If I Love You

All About You #1

by Tmonique Stephens

He’s back!

Noah Kirby, the bad boy of Sessory Corners has returned. Tall, dark, and sexy with chestnut colored eyes, broad shoulders, with an eight pack that lead to an Adonis Belt. Every woman in town wants him between their thighs for a rough ride. Except Kensley.

Everyone treats the former Marine like he’s a hero. So what he got shot and came back with a bum shoulder and PTSD. She lost a lot more than he did in Afghanistan and he's responsible for it all. They were friends, but now he stays clear of her, thank god, until one night, a snowstorm and a broken window leads to a passion neither expected nor can contain. Will it be enough to overcome the hurt or will new betrayals derail the best thing they’ve ever had?

This is a standalone novel with a HEA!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2019

About the author

Passion changes everything, especially for the characters Tmonique writes about in her Descendants of Ra, UnHallowed, and Plain Jane series. Flawed characters who reflect the emotional baggage we all carry interests her the most. She writes complicated stories for complicated people.
Her favorite paranormal authors are JR Ward, Gena Showalter, and Kresley Cole. Her favorite contemporary authors are Natasha Knight, Theodora Taylor, and Nancy Haviland. She also enjoys Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Preston & Child.
Check out her Descendants of Ra series. Eternity, Everlasting, Evermore, Encore, and Forever, are the first five novels available now. The first four novels in her UnHallowed series—Only The Fallen, Only One I Want, Only You, and Only One I’ll Have are available now.


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Reviews

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free digital ARC via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

From bitter to sweet

A story that starts off with resentment, which we do learn the reasons for as the story moves along, yet resolves in a good way.

Kensley and Noah were once friends, having grown up together, along with her brother. Yet her brother didn’t come back from Afghanistan. Noah did. So when Noah returns to their hometown barely months after her brother’s funeral, he’s the last one that she wants to interact with. Yet, somehow, he’s there at every turn.

Will the truth set Kensley free? Can she forgive Noah?

There is plenty of heat here. Even though the two main characters are most definitely attracted to one another, it takes time for both of them to come to terms with what they have.

Love, loss, intrigue – this book has it all!

Final rating: ★★★★☆ – Really liked

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully raw and emotional story of grief, healing, and unexpected love. When Kensley lost both her beloved grandmother and her brother, who died a hero in Afghanistan, her world came crashing down. Though it may not have been fair, her grief needed somewhere to land, and it landed squarely on Noah Kirby, the man her brother died saving. Now Noah is back in their small hometown, a decorated yet haunted war hero struggling with PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and the crushing weight of what-ifs. Once close friends, he and Kensley are now bound by pain and silence. But despite the distance she tries to keep and the guilt he carries like armor, the connection between them still burns quietly, undeniably. What unfolds is a soul-deep, emotionally charged journey that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves your stomach in knots. Set against the backdrop of a close-knit, small-town community, this story shines in its authenticity—there are no larger-than-life characters here, just flawed, ordinary people navigating extraordinary pain. Kensley’s raw anger, Noah’s quiet suffering, and their mutual longing are so palpable, you can feel every moment of their struggle. Their chemistry simmers beneath the surface, finally coming to a head when a snowstorm strands them in a secluded cabin. It’s there that Noah finds the courage to share the truth about what happened overseas, offering Kensley not just clarity, but a chance to forgive and begin again. A suspenseful subplot adds a touch of danger and intrigue, but make no mistake: this story’s beating heart is its emotional core. It’s a poignant, powerful reminder that forgiveness can be the first step toward healing and that sometimes love finds its way through the most broken places.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is Love possible?
Get ready for emotional action ! Kensley has a HUGE chip on her shoulder, And her biggest one is again Noah ! With her father, The Mayor coming in at a close second ! Her brother Kevin is dead and no one but her seems to care !!! And Noah, was alive. It just wasn't fair ! Her plate is full of losses and add that to her cheating ex-fiance Eric. She was SO over him but he needed her. She saw him clearly now. What she DIDN'T need was to come face to face with Noah Kirby sitting in a chair surprising her in clinic as she was getting ready to leave ! It made for a very emotional, rough start first physical meeting ! It gets even more interesting from there. And yes, there will be some hot scenes between the two of them later in the book. It's just so hard to resist each other. But that darn Kensley will try ! By Chapter 3, we begin to "see" into Kensley's thoughts. Interesting? Yes.
Noah was such a great guy, carrying so much guilt about his buddy and friend Kevin's death ! I totally loved Noah and his bada$$ way. A bad boy with a tender heart towards people. He helped people everywhere he went. How could he not fall for Kensley !
Her friend Tori adds some fun to her life until Kensley gets into some trouble while in a bar with her.
There's also danger out there that they don't see coming . Tobias, is visiting his former team mate Noah when it hits the fan. And added in is the adorable "puppy" Bear who is aptly named.
Dramatic ending with a great Epilogue !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All she wanted was to leave the small-town of Sessory Corner Tensley had grown up here and was now all alone. Loosing her brother in Afghanistan and loosing her beloved gran she had nobody left. Working as a nurse at the clinic was the highlight of her life but she need a fresh start away from everybody who knew her. Nothing in this small-town was a secret, her ex's betrayal in the back of a car at her engagement party. When she comes face to face with the one man she hates more than her ex all she can think about is her younger brother who she'll never see again because Noah lived and Kevin died. Noah knew it was a mistake turning up at the clinic he could have sewn up his own injury, but he was drawn to her. He knew she hated him, knew how much she missed her brother the guilt was always with him. Can she ever forgive him. Will he ever be able to have a normal life. Can he ever forgive himself. He knows she's all he ever wanted. But will his kindness be his undoing. Will he ever be able to admit his feelings. This is a story with twists and turns you don't expect. It's a story of finding your own family not necessarily by blood. How far can somebody go for the one they love and is the any hope of second chance. Noah is a total moody quiet grump with a heart of gold but will he finally find his home. Bear is just the perfect companion for Noah. I can't wait for the next in this series

