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Love, Always

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**This book is intended for a mature reading audience and isn't suitable for readers under the age of 17.** In love with a man on the brinks of greatness, Dee has her life figured out. The love they share is comparable only to the love they feel when they find out Dee is pregnant. Josh and Dee welcome their future together with eagerness as they plan a wedding, baby, and the upcoming tour for Josh’s band Wasted Circle. Big things are finally happening. During Wasted Circle’s first big show, tragedy strikes leaving Dee alone. The life she and Josh planned for ends up being nothing but desolate promises. Unable to watch his best friend’s girlfriend drown under her own despair any longer, Adam steps in to help Dee cope with her loss and the upcoming birth of her baby. Adam is patient, kind and unrelenting. He stands by her side, never faltering despite his growing desire to be more than Dee’s supportive shoulder and the idea that he is betraying Josh. He refuses to give up on Dee and remains loyally by her side even when she admits herself into a psychiatric ward and he is left to father Josh and Dee’s baby. But even sweet and sturdy Adam has his limits.

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2014

7 people are currently reading
454 people want to read

About the author

Yessi Smith

14 books493 followers
Yessi Smith is a South Florida girl living in Texas with her husband and two sons.

She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s in Human Resource Management and has held several jobs, from picking up dog poop to upper management positions. And now she hopes to leave the business world behind so she can live full time in a world that does not exist until she places her fingers on a keyboard and brings them to fruition.

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5 stars
105 (42%)
4 stars
70 (28%)
3 stars
51 (20%)
2 stars
15 (6%)
1 star
9 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Shelby *trains flying monkeys*.
1,749 reviews6,587 followers
March 6, 2015
I'll read romance novels. Sometimes I'm just in the mood for them. They are like the mac and cheese of the reading world for me. They give me comfort.
Until they piss me off.
May go all spoilery.


(well I have but this gif worked here)

Dee and Josh are that happy couple. Very, very young, in love and now with a baby on the way. Until tragedy strikes.
Then Josh's best friend Adam steps up to the plate. Dee is beyond broken and pregnant. She has absentee parents and has spiraled into a depression so great that when she gives birth to her child she checks herself into the hospital to get help with that depression.
She leaves behind her just born child and Adam. At this point in the book, I saw her as self centered but then I know that crushing power that depression can have on a person. The girl was not even 20 years old yet and probably should have been complemented that she knew to seek out help especially with a new born daughter.

Adam is freaking amazing. He takes the baby and visits and supports Dee. He had promised Josh that if anything happened to him that he would always be there for her. He had been in love with Dee since the very beginning of her and Josh's relationship.

Ok...so we have a great guy.
We have a girl that isn't a MarySue and admits to her faults.
No insta-love. This one builds on friendship first.
The writing? The writing was pretty good. The author gives a good insight into depression.

So why am I all pissed off?
At 51% which is when I said fuck it. They have an argument and he sleeps with someone else.


Sorry..I can't read on. I no longer give a shit about his ass. Great guy not. I don't want to see a happily ever after after that.

I know it's fiction. I know people move on after cheating.
But I'm not interested in justifying it. That's my personal view.
If I'm reading a romance. I don't want cheating. If I'm reading hick lit, horror or serial killing book-I don't mind it, but damn..let me keep some of my romancey fantasies.



I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review


Profile Image for Romance.
367 reviews17 followers
December 1, 2014
Adam and Dee. WOW!!!

Adam and Josh are in the band Wasted Circle. The band is up and coming and will be taking the world by storm. Then, the world as they know it stops and turns their lives upside down. A tragedy at one of the shows has left Dee, Josh's girlfriend, grieving the loss of the love of her life.

Dee is left pregnant and wondering what will become of her life. Adam, the best friend and protector, steps in to help Dee grieve and wills step in to make sure she is well and gets through the pregnancy. He will be the daddy of her baby, after all he is the daddy's best friend.

Dee, has a very troubled past and finally feels it is time to deal with the demons she has been fighting since her childhood. She finds the strength to get healthy but has to leave her new baby behind. Sad, but something that is needed.

Adam, takes charge and will take care of Dee's baby until she feels healthy enough to do so. But, he is dealing with so much pain and grief. Adam is also broken but he also knows what he is feeling. He LOVES DEE!!!

What will happen when life continues outside of the facility Dee is in? Will Adam come clean with his feelings? Will Dee see the love he has for her?

This book is POWERFUL, STRONG, RAW! All the things I love. I feel in love with the authors writing style and her beautiful story of love lost, the beauty of life and love found. The issue of mental health is one that I absolutely love and embrace.

Love, Always is a book every romance book reader must read! I can't wait to read more from Yessi Smith. Bravo on this beautiful book! 10 stars!!
Profile Image for Becca.
2,003 reviews27 followers
September 23, 2014
I'm going to be honest. This book gives you the one two punch from the start. It starts with apprehension, then joy and then BAM. What the heck just happened? This book will give you the run for your money on the emotional side. As I was reading, I was going back and forth with my friend who had previously read it. Could I go on? My heart hurt for Dee, Josh and Adam. And then there is AMBER...who I seriously wanted to hunt down!

But in the end the emotions help you "get" the story and how brave both Dee and Adam are. How selfless Josh was in knowing what would need to happen. (I know a little cryptic...READ THE BOOK).

Definitely loved this book and it will be in my top for the year. Four and a half stars for Love Always. (BTW - LOVE this super hot cover!!)

Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews154 followers
April 22, 2015
5 Cranky Stars!


This review may contain spoilers.
Dee finally feels like she had her life figured out after growing up with absentee parents. She is in love with Josh, a band member of Wasted Circle, pregnant, and planning her wedding when tragedy strikes. Josh's band is just about to go on their first tour and planning his future with Dee.

