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Almost Mine Still Yours

Not yet published
Expected 20 Mar 26
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My best friend's brother is the one man I'm not allowed to have. I for the life of me can't seem to get that through my head. So, here I am seventeen years later, still crushing on the only man I can't want.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 20, 2026

16 people want to read

About the author

Haylee Trew

7 books57 followers

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5 stars
13 (30%)
4 stars
21 (50%)
3 stars
5 (11%)
2 stars
3 (7%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for hannah rose.
174 reviews6 followers
Did not finish
March 13, 2026
i really do hate to do this..... but DNF at 60%

this had so much potential and i did want to enjoy this, but i just did not mesh with the characterization or writing style of this author. the characters inner monologues were so hot and cold and straight up, i could NOT understand why they hated each other and conversely, why they were in love with each other the whole time? (i don't think they knew either...) we get our love confession so early in the book, i struggled to understand where we would go from there. there were some nicely written lines in here that felt like they were from a different book only because the rest of the writing was so choppy that they stood out. there were also grammatical/syntax issues that i assume will get picked up, but overall, this book needs more editors before it goes out to an actual audience.
Profile Image for Jessica Casselman.
45 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2026
ARC Review

I don’t know how to feel about this one. I do agree with some of the other reviews about how it was difficult connecting with the main characters and that the writing seemed juvenile at times. There were parts that I did enjoy but as other reviewers mentioned the story felt rushed.

If you like quick, easy reads with a grumpy - sunshine storyline then I’d say give it a read.

The smut was also smutten 🥵 🌶️

Thank you to Love Notes PR and the author for the copy.
Profile Image for maite.
201 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 13, 2026
arc review:

grumpy/sunshine
best friends brother
secret relationship
enemies to lovers

while this book was cute, i feel as though these characters lacked any type of chemistry or relationship. i felt as thought the “enemies” trope was heavily pushed, but they didn’t really have any real reason to hate each other. either the reason for the hate could’ve used more history or a better reason overall.

it also felt at times juvenile because they were keeping their relationship secret but they were adults, so it was hard for me to understand any of the main characters decisions. i also think the pacing could’ve been slowed down a bit to give the characters more development. i felt like their problems were solved quite quickly. i do see a lot of potential though. plus for the girlies, the smut was smutting.

i want to thank love note and the author for sending me this!!
Profile Image for Jessica.
196 reviews5 followers
March 9, 2026
Almost Mine Still Yours was a super sweet and cozy best friend’s brother romance. I enjoyed the banter between Bailey and Liam, but also the yearning by Liam. He was so in love with this girl for years. This story was a quick and steamy read - I finished it in a day! I will say that at times the book felt a little repetitive, but still a great romance if you’re looking for a small town escape. 4⭐️

Thank you to Love Notes PR for the eARC!
Profile Image for Alisa Nielsen.
269 reviews
March 13, 2026
Imagine Hallmark branching out to summer cowboy specials, but then add daddy issues and fornication.

Thank you Love Notes PR and Haylee Trew for the ARC.
Profile Image for Dimitra.
513 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 9, 2026
Almost Mine Still Yours 🌼
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Haylee Trew for trusting me with this ARC💛

He is the only man I cannot possibly have.But that's totally okay because we hate each other.Right?

In all my years as a reader,I have never ever seen a more suitable title in a book like this one.No jokes.
Since trauma from a past relationship plays a huge role to Bailey's character development,I could not think of anything more perfect than this.
Referring to Bailey,I can say that we have a MAIN character here.I did not just love her fun personality or how her curls were,but I loved her inside world,how she truly showed me how it is to trust yourself again,to love yourself again after you have been repeatedly told how worthless you are by a man that is worth less than trash.So,no B is not your classic main girl.
On the other side,Liam IS your classic cowboy that you WILL fall madly in love with.As someone really wise said,save the horse,ride the cowboy.😛Yet,our boy has been through so much,and I am so happy that he finally managed to make peace with himself & find the happy ending he deserved.

To continue,I can already listen to you telling me why 5 stars?You are describing a classic second chance cowboy romance.Then,I will say the way mental health is written and represented in this particular one is what made me,& trust me it will make you too to put that fifth star.✨
So yes,amazing romance,magical writing and cowboys are the recipe for the win here.🥣
Out On Mar,20th 🐎
5⭐
Profile Image for Miranda • Darkenchantedchapters.
62 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 17, 2026
“You were almost mine all those years ago, B, but I’ve always been and will forever be, still yours.”

•REVIEW•
First I want to say is Haylee you out did yourself again with another masterpiece.

