my ABSOLUTE favorite area of romance is teacher/student forbidden love. So, the bar is pretty high for me! Ok, let's proceed. While I did like this book, there just wasn't enough of that forbidden love quality that I expect and crave with a teacher student romance. With that being said, that may not bother everyone, so if it is not a show stopper for you, then you will probably really like this book.
It is an otherwise short and very sweet read about two lost and lonely people finding true love in each other. Wrenn has a tragic past and Dalton has a secret that will impact his future.
The writing was good, and the story kept me engaged the whole time. There was just enough of a good balance between the romance and the steam as well! There is an HEA but kind of a bittersweet one.
"You can't choose who you fall in love with, all you can do is be damn thankful you've found someone who understands you. ~ Wrenn
"Whether you realized it or not, since that first time we met all those years ago, you've inspired me to be more than I thought I ever could be. It was Always You. ~Dalton"
All in all, I liked this one, even though it wasn't totally what I was expecting. I will definitely be checking more out from Missy Johnson in the future.
ARC provided by Missy Johnson as part of her release day blitz in exchange for an honest review.
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Missy Johnson -
Liked it much! Heartfelt story with perfect characters that were easy to fall for.
After a tragic accident that leads Wrenn to live with her aunt, the headmistress of Tennerson Girls Academy, she’s forced to adjust to a completely new life style, make new friends, and hope to survive a semester at the academy. Entering as a senior with only eight weeks of course work left before starting college, the girls at Tennerson find every opportunity to make Wrenn’s transition a difficult one. She’s kept her heartbreak that led her to live with her aunt a secret, but when the new teacher begins his assignment at the school, all of Wrenn’s well laid plans and carefully guarded secrets are about to be exposed.
Dalton is commissioned to teach at the same academy for eight weeks, which turns out to be a living hell having to deal with hormonal teenage girls that quickly devise plots and rumors that just might damage his career. Meeting Wrenn and establishing a strong connection with his student doesn’t help his cause either and they soon find themselves with a difficult choice.
Overall, I really liked Always You! The characters blended well and the alternating perspectives allowed a deeper insight into Dalton and Wrenn’s feelings and frustrations. Where there were a few predictable moments, it was gracefully balanced with a plot that masterfully weaved the past and present into a solid storyline, and carried a few surprises and twists along the way. I liked how Dalton’s backstory was gradually unveiled and how it played a significant part in the end.
As much as it would have made a TON of sense for Wrenn and Dalton to hold off on their heated romance until after he finished his assignment and she graduated… we’re talking a mere six weeks total… I still enjoyed their stumbles and falls that ultimately proved they were meant to be. And plus, where’s the fun when all the players follow the rules? I like flawed choices with realistic consequences thank you very much!
For readers that might be put off by a student/teacher relationship, I will tell you now that the age difference was narrow. She’s eighteen and he’s twenty-three, but most importantly there's a past connection between these two that unveils and helps it all come together. This is by no means a spoiler, since it's carefully presented in the prologue. Also, I know I tend to harbor feelings for characters that push the envelope, but I assure you that Dalton and Wrenn are the least controversial couple I’ve come across in this category. :)
Lastly, I have to applaud Missy Johnson on forgoing the ultimate Happily Ever After with one of her final character choices. It felt real, slightly tragic but ultimately hopeful. Johnson proved that not every story should be tied with a pretty ribbon and can still end right. Well done! -
I have to say that this book was one I was really looking forward to. I've only read one other book with a student/teacher relationship(
Unteachable), and while it was good, it was also kind of dark and heavy. But this book was just the right about of serious and lightness. There was still a lot going on.
Both Wrenn and Dalton had been through a lot in their lives. Both were trying to move on, but they were just existing. It wasn't until they came into each others lives that they started living again. They were both able to start healing because of the friendship that formed from their love of horror movies.
And of course it wouldn't be a romance without some good old fashioned crushing/attraction. And Wrenn and Dalton had it in spades! I could feel it coming through my kindle. They had some great chemistry.
Even though I really enjoyed this book, I was disappointed by one thing. And while I don't want to spoil it, it has to do with the ending and Dalton. Now, before you panic, there is not a cliff hanger or a TBC ending. There is a HEA. However, I wasn't exactly jumping for joy at how it went down. There's a lingering question throughout the book and it's answered just before the epilogue and I wasn't happy with that answer. But, I could have lived with it...if the ending had been more definite as to their lives. The epilogue jumps ahead 5 years and while the couple is happy, I wanted more for them. I wanted to see them with a kid or Wrenn pregnant with their first child.
