Another emotional, angsty, friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance from the USA Today bestselling author of When Forever Changes and Inseparable. He’s the hot-as-sin rocker hiding a secret that would devastate his fans. She’s the only girl he’s ever loved, but keeping her safe means he had to walk away… RYDERMy entire life is a lie, propelled by one wrong decision that altered my fate.If … entire life is a lie, propelled by one wrong decision that altered my fate.
If fans knew the truth, they’d run away screaming. But all they see is Ryder Stone, moody guitarist and lead singer of Torment, and a potential notch on their bedpost.
Only two people know who I really am. My manager has a vested interest in keeping my secret, and the girl I was forced to leave behind doesn’t even know the true extent of my shame.
Losing Zeta is both my biggest regret and my proudest moment. But she was the glue keeping me together, and I’m struggling to survive without her. Especially when demons from my past continue to haunt me and the threat of disclosure is ever present.
When she reappears in my life, this time, I’m too weak to push her away.
Her love has the power to save me.
Mine has the power to destroy her.
ZETA
I’ve worked hard to forget my past. To rise above my messed-up childhood and make something of myself; however, there’s no forgetting him.
Ryder’s gorgeous face and drool-worthy body are plastered over tabloids and TV screens, reminding me I’m still in love with the boy who captured my heart in juvie.
When he failed me, I thought I’d never again experience such heart-crushing pain. But watching him fall out of clubs with a succession of different girls renews the agony, resurrecting countless unanswered questions.
Now my boss has sent me to interview him. It’s a massive scoop for the magazine, and turning it down would kill my career. So, I delude myself into thinking I can handle this.
Perhaps this is the closure I need to finally move on.
Except I’m terrified nothing has changed and one look into those soulful eyes will suck me in again.
Ryder almost destroyed me last time. This time, he could ruin me forever.
Full-length standalone title. Due to sensitive content and possible triggers, this book is recommended to readers aged eighteen and older. Please refer to the note at the start of the book (Click Look Inside).
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Oh where to start with this review, it is filled with a lot of pain, heartache, heartbreak, and guilt that will leave you feeling drained until all you want to do is hug Ryder and Zeta.
Ryder and Zeta met in juvie and both have a past that needed to be wiped from the memories and start over fresh. But then they wouldn’t get the second chance at love that they so deserve.
Rocker with a past, yeah that happens but it’s the one that he let go of that is going to save him. While both Ryder and Zeta tried to move on, they end up in the same world, him as a rock star and her working for a rock magazine. So they were bound to cross paths sooner or later.
I don’t want to give anything away but you should read this one. It is hard to read at times but if you do not have any triggers, then I recommend you read it. It is one of those stories that will leave you thinking about it long after you have finished it and saying to yourself, yeah I really did love it.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
I want to start my review off by saying, THIS BOOK IS PHENOMENAL!! This is to me, the author’s best work up to date. It is obvious she put a lot of work, research and heart into this book.
But, this book affected me quite a bit. I actually had to read it twice, in order to feel like I was in the “right place” to give it a proper review.
When Ryder and Zeta are teenagers in juvie, coming from really bad backgrounds, it’s obvious off and on that Ryder deals with depression, anxiety and panic disorder. The counselor there is helping him and it works while he’s there. Keeping routine and structure in his day, leaving a situation before becoming angry (he has anger management issues) and learning how to cope in an anxiety attack. But when he starts to build a relationship with Zeta in there, little things that affect him, or how he handles things, shows he has mental issues. Then on the outside life becomes too much. Especially as a rock star and being split up from Zeta, and then Ryder also ends up becoming an addict. Throughout the book you can see his mental problems culminating for so many reasons that I don’t want to give away. But let’s just say that this book is not just extremely emotional, it’s hard to handle. When I say that, I mean I had to take a break from the turmoil of the story. There’s so much. BUT….IT IS WORTH GETTING THROUGH TO THE END!!!!
