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Quaint #2
I Still Love You
LAYLA
Two years ago, I fled.
I have no choice but to pack up and move back to Quaint when a tiny computer glitch screws me out of my next traveling nurse opportunity. At first, it makes me anxious. Because he’s there. My ex, the man I pulled away from instead of leaning on after tragedy struck.
Then I realize I’m being gifted another chance to redeem myself from past mistakes and release the guilt I’ve been harboring. The problem? Luke Sacks has no intention of forgiving me. He spits nasty insults at me every chance he gets. Glares at me with those brilliant green eyes that used to worship me.
It only worsens when I put my foot in my mouth and lie to a coworker that Luke and I are together again. Only, we’re far from it.
LUKE
Two years ago, she fled.
After a bar fight leaves me with a nasty little gash, my twin brother forces me to the emergency room. In a flash, it’s as if the past two years haven’t gone by because she’s there. My ex, the woman I lowered to one knee for.
The chance encounter is short-lived, but then suddenly, she’s back in Quaint, declaring to a coworker that we’re back together. I go from being her ex-fiancé to her fake boyfriend in seconds. Stunned, I don’t clear the air. First, because this guy rubs me the wrong way. Second, the heartbreak is too real, the anger too palpable.
So, I strike up a deal that I’m positive will have her leaving Quaint permanently. Because there’s no way I’ll ever forgive Layla Robinson for what she did to me, for the shockwave she leveled me with when she pulled her Houdini act.
This time when she leaves, I’ll be looking forward to it.
TRIGGER WARNING – SEXUAL ASSAULT, VIOLENT BEHAVOIR
I STILL LOVE YOU is a full-length enemies to lovers, second chance, fake dating romance with a hot twin, hilarious side characters, angsty tension, and past mistakes that eventually lead to a happily ever after! Recommended for 18+.
Two years ago, I fled.
I have no choice but to pack up and move back to Quaint when a tiny computer glitch screws me out of my next traveling nurse opportunity. At first, it makes me anxious. Because he’s there. My ex, the man I pulled away from instead of leaning on after tragedy struck.
Then I realize I’m being gifted another chance to redeem myself from past mistakes and release the guilt I’ve been harboring. The problem? Luke Sacks has no intention of forgiving me. He spits nasty insults at me every chance he gets. Glares at me with those brilliant green eyes that used to worship me.
It only worsens when I put my foot in my mouth and lie to a coworker that Luke and I are together again. Only, we’re far from it.
LUKE
Two years ago, she fled.
After a bar fight leaves me with a nasty little gash, my twin brother forces me to the emergency room. In a flash, it’s as if the past two years haven’t gone by because she’s there. My ex, the woman I lowered to one knee for.
The chance encounter is short-lived, but then suddenly, she’s back in Quaint, declaring to a coworker that we’re back together. I go from being her ex-fiancé to her fake boyfriend in seconds. Stunned, I don’t clear the air. First, because this guy rubs me the wrong way. Second, the heartbreak is too real, the anger too palpable.
So, I strike up a deal that I’m positive will have her leaving Quaint permanently. Because there’s no way I’ll ever forgive Layla Robinson for what she did to me, for the shockwave she leveled me with when she pulled her Houdini act.
This time when she leaves, I’ll be looking forward to it.
TRIGGER WARNING – SEXUAL ASSAULT, VIOLENT BEHAVOIR
I STILL LOVE YOU is a full-length enemies to lovers, second chance, fake dating romance with a hot twin, hilarious side characters, angsty tension, and past mistakes that eventually lead to a happily ever after! Recommended for 18+.
Published October 25, 2022
About the author
Sara Tallary
5 books145 followersSara Tallary lives in eastern Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids, and dog. When she isn’t spending her days writing or brainstorming new ideas for stories, she’s homeschooling her kids, cuddling up with her gorgeous Malinois pup, and binge-watching TV shows with her husband or playing Mario Kart (and winning, hah!). Though she tries to stay on a healthy diet, she has a love for sweets, is constantly adding books to her TBR, and loves a good laugh.
For upcoming releases and all things writing related, join her newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
For upcoming releases and all things writing related, join her newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 24, 2022
There is something alluring about the battle between the flames of an unquenched love and the hatred that seeks to snuff it out. And Luke and Layla played their parts in this exceedingly well.
I Still Love You was the perfect opposite to I Choose You that delivered on the promise and skill set previously by Tallary’s craft, and I was hooked. Two years of unresolved anger left to fester, all that hate-love tension, and a fake relationship with the fiancée who ran out on you two years ago? What’s not to love about this diagnosis!
The chokehold Luke and Layla had me in through every spat and flirtatious dance was undeniable, and the spice; hot damn! Their battle between wanting and denying out of self-preservation was written well and, combined with some miscommunication and guarded intentions, it packed the perfect punch of drama and angst as the backdrop to these messy affairs of the heart. Underlying this resurrected love, however, was a grief and pain so raw that both had to work through together, and at times, apart. There was no shortage of wounds inflicted and the depths traversed into these heavy feelings was handled delicately and maturely: each emotion a direct line from page to heart.
The prognosis? A promising, seductive second chance and a happy ending well deserved.
🩺 Forced Proximity
🩺 Fake Dating
🩺 Second Chance Romance
🩺 Slow Burn
TW: sexual assault and violent acts
I received an advanced copy thanks to the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I Still Love You was the perfect opposite to I Choose You that delivered on the promise and skill set previously by Tallary’s craft, and I was hooked. Two years of unresolved anger left to fester, all that hate-love tension, and a fake relationship with the fiancée who ran out on you two years ago? What’s not to love about this diagnosis!
The chokehold Luke and Layla had me in through every spat and flirtatious dance was undeniable, and the spice; hot damn! Their battle between wanting and denying out of self-preservation was written well and, combined with some miscommunication and guarded intentions, it packed the perfect punch of drama and angst as the backdrop to these messy affairs of the heart. Underlying this resurrected love, however, was a grief and pain so raw that both had to work through together, and at times, apart. There was no shortage of wounds inflicted and the depths traversed into these heavy feelings was handled delicately and maturely: each emotion a direct line from page to heart.