During the first big Wasted Circle concert on the beach, the stage collapsed and Dee is left alone. This book is emotionally gripping right from the start. Things are real, so if you’re looking for a sweet romance this isn’t the right book for you. If you’re looking for a book that deals with death, life, grief, salvation, and finding yourself and undying love then you found it.

Dee is drowning in her despair over losing Josh. Unable to watch any longer, Josh's best friend and band mate Adam steps in to help Dee deal with her loss and the upcoming birth of their baby. Adam has loved Dee for almost as long as Josh and he stands by her side. Even when his desires for Dee are growing, he remains patient, supportive, and never falters.

How do you deal with falling more in love with your best friends girl and not feel like you are betraying him when he is gone. Adam does and refuses to give up on Dee even after she checks herself into a psychiatric ward and he is left to father Josh and Dee's baby.

Dee is trying to deal with her grief, parents that were more interested in their lives than raising a daughter and focuses on herself and doesn't think of what Adam may need, not realizing he has his limits. Will they be able to overcome the past and issues?

This isn't the first book I've read by this author and it will not be my last. She doesn't sugar coat tragedy and takes you on an emotional ride right from the beginning. There is also great supporting characters that just add to the realistic aspect of this book.
Profile Image for K.A. Graham.
Author 22 books119 followers
September 14, 2014
Who is Yessi Smith? Well she’s an author you need to know about! My first taste of her awesomeness was from her first book, Life’s A Capella, which was amazing and beautifully heart felt. I loved it to pieces and wanted more from her and my wish came true with Love, Always. This story has it all…undying love, heartache, triumph over tragedy, and take your breath away emotion.

Adam is a man with many internal flaws, and carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. He feels the need to protect and take care of everyone he knows, and in return, only wants to be loved and truly wanted. When a horrific accident takes place, being the sweet guy he is, he takes over responsibilities of others, and this lands him in the arms of Dee.

Dee is broken, plain and simple. Her life hasn’t been all rainbows and sunshine, which leads to her complete and utter breakdown. Adam is there to pick her up and dust her off, and if she could only see the real reasons behind his kindness, maybe she’d realize she’s worth more than she ever thought possible.

Adam has got to be one of the sweetest “book boyfriends” in history! I adore him, and the way he is with Dee is beyond swoon worthy! I also have to commend Yessi on creating one of the most likeable, bad ass BFF’s I’ve ever read about in Hayley, and one of the most douche worthy enemies in Amber. The scenes with these two are off the charts hilarious, and I’m not ashamed to say I was caught snickering to my phone on breaks at work, because it was that awesome! #TeamAdamAlways
Profile Image for Mary Johnson.
8 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2014
Yessi has done it again!

Why do I love this book? It’s real. There is laughter,heartache (which as you know our sadistic author loves) and real life struggles. Dee and Adam are flawed, confused and heartbroken but the bond and the love they have for each other is so special. Dee is one of my favorite female characters, probably because I see a lot of myself in her. Adam is just….hold on while I swoon… *le sigh*… #TeamAdamForever. He has been added to my top book boyfriends. There isn’t much I can say without spoiling, so I will add more when the book is actually released. I love this book so much and it definitely holds a special place in my heart.
12 reviews20 followers
August 29, 2014
I love this story, it will make you laugh, cry, and cry some more, I guarantee you will fall in love with Adam, the hot rocker, who has been carrying around a lot of guilt since he was 6. and Dee a girl who's parents ignored her since birth in order to travel the world. 2 broken people. a beautiful love story.
Profile Image for Jenn Green.
515 reviews23 followers
September 26, 2014
“The only promise we have is today, you and I know that better than anyone.”


★✩★✩★ 5+++ Heart-Breaking, Gut wrenching, & Hope Filled -Stars

~this review may contain minor spoilers~

“He's not gone! He's not dead!” I yell at them as my body shakes in terror. He can't be gone. He can't be dead. “He wants to live,” I beg them.
Adam holds me tightly to his chest as I listen to a stranger whose voice will forever be embedded in my brain pronounce him dead.


Dee is finally at a point in her life where she is happy beyond measure. The love of her life is about to hit the big time with his band Wasted Circle and they are excited to be starting a family. But tragedy strikes on the night of their first big concert, taking Josh away from her forever and spinning her life completely down the rabbit hole. Depression consumes her and the will to live is in short supply, not even the promise of her baby seems to be enough to pull her out of the black hole she has lost herself in. Josh's best friend and band mate, Adam, steps in to try to help her in any way he can, but nothing seems to work and she eventually ends up admitting herself into a psychiatric hospital for the help she so desperately needs.

I promised Josh I'd watch over them and I'm trying, but I'll be damned if it isn't hard. The more time I spend with Dee, the more my desperation for her grows. The more she grieves for Josh, the more certain I become of my own self-worth. My presence doesn't diminish her pain, but is a constant reminder of all that she has lost.

Adam is no stranger to loss, but when he loses his best friend right as they are starting to take off; it almost destroys him. The only thing keeping him going is his promise to take care of Dee and their baby, but the more time he spends with her, the more he wants from her; though he knows that would never be possible. It doesn't stop him from remaining by her side through it all, taking care of her anyway he can and doing his best to bring her back to life for him and her daughter. Even when she has herself admitted, he steps into the father role with everything he has; but everyone has their limits, and sweet, sturdy Adam, is starting to think that maybe he just isn't enough.

She's so insecure and scared and sad. I want to hold her in my arms for the rest of eternity until all she feels is the love I have burning inside of me. I want to be with her. I want to hold her in my arms like I did last night. I want to be hers. But she won't take me; she knows I'm not good enough. But I'm trying. I'm really trying.