The characters in this book are so real. All of them. Some of the side characters I just loved! A couple I wanted to strangle. Then there were those I really hated. But Ryder & Zeta were special. Zeta…she was such a strong-willed girl. She overcame so much in her life, that no girl should ever have to go through. From a young age too. My heart went out to Zeta. She had such a big heart and when she loved she loved big. Ryder…my heart breaks just saying his name. He went from such a broken teenager (from a young age) to an even more broken man. Zeta was his only salvation. It was extremely heart wrenching to watch this grown man spiral. He loved Zeta more than anything, and he loved big! He loved his music, but getting lost in his music wasn’t enough.
The band mates were all close. Some of them were instigators of trouble for Ryder, if you ask me. But I guess that how band life can be. Lots of partying. But they were family.
This book pulled out so many feelings. Maybe not for every reader. But I know for quite a few, so far. But in the end it pulls out some more feelings, and they will be happy, satisfied and you will feel fulfilled as a reader. This book is definitely not one to be missed! If there is one new book you buy to read for the year, make it this one and you won’t be sorry!!!
I don’t know where to begin, but if you have read a book by Siobhan Davis then you
already know what a truly brilliant writer she is – and if by some chance you haven’t then please, do yourself a favor and read this one and then all of her other titles because Ms. Davis has done it once again!
She slayed me, wrecked me, pulled every emotion out of me as I read the story of Ryder and Zeta! Their story is told in two parts – when they meet in juvie and then later as adults. The book is written in dual POV. I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say this is NOT the typical rock star trope – far from it. It’s not your typical romance, but it is a love story – and that love is the heart of this book.
You’re in for an emotional ride. You will laugh. You will smile. You will cry (have tissues ready, trust me). You will hold your breath as you turn the pages until the last one. And then this story will stay with you.
Please be warned this book contains subject matter that may be triggers for some readers. The author provides fair warning. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I finished this story yesterday… and I still don’t know what to write… I think this review is THE HARDEST one for me due to The emotions it had awoken in me. I knew it was bad to read it right before going to Bed but… I was so into Ryder and Zeta’s story that I couldn’t stop before The end.
There will be angst, fear, suspense, Love and lots of other emotions As well as twists that left me looking at my Kindle and not knowing what is going on – especially in real Word when my Head was spinning!
Ms. Davis once again brought us the read full of everything readers can ask for! Her standalone contemporary romances ARE a Masterpiece when it comes to angsty emotional reads!
Please please read The Word from The author and be Careful while reading The story.
Now I will admit, that YA and NA romance are not usually my go to for romance. As a more “vintage” gal myself, I sometimes struggle with the age of the characters that trope.
But when it comes to Siobhan Davis’ stories…it’s makes me a fan. Her characters have a maturity to them.
This is Ryder and Zeta’s story. In this story, the maturity level comes from the horrific childhoods both Ryder and Zeta have lived through. The scars of those childhoods have had lasting effects on both of them.
This is a story with so much angst, so much heartbreak but through it all there is love, a deep and abiding love that spans years. Even when the heartbreak that Ryder has caused Zeta, this story is about forgiveness.
I applauded Zeta’s strength of character. She is strong when she needs to be, but she also shows her vulnerability when warranted.
Ryder, oh my me, this poor, poor man. The struggles he goes through, the guilt he carries. Then bombshell after bombshell is dropped upon him until he just can’t anymore. It was refreshing to see hero with such flaws, it made him more real and how my heart breaked for him.
Everytime I read a Siobhan Davis story, I am stunned, surprised and become an even bigger fan than I am now! Well done Siobhan!!
This book has taken me on an emotional 24 hour rollercoaster! I feel like my heart has been ripped from my chest and stuffed back in…..but it was oh, so worth it!
This book has a tough beginning. Please read the authors warnings about triggers, as for some this may not be the book for you. The start of this book left me reeling and I found it initially hard to get past….I’m so glad I did though, as this is one of the best contemporary romances I have ever read!
This is a story about troubled soul-mates, it is full of heart-break, angst, love and covers a number of mental-health issues brought on from childhood trauma and experiences, but it is also full of redemption, love, forgiveness and life! The story is split in two. The first part is based in juvie, where Ryder and Zeta first meet. The second part/majority of the story is set in a rock-stars world, which on its own drew me in (who doesn’t love a rock-star romance!) It looks at both aspects of their lives, warts and all. It shows how people hide their inner turmoil in a number of ways and the consequences of doing so. I cried along with their heartbreak, and laughed with their joy.