The prognosis? A promising, seductive second chance and a happy ending well deserved.
🩺 Forced Proximity
🩺 Fake Dating
🩺 Second Chance Romance
🩺 Slow Burn
TW: sexual assault and violent acts
I received an advanced copy thanks to the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
October 19, 2022
This book is my first book by Sara Tallary that I've read. It is an enemies to lovers book that the lovers were originally engaged. Layla and Luke were engaged then Layla had a tragedy happen in her life. Her father died suddenly. Layla suddenly can't deal with it anymore and leaves the town of Quaint, Maine where her whole was before her dad died. The book jumps two years later when Layla and look run into each other for the first time in those two years and since she broke the engagement off. She took a traveling nurse position and has been doing that for the past two years. Luke hates Layla right now on the surface but deep down he really still loves her and is just broken hearted and hurt that she left and ghosted him for two years. Layla is working at a hospital ER in Austin, Texas where Mason, Luke's brother lives and Luke is brought in for stitches. A nursing job that Layla thought she had fell through so the traveling nurse program sends her to the one place she doesn't want to go home Quaint, Maine. She's happy to go and see her mom and sisters but not to work at Regional Hospital ER for 6 months. She runs into Luke because he is the Sports Therapist in the building next to the ER. He comes over to the hospital to the cafeteria. Layla is being stalked by this radiologist Andrew. He is creepy. Andrew is following Layla back to the ER from the cafeteria and Luke walks up and she tells Andrew that they are back together even though Luke hates her right now. As you read on you learn more and more about Layla and Luke. They both start to deal with the past and try to move on with the future.
I recommend this book but know that there are triggers of violence, sexual assault, and anger.- Kristina
I recommend this book but know that there are triggers of violence, sexual assault, and anger.- Kristina
October 26, 2022
The beginning started a little rough for me - I wanted to hate both characters for their actions. I especially hated Layla - she came off as very selfish. Thankfully the characters got better and I enjoyed the book. I do think there was potential for a deeper conflict than what happened. Some of their reactions to events seemed over the top. Overall an enjoyable read after the first part. I hope Luke’s friends get books.
Be sure to check the CW/TW before reading.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Be sure to check the CW/TW before reading.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
October 20, 2022
I recieved this ARC for my honest review.
Luke isn't himself after Layla left everything including him behind 2 years ago to deal with her grief and figure out her life. He is a man truly at war with his heart and head who never allowed himself to deal with all the resentment of her leaving him. So when they bump into one another in Texas and then Layla shows back up unannounced, it flips his world on its axis and all his pent up anger continues to implode.
After a slip of words and a chance run in encounter, literally, they are forced to now figure out how to maneuver a fake relationship and their feelings while they both are trying desperately to push what they feel away because the past should be left in the past. Or should it?
Treading very rough waters while they brave their agreement they both end up realizing some times you love to hate a person just as much as you hate to love them. Friends and family see that their love never disappeared, but they both continue to have issues communicating and would rather let their hurt take the wheel.
Layla sticking around this time could be their happily ever after but just as that thought emerges, so does the doubt.
This is the 1st book I've read by this author and will be adding her to my favorites shelf! She keeps you on the edge, not knowing who is going to have the next mood swing and not be able to spit out what they are really thinking and feeling. These are characters you fall in love with.
Luke isn't himself after Layla left everything including him behind 2 years ago to deal with her grief and figure out her life. He is a man truly at war with his heart and head who never allowed himself to deal with all the resentment of her leaving him. So when they bump into one another in Texas and then Layla shows back up unannounced, it flips his world on its axis and all his pent up anger continues to implode.
After a slip of words and a chance run in encounter, literally, they are forced to now figure out how to maneuver a fake relationship and their feelings while they both are trying desperately to push what they feel away because the past should be left in the past. Or should it?
Treading very rough waters while they brave their agreement they both end up realizing some times you love to hate a person just as much as you hate to love them. Friends and family see that their love never disappeared, but they both continue to have issues communicating and would rather let their hurt take the wheel.
Layla sticking around this time could be their happily ever after but just as that thought emerges, so does the doubt.
This is the 1st book I've read by this author and will be adding her to my favorites shelf! She keeps you on the edge, not knowing who is going to have the next mood swing and not be able to spit out what they are really thinking and feeling. These are characters you fall in love with.
October 17, 2022
I received and ARC from the author and happily give my honest opinion. Luke & Layla looked like they were about to embark on their life together when tragedy strikes and makes Lyla run away from everyone she loves. Luke is devastated when she goes and when she reappears two years later he is not happy to see her. She always loved him and still does, but she just didn’t know how to deal with things back then. Now she is back and and it breaks her heart to feel his contempt. To put off a persistent colleague she says that they are dating again which Luke goes along with on the understanding that she leaves town when her contract is up. I must admit I found both their reactions to certain situations a bit extreme. Luke’s actions at the start of the book led me to expected a different event to have triggered their break up. I understood how hurt Luke was, but found his anger hard to handle. If I had been Layla it would have been very off putting. Their biggest issue was lack of communication and it takes a lot for them to get through their past but liked that they did eventually get their HEA.
October 26, 2022
3.5 stars. Luke Sacks and Layla Robinson were that couple who were destined to live out a happily ever after future together. But a tragedy tore Layla’s world apart so she had to leave her hometown of Quaint, in addition to giving up Luke. Now, 2 years later, Layla is back in town and she and Luke work in the same place. Aside from the festering grudge that Luke holds and makes it obvious, Layla needs his help to prove to a creepy coworker that she is unavailable and uninterested. They seemed like the definition of couple goals in the last book, only to discover that they are terrible with open and honest communication in this story. Between Layla always ducking and dodging versus Luke with his temper and frosty attitude, they make very little progress. I felt for Layla and appreciated that she didn’t budge for Luke when he was being a complete jerk. He was allowed to be mad, but his behavior was ridiculous and she stood her ground. I wasn’t sure that I could even root for Luke due to his immaturity and temper tantrums, but I know he’s a genuine good guy underneath and he’s great at his job which involves taking care of other people. Layla wasn’t without her faults either, yet she needed her space to figure things out. I’m glad they eventually worked things out and found their way back to each other, even though it was a bumpy path. What I love about second chances is that couples are accepting and forgiving the past so they won’t lose out on an amazing future.
