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Adair Family #3
Always You
Arrochar Adair has loved her brother’s ex-bodyguard and best friend, Mac Galbraith, for years. Once upon a time, she was too young for him, but now that she’s a mature woman in her thirties, Arro can see no issue with their difference in age. Yet something deeper, a problem much more difficult to surmount, is keeping them apart.
Mac Galbraith remembers clearly the night Arro became everything to him, no longer just his best friend and boss’s younger sister. However, having made many mistakes over the years, there is one mistake Mac is determined not to make: to believe that he is worthy of Arrochar Adair. Allowing them to grow closer during his daughter, Robyn’s, return has proven his undoing. And when Arro forces the subject of their relationship, his response pushes her away. He just never meant for it to destroy them completely.
Devastated by Mac’s final rejection, Arro is determined to move on without him in her life, though he seems intent on staying put. And when the Adair family face a new threat, one that may have ties to Mac’s past, Arro can’t seem to be rid of the man. In fact, Mac will do anything to protect her.
But with so much hurt between them, will Arro let Mac close enough to guard her from their enemy… before it’s too late?
Mac Galbraith remembers clearly the night Arro became everything to him, no longer just his best friend and boss’s younger sister. However, having made many mistakes over the years, there is one mistake Mac is determined not to make: to believe that he is worthy of Arrochar Adair. Allowing them to grow closer during his daughter, Robyn’s, return has proven his undoing. And when Arro forces the subject of their relationship, his response pushes her away. He just never meant for it to destroy them completely.
Devastated by Mac’s final rejection, Arro is determined to move on without him in her life, though he seems intent on staying put. And when the Adair family face a new threat, one that may have ties to Mac’s past, Arro can’t seem to be rid of the man. In fact, Mac will do anything to protect her.
But with so much hurt between them, will Arro let Mac close enough to guard her from their enemy… before it’s too late?
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2022
829 people are currently reading
9534 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Young
108 books28.3k followersSamantha is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and a Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee. Samantha has written over 60 books and is published in 31 countries. She writes emotional and angsty romance, often set where she resides—in her beloved home country Scotland. Samantha splits her time between her family, writing and chasing after two very mischievous cavapoos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 715 reviews
May 17, 2022
this series has been so consistent and reliable. i love how i know exactly what i will be getting each time i open up one of these books. it gives me complex characters, intriguing mysteries and crimes, steamy yet sweet romance, and the breathtaking atmosphere of the scottish highlands. anyone who enjoys romantic suspense stories really needs to start this series - its one of the best and most balanced.
my only complaint would be the suspense components of this particular installment. it feels very recycled. its basically the same elements as the first book, just directed at a different character. and i understand that, because everyone is so connected and related, obviously the plot is going to feel very samey, because they are all going through everything together (even if each book only focuses on the romance between two particular characters). but man, i just wish the suspense plot was different. i think it might be in the next book, considering who the MC will be, so i have high hopes for that!
overall, a very enjoyable read. once that passed by in the blink of an eye because of how entertaining it is!
↠ 4 stars
my only complaint would be the suspense components of this particular installment. it feels very recycled. its basically the same elements as the first book, just directed at a different character. and i understand that, because everyone is so connected and related, obviously the plot is going to feel very samey, because they are all going through everything together (even if each book only focuses on the romance between two particular characters). but man, i just wish the suspense plot was different. i think it might be in the next book, considering who the MC will be, so i have high hopes for that!
overall, a very enjoyable read. once that passed by in the blink of an eye because of how entertaining it is!
↠ 4 stars
February 24, 2023
I read this in a single day but it just kind of bored me? This is the third book in this series and all three books feature an older man dating a much younger woman who gets attacked in the final chapters of the book. Also, relationship drama. I don’t think I’ll continue on with this series.
August 7, 2023
UGH this was SO good, and I ate every bit of it up. Even the . 💓 I’ve been a fan of Arrochar and Mac since the beginning, and I knew their book would be a favorite, however I did not realize we would be blessed with a storyline normalizing older males seeking therapy and THRIVING by working through their past trauma and issues. More of this in books, and especially romance, please.
September 13, 2022
3 stars
Arro has loved her brother’s best friend, Mac, for years. She used to be too young for him, but now that she’s in her thirties, and he in his forties, Arro doesn’t see a problem with their age difference. But Mac isn’t ready for anything real with Arro and when she makes her move, he hurts her in a way that you cannot come back from. Now, when Arro is faced with danger, Mac is the only one to protect her and to maybe get a second chance.
Samantha Young is an author I am ride or die for, I will literally read anything by this woman. She consistently writes some of the best romance out there and while I didn’t love this book, I still enjoyed it. I think after two books of building up Mac and Arro, the end result fell a little bit flat and was stretched out too long for me. By the time they got together I was over both of them and that isn’t how you should feel about a slow burn romance. I definitely really enjoyed the first two books in this series and still plan on reading the rest. This one just didn’t work for me personally for many reasons.
Arro has loved her brother’s best friend, Mac, for years. She used to be too young for him, but now that she’s in her thirties, and he in his forties, Arro doesn’t see a problem with their age difference. But Mac isn’t ready for anything real with Arro and when she makes her move, he hurts her in a way that you cannot come back from. Now, when Arro is faced with danger, Mac is the only one to protect her and to maybe get a second chance.
Samantha Young is an author I am ride or die for, I will literally read anything by this woman. She consistently writes some of the best romance out there and while I didn’t love this book, I still enjoyed it. I think after two books of building up Mac and Arro, the end result fell a little bit flat and was stretched out too long for me. By the time they got together I was over both of them and that isn’t how you should feel about a slow burn romance. I definitely really enjoyed the first two books in this series and still plan on reading the rest. This one just didn’t work for me personally for many reasons.
January 19, 2023
1.5-hate-read-stars
This is the story of a man stringing along a girl for years, treating her like shit while worshipping her feet, then proceeded to reject her in the worst situation imaginable.
All I have to say was, you could do better girl. I'm not impressed and was hate reading it ever since the first chapter.
First, I don't like the little flashbacks we have about all their painful (I mean painful for me to read) pasts together. I think it would've been better if we have a linear storytelling here. Next, our girl was waiting for her flighty man NAKED in his house. No! That was just a poor decision. How can you make her more pathetic than she already was? Third, shitty hero. I'm sorry, I just can't forgive him. It took him to get into therapy to finally decide he wanted our girl back. By that time, I've already fallen out of love from this couple.
That ship has sailed and I thank you for visiting but the port is officially closed.
This is the story of a man stringing along a girl for years, treating her like shit while worshipping her feet, then proceeded to reject her in the worst situation imaginable.
All I have to say was, you could do better girl. I'm not impressed and was hate reading it ever since the first chapter.
First, I don't like the little flashbacks we have about all their painful (I mean painful for me to read) pasts together. I think it would've been better if we have a linear storytelling here. Next, our girl was waiting for her flighty man NAKED in his house. No! That was just a poor decision. How can you make her more pathetic than she already was? Third, shitty hero. I'm sorry, I just can't forgive him. It took him to get into therapy to finally decide he wanted our girl back. By that time, I've already fallen out of love from this couple.
That ship has sailed and I thank you for visiting but the port is officially closed.
April 30, 2022
4.5 STARS
I'm always a little scared to read a book I've been really anticipating, afraid that I've built too high of expectations. Lucky for me, this story not only met them, it exceeded them. I absolutely loved Arro and Mac.
The second Mac appeared on the pages of Here With Me, I was instantly hooked. This beautiful man with his haunted eyes and a life of regrets immediately stole my heart. Arro has been in love with Mac since she was old enough to notice him in that way when she was 18. And there is nothing more I love in a book than the emotions of an unrequited love. And oh man, the pining in this book.
Arro has loved Mac for years. And for years, Mac has pushed her away. She's 13 years his junior, she's his best friend and now son in law's younger sister. Mac has a dark past and he doesn't want to taint her light with his history. There's years of pining, until Mac does something that completely pushes Arro away and he knows immediately he screwed up. Unfortunately, while Arro has loved him for years, she also respects herself enough not to keep letting him repeat their pattern and she's done.
There's two things I loved about this book. One is the growth that we get to see on the pages for Mac. Here's a man that get his sh*t together and goes to therapy for all the right reasons. I loved seeing his sessions on the pages as he discovers himself. The second is the fierce Arro. This is not a wilting wallflower. This is a fierce lioness that fights for herself and her family and I absolutely loved her for it. She's not a damsel that needs saving.
There's a mystery element with some threatening notes being left for Arro and Mac becoming her bodyguard. Admittedly I felt it was a little much to have so much happening in the end, but it also somehow fit and brought it a full circle.
The slow burn romance was deliciously satisfying. Their road to HEA full of pain and emotion, but also with so much tenderness and love. I couldn't get enough of it. I swear, I fall in love with this series more and more with each book!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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And even though it made me a selfish arsehole, I exulted at the idea of being loved by Arrochar Adair.
I'm always a little scared to read a book I've been really anticipating, afraid that I've built too high of expectations. Lucky for me, this story not only met them, it exceeded them. I absolutely loved Arro and Mac.
The second Mac appeared on the pages of Here With Me, I was instantly hooked. This beautiful man with his haunted eyes and a life of regrets immediately stole my heart. Arro has been in love with Mac since she was old enough to notice him in that way when she was 18. And there is nothing more I love in a book than the emotions of an unrequited love. And oh man, the pining in this book.
Arro has loved Mac for years. And for years, Mac has pushed her away. She's 13 years his junior, she's his best friend and now son in law's younger sister. Mac has a dark past and he doesn't want to taint her light with his history. There's years of pining, until Mac does something that completely pushes Arro away and he knows immediately he screwed up. Unfortunately, while Arro has loved him for years, she also respects herself enough not to keep letting him repeat their pattern and she's done.