I can honestly say, this story is so much more than just a rock-star romance. Ryder and Zetas story is not to be missed. This is a story I have spent the past couple of days talking about to friends. It will stay with me for a long time.
I’ve been reading Siobhan Davis for a long time and I love her books full of passion, drama and plot twists. Some of her books involve some violence and abuse but none have been as graphical and strong like this one. We get to watch a boy grow with a truckload of guilt, remorse, and self-hate, and see him as a grown man, spiral down in a storm of self destruction aided by drug and alcohol abuse. We also see the girl who loves him try to help him but her love is not enough to prevent the breakdown. It’s heartbreaking and just plain sad.
Ryder and Zeta meet in juvie, both products of prostitute mothers and neglect. They forge a strong bond which helps them withstand the rigors of incarceration. Issues from Ryder’s past force them apart and they meet again eight years later. Ryder is a rockstar, Zeta is a music journalist. Both live in New York but strangely haven’t crossed paths. When they are forced together to work on the band’s autobiography, events run out of their control, secrets from Ryder’s past come out of hiding, Zeta’s life is in danger and it feels like a derailed train is speeding out of control.
I was at parts entertained, saddened, angered and enthralled. This author’s books keep you hooked from start to finish because the knocks just keep on coming. She touches on controversial themes such as suicide, PTSD, child abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, with clarity and compassion. We are led to understand that there are mental illnesses that lead people to violent actions and there is an underlying reason behind their actions and a possible healthy outcome with the proper help. There is anguish and there is hope and there is fighting for mental health. And there are friends who evolve with Zeta and Ryder as they go through their calvary and help push them to their HEA. Their love story is fraught with drama, upheavals, and plot twists but through it all, it is evident they are soulmates and completely devoted to each other. Riveting and addictive!
Only Ever You starts hard and doesn’t stop until the end! This story is full of twists and turns, and you’re left needing time to process all the feelings and emotions you experienced whilst reading this powerful 5 star read from an author who proves again and again just how talented she is. Having read several of Siobhan Davis’ books, I’ve come to expect stories that don’t shy away from difficult topics that some people face in real life and she doesn’t disappoint with her latest masterpiece. The story does become dark in some places, but not once did I find myself unable to continue reading. In fact, I couldn’t stop reading and was up until the early hours like usual when it comes to a book by this author.
This story is cleverly written with showing the reader ‘before’, ‘now’ and ‘after’. We also hear from both Ryder and Zeta, which allows us to feel what they’re going through even more and see their own personal battles as they deal with the demons from their childhoods. Ryder’s story tore my heart to pieces and the shocks keep on coming even towards the end. There’s a plot twist that I did not see coming! As for Zeta, I feel she started to heal and deal with her past before Ryder did, and this allowed her to be there for him when he reached rock bottom and needed help getting back up.
