We met on our first day of college and fell instantly, head-first in love the way you do when you're young and free, and certain life will always be just exactly as perfect as this.
Except it wasn't.
Since the day we broke, I have raised my sisters, built companies, and invented things that changed the world. But despite it all, every day of the last ten years, I have lived my life with one singular focus: put myself back together and return to Molly.
I have waited (not so) patiently for my moment. And that moment is now.
Molly has hesitations, and I understand them all. Ten years is a long time to stay gone, and the way we broke leaves scars that are not easily healed. But I know her better than anyone, and I want every part of her to be mine.
One memory, movie night, and conversation at a time, I am determined to show Molly that I am the only one who can love her the way she deserves to be loved. That life doesn't make sense if we don't spend it by each other's side.
Together. Forever. The way it was always meant to be.
Samantha Brinn (Sam to everyone who knows her) is an author of sweet, spicy, and swoony contemporary romance novels. A Pittsburgh girl currently living in the suburbs of NYC, Sam stole her first romance novel off of her mom’s bookshelf at age thirteen and has read pretty much nothing but romance ever since. Her Kindle is basically an extension of her hand at this point.
A lawyer by day and author by night, Sam can most often be found in bed with her laptop and writing desk late into the night, having the time of her life writing words and weaving stories and grinning at her characters’ hijinks.
Aside from being a reader and a writer, Sam is a lover of French fries, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and diet Pepsi, and much like her debut FMC, she rarely makes her coffee the same way twice. A mom of two, Sam cosplays as an organized human, but at her core, she’s mostly chaos and prefers it that way, and is loving every second of this wild indie author ride.
I don’t even remember what put Samantha Brinn on my reading radar. She’s a new-ish romance author who definitely deserves to be much better known.
I fell in love with Brinn’s stories, world and, most of all, her fantastic quartet of female protagonists with the second instalment of her “Laws of You” series, “When I'm with You”, and the third one, “Anything for You”, absolutely sealed the deal for me.
Thus, I was immensely looking forward to this final instalment, “It's Always Been You”, about the fourth major character, Molly “Rory” Jenkins. Molly has been a delight and spectacularly fun to read about in the previous novels so what could be better than an entire book about her?
»Molly Jenkins contains multitudes. It’s my favorite part about myself.«
Well, turns out that Brinn took a step back into more “traditional” romance: Her long-lost love Gabe is a billionaire and invented a phone – he’s basically the second coming of Steve Jobs but without any edges.
Fierce, unconventional, tough-love Molly – with few exceptions – turns into goo in his general vicinity – not to speak of his hands and other body parts. This would be (mostly) fine if it didn’t also mean that her strong feminist traits (and, by extension, those of the entire series) is dialled several steps down. Which is sad because it made for a damn great read before.
Much of Molly’s and Gabe’s journey back to each other is too simple and just way too smooth – despite not having seen each other for ten years! During most of it, our three other protagonists are either elsewhere entirely or feel strangely muted.
There’s also a bit too much smut for my personal taste and I have even skipped a few pages when things turned a bit too “ick” for me... Your mileage may vary.
Still, Samantha Brinn remains one of my favourite romance authors because of her entire series, which I will sorely miss. Because at the end of the day, I can relate to much of what she writes.
»So, it’s here, in the back seat of a car parked in the middle of a cemetery, that I accept my fate. I’ve loved Gabe since I was eighteen, and I’m destined to love him until the day I die. It wasn’t a choice.«
Amusingly, I was travelling with my wife with heterochromatic eyes while I read most of this novel. At one point, C. said she was looking forward to being home again. I responded I was home the entire time…
»I look into Molly’s every color eyes that are so perfectly her, and I know she’s right because I’m home. Molly is home, and nothing else matters.«
Prepare your hearts friends, Samantha Brinn pulled zero punches while writing this final book in the series! You get to see all of our favorite couples and finally find out what Molly’s back story is!
I absolutely freaking ADORED Gabe. This man has eyes for ONLY Molly and he makes sure the world knows. The chemistry between them was palpable. I was not prepared for the level of tears this book pulled out of me, but I loved this story!
Gabe fully embodied allllll the hot tech billionaire vibes while also being ADORABLY nerdy. Like seriously, the way he’s described is my dream man. 🥹🤣 I love him and his superhero shirts and Lego builds!
