A sweeping, second chance standalone romance!I was pretty good at living without regrets until a way too close call during a skydive. Instead of my life flashing before my eyes, I saw one face, one regret that’s been gnawing at me ever since—Presley. The woman I loved madly ten years ago. The woman I had to walk away from.At first, all I want is to sort out why I can’t get her out of my head. But … But as soon as I see Presley again, I know I have to win her back at any cost. Brilliant, captivating and utterly beautiful, she’s the one I want.Fate steps in when we’re asked to pair up to find a treasure in art and antiques. It’s an opportunity I can’t pass up—to uncover a path back to the woman I let get away while we chase down a love story a hundred years in the making. Trouble is, Presley is tougher now, more wary, and she’s been hurt. By me. So it’s going to take a whole lot more than one hot kiss and a wild adventure together to convince her to give me a second chance.
more
Second-chance romances are among my favorite trope to read. I love everything about them, from those yearning emotions of lost love to the sweet promise of the chance to find it again. What was special about P.S. It’s Always Been You was that this was a twofer of sorts, a love story within a love story, and I was completely wrapped up in both of them.
Young lovers, Presley, an art historian, and Hunter, an adventurer, make promises of forever on the eve of Hunter’s departure on an expedition. His plans change with a super-secret, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will have him in far-off places and out of communication for months on end, forcing him to make the decision to sever their relationship. A confused and hurt Presley is left behind to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart and start over. Ten years later, the project of a lifetime lands in her lap, but it comes with one heck of a surprise caveat. Her partner on this project is none other than adventurer extraordinaire, Hunter.
P.S. It’s Always Been You was a dual romance rich in intrigue and interest with the twist of a treasure hunt. I was all in as Presley and Hunter reconnected and rekindled their love while chasing the clues of Edward and Greta’s grand love story. I’ll admit I wasn’t Hunter’s biggest fan at first, but he worked to redeem himself to Presley—and me—as he realized the true weight of the regret he carried with him over his part in the demise of their young love. He was determined not to let this woman slip through his fingers a second time, and his swoon-worthy efforts to win her over made my heart race.
An adventurous, exciting, slow-burn romance, P.S. It’s Always Been You delivers two grandly romantic love stories within its pages. Full of charming details and teeming with the thrill of the hunt, I was completely captivated by this story as I raced through it right along with Hunter and Presley. Five smooches from me for P.S. It’s Always Been You by Lauren Blakely!
~Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads
5 The Ultimate In Second Chance Love Stories Stars!!!
This book is so much more than a love story. It’s a sweeping history of grand love, secrets, treasures to be found and ultimately, taking the leap to trust your heart in someone else’s hands. Hunter and Presley are the leads in this book and the love they thought they had found until fate stepped in and separated them.
But you know how fate works, it shows up when it knows you need it the most. After several years and many adventures they’re back in each other’s lives and this time, there’s so much at stake and I loved going on this journey with our H/h.
We’re swept back in time and there’s twists and turns that Hunter and Presley sometimes fought and other times embraced. Watching them find the love they’ve always had for each other blossom again but at a deeper level than the last time together because now there’s more at stake!
This is a book that you need to experience so you too can have the tears and smiles I experienced while reading this one. Ms. Blakely has delivered a story that drew me in, took me on many adventures, some with high stakes, and in the end, made me realize that not every love story is easy and simple and the ones that are hard fought for bring the greatest rewards.
This was a really cute book. I didnt care for Hunter in the beginning but he definitely redeemed himself. I loved him and Presley together. It was a beautiful love story that took on an adventure of it’s own. I loved the plot of the book because it was so different from others I’ve read. Lauren has again won me over with this new book.
Too much time spent on the background info at the beginning. I got bored
This book drags on a bit and has trouble keeping my interest, I’m not sure if I’ll finish it at all
I’ve climbed the highest peaks, hiked all over the world. I love adventure. It took one jump from an airplane when my parachute deployed too late, and I shattered my knee on landing, that my life was missing something. That someone whose face I saw in my mind when I thought I was going to die. My ex-girlfriend, Presley. Lately she’s been in my thoughts, even thou it’s been ten years since I’ve seen her. I left her then, when I promised her that we would be together. I have a reality show on the adventures I chase, in other words, I’m well known. Then I get a job offer that I can’t pass up, since Presley will also be involved.