Prior to reading this book I’d recommend reading the prequel The Christmas Before as it gives you a little background of Bailey Jennings and her life before moving back to her small hometown. Once you read that book you will then jump into Almost Mine Still Yours and see that it picks right up where the prequel ended.

Side note: if you have not read Haylee’s major league series I highly suggest that you do because book 3 of that series called Strike Three introduces you to Bailey’s parents Carter Jennings and Madelyn Bishop.

The banter between Bailey and Liam has to be my all time favorite. You have Liam who is Mr. Grumpy and you have Bailey who is fierce and feisty until you see them both put their guards down around each other. Then we can’t forget Ash who is Bailey’s best friend/sister/protector and or Hunter who is Liam’s best friend and can call him out on his lies and read him like an open book.

I promise you this book will have you laughing and not wanting to put it down until you finish it.

Thank you Haylee for giving me the opportunity to ARC read for you when you first Debut Bottom of the Ninth all the way up to this one. Also thank you to Love Notes PR for giving me the chance to once again be able to ARC read for Haylee. I can’t wait to continue this journey with you.
Profile Image for Julrenda.
60 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
March 17, 2026
This book is the second in the Riceville Springs series, and continues Bailey's story from the novella, The Christmas Before.

Bailey moves home to Riceville Springs after a shocking discovery back in New York was her chance to breathe again. Her best friend, Ash, finds a home for Bailey to call her own. The only downside to moving back home is facing her enemy, Ash’s grouchy brother, Liam Matthis.

There is a history of them having a hate relationship, though in truth, it’s only masking their real feelings. Their relationship has not always been feisty. They were once friends when Ash and Liam were unofficially adopted into Bailey’s family. Somehow, that changed when feelings got in the way, which created the strain between them.

Their banter is fun, and you can feel the heat behind it. I just loved the moments they were checking one another out, even when Bailey teased Liam on purpose by posing her body temptingly. I found myself laughing at how painfully obvious Bailey made it look. There were moments when I was kicking and squealing at the double meanings in the spoken words, and the eye contact that, at one point, had Bailey squirming was so tantalising. The games these two were playing just infatuated me to a point I adored them exponentially.

Haylee created a story about letting go of the past and beginning anew. I enjoyed the chance to read the fulfilment of Bailey’s story and to get to know the locals of Riceville Springs. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
34 reviews
Review of advance copy
March 11, 2026
First of all, thank you to Love Notes PR for this ARC! 💌

Here's what you'll find in this book:
🌼 cowboy vibes
🌼 grumpy MMC
🌼 best friend's brother
🌼 hate to love
🌼 small town
🌼 secret relationship

I must say, despite my early enthusiasm, I don't think this book is my cup of tea.
I had a bit of a hard time connecting with the characters, which is unusual for me. I'm not the biggest fan of super grumpy MMC, so I wasn't surprised to find myself rolling my eyes at all of his grunting in the first half of the book. However, I was expecting to like the FMC a bit more, and unfortunately that didn't really happen for me.

~spoilers ahead~
I think my main struggle was finding the story believable when all the tension and the build up led to revelations I found pretty mild and not too impactful. All the "hate" they felt for each other started dissipating and turning into attraction really early, and all the fear Bailey had of revealing their secret relationship to Ashley felt based on fairly weak grounds - as proven by the very tame reaction she had.

I also found some spelling/syntax mistakes, but this is my first ARC and I don't know if they will be fixed before the official publication.

For all these reasons, I'd rate this 2.5 ⭐

That said, I do recommend this book to those of you who liked "How My Neighbor Stole Christmas" by Meghan Quinn and fans of cowboy romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashlie.
24 reviews
Review of advance copy
March 12, 2026
You can feel the tension immediately as soon as these two are in the same room. I loved that the backstory was introduced early on because it helps readers understand the magnetism between them right away. Knowing their history makes their attraction feel even more intense.

One of the themes I really appreciated was the mental health aspect woven into the story—especially how often we place people on pedestals, only to blame them when they fall from the expectations we created for them. It’s such a relatable dynamic and adds depth and growth to the characters’ relationship.

The story also touches on how painful change can be and how sometimes we don’t realize how much we’ve changed until we step back and look at our lives. It’s a reminder of how easily people can lose themselves—whether because of someone else, past trauma, or their own disappointments.

Bailey’s internal monologue and anxiety felt very relatable as well. That little voice in your head never seems to take long to show up and try to ruin even the best moments.