Molly is wild, free, & chaotic and I was able to relate to her character so much. She is such a powerful woman. I love how she stands strong in the knowledge that she is more than capable to do her job as a lawyer.
Molly and Gabe were perfect for each other when they met in college but tragedy broke them apart. Ten years later, Gabe is back with the soul purpose of winning her back.
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦.”
When the spice entered the chat, this book IGNITED. There’s just something special about romance scenes between two people that know each other on a soul deep intimate level. There’s plenty of steam and kinks to go around!
Molly and Gabe are super sweet in this emotional end to the Laws of You series. Life tore them apart during college, but their love for each other never left them. When Gabe tracks her down, there's no denying they're meant to be!
The cherry on top of this series is the sisterhood shared between Molly, Emma, Julie and Hallie, and it's stronger than ever!
What to know: Second chance Fake engagement Forced proximity Billionaire Found family Secret tattoo Caretaking Golden retriever MMC Banter!
4.75⭐️ | 3🌶 just when I thought Samantha was gonna give me a break after the emotional roller coaster that was Emma & Jeremy. I love Gabe & Molly and that plot twist, OH MY GAWD! please check your triggers before reading but this was such a great conclusion to the series. I'll miss this found family and I really hope we'll see them in Samantha's future books. I'm still reeling from the amount of heart that was this book. Gabe & Molly were so great together. As always, the girls girl aspect was very prevalent and I was so here for it! Congratulations to Samantha on the completion of her debut series and cheers to the next one! Thank you to wordsmith publicity for the arc.
Tropes 💚Second Chance 💚Billionaire 💚Fake Engagement 💚Found Family 💚Forced Proximity 💚Golden Retriever MMC 💚Steamy And Spicy
Did I absolutely DEVOUR this one? Yes, yes I did!!
This book had me laughing, it had me sweating, it had me sobbing, and it made my heart feel so full.
Gabe and Mollys book was the perfect wrap up to the laws of you series (I’m still crying that it’s over). The found family in the series is so beyond incredible! THE FOUND FAMILY!!!👏🏻
This is a book that I will end up reading over and over. The whole series has really become a comfort series to me. And for that I am forever thankful!
I am a second chance hoe!!! And I ate this one right up!! Molly has always had that mysterious aspect to her, and you just can’t wait to get detail on it. When Mollys college boyfriend/love of her life decides he wants her back, he comes at her full force.
Gabe is actually so incredibly perfect!!! The lengths he will go for Molly>>>> when Gabe comes back into Mollys life he owns up to his mistake and goes to the ends of the earth to make it right.
Molly is an incredible character!! She’s one of those people you can’t help but love. Molly is someone that everyone would gravitate towards, and I want to be her when I grow up.
The breadcrumbs left for Yours To Lose and what’s to come next is absolutely PHENOMENAL!!! Just you guys wait and see. You will LOVE!!
This was so so good. An absolute gem of a novel, probably 6 stars out of 5.
Until Allie dies, that is. I am legitimately angry that this would happen because Jordan and Allie were shown as the most in-love couple for the entire four book span. I don't know why they never had a wedding but honestly It's really disappointing that Jordan finally gets a book and it isn't about him and Allie. Anyways, great book for the first 70% or so and then some really stupid plot decisions that kind of ruined it for me. 2.5/5 rounded up because Gabe and Molly are just perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The perfect conclusion to the Laws of You series. I’ve always loved Molly, and to no one’s surprise, I fell in love with Gabe instantly. I related so much to Molly’s fear of being too much. We can have days where we feel confidence and self-love, and then something comes along and makes us feel scared that projecting ourselves into the world will invite rejection and negativity. But luckily, if you have good people around you, you’ll soon after be reminded how amazing you are, how loved, and how appreciated for everything that makes you, you. if this book reminded me of anything, it’s this: don’t waste time, because time with people you love is precious, and always tell the people you love that you love them, and WHY you love them. Sometimes, it’s more about hearing the qualities you possess that make you so irreplaceable and special to the people you love. It’s the reminder that you are loved for exactly WHO you are. Samantha Brinn always makes me appreciate tropes so much more through her storytelling, and this book was no different with the second chance romance trope. Something I love about this story is there wasn’t too much resistance. Sometimes, in a second chance romance, there is so much fear to try again that it keeps the couple apart far longer than it should. Of course there were fears, doubts, weariness, but there was a hell of a lot of forgiveness and understanding too, and I really appreciated that about Molly and Gabe’s story. It felt like a very emotionally mature second chance romance. Without denial of the love they knew they have for each other. To Sam: thank you for sharing your series, your characters, your heart with us. The Laws of You series has made a major impact on my life, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have been an ARC reader from beginning to end. It’s been very special for me. I am so incredibly excited to see what Sam brings to us next. If you read It’s Always Been You through to the end, you’ll get a sneak peak at the next series, and the release date which is very much around the corner!!
