Review: Always You by Karen Stivali

Always You by Karen Stivali

Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 3

Blurb

When Shari discovers that her fiancé has been cheating on her, she lets the wedding go on according to plan. Except while everyone else is at the church, Shari is heading to the airport to fly off on her honeymoon with her best friend, Jon.

Jon is only too happy to help Shari escape what he knew would have been an awful marriage. Plus he’s thrilled by the prospect of time alone with her in a tropical paradise. He’s always loved her, and desired her as a lot more than a friend.

A steamy, romantic night on the beach turns into a whirlwind of desire as they take their friendship to multiple new levels of passion. But when Shari’s apologetic ex tries to win her back, she must choose between the life she thought she was going to have with him and the possibility of love with Jon.



Lily's Review

Always You is the debut novel from Ms Stivali and I have to say what a wonderful fresh new voice in the world of erotic romance. The characters are likeable and believable, the plot flows seamlessly and the sex is smokin’ hot.

When Shari leaves her fiancé but still heads off on her honeymoon, best friend Jon in tow, you just know things are going to get complicated. And right from that very first chapter, hilarious and so the kind of thing that could happen, I just knew I was going to enjoy watching Jon struggle with his love for Shari and Shari struggle with her sudden lust for Jon.

Jon is a great hero, at first I didn’t think of him as wildly sexy, he’s best friend not boyfriend material, but the way the author begins to describe him through Shari’s eyes soon makes you realize that not only is Jon a complete hunk he is also completely bedable. Phew!

I particularly adored the dialogue in this book. It’s witty but with a genuine feel to it. There is nothing jarring and both Shari and Jon act true to themselves. I was completely lost in them and invested in their outcome.

Verdict:

A great read that ticks all the boxes of an erotic romance. This is certainly an author to look out for in the future and if you want sassy, sexy and HEA, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Always You.

5 Tea Cups!