| Title | : | It Was Always You |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 216 |
| Publication | : | Published March 28, 2018 |
After breaking free from an abusive relationship, Tatum hopes to rebuild her sense of security by moving closer to her brother. But the past is eager to catch up with her. Not one but two of her exes have resurfaced. One wants to rekindle their sweet college romance, the other seeks to punish her for daring to leave him. Torn between her head and her heart, Tatum fears giving love a second chance.
In his mind, Parker has always considered Tatum the one who got away. She was his ideal woman, yet he walked out when presented with a job opportunity too good to resist. Now, with her back in town, he’s hoping to stoke the flames of the fiery passion that once burned between them.
But Tatum’s violent ex isn’t about to let another man have her. As she and Parker contemplate rebuilding what they once had, the obsession of her ex boils over in vengeful wrath. Can Parker convince her their second chance is worth fighting for? Or will Tatum run from the longings of her battered heart?
It Was Always You Reviews
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3.5 for this solid debut.
The characters and the story are full of emotion. Most of it angst - which, if you're like me, is a dream. I love those true to life stories where nothing is easy and the characters don't always make good choices. This book delivers on all of that. Good first book from this author. I look forward to more. -
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by Exclusive ARC)...
2.5 Stars
I really wanted to love this book since second chance romances are my favorite but unfortunately it fell flat for me. Tatum in my opinion was too selfish and stubborn for her own good; most of the bad things that occurred could have been avoided if she listened to her brother or best friend. Parker wasn’t what I was expecting for a cop since he basically follows Tatum around like a lost puppy. The two people I actually liked in the book were Tatum’s best friend, Jen and Tatum’s brother, Elliott. It’s really hard to care about a character when they have no sense of self preservation.
The story was interesting in the beginning but towards middle/end it started to get a little boring and by the end I was skimming through the pages.
You never get a real sense of their relationship and the flashbacks between past and present events were confusing since you couldn't tell when we were in past or present.
SPOILERS BELOW:
!!!!
First I must say the synopsis is a little misleading since Parker didn’t leave Tatum behind, she basically pushed him away and refused to talk to him.
Dean was a total psycho and Tatum was blind where he was concerned. She made everyone believe that he wasn’t that bad of a guy but according to her Dean’s been physically and emotionally abusing her from the start. Then when she finds out Dean is cheating, she tries to break up with him and he slaps her, then she not only forgives him but sleeps with him; however, she dumps him again when she finds out he’s still seeing the other woman. Then when she finally tells her brother the truth because she wanted no secrets between them, she still kept another secret from him.
Parker was so whipped on Tatum, that girl could have kicked him in the cojones and he would have loved it. He blamed himself for their break up but Tatum is the one that refused to try anything to keep them together.
Basically, the whole story is Tatum being terrorized by her psycho lawyer ex-boyfriend and completely ignoring the safety advice from her loved ones who happened to be police officers. Then she needs help when Dean keeps finding and attacking her.
Also Jen and Elliott, loved them, but their story was also unbelievable because apparently it has been 8 years since they’ve talked or seen each other, but one weekend together and they are moving in with each other. -
It Was Always You by author S.L. Sterling. This standalone second chance novel is an enjoyable and beautifully written story with likable characters and twists. I have consumed it in one go.
Tatum is dating Parker, but they are at a crossroads in their relationship. Tatum after losing her parents couldn’t deal with a long-distance relationship. Tatum and Parker are sweet young people in love with each other, but Parker got job opportunity he could not pass, so he leaves their hometown to explore the presented career path.
8 years later Tatum is struggling with abusive boyfriend Dean and takes time to realize that this man is a cheating liar with a severe case of unhealthy possessiveness that is not promising anything good for her. Eventually, she gathers the courage to leave him. Then she does, she move away to live closer to her brother Elliott. Tatum soon realizes that Dean is not so keen to let her go, and is threatening Tatum with retaliation if she won’t listen.
She is scared and ashamed to admit she was reduced to this woman who allows being treated this way. So Tatum suffered Dean’s verbal or physical abuse silently for ages until one day she catches him cheating and decides to move on. Apart from her beaten down self-esteem, she is also a very stubborn woman, who soon realizes that she must ask for help and protection from her brother and Parker. It is just not that easy to admit the truth.
Elliott and Parker are partners at the police and childhood friends who have been in each other’s life forever. Parker never got over Tatum, so when she comes to live closer to her brother, he is afraid it will be too painful to be around her and tries to avoid the woman who is still able to ignite his blood. Their chemistry is a live wire, and they both realize fast that their feeling never went away.
