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).
more
I always enjoy the depth of connection between Siobhan Davis’ characters, and the story is entertaining and keeps me reading. I enjoyed that there’s a bit of a mystery element, and I do love a second chance romance. The thing that misses with me is really just something that I don’t like reading about, which is characters that are just a mess, so while the writing was on point, I didn’t move into the love category. Ryder actions get forgiven too easily, but I did love that he never stopped loving Zeta; although his actions while they were separated don’t really show that. I liked reading about them when they were younger and how they originally fell in love, but I would’ve liked for that to move a little quicker because I wanted to get to the present portion of Zeta and Ryder’s story. The rock star scenario also isn’t my favorite because I hate the whole sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll thing, so I just tried to focus on the feelings between Zeta and Ryder. Intriguing story that just didn’t completely suit what I like to read. Still entertaining though, and I like the danger element. I’d recommend it to readers that don’t mind angst, characters that make lots of mistakes, and enjoy a good second chance romance.
Siobhan’s books always break my heart, so I was scared and excited to pick this one up. “Only Ever You” blew my mind! Siobhan really focused on mental health, mostly towards the male lead character. I feel that having books about mental health in the community is great. Especially one that focuses on the male suffering with mental illness…
: https://bookishstateofmind.com/book-reviews/2019/3/1/arc-review-only-ever-you
Another wonderful book!
Heart Wrenching emotional story
The Author has written the story with raw understanding that this can upset or trigger with some people, but when you get to the end of the story you understand the full extent of someone’s mistakes/bad decisions and how they live with you. Two people who find each other from a young age right when they need someone, cross paths later in life to go be them a second chance. Their love, Heart break & truth make this story amazing!!! This book I felt in depth. <3
Guys, Siobhan Davis has another standalone and I don’t know what to do with myself, every time I read one of her standalone books, I’m a lost cause. They are freaking amazing, they break my heart into a million little pieces, make me fall totally in love with new characters and let’s not talk about fall for another book boyfriend, why Siobhan, why do you you have to create amazing, hot book guys? Okay, before I spoil anything, let’s get to this review:
So, Ryder and Zeta first meet when they are teenagers none other than less at juvie and boy those two fell hard for each other but things didn’t work out for each of them the way they wanted. Ryder left Zeta without an explanation and broken her heart and that is something both of them have had to work hard to forget but in different ways.
Eight years have gone by since they have seen each other, Ryder is now a rock star, but he feels like his whole life is a freaking lie, the fans don’t truly know who he is, they don’t know anything about his past, the only people that know is his manager and his true love, Zeta. One thing he cannot forgive himself for is losing Zeta, but it was for the best at the moment and he has to make himself remember that.
But when Zeta reappears back into his life, Ryder just cannot push her away this time, and he decides to give their love a second chance and maybe now that he has the resources he can keep her save too.
Zeta has spent the last eight years putting her life together, specially trying to forget Ryder. It hasn’t been easy, his face is all over the TV but she just has to remember him leaving her without an explanation and keep leaving her life.
But her boss gives her the worst news ever when he wants her to interview Ryder and his bandmates and there’s no way she can say no because it would kill her magazine and her career. So, she says yes, but when she sees him again? It’s all over because all those feelings she has been trying to forget? It all comes back again.
But those two coming back together and re linking their love is no easy task, there’s a lot more in the table than Zeta knows a lot that Ryder hasn’t told her yet and it could break them for good this time.
Ah, these two characters broke my hear so much…Zeta is such a badass, strong girl, that never gives up on what she wants but at the same time, she has freaking suffered so much and she still goes through a lot when she reunites with Ryder and Oh Man it crushed me seeing her going through things. I wanted to hold her hand, damn I wanted to be there and give the girl a hug.
Ryder, where to I even start with this kid, guy, man???? I wanted to hug him, kiss him, slap his face at times, there I said it, I know there where times you wanted to do it too so don’t lie. But, I got him and I understood and I felt it for him and I’m glad that he got it together. I have to say, very few characters have made me feel what Ryder did, and by the end of the book I was a happy puppy looking up at him with love and admiration, and proud of him too. And yes, I was also a fan girl on the other side fanning for his hotness lol.
What else can I say about this book, be prepared for the roller coaster of emotions and for your hear to be destroyed and be put together again and to fall in love with another set of characters. 100% recommend this book, so go ahead and go read it if you haven’t yet, go, what are you waiting for?
Tough this story was super intense and has had extra heavy topics, I loved it from the first word to the last sentence.
Both main characters are super sympathetic and have an incredible aura about them. And like the author wrote herself in her acknowledgement, they’re both so strong while broken and vulnerable at the same time.