There's two things I loved about this book. One is the growth that we get to see on the pages for Mac. Here's a man that get his sh*t together and goes to therapy for all the right reasons. I loved seeing his sessions on the pages as he discovers himself. The second is the fierce Arro. This is not a wilting wallflower. This is a fierce lioness that fights for herself and her family and I absolutely loved her for it. She's not a damsel that needs saving.
There's a mystery element with some threatening notes being left for Arro and Mac becoming her bodyguard. Admittedly I felt it was a little much to have so much happening in the end, but it also somehow fit and brought it a full circle.
The slow burn romance was deliciously satisfying. Their road to HEA full of pain and emotion, but also with so much tenderness and love. I couldn't get enough of it. I swear, I fall in love with this series more and more with each book!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
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April 3, 2022There is no one that pulls me in for an emotional rollercoaster ride like Samantha Young. Always You is a flawless friends-to-lovers tale with all the second chance feels. Angsty, swoony, with fiery chemistry, and suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat. This series of standalones has officially cemented itself as one of my favorites of all time!
April 26, 2022
4 'Open the door again' Stars!
ARC provided via Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
Who else has been waiting for Arro and Mac’s story like a crazy person? No, just me? Didn’t think so! Samantha Young has been teasing us about these two from the very start of this series so you can imagine I had crazy high expectations for Always You. And Samantha has definitely delivered. If you were expecting a major slow-burn, age-gap, I-love-you-from-afar romance, you are in for a treat!
So, Always You is the third installment in Young’s Adair Family series and it’s focused on the love story between Arrochar Adair and Mac Galbraith. Arro has loved Mac since she was a teenager, she has loved him from afar for years and now she thinks it’s finally their time to be together. The age difference is not an issue anymore now that she is in her thirties. But Mac still feels he is not deserving of loving the youngest Adair so he keeps hurting her and loving her from afar. But what will happen Arro decides she is giving up and a new threat approaches the Adair family? Will Mac finally accept and show his true feelings for Arro?
I hated it. I hated I wasn’t free to love her. To promise I’d never leave her.
That was some slow-burn, let me tell you! The back and forth between this couple was agonizing but so worth the wait. I loved finally getting to know Arro and Mac’s full stories and how their experiences affect the love story. I am a sucker for longing in romance and Always You doesn’t fail when it comes to that. These two want each other so badly and it takes them a while to finally start their relationship. Yes, I do have to say the back and forth between this couple got on my nerves sometimes, I just wanted them together and it sure takes them a while to get over everything. Which I also understand because it’s not easy for either to fight against past demons and the new challenges ahead. But when finally they act on their intense connection, wow that chemistry! Beautiful, steamy and just so right! I loved Arro and Mac together, so much!
“Any time I get to be with you—a day, a week, a few months—it’ll be worth it. I’d rather have a moment with you than nothing at all. It’ll last me a lifetime.”
“Sometimes you say the most perfect things, Mackennon Galbraith.”
Therefore, I am rating Always You with 4 STARS because Samantha definitely did a wonderful job with this highly anticipated love story that we’ve been waiting for since the very start of the series. Mac and Arro are so good together and, even though they have a lot of obstacles on the way, their relationship was so worth the wait. Yes, I did expect to have more moments of them as a couple because the slow-burn was REAL but still, it was an incredible love story. Any fan of the series will love this new installment, that I can assure you!
ARC provided via Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
Who else has been waiting for Arro and Mac’s story like a crazy person? No, just me? Didn’t think so! Samantha Young has been teasing us about these two from the very start of this series so you can imagine I had crazy high expectations for Always You. And Samantha has definitely delivered. If you were expecting a major slow-burn, age-gap, I-love-you-from-afar romance, you are in for a treat!
So, Always You is the third installment in Young’s Adair Family series and it’s focused on the love story between Arrochar Adair and Mac Galbraith. Arro has loved Mac since she was a teenager, she has loved him from afar for years and now she thinks it’s finally their time to be together. The age difference is not an issue anymore now that she is in her thirties. But Mac still feels he is not deserving of loving the youngest Adair so he keeps hurting her and loving her from afar. But what will happen Arro decides she is giving up and a new threat approaches the Adair family? Will Mac finally accept and show his true feelings for Arro?
I hated it. I hated I wasn’t free to love her. To promise I’d never leave her.
That was some slow-burn, let me tell you! The back and forth between this couple was agonizing but so worth the wait. I loved finally getting to know Arro and Mac’s full stories and how their experiences affect the love story. I am a sucker for longing in romance and Always You doesn’t fail when it comes to that. These two want each other so badly and it takes them a while to finally start their relationship. Yes, I do have to say the back and forth between this couple got on my nerves sometimes, I just wanted them together and it sure takes them a while to get over everything. Which I also understand because it’s not easy for either to fight against past demons and the new challenges ahead. But when finally they act on their intense connection, wow that chemistry! Beautiful, steamy and just so right! I loved Arro and Mac together, so much!
“Any time I get to be with you—a day, a week, a few months—it’ll be worth it. I’d rather have a moment with you than nothing at all. It’ll last me a lifetime.”
“Sometimes you say the most perfect things, Mackennon Galbraith.”
Therefore, I am rating Always You with 4 STARS because Samantha definitely did a wonderful job with this highly anticipated love story that we’ve been waiting for since the very start of the series. Mac and Arro are so good together and, even though they have a lot of obstacles on the way, their relationship was so worth the wait. Yes, I did expect to have more moments of them as a couple because the slow-burn was REAL but still, it was an incredible love story. Any fan of the series will love this new installment, that I can assure you!
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June 14, 2022I've read it :D
November 6, 2025
2.75 stars
This came very close to a DNF for me a few times. The last 40% saved this from being a complete dumpster fire shit show. Sweet, wise, mature Auntie Arro from the previous book just disappeared and was body snatched and replaced instead with a childish, immature, spiteful, petty, belligerent, insecure little girl cosplaying as a woman who doesn't understand boundaries but expects it in return. 'No means no' goes both ways and I just didn't care for the narrative here.
Samantha Young's idea of "confident" assertive women kinda scares me. And if I never have to read another humiliating failed seduction attempt I will be happy. Surprising a man who you aren't in a relationship with by going to his house and getting naked is never a good idea. Throwing yourself bodily while naked at a man even after he says no is not heartbreaking, it's fucking awful and icky. PERIOD. Why do authors do this?? 😩 There's a distinct difference in confidence and being aggressive. You cannot preach about feminism when you have your heroines not respecting personal boundaries with their heroes. The whole "I'm not crazy! I know you want me and I know you want this! I know what's between us!!!" (yes those exact words are used) desperation is cringe to the tenth power and extremely uncomfortable. Why on earth is this considered ok? I had the same problem with Regan in the last book which is why I'm pointing this out and so frustrated. Hell, Regan in this book was even talking about having a fight with Thane after snooping on his phone because she's still insecure but adamant she's "not the jealous type". 😐 Like.....does Young think this is normal way to act in a relationship? As for Arro, I found her characterization so inconsistent to how she was portrayed in the previous book. Arro's behavior and internal voice and how she talked really confused me because she came off way younger and so emotionally shrill and naive to certain things. Arro came off like an immature insecure 15 year old girl than a grown woman of 33. I got whiplash at the complete character metamorphosis this character took. Robyn and Regan are more mature and they are in their 20's.
I mean...really? This is your strong feminist heroine? For context: The heroine is getting threatening disturbing notes and being stalked by a psycho and the hero who is a former cop and a bodyguard wants to just teach her martial arts so she can defend herself. This is her lovely response to that. :/
More than half of the book is filled with this kind of juvenile nonsense and if you know me, I have very little patience for it. Like it makes me ragey. A broken heart doesn't excuse insufferable behavior. The endless attitude just put a damper on things and ruined whatever tension there was. I felt like I was reading about a bratty child lashing out because she was embarrassed and angry rather than a grown woman. The whole scorned woman thing isn't my cuppa especially here because it felt extremely overblown and went on for too long. I'm glad Mac got therapy but I believe Arro needed it too with how she viewed things and processed things. I had zero problem with her wanting to move on and cut him off for good, it was how she behaved after and viewed the whole thing that got under my skin. Just because you have feelings for a man and waited for him for years--built this whole fantasy in your head about him--doesn't mean you are owed something. Misreading situations and reading between the lines isn't that other person leading you on. It just made me uncomfortable how all the blame was laid at Mac's feet simply because Arro misread situations and he rejected her. And I can tell I'm in the minority here among readers who believe Mac was the awful jerk who lead her on for years like Young tries so hard to sell it. But my problem is that's not how it played out on the page at all, even with all the flashbacks. They were never in a relationship, no ILYs were shared, zero promises made, just a long standing friendship with Arro always misreading things or initiating things and getting turned down. Mac is not blameless in this at all since there was flirting involved and open ended conversations and he could have absolutely handled "the incident" better but how Young wrote Arro I didn't love at all. She had issues to work out too IMO. Also how Mac kept defending his spiteful ex Stacey for actively keeping his daughter away from him for years all because "she was hurt that he didn't love her" is another example of that pattern. Like why is that horrible bitch constantly getting excused for her awful behavior??? Because she's a woman? I don't get it. Stacey called her daughter a slut in the last book and it was literally excused because it "came from a place of love"..... so yeah my confidence in how Young writes women is on shakey ground.
While I wasn't super eager for this couple's story I was intrigued by their history and the fact it's a 13 year age gap with a 45 year old hero sounded fun. It wasn't fun like I was hoping unfortunately. The last quarter is why I gave the extra star, the sex was hot at least, seeing the heroine bodily tackle the bad guy for once was great and I enjoyed seeing the Adair family unit together. Although it is starting to get a bit Brady Bunch campy for me with every couple now planning to live on the same street or build a house close by and now a whole preschool (how much land do these siblings own?!). And I would have liked it if Thane and Regan got their own wedding, not a double wedding with Arro and Mac. :/ A fan of that I am not. Seriously never in a million years would I want to share my wedding day with my brother as much as I love and adore my brother. Like come on. It's giving corny family sitcom for me. Anyways, I really want to read Arran and Eredine's book but color me very nervous now given how SY botched this one up so bad.