[Lane]

Kensley is still struggling after burying her young brother, Kevin, who was killed in the line of duty and her grandmother. She feels alone and in need of leaving the small town of her youth. Too many memories and too much pity. Especially after her humiliation with her ex, Eric. Noah, a marine vet, has struggles of his own, but he can't seem to stay away from Kensley. This is there story of hope.

This story had a slow start... and a slow middle. Kensley had good moments, but more moments where I wished the book was over. I don't know how Noah stuck with her. I felt like I experienced whiplash due to her abrupt changes in emotions and decisions. I understood that she was still dealing with loss, but their was something about her character that just did not click with me. If you are into the adult scenes, there are several. I just want a good story and tend to skim those parts, but there was at least one time I wanted to high-five Kensley.

The story is written from 3 povs. There were mistakes that will hopefully be fixed by release date. There is sex, violence, cussing, snowstorms and a sweet dog named Bear. The writing isn't bad, but the story isn't what I expected; it did not suck me in.
2.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I Love You is a beautiful love story. Tmonique Stephens developed characters that are familiar to us all. We also know people like other characters in their small town. Those characters give the story the right amount of reality. I did have to wonder after a point what happened to Kensley's BFF Tori. Then again, after a point, she was not missed.

Kensley and Noah are very relatable characters, which makes it very easy to root for them and empathize with their struggles. Their flaws and vulnerabilities complement the other. Yet despite those flaws and struggles, that some might see as reasons for them not to come together, it is clear that they belong together. Noah and Kelsey are real. Their story is real too. It could happen given the times in which we live. Tragedy brought them together, and love will keep them there.

Noah and Kelsey's journey to love has many humorous moments, drama, misunderstandings, action, and suspense. Noah is the man that you want by your side. Kelsey is the home town girl that might find her way into the dreams of a Soldier far from home, and even more so when he returns. Both are carrying baggage, lots of it. Don't we all. I love that Kelsey owns her shortcomings and has no problem offering a sincere apology when it is warranted. Noah, ever the protector, knows who he is. Noah offers no excuses. It is fantastic that he does not allow the judgment of others to impact how he carries himself. They bring out the best in one another and become the strength that the other needs in those moments when they need it most. It is a beautiful journey that leads to that type of love that is infinitely profound and lasts.

I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and submit this review voluntarily.