Finding antiques and personal treasures is what I do. I work for an auction house, a job I love, but one that doesn’t offer much in the way of money. When an opportunity comes up to go over the antiques in the Valentina estate, before it is sold, I jump at the chance. Only problem is, my ex Hunter, he is the one I will be working with. Of all the people, it would have to be the man that broke my heart ten years ago. I’m hoping he will be unattractive after ten years, but no such luck. If anything the man is more gorgeous that before.
Hunter finds he is still attracted to Presley and he wants to show her how important she still is. He knows that he treated her badly by leaving without much of an explanation. Now is his chance to make things right. Will she forgive him and give him another chance.
I know I say this every time after I’ve read one of Lauren’s books, but this is now my favorite! I love that Hunter and Presley are out on a mission to find clues of love letters. I won’t say more because you must read this wonderful story!
Great story
Lauren Blakely has done it again, and this time we get TWO fantastic love stories rolled into one. Add in a little mystery to unravel and you’ve got yourself another winner!
Hunter is amazing! He’s an adrenaline junkie and I love his devil-may-care attitude. He’s always on the move looking for his next big adventure. He thrives on challenge. There are very few things he hasn’t accomplished in his life. He’s sexy, charming, funny, and irresistible. And once he stops to take a breath, he just might realize there is another adventure right in front of him.
Presley is perfect for Hunter. Once she overcomes her past with him, it’s easy to let him back in. She’s tough, and definitely not a push-over, but she has a forgiving and loving heart. She’s funny, feisty, and always quick to keep Hunter in line. She’s so supportive of him while still reaching for her own goals.
I loved this book! Watching them unravel the love story that brought them together in the first place was fun. Witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of heat round out this fun and flirty book that checks all the boxes for me. I highly recommend snagging this feel-good romance.
This is a breezy second chance romance that is as charming as it is unexpected. The chemistry between Hunter and Presley is palpable and the story is both heartwarming and funny. The supporting characters are interesting and contribute to the plot in important ways. And oh, the banter. So witty and a little bit naughty. And I’m here for all of it.
Fans of Lauren Blakely and new readers alike will love this novel.
Lauren Blakely does it again in P.S. It’s Always Been You. A devout worthy second-chance romance. When a near miss causes Hunter to rethink his future, one thing stands out, Presley. When circumstances bring them back together it’s like fate intervened.
I recommend P.S. It’s Always Been You, but be forewarned it’ll be done before you know it, so if you haven’t checked out Lauren Blakely’s other books, get ready to dive right in.
(I voluntarily reviewed an advance review copy of this book I received for free in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
“There are some chances that only pass your way once, and you have to grab them. Seize them, clutch them, and hold them tenaciously with all your might.”
P.S. It’s Always Been You was such a captivating second chance romance that will take you on an adventure of a lifetime.
As a former paratrooper with the US Army, thirty-seven year old Hunter Armstrong is not afraid of pushing his limits while exploring or going on survival expeditions. It’s in his blood to be an explorer and when presented with a life changing opportunity, he doesn’t hesitate to say yes. Even if it meant ending his relationship with Presley. Now ten years later, he is a famous author and host of an adventure series. He has been successful at everything he puts his mind to, yet when faced with an almost death situation during a skydive that could have gone wrong he recalls the one person he left behind. Regret fills him and feels the need to come back to New York to get her back. Fate had other plans for him the minute they’re asked to work together while sorting through antiques from a famous explorer family. Little did they know that the project would prove to be the start of their own romantic adventure.
Presley Turner is an art historian working as a curator for a prominent auction house. Although she has been working really hard to be good at what she does, she still has a long way to go when it comes to having success in the publishing world. It’s even more frustrating to see her ex, the one who hurt her ten years ago be all over billboards around town. He has found his success and she is not going to let him get in the way of hers. Presley is shocked to see Hunter back and she can’t believe she is going to be working with him. Yet, the minute they get to work it’s like going back in time when they used to dream about exploring and being together. Now they have to chase down a love story while they figure out if they can still save theirs.