I'm just gonna go ahead and say it; this book damn near destroyed me and I still loved every frickin minute of it. The emotions this will drag out of you right from the beginning are intense and exhausting but so worth the journey. I was shattered for Dee but the girl does prove to be stronger than she ever could have expected, it just takes her awhile to get there-which I understand. But the real show stopper in this book was Adam; there really are few people like him. He just gave so much of himself with so little thought and never once asked for anything in return. His lack of self-worth was devastating because he deserved so damn much, he just didn't see it. His love for Dee and their daughter was clear in everything he did and he never wavered. He proved to be an incredible dad to Josie and everything Dee needed, even when she was to far gone to see it. We also get some amazing secondary characters in Hayley and Max, they came into Dee's life exactly when she needed it and even though their meeting or backgrounds were far from typical, it didn't matter- they were perfect as they were. And let me just say; if I ever met a woman like Amber I would probably cut a bitch- just sayin'. This journey is truly one of heart-break and healing, fear and growth, but underneath it all is the hope for a love that transcends it all against all odds. This is the first book that I have ever read from Yessi Smith and that woman ripped my heart right out of my chest, several times; yes she fixed it all up nice and pretty but she hasn't given it back. I'm happy to say, I'm totally okay with that. She has earned her spot on my One-Click Addiction List one tear, laugh, and blush at a time and I don't see her ever going anywhere.

I held the reigns and set the pace but she held my heart. I'd never given my heart to anyone else, but somewhere between our touches and whispers, I surrendered it to her.

Click HERE to check out my FULL post @ Bookworm Betties

Happy Reading xo Jenn
Profile Image for Bookworm Betties.
254 reviews16 followers
September 26, 2014
“The only promise we have is today, you and I know that better than anyone.”


★✩★✩★ 5+++ Heart-Breaking, Gut wrenching, & Hope Filled -Stars

~this review may contain minor spoilers~

“He's not gone! He's not dead!” I yell at them as my body shakes in terror. He can't be gone. He can't be dead. “He wants to live,” I beg them.
Adam holds me tightly to his chest as I listen to a stranger whose voice will forever be embedded in my brain pronounce him dead.


Dee is finally at a point in her life where she is happy beyond measure. The love of her life is about to hit the big time with his band Wasted Circle and they are excited to be starting a family. But tragedy strikes on the night of their first big concert, taking Josh away from her forever and spinning her life completely down the rabbit hole. Depression consumes her and the will to live is in short supply, not even the promise of her baby seems to be enough to pull her out of the black hole she has lost herself in. Josh's best friend and band mate, Adam, steps in to try to help her in any way he can, but nothing seems to work and she eventually ends up admitting herself into a psychiatric hospital for the help she so desperately needs.

I promised Josh I'd watch over them and I'm trying, but I'll be damned if it isn't hard. The more time I spend with Dee, the more my desperation for her grows. The more she grieves for Josh, the more certain I become of my own self-worth. My presence doesn't diminish her pain, but is a constant reminder of all that she has lost.

Adam is no stranger to loss, but when he loses his best friend right as they are starting to take off; it almost destroys him. The only thing keeping him going is his promise to take care of Dee and their baby, but the more time he spends with her, the more he wants from her; though he knows that would never be possible. It doesn't stop him from remaining by her side through it all, taking care of her anyway he can and doing his best to bring her back to life for him and her daughter. Even when she has herself admitted, he steps into the father role with everything he has; but everyone has their limits, and sweet, sturdy Adam, is starting to think that maybe he just isn't enough.

She's so insecure and scared and sad. I want to hold her in my arms for the rest of eternity until all she feels is the love I have burning inside of me. I want to be with her. I want to hold her in my arms like I did last night. I want to be hers. But she won't take me; she knows I'm not good enough. But I'm trying. I'm really trying.

I'm just gonna go ahead and say it; this book damn near destroyed me and I still loved every frickin minute of it. The emotions this will drag out of you right from the beginning are intense and exhausting but so worth the journey. I was shattered for Dee but the girl does prove to be stronger than she ever could have expected, it just takes her awhile to get there-which I understand. But the real show stopper in this book was Adam; there really are few people like him. He just gave so much of himself with so little thought and never once asked for anything in return. His lack of self-worth was devastating because he deserved so damn much, he just didn't see it. His love for Dee and their daughter was clear in everything he did and he never wavered. He proved to be an incredible dad to Josie and everything Dee needed, even when she was to far gone to see it. We also get some amazing secondary characters in Hayley and Max, they came into Dee's life exactly when she needed it and even though their meeting or backgrounds were far from typical, it didn't matter- they were perfect as they were. And let me just say; if I ever met a woman like Amber I would probably cut a bitch- just sayin'. This journey is truly one of heart-break and healing, fear and growth, but underneath it all is the hope for a love that transcends it all against all odds. This is the first book that I have ever read from Yessi Smith and that woman ripped my heart right out of my chest, several times; yes she fixed it all up nice and pretty but she hasn't given it back. I'm happy to say, I'm totally okay with that. She has earned her spot on my One-Click Addiction List one tear, laugh, and blush at a time and I don't see her ever going anywhere.

I held the reigns and set the pace but she held my heart. I'd never given my heart to anyone else, but somewhere between our touches and whispers, I surrendered it to her.