Not to give all away it was sweet, romantic engaging story with the threat hanging over Tatum's head with HEA at the end. I think it is a beautiful sweat story worth reading, enjoy! -
-Kacie, 4 stars
I devoured this book in one sitting! I really enjoyed this story, I thought it was well written.
I liked Tatum and Parker. I would have liked to see them communicate more before jumping into bed together. I liked how protective Parker was towards Tatum. Even when they weren’t on the same page, he recognized something wasn’t quite right and went to check on her. I liked the brother/sister relationship that Tatum and Elliot. I loved how close they are. I did not like Dean! He was the opposite of Parker and it showed. That guy had some nerve with some of his actions!
I hope there is an upcoming book about Elliot and Jen. -
First book I have read from this author and I absolutely loved it. This was quite the storyline. I absolutely loved Tatum and Parker. I loved this book because it was a second chance romance and I love books where the couples get those chances. S.l did an amazing job writing this one and providing you with quite a storyline that will grab your attention. Parker and Tatum were in love but Parker had to make a tough decision. He choose the hard decision and these two ended up breaking up. Years later Tatum is having issues with life and work so she decides to move closer to her brother. Moving closer to her brother puts her closer to Parker again. Will these two be able to rekindle the flame? Will the past stay in the past? Or will Tatum's ex come back to haunt her? A little romance, a little suspense, a great storyline with two amazing characters. Highly recommend.
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*** ARC Received for Honest Review ***
3.5/4 Stars
This book is raw and emotional. Tatum goes through too many tragedies and changes in life to handle a long distance relationship with Parker. Since then, Parker has always felt that Tatum was the one that got away. After years of each of them trying to move on Tatum is brought back into his life, albeit with some demons hot on her tail.
This book is full of drama and heartbreak which will have you rooting for Parker and Tatum. As a bonus you will fall in love with Tatum's best friend, Jen, and her brother, Elliott. (Review by Terri "Jane") -
💝FREE on Amazon today (9/13/18)!💝
Blurb:
Fresh out of an abusive relationship, Tatum packs up and goes to live closer to her brother.
A new life. New beginnings.
But when Parker - her college sweetheart - comes back around she’s immediately divided between trying again or protecting her damaged heart.
Parker hasn't been able to get Tatum off his mind since the night he walked out of her life. Eight years of one night stands, along with sleepless nights, and the pain of losing her has virtually faded. But now she's moving back to town and all the emotions of the past come crashing in to drive him back to her.
Ex-boyfriends are real, though.
And hers becomes obsessed.
Tatum and Parker’s rekindled love will be tested to its limits.
And worlds may come crashing down. -
True long lasting love here
SL’s ability to take you from past present without the feeling of harsh time lapse made this book feel like your own story coming off the pages. From the harsh reality of who and what Dean really was to the true North for Tatum......Parker. The style of writing is so complete I felt each emotion to my core. Love this book. -
This story started of very slow and I was a bit disappointed. But suddenly it took me by surprise. It all fell into place. It became an amazing read with great storyline and plot. It is slow paced and suits the characters and how they develop. A story about letting the past go and get your HEA. Take the second chance. A strong and independent heroin but also very stubborn and at times too stubborn which annoyed me.
Characters are likeable and well described. They have great chemistry and passion. There is love, heartbreak, hurt and emotional ups and downs in this story.
I like it is written in dual POV, which gives the reader both the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. The twists makes you just want to read more.
The story caught me and I like it very much. -
At times it seems to me that I love to one degree or another just about every book I read and that is odd. But then I come across a book like this and I realize I don’t love every book I read. I didn’t love this book. I didn’t even like it. Though the hero was on the bland side, the heroine drove me bonkers.
Tatum, our heroine, is with a real douche. Though we learn that it’s clearly evident what a jerk he is and even Tatum experiences it, she stays with him until she’s had enough. They are supposed to be celebrating something or other overnight in a hotel and rather than spend the time with her, her boyfriend “claims” to be in a business meeting and it isn’t until the next morning when she spies him kissing another woman, she realizes that’s it and the relationship is over. It wasn’t the times he became physically abusive of her, nope that didn’t do it.
She heads out to visit with her brother on the other coast for a while. He’s a cop who happens to work with her childhood sweetheart. They were destined to be together but her parents died and very shortly after he was offered a position working for a police department very far away. He wants to keep in contact and work a long distance relationship and they try for a while but then for some reason, and who knows what really, she just stops corresponding with him. She still loves him though and we finds out he, or Parker is his name, has been carrying the torch for her all these years. They get back together, she almost leaves, her ex-boyfriend comes back into the picture, danger, danger, danger, danger solved and they live happily ever after. Blah, blah, blah. Except….