It’s no secret that I love anything by Lauren Blakely, her stories are so full of life and feels. P.S. It’s Always Been You was no different, it was truly a story that had me reading nonstop until the very end. We get to meet Hunter, an explorer who has his own exploring series and it completely reminded me of Josh Gates (from an actual tv series Exploration Unknown). I fell in love with Hunter, he loves a good adventure and his chemistry with Presley is undeniable. They both compliment each other, while she loves a good book, Hunter loves the outdoors, yet they both are able to work together really well. But there are still things that they need to work on in order to make things work and the final result will leave you wanting for more. The story was beautifully written, I loved all the clues that they needed to figure out and the love letters that will ultimately bring them together. All in all, the story was great and if you love a good adventure full of romance then I would highly recommend checking out this book and any others by the author! 🙂
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
A second chance romance with a twist, a treasure hunt with a message.
Historian Presley and adventurer Hunter met 10 years before fell in love but separated when Hunter made a career move. They never kept in contact but that love remained buried deep inside.
Ten years later, the two meet again and have to work together. Will that love for each other uncover itself? Can it lead to a happily ever after do them?
Working together uncovering historical pieces leads them on a treasure hunt. Will this treasure hunt assist in developing the love they have for each other again?
Lauren Blakely does such an excellent job weaving the old and the new romance. You will be rooting for Hunter and Presley to give each other a second chance.
From the beginning our Hero and heroine’s relationship had an expiration date when he was going to leave for a job in Alaska. They decided to try a long distance relationship between New York and Alaska with the help of FaceTime and texting. At the last minute, Hunter receives an opportunity of a lifetime, to lead death defying adventure after adventure, often where there are no internet connections, so there’s no way to maintain a relationship. In the 10 years since their break up, Hunter has parlayed his success and branched off into writing best selling books and producing television shows. As a art historian, Presley hasn’t quite found the same success with the auction house she works for. But an opportunity arises which will bring their two careers together in a shared job. At the start, for different reasons, neither of them are interested in rekindling their relationship, preferring to keep things professional. As they keep their eyes open for a legendary treasure, their natural chemistry takes over as they uncover a potential clue and the adventure begins! Will they succeed at the job they were hired to do? Are the discoveries and revelations they make part of the job or something else? Will they again go their separate ways once the job is done? I’m trying to keep details of the story purposefully vague so I don’t give anything away, but I will say that I totally enjoyed their detective-skill conversations, and the way everything came together at the end. There were several supporting characters that added to their story, and we even saw cameos from Hunter’s friend, Josh (from Overnight Service), and Presley’s friend, Truly (from Instant Gratification)! Fun read!
3.5 stars
Not my favorite by Lauren Blakely. I liked the story itself and I liked Presley, but I didn’t really dig Hunter. His choices were ridiculous and I didn’t like the way he just swept back in and demanded Presley give him a second chance. He didn’t deserve one after ghosting her ass. She was a bit doormat-ish unfortunately.
I listened to this when it was released on Audible a few months ago and I loved it. If you love Audible, Scott Eastwood does a great job with the narration. I loved the story then and I loved it even more when I read it now. It had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation (even knowing what happens) and I was simply hooked from beginning to end.
I love second chance romances and this was a good one, mixed in with a bit of mystery as they investigate an old romance, a mystery scavenger hunt, that not only brings them an epic love story but also helps them rekindle the love they though they had lost.
Hunter made the mistake letting Presley go years ago but now he has a second chance he wont make that mistake again. The slow burn of them building their relationship up again was beautiful to watch play out.
“Some people don’t always see what’s in front of them. I didn’t.”
— Hunter
Ten years ago, Hunter hit a crossroad in his life: to follow his dreams or to stay and pursue a relationship with a woman who had stolen his heart. Being young and impulsive, the decision was made in a split second. He would follow the adventure of exploration and the opportunity that was knocking at his door. This is a decision he would come to regret time and time again.
For Presley, this was devastating. She had fallen deeply in love with Hunter. Yes, this was the once in a lifetime love people talk about. Never again would a man reach her heart again.
Now, having to work together, Presley and Hunter must first set the past straight before they can truly work as a team. In the meantime, once again that attraction they once felt is back again. It is more than a physical attraction. It must be that once and once love we all hear about. Now, it is up to them to make changes and compromise in order for a relationship to flourish.