October 25, 2022
ARC REVIEW
I Still Love You By @saratallaryauthor
Sara has done it again, another amazing book!
I Still Love You is the perfect 2nd book in the Quaint Series! This book follows Luke, Masons twin brother.
This book is full of emotion. There's anger, sadness, hilarious, and happiness all in one book.
Luke and Layla did not end their relationship on a good note and neither thought they would really ever see the other again. Until they did. Of course things didn't go well, then things go even worse when they were forced to work together and love in the same town again.
A fake relationship, lots of anger and resentment and finally second chances makes this enemies to lovers love story so powerful!
Sara is an amazing and talented author. She brings so much detail and emotion into this book. I can honestly say this is a page turner. You will want to know more and more after every page.
I Still Love You By @saratallaryauthor
Sara has done it again, another amazing book!
I Still Love You is the perfect 2nd book in the Quaint Series! This book follows Luke, Masons twin brother.
This book is full of emotion. There's anger, sadness, hilarious, and happiness all in one book.
Luke and Layla did not end their relationship on a good note and neither thought they would really ever see the other again. Until they did. Of course things didn't go well, then things go even worse when they were forced to work together and love in the same town again.
A fake relationship, lots of anger and resentment and finally second chances makes this enemies to lovers love story so powerful!
Sara is an amazing and talented author. She brings so much detail and emotion into this book. I can honestly say this is a page turner. You will want to know more and more after every page.
October 18, 2022
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
I think I should have passed on this ARC and waited to read it when it came out because of my mood reader tendencies. I wasn't in the mood for a small town second chance romance. So my thoughts will reflect that.
The plot is perfect. I love the conflict and the back story. What got redundant was the back and forth of their feelings so much. (Which is a big trope I know many will love, and which I usually love) I wasn't in the right mind for this at this time.
I hope everyone loves these 2 as much as they should be loved and I will be reading it again later down the line.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
I think I should have passed on this ARC and waited to read it when it came out because of my mood reader tendencies. I wasn't in the mood for a small town second chance romance. So my thoughts will reflect that.
The plot is perfect. I love the conflict and the back story. What got redundant was the back and forth of their feelings so much. (Which is a big trope I know many will love, and which I usually love) I wasn't in the right mind for this at this time.
I hope everyone loves these 2 as much as they should be loved and I will be reading it again later down the line.
October 18, 2022
I received this ARC and my honest review.
I’ve never heard of this author and this is the first book I’ve read by her and it was amazing. The way she writes the feelings of the characters you can feel the hate and anger. The book went fast for me and I really enjoyed it. I’d love to read more by her.
I’ve never heard of this author and this is the first book I’ve read by her and it was amazing. The way she writes the feelings of the characters you can feel the hate and anger. The book went fast for me and I really enjoyed it. I’d love to read more by her.
October 17, 2022
This was a really good read! I enjoyed it!
October 27, 2022
This was a really good book. This is a new author to me so I was not sure what to expect. I have to say I was pleasantly impressed. Luke and Layla are so much in love, then Layla leaves and breaks his heart. Luke see's her again after 2 years and all the hurt and anger come barreling back. He does not hide how much he despises Layla. These two had so much to work through. There is plenty of angst and emotional tension to keep the pages turning. Love how they finally get their HEA.
I was sent a free book from WordSmith Publicity and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I was sent a free book from WordSmith Publicity and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
October 29, 2022
Dual POV. Fake relationship. Lover to enemies to lovers. Second chance.
I received an ARC for this book and this is my honest opinion!
Layla is a travel nurse whose contract in Texas is coming to an end, so she moves back to her home town and takes a job at the hospital. Coincidentally, her ex fiancé works as their sport’s therapist at the same hospital. The grieve that Layla felt throughout the book felt so real, as if I was Layla and it was me feeling all those things. Her seeing Luke again had me hooked. I couldn’t put the book down and wanted to see how this turned out. I laughed out loud at the baseball seen, and the phone call with Claire after the charity dinner. Claire is my favorite character with her nonchalant attitude and her witty comebacks. This book gives you a lot of home family feelings, the grief from losing someone so close to you, and also losing half of your soul. They both needed to take some time away and figure their stuff out and that is when Layla came back. I do wish that Luke would have taken more time to figure his pent up anger and feelings out, but I did enjoy this book. I loved the bittersweet ending we had at the end as well!
I received an ARC for this book and this is my honest opinion!
Layla is a travel nurse whose contract in Texas is coming to an end, so she moves back to her home town and takes a job at the hospital. Coincidentally, her ex fiancé works as their sport’s therapist at the same hospital. The grieve that Layla felt throughout the book felt so real, as if I was Layla and it was me feeling all those things. Her seeing Luke again had me hooked. I couldn’t put the book down and wanted to see how this turned out. I laughed out loud at the baseball seen, and the phone call with Claire after the charity dinner. Claire is my favorite character with her nonchalant attitude and her witty comebacks. This book gives you a lot of home family feelings, the grief from losing someone so close to you, and also losing half of your soul. They both needed to take some time away and figure their stuff out and that is when Layla came back. I do wish that Luke would have taken more time to figure his pent up anger and feelings out, but I did enjoy this book. I loved the bittersweet ending we had at the end as well!
October 26, 2022
I received this ARC for my honest review!
When I first started off with this book I couldn't stand Luke. I get why he was the way he was with layla but it still bugged but the more pages I read the more I feel in love with Layla & Luke! This book hit some hard moments for me personally but at the same time it made me love it more because of the personal connection. This was my first Sara Tallary book & I don't regret taking a chance on it.