Tatum is an idiot. Do you ever watch those scary movies and the people are headed downstairs and you’re thinking ‘don’t go down there, don’t go down there’ and they do and because they are stupid, things go very bad? Well that’s Tatum. She stays with this jerk even though she is close to her brother and the jerk wants her to cut all ties with her brother, the only family she has left. Hello – a guy like this? Warning bells. And when she moves to be with her brother and her ex starts to terrorize her, does she tell her brother the cop???? Of course she doesn’t because she’s an idiot and to tell a family member SHE IS BEING STALKED BY AN ABUSER would be a sensible thing to do.
Then she’s offered a job back in New York and she takes it. Even though she and Parker are now back together and it’s the same company that dropped her with no warning, she ready to come back. Does she say anything to Parker, the love of her life she is getting a chance with? She is getting to spend time now with her brother, her only family left. Idiot. She’s all set to leave something good including love, for what? I don’t know. I don't take the same idiot pills she clearly does.
And I’d probably have something to say about Parker except that even though it was just a short time ago that I read this book, I can’t remember him really at all. And that’s never a good sign. A hero I can’t remember, a heroine I couldn’t stand and an over the top villain all make for a book that sadly I can’t recommend. And while I usually don't question high grades on books I don't 'get', knowing one person's junk is another person's treasure, in this case I'm truly puzzled by the high grades there are here. I don't get it, I really don't get it. -
Awesome!
This is the first book I have read by this author and I loved it! Tatum and Parker were young and in love but the stubbornness they both had made them walk away from each other. The story had great combination of romance, sex, suspense and angst that made it a total page turner. Excellent read! -
2.5 Stars 🌟🌟1/2
This would have been an amazing second chance romance (my favorite!), but I just couldn't ever warm up to the heroine, Tatum. The hero-Parker, her brother-Elliot, and her best friend-Jen were all great characters. To me, their never-ending support, love, protectiveness, and sage advice were the best things about this story. With that being said, Tatum's actions made we want to deduct so many stars, but I can't say I hated the story. I just didn't love the heroine. It's 2.5 stars for me.
The woman was stubborn, and not in a cute way. I had sympathy for the situation she found herself in though. People make mistakes all the time. They make bad decisions they regret-it happens. I commended her for getting out when things got physically abusive. But after that, it's like Tatum really bumped her head and couldn't think straight. She wouldn't listen to her best friend and dragged her feet when it came to telling her brother-who is a cop, by the way-about the abuse and all the phone calls and crazy messages. And speaking of crazy?! What was Dean's (the psycho ex) obsession with Tatum anyway? He treated her terribly, was a cheating prick, but he just had to have her?! He couldn't even be bothered to devote time to the relationship, but all of a sudden had time to stalk her-and I mean everywhere?! I just didn't get it.
For a while, things regarding Tatum's decision making got better. It still kind of irked me that she kept doubting Parker's feelings for her. He practically wore them on his sleeve. And aside from a understandable hissy fit, Parker was very understanding and sympathic to Tatum's situation. He really never stopped loving her. The chemistry was still there, and the flashbacks were a good way to see how the love and fire from before was still burning between them.
But just when I thought Tatum was done making bad decisions...*Facepalm*...
Her former boss called with a job. Now, this woman moved far enough away that she had to get there by plane, and she actually considered going back to take a job that's located in the same place her stalker, abusive, psycho ex-boyfriend lived?! The same one who tracked her down to her new residence, in a new state, and had to be arrested (by her cop boyfriend-yes he was a cop, too) for breaking into her home and attacking her?! I was stunned speechless! Even more so after she got a well-deserved lecture from her brother and had the nerve to get upset. I just...*throws hands up in the air in exasperation!*
Through it all, Parker, Elliot, and even her best friend, Jen felt like they let Tatum down and didn't protect her from the psycho ex as they should have. It was an incredible thing that she had people like that in her life. Over and over again she made awful decisions that put her life in danger, and I just wanted to reach into my kindle and really shake some sense into her. -
Eight years ago Tatum Bancroft was dating Parker Harrison but when he got a job offer in another town they split up with Tatum not wanting to deal with a long distance relationship. Now she finds herself desperate to leave an abusive relationship with her cheating boyfriend, Dean.
Tatum heads to her brother Elliot’s for a chance to start over only his partner in the police force is Parker. Tatum’s only problem is trying to discover whether she still has feelings for Parker and of course dealing with the threatening messages that Dean is sending her.
Can Tatum handle Dean on her own or will she need help from Elliott and Parker? Will she finally find the love she has always wanted?