Click HERE to check out my FULL post @ Bookworm Betties

Happy Reading xo Jenn
Profile Image for StephanieThe BookHooker.
103 reviews12 followers
September 28, 2014
Love, Always by Yessi Smith
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Release Date: September 13th 2014
Print Length: 209 pages
Format: Kindle eARC
Via tour host
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Stars


I have to say the first couple chapters of this book were just heartbreaking, I cried those big ugly tears. I was like what the hell Yessi? You’re killing me here. But if you have read a book by Yessi Smith before you know that behind every tragedy, as hard as it may be to see right away, that you will still find something beautiful. That she won’t leave your heart broken beyond repair, though at times it most certainly feels like it. So yes in this book you get all of it. Sad tears, happy tears and yes there are laugh out loud moments and you feel every one of them. She is just kind of brilliant like that.


Dee and Josh are happy, they are in love and things are going really well for them. Josh is in an up and coming band Wasted Circle that is skyrocketing it’s way to the top. And they just found out they are having a baby, both are so excited for the future. But on the night of their first really big concert a tragedy happens and Dee is left broken, the future she and Josh planned shattered.

“ I Hold onto Josh, and for the first time in my life, I pray. I pray to a God I’m not sure exists or even cares about me”

Adam is Josh’s best friend and band mate. All three have known each other since the band first came together in a small garage. Adam made a promise one fateful night to his friend and he intends to keep it. He will make sure Dee and her unborn baby will both be taken care of. That’s just the way Adam is, always putting others first. Even though the tragedy hit him just as hard he knows Dee needs him.


“In one moment in a lifetime of moments, I lost my best friend and brother. I lost the biggest part of who I was and why I started Wasted Circle”

Adam, oh my sweet Adam. I loved him from the start of the book but then over the course of the story I fell harder for him. Yes he has that whole super sexy rock star thing going on, but he is more then that. So much more, he is strong, loyal and brave. Adam has had to face personal tragedy before in his life, when he was only six years old something happened that changed him forever. Something he had no control over at all, he was just a child. But still he places the blame for what happened upon him self and has carried the weight of that on his shoulders for years. My heart broke for him, that’s a big burden to carry and he is such a good guy. Adam is intent on keeping the promise he made to his best friend, but being with Dee is hard. It’s hard because he is trying to fight his feelings for her. He has always loved her, always. But he feels so guilty, is admitting his feeling for Dee betraying his best friend?

“I love Dee, and that is where my biggest problem lies. I love her. I’ve always loved her. And now, like some sick twisted fantasy, I have her, but I don’t”.

Dee is such a strong soul. She grew up with really shitty parents, the kind that give truth to the phrase money can’t but you happiness. Because really that’s what Dee wanted, to be happy and to be loved. Her parents seen her as more of inconvenience, and she was basically raised by nannies. Hell the family lawyer was more of a father to her then her real father was. But that didn’t break her spirit, she is a wonderful person with so much love to give. So when Dee loves she loves with her whole heart. She loved Josh, she really did. But with Adam it’s different.

“ I love you baby, like I’ve never loved anyone. You’re my missing piece. You always were.”

Adam and Dee both go through so much in this story. They both battle their own personal demons and the road they take to get where they are wasn’t an easy one, that’s for damn sure. They stumble, trip and fall flat on their Asses a couple times. But that’s just one of the many things I loved about this book. I loved that everything wasn’t just instant for Dee and Adam. It was a slow build and It wasn’t perfect, they were both flawed. But because of that their characters just felt so real to me. And I love how we were able to walk their journey along with them, to watch them grow from friends to something more.

“I promised Dee always, and always is what I intend to give her”.

This was another fantastic book from Yessi Smith, I loved it.

Reviewed by Stephanie The Book Hooker

Profile Image for Books Laid Bare.
2,275 reviews37 followers
September 23, 2014
Well if there is ever a story that will tug at your heart strings then this is it.
It will suck the breath from your lungs and drain you of every emotion with the intensity of feeling that flows from every page. And then it will stroke your back gentle as it puts the pieces of your heart back together. I found myself with a tear almost permanently trickling down my face for much of this book and I can honestly say it did not bother me one little bit, because this book was worthy of my tears.
This story is the complete package, it is a story of love won and then tragically lost, of new beginnings, of unrequited love and of second chances at a happy ever after.
Dee is Josh’s woman, that is the way it has always been but she is also Adam’s best friend after Josh, so when fate takes Josh from Dee on what should have been the most magical of occasions, Adam knows what he has to do – he has to take care of Dee the way Josh would have – he has to make sure she is Ok and most of all he has to keep not only Dee but Josh’s baby safe.
With the weight of expectation heavily laid on him, he steps up to the plate and is not found wanting.
This is one seriously awesome guy – an absolute sweetheart with the heart of a lion and the determination to be all things to those who need him.
Throughout the book we get to hear from Adam from the age of six onwards, when he tragically lost his father in a shooting and the impact that had on his life is not a mere scratch on the surface it has seriously tainted his view of the world – he believes that bad things happen to people around him when he keeps them too close – I suppose in a way it is his defence mechanism but really all he wants is for someone to want him, to love him unconditionally and for them to never leave.
That isn’t too much to ask for now is it?
Losing Josh has broken Dee, she is desolate. Life without him holds no comfort for her and she begins to hurtle back towards depression, something that she has struggled with since her teenage years. Her parents are something else – believe me when ii say that you will be cursing at your kindle when you are introduced to her sorry ass excuse of a mother and father – they are reprehensible!!!
Without Josh, she barely functions but with a baby growing inside her and Adam by her side she begins to find her feet, or that is what we are lead to believe, but she is great at putting on a show and everyone sees exactly what she wants them to see, inside she is withering away, her soul lost the night she lost Josh. Perhaps if she took a look at the man beside her she would see how all of this was hurting him too. But his feelings were all contained inside because with Dee he had nothing but love and admiration.
Dee and Adam were glorious friends, but the chemistry between them was kept firmly under wraps, neither wanting to be the one to admit how they felt – Dee could do nothing to move on from Josh and Adam could do nothing to defile the memory of his friend – the man he thought of as his brother – but he loved Dee and had done for years. He could see a future for him and Dee and with little Josie already firmly established as his daughter – he almost had everything he wanted – expect the woman that owned his heart.
The book paid due attention to Dee’s depression and I felt that it was handled with both accuracy and sensitivity. It tackled head on a subject matter that is prevalent in today’s society but on many occasions almost regarded as taboo, bravo Yessi for including and dealing with it in such a positive manner.
Oh and by the way – way to go with Hayley – she was bloody brilliant!!!
Profile Image for MzLane.
425 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2014
OH MMMM GEEE!!! I will just warn you now....Grab those tissues and be ready to cry, cry, cry, laugh and fall in love!! My emotions were going crazy but I loved every minute of it and never wanted the book to end!! There are moments where your heart will be breaking and you just want to hug Dee and Adam and then there are moments where you will want to shake them and tell them to wake up!!