This came very close to a DNF for me a few times. The last 40% saved this from being a complete dumpster fire shit show. Sweet, wise, mature Auntie Arro from the previous book just disappeared and was body snatched and replaced instead with a childish, immature, spiteful, petty, belligerent, insecure little girl cosplaying as a woman who doesn't understand boundaries but expects it in return. 'No means no' goes both ways and I just didn't care for the narrative here.
This was a surefire plan for getting Mac to give in to his feelings for me. The bracelet told me he wanted to, but just in case he still had reservations, I wanted to make it as difficult as possible for him to say no.
Samantha Young's idea of "confident" assertive women kinda scares me. And if I never have to read another humiliating failed seduction attempt I will be happy. Surprising a man who you aren't in a relationship with by going to his house and getting naked is never a good idea. Throwing yourself bodily while naked at a man even after he says no is not heartbreaking, it's fucking awful and icky. PERIOD. Why do authors do this?? 😩 There's a distinct difference in confidence and being aggressive. You cannot preach about feminism when you have your heroines not respecting personal boundaries with their heroes. The whole "I'm not crazy! I know you want me and I know you want this! I know what's between us!!!" (yes those exact words are used) desperation is cringe to the tenth power and extremely uncomfortable. Why on earth is this considered ok? I had the same problem with Regan in the last book which is why I'm pointing this out and so frustrated. Hell, Regan in this book was even talking about having a fight with Thane after snooping on his phone because she's still insecure but adamant she's "not the jealous type". 😐 Like.....does Young think this is normal way to act in a relationship? As for Arro, I found her characterization so inconsistent to how she was portrayed in the previous book. Arro's behavior and internal voice and how she talked really confused me because she came off way younger and so emotionally shrill and naive to certain things. Arro came off like an immature insecure 15 year old girl than a grown woman of 33. I got whiplash at the complete character metamorphosis this character took. Robyn and Regan are more mature and they are in their 20's.
“Do you want to feel in control right now or rely on other people to protect you?”
“Fuck you,” she snapped.
“Whoa.” Robyn stepped outside to stand in front of me like a shield. “I don’t know what’s going on between you, but one, you don’t talk to him like that—”
“Robbie—”
“No, Dad.” She shook her head, glowering at Arro. “I know you’re having a hard time, but just no. You don’t talk to him like that. And two, take the damn lessons. For all our peace of mind. It would be good for us all to know you can handle yourself.”
Arro stared blankly at Robyn and replied tonelessly, “One, I’ve been in Mac’s life for a long time and you have no idea about our relationship, so I’ll talk to him however I damn well please, and two, I do want to train but not with him. Can’t someone else do it?”
“No.” Robyn lifted her chin stubbornly. “You’ll train with Dad every Thursday. Maybe it’ll help you work out whatever problem you have with him.”
“You’re not the boss of me, Robyn Adair. I’m technically your elder, you know.”
“Then act like it and take up an offer that could save your life.” The grim reality of the truth in that statement made my heart lurch. When a flicker of fear crossed Arro’s gaze, even more so, I wanted to reach out and hold her.
“Fine,” Arro snapped angrily, then looked up at me. “You can’t come in. ’Night, Robyn.” She slammed the door in our faces.
I mean...really? This is your strong feminist heroine? For context: The heroine is getting threatening disturbing notes and being stalked by a psycho and the hero who is a former cop and a bodyguard wants to just teach her martial arts so she can defend herself. This is her lovely response to that. :/
More than half of the book is filled with this kind of juvenile nonsense and if you know me, I have very little patience for it. Like it makes me ragey. A broken heart doesn't excuse insufferable behavior. The endless attitude just put a damper on things and ruined whatever tension there was. I felt like I was reading about a bratty child lashing out because she was embarrassed and angry rather than a grown woman. The whole scorned woman thing isn't my cuppa especially here because it felt extremely overblown and went on for too long. I'm glad Mac got therapy but I believe Arro needed it too with how she viewed things and processed things. I had zero problem with her wanting to move on and cut him off for good, it was how she behaved after and viewed the whole thing that got under my skin. Just because you have feelings for a man and waited for him for years--built this whole fantasy in your head about him--doesn't mean you are owed something. Misreading situations and reading between the lines isn't that other person leading you on. It just made me uncomfortable how all the blame was laid at Mac's feet simply because Arro misread situations and he rejected her. And I can tell I'm in the minority here among readers who believe Mac was the awful jerk who lead her on for years like Young tries so hard to sell it. But my problem is that's not how it played out on the page at all, even with all the flashbacks. They were never in a relationship, no ILYs were shared, zero promises made, just a long standing friendship with Arro always misreading things or initiating things and getting turned down. Mac is not blameless in this at all since there was flirting involved and open ended conversations and he could have absolutely handled "the incident" better but how Young wrote Arro I didn't love at all. She had issues to work out too IMO. Also how Mac kept defending his spiteful ex Stacey for actively keeping his daughter away from him for years all because "she was hurt that he didn't love her" is another example of that pattern. Like why is that horrible bitch constantly getting excused for her awful behavior??? Because she's a woman? I don't get it. Stacey called her daughter a slut in the last book and it was literally excused because it "came from a place of love"..... so yeah my confidence in how Young writes women is on shakey ground.
While I wasn't super eager for this couple's story I was intrigued by their history and the fact it's a 13 year age gap with a 45 year old hero sounded fun. It wasn't fun like I was hoping unfortunately. The last quarter is why I gave the extra star, the sex was hot at least, seeing the heroine bodily tackle the bad guy for once was great and I enjoyed seeing the Adair family unit together. Although it is starting to get a bit Brady Bunch campy for me with every couple now planning to live on the same street or build a house close by and now a whole preschool (how much land do these siblings own?!). And I would have liked it if Thane and Regan got their own wedding, not a double wedding with Arro and Mac. :/ A fan of that I am not. Seriously never in a million years would I want to share my wedding day with my brother as much as I love and adore my brother. Like come on. It's giving corny family sitcom for me. Anyways, I really want to read Arran and Eredine's book but color me very nervous now given how SY botched this one up so bad.
April 26, 2022
Arro + Mac
In the previous two books we already saw how much Arro is in love with Mac. But he's 13 years older and her big brother's best friend - he can't fall for her - or he can't fall more for her than he already has. And even if things were different - there are still dark moments in his life and his past that would make everbody believe he doesn't deserve Arro.
It doesn't matter anyway because she might've fallen out of love with him after the way he treated a while back.
And now there's danger lurking again for the Adair family - especially for Arro.
What will happen with Arrochar + Mac??
Will we get our happily ever after??
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
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FINALLY Arro and Mac's book!
And it was beautiful.
Sam just knows her scottish people and places and feelings!
This was such a sweet and sparky and heartbreaking and frustrating and exciting and suspensy love story!
We finalllly need Arro and Mac to get their happily ever after - but it's not looking too good at first... Lots of stuff in the way of that happy end. And we love to read about all of it!
It was maybe a tiny bit too long and too slow, with some moments that could've been cut. It was too much of the same: I can't forgive him. Maybe one day. She will hate me when I tell her. Bla bla. It was a bit too much back and forth.
And then just my personal hate for age gap thingies. I just hate it when the guy is so much older. Men die younger anyway, why do so many authors want to destroy our bookish HEAs with that sooner-than-necessary-death for our darlings? 😢
But I still loved every second of the story!
We see more of the other two brothers this time - they came home for Lachlan's wedding.
Now I can't wait for the next book - or for all the books that are still coming - I hope we'll get a few more! I need Eredine's book!
Like I already said in my review for the first books - I could totally imagine this as an amazing Netflix show. We already basically 'see' everything Sam writes about. She describes everything so beautifully. The people, the places... everything.
Beautiful cover, beautiful content!
I loved reading this. Amazing series!
ALWAYS YOU was such a beautiful age gap love story! So full of family. Heartbreak. Danger. Suspense. Sparks! Sexy times! All the things!
Run to your nearest amazon for your own Mac - this one is MINE!
💜
💜
July 14, 2025
4.75⭑
I loved this book and was really looking forward to it after all the little breadcrumbs we got of this couple during book one and book two.
First thing I should say is that this book can be read as a stand-alone (just like the other books in this series) BUT I would recommend reading this series in order to get the full experience.
The couple are introduced in book one and some of the mystery elements of the plot from book 1 plays a part in the plot of this book. You also see some build up to their relationship during books 1&2 so this will give you a better idea of Arro & Mac’s relationship.
Arro & Mac have been pining for each other for 10 years(!!!) and for a few different reasons never pursued anything with each other until one night Arro decides she wants more than just friendship.
Mac doesn’t react the way she thought he would and they become distant with each other. However, Arro starts to get mystery notes that suggest her life is in danger and Mac becomes her bodyguard.
The grovelling in this book was *chefs kiss*. This man realised the mistakes he made and went to therapy to not only get help on how to fix his broken relationship with Arro, but to also improve his own wellbeing.
I also enjoyed seeing the relationship development of the couples from book 1 & book 2 and I am soooo looking forward to the next book, which I hope is for Arran and Eredine 🤞🏼🤞🏼
Thank you Valentine PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Adair Family Series
#1 - Here With Me - 4⭑
#2 - There With You - 4.5⭑
#3 - Always You - 4.75⭑
#4 - Be With Me - 4.25⭑
#5 - Only You - 3.5⭑
I loved this book and was really looking forward to it after all the little breadcrumbs we got of this couple during book one and book two.
First thing I should say is that this book can be read as a stand-alone (just like the other books in this series) BUT I would recommend reading this series in order to get the full experience.