This book had quite a few twists and turns that left me scared and wondering what was going to happen next.
My heart broke for Tatum and everything that she went through with Dean and knowing she had to look out for herself above all else. Yet she definitely had a lot to fear with how Dean would take her leaving, yet I really didn’t expect the reaction to a certain extent.
I loved both Elliott and Parker and how protective they were of Tatum. I was mad that Tatum didn’t tell them both everything right from the start.
I loved all of the twists and turns with Dean and I was so happy for how things turned out.
The ending had me a little worried but things worked out how they should! - By Rebecca -
I struggled with this one on a few points. CW: Abuse, domestic violence on page, stalking, harassment, attempted rape.
I really struggled with Tatum, who was in love with Parker, her first love. Only she pushes him away in order for him to fulfill his dream of being a cop. She doesn't even consider a long distance relationship, just pushes him away and never talks to him again. That doesn't really scream, my one and only true love, but ok fine.
Many years later she is in a relationship with someone else who cheats on her. Hey it happens, ok. This goes around a few times, he slaps her, and is still cheating on her. When she finally has enough she moves to be closer to her brother, who is partnered with her first ex Parker. Her current ex is not willing to let her go and starts to stalk and harass her.
A lot of violence against her happens on the page, and is a little heavy. A lot of the decisions Tatum makes doesn't make sense, especially towards the end. Moving back to a town where you stalker lives when you have the protection of two cops? Doesn't make any sense.
While I liked the second chance romance, and Tatum trying to find her way in her new life the rest left a not so pleasant feeling. -
4 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has pain, second chances, suspense, and sweet love.
This is Tatum and Parker’s story. After finally getting out of an abusive relationship Tatum moves closer to her brother to start over fresh. Being back with her brother brings different memories. When she sees Parker a man that left her and broken her years ago she does not know if she wants to give him another shot. Parker has regretted leaving Tatum for the last eight years and when he finds out that she is coming back to town he knows he must get her back. It will not be easy. She has not had an easy time since they were together. Just when she tries to move on with her life and give Parker another chance her ex comes back determined to have her back. Will she be able to fight for what she wants, or will the ex make sure he destroys not only her but Parker also? Will Tatum finally get the man she deserves, or will she lose everything?
I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book. -
This book was beyond pathetic! We see h catching her ex with some other girl in a coffee shop where the girl was sitting on his lap and they were kissing, and that day was their anniversary. So he left h and was with that woman the whole time.
So she catches her ex and breaks up with him. Then the ex gives her flowers after a week... Yeah he didn't call her for over a week after she broke up with him but then a week later he comes to her house with pizza and saying how much he loves her even though he had an affair going on for months!
h invites him in, accepts his flowers, he cooks her dinner and then she fvcking sleeps with him!! Yes!! He cheats on her a week ago and the h is already sleeping with him. This h is definition of doormat. I hated her soooo much that I wanted to go and kill her.
I did not finish the book because I couldn't tolerate the h, but just suppose if H cheats on her and she would even forgive him!! I'm so raged right now.... I'm gonna go and kill some enemies in pubg now to blow off my steam!!! -
*ARC received*
Parker and Tatum were separated in their relationship due to Parker’s new job for a police force that was long distance from their current living space.
Eight years later, life decides to throw a curveball at both Parker and Tatum, and bring them back into each other’s lives. Tatum had moved on to someone else, but found that the new relationship wasn’t what she was hoping it would be. She realizes her current boyfriend is cheating on her, and now wants nothing to do with him.
Tatum moves to be next to her brother, Elliott, not realizing that he is also working with Parker again on the same police force. Now suddenly, Tatum’s world is rocked to the core when her past suddenly becomes her present.
Parker stops at nothing to make Tatum his again. But will someone from Tatum’s past ruin everything Parker strives to build with her? Can they overcome the hurt to begin anew again? -
This story started out strong but around the middle point, it started falling flat for me. I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately, I did not. In the beginning, I thought this book would be wonderful. I enjoyed the plot and I enjoyed the characters. For me, it hit a plateau. The characters were strong and I enjoyed their banter. I thought that Tatum was a strong woman and I enjoyed her relationship with her brother and best friend. Then all of a sudden, she became a completely different person. Around the middle of the book I also noticed that the dialogue between characters became stilted and disjointed. The memories or flashback scenes were not executed properly and it was very easy to get confused. I think that this book had potential but unfortunately did very little for me.