Their love for each other …..!!!
I absolutely stand behind Siobhan’s opinion about mental illness, especially when men are suffering. Men are humans too, they have a right to feel, to struggle. Men don’t always have to be the tough ones and still can be sexy as all hell. I have one of those myself and he’s the best husband ever!
One of the things I loved most about ONLY EVER YOU is that both Zeta and Ryder made the most of their life’s. That the book shows that you can be someone and can build a real good life even if you’re coming from the worst kinds of families.
I just adore this positivity after all this darkness from their pasts.
And a special shout out to Dee Kelly, who lent the author Sawyer Weston from BAD. That two of my most favorite authors share their characters is so awesome.
If you haven’t read the Just An Illusion series yet….DO IT!!! It’s one of the best series EVER!
I’m so, so glad I found out about the books by Siobhan Davis. Every new one of them is better than the she wrote before.
Very well deserved 5
Ryder and Zeta’s childhoods were filled with pain and heartbreak but when they meet in juvie, they find true happiness for the first time in their lives. Their happiness is short lived though and they part ways. The story then leaps eight years ahead. Ryder is a troubled, unhappy rock star, barely hanging on, and Zeta is a magazine reporter assigned to do an article about Ryder’s band and their new album. Ryder and Zeta still love each other, despite the painful end to their relationship as teens, so it isn’t long before they are reconciled. But Ryder is keeping a dangerous secret.
The book blurb gives a solid description of the story. Only Ever You is a deeply emotional love story that really touched me and broke my heart more than once. I was completely engrossed in this compelling romance. Ryder’s desperation and anguish is palpable. Zeta’s pain every time he hurts her is heartbreaking but their love for each other rises above everything else. This is the fourth book I have read by this author and every one has been a five star read. Siobhan Davis is a must read author for me.
Zeta and Ryder have an incredible story of similarly messed up childhoods and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I love how they never forgot each other. I never saw the twist coming that causes Ryder to break and put himself back together. This book is an amazing journey. Thank you for the amazing epilogue. I enjoy seeing how things turn out.
Another great one by Siobhan Davis! A lot of heavy topics to handle and well written. Different from her other books, yet full of the angst, anger and love that we come to expect from her. Well done YET AGAIN!!!! I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
Only Ever You is the new stand alone contemporary romance and my first read from the author. I have heard a lot about the author’s work especially her last book, Surviving Amber Springs. So, when I read the blurb, I’m really jonesing to dive into it. I wasn’t disappointed. I loved it.
It is evident of the author’s master skill of storytelling: great world building, perfectly broken and well fleshed out characters and compelling plot. What more can you ask for?
I loved that the author started the story with their time in juvie. That makes the building of relationship between Ryder and Zeta more solid, believable and relatable for me; the sharing of sordid past, the dreaming of future together outside juvie.
I love it when a story is told in dual POV because it makes me connect to the characters and understand their role in the story. On this one, the author killed me with the angst and feels of both character. I swear I was choking with the heavy lump of feels on pretty much every part of this book. I can’t count how many times my heart breaks whenever their love is put into the test and that twist near the end? There was ugly crying and snot running involved. Oh my heart. So be ready with your tissues ladies.
With all of these, I can’t express more how much I’ve enjoyed reading this baby. A definite must read and highly recommend it to everyone!
I received an advanced copy and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Ryder Stone has had more than his fair share of trouble. Zeta Williams hasn’t had an All-American family life. This is a story where the mind will really get engaged. Emotions will also get involved.
In some instances you may feel pity or even sadness. Hope is a possibility but it depends on if you can see past the darkness. And then there’s a lot of pain. It will be very hard for your heart not to get involved. My mind found it hard to wrap around the fact that these kids have seen so much and done so much yet they’re not even out of high school at this point.
This first part of the book may have you wanting to give up on our main characters but if you do that, you won’t know what you missed. Part one may seem dark but part two shows that maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel. This was like having two books in one which made it even harder to find the perfect stopping point.
Part two didn’t start off any happier than part one. It had my smile turned upside down but for different reasons. This time the story seemed lighter. Yes, Ryder and Zeta have issues but they’re now adults with adult issues instead of children with adult issues. For me, I enjoyed part two a lot more because I just couldn’t see where part one was going. But I finally had my light bulb moment and that made things a little better.