When I first started off with this book I couldn't stand Luke. I get why he was the way he was with layla but it still bugged but the more pages I read the more I feel in love with Layla & Luke! This book hit some hard moments for me personally but at the same time it made me love it more because of the personal connection. This was my first Sara Tallary book & I don't regret taking a chance on it.
November 3, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
LAYLA
Two years ago, I fled. I have no choice but to pack up and move back to Quaint when a tiny computer glitch screws me out of my next traveling nurse opportunity. At first, it makes me anxious. Because he's there. My ex, the man I pulled away from instead of leaning on after tragedy struck. Then I realize I'm being gifted another chance to redeem myself from past mistakes and release the guilt I've been harboring. The problem? Luke Sacks has no intention of forgiving me. He spits nasty insults at me every chance he gets. Glares at me with those brilliant green eyes that used to worship me. It only worsens when I put my foot in my mouth and lie to a coworker that Luke and I are together again. Only, we're far from it.
LUKE
Two years ago she fled. After a bar fight leaves me with a nasty little gash, my twin brother forces me to the emergency room. In a flash, it's as if the past two years haven't gone by because she's there. My ex, the woman I lowered on one knee for. The chance encounter is short-lived, but then suddenly, she's back in Quaint, declaring to a coworker that we're back together. I go from being her ex-fiance to her fake boyfriend in seconds. Stunned, I don't clear the air. First, because this guy rubs me the wrong way. Second, the heartbreak is too real, the anger too palpable. So, I strike up a deal that I'm positive will have her leaving Quaint permanently. Because there's no way I'll ever forgive Layla Robinson for what she did tome, for the shockwave she leveled me with when she pulled her Houdini act. this time when she leaves, I'll be looking forward to it.
This book has a trigger warning on it. You will want to check that out before diving into this book as it might contain triggers for some readers. This is also a enemies to lovers romance
Layla and Luke were engaged once until she disappeared after her father unexpectedly passed away. She just can not deal with things anymore and the only way she know how to is to leave the town of Quaint, Maine. She's spent her entire life there but now the time has come to be a traveling nurse and forget everything. However in the process she ripped out Luke's heart and handed it to him on a silver platter. Two years she has been gone and Luke has never forgotten what she did and how she left him. Ghosted him like he didn't even matter and he can't stand her. Or so he claims. Deep down he really still loves her. He never expects to see her again. But, as fate would have it he injuries himself and needs stitches while visiting his twin brother in Austin, Tx and that trip to the ER holds a huge surprise when Layla is his nurse. However she is about to be in the one place she never wanted to be back in. Quaint, Maine thanks to a computer glitch for her traveling nurse job. It isn't long before she is seeing Luke again as she now is working beside the ER she will be in for six months However she has picked up the unwanted attention of Andrew at the hospital and she has to make him stop following her around so she tells him that she and Luke are back together. Oh what a tangled web she is weaving and I have to stop telling you about the book or I am going to spoil something. I liked reading this book and loved the characters. They do have quiet the story to tell.
LAYLA
Two years ago, I fled. I have no choice but to pack up and move back to Quaint when a tiny computer glitch screws me out of my next traveling nurse opportunity. At first, it makes me anxious. Because he's there. My ex, the man I pulled away from instead of leaning on after tragedy struck. Then I realize I'm being gifted another chance to redeem myself from past mistakes and release the guilt I've been harboring. The problem? Luke Sacks has no intention of forgiving me. He spits nasty insults at me every chance he gets. Glares at me with those brilliant green eyes that used to worship me. It only worsens when I put my foot in my mouth and lie to a coworker that Luke and I are together again. Only, we're far from it.
LUKE
Two years ago she fled. After a bar fight leaves me with a nasty little gash, my twin brother forces me to the emergency room. In a flash, it's as if the past two years haven't gone by because she's there. My ex, the woman I lowered on one knee for. The chance encounter is short-lived, but then suddenly, she's back in Quaint, declaring to a coworker that we're back together. I go from being her ex-fiance to her fake boyfriend in seconds. Stunned, I don't clear the air. First, because this guy rubs me the wrong way. Second, the heartbreak is too real, the anger too palpable. So, I strike up a deal that I'm positive will have her leaving Quaint permanently. Because there's no way I'll ever forgive Layla Robinson for what she did tome, for the shockwave she leveled me with when she pulled her Houdini act. this time when she leaves, I'll be looking forward to it.
This book has a trigger warning on it. You will want to check that out before diving into this book as it might contain triggers for some readers. This is also a enemies to lovers romance
Layla and Luke were engaged once until she disappeared after her father unexpectedly passed away. She just can not deal with things anymore and the only way she know how to is to leave the town of Quaint, Maine. She's spent her entire life there but now the time has come to be a traveling nurse and forget everything. However in the process she ripped out Luke's heart and handed it to him on a silver platter. Two years she has been gone and Luke has never forgotten what she did and how she left him. Ghosted him like he didn't even matter and he can't stand her. Or so he claims. Deep down he really still loves her. He never expects to see her again. But, as fate would have it he injuries himself and needs stitches while visiting his twin brother in Austin, Tx and that trip to the ER holds a huge surprise when Layla is his nurse. However she is about to be in the one place she never wanted to be back in. Quaint, Maine thanks to a computer glitch for her traveling nurse job. It isn't long before she is seeing Luke again as she now is working beside the ER she will be in for six months However she has picked up the unwanted attention of Andrew at the hospital and she has to make him stop following her around so she tells him that she and Luke are back together. Oh what a tangled web she is weaving and I have to stop telling you about the book or I am going to spoil something. I liked reading this book and loved the characters. They do have quiet the story to tell.
October 22, 2022
I am so tired of living in a time where so much hurt is present... I’m ready for something different.
Two years ago, Layla and Luke were engaged. But an unexpected event happened. So Layla fled Quaint to find herself, leaving Luke and everyone else behind. Then, when there was a computer glitch causing Layla’s next traveling nurse job to fall through, she returned to Quaint.
Do you believe in coincidences? Because I sure don’t. I think that everything happens for a reason. When Layla returned to Quaint, she took it as a sign to relieve the guilt she felt and the mistakes she had made. On the other hand, Luke doesn’t want anything to do with Layla because when she left, if messed with him.