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This was a really nice, easy to read, second-chance romance. I enjoyed Tatum and Parker and found them engaging as well as endearing. ~Helen
This is a beautifully written second chance story. I loved following Parker and Tatum as they reconnect and find their love again. ~Dawn
"I received the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
I was sucked into this story immediately! I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it as much as I did. I loved the characters and could definitely relate to Parker. I’ve never once related to a guy before but this time I did. The reason I gave this four stars was because for me, the love scenes seemed a bit lacking to me. The heat wasn’t all there. I didn’t feel the emotions like I should as it was written rather point blank. Like he did this, she did that. But everything else was great! Very good story. " ~Amanda -
It Was Always You was a GREAT read! I enjoyed the story of Tatum and Parker! I loved the reconnect/second chance love story.
In the prologue, Tatum and Parker part ways after college, because they both have separate futures.
Tatum gets into a relationship that goes south, and she decides she is better off moving by her brother, who happens to be best friends with Parker.
Their friendship slowly rebuilds. There is drama, angst, love, hatred, and heartbreak throughout this book. I really loved the storyline in last part of the book. The author, S.L. Sterling did a wonderful job blending all the situations together in this book! The characters are great (and sometimes frustrating, LOL) I didn't care for Tatum not being truthful in parts...but, overall...a recommended read! -
I absolutely loved this debut from S.L. Sterling. She has given us a beautifully written second chance love story. I fell in love with Parker and Tatum’s book from the first page. Parts of this book was heartbreaking and then, we get to the steamy loving parts. Tatum is broken in many ways, but I was rooting for Parker from the beginning to break down her walls. I’m not going to leave any spoilers, but I recommend this book to everyone that has ever regretted ending a relationship. Go and grab your copy and get ready to have a new author to look forward to writing more books. I can’t wait to see what she has for us next.
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Amazing Book!
This book is an amazing second chance romance!
It has a great storyline and wonderful characters! It hooked me from the start and wouldn’t let me go until I finished!
Tatum and Parker were together until a job tore them apart. Years latter Tatum moves to the town her brother lives. Parker lives there too!
Tatum and Parker never stoped loving each other and they try again. Both guarding their hearts from being broken again.
This story has love, heartbreak, passion, emotional ups and downs and some twists that keep you wondering what happens next!
I can’t wait to read SL Sterlings next book!
I voluntarily reviewed this book from an arc copy! -
This book had quite a few twists and turns that left me scared and wondering what was going to happen next.
My heart broke for Tatum and everything that she went through with Dean and knowing she had to look out for herself above all else. Yet she definitely had a lot to fear with how Dean would take her leaving, yet I really didn’t expect the reaction to a certain extent.
I loved both Elliott and Parker and how protective they were of Tatum. I was mad that Tatum didn’t tell them both everything right from the start.
I loved all of the twists and turns with Dean and I was so happy for how things turned out.
The ending had me a little worried but things worked out how they should! -
I received the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
I was sucked into this story immediately! I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it as much as I did. I loved the characters and could definitely relate to Parker. I’ve never once related to a guy before but this time I did. The reason I gave this four stars was because for me, the love scenes seemed a bit lacking to me. The heat wasn’t all there. I didn’t feel the emotions like I should as it was written rather point blank. Like he did this, she did that. But everything else was great! Very good story. -
I was hooked by the first page. Tatum is one that you will stay with you. She's been through alot and her and Parker deserve this 2nd chance.
The path isn't one for the faint of heart. You will go through the emotional ringer.
My first book from S.L. and I'm craving more. Writing as though you are witnessing it first hand. Characters that command your attention and give their story that real deal feel.
I am definitely going to recommend "IT WAS ALWAYS YOU" to my reading group.
Don't miss this amazing book. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review. -
This is the first book by this author that I've read and i was just blown away, a fantastic story which i just couldn't put down till I'd finished it. This is a second chance romance story you will love. You will fall in love with the characters you read. The characters have a fantastic connection from the start. This is an emotional story, so you may need the tissues at the ready. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk -
Second chances
Tatum has just moved closer to her brother in hopes of leaving behind her abusive ex-boyfriend. She didn’t plan on seeing much of her first love Parker, but being his brother’s partner it was inevitable they would keep bumping into each other. When threats from her ex surface, will Parker be there in time to protect her?
This was a good second chance romance where both characters tried to move on unsuccessfully because deep down they’ve always loved each other. Looking forward to the next book! -
I teeter between 4.5 and 5. I would have liked a little more character development but I loved the characters and the book is well written. Me being nosey wanted there to be a story with Elliot and Jen to be another book but also glad there is not.
If it would have been to prior commitment I would have devoured this book in one sitting. As it was I stayed up too late as it was to continue on reading.