[Melanie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully real, emotionally rich

How can you love the person who is responsible for the greatest tragedies of your life? In school, Kensley crushed on Noah Kirby, but he left to join the Marines and crushed her dreams. He returns, a wounded war hero, whose life was saved by the sacrifice of Kensley's beloved brother, Kevin. She has nothing left - no family, no future, no hope. So why the heck can't she turn off the attraction to Noah? Noah is in bad shape. Physically he's healing, but his heart and mind are a raw mash-up of PTSD, survivor's guilt, grief, and a desperate attraction to the one woman he has no right to love. Tmonique Stephens' bittersweet portrait of grief and healing elevates this small-town second-chance romance to powerful heights of intimacy and irresistible connection. It's all about the inner journey, and Ms. Stephens never steps wrong or takes shortcuts. This is a light-up-your-world five star love story. This has been a voluntary ARC review.

[Jurae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kensley was grieving. In the span of a year a he lost her be other to the war and her grandmother and she blamed him. Noah was wounded. Not physically but mentally and emotionally. He had been intrigued with Kensley since listening to her brother talk about her. 

These two need each other more than either of them know but one of them is puttung up quite the fight. They are also in danger from people who are searching for a treasure. These people are ruthless and will stop at nothing but will they succeed.

The characters are great. They are well developed and add a depth to the story line. The story line is great. I loved it. My one critique is that there was no resolution for Kensley's relationship with her father.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional story. Kensley recently split with her finance after he cheated on her and Noah injured out of the Marines. It was Kensley’s brother Kevin, a fellow Marine who saved Noah’s life but it cost him his own.
Kensley and Noah each had their own demons to overcome but at the same time just could not resist each other.
Intertwined with their love story was the suspense of the Morrettis who were after passwords to access offshore accounts, although to be honest they weren’t the brightest bunch in town.
I loved Noah’s character, a strong Marine, although still injured, was also kindhearted with his neighbours in the community.
An enjoyable read with a guaranteed HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful love story that is completely layered with the pain of loss, grief, PTSD, and guilt.

Kensley has lost every person that truly loved her: her grandmother and her brother. Noah survived deployment, but it cost him his body, mind, and his best friend. When he returns, Kensley is so angry with him as he came back and her brother did not. What follows is just a demonstration of how grief affects each person differently. Layered between the pain there is an attraction that seems fated, and will have to bloom between careful care, quiet moments and sweet understanding.

A great read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very emotional story it made me laugh then it made me cry like a baby, two souls Noah and Kensley who are in pain eventually find each other. Kensley lost her brother who was in the marines and she blames Noah now she is lost and alone, Noah who has returned from the marines with PTSD and survivors guilt is intrigued about Kensley but he believes that he has no right to love her. Their journey together has heartfelt moments their chemistry is sizzling but there is also danger ahead for these two. This is a heartfelt story I loved it and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[marzimarzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her former friend returns to town as a Marine hero... to everyone but her since he returns without her brother and she can't forget that. A snowstorm brings them together and after they talk about what happened in Afghanistan, she forgives him and they give in to their mutual attraction.
A lovely small-town romance about dealing with loss & PTSD and the healing power of love.
It will keep you captivated: from every steamy encounter between these two, to the well-developed plot and the deep characterization... a true deelight!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dr. Honey's HEA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read "When I Touch You" first, so when I saw this title, I knew I had to go back to notch. Stephens has a penchant for creating scenes and stories that are direct, descriptive, and I love seeing how that was true for Noah and Kensley's story. The emotional depth of the story captured my attention as their history (and what has happened in between while Noah was away) unfolded. Their romance was hard won in many ways, and there were a ton of tears along the way. Overall, I was pleased to see them get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome book that I really enjoyed. The story and characters grabbed me from the beginning and I couldn't stop reading. I loved the characters and watching them grow together, they were well written and went well together. I found this book amazing with great word building making me feel apart of the story and watching it unfold in front of me. A definite must read for any fan and I can't wait to read more from this author!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I Love You is an emotional read about a woman who has lost everything and a man who came back from war ravaged with PTSD, grief, survivor's guilt and a heart filled with love for a woman he feels he has no right to love. This is a well written, heartbreakingly beautiful story that captivated me from the first page until the last. I loved the way no matter what has happened in Noah and Kensley's life there is a spark still there and they have a strong connection. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Siyka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the story! Kensley and Noah were so true to life, so full of love and angst, fear and strength that I would have loved to be their friend.
The sadness and guilt of both survivors were so controlling at times that they forgot to live and their being together reminded that exactly that truth - the living should be living! They should have a full life to honor the dead too!
I loved the touching moments of grief and pure emotions!
The style was great and perfect for the story in my mind!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Thea Kubicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I Love You