The couple are introduced in book one and some of the mystery elements of the plot from book 1 plays a part in the plot of this book. You also see some build up to their relationship during books 1&2 so this will give you a better idea of Arro & Mac’s relationship.
Arro & Mac have been pining for each other for 10 years(!!!) and for a few different reasons never pursued anything with each other until one night Arro decides she wants more than just friendship.
Mac doesn’t react the way she thought he would and they become distant with each other. However, Arro starts to get mystery notes that suggest her life is in danger and Mac becomes her bodyguard.
The grovelling in this book was *chefs kiss*. This man realised the mistakes he made and went to therapy to not only get help on how to fix his broken relationship with Arro, but to also improve his own wellbeing.
I also enjoyed seeing the relationship development of the couples from book 1 & book 2 and I am soooo looking forward to the next book, which I hope is for Arran and Eredine 🤞🏼🤞🏼
Thank you Valentine PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Adair Family Series
#1 - Here With Me - 4⭑
#2 - There With You - 4.5⭑
#3 - Always You - 4.75⭑
#4 - Be With Me - 4.25⭑
#5 - Only You - 3.5⭑
April 26, 2022
5 “It’s Always Been You” stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Arrochar Adair grew up in the Scottish Highlands in Ardnoch at her family’s castle. She was the only girl of five siblings with four overprotective brothers. The Adair family was well known in the village and their childhood home was now a private club for the rich and famous. Arro has a wonderful life with a close family and a career she loves. The only thing she still longs for is her happily ever after. She found the man of her dreams years ago, but has loved him from a distance. When she was a teen she developed a huge crush on Mackennon Galbraith. He was a kind, good man that forever thought she was too young. Now that she’s in her thirties she doesn’t think their thirteen year age difference should matter. Tired of her feelings being a secret, she wanted to be with him, but he constantly pushes her away and sends mixed signals that are confusing. Done with being rejected Arro decides it’s time to move on. Will she end up with a broken heart or is there still a chance for the future she wants?
Mac is the head of the security team at Ardnoch Estate in Scotland. His professional life is great, but his personal life is complicated. Years ago everything changed with the one woman he wanted but could never have. He’s known Arro Adair since she was fourteen, and she was now all grown up and just as beautiful. She was still off limits so he tried to keep her at arms length, and adore her from afar. As his boss and best friends little sister there could never be anything romantic between them. All he could offer her was friendship and protection, because he wasn’t free to love her. Their physical attraction was out of control, and he felt desperate for her. Will he finally quit standing in his own way before his chance at happiness is gone?
-No woman would ever compare.
-Arro was beautiful, but beyond the kind of beautiful you experience when you look at an attractive person. She was beautiful to me in a way that burst from the inside out. The kind of beauty that caused this rising, aching sensation. The kind of beauty that reminded me why life was worth living.
Always You is an Adair Family Novel by Samantha Young. It’s the third book in this fabulous series, and the one I’ve been waiting for. It’s a brothers best friend, age gap, slow burn, friends to lovers, forbidden love romance about friendship, family, trust and forgiveness. It’s full of angst, suspense, danger, explosive chemistry and delicious tension. I loved this couple together and adore this series! I can’t wait for more Adair siblings! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3KnzVVD
(ARC provided by author)
Arrochar Adair grew up in the Scottish Highlands in Ardnoch at her family’s castle. She was the only girl of five siblings with four overprotective brothers. The Adair family was well known in the village and their childhood home was now a private club for the rich and famous. Arro has a wonderful life with a close family and a career she loves. The only thing she still longs for is her happily ever after. She found the man of her dreams years ago, but has loved him from a distance. When she was a teen she developed a huge crush on Mackennon Galbraith. He was a kind, good man that forever thought she was too young. Now that she’s in her thirties she doesn’t think their thirteen year age difference should matter. Tired of her feelings being a secret, she wanted to be with him, but he constantly pushes her away and sends mixed signals that are confusing. Done with being rejected Arro decides it’s time to move on. Will she end up with a broken heart or is there still a chance for the future she wants?
Mac is the head of the security team at Ardnoch Estate in Scotland. His professional life is great, but his personal life is complicated. Years ago everything changed with the one woman he wanted but could never have. He’s known Arro Adair since she was fourteen, and she was now all grown up and just as beautiful. She was still off limits so he tried to keep her at arms length, and adore her from afar. As his boss and best friends little sister there could never be anything romantic between them. All he could offer her was friendship and protection, because he wasn’t free to love her. Their physical attraction was out of control, and he felt desperate for her. Will he finally quit standing in his own way before his chance at happiness is gone?
-No woman would ever compare.
-Arro was beautiful, but beyond the kind of beautiful you experience when you look at an attractive person. She was beautiful to me in a way that burst from the inside out. The kind of beauty that caused this rising, aching sensation. The kind of beauty that reminded me why life was worth living.
Always You is an Adair Family Novel by Samantha Young. It’s the third book in this fabulous series, and the one I’ve been waiting for. It’s a brothers best friend, age gap, slow burn, friends to lovers, forbidden love romance about friendship, family, trust and forgiveness. It’s full of angst, suspense, danger, explosive chemistry and delicious tension. I loved this couple together and adore this series! I can’t wait for more Adair siblings! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3KnzVVD
April 27, 2022
Although Samantha Young is a great storyteller, Mac was an overall disappointment. In every single aspect.
He was a cowered, gaslighting expert,wishy washy character and I wish Arro got a better man than him.
He really pissed me off.
The man abandoned his daughter for years and emotionally abused Arro for years.
He did not deserve a story any all.
He was a cowered, gaslighting expert,wishy washy character and I wish Arro got a better man than him.
He really pissed me off.
The man abandoned his daughter for years and emotionally abused Arro for years.
He did not deserve a story any all.
April 26, 2022
I’m going to be honest, even though I have enjoyed the previous novels in this series and liked these main characters individually, I was apprehensive when it came to this story due to the age gap and how I would respond to the circumstances and timeline regarding the relationship. However, Samantha Young executed this story and the relationship perfectly!
Everything about this story was…..*chef kiss*. I loved both of these main characters, I loved the family dynamic, and I loved how this story included just the right amount of action and suspense. I think everything combined together and made a really great book.
Another excellent thing to note is the positive representation of therapy (especially regarding men seeking treatment) along with toxic masculinity. There should be no stigma regarding therapy and this story showed how beneficial it can be for a person (along with sharing the difficulties of working through things). Similarly, I also liked how the author exposed misogyny with the main character of Arro having a career as a forest engineer in a male dominated field.
I don’t think I can ever get enough of this family. Can I beg for at least two more books for the final Adair siblings? Not only am I invested in each of the main character’s relationships in these books. I’m invested in the family as a whole.
This book was one that I raced through in less than a day. Once I got started, I was unable to detach myself from the story to be able to put the book down.
***Thank you to Valentine PR for sending me an e-ARC of this novel to read and review***
Everything about this story was…..*chef kiss*. I loved both of these main characters, I loved the family dynamic, and I loved how this story included just the right amount of action and suspense. I think everything combined together and made a really great book.
Another excellent thing to note is the positive representation of therapy (especially regarding men seeking treatment) along with toxic masculinity. There should be no stigma regarding therapy and this story showed how beneficial it can be for a person (along with sharing the difficulties of working through things). Similarly, I also liked how the author exposed misogyny with the main character of Arro having a career as a forest engineer in a male dominated field.
I don’t think I can ever get enough of this family. Can I beg for at least two more books for the final Adair siblings? Not only am I invested in each of the main character’s relationships in these books. I’m invested in the family as a whole.
This book was one that I raced through in less than a day. Once I got started, I was unable to detach myself from the story to be able to put the book down.
***Thank you to Valentine PR for sending me an e-ARC of this novel to read and review***
September 20, 2025
Always You is cheesy goodness. I am so glad, I picked up this book. I have been craving my cheesy romance and Miss Young hits the right spot.
Love this.
4 stars
Love this.
4 stars
July 7, 2022
I have no one to blame but myself for this. But hey, I read this in almost one sitting, due to pressure from my library as this hold was due to expire, and considering I'm in this horrible reading drought, that's something.
While I struggled a lot more with the romance element in book two, in this one it's the suspense/action/whatever element. This is a subgenre I have enjoyed in the past but I think when it's packed in with things going on for both sides of the pairing, plus added to all the existing things that have happened to other people in the family in previous books, it's A Lot. Much like the A Lotness of the family tree now that all of one family has hooked up with half of the Adairs. But at least there's no more of them. The other family, that is.
Having said that, the romance in this one was pretty tepid with that typical "one is ready, the other is not, only for the one to not be ready when the other finally is" switcheroo. Much angst, because it had to have it, but I think I liked the flashbacks more than the present day shenanigans. And I definitely wasn't feeling those sex scenes. What I did like in the present day, however, was the therapy positive dialogue and time spent doing the necessary emotional work. I do side-eye the miracle of realization within a two week period but I'll let that one slide and still award the points.
Being this far into the series, even though my enjoyment has gone steadily downhill, I will probably continue just to wrap it up. They are overwrought dramafests but sometimes, in the right mood, that can be enjoyable. I'm hoping I'm in the right mood by the time book four comes out.
While I struggled a lot more with the romance element in book two, in this one it's the suspense/action/whatever element. This is a subgenre I have enjoyed in the past but I think when it's packed in with things going on for both sides of the pairing, plus added to all the existing things that have happened to other people in the family in previous books, it's A Lot. Much like the A Lotness of the family tree now that all of one family has hooked up with half of the Adairs. But at least there's no more of them. The other family, that is.