I’ve been contemplating if I was in a good headspace while finishing/reviewing this book and I’ve come to the conclusion that I was a tad harsh initially. Although I still do feel the same as the below I do want to recognize that Molly & Gabe’s story was very good. Their book deals with a lot of heavy topics and in doing so really set up well for Sam’s new series. There were a few things unfortunately weren’t my favorite and that’s ok!
The issues I had with it:
• Molly’s nickname “Rory” - got a little redundant to me. And the background behind it seems like a stretch. Maybe if it were her middle name? But just bc she likes the northern light > aurora borealis > Rory. 😕
• The middle potion of the book kind of dragged IMO. It felt about a tad too long. But then BAM - she got me sucked back in.
• Ok so I hate to yuck someone’s yum but 👅 coming near an 🍑 🕳️ is just not for me. I think brief mention doesn’t bother me but it’s described in great detail at the end of this book and I had to skim some of it.
But anyways this was enjoyable for the most part. I feel like my review is kind of all over the place because I really liked parts of it but also didn’t love some other parts! I think I could resonate more with the FMCs from book 1&2 and that played into my feeling on the book as well.
This book is for the girls who have been made to feel like they are too much. Too loud. Too messy. That they take up too much space and need to make themself smaller. This story is going to heal a little part of you.
Molly and Gabe are the epitome of a worthy second chance. When grief and pain break them apart in their early twenties, neither fully move on from their first great love. Though time heals most wounds theirs were never meant to heal without each other. These two were always meant to be.
Gabe our MMC is smart, driven, patient, intelligent, loving and so kind. When Gabe loses his parents during his last year of university he ends up losing so much more than he truly realizes. Molly was his one and ten years later he’s ready to make it right with her again. When he meets Molly again he knows that he is going to have to work for it. Watching his patients and complete care for Molly is beautiful. Never once in his entire relationship with her has he ever tried to change her or make her feel like she is too much. He accepts every single facet of her with no hesitation.
Molly our FMC is sunshine personified, brilliant, eccentric, caring, passionate and guarded in a way most people miss. When Gabe broke her heart ten years ago she swore she would never love the way she had. When Gabe comes back into her life her walls are built high and the conflict she feels is understandable. She knows they were young and he was grieving. However, past insecurities and pain eat at her. Watching her heal and allow Gabe back into her life was amazing. Seeing her face her past and heal the parts of her that she hid for years was therapeutic.
This book was one of grief, healing and growth. Watching Gabe and Molly face their past while also embracing their future was incredible. Seeing them grow together as well as individuals was so important. They were the perfect end to this series.
I absolutely DEVOURED this one. Samantha Brinn’s books are full of so much love and happiness, but this one also explores grief. She ripped my heart out for sure, but like always, the friend group was there to put me back together.
Molly and Gabe were meant to be together. Gabe, that wealthy golden retriever, gave Asher a run for his money with how down bad he was. He knew who Molly was at her core (and loved every bit of her chaos) and was the only one who could break down her walls. Gabe was aware that Molly was a bit hesitant (even thought deep down she knew it was always him) and he made sure to prove that they belonged together with each revisited memory.
This was a great second chance romance and I loved Molly and Gabe but I also have to mention their friend group! I loved how easily the group took him in and how they all rooted for Molly’s HEA! It was also nice to see the girls asking for all the juicy details because that was usually Molly’s role.
I’m kind of sad to be leaving these couples and this series but I absolutely need the first book of her next series (iykyk). Thank you to Sam and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC!