But with all that said, this book is really good, a great read and definitely worth checking out. -
Needs to be proofread. By a professional and not a fangurl volunteer, that is.
I might have been willing to overlooks all the mistakes, if the author voice was engaging enough, but I found it amateurish and unbelievable, at times laughable. Hard to believe that this is not a first novel but it's her 7th, I believe.
Sensuality: PG-13 -
4.5 emotional stars!
Review to come... -
Of all the teacher-student romance novels I've read the two books that have stood out for me are
Slammed and
Unteachable. Funny, really, because while the first one is more about cute puppy love between two barely-adults thrown in a situation out of their control the second one focuses mostly on the intense and taboo aspects of such relationships. In the first book their positions is one of the problems to overcome in a relationship, in the second it is one of the driving factors in work.
In this spectrum with these two books on two ends Always You falls exactly in the middle.
It's cute and sweet and yet has an forbidden intense feel to it. It's exciting and funny at times and cute and sweet as well as dangerous and taboo at times. And yet - yes, there is an yet - I felt something missing in the story, something that stopped me from being as invested in the book as I normally would have been.
Don't get me wrong - the book is good. But it misses a certain spark in the romance to become a memorable read for me in the long run. Allow me to elaborate.
I loved the prologue. I loved a cute meeting between a seven year old Wrenn and a twelve year old Dalton. It hooked me in instantly and I could not stop grinning like an idiot.
We are then transported eleven years to the future in the first chapter where Dalton is a Substitute history teacher in Wrenn's school and they meet again the decade old conversation just a forgotten memory. And despite of everything they fall in love.
The romance was not insta at all but somehow the buildup to their relationship was unsatisfactory. Their was this subtle flirting and push and pull of their attraction going on that was really building up the sexual tension and the mood of the story and suddenly they go in a relationship and sneaking around? I almost thought I had lost a chapter in the middle.I had not.
Sometimes, especially in the steamier scenes, the characters had a fully different personality and different voices from what they had normally. Sometimes I could not connect them to the people they were in the rest of the book. But there were only two instances like that and in the bigger picture they were forgivento an extent.
I liked the way the characters handled the problems they had. It was realistic and human. To the reader (especially someone like me rooting for the HEA) they were frustrating at times but what a real, normal person would do and that was something I really appreciated.
But the BEST - the absolute best - part about the book is its ending. The author does not try to make everything convenient for the characters or sugarcoat their problems but always keeps Wrenn and Dalton as real people. And hats off to Johnson for pulling it off perfectly.
Also, Kass was an amazing best friendwho did not suffer from disappearing-in-the-face-of-romance syndrome. Thank god.
All in all, this was a really good New Adult book - sweet and sexy at the same time.
3.25 Stars
An ARC of this book was provided to me by the author in exchange of an honest review. -
Oh, the angst of forbidden love!
3.5 stars. ALWAYS YOU was a solid NA romance between an 18 y/o high school student and a handsome 23 y/o substitute teacher. I really liked the main characters of Wrenn and Dalton, and their story kept me captivated from beginning to end. It was a nice mix of light romantic fun, some hot steamy moments, and then some deeply emotional angst.
I should mention that I normally prefer romance books with older heroes and heroines, and so I typically shy away from reading the NA genre. Too many NA romances seem to focus on -- and blow way out of proportion -- silly teenage issues that really won't matter in the real adult world, but this one had a surprisingly mature storyline for such young characters.
If I had any complaints, it might be that Wrenn's character felt a bit too mature and experienced for an 18 y/o girl. But I liked her character regardless. I also have no doubt if I read this book when I was half my current age, I would probably be rating this much higher. But at my current age, it is just really hard to recognize an 18 y/o as a true adult.
The storyline has a 'forbidden romance' element with him being the teacher and her his student. While they certainly cross the line and put his career at risk, I thought they handled the situation with a lot of maturity. They understood the risks fully, and wasn't blindsided by the reality of what they were doing. Nor did they try to make excuses for their actions, they owned them. Bravo. I had a lot of respect for both of them on how they handled their situation.