Having said that, the romance in this one was pretty tepid with that typical "one is ready, the other is not, only for the one to not be ready when the other finally is" switcheroo. Much angst, because it had to have it, but I think I liked the flashbacks more than the present day shenanigans. And I definitely wasn't feeling those sex scenes. What I did like in the present day, however, was the therapy positive dialogue and time spent doing the necessary emotional work. I do side-eye the miracle of realization within a two week period but I'll let that one slide and still award the points.
Being this far into the series, even though my enjoyment has gone steadily downhill, I will probably continue just to wrap it up. They are overwrought dramafests but sometimes, in the right mood, that can be enjoyable. I'm hoping I'm in the right mood by the time book four comes out.
May 3, 2022
Headlines:
Push and pull
Murderous designs
Longings
I've been waiting for Mac's story in particular from the Adair family and it was an epic push and pull of emotions with plenty of angst along the way. The Highland setting remains a great backdrop to this family and as ever with this series, we get the previous couples along the way which I enjoyed.
Arro and Mac's long and convoluted, crush, attraction, denial, resistance and pull was something to unravel. The narrative had some past and present in the first half to truly understand the history of these two. There was much more to their story than I realised. I had moments of finding both Arro and Mac infuriating, their miscommunications, some of Arro's actions, followed by Mac's...but, it made for a deep story and deeper connection.
There was an interesting side story of Mac seeking therapy which I appreciated even if I didn't really engage that much with the narrative of those sessions. The suspense element of this story harked back to previous vendettas and plots while bringing some newer complications. I do like that this series is romantic suspense.
I love the weaves of Ery's story being set up and I can't wait to know more about her. I'm hoping she's next.
Thank you to the author for the early review copy.
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
Push and pull
Murderous designs
Longings
I've been waiting for Mac's story in particular from the Adair family and it was an epic push and pull of emotions with plenty of angst along the way. The Highland setting remains a great backdrop to this family and as ever with this series, we get the previous couples along the way which I enjoyed.
Arro and Mac's long and convoluted, crush, attraction, denial, resistance and pull was something to unravel. The narrative had some past and present in the first half to truly understand the history of these two. There was much more to their story than I realised. I had moments of finding both Arro and Mac infuriating, their miscommunications, some of Arro's actions, followed by Mac's...but, it made for a deep story and deeper connection.
There was an interesting side story of Mac seeking therapy which I appreciated even if I didn't really engage that much with the narrative of those sessions. The suspense element of this story harked back to previous vendettas and plots while bringing some newer complications. I do like that this series is romantic suspense.
I love the weaves of Ery's story being set up and I can't wait to know more about her. I'm hoping she's next.
Thank you to the author for the early review copy.
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
April 5, 2022
Whilst borders around the world are still partially closed to visitors, there are no borders in the fictional world. Finding myself thrust deep into the Highlands of Scotland with the Adair family was the escapism I had been desperately craving. A vacation at Ardnoch castle was calling to me…
So, if you have read the first two stories in this series then, like me, you may have been on the sidelines watching the intriguing connection between Arrochar and Mac revealing itself. I could not wait to read their story and find out all the mystery behind the longing looks and obvious chemistry between them.
Arrochar is the only female among the five Adair siblings and naturally, her brothers are very protective of her. She doesn’t live on the family land, she prefers her own space and has her own place nearby. She has a fantastic job that she is passionate about in the forestry sector and loves that she gets to work amongst the majestic nature of the Scottish Highlands.
From the moment she first met her brother Lachlan’s bodyguard Mackennon Galbraith she has been in lust with him. She was a teenager the first time she met him so she was looking at him through Arro coloured glasses and with a healthy boost of teenage hormones. Over the years her crush has developed into something more like love but it has only ever been friendship for Mac.
Having said that, there have been a few moments between them that have crossed the friendship line but Mac always backs off. This is all really confusing for Arro and the mixed signals he sends at times still give her hope that maybe one day he will feel for her the way she feels for him. After one last try to get him to be honest with her she calls it quits. She won’t let him have any more power over her emotions, she is determined to be stronger and wiser when it comes to him from now on.
‘I deserve more from you. I deserve more than to be put on some lonely , god-awful pedestal, to be used as an object for your self-flagellation and repentance for God knows what in your past.’
When some crazy things start happening on the estate that seem to be targeted at Arro, Mac goes into full protective mode. The last person she wants help from is the man that has time and again rejected her. It hurts to have him so close and yet so far. Arro has always been within arms reach to Mac but the threat to her safety has him realising that the only place she should ever be is with him.
‘Arro always looked at me like I was indestructible, like I’d take care of everything, like I could take care of everything. I think I became addicted to how she made me feel because deep down, I felt the opposite. I felt like such a fucking failure, and she made me feel.. She made me feel like I was more.’
Now he has to work hard to regain the trust between them. He is denying himself what he wants out of a misguided belief that he is saving her but he is in fact unintentionally hurting her more. Arro has learnt to tread very carefully but she now sees an opportunity to dig beneath Mac’s beautiful layers and peel the walls away that he has painstakingly built over the years.
I could not put this book down! I loved the anticipation of figuring out what I thought was going to happen, wondering when Mac was going to realise that he deserved to be loved, trying to figure out who was causing all the problems - I loved all the suspense! This wonderful story kept me turning the pages until late in the night. If you enjoy stories with tropes like age gap, friends to lovers, brothers best friend, unrequited love then you will love this!
‘Any time I get to be with you - a day, a week, a few months - it’ll be worth it. I’d rather have a moment with you than nothing at all.’
So, if you have read the first two stories in this series then, like me, you may have been on the sidelines watching the intriguing connection between Arrochar and Mac revealing itself. I could not wait to read their story and find out all the mystery behind the longing looks and obvious chemistry between them.
Arrochar is the only female among the five Adair siblings and naturally, her brothers are very protective of her. She doesn’t live on the family land, she prefers her own space and has her own place nearby. She has a fantastic job that she is passionate about in the forestry sector and loves that she gets to work amongst the majestic nature of the Scottish Highlands.
From the moment she first met her brother Lachlan’s bodyguard Mackennon Galbraith she has been in lust with him. She was a teenager the first time she met him so she was looking at him through Arro coloured glasses and with a healthy boost of teenage hormones. Over the years her crush has developed into something more like love but it has only ever been friendship for Mac.
Having said that, there have been a few moments between them that have crossed the friendship line but Mac always backs off. This is all really confusing for Arro and the mixed signals he sends at times still give her hope that maybe one day he will feel for her the way she feels for him. After one last try to get him to be honest with her she calls it quits. She won’t let him have any more power over her emotions, she is determined to be stronger and wiser when it comes to him from now on.
‘I deserve more from you. I deserve more than to be put on some lonely , god-awful pedestal, to be used as an object for your self-flagellation and repentance for God knows what in your past.’
When some crazy things start happening on the estate that seem to be targeted at Arro, Mac goes into full protective mode. The last person she wants help from is the man that has time and again rejected her. It hurts to have him so close and yet so far. Arro has always been within arms reach to Mac but the threat to her safety has him realising that the only place she should ever be is with him.
‘Arro always looked at me like I was indestructible, like I’d take care of everything, like I could take care of everything. I think I became addicted to how she made me feel because deep down, I felt the opposite. I felt like such a fucking failure, and she made me feel.. She made me feel like I was more.’
Now he has to work hard to regain the trust between them. He is denying himself what he wants out of a misguided belief that he is saving her but he is in fact unintentionally hurting her more. Arro has learnt to tread very carefully but she now sees an opportunity to dig beneath Mac’s beautiful layers and peel the walls away that he has painstakingly built over the years.
I could not put this book down! I loved the anticipation of figuring out what I thought was going to happen, wondering when Mac was going to realise that he deserved to be loved, trying to figure out who was causing all the problems - I loved all the suspense! This wonderful story kept me turning the pages until late in the night. If you enjoy stories with tropes like age gap, friends to lovers, brothers best friend, unrequited love then you will love this!
‘Any time I get to be with you - a day, a week, a few months - it’ll be worth it. I’d rather have a moment with you than nothing at all.’
June 6, 2022
5+ STARS!
“𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚜 𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚜𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍, 𝚐𝚘 𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚔 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚜𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚊 𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚑𝚎’𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚒𝚝 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔.”
“𝚄𝚗𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝙸’𝚕𝚕 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚒𝚝 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔.”
I still have a pile of ARCs to finish before the end of April but you better believe I dropped EVERYTHING when this particular one hit my Kindle.
Ever since meeting Arro and Mac in book 1 of this series, Here With Me, I was so intrigued by their story. It was easy to tell how in love with Mac Arro was, but the reasons keeping them apart were many. For one, he’s 13 years her senior. He’s also her big brother’s best friend. But the chemistry and pull between them was SO STRONG, even as secondary characters, that I was salivating for their story.
Well, let me tell you, it met my extremely high expectations! My heart broke for them both. I loved watching them fight for each other. And of course, as has become the norm with this series, there is danger threatening the Adair family and the whole suspense part of this story kept me constantly guessing.
The emotions were off the charts like, holy freaking swoon. I loved the way Mac loved his woman. There were some parts that filled in some blanks for us from their past, but as a whole, this was pretty much a slow burn. I loved how these two loved and respected each oher so much that they refused to really get involved until they were ready. They wouldn't risk what they had with an affair or something that was anything less than all in.
Sam sure knows her Scottish men. I thought this installment would be the end all and be all if this series for me, but now I’m so eager for Arran’s story, coming next…hopefully!
If you’re a lover of a little suspense with your romance and a little HOT SCOTTISH MEN with both, then I highly recommend this series.
I’ve been reading this author since her Dublin Street series and this is my fave series of hers to date!
I received an e-ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
“𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚜 𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚜𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍, 𝚐𝚘 𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚔 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚜𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚊 𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚑𝚎’𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚒𝚝 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔.”
“𝚄𝚗𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝙸’𝚕𝚕 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚒𝚝 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔.”
I still have a pile of ARCs to finish before the end of April but you better believe I dropped EVERYTHING when this particular one hit my Kindle.