Noah and Kensley

Well, she's done it again. Tmonique's writing style is as smooth as a satin rope that curls around your emotions and pulls you into the story. Noah, with his survivor's guilt, and Kensley with her anger at the loss of her brother and her father's refusal to acknowledge him--throw in small town living where everything is everyone's business and a little suspense and you have a winner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Virginia Danyow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah and Kensley's story authentic and draws you in from the first page. I love when I read a book and feel like I'm right there listening to the characters tell me how they met orspent their time together. This book did that for me. The one aspect that read a bit sensationalized was the mafia involvement, but it gave the story a bit of action and suspense. Plus it added to the "hero gets his girl" storyline. I can't wait to read the next one!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 1 of the All For You series. And a wonderful start it is!

'Noah Kirby, the bad boy of Sessory Corners, has returned.'

The plot was well written and developed. World building was solidly drawn. The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah came back from Afghanistan with a bum shoulder and PTSD and everyone treats him like a hero and every girl wants him but one and she is the one he wants. Kensey lost everything in that war and she is angry that he made it. And then one night they are stuck in a snowstorm in a cabin and find that what they have should be cherished.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story between Noah and Kensley is so emotional that I had to push myself to finish at times but never wanted to quit. The small town setting is warm and fuzzy. The headspace of these characters is uncomfortable to think about. They are realistic and hauntingly familiar. It is hard for these two people to see past their own feelings to realize that they need each other. This one really twisted me up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book I've read written by Tmonique Stephens; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[G]

I really wanted to enjoy this totally, however i found that it didn't quite hit the spot for me. yes it does deal with some heavy subject matter, grief , PTSD to name the big ones, It took me ages to get this read and it dragged for me. I did like how Kensley and Noah eventually worked around their own pain to see the good in the other as well as grow.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is back home and every woman wants to share his bed except her. She blames him for everything she has lost and he stays away from her until one fateful stormy night. They spend a passion filled night. Could they mend the gap between them? Will she alone him in? Will secrets ruin their future if they have one? See if there is a happy ending

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters are interesting. Wow loved it so worth reading. Kensley lost her brother in Afghanistan when Noah and his team wanted to helpd fellow marines they were the only ones left. Noah was stabbed with glass, he went to the doctors where Kensley works she stitched him up and headed home.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even before joining the Marines Noah , Kensley had a crush on him. Noah is now home wounded and it was Kevin, Kensley’s no family, and feels she has nothing. Her attraction for the wounded Marine who is struggling wight PTSD and guilt is still strong. Noah’s survivors guilt stops him going to the woman he wants Kensley.

Drama, action, emotions, steamy and romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love after war
Kensley and Noah are experiencing the effects of war from different perspectives. Kensley is the family member that grieves the loss, and Noah is the soldier living with survivor's guilt. Kensley and Noah share a common bond, the death of Kensley's brother. I enjoyed reading Kensley and Noah's story. The couple was able to navigate through the difficult times to journey towards each other. I highly recommend. The author has an excellent catalogue of stories.

[Evy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an emotional story about Noah, a retired marine and Kensley, a registered nurse. There is a pull between them that can’t be denied although she fights it.
What unfolds is a very emotional journey of love, trust and guilt. Their chemistry is off the charts and the suspenseful subplot finish it. I received a copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. Curiois to see what happens in the next book with Tobias and Meghan.

[Samantha Millican · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town life in Sessory Corners is a place Kensley can’t wait to get out of. Especially now that Noah is back in town from Afghanistan. Their emotional turmoil is realistic, grief and PTSD clearly woven in to a small town love story. It was a different book than what I usually pick up, but it did not disappoint, keeping me entranced till the conclusion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartfelt romance between two lost souls dealing with the loss of a loved one. Noah has returned home after a medical discharge and the loss of his friend. Kensley is reeling from the loss of her brother and grandmother within months of each other. When Noah and Kensley find that they can't avoid each other in a small town and get past their loss, their love is explosive.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.