Dee and Josh are on top of the world after finding out they are expecting their first child and get engaged but all to soon tragedy will strike and Dee will be left shattered and broken leaving Josh's best friend Adam to help her thru her darkest days.

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Dee struggles with her depression daily and hides it the best she can from Adam. Each day without Josh is still just as hard. The further along she gets, the harder it becomes.

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Once she delivers her baby girl she breaks and knows there is only one thing left to do leaving Adam to take care of the baby till she can't get back on her feet again. Will Dee realize how much she is missing out on before its to late? Will her feelings for Adam be deeper than she ever thought?

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Adam.....HOLLLLY SWOOON!!! He is now def one of my top bbb! The way he steps up and takes care of Dee and then Josie will melt your heart. The things he has had to struggle with in the past will break your heart. Will he ever feel he is enough for someone?

I absolutely loved Dee's best friend Hayley!! The things her and Dee get into had me laughing my butt off!! I truly believe everyone deserves a Hayley in your life!! I am crossing my fingers that Yessi will give us a book on Hayley and Max sometime in the near future!!

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This is my first read by Yessi Smith but it definitely won't be my last!! I highly recommend one clicking this one NOW!!
191 reviews8 followers
September 26, 2014
When you read this book you will want to have your Kleenex’s close by, it is a tug at your heart strings kind of book, with some laugh out loud moments included.
Throughout the book we get to meet Adam. Adam is the lead singer to Wasted Circle, a band that he and his best friend Josh started in High school. Dee describes Adam as: ‘sweet sturdy Adam with his light brown hair and natural highlights.” There band is just getting ready to start their tour, until tragedy strikes and sets another plan for life in action.
Dee is the girlfriend to Josh and best friend to Adam. The three have been friends for quite awhile and get along great. Dee is, “Hispanic, high school drop out with her GED, in Love with Josh, has absent parents, a teenager pregnant out of wedlock.” So needless to say her life is anything but ordinary. After tragedy strikes, she withdraws into a deep depression and her world changes drastically; from her friends, family and future. Adam becomes a sturdy fixture in her life and gives her strength to move forward when she has none of her own.
This book was such a great read. I loved how the author would do the ‘flashbacks’ to help us gain insight into the person that Adam has become and what made him who he is today. The characters are so lovable and relatable. I absolutely adored Hayley. She is that no-nonsense friend that every girl needs. She helps to keep Dee grounded in the here and now. Adam is such a sweet, gorgeous, lovable guy. Sometimes the decisions that him and Dee made were very frustrating but in the end those same decisions were what created the future for which they would live. The epilogue gave me chills and made me tear up….
I really can’t say enough great things about this book. It is a tragic love story, with a rock star romance, a teen age pregnancy, and a psych-ward stent all rolled up into one. That makes for a truly unforgettable story. Some of the situations that Dee gets herself into are hilarious, but there is also so many meaningful moments between the characters, it is amazing. This book reminds us of the importance to live for today, not for the past or for the future. Adam says is best,
“The only promise we have is today, you and I know that better than anyone. So hold on to today and cherish what we have, without worrying about tomorrow.”
Profile Image for Amanda .
57 reviews16 followers
September 21, 2014
☆ I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. ☆

This is the first book I have read by Yessi Smith and it will definitely not be the last. Yessi wrote this book in a way you just couldn’t help but experience the emotions the characters were feeling. It was an emotional roller-coaster like I’ve never felt before while reading.

Dee has had a tough past. Her parents give a whole new outlook on bad neglectful parents. They are constantly traveling and never believed her when she said certain things happened.

Dee couldn’t be happier with how her life has turned out for the better or so she thinks. On the brink of a happy relationship with her boyfriend Josh, Dee finds out she’s pregnant and it couldn’t have happened at the most awkward time. Josh and Adam’s (his best friend) band is getting ready to go on tour. Afraid of what Josh may say, Dee is hesitant to tell him but does so anyway. His reaction surprises her when he starts making plans for their family and even proposes before the show. It seems that Dee’s life will be prefect after all but sometimes fate can be cruel.
Adam has had a tough past, as well. It seems like death follows him throughout his life. His dad and baby brother died when he was very little. Now, his best friend is dead. Josh made Adam swear to take care of his girl and their baby. So, that’s what he is going to do.

After Josh’s death, Dee’s life is in ruins. She is on downward spiral and there is only one person who can save her, Adam.

I absolutely freakin’ loved this book. The characters and the storyline blew me away. Major Ugly Cry Alert: This book had me crying many tears by the end of Chapter One, so much so that I had to take a break from reading because I couldn’t see the page enough to read. Then, when I thought everything was clear the tears showed up again. I found my heart being broken and then mended back together just like Dee’s heart in the book.