Ever since meeting Arro and Mac in book 1 of this series, Here With Me, I was so intrigued by their story. It was easy to tell how in love with Mac Arro was, but the reasons keeping them apart were many. For one, he’s 13 years her senior. He’s also her big brother’s best friend. But the chemistry and pull between them was SO STRONG, even as secondary characters, that I was salivating for their story.
Well, let me tell you, it met my extremely high expectations! My heart broke for them both. I loved watching them fight for each other. And of course, as has become the norm with this series, there is danger threatening the Adair family and the whole suspense part of this story kept me constantly guessing.
The emotions were off the charts like, holy freaking swoon. I loved the way Mac loved his woman. There were some parts that filled in some blanks for us from their past, but as a whole, this was pretty much a slow burn. I loved how these two loved and respected each oher so much that they refused to really get involved until they were ready. They wouldn't risk what they had with an affair or something that was anything less than all in.
Sam sure knows her Scottish men. I thought this installment would be the end all and be all if this series for me, but now I’m so eager for Arran’s story, coming next…hopefully!
If you’re a lover of a little suspense with your romance and a little HOT SCOTTISH MEN with both, then I highly recommend this series.
I’ve been reading this author since her Dublin Street series and this is my fave series of hers to date!
"It's always been you, Mackennon. It always will be."
I received an e-ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
July 14, 2025
Review edited on July 14, 2025:
Downgraded from 4 stars to 1 star. I don't support zionists.
------------------------------------------------
I received an ARC from Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
Mac and Arro have been friends for years, but there's an unresolved tension and chemistry between them. Always You begins after Mac and Arro have a mysterious fight that ruins their friendship. Arro can't stand to even look at Mac after that fight.
I was interested in Mac and Arro since book 1, but this mysterious fight hooked me even more!! The flashbacks are told in chronological order to show how Mac and Arro started off as friends, the times that they crossed the line between friendship and romance, and finally, the mysterious fight that pushed them apart.
Mac and Arro's story takes place over the years and the flashbacks add a lot of depth to their relationship. The angst, the tension, and the anticipation gave me so much life. I was dying to find out what had happened between Mac and Arro and when they were going to take that final step forward.
I don't usually like hot and cold heroes who give mixed signals. But Mac's growth and grovel are both so well-executed. Mac's therapy sessions made it easier to understand why he reacted the way that he did. Both Mac and Arro work hard to revive their friendship and begin a romantic relationship. Their HEA is satisfying and hard-won.
The only downside for me was the predictable mystery plotline. I didn't find the mystery or the villains to be interesting. But the mystery plotline does propel Mac and Arro's relationship forward, so it's all good!
So pumped for Eredine and Arran! I wonder who Brodan will end up with. Ada, maybe? 🤔
Downgraded from 4 stars to 1 star. I don't support zionists.
------------------------------------------------
I received an ARC from Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
Mac and Arro have been friends for years, but there's an unresolved tension and chemistry between them. Always You begins after Mac and Arro have a mysterious fight that ruins their friendship. Arro can't stand to even look at Mac after that fight.
I was interested in Mac and Arro since book 1, but this mysterious fight hooked me even more!! The flashbacks are told in chronological order to show how Mac and Arro started off as friends, the times that they crossed the line between friendship and romance, and finally, the mysterious fight that pushed them apart.
Mac and Arro's story takes place over the years and the flashbacks add a lot of depth to their relationship. The angst, the tension, and the anticipation gave me so much life. I was dying to find out what had happened between Mac and Arro and when they were going to take that final step forward.
I don't usually like hot and cold heroes who give mixed signals. But Mac's growth and grovel are both so well-executed. Mac's therapy sessions made it easier to understand why he reacted the way that he did. Both Mac and Arro work hard to revive their friendship and begin a romantic relationship. Their HEA is satisfying and hard-won.
The only downside for me was the predictable mystery plotline. I didn't find the mystery or the villains to be interesting. But the mystery plotline does propel Mac and Arro's relationship forward, so it's all good!
So pumped for Eredine and Arran! I wonder who Brodan will end up with. Ada, maybe? 🤔
June 17, 2022
I was so excited for this story- characters I was anxiously anticipating to find their love, a family I’ve come to adore, a sweepingly romantic setting, and Samatha Young’s beautiful prose. The Adair Family Series has completely captured my heart- and this is my favorite yet!
This book is full of so much that I love about Samantha Young’s writing- an emotional slow burn, a thrilling plot line full of mystery and romantic suspense, a captivating family dynamic. Even better, we have tropes I can’t get enough of- age gap and forbidden/bodyguard romance. Arro and Mac have been circling each other for years- with the younger Arro long since having feelings for her famous brother’s bodyguard. But Mac has kept her at a distance, and turns out there’s much more to his and their story than we knew.
This is a VERY slow burn- and truth be told, I often have very little patience for slow burn romances. But Samantha Young has such a dynamic writing style, one that captures your heart and mind so easily, and the emotional chemistry and tension between this couple and the unfolding suspense keep the pages turning and the emotions high. And once these two did find their way to each other, my heart was so full. The anticipation was so beautifully penned, the payoff well worth the agony of the wait. And we get some great cameos from Arro’s family- looking forward to more from this amazing crew.
Another beautiful and heartfelt Samanta Young story- spellbinding from start to finish!
This book is full of so much that I love about Samantha Young’s writing- an emotional slow burn, a thrilling plot line full of mystery and romantic suspense, a captivating family dynamic. Even better, we have tropes I can’t get enough of- age gap and forbidden/bodyguard romance. Arro and Mac have been circling each other for years- with the younger Arro long since having feelings for her famous brother’s bodyguard. But Mac has kept her at a distance, and turns out there’s much more to his and their story than we knew.
This is a VERY slow burn- and truth be told, I often have very little patience for slow burn romances. But Samantha Young has such a dynamic writing style, one that captures your heart and mind so easily, and the emotional chemistry and tension between this couple and the unfolding suspense keep the pages turning and the emotions high. And once these two did find their way to each other, my heart was so full. The anticipation was so beautifully penned, the payoff well worth the agony of the wait. And we get some great cameos from Arro’s family- looking forward to more from this amazing crew.
Another beautiful and heartfelt Samanta Young story- spellbinding from start to finish!
May 7, 2023
I just love books where the dad becomes his daughter’s brother in law 😮💨🥺💗 my favourite kind of book fr 🥺 (also if you see this, THANK YOU RASA FOR RECOMMENDING ME SUCH AMAZING BOOKS 🥺🌝)
April 26, 2022
“It’s always been you ... It always will be.”
5 gorgeously emotional and angsty stars
The Adair Family series has brought all 5-star reads that are full of drama, emotion and stunningly gorgeous romance. This is the book I have been waiting for since I first started the series, and it did not disappoint - the forbidden-ish, brother’s best friend, friends-to-lovers, age gap romance between Arrochar and Mac.
Though this is technically a standalone, Mac and Arro’s story has been brewing away in the background of the last two books, so I wouldn’t recommend reading this one as a standalone – you’d be missing out on incredible stories, and a lot of context and family building of family dynamics. Plus, there are massive spoilers in this book for the first two books in the series, so be warned.
Arrochar is the only girl in the Adair family, and is the cherished younger sister to four alpha men. Mac is the head of security at Ardnoch Estate, the family empire, and is the best friend of her eldest brother, Lachlan (and just to make their dynamic even more complex, Lachlan is married to Mac’s daughter, Robyn – such a fun set up!). And OMG, their story is full of everything!. It’s exciting and dramatic, emotional and fabulously angsty (and this coming from someone who is usually not an angst fan), there is a 13 year age gap, personal demons and a WHOLE lot of feeling, and I devoured every single moment of it.
Mac has been a part of Arro’s life since she was 14. She was 18 when she fell in love with him, and he followed a few years later. The attraction between them is palpable. It’s there, they know it, pretty much the whole family knows it, but they’ve never gone there. There has been the odd slip over the years, intense moments that are enough for them to acknowledge to each other the depth of what they feel for each other, but for many reasons, Mac has never allowed things to go too far.
Despite all of that, they are the closest of friends, but their caring and supportive friendship has become more flirtatious of late. Arro is hopeful that it means that Mac is finally ready to take the next step with her, but when Mac brutally rejects her, it’s the last straw for Arro. Devastated and humiliated, she knows she can’t subject herself to it anymore, and she decides she needs to move on.
Mac knows he screwed up with Arro. He figures she’ll eventually get over it, but when she shows no signs of letting him back into her life, even as a friend, he realises just how badly he hurt her.
Oh, the feels!
As we’ve already seen in the series, danger is never far away from the Adair family, and when Arro becomes the target of what could be a copycat stalker, Mac is determined to be the one to protect her, much to Arro’s disgust. She wants nothing to do with the man who shattered her heart, but there is no way he’s backing down, so she reluctantly puts up with his presence, even though it’s a constant reminder of everything she wants but can’t have.
It’s an emotional situation, and the angst levels are high, and while I’m not a fan of unnecessary angst, this was sensible angst… good angst… epic angst! My heart was pounding just reading the emotion that both of them were going through, their inner thoughts beautifully written and so expressive, and I ached for both of them. And those moments when they were together… DAMN! The feeling poured into those scenes is just incredible, so many of them I read over and over just to take it all in. Young has a gift when it comes to writing this sort of stuff, it feels like she’s pouring her heart out on the page, and I had tears in my eyes as I watched them wrestle with so much emotion!
It’s a journey watching them work through everything. There’s a lot of soul searching to be done as they figure out their emotions and the character development is really well written. I was so engaged with the story, and so invested in these characters, that I read the book in one night, unable to put it down. I felt all of the heartache with them, and I was there as they came to realise some harsh truths and learn how to move past it all to finally reach a point where they can open up to each other and follow their hearts.