There was so much going on but all in all I didn’t mind that. In order to not psych myself out, the author forced me to slow down and just concentrate on the story in front of me. This was one story where the romance was hard to see but once I finished with part one it became easier to see. The ending didn’t give me a sense of HEA but it did give me HFN.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
*** ARC Received for Honest Review ***
5 stars
Intense! From the get go, you are taken to a dark, sad, super intense place. The story of Zeta and Ryder is one of a tough, long road, but an amazing one. Siobhan has this way of telling a story that rips your heart out and then sows it back together. I am always left wanting more. The writing is out of this world; the characters are perfect in all of their flaws; and the angst and drama along the way only makes it that much harder to put the book down. Don’t ever miss out on a word written by Siobhan Davis. (Review by Terri “Jane”)
Rock-Star Romance – you know I am definitely reading. Siobhan Davis writing said rock-star romance, no questions asked, no blurb needed – I am all in!!
Only Ever You is so much more than rock-star romance you are expecting. Yes. we have the arrogant, asshole rock-star singer who left behind his one true love. But their story is so much more than that.
Siobhan is an author who holds nothing back in her writing. She gives you an amazing story line with characters that you empathize with. But it’s the heavy topics that she adds into her stories that make them stand out. And she doesn’t just touch in the topic, she dives in deep.
Zeta and Ryder meet when they are teens and go their separate ways when they become adults. While there is an 8 year gap between part 1 and part 2, Siobhan does a great job of keeping the story moving and everything flows perfectly. While there are parts that I was not thrilled with, nothing truly pulled me away from staying immersed in this story and these characters.
Overall, I enjoyed this book so much. As you can see, I purposely made no mention of anything that happens in this book. Zeta and Ryder’s story is one you have to go into with an open mind. While the blurb may seem like just another rock-star romance, I can assure you, it is not.
Siobhan’s writing is very unique and her story-telling is one of a kind. Only Ever You showcases why she has quickly become one of my favorite authors to read and why her writing stands out from the rest.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
Initial thoughts: Good angsty romance. Beautifully developed relationship. Tragic stories, great ending.
Review: Davis has done it again, another fun and amazing read. Only Ever You takes your through the life of Ryder and Zeta. Our couple meets at juvie, the paths that brought them there were as awful as one would believe. Ryder and Zeta develop a nice, immediate connection, yet they take their time. Things are cute and, while violence is near them, I fell in love with their relationship. As fate would have it, they are separated – the reasons bothered me, but hey, what can I do.
Fast forward a few years and fate has these two meeting up again. Once again, we fall in love, deal with lots of angst and drama, until we arrive to our HEA. I have a couple of issues, some minor, some annoyances, but overall, it was a lot of fun!
This book!!!!! it’s everything I love to read in one!
I was honestly shocked reading about Swayer!! From “Just the illusion series”. It’s my favorite in the world!! Thank you for adding that in!!! My husband thought I was nuts when I freaked! I read that part three times to make sure I was reading it right. Lol
Ryder and Zeta<—— love the name btw. Ugh I don’t know where to start. This book had me from the beginning and it was rough to read in some spots. I did shed some tears for the pain and heartache. This book was about growth to me. They were a perfect mix and balance for each other. Top favorite couple so far in 2019 for me! I love Ryder. Gar I could of definitely lived without and not sure how he was allowed to stay around. Luc... no words.. his story was touching and heartfelt. I wanted Mikes story! Lol The support while dealing with addictions and PTSD I think could really help people. Your never weak to ask for help. The best of us do. This was well rounded and thought out book and it makes me excited to read whatever else Siobhan Davis writes! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complementary copy of this book. 1 like
This book is absolutely amazing!! There is so much angst, heartbreak and love. You will not be able to get enough. I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. Needing to know how Zeta and Ryder’s story would end. This book does not disappoint. Both Ryder and Zeta have been through so much in their lives when meeting in juvie. The love the fund for each other goes beyond what most can imagine. However; life gets in the way and people get hurt when trying to keep a loved one safe. I loved how well the characters were written. It’s as if you know them personally and can feel all of their pain. Being honest with each other about everything is what will set them free.
The emotions this author stirs up in this book is brilliant. She takes very touchy and thought-provoking topics and writes about them with care and grace. Ryder is the guitarist and lead singer for the band Torment. He leads the typical rockstar lifestyle-drinking, drugs and womanizing. He hides who he really is behind this fake façade and the woman he loves.
Zeta knew Ryder was special even as teens he could write music that moved her and when he was her protector in Juvie that sealed the deal. But Ryder disappeared on her one day and she doesn’t see him again until on TV and in tabloids being a rockstar. Now Zeta is assigned to interview him and his band. She has to put her big girl panties on and do it because anything is short of getting this interview would be career suicide.