I do not believe that just 5 stars does it justice and if I could give it more stars I definitely would. This is one book I will never forget and will recommend it to everyone I know.

Profile Image for Kimothy.
1,303 reviews23 followers
September 24, 2014
Ok, i am so lucky to have been able to review this book, i must admit it is not the type of book i would usually go for but the blurb intrigued me greatly. I am not a person who will give the story away in my review i will just give my thoughts as i do not want to ruin this book for you one bit it is that amazing. From Adam's prologue i was captured, it was heartbreaking i did not know where this story could go, but go it did at break neck speed. I felt for Dee from the moment we are introduced to her, we know her life is not great but we do not know why and how. Then tragedy strikes Dee, Josh and Adam. I felt Dee's hurt though i have never known that kind of hurt, it just knocked you for six, and then after the birth what she did left me shocked, though it was clear it was what needed to happen for Dee and no-one else.No i will not tell you what she did it will ruin it :) We think Adam is all good but it is not until the story progresses that we see the damage life has inflicted on him and how he has handled it in a different way to Dee. Hayley is such a wonderful character such a contrast to Dee, but sometimes that is the type of friend you need the one who makes you look at things differently and to not agree with you and like the same things. Amber - i did not like her from the get go but that is for you to decide on, you may feel differently.
This is an epic love story that at times you wonder how people can love so much and for so long when the person they want is not around both physically and emotionally. It shows how sometime you have to let the person you love go and have time alone, or with others before they come back to you or live without you. The story also shows that life moves on, and despite the darkness we can experience there is moments of light that can shine through and you need to live life for yourself before you live it with someone else. This story shows the joys of life, despite the heartbreaking moments a truly great read that i am so glad i did not pass the chance up to review Yessi Smith's novel and i will be looking at more of her work in the future.
Profile Image for Maria "Rosie" Poli.
200 reviews11 followers
October 4, 2014
This story will tug at your heart. When I read the Synopsis for this book, I was not sure if I wanted to read it. I felt it was going to be a tear jerker. It tells you from the beginning:

During Wasted Circle’s first big show, tragedy strikes leaving Dee alone. The life she and Josh planned for ends up being nothing but desolate promises.

I didn't want to put myself through the crying and the sadness. But, I don’t like to give up on a book; especially without giving it a chance. I am so glad I read this book. Once I started, I did not put it down. It flows very nicely. The characters are young; they all share loss and that creates a bond.

Dee’s loss is her parents; they never wanted her and are never around. They are emotionally detached. Dee grew up being cared by Nannies. Her character develops from being selfish and self-absorbed to learning to care for others.
Josh brings them together, he is the glue. He and Adam are best friends and bandmates; he is Dee’s boyfriend. Josh’s parents are never around and he takes to Adam’s mom as his own. He brings life back to Adam and his mom.
Adam carries the burden of his father’s death and his mom’s grieving. He feels emotionally abandoned and guilty. He is the caregiver; always taking care of others. Adam stands by Dee; he lovingly and selflessly takes care of her and the baby.
Hayley and Max are Dee’s friends and are and odd pair. They all meet at the psychiatric ward. Hayley brings laughter and reality back into Dee’s life.

Yessi Smith has written a sad, but beautiful love story. It is a story about unconditional true love and loyalty. It’s about how people come into your life for a reason; at the right time. It’s about losing someone you love and grieving. About learning to let them go and have them live in your heart. It tells us it’s ok to love again and move on. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Brianna bribookish.
1,861 reviews364 followers
December 23, 2015
I received a finished copy in exchange for an honest review from the author. It does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Full Review on Brianna's Bookish Confessions.

Who doesn’t love a good emotional and a crazy roller coaster type of book?!

Dee has always had a rough life until meeting Josh. They were meant for each other. Josh is part of a band called Wasted Circle, and Dee and Josh’s best friend, Adam is part of that band. Dee has just found out that she is pregnant. But tragedy strikes and Dee can’t take it. She falls into a depression and if it weren’t for Adam to hold her along the way, no one knows if she would have survived it. With the love and support of Adam, Dee continues her life, but it isn’t easy.

Okay, Adam is one of the sweetest guys I have ever come across. He literally drops everything to care for Dee, and when the baby arrives, the baby as well. He has a special place in my heart for sure! Yessi Smith did an amazing job with side characters as well! We are introduced to multiple characters such as the HILARIOUS, Hayley and the wicked witch, Amber. I will quickly say, parents like Dee’s are ones I ABSOLUTELY despise. I don’t care what kind of excuse they come up with down the road. Plain and simple, you have a kid and it’s supposed to be your pride and joy. On a better note, Hayley was seriously hilarious! She is one of those friends, that while reading the scenes with her, you literally start dying of laughter.

I did however wish for more in the end, I was confused at first because I wasn’t sure what was going on. I would have liked to see an epilogue from Dee or Adam’s point of view. Why this isn’t 5 stars is because I felt the pacing was a little fast for me, but overall I’m VERY happy with the events that turned out. I’m excited to read more of Yessi’s books!
Profile Image for Marie Vasquez.
1,598 reviews78 followers
September 25, 2014
Love, Always was quite an emotional roller coaster. Yessi Smith tells us a wonderful story two characters (Dee and Adam) as they experience the horrible loss of a first love and best friend (Josh). She goes into great detail of how profoundly lost Dee is after losing her love and the father of her child while Adam does everything he can till fill the void and strip up to honor his best friend.

Dee at times frustrated me. Her character had a tendency to be quite selfish in her grief but it was understandable.