Fake dating. Deals. Enemies to lovers. Small town. A second chance romance. Second chances, in general. These are all things that I love to read about, and once I see any of these mentions? Just sign me up! I want to read them immediately.
Oh, these characters. As frustrated as I was reading about them, they felt realistic and relatable. Some bits and pieces felt like they were my own experiences or at least something similar to it. I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to scream out loud at Luke and Layla, asking them ‘WHY?’ But looking back, I think I would have reacted/made similar decisions. Yet, beneath all of the guilt and anger, there’s love. Because if you’re indifferent, why even bother to waste so much energy? It would be pointless.
Slow burns and I have a love-hate relationship. Yes, I know I can’t always read something fast-paced. But my attention span can only take so much. Even though I thought it was too slow for me at times, once I got over the hump, I ended up enjoying I Still Love You overall. However, it took me a little longer to read than I had hoped. I Still Love You left me wanting to know more about Quaint, Mason, and Mackenzie. I Choose You is on a list of books I will read when I get the chance. Sara Tallary is a new-to-me author, and I’m willing to give her another chance to see if it was just me, the book, or the circumstances that impacted my experience. Hopefully, no one takes this the wrong way because even though my reading experience wasn’t the best, I was entertained and would reread it at some point to see if that would make a difference.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.25)
I received this ARC for my honest review.
October 25, 2022
Title: I Still Love You
Author: Sara Tallary
Hero/Heroine: Luke & Layla
Tropes: Second Chance/Small Town/Enemies to Lovers
TW/CW: Violent behaviour, sexual assault, anger management issues, death of a parent (off page but mentioned frequently),
THE GOOD 😀
After seeing the arc sign up for this in an author reader group on Facebook, I knew it was one I wanted to sign up for. Second chance romance in a small town with a touch of enemies to lovers? Talk about a trope filled wonder.
After the death of her father, Layla flees her hometown, fiancé and family included, to try and escape her all encompassing grief. A travelling nurse, Layla moves from town to town whenever a position becomes available. After a computer glitch winds up with Layla back in her hometown of Quaint, she realises she’s going to come face to face with the one person that wants absolutely nothing to do with her.
Luke and Layla’s story was filled with a load of angst and some serious sexual tension, but like hate filled sexual tension which makes it even hotter, just sayin’. Even though Luke harboured a lot of resentment toward Layla and how she left things with them, you could tell at the root of it all that he still cared so deeply for her. Layla, getting tired of running from town to town, realised how much she missed family and the comfort that being with Luke brought.
This book dealt with some pretty heavy subjects and I appreciated how sensitively the author approached these. These two characters were far from perfect, they had their flaws, but I think that this made them so much more human and added more depth to their story.
Another new author found and added to my list, Sara Tallary created a wonderful and heartfelt story about grief, love and emotional growth. Definitely one not to be missed.
THE BAD ☹️
Andrew. There aren’t enough bad words in the dictionary to sum up my intense dislike for this creep.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: A wonderful tension filled second chance romance
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Sara Tallary
Hero/Heroine: Luke & Layla
Tropes: Second Chance/Small Town/Enemies to Lovers
TW/CW: Violent behaviour, sexual assault, anger management issues, death of a parent (off page but mentioned frequently),
THE GOOD 😀
After seeing the arc sign up for this in an author reader group on Facebook, I knew it was one I wanted to sign up for. Second chance romance in a small town with a touch of enemies to lovers? Talk about a trope filled wonder.
After the death of her father, Layla flees her hometown, fiancé and family included, to try and escape her all encompassing grief. A travelling nurse, Layla moves from town to town whenever a position becomes available. After a computer glitch winds up with Layla back in her hometown of Quaint, she realises she’s going to come face to face with the one person that wants absolutely nothing to do with her.
Luke and Layla’s story was filled with a load of angst and some serious sexual tension, but like hate filled sexual tension which makes it even hotter, just sayin’. Even though Luke harboured a lot of resentment toward Layla and how she left things with them, you could tell at the root of it all that he still cared so deeply for her. Layla, getting tired of running from town to town, realised how much she missed family and the comfort that being with Luke brought.
This book dealt with some pretty heavy subjects and I appreciated how sensitively the author approached these. These two characters were far from perfect, they had their flaws, but I think that this made them so much more human and added more depth to their story.
Another new author found and added to my list, Sara Tallary created a wonderful and heartfelt story about grief, love and emotional growth. Definitely one not to be missed.
THE BAD ☹️
Andrew. There aren’t enough bad words in the dictionary to sum up my intense dislike for this creep.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: A wonderful tension filled second chance romance
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 28, 2022
Layla is one of the most self-absorbed characters I've read in a long time. She acts as if she's the only one who lost her father, the only one who is grieving. She has moments where she realizes that her actions have impacted and hurt other people, especially Luke. And she finally offers Luke an explanation for why she did what she did. However, when it comes down to it, I don't think she ever actually apologizes to him or lets him know she takes responsibility for how she wrecked him. Instead, she constantly plays the victim and pushes Luke away -- when she's not using him, of course. And why she didn't fess up to why she needed help to deal with Andrew, I don't know. Meanwhile, Luke seems to take responsibility for everything and apologizes repeatedly. While he went overboard lashing out at Layla for how she hurt him (and as a defence mechanism to protect himself from getting hurt again), his actions are understandable.
A couple of random 'it's-me-not-you' comments: Late in the book, Layla refers to what Andrew did as 'the entire Andrew fiasco.' I don't think 'fiasco' is an appropriate word for what he did -- and tried to do-- to her.
Pledge of Commitment (charity game)-- from the vague references, I'm assuming it's to raise money for the hospital. However, this phrase just makes me think of fundamental Christians making a pledge to commit themselves to God.
The clinic where 'department heads have selected who will donate their time for it': usually volunteering means you aren't getting paid for doing the work. Does that mean people who are volunteered [voluntold] to work at the clinic are not getting paid for those two days? I'm not sure how it works in the US, but here in Canada, there would be a problem.