The dual point of view really shines here. I appreciated getting insight into both perspectives, especially Liam’s. He doesn’t hesitate to say exactly how he feels, and his strong, masculine energy really stands out. At the same time, I loved how much his family and the people close to him mean to him—he isn’t afraid to show emotion or vulnerability with those he cares about.
Profile Image for Kelly Powell.
264 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 8, 2026
No need for me to admit this, you already know.... I’m a sucker for a grumpy cowboy, but what I loved even more about this book was the love-to-hate energy between Bailey and Liam. The tension, the repressed feelings, the angst, the years of terrible timing… it all built this slow-burning emotional storm that I couldn’t look away from.

But what really made this story special for me was Bailey.

I adored her. She felt incredibly real in a way that hit surprisingly close to home. Her anxiety, her awful ex, and the complicated feelings around sex, manipulation, and learning that it’s okay to say no were handled with so much honesty. Watching her navigate those experiences and her struggle with self-love felt deeply personal at times. Parts of this story honestly felt like someone had taken pieces of my twenties and written them onto the page.

The writing style made the whole experience even better. One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re emotional, and the pacing keeps everything moving perfectly. It’s heartfelt, messy, romantic, and raw in the best way.

If you love grumpy cowboys, best friend’s brother tension, years of unresolved feelings, and an FMC whose journey feels painfully real, this one is absolutely worth the read.

Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Mia.
64 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 14, 2026
ARC Review

I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint. I started this series with Bailey back in December last year with her novella about her life with Jason. Thank goodness that guy is gone now.

This book gave me everything I hoped for. Bailey and Liam have been in love with each other almost their entire life without the other knowing, but when Bailey returns to Riceville Springs, they can't stay away from each other.

Liam is a grouchy farmer who has been pining after Bailey since she left and I love watching him heal from his past and address why he feels like he has to push people away. Bailey is healing from her past, manipulative, borderline abusive relationship and Liam is the sweetheart who helps her along the way.

This was a five star read for me and watching these two fall in love made me never want to finish this book.

Quotes and Notes
'If she told me to get on my knees and bark? Woof woof mother..."
My reaction: awww

"You were almost mine all those years ago, B, but I've always and will forever be, still yours."
My reaction: I wondered how the name came. Love.

Thank you to Love Notes PR and Haylee Trew for letting me read the next book about the town that I am quickly falling in love with.
8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 11, 2026
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How much I love it: 🩷🩷🩷🩷
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Grumpy MMC x Sunshine FMC

Overall, the plot and pacing is great. I always loved a dual POV in every love story. I also love the banter between the characters. I cannot wait for Ash and Hunter’s story to be honest. There was one part of the story that almost made me cry because it is a reality for most women and that is sometimes, words hurt and it does have an impact on how this person’s perception of oneself. Im glad that Bailey does have a strong support but I also like how it was portrayed that if you dont say anything then people around can only help as much as you let them. I am reading a lot more stories now where anxiety and panic attacks can really impact ones life and the author was able to portray that especially for people like me who can only understand from the outside. It gave me a bit of understanding. I like Liam and how it also showed he’s not some white knight who is flawless and doesnt deal with his own demons but for Bailey he will do anything.

Overall its a nice sweet small town romance with a lot of spice. Would definitely recommend.

Profile Image for Cindy.
69 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 14, 2026
Rating : 4.7 ⭐️

So excited to have beta read Almost Mine, Still Yours✨📖

This story follows Bailey after a breakup sends her from the big city back to her small hometown. What she doesn’t expect? Running straight into her past… when she finds herself facing Liam and his perfectly grumpy cowboy self.

We get to witness Bailey and Liam’s beginnings, along with the life moments that shape them and leave lasting wounds. Those emotional scars are woven throughout the story in a way that feels grounded. Their journey doesn’t take slow turns.This love story unfolds with intensity and happiness, yet it also carries the heavy fear of choosing your own happiness at the cost of hurting others and possibly losing the one you love.

You truly get your happy ending, and the emotional payoff makes it worth the ride.🐝

And yes, there are plenty of spicy moments. Let’s just say they had some catching up to do. 🔥

If you loved The Christmas Before, you’ll definitely want to see what happens next.
Profile Image for ☆Laura☆.
5,415 reviews61 followers
Read
March 8, 2026
Bailey regresa a su pequeño pueblo después de que su novia la engaña con una amiga. Así que vuelve a su ciudad natal buscando tranquilidad y la oportunidad de reconstruirse. El problema es que su nuevo comienzo incluye vivir justo al lado de Liam Matthis, el hermano mayor de su mejor amiga, un hombre gruñón, terco y demasiado atractivo que parece tener un talento especial para hacerla enojar.

Mientras Bailey intenta rehacer su vida en el pueblo y Liam sigue con su rutina de ranchero solitario, la cercanía constante hace que ignorarse sea imposible.