Adam will most definitely leave a lasting impression. He was utterly selfless throughout this story. Doing everything to fulfill his promise to Josh by taking care of Dee and her baby was a testament to his character and strength. His honorable intentions are not only fueled by his duty to Josh but also his secret long time love for Dee. He's just so sweet I couldn't help but love him. He was such a tender & loving man.

As the story progressed we see both Dee and Adam evolve and grow. Each becoming stronger people as they overcome their grief and move on. As a result, Dee begins to see Adam in a whole new way but her fear of loss stands in her way from claiming what she wants...letting that fear become her own worst enemy.

By the time I got to the epilogue I was in tears. Oh My!!

Don't get me wrong...the story isn't all about grief and sadness. There were quite a few comical moments as well as plenty of passion.

*a copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Michelle Schroer.
231 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2014
I loved this book!! Every minute, every page, every word! Just brilliant. It was gut-wrenching, thought provoking, heart aching and was really emotionally draining to read. In the best possible way!

Here's the rundown... Dee is pregnant. Josh is the father. Adam is the best friend to Josh. And Adam is the lead singer in the band he and Josh share. In a very tragic turn of events, they lose Josh. Now we have the grieving pregnant girlfriend and best friend to sort it out all out...together.

The book is peppered with glimpses at Adam's past. There is a lot of information to gain from those tid bits. Read carefully!

I fell in love with Dee and Adam within the first few pages. I needed to know what happened next, hanging on every word I read. It provoked emotions from me like I was directly connected to the characters. I was happy with them, anguished and sad with them. I felt angry at certain actions and elated at others. This is SO MUCH MORE than the typical 'boyfriend-gone-best friend-and girlfriend-hook-up'.

There were twists and turns and then more twists!! And honestly there's not much to say without hinting or giving the book away. Just know that you will love this book. You will devour it. And there will be tears! Tears for Dee, tears for the baby, tears for Josh, and tears for Adam. If you liked/loved Taking Chances by Molly McAdams you will love this, too!!

Suberbly done Yessi Smith!! BRAVO!!
Profile Image for Neeny Boucher.
Author 4 books156 followers
May 18, 2015
It's no secret that I'm a massive fan of Yessi Smith's writing. I loved "Life's A Cappella" it was one of my favourite reads this year. Yet again, Yessi delivers in "Love, Always". One of the things I admire about Yessi's writing is that she is unafraid to tackle difficult subject matters and shine a light on topics that make us uncomfortable.



Essentially, this is a story about grief and courage. It's about how people cope with tragedy and it was nice to read a work where the topic is explored in depth and without an easy resolution. In "Love, Always", people have to fight for their happiness. It is fictionalised realism.



Dee, the main female character, is left pregnant and bereft when her fiancé, Josh, is killed in an accident. With a limited frame of reference for happiness and love, there begins her journey to find herself.



Adam, the main male character, is Josh's best friend and in the worst of circumstances, steps into the breach.



This is a challenging story and it is an unusual romance, but if you enjoy something that is a more complex read, I recommend this book.


Profile Image for Heather Way.
304 reviews18 followers
September 22, 2014
This book started off with Dee telling Josh she was pregnant then something bad happen and Josh died and no long around. Dee falling in a deep depression and Adam (Josh's best friend) trying to help her through it the best he knows how. Adam was suppose to go on tour but now he has postponed it trying to help Dee through losing Josh.
Dee is battling with depression even after having her daughter. She can't cope with her life like she needs too. So she admits herself into the hospital for help. During this time she realizes how much she loves and misses Adam. They have been friends for years sand he always does for her with out asking for anything in return.
Now feeling like her life is spinning out of control she fights for her daughter and fights to be with Adam even when she thought she was losing both. This book was awesome Once again Yessi does a amazing job. She put so much passion in the book.
This book offers hope, romance, lost love, sadness, ad even some smokin' hot sizzling scenes. that keep you holding on reading more as you go. Adam And Dee seem meant together but so much stands in their way. Will they end up together? Or will The odds fight against their relationship?
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews242 followers
September 24, 2014

Love, Always is a great read. I read the A Cappella series and love it so, when I saw another book by Yessi Smith had come out I knew I had to read it. This book is not part of the A Cappella series. At first I thought it was part of the series but it's not.

Love, Always is a crazy emotional roller coaster of a read. It sucks you right in with some of Adam's past. Then we get some of Josh and Dee. Wow Josh ad Dee seem perfect for each other then a tragic happens leaving Dee pregnant and alone. She really isn't all alone Adam is there. Adam is strong and patience. He stands by her even when she is at rock bottom.

There is a lot of thing going on in this story. I found myself thinking "wow I can't believe she did that" to "omg, please don't let him do that". Both Adam and Dee have a lot of stuff to deal with. Adam had a tough childhood. Dee's parents never wanted children and traveled most of Dee's childhood, leaving her at home with nannies. Then they both half to deal with losing Josh. You can't help but root for both of them to over come the pain and come out on the other side with a great relationship.

Love, Always is one book that will grab you form the beginning and keep you hooked the whole time.
Profile Image for Jennifer Wyk.
Author 28 books1,429 followers
September 11, 2014
Yessi Smith is a genius. Honestly. This book was so wow for me that I felt just in awe for days after the honor of reading this.

First can I just say that this is very different from so many books I've read lately. There's no insta-love, no just falling all over one another at every turn, the characters love built up over time and what it was built upon was something raw, real and gritty. It was so refreshing to see real life experiences, heart ache and situations that happen in real life.