I tried to enjoy the book more, but really, it's hard to do when you dislike one of the main characters most of the time.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
A couple of random 'it's-me-not-you' comments: Late in the book, Layla refers to what Andrew did as 'the entire Andrew fiasco.' I don't think 'fiasco' is an appropriate word for what he did -- and tried to do-- to her.
Pledge of Commitment (charity game)-- from the vague references, I'm assuming it's to raise money for the hospital. However, this phrase just makes me think of fundamental Christians making a pledge to commit themselves to God.
The clinic where 'department heads have selected who will donate their time for it': usually volunteering means you aren't getting paid for doing the work. Does that mean people who are volunteered [voluntold] to work at the clinic are not getting paid for those two days? I'm not sure how it works in the US, but here in Canada, there would be a problem.
I tried to enjoy the book more, but really, it's hard to do when you dislike one of the main characters most of the time.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 25, 2022
I received an ARC for this book and I’m so glad I did! I haven’t read anything by Sara Tallary yet, but after reading this one - I’ll be adding her books to my TBR in the future.
This book has so many of my favorite tropes:
-enemies to lovers
-second chance
-fake dating
-slow burn
Two years ago, Layla and Luke were engaged when life as Layla knows it ends - and she takes off, leaving her home town of Quaint, and Luke, behind. Luke turns into a shell of himself in the aftermath of Layla’s departure, losing control of his emotions and turning to anger and violence.
Now, after a computer glitch causes her next traveling nurse contract to fall through, Layla takes a contract at the hospital back in Quaint and ends up coming face to face with last person she wants to see and the one person who despises her. On top of that, she makes up a bold-faced lie that she and Luke are dating to avoid a creepy co-worker from coming on to her.
Luke and Layla’s story was so full of angst, two years of pent up, avoided feelings, hatred, unrequited love, and sexual tension. Their internal battles of wanting (and still loving) the other and forcing themselves to reject the other out of self-preservation was well done.
I thought the way Layla ghosted Luke in the past was pretty horrible - however, I know when you’re in the middle of grieving such a huge loss like Layla was, you aren’t always yourself or thinking straight. And on the other side of things, I totally understood Luke’s hatred and hesitation with Layla. This whole dynamic made this a fun story to read. There was some miscommunication throughout the story that was a little frustrating, but given the difficult circumstances that the characters were in - I decided to let it slide😏
This book has so many of my favorite tropes:
-enemies to lovers
-second chance
-fake dating
-slow burn
Two years ago, Layla and Luke were engaged when life as Layla knows it ends - and she takes off, leaving her home town of Quaint, and Luke, behind. Luke turns into a shell of himself in the aftermath of Layla’s departure, losing control of his emotions and turning to anger and violence.
Now, after a computer glitch causes her next traveling nurse contract to fall through, Layla takes a contract at the hospital back in Quaint and ends up coming face to face with last person she wants to see and the one person who despises her. On top of that, she makes up a bold-faced lie that she and Luke are dating to avoid a creepy co-worker from coming on to her.
Luke and Layla’s story was so full of angst, two years of pent up, avoided feelings, hatred, unrequited love, and sexual tension. Their internal battles of wanting (and still loving) the other and forcing themselves to reject the other out of self-preservation was well done.
I thought the way Layla ghosted Luke in the past was pretty horrible - however, I know when you’re in the middle of grieving such a huge loss like Layla was, you aren’t always yourself or thinking straight. And on the other side of things, I totally understood Luke’s hatred and hesitation with Layla. This whole dynamic made this a fun story to read. There was some miscommunication throughout the story that was a little frustrating, but given the difficult circumstances that the characters were in - I decided to let it slide😏
October 30, 2022
This enemies-to-lovers romance is also a second-chance romance between Layla and Luke, who were engaged a few years ago before she fled their small town after her dad's sudden death. Instead of leaning on Luke in her grief, Layla cut all ties and ghosted him. But now she's back in their small town for a three-month nursing contract and they keep crossing paths. When Layla needs to get a creepy co-worker off her back, she claims that she and Luke have reunited. And although Luke still has so much anger about the way that their relationship ended, he reluctantly agrees to go along with it. But there's a thin line between love and hate...
Of course, these two reconnect as they are pretending to be back together. And after they finally admit they never stopped loving one another, things are actually better than ever. But then Luke jumps to unnecessary conclusions, without talking to Layla, and thus The Conflict happens. I get that he had been betrayed by her once before, but if he really was looking for a new start on their relationship, why not give her the chance to explain?
Well, this story does have a HEA, so they do work things out :-) If you don't mind a hero who needs a slap upside the head, then I Still Love You is a great second-chance, small-town romance!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Of course, these two reconnect as they are pretending to be back together. And after they finally admit they never stopped loving one another, things are actually better than ever. But then Luke jumps to unnecessary conclusions, without talking to Layla, and thus The Conflict happens. I get that he had been betrayed by her once before, but if he really was looking for a new start on their relationship, why not give her the chance to explain?
Well, this story does have a HEA, so they do work things out :-) If you don't mind a hero who needs a slap upside the head, then I Still Love You is a great second-chance, small-town romance!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
October 28, 2022
I received ARC from the author and this is my honest review .
This book is the perfect blend of SLOW BURN with the RIGHT PACE. Not for once i felt the story is dragged I enjoyed every bit of it .
I read a slow burn after a long time and I loved this book.
The book is a ENEMIES TO LOVERS romance .
Layla is back in Quince after 2 years of running away from that place to process the greif after her fathers unexpected death . Now she is back as a travelling nurse what happens when she claims her ex fiancee who hates her as a FAKE BOYFRIEND .
Luke is heartbroken man who is still not over his breakup with his fiancee who he loved her with all her heart and now hates her . When her ex fiancee claims him as her FAKE BOYFRIEND he strikes a deal with her .
What is this deal ??? Will they reconcile again or will be tore apart again due to the hatred they have for one another ??
This book has emotions well woven into it . And you really feel them when you read the book . This book perfectly shows how we react to different emotions and how we deal with them how we express them .