It’s taken me a few days to be able to put together a review because I was struggling, as usual with this author’s work, to put my thoughts into words. I needed time to process it all, and to also feel able to type a review worthy of such an amazing book. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give away the story, but I can say that you need to pick up Only Ever You today and you definitely won’t be disappointed. Make sure you have the time to read Ryder and Zeta’s story in one sitting though because you won’t be able to put it down.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book
Only Ever You, by Siobhan Davis, is a richly worded, poetically charged story. It takes you on a journey with a multitude of twists and turns in the road. It’s a story of having faith that others will help us through our darkest days and that unconditional love is a necessity for earning and keeping that faith. For someone who writes books with an abundance of ever-changing emotions, Siobhan has outdone herself with Only Ever You. In just a matter of pages, I was angry, thrilled, content. I felt sorrow, then empathy and deep love before cycling through them all again. After a prologue that puts you right into a tailspin, a heart-wrenching, suspenseful and beautiful love story unfolds. Ryder Stone and Zeta Williams are in juvie for crimes they committed in their young lives. Ryder was involved in a robbery gone bad and Zeta was accused of murdering her mother. There is much more to each story but they both have been forced to keep quiet about what they know. Ryder is being blackmailed by the actual criminal to keep him silent and Zeta’s stepfather hasn’t been entirely honest with the police. As Zeta arrives in juvie to serve her sentence, she and Ryder spot one another and can’t divert their gazes. They both know there is something special about the other one and, as they come to understand, fate arrived with her. They begin to share time together and slowly become best friends. Ryder is so troubled that his nightmares and memories are excruciating. Zeta dreams about what she has witnessed and what her stepfather has groomed her to become. The only place they find comfort is in each others’ arms, playing guitar and writing songs together. Ryder is being freed from juvie in just a short while but he gets a reminder from his blackmailer that Zeta might not be safe when he’s not there. To keep her safe, Ryder leaves her without a word or explanation. It kills him to do it but what choice does he have! During the years that they are apart, their lives are neither centered nor complete. The agony of losing your best friend breaks your spirit and threatens to destroy all hope for a life together. How will Ryder and Zeta ever find their way back to each other again? At first I blamed Ryder for all of the heartbreak he had caused but, as it turned out, I didn’t know half the story! So many magnificent storylines and wonderful characters make for a book that you just can’t put down. I made that widely known promise to myself (and broke it every time), “just one more chapter!!” Magnificent book!
You can’t hide from your past!!!
Siobhan has come one of my closest girlfriends, and no we have never met. She writes these amazing stories that I need wine and tissue to get through the end. Ryder, is my new book boyfriend sexy, desirable, dreamy, and supportive. In all fairy tale they is a villain this villain bring out the dark side of Ryder. Where the question becomes can he hide from his past or due trying?? This is one great story where the hero wear your stilettos….
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
Siobhan Davis has written another emotionally filled novel that takes the reader through the ups and downs of true love. Ryder and Zeta meet and fall in love in their late teens in juvie after each experienced an extremely traumatic childhood. Once they have both been released, fate separates them for eight long years before bringing them back together. Both Ryder and Zeta experience many situations that could be triggers for people – mental health illness (depression, anxiety, PTSD) suicide, sexual assault, child abuse, loss of a child, violence, and addiction. Siobhan Davis does provide this information in the prologue to alert the reader. Siobhan Davis shows compassion and understanding when writing about these traumatic events and how they not only affect the person but also those around them. And true to her writing, Siobhan Davis writes another emotionally charged true love story worth reading. As a member of the ARC Team, I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I haven’t had this much of a book hangover since Inseparable. I must admit I didn’t think any book would come as close to it being the one that can break you down, make you think with all the feels, this one does! It’s my other favorite book! I have two now and both are by Siobhan Davis! That’s no easy feat for any author and in my book reading world it’s next to impossible! It’s true and this book is worthy of every single minute, hours and seconds that everyone takes to read this story. It’s not a simple boy meets girl type of book. This story has pain, agony, guilt, love, and most importantly realism. The unimaginable pain and agony these characters undergo are an essential part of their story. Ryder and Zeta, they meet under the most unfortunate circumstances but at a time that they both needed one another so completely. Their story begins in a juvenile jail and to be honest I wasn’t sure at first how this was going to work. It was a pivotal moment in this book and it had to be told. Ryder and Zeta both had rough lives and then they meet. They both recognized that they are meant to be together but the odds were against them. A few years later Zeta and Ryder are reunited when the magazine that Zeta works for is hired to do a bio documentary of a rock band called Torment. The name couldn’t have suited this band any better. All the guys have their issues and Ryder is struggling to keep himself afloat. Zeta, at first is furious that she is put in a position to do this rockumentary for the band. Ryder and Zeta’s connection reignites and they immediately realize that neither one wants to be apart from the other again. There are some mistakes an even a few heart stopping moments for these two but they try and make it work. At one point I wasn’t sure if I even liked Ryder but then I thought about what he’s doing and understood that this was a coping mechanism for him. A protective measure he was willing to do in order to keep the one person he loved safe at all possible. He won my heart and Zeta is absolutely perfect for him. They are beautifully broken and together they are perfectly imperfect. I loved this book so much and some readers may find some of it a little disturbing but please give this one a chance. You will not ever regret it. I would write so much more but in the interest of spoilers, I’ll leave it here. YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK! It’s everything and more. I read a complimentary copy of this book…
Siobhan is so good at writing an angsty, new adult story and she does it again with Only Ever You. She takes two people and puts them in the unlikeliest of conditions and weaves a story that pulls right at your heartstrings.