__

Hubo algo que no me dejó disfrutarlo del todo. Y es que a Liam le empezó a gustar Bailey cuando él tenía 20 y ella 16. Sé que solo son cuatro años de diferencia y que después, cuando ambos son adultos, ya no sería problema. Si ella tuviera 20 y él 24 no tendría absolutamente nada de malo. Pero siendo ella tan joven y él ya un adulto, a mí personalmente me causa mucho rechazo.
Espero que la autora pueda cambiar las edades.


Gracias Love Notes PR por el ARC.
Profile Image for Olivia.
7 reviews
Review of advance copy
March 11, 2026
“I’m yours, I’ve always been yours”

I really enjoyed this book. The writing style was one of my favorite things about it because it’s super easy to read and very fast paced. I finished it in two days since the story flows really well and it kept me interested the whole time.

Bailey was definitely my favorite character. I felt like I understood her really well and it was easy to connect with her emotions while reading. I also liked the main romance a lot. It felt sweet and genuine, especially because it shows how feelings can still exist even when people aren’t always close to each other.

This book made me feel a lot of different emotions while reading. At different moments I felt happy, confused, sad, and even a little angry, which made the story really engaging.

The only small thing for me was that it was a little more spicy than I usually prefer, but that’s just personal reading taste.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cute romance that’s easy and quick to read.
Profile Image for ♡Angelique♡.
228 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
March 17, 2026
rounded up from 3.5🌟

I really wanted to love this story. it had mostly of my favorite tropes in it..

-small town romance ✔️
-best friend's older brother ✔️
-it was always you ✔️
-enemies/hate to lovers ✔️
-Grumpy/Sunshine ✔️

This story just kinda fell flat. Bailey was sweet but where did this girl get all this money to buy a house and start business after living in New York and then moving home and not working? While Liam was a broody cowboy, he also made very juvenile decisions for someone in their late 20's almost early 30's. Just because of one moment where he didn't get to tell Bailey how he felt, he chose to hate her for 17 years? that's silly.

I think if the story didn't have a gap of like 17 years of the main characters hating each other and being distant, this story could have been a solid 4. No one does something like hold a dumb grudge over something so small for that long and then drop it seemingly quickly.
427 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 8, 2026
*ARC REVIEW*

I was kindly given an ARC of Almost Mine Still Yours and this was amazing! this was such a good book, I enjoyed reading every second of this and didn’t want to put it down! the tension between Bailey and Liam was insane, I loved every moment of them together. they had such a good connection and the chemistry between them was so strong, it truly had always been them for each other without even realising. Liam was a grump but he softened for Bailey and I loved seeing that. Bailey was such a relatable and raw character and I loved her. they had such good banter and they were perfect together, this story was perfect for them. such a good and heartfelt book, really enjoyed reading it! (thank you to Haylee Trew and Love Notes PR for the ARC, all opinions are my own)
Almost Mine Still Yours releases March 20!
4.5⭐
Profile Image for Kiwi.
23 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 13, 2026
First, I want to thank Haylee for the chance to read this book as an ARC Reader.

What to expect:
🥰 Brother's Best Friend
🏡 Small Town
🌶️ Open-door Spice
🤭 Enemies to Lovers
⛅️ Grumpy x Sunshine


Now to the review. So when I first signed up for this, I didn't realize it was the second book, so I had to buy the first book. Honestly, I could probably have read it without them, but I'm glad I read them both. Bailey and Liam are honestly such relationship goals, and this story was a better, more realistic romance story. The many themes and situations that B had to overcome could be rather related to women out there who have dealt with toxic exes and are trying to start over again! I honestly wasn't sure what I was walking into when I first started reading this, but I honestly fell in love with the story and characters
Profile Image for Misty Boozer.
130 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 15, 2026
Okay, so I want to start by telling you that your mental health matters and to double check the trigger warnings. This book was extremely an amazing read. I love how it touched on subjects that are really hard for most women like body positivity and what it is like to leave a relationship that is making you feel ashamed of who you are. I also love how after all of that you also see the coming back to herself. I love how it shows that healing can take time after trauma and that just because there's a path that you chose, it doesn't mean that you have to choose that path the whole time. I absolutely love the relationship between these two. He's a grump to everybody including her, but the reason why will shock you.
Profile Image for anna Skot.
98 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 10, 2026
Small town romance 🎈
Best friends brother 🎈
Enemies to lovers 🎈

What a beautiful love story. ❤️

The story was easy to follow, I have read the book in one day. It was sweet anf funny. Bailey after a break up came back home and connected again with her childhood best friend. Liam, the brother of the best friend it was the one man she thought she could never have.