This book a real life scenario bled into pages . I especially loved Luke and Layla's POV'S . They are so well written you get an incredible dive into their minds how they are battling with emotions they have for each other .
Smut in this book GODDAMN Luke is so good with his words 😩🥵🥵.
Also Luke is good at expressing himself he does have a way with words .
Overall this book was an amazing enjoyable read . If you are looking for a slow burn full of emotions and romance this book is for you .
This is book from the author I read and I loved it I can say I will go back to reading this one when I'll be in a mood of SLOW BURN ROMANCE.
This book is the perfect blend of SLOW BURN with the RIGHT PACE. Not for once i felt the story is dragged I enjoyed every bit of it .
I read a slow burn after a long time and I loved this book.
The book is a ENEMIES TO LOVERS romance .
Layla is back in Quince after 2 years of running away from that place to process the greif after her fathers unexpected death . Now she is back as a travelling nurse what happens when she claims her ex fiancee who hates her as a FAKE BOYFRIEND .
Luke is heartbroken man who is still not over his breakup with his fiancee who he loved her with all her heart and now hates her . When her ex fiancee claims him as her FAKE BOYFRIEND he strikes a deal with her .
What is this deal ??? Will they reconcile again or will be tore apart again due to the hatred they have for one another ??
This book has emotions well woven into it . And you really feel them when you read the book . This book perfectly shows how we react to different emotions and how we deal with them how we express them .
This book a real life scenario bled into pages . I especially loved Luke and Layla's POV'S . They are so well written you get an incredible dive into their minds how they are battling with emotions they have for each other .
Smut in this book GODDAMN Luke is so good with his words 😩🥵🥵.
Also Luke is good at expressing himself he does have a way with words .
Overall this book was an amazing enjoyable read . If you are looking for a slow burn full of emotions and romance this book is for you .
This is book from the author I read and I loved it I can say I will go back to reading this one when I'll be in a mood of SLOW BURN ROMANCE.
October 27, 2022
I really liked this book by Sara Tallary. I loved that it had dual protagonists and they both had real problems. Layla was dealing with grief and not everyone deals with grief how you want them to or expect them too. Layla does it by running. Luke is dealing with grief as well but it’s from Layla not relying on him to help her through her grief. He has not only lost his fiance but also her family. He is riddled with anger and after two years has yet to move past this stage. The universe has a different option in mind for both of them.
I love an enemies to lovers trope with a forced proximity. Add in slow burn and second chance and boom you have this book. This book had it all. At the beginning I was a little confused over who had died and I will admit I read the Prologue twice, but once I had the players I couldn’t put it down. I understood where both Layla and Luke were coming from. There is a sexual assault scene that ultimately is the turning point for both of them but the scene was more heroic. It was a bit violent and it’s ultimately the turning point for Luke where he realizes he needs to get his life together before he throws it all away. I felt like the story had it all and is definitely worth the read.
I love an enemies to lovers trope with a forced proximity. Add in slow burn and second chance and boom you have this book. This book had it all. At the beginning I was a little confused over who had died and I will admit I read the Prologue twice, but once I had the players I couldn’t put it down. I understood where both Layla and Luke were coming from. There is a sexual assault scene that ultimately is the turning point for both of them but the scene was more heroic. It was a bit violent and it’s ultimately the turning point for Luke where he realizes he needs to get his life together before he throws it all away. I felt like the story had it all and is definitely worth the read.
October 24, 2022
I still love you is book 2 in the quaint series.
Sara Tallary is a new-to-me author and I will keeping an eye out on her work from now on.
“I still love you” is an enemies to lovers/ second chance romance. I throughly enjoyed this story. Sara Tallary had done an outstanding job with this story. I had no idea what to expect as I’ve never read this author before but I am impressed I was immediately consumed with this story and I completely devoured it.
Luke and Layla are looking forward to their life together they are happy and in love until Layla gets devastating news consumed with her grief she leaves everyone and her life behind in quaint including her fiancé.
Two years later she comes face to face with the guy she left behind. Luke has spent the past two years burying his heartache and when he comes face to face with his ex fiancé all the emotions he has been burying over the past two years comes to the surface.
This story is filled with angst, tension and burning chemistry that will set your kindle on fire. I adored Luke and Layla’s story.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
FIVE STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sara Tallary is a new-to-me author and I will keeping an eye out on her work from now on.
“I still love you” is an enemies to lovers/ second chance romance. I throughly enjoyed this story. Sara Tallary had done an outstanding job with this story. I had no idea what to expect as I’ve never read this author before but I am impressed I was immediately consumed with this story and I completely devoured it.
Luke and Layla are looking forward to their life together they are happy and in love until Layla gets devastating news consumed with her grief she leaves everyone and her life behind in quaint including her fiancé.
Two years later she comes face to face with the guy she left behind. Luke has spent the past two years burying his heartache and when he comes face to face with his ex fiancé all the emotions he has been burying over the past two years comes to the surface.
This story is filled with angst, tension and burning chemistry that will set your kindle on fire. I adored Luke and Layla’s story.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
FIVE STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 21, 2022
There is a very thin line between love and hate.
This book shows you just how thin.
Layla left in the midst of grief leaving Luke to pick up the pieces. He became a very angry man. When she suddenly returns to his life it does not go well. He is mean and bitter. When she needs to get out of an awkward situation and declares them a couple again it gets even more intense.
This book gives lots of emotions. Lyla and Luke have off the charts connection, but need to move past the past in order to make a future. The "hate banter" is off the charts which shows how much passion they still have for each other. It takes a monumnetal event to finally show these two what is important.
Please note there are trigger warnings at the start of the book.
I received this ARC and am reviewing voluntarily.
This book shows you just how thin.
Layla left in the midst of grief leaving Luke to pick up the pieces. He became a very angry man. When she suddenly returns to his life it does not go well. He is mean and bitter. When she needs to get out of an awkward situation and declares them a couple again it gets even more intense.
This book gives lots of emotions. Lyla and Luke have off the charts connection, but need to move past the past in order to make a future. The "hate banter" is off the charts which shows how much passion they still have for each other. It takes a monumnetal event to finally show these two what is important.