Adam is a sexy rocker - and on the outside he's every bit the typical lead singer of an up and coming popular band. Dee is the constant who's been with the band from the time they were playing in garages. Adam's feelings for Dee come from a bone deep place ... "She is my light, the ever beating of my heart." Dee's feelings scare her and confuse her but over time she realizes just what it means to be loved and to love someone forever ... "All the todays in the world wouldn't be enough, but it's what we've been given."

I loved Love, Always so very much. It was so unexpected and real, but at the same time lovely and sexy and so fabulous.
Profile Image for Amy Rogers.
182 reviews6 followers
August 31, 2014
First, I just have to say how amazing the cover of this book is! It is totally how I would envision Adam. One of my favorite covers that I could stare at all day! When I first starting reading this book I honestly didn't know what to think because so much sadness happens so quickly. I didn't have time to process one thing when another thing happens but isn't that life? You get thrown into situations that you don't see coming and often don't know how to deal with it. Life isn't always happy or make sense. I loved this book because even during some of the worst times you have two strong , amazing people who somehow find the goodness in life. When it's so easy to give up they didn't. It wasn't always roses and sunshine and they went through heartache to find their way. You learn from them not to give up. I don't want to give anything away because you need to read this book to experience all of the sadness, heartache and joy for yourself. Thank you Yessi for giving us such a amazingly , beautiful story.

I received a copy for a honest review
Profile Image for Heather.
104 reviews
September 22, 2014
I have to give this 5 stars as there are several parts of this that made me cry and get emotional as I was caught up in the story.

This involves 3 friends, Dee, Josh, Adam. Adam loves Dee but can't have her as she is dating his best friend, Josh, until a tragic accident happens where he steps up to be the father of Dee's child. Dee love Josh and does not know that Adam loves her.

Adam realizes quickly in the beginning after losing Josh that Dee is not taking it well and shuts down. He steps up to make sure she is eating healthy, attending doctor appointments. After the birth of the baby, Dee checks herself into the psych ward to seek the help that she needs, at first Adam is upset and then realizes that Dee needs this and is there for her. With the help and support that she receives while in treatment Dee realizes that she loves Adam and that he is also hurting with the loss of Josh, and she supports him in his decisions.

I would 100% pick up this book as I absolutely loved it and I know that you will as well!
Profile Image for Tracy Reads.
727 reviews44 followers
September 15, 2014
Thank you yessi for this wonderful gift of your book, I cried ,I smiled and I cried again over and over, I have made Adam my new book boyfriend he is an absolute sweetheart in every sense of the word, he is what all girls consider their book boyfriends to be, I loved Dee's strength even at times there was no hope she tried and fought to see the light, I didn't like Amber what a bitch she reminds me of the snarly girls you come across and want to scratch their eyes outta their heads. This rollercoaster of emotions twists your heart till you cry for all they have, all they lost and all they want I could hardly put it down !
Favourite new saying stuck in my head (giggles ) "you're like a penny worthless, two faced and have been in everyone's pants" 5 huge stars yessi well done brilliant book

for full Review with spoilers see my blog

http://bemybookboyfriend.blogspot.ie/...
Profile Image for Renee at Book Happiness.
1,486 reviews36 followers
September 25, 2014
I received this for an honest review. This is the first book I have read of Yessi Smith and I have to say that I absolutely thought this book was wonderful!!
Dee has just found out she is pregnant and tells her boyfriend Josh and both are excited at the news and then the unthinkable happens he is killed in an accident. Adam has been best friends with Dee and Josh for years and has been secretly in love with Dee. This is Adam and Dees story. This story was wonderful because it deals with issues like depression and suicide and what happens when you have a hard time connecting with your own baby.

I thought the author did a wonderful job of telling this story. Once I picked it up I had a hard time putting it down. This was a first with this author but it definitely will not be my last!!!
Profile Image for For the Love of Books.
755 reviews28 followers
September 14, 2014
I had heard really great things about this author and this book, and OMG I certainly was not disappointed. This story is all about love and loss, strength and sensitivity and above all friendship. Dee and Josh are just at the start of their lives together when tragedy strikes. Adam is there to be a friend to Dee and to help her through the dark days. But is he enough, can Dee get through? Adam fears that Dee only wants him because he was Josh's friend, but we can tell before either of them admit it that she loves him for him! This book proves that with love and friendship you can overcome everything. Hessian Smith has written a phenomenal book, a book I read in one sitting. She has brought the characters to life in a compassionate and unique way. I am in awe of your talents and this book definitely shoots to the top of my best reads for 2014!
Profile Image for Alwaysreadingbooks - Reading Drinking and Relaxing.
661 reviews15 followers
September 24, 2014
Yessi Smith is on my list as one of my favorite authors and I have yet to find a book that disappoints me by her. Love, Always was the story about what do you do when you think you lost everything and that no one is looking out for you. Dee is a woman that thought she had it all until one day tragedy struck and left her feeling empty. Adam was the guy that suffered a great lost at a young age and thought that life is against him and he is cursed. When tragedy hits both they have to discover who they are and if loving someone is really worth it. While discovering this they realize that the love that they both truly seek was always there right in front of them the whole time all they had to do was stop fighting it and grab hold.
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,610 reviews78 followers
September 23, 2014
This story will take you through a wide range of emotions from laughter to tears and everything in between. You will want to smack the characters and in the next minute hug then and help them all heal.

This story is tragic and heartbreaking. Twists and turns that you will not expect. Loved grew to love both characters in their own way.

I did re-read chapters as I felt I missed something so don’t speed through make sure to take your time so you don’t miss all the little items that are revealed.

Can’t say any more without giving away important parts of the book.

I highly recommend this story even though it’s a times an ugly cry it is well worth the read through!! Job well done Yessi! Can’t wait to see what you come up with next!!
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