Both characters were in love with each other. It was good to read their journey to happiness.

If you are looking for an easy love small town romance this book is for you.

I would like to thank Love Notes PR for the chance to read the book early. 🖤
Profile Image for lyndsey.jeannette.
148 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
March 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️.5 stars

I’m conflicted with this one.

It had all the tropes that I love: small town, grumpy/sunshine, best friend’s brother, secret love. It was a cute read and I enjoyed parts of it, but other parts felt so rushed and left me feeling like, “oh okay.”

I had a really hard time connecting with the characters. There was no chemistry between them, and at times they acted so juvenile I wanted to shout at them to act like the freaking adults they are.

Maybe with some more fleshing out and editing, this read can be something to really love and enjoy.

Thanks for the chance to read this ARC! I really did want to love it.
Profile Image for Sam.
146 reviews17 followers
March 17, 2026
This cozy small-town romance delivered all the charm of the best friend’s brother trope. Bailey was an absolute firecracker—spunky, bold, and impossible not to love. Beneath that confidence, though, she’s hiding insecurities that felt incredibly real and relatable. I especially loved the friendship between Bailey and Ash; it added such a warm, supportive layer to the story.

Liam, on the other hand, is the classic “I’ll be a jerk to her because I’m secretly in love with her” type when it comes to his sister’s best friend. The tension between them was impossible to ignore, and once they finally admitted that their supposed hatred was actually undeniable attraction, the chemistry really took off.
Profile Image for Jemma Roddan.
154 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2026
This was my first book by Haylee Trew and I enjoyed it overall. It’s a cute, easy small town romance that’s perfect if you’re looking for something light and quick to read.

The storyline is fairly familiar girl catches her boyfriend cheating, heads back to her hometown, and ends up falling for her best friend’s brother. They start off hating each other, but that changes pretty quickly.

At times the writing felt a little immature and the relationship development was quite rushed. It’s not the most original storyline, but the characters were likeable and the premise was sweet.

Overall, a simple, enjoyable romance that makes for an easy read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Amber.
1,114 reviews47 followers
Review of advance copy
March 9, 2026
If you read The Christmas Before, you know Bailey is back home after walking in on her ex cheating on her. She's excited to see her parents and best friend, Ash but she's not looking forward to seeing Liam, Ash's grumpy brother that seems to dislike her for no reason. Bailey and Liam are new neighbors and spend more time together, especially with Ash. They fight their attraction until Liam can't take it anymore and tells her everything. They decide to see where things lead, even though Bailey is scared she'll lose Ash.
204 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 14, 2026
5⭐ 3 🌶️
Almost Mine Still Yours is a heartwarming, emotional grumpy/sunshine, best friend's brother romance! I love Bailey and Liam's story! I love the tension, banter, and of course the spice! This story is beautifully written, captivating, and easy to read! I devoured this book in one day! I'm so excited Bailey got her HEA! After reading The Christmas Before, Bailey definitely deserves her HEA or should I say happy beginning with Liam! I love this book! Can't wait to read more in this series!
Thank you Haylee and Love Notes PR for including me as an ARC reader!
Profile Image for christysbooked .
74 reviews
Review of advance copy
March 15, 2026
3.75 ⭐️

Thank you to Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This is a cute small town, best friends brother, always been you, childhood crushes book. It did move at little bit of past pace for me as far as the timeline of their relationship. I wish there would have been more to it to be honest. Bailey is opening a coffee shop & bookstore and I wish we would have had more of that. Maybe we will get more of her story moving into the other books, but 267 pages was just bit short for me.
2,121 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
March 16, 2026
Both Liam and Bailey are the king and queens of mutual pining, and that leads to a lot of angst initially. Despite that, Liam never truly gave up his obsession with Bailey and that f*ck it moment was so good.

My favourite parts though were definitely those when they were finally together. They were so good together, and it was amazing to see how Liam helped Bailey to rebuild the confidence she lost due to her horrible ex.
Profile Image for Steffi Piot.
57 reviews
March 10, 2026
This is an ARC review: This book was a quick and easy read. I liked the overall storyline but had a hard time connecting with the characters. I liked to have seen more of a build up between them and how they got to know each other as adults. Still a good read for people who like a best friends brother/ small town romance
Profile Image for Crystal.
69 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2026
Small town romances always make me feel some type of way. When Bailey comes back to town she reconnects with her childhood crush Liam. We get a lot of tension, spice and swoon worthy moments! Liam the grumpy cowboy but couldn’t stay away from his sisters best friend. Great storyline as well! 4 stars!!
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