I was less thrilled with the 'mean girls' spoiled teenagers and their silly drama games, but given that this is a story written about high school students those type of characters are to be expected. I was just glad they didn't get much time in the story. However, their action toward the end pissed me off. Warning - MAJOR SPOILER:
I did enjoy this one, but that is not to say there weren't some clunky moments. The sex scenes were hot and well done, but a few issues bother me. Warning - SPOILER:
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It had many of the romantic elements I enjoy in contemporary romances, especially a likable hero and heroine I can route for and a mature storyline that is relevant to a real adult world.
Thank you to Missy Johnson for providing an ARC for me to read!! -
***I was given this Arc in exchange for an honest review***
Okay so I have read a ton of books by many authors over the years. Finding my favorites seemed to be making a very long list. My newest add would have to be Always You.
I have been a fan of Missy Johnson from the very beginning. She has a unique writing style and I love it. This book though definitely sets her over the edge for me though. Don't get me wrong I loved her other books, but this one...This one is just moon and stars above her others.
So Wrenn and Dalton's story is based on a forbidden love (love these kind of stories), but it is so much more than that. Each hold a secret from the world. Each carry their own baggage...Who doesn't right? Well this is different. This baggage is baggage not everyone has, but many do not speak about it.
I was laughing, I was crying, I was screaming, I was biting my nails...I just loved the journey Missy Johnson took me on through this book. The characters to me were life like and believable. The flow was great. You will go through the book guessing the way this book ends and... well I will have to leave you to find out what I was leading up to there.
If there is any read that you feel you need to pick up...It should be Always You when it comes out. Many times we all get lost inside our own worlds and forget that even though we may be having problems and what not, but we aren't the only ones (and someone just may very well have it worse). I have a feeling that this book will stick with me for a while. A job well done Missy Johnson. I can't wait for more work from you.
~PJ~ from Miles Apart Books :) -
A new teacher-student!!!! Ahhhh!!!!!!
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Wrenn and Dalton's story was so sweet.Missy never seems to disappoint.I read this non stop because I just couldn't put it down.
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WOW!! This book was amazing!! I have read a lot of books this year and this one is now one of my favorites. Always You is Wrenn and Dalton's story. It is told through both Wrenn and Dalton's POV. Wrenn has been through a lot in her life. When she meets Dalton she is living with her Aunt and is an eighteen year high school senior at Tennerson Girls Academy. Dalton is a twenty three year old recent college graduate. Dalton is Wrenn's temporary History teacher.
Wrenn and Dalton try fighting their feelings for each other but some things just can't be fought. Teacher/ Student relationships are kind of a taboo topic but it didn't feel wrong in this story. Missy Johnson does such a wonderful job writing the story so that nothing about Dalton and Wrenn's relationship seemed wrong.
The story also has more than a teacher/ student romance. Dalton's father passed away from a terminal disease that can be passed down to his children. Dalton initially reuses to have the tests to determine if he has it. We are not told right away what the disease is and that kept me guessing as to what it was.
Always You is a great story. It is a definite must read! -
3.5 stars
I love a good student-teacher romance! While this is a well written story, it just wasn't hot enough for me.
I didn't fall in love with Dalton's character, but he does have his moments.
I liked Wrenn, I feel for her, and I loved that she fought and never gave up on Dalton. Yes, though it sounded like she had selfish thoughts, I think that just makes her more realistic.
As for the romance factor, I liked that Wrenn and Dalton's feelings developed gradually. As for the sex, not so much.
The story is light and simple with a little twists towards the end, though I did not feel any angst. All in all, it was alright.
ARC kindly provided to Slitsread Blog by author in exchange for an honest review.
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I've read most of Missy Johnson's books, and I admit, I like her softer more feelgood romances the most.
In this book, we meet Wrenn, who lost her family to a horrific accident a year earlier, causing her to move in with her aunt - the headmistress at a prestigious prep school.
Putting aside the traumatic loss of her family, Wrenn has a promising future. She's smart, mature, and studious.
When Dalton Reid enters the scene - as her new substitute teacher - there's an instant connection between the two of them. One that - despite Reid's best efforts - he can't deny.
This story takes you on an emotional, feelgood journey and it tugged on my heartstrings.
Love can last forever, but life can not. So you end up saying to yourself, 'Love as much as you can - for as long as you can - because you never know when life will decide to take them away.' -
Ok, So maybe it's just me however the ending sucked big time for me.. I loved the whole forbidden feel and then finally you think it's going somewhere and BAM!
Is there a second book coming out, or another epilogue?
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It wasn't what I expected. I was struggling with the writing.
