Book Review for Always There For You by Halli Starling

I received this book for free. This does not impact my review in any shape or form.

Always There for You, by Halli Starling, is a new adult novella about two best friends who fell in love with each other, supporting one another through life’s celebrations and disappointments. The book introduces Amelia, who had long since succumbed to her infatuation with Hadley. Hadley decides to help Amelia open her wine store, where the two only grow closer over time. The story eventually culminates into a happily-ever-after, with Amelia and Hadley knowing they’ll be each other, no matter what obstacles they might face. 

This was a very cozy romance that I didn’t know I needed. It’s painful when you’ve fallen for someone wonderful but know that you can’t be anything more than friends. It’s especially true when the person you’ve fallen for is either straight or just doesn’t see you that way. Regardless, Amelia doesn’t push things. She respects the boundaries Hadley puts up (real or imagined), and concentrates on her store. She cherishes Hadley’s presence, and honors her rather than tears her down. I also think it’s rather sweet that, because of her obsession with Hadley, how distant Amelia is with others.  

All in all, I did enjoy the book. The encounters between Amelia and Hadley were charming. In fact, the only conflict seems to be the will-they-won’t-they tension they have every time they talk with one another. Adding in the uncertainty of starting a business, and suddenly, the readers, alongside the characters, are glad Amelia has such a strong support system, romantic or not.

As such, I’m giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.