Holy freaking swoon! What an epic love story! Again, the emotion is off the charts, and I was in a world of swoon as they finally find their way to each other. It’s not easy, they still need to work at it, and after all they’ve been through, there is a lot that needs to be rebuilt. But they are honest and functional about it, and I loved watching them finally embrace all that they are feeling. It’s sweet and swoony, and so freaking sexy. It’s a long journey to get there, and Young makes all of the heartache absolutely worth it to see them happy, committed, and so passionate about each other. It’s a beautiful romance, and I loved every moment of it.
There is still some mystery and suspense, and though it brings some excitement and drama to the story, I didn’t think it was needed. After all of the emotion of the story, the threats and danger felt a bit surreal, but it was well written and fit with the themes of the series.
Of course the rest of the family and friends are a big part of the story, and I love, love, love this family! The scenes with everybody together are just amazing, and I loved being back in this world and back with these fantastic characters. The dynamics get better and better with each book as we get to know everybody intimately, and the teasing and banter in this one is fantastic as Mac’s big brothers have a front-row seat to Mac and Arro’s journey.
We also see a bit more of the remaining two Adair brothers, Arran and Brodan, and there is some very interesting backstory there. I can’t wait to continue on with this series.
This is such a beautifully written story. It has themes of family, friendship, healing and self-worth, and fighting for the person you love, and the romance absolutely owned my heart.
5 stars!
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
5 gorgeously emotional and angsty stars
The Adair Family series has brought all 5-star reads that are full of drama, emotion and stunningly gorgeous romance. This is the book I have been waiting for since I first started the series, and it did not disappoint - the forbidden-ish, brother’s best friend, friends-to-lovers, age gap romance between Arrochar and Mac.
Though this is technically a standalone, Mac and Arro’s story has been brewing away in the background of the last two books, so I wouldn’t recommend reading this one as a standalone – you’d be missing out on incredible stories, and a lot of context and family building of family dynamics. Plus, there are massive spoilers in this book for the first two books in the series, so be warned.
Arrochar is the only girl in the Adair family, and is the cherished younger sister to four alpha men. Mac is the head of security at Ardnoch Estate, the family empire, and is the best friend of her eldest brother, Lachlan (and just to make their dynamic even more complex, Lachlan is married to Mac’s daughter, Robyn – such a fun set up!). And OMG, their story is full of everything!. It’s exciting and dramatic, emotional and fabulously angsty (and this coming from someone who is usually not an angst fan), there is a 13 year age gap, personal demons and a WHOLE lot of feeling, and I devoured every single moment of it.
Mac has been a part of Arro’s life since she was 14. She was 18 when she fell in love with him, and he followed a few years later. The attraction between them is palpable. It’s there, they know it, pretty much the whole family knows it, but they’ve never gone there. There has been the odd slip over the years, intense moments that are enough for them to acknowledge to each other the depth of what they feel for each other, but for many reasons, Mac has never allowed things to go too far.
Despite all of that, they are the closest of friends, but their caring and supportive friendship has become more flirtatious of late. Arro is hopeful that it means that Mac is finally ready to take the next step with her, but when Mac brutally rejects her, it’s the last straw for Arro. Devastated and humiliated, she knows she can’t subject herself to it anymore, and she decides she needs to move on.
Mac knows he screwed up with Arro. He figures she’ll eventually get over it, but when she shows no signs of letting him back into her life, even as a friend, he realises just how badly he hurt her.
“I hate you!” I yelled, my hands shaking, knees trembling.
Mac paled, looking haggard. “Darlin’ -”
“I am not your darlin’,” I gritted out. “I hate you. I hate how you made me feel that night. I hate I wasted years loving you. But for the sake of our family, I will pretend that the very sight of you doesn’t make me want to die inside.”
Oh, the feels!
As we’ve already seen in the series, danger is never far away from the Adair family, and when Arro becomes the target of what could be a copycat stalker, Mac is determined to be the one to protect her, much to Arro’s disgust. She wants nothing to do with the man who shattered her heart, but there is no way he’s backing down, so she reluctantly puts up with his presence, even though it’s a constant reminder of everything she wants but can’t have.
Even if Arrochar Adair hated me now, I still loved her.
And no fucker would harm a single hair on her head.
It’s an emotional situation, and the angst levels are high, and while I’m not a fan of unnecessary angst, this was sensible angst… good angst… epic angst! My heart was pounding just reading the emotion that both of them were going through, their inner thoughts beautifully written and so expressive, and I ached for both of them. And those moments when they were together… DAMN! The feeling poured into those scenes is just incredible, so many of them I read over and over just to take it all in. Young has a gift when it comes to writing this sort of stuff, it feels like she’s pouring her heart out on the page, and I had tears in my eyes as I watched them wrestle with so much emotion!
“I deserve more from you. I deserve more than to be put on some lonely, god-awful pedestal, to be used as an object for your self-flagellation and repentance for God knows what in your past. When someone tells you they love you, you don’t get to say, ‘I don’t deserve your love,’ and think that somehow exempts you from the consequences of rejecting them.”
It’s a journey watching them work through everything. There’s a lot of soul searching to be done as they figure out their emotions and the character development is really well written. I was so engaged with the story, and so invested in these characters, that I read the book in one night, unable to put it down. I felt all of the heartache with them, and I was there as they came to realise some harsh truths and learn how to move past it all to finally reach a point where they can open up to each other and follow their hearts.
“I just want a chance.”
Her mouth, swollen from my kisses, trembled. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
Heart pounding, I answered hoarsely, “Any time I get to be with you - a day, a week, a few months - it’ll be worth it. I’d rather have a moment with you than nothing at all. It’ll last me a lifetime.”
Holy freaking swoon! What an epic love story! Again, the emotion is off the charts, and I was in a world of swoon as they finally find their way to each other. It’s not easy, they still need to work at it, and after all they’ve been through, there is a lot that needs to be rebuilt. But they are honest and functional about it, and I loved watching them finally embrace all that they are feeling. It’s sweet and swoony, and so freaking sexy. It’s a long journey to get there, and Young makes all of the heartache absolutely worth it to see them happy, committed, and so passionate about each other. It’s a beautiful romance, and I loved every moment of it.
“I love you so much.”
For once, I didn’t question whether I deserved to be loved by this extraordinary woman. Instead, I allowed myself to feel nothing but awe and gratitude that I was.
“I’ll love you forever.”
There is still some mystery and suspense, and though it brings some excitement and drama to the story, I didn’t think it was needed. After all of the emotion of the story, the threats and danger felt a bit surreal, but it was well written and fit with the themes of the series.
Of course the rest of the family and friends are a big part of the story, and I love, love, love this family! The scenes with everybody together are just amazing, and I loved being back in this world and back with these fantastic characters. The dynamics get better and better with each book as we get to know everybody intimately, and the teasing and banter in this one is fantastic as Mac’s big brothers have a front-row seat to Mac and Arro’s journey.
He smacked me on the back as he strode toward the castle. “You’re a lost cause, man.”
I followed him. “Says the man owned by my daughter. She bought you a leash yet?”
Lachlan threw his head back in laughter. “As her father, I’ll save you the horror of answering that question.”
“Fuck off.”
The bastard only laughed harder.
We also see a bit more of the remaining two Adair brothers, Arran and Brodan, and there is some very interesting backstory there. I can’t wait to continue on with this series.
This is such a beautifully written story. It has themes of family, friendship, healing and self-worth, and fighting for the person you love, and the romance absolutely owned my heart.
5 stars!
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2022
Always You is such a fantastic book and what a great addition to a series that I am loving so much. There is something about these books and this family that I am so charmed by. I couldn't put this book down and it was so worth the read here. I found myself in love with Arro's book. There was something so heartwarming and real about this one here. I have been eager for their book ever since I first saw the sparks in book one, and I knew that their story would be good. There are some flashbacks that come into play, so they won't be for everyone but I did feel like it shows us the history of what caused them to be apart from each other and how they hurt one another. Now granted you feel both sides in the relationship and there is such need and want on both sides, that you just want them to be together but there is definitely some factors in play that they need to work through. And then there is the mystery and suspense elements that are introduced. I absolutely adored the way that this author had this play out and the way that they learn to rebuilt the trust in the relationship. I will say that Samantha Young just conquers all when she adds the banter and wit into play, I just couldn't stop laughing at the family interactions and I can't wait to delve into book four!!!
If you are a fan of romantic suspense, a sexy setting in Scotland, and some unrequited love, this is the book for you!
If you are a fan of romantic suspense, a sexy setting in Scotland, and some unrequited love, this is the book for you!
April 24, 2022
4 1/2 "Put in work" Stars!
I absolutely loved Arro and Mac. I'd been rooting for them from the very beginning of the series. They both had a lot of personal demons to overcome and what I appreciate most about this story was that they both put in the work to make themselves whole. Especially Mac. I completely adore this broken, protective, vulnerable, shield of a man. I appreciated Arro's resiliency and her ability to know when to put herself first and still show love for the people she cared so much for.
Arrow and Mac were worthy of this angsty, age gap, big brother'sbest friend slow burn romance. Oh! And there was a pretty eerie mystery going on too. Happy reading!
I absolutely loved Arro and Mac. I'd been rooting for them from the very beginning of the series. They both had a lot of personal demons to overcome and what I appreciate most about this story was that they both put in the work to make themselves whole. Especially Mac. I completely adore this broken, protective, vulnerable, shield of a man. I appreciated Arro's resiliency and her ability to know when to put herself first and still show love for the people she cared so much for.
Arrow and Mac were worthy of this angsty, age gap, big brother'sbest friend slow burn romance. Oh! And there was a pretty eerie mystery going on too. Happy reading!
April 27, 2022
This is okay.
I don't have an issue with the age gap genre but it can be problematic.
There is I think a 13 year age gap.
She is quite young when he enters her life, to work for her brother.
When the book starts she is 27 (?) approximately.
They have both dated while they have known each other.