Please note there are trigger warnings at the start of the book.
I received this ARC and am reviewing voluntarily.
October 25, 2022
This is the second book in this series, and this is Luke and Layla’s story. These two were engaged, and when her dad passes, she is struggling to cope and runs, while Luke was left heartbroken and bitter. Now two years later Layla is back working in the ER, and when Luke and Layla cross paths he hates her, but will these two be able to move on from enemies / lovers, or is it too late? This is a well written story which has grief, guilt, loss, redemption, forgiveness, healing, family, friendships, humor, witty banter, tension, 2nd chances, emotions, angst, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
November 8, 2022
I literally could not put this book down! There is so much depth to the characters and their story of love and hate that their chemistry is literally steaming off the page! Their journey took me through all the emotions and I felt settled with their HEA. The only thing I was left wanting was.... More! More of their story. I am hoping that Sara does a third book and we get to see where all the characters are now... hoping she throws in a new relationship development with some of the other characters we were introduced to in this book! If you enjoyed I Choose You... You will not be dissapointed in I Still Love You! @saratallary
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mZPH...
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mZPH...
October 25, 2022
This book put me through such an emotional rollercoaster. At every turn I was feeling a different emotion, often times there were moments where I cried (a sign that I absolutely loved the book). It was incredibly well written and I constantly found myself rooting for the main characters.
I enjoyed reading the progress of their relationship, the development of how they acted towards each other in the beginning after seeing each other again to where they ended up. I fell absolutely in love with both characters and I felt for both of them.
I definitely recommend this book, it’s a must read.
I enjoyed reading the progress of their relationship, the development of how they acted towards each other in the beginning after seeing each other again to where they ended up. I fell absolutely in love with both characters and I felt for both of them.
I definitely recommend this book, it’s a must read.
October 27, 2022
This is my first book by Sara Tallary and I'll admit the trope is what first gained my attention. Im an absolute sucker for enemies to lovers, and I'm so glad that I picked this one up!
Layla and Luke were engaged until she ran away two years ago. Now that she's back in town these two find themselves in a fake relationship.
This book has just the right amount of drama and angst, not enough to overwhelm the story. The push/pull and love-hate aspect had me quickly turning the pages, while chemistry and spice had me needing a fan. Not to mention there's plenty of laugh out loud moments, and so many emotions that you can literally feel. I look forward to reading more from this author!
Layla and Luke were engaged until she ran away two years ago. Now that she's back in town these two find themselves in a fake relationship.
This book has just the right amount of drama and angst, not enough to overwhelm the story. The push/pull and love-hate aspect had me quickly turning the pages, while chemistry and spice had me needing a fan. Not to mention there's plenty of laugh out loud moments, and so many emotions that you can literally feel. I look forward to reading more from this author!
November 8, 2022
Once again another GREAT read by Sara!!
I'm not a HUGE fan of enemies to lovers but the second chance element along with how Sara wrote Luke and Layla was perfect. I absolutely could feel the tension and was both cheering and yelling at/for each main character. I could not put this one down. This novel did touch on a few sensitive topics, however there were appropriate trigger warnings at the START of the book, which is very much appreciated. I have already recommended this book and (I Choose You) to so many friends and family! I will forever want more of the Quaint Series and the Sacks brothers.
I'm not a HUGE fan of enemies to lovers but the second chance element along with how Sara wrote Luke and Layla was perfect. I absolutely could feel the tension and was both cheering and yelling at/for each main character. I could not put this one down. This novel did touch on a few sensitive topics, however there were appropriate trigger warnings at the START of the book, which is very much appreciated. I have already recommended this book and (I Choose You) to so many friends and family! I will forever want more of the Quaint Series and the Sacks brothers.
October 28, 2022
✅ Slow Burn
✅ Enemies to Lovers
✅ Fake Dating
⚠️ Check TW
⭐️: 4/5
🔥: 1/5
2 years ago Layla leaves her hometown after a life altering experience left a hole in her heart, however Layla left everything and everyone behind including her fiancé Luke.
After an error in a computer system, Layla (a traveling nurse) finds herself back in her hometown and she also finds herself in the predicament of having to face her questionable decisions. Will Luke be able to forgive and forget?
This is my first time reading anything by Sara Tallary and holy smokes…the angst had me gripping my Kindle for dear life and yelling at the characters like they could actually hear me 😂! It was a great read, pretty slow burn but really great story line 💕.
* I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
**This book is Dual POV and is written in first person perspective.
✅ Enemies to Lovers
✅ Fake Dating
⚠️ Check TW
⭐️: 4/5
🔥: 1/5
2 years ago Layla leaves her hometown after a life altering experience left a hole in her heart, however Layla left everything and everyone behind including her fiancé Luke.
After an error in a computer system, Layla (a traveling nurse) finds herself back in her hometown and she also finds herself in the predicament of having to face her questionable decisions. Will Luke be able to forgive and forget?
This is my first time reading anything by Sara Tallary and holy smokes…the angst had me gripping my Kindle for dear life and yelling at the characters like they could actually hear me 😂! It was a great read, pretty slow burn but really great story line 💕.
* I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
**This book is Dual POV and is written in first person perspective.
October 29, 2022
I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
This is the first book I've ever read by Sara Tallary, and I was really pleasantly surprised. I love her writing style, and the small-town feel of Quaint, Maine, where this series takes place. I will definitely be reading more of this author's books.
This one is a very well-written second-chance/fake relationship romance. Luke and Layla had such a strong connection, and their chemistry was undeniable. I was invested in their story from beginning to end, and I would definitely recommend it.
This is the first book I've ever read by Sara Tallary, and I was really pleasantly surprised. I love her writing style, and the small-town feel of Quaint, Maine, where this series takes place. I will definitely be reading more of this author's books.
This one is a very well-written second-chance/fake relationship romance. Luke and Layla had such a strong connection, and their chemistry was undeniable. I was invested in their story from beginning to end, and I would definitely recommend it.
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