The story begins with a violent crime. The next chapter then begins by meeting the hero, Ryder Stone, living in juvie. You don’t discover Ryder’s true identity or what he’s done to land him in the detention center for most of the book, but you get the feeling you will be referring to the beginning crime at some point.
What I love about Siobhan, she writes characters that are vulnerable, you fall in love with their open sensitivity and you are willing to forgive whatever they have done by the time they eventually reveal their true selves. The man we come to know as Ryder is a reformed, sweet, compassionate man who looks out for others, but you see glimpses of rage buried just beneath the surface. What is he hiding and will his past self destruct his possible future?
We meet Zeta Williams in juvie too. She is sent there for a crime and the background she came from is shockingly familiar to Ryder’s. They form a connection that is like none either have known. They’re kindred spirits in a twisted place and the only bright spot in the dark world they live in.
Making plans for a future they both want, they look forward to getting out and starting a life together. Ryder gets out first and even though he promised to be there waiting when Zeta was released, life doesn’t always work out. Eight years go by and a lot transpires. The sweet, naive children have grown up and in their place are young adults who have careers, made mistakes, lived lives without each other.
Thrust back into each other’s lives there is so much hurt, lives that need fixing, and the biggest thing of all – Ryder’s secret. It could crumble everything around him and destroy not only his career, but Zeta may leave him for good this time. Can he make things right before his life implodes?
If you love angsty, then this book is for you. Buckle up for an emotional rollercoaster ride and enjoy Only Ever You.
*Siobhan begins the book with a warning. This book deals with quite a few (what would be considered) unsavory topics, they are all relevant to the story, so please heed the warning if such things are not to your liking.
Blown away with this book! It’s gritty, intense, angst, heartbreaking and real. From the beginning I was intrigued about Ryder and Zeta. Two people having a horrible life need some sort of light. When they meet Ryder and Zeta it’s electric from one glance. Many parts of this book I cried my eyes out and other parts I swooned with love. Zeta I could see myself being friends with her she’s one strong girl! Ryder I want to hug and not let go. This is one of those books that make you look at people in a different light. In my top 2019 definitely don’t pass this book up! 5/5 stars
Goodness, this book packs a punch. The level of angst and tragedy is insane, and the twists, oh the twists… The first chapter set the theme for the rest of the book: pain, fear, and heartbreak. The situation Zeta and Ryder found themselves in when they met reinforced this, then the choices made by each continued to afflict them for years. Fate gives their love a second chance, and their tumultuous journey eventually becomes one of healing. I was glued to the book and reality ceased to exist as I was immersed in this story. My heart broke with theirs, real tears ran freely several times, but I hung on until the end to see this romance through. Davis’ genius and empathy was once again evident in the manner in which she treated sensitive subjects and pushed the enveloppe to encompass the process of moving on past horrific events. This book destroyed me in the best possible way.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
What a beautiful rockstar romance with moments of both darkness and light.
The first part was my favorite because this is the first book I’ve read where both the main characters spent time in juvie. I’m so glad the first part was more than just a chapter because it really helped develop our complex characters. I love that they’re both troubled teens, and I think it is genius for Siobhan to show that not everyone comes from a perfect home and how what happens during our youth shapes us as adults.
Because of the extensive background portion, I was able to really appreciate the second part when they are adults. Every decision whether good or bad made sense, and I really empathized with both of our lovely main characters. The romance was quite realistic so much that I was actually hoping a couple of times that Siobhan would have taken it to unrealistic fairytale levels so I wouldn’t have to deal with what happened next. However, I’m glad she didn’t because that wouldn’t have made sense. Haha. The supporting characters were as always written perfectly and brought a lot of smiles throughout the hard times.