I love it when our author writes these kind of books. The plot is thrilling, sensual, and mentally stimulating. With the added gem of a treasure hunt, these characters stole my heart!
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
Deliciously sweet! Lauren Blakely has penned a refreshing and irresistibly sweet, sexy and swoony story in which she introduces a historian and an explorer who ten years ago had a whirlwind romance but then set out to pursue their dreams separately.
Following his father’s advice, Hunter Armstrong has been living his dream, living to the fullest for the past ten years. He’s a highly successful adventurer, survivalist and author but after a very close call on his last jump, he saw his one regret flash through his mind and the perfect opportunity to get close to her has landed on his lap.
After her heartbreaking breakup with Hunter, Presley Turner sets out to pursue her career, but for her life hasn’t gone exactly as planned. She’s struggling yet hopeful, and when an opportunity arises she’s determined to thrive. Then she finds out who she’ll be working closely with and her resolve falters a bit. Because having her heart broken twice by the charismatic and gorgeous Hunter is not something she could easily recover from.
Uncovering intriguing artifacts that point to a romantic mystery, they follow the clues that not only reveal old secrets but rouse not so buried feelings the two once felt as if it were yesterday. Can they solve the mystery and find a way to get a second chance at love?
Blakely writes an original and engaging story filled with swoony romance, sizzling chemistry and fun adventure. Hunter and Presley are perfect for each other. He’s charismatic and good at everything he does. She’s smart and motivated. They don’t just make a great team solving clues, they’re also great together with a fun back and forth and loving support. Their story was such a delight to read.
PS It’s Always Been About You is book #1 of the PS It’s Always Been About You series by Lauren Blakely. It’s an absolutely swoon worthy second chance romance that kept me smiling widely throughout. It’s a standalone romance, told from both points of view with a happy ending.
4 stars
I purchase a copy of the steamy novel P.S. It’s Always Been You: A Second Chance Romance: Presley and Hunter by Lauren Blakely and this review was given freely.
Easy flowing and action packed with a touch of steam. This is a struggle which spans multiple generations, involves adventure and the art world, two couple’s desire to form lasting relationships and a mother’s loving interference through love letters and a scavenger hunt. Ten years after a Valentine’s day trip where Hunter Armstrong leaves the country and breaks Presley’s heart,Hunter’s mother stages a reunion between the struggling auction house curator/ New York nonfiction author Presley Turner and the now highly successful former Army paratrooper,author and host of the philanthropy adventure series Man Against the Elements, Hunter.
P.S. It’s Always Been You is a fun and sweet second chance romance. I really liked both Presley and Hunter, and it was easy to root for the two of them to actually make it this time. (Though I have to admit, I was 100% with Presley on this one–it was super annoying that Hunter just got more attractive and more successful while they were apart–the two things everyone knows exes are NOT supposed to do. The jerk–boy, did he have a lot to make up for! 😉 )
The treasure hunt added an extra element of fun–I enjoyed watching the two of them work together to figure out the clues, and the letters from the past added an extra layer of sweetness (be on the lookout for the book’s title–it makes a cameo!) The meddling family and friends…I’m a bit more on the fence about them, but their hearts were in the right place, so…all’s well that ends well?
P.S. It’s Always Been You has the sexy banter that Ms Blakely’s books are known for, with two likable characters who clearly have oodles of chemistry together. The second chance aspect of the story might be a sticking point for some–the reason for the breakup is not my favorite, and better communication in the present definitely would have made their journey to a second chance more smooth–but ultimately, I put the book down with a smile on my face.
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
P.S. It’s Always Been You was a sweet second chance romance quest that kept me smiling until the last page.
Hunter and Presley were young and in love when life’s plans sent them in different directions each missing a piece of their heart they left with the other. When an opportunity of a lifetime put Hunter back into Presley’s path they were both determined to seize the chance they were given. I loved watching Presley and Hunter reconnect and rekindle their love as they chased the clues of the grand Valentina love story.
I adored the adventures these two took me on as I tried to piece together the clues right alongside them. The touches of history, hints of hidden treasures, and a beautiful love story within a love story made P.S. It’s Always Been You a delightful afternoon read.