Will Ryder get a second chance with his one true love? Will Zeta be able to forgive him for abandoning her? What will they do when the truth comes out about the reasons why he left her in the first place? Can Ryder take any more bombshells dropped on him? This book will make you cry, scream in frustration and pull at your heartstrings for what young Ryder and Zeta go through. I highly, highly recommend this book!!
No exaggerations to follow…
I have been sitting here, staring at my kindle for at least 5 minutes, just trying to process all the emotions. Emotions that burst from the book like a flash flood.
Im still not sure that I can label all of them.
I do know that I cried. A lot. Also similar to a flash flood.
Siobhan has a gift that very few can compete with. The way she can develop these characters with explosive chemistry, physical and emotional.
Im still in awe.
It is safe to say that I highly recommend this book. I will warn you of 2 things.
1) keep a fresh box of tissue near by.
2) TRIGGER! Drugs/sexual assult/gun violence/ child death.
Be ready for this. You may cry, but you will not regret reading this book.
Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars
Note: I have voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this title.
Only Ever You is an emotionally heavy novel about the power of first love, forgiveness, and mental health. Only Ever You follows two teenagers who fall in love in an unlikely setting only to be ripped apart. Eight years later, they’re reintroduced to each other as wholly different people than they were before.
As with all Siobhan Davis novels, Only Ever You tackles a lot of heavy topics. I would make a trigger warning disclaimer, but it would be a paragraph long list of almost every possible trigger. So, be warned.
Only Ever You is told in two parts, to which I am eternally grateful. The entire novel hinges on the main characters’, Zeta and Ryder, connection to each other because without it the story falls flat. Davis takes her time in developing the characters and their relationship slowly and methodically by giving readers an in-depth look into their past as opposed to simple flashbacks. Part two picks up eight years later and thus kicks off this roller coaster of a story.
The chemistry between Zeta and Ryder is hot. Their banter is sensually charged, yet playful and fun. Zeta and Ryder have two different relationships in this book, so experiencing the evolution of each is exciting and insightful. What plays a large role in their relationship is Ryder and is emotional baggage. Ryder is easily the most broken male character I’ve ever read. He deals with a lot of mental health issues throughout the novel, namely addiction, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. This plays a significant role in how Ryder and Zeta interact and cope.
As a result of Ryder’s vulnerability and fragility, there is a lot of drama in Only Ever You. If you’re not a fan of drama in romance then this novel is something you should steer clear of. Only Ever You is almost a 400-page novel and most of it is filled with drama. It wasn’t until the last 20-30% where I became annoyed with the next hurdle thrown their way.
One of the things I disliked most about the novel was the dialogue. On one hand, the dialogue flows nicely with their sensual and fun banter. On the other, it stumbles often with its over the top declarations of love and longing. Most of the time it just feels extra.
Overall, Only Ever You is an emotionally hard-hitting novel that might not be for everyone. The first chapter sets the tone for the novel while delivering a sucker punch readers won’t see coming.
***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
5 AMAZING Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
I have to be honest here, I pulled an all-nighter with this one!!!! This story was nothing like I was expecting it to be. It was soooooooo much more then I could have imagined. Only Ever You by Siobhan Davis is a beautifully written story. Their love story spans from when they were young until it is falling apart at the seems, But that is just the tip of the iceberg for this story.
It is so emotionally charged that I cried, laughed and got angry at times. Sometimes in life, we tend to take things for granted, then you read a story like this and it brings you back down to reality. This life can be beyond cruel.
This book is told in past and present tense and in dual point of views.
The author gives a note at the beginning that states heavy subject matter, including mental health, suicide, sexual assault, child abuse, loss of a child, violence, and addiction. So if there are triggers for you don’t read.
I have read many different genres of books but there is just something about this story that pulls you in.
It is hard for me to write a review for this book because it is hard to explain the feelings I got from this story. It’s brilliantly written. Ms. Davis delivered that sucker punch of a story. If you don’t come out a different person at the end then I just don’t know what to say.
Zeta has had one hell of a messed up childhood that lands her in juvie. The feeling of finally feeling like she can breathe a bit doesn’t last long when her eyes lock onto Ryder. Her world is about to be turned upside down once again.
Ryder been too long in juvie and is doing his time to get out without any complications. But the day Zeta arrives, changes his best-laid plans.
Two fractured souls try to find temporary reprieve but hit after hit continues to make this couple split apart at the seams. Life goes on, but sometimes not for the best and when their paths cross again can they be what each other needs or will life tear them apart yet again?
Did I mention that there is so many little twists and turns that OMG WOW!!!! I absolutely love this story and the way it is written.