Like I said before, some of the subject matter is dark, but Siobhan’s warning statement helped prepare me for it. Just go in knowing that this will be an emotional ride so you can experience this absolutely lovely story!
I received a copy and volunteered to review it.
This was an emotional read for me. I read the trigger warning at the beginning of the book and wondered what I had got myself into by agreeing to read and review this book. I can honestly tell you that I am glad that I was able to make my way through the story without too many issues of PTSD. The book touches on a quite a few tough subjects, which can be triggers for others. Despite my getting through the book relatively unscathed, one should heed the caution if the find certain subject matters upsetting.
As for the story itself, it is the story of Ryder and Zeta. The book covers their individual stories as well as their love story. They each have their demons that they are battling which causes conflict in their relationship. Those same demons also bring them closer together.
I had to take part of the story with a huge grain of salt, as I found it to be rather unbelievable, but then, I tend to be a bit jaded about certain things. There were times when I just wanted to shout ‘Enough, Already!’ but I kept on reading, and I have no regrets for doing so.
The characters are well-developed. You will either love them or hate them. The back and forth point of view between Zeta and Ryder will take you on an emotional journey. Have your tissues handy.
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book. Your reading experience may or may not be the same as mine.
This is the first book I’ve read by Siobhan Davis and what a read it was. This book will take you on a roller coaster ride and leave you wanting to keep flipping the pages until the end. Ryder and Zeta meet in juvie and become friends, then enemies, then friends again. Zeta and Ryder fall in love, but before they know it, he’s released. They plan to start their life together, when she’s released, but that decision never happens. Ryder kept a big secret from Zeta and it ends up making him leave her. I’m not going to leave any spoilers, but I will say this book will draw you in and you’ll be hooked. This book deals with several difficult topics, but the author handled them with tact and understanding. Sometimes, life isn’t fair, but we do the best we can to move on.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I enjoyed this book so much, that I’ve preordered it.
Top 10 Recommended
I don’t know how Siobhan Davis does it but once again she has created a story so beautifully written and emotional till the end. We have Ryder and Zeta, two young people feeling in love for the first time. Then we see an adult version of them still in love but life is throwing them curve balls everywhere. From the beginning I was enchanted with the beautiful and patient love between them then seeing them in their own lives was like wow. I do want to state though what haunts Ryder is not easy to read but definitely what needs to be read to understand what is making him like this. Siobhan Davis shines in this book not only bringing us into the music world but showing us we are not alone and love is something worth having. Loved it.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
Ryder Stone, sexy guitarist and lead singer of Torment, lives the life of an out-of-control drinking, drug-abusing, womanizing rock star. But this life hides his secrets; who he really is and most important the girl he loves. Zeta knew Ryder as a talented young musician who could write lyrics that moved her soul, who was her protector in juvie, as the boy she gave her heart to. She barely survived when he disappeared on her. Now she only sees him in the tabloids and on tv. When her boss assigns her to interview his band she has no choice. To refuse will destroy her career; to accept could destroy her.
Ryder and Zeta have one of those once-in-a-lifetime loves. But love isn’t always enough. Second chances are rare. Their story will gut you. There’s so much love between them but it goes hand in hand with pain, betrayal, lies, and deceptions. Bad decisions are made with good intentions. Demons prevail. Tears are shed, years are lost. Their relationship will test you as a reader. Their choices will not endear them to you at all times. They are definitely human with their weaknesses, vices, flaws, poor decisions, and mental issues. Ryder makes so many mistakes and Zeta should be strong enough to walk away. Yet, they can’t, and you can’t give up on them. Their lives aren’t always pretty, their love isn’t always well-chosen but it is complete and consuming. They are well-matched on every level. Their fragility, vulnerability makes them human. Together they are stronger. Together they are beautiful.
Siobhan doesn’t sugarcoat any aspects of this book. She shouldn’t have. It’s brilliantly written to reveal a harsh, emotional, heartbreaking, heart-hopeful story. Certain subjects could trigger certain readers, so be careful.