She witnesses him, kissing another woman and its around a year ago.
He says there wasn't anyone since the other woman.
He doesn't do casual sex anymore.
She had a boyfriend in an earlier book.
He is very push/pull which I find irritating. He gives mixed signals as he battles with his feelings for her.
He says he loves her but she is his employer's wee sister but also has some hang ups about relationships.
I would say this is resolved by around 40% and the rest is him sorting his head out and trying to grovel.
He does make significant changes, he seeks professional help, he stops flirting harmlessly with others, he quickly shuts down any advances from others.
One issue I had is although the book could be read as a standalone, as its a couple per book with breadcrumbs dropped for more books, there is an enemy thread that could or couldn't be an issue for the couple.
But the author gives quite a long catch up of each situation that happened in previous books so if you have read the previous books you get an unnecessary review, that I ended up skipping but if you are picking this book up as your introduction to the series then beware spoilers as the plots and solutions of who did it will be in this book.
Ther are only intimate details of the Hero and heroine but he passionately kisses other woman, unaware the heroine can see.
This event is after he has passionately kissed the heroine some months before.
The book starts with the heroine revealing he hurt her in the past, details are later revealed in small bite size details in flashback scenes. There are a lot of these.
Dual POV.
Updates on previous couples.
Blurb for next book at the end.
HEA.
I would have given in 4 stars if we hadn't had the constant review of the series, I regularly start a new book, new author mid series then go back and start at book 1 so this would ruin a series for me.
There is a skill in only revealing some information so you update your regular reader but sparking the interest of new readers to read earlier books.
I read this one as I am a fan of the author and have loved previous work otherwise I might have given up with the push/ pull hurtful mixed messages he sends.
In his favor he does apologise later and feel bad.
I don't have an issue with the age gap genre but it can be problematic.
There is I think a 13 year age gap.
She is quite young when he enters her life, to work for her brother.
When the book starts she is 27 (?) approximately.
They have both dated while they have known each other.
She witnesses him, kissing another woman and its around a year ago.
He says there wasn't anyone since the other woman.
He doesn't do casual sex anymore.
She had a boyfriend in an earlier book.
He is very push/pull which I find irritating. He gives mixed signals as he battles with his feelings for her.
He says he loves her but she is his employer's wee sister but also has some hang ups about relationships.
I would say this is resolved by around 40% and the rest is him sorting his head out and trying to grovel.
He does make significant changes, he seeks professional help, he stops flirting harmlessly with others, he quickly shuts down any advances from others.
One issue I had is although the book could be read as a standalone, as its a couple per book with breadcrumbs dropped for more books, there is an enemy thread that could or couldn't be an issue for the couple.
But the author gives quite a long catch up of each situation that happened in previous books so if you have read the previous books you get an unnecessary review, that I ended up skipping but if you are picking this book up as your introduction to the series then beware spoilers as the plots and solutions of who did it will be in this book.
Ther are only intimate details of the Hero and heroine but he passionately kisses other woman, unaware the heroine can see.
This event is after he has passionately kissed the heroine some months before.
The book starts with the heroine revealing he hurt her in the past, details are later revealed in small bite size details in flashback scenes. There are a lot of these.
Dual POV.
Updates on previous couples.
Blurb for next book at the end.
HEA.
I would have given in 4 stars if we hadn't had the constant review of the series, I regularly start a new book, new author mid series then go back and start at book 1 so this would ruin a series for me.
There is a skill in only revealing some information so you update your regular reader but sparking the interest of new readers to read earlier books.
I read this one as I am a fan of the author and have loved previous work otherwise I might have given up with the push/ pull hurtful mixed messages he sends.
In his favor he does apologise later and feel bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2022
Always You by Samantha Young is the third and probably the most angst filled book in the Adair series.
Mac and Arro have always loved each other as friends and more but never acted on it. But one horrible rejection from Mac has turned Arro staunchly against him. This book follows the tumultuous journey that these two go on to find their happily ever after while a new threat against the Adair family puts their lives at risk.
I knew that I was in for some heavy angst, drama and suspense with this book since it is an Adair series novel. But nothing prepared me for the nail biting suspense and the heart wrenching drama of this book. To say that this story is captivating would be an understatement. The mystery surrounding their fight that has caused so much pain along with the suspense regarding the new threat had me reading the book into the late hours of the night.
I appreciated the fact that the author really showed the effort that Mac puts into changing his mind set about the way he views things. I admired Arro for standing up for herself and pushing to get what she wants. This set of strong main characters along with the other lovable Adair siblings and side characters makes this book a top notch read. Samantha Young has managed to get me deeply invested in this fictional world with every Adair novel that she writes. There isn’t much else I can say about this book without giving spoilers.
Always You is an intense romantic suspense with mature characters, loads of drama and a story filled with action that you must add to your book shelf.
Special Thanks to Valentine PR and Samantha Young for providing an Advanced Reader Copy. I have read and reviewed this book honestly and voluntarily.
Find more of my reviews on :
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Mac and Arro have always loved each other as friends and more but never acted on it. But one horrible rejection from Mac has turned Arro staunchly against him. This book follows the tumultuous journey that these two go on to find their happily ever after while a new threat against the Adair family puts their lives at risk.
I knew that I was in for some heavy angst, drama and suspense with this book since it is an Adair series novel. But nothing prepared me for the nail biting suspense and the heart wrenching drama of this book. To say that this story is captivating would be an understatement. The mystery surrounding their fight that has caused so much pain along with the suspense regarding the new threat had me reading the book into the late hours of the night.
I appreciated the fact that the author really showed the effort that Mac puts into changing his mind set about the way he views things. I admired Arro for standing up for herself and pushing to get what she wants. This set of strong main characters along with the other lovable Adair siblings and side characters makes this book a top notch read. Samantha Young has managed to get me deeply invested in this fictional world with every Adair novel that she writes. There isn’t much else I can say about this book without giving spoilers.
Always You is an intense romantic suspense with mature characters, loads of drama and a story filled with action that you must add to your book shelf.
Special Thanks to Valentine PR and Samantha Young for providing an Advanced Reader Copy. I have read and reviewed this book honestly and voluntarily.
Find more of my reviews on :
April 30, 2022
Since reading Here With Me, I've been looking forward to Arro and Mac's book. Fascinated by their obvious attraction, I longed for this story and waited patiently for what felt like forever, believing that their journey to a HEA would be epic. Sadly, my hopes for Always You to be the most beautiful romance in this series fell short, and so disappointed that this did not work out for me. Bottom-line, I adored them so much more in the first two installments.
Here, I felt Arro was too immature, stubborn and whiny. Chasing Mac around like a love-sick puppy for the first half of the novel, longing for his love and attention, led her to do the dumbest thing ever. It resulted in unnecessarily long and drawn-out tension between the two, aside from being an absolutely ridiculous stunt. From that point forward, Arro became too rigid and unreasonable, combating Mac at every turn when he finally surrendered to his desires, explained his insecurities and confessed his feelings of love.
I adored Mac but felt he was a bit of a pushover throughout most of this read. He frustrated me by constantly pushing Arro away but won back my affections as he opened up his heart and shared his pain. I admit he needed to work hard to regain Arrro's trust, and rightfully so. But Arro took it too far, behaved very childishly, and I had lost my patience with her character.
All that being said, this was really well written, and I'm settling with a 3-star rating. The suspense element built into the plot captivated me, and I enjoyed catching up with the two previous couples (who were involved in the storyline.) I'm looking forward to the next two books, hoping they will be good reads.
Here, I felt Arro was too immature, stubborn and whiny. Chasing Mac around like a love-sick puppy for the first half of the novel, longing for his love and attention, led her to do the dumbest thing ever. It resulted in unnecessarily long and drawn-out tension between the two, aside from being an absolutely ridiculous stunt. From that point forward, Arro became too rigid and unreasonable, combating Mac at every turn when he finally surrendered to his desires, explained his insecurities and confessed his feelings of love.
I adored Mac but felt he was a bit of a pushover throughout most of this read. He frustrated me by constantly pushing Arro away but won back my affections as he opened up his heart and shared his pain. I admit he needed to work hard to regain Arrro's trust, and rightfully so. But Arro took it too far, behaved very childishly, and I had lost my patience with her character.
All that being said, this was really well written, and I'm settling with a 3-star rating. The suspense element built into the plot captivated me, and I enjoyed catching up with the two previous couples (who were involved in the storyline.) I'm looking forward to the next two books, hoping they will be good reads.
May 11, 2022
4.5 stars
I have been eagerly waiting to read Arro and Mac's story and the anticipation and excitement was worth it!
I LOVED Arro and Mac's story. I knew it was going to be emotional, extremely heartfelt, angsty, sexy.... Samantha Young gave me all that and more.
These two characters are well loved.. I loved them as secondary characters in the previous books and I love them even more after Always You.
This age gap, slow burn romance is incredible!
The chemistry is off the charts! Hello Loch Evelyn scene 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 wow 😍😍
Can I just point out again how much I ADORE these two characters? Adore them! I am so happy for these two. I'm so happy that they are finally a couple!
I loved the secondary characters...the Adair-Penhaligon-Galbraith family are an incredible family and I love them to bits.
I have been eagerly waiting to read Arro and Mac's story and the anticipation and excitement was worth it!
I LOVED Arro and Mac's story. I knew it was going to be emotional, extremely heartfelt, angsty, sexy.... Samantha Young gave me all that and more.
These two characters are well loved.. I loved them as secondary characters in the previous books and I love them even more after Always You.
This age gap, slow burn romance is incredible!
The chemistry is off the charts! Hello Loch Evelyn scene 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 wow 😍😍
Can I just point out again how much I ADORE these two characters? Adore them! I am so happy for these two. I'm so happy that they are finally a couple!
I loved the secondary characters...the Adair-Penhaligon-Galbraith family are an incredible family and I love them to bits.
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