I read this entire series. I was excited for this one and to see how it all wrapped up. Sad to say it was the worst of all of them. So many things were ridiculous and annoying.
-the Rory nickname. Obnoxiously overused. Not to mention the story that two college kids are just randomly in Iceland to see the Northern Lights?? Seriously how?
-Molly is supposedly so smart and a lawyer, but she just blows off Brad’s assault? Doesn’t photograph or document it? Doesn’t report it? Please stop. No way
-I didn’t buy the love. It all just felt like lust.
- And doing Allie dirty like that?!? Absolutely no. I had to force myself to keep reading and finish the book after that. I get that the author wants to start a new series and to write Jordan’s story but come on. We deserved Jordan and Allie’s story. You could have still had them move away. You could still have incorporated his brothers but this? Felt like something lame just for shock value or because she couldn’t come up with a better storyline. I will not be reading the next series now.
- And mere hours after her friend is killed Molly is all oh Gabe f@ck me to make me feel alive?!? What the actual hell?? Absolutely not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Before I begin I want to thank the author, Samantha Brinn, for giving me this ARC.
I did not like this. I really tried, but I just didn't enjoy it. For the record, I didn't DNF; I kept reading even though I wanted to quit. So, I can say I actually tried to like this. It's just that this was not love this was just lust. The characters were just flat and monotonous. The only reason why I gave this 2 ⭐ is because I can see that the author put a lot of time and effort into this
I cannot believe that this is the end of the series! I thought I was ready for it, but, no,no I was not. There are literally not enough stars.
The final novel in the Laws of You Series, follows Molly and Gabe, and while it can be read as a complete standalone, you get a much deeper understanding of who Molly is at her core if you start from the beginning with Because of You.
Molly is literally sunshine personified, and there is no better way to describe her. She "lives and loves out loud." But when she hurts, she turns inward and has a hard time letting anyone see it. I competely identify with her in these moments, moments of self-doubt and self-worth. Being told you are too much constantly and trying hard to believe when someone tells you you are perfect.
Gabe is the Cinna-retriever with extra frosting. I think my favorite line was when Julie says, "I understand your kind; I married one of you... By one of you, you mean... a puppy dog in human form." This sums up Gabe. Literally everything he does is to get Molly back, and I love him for that. He shows up and accepts her just as she is, chaos and all.
While this book is emotional and the emotions hit you like a ton of bricks when you least exect them, for me this one was her least emotional one, and I think a lot of that is impart, because of Molly's eternal sunshine, but when the emotions hit, hot damn! do they hit.
Let's talk about the friend groups, shall we? In that first present-day chapter where they all flank her? Um yes. The fact that they were all just ready to go to war, no questions asked, speaks to the depth to which this group is willing to go: "Be nice Hallie Girl. He's Molly's." "Are you? Molly's"
This was one of my favorite early moments for this group. There are so many more
It's Always Been You (Laws of You Book 4) Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The truth of it is that I’m here for you. I’m here because without you, I’ve only been living half a life. I’m here because for ten years you’ve been the first thought in my head in the morning and the last one at night. I’m here because even though I broke us, and I don’t deserve a second chance, I would do anything to get one. To prove to you that I’m worthy of it.”
This was a sweet second chance romance story. I enjoyed the rekindling of Molly and Gabe's love affair and the fact that they found their way back to each other after such a long time apart. I love that we finally learned about Molly's past. Boy was it heartbreaking. I felt so bad for her and the situation her and Gabe had found themselves in.
I loved Molly. She is so strong and fierce. And Gabe was the ultimate Cinnamon Roll/Golden Retreiver. I really loved them together. Also, the spice... phew 🥵.
The found family in this book really shined, and I loved that we got to see and enjoy all the past characters from the previous books so much in this last installment of the series.
And that ending 😬😭. Samantha what have you done to us. I was absolutely not prepared for it! I don't think I have recovered yet!
I do wish there was a bit more meat and potatoes to this story when it came to the plot point of their relationship. I feel like everything happened a little easily with them when rekindling their relationship. I know Molly had her hesitations, but I felt like it shouldn't have been so easily. I also felt at time that the inner dialogue was a little repetitive. However, this was still an enjoyable story and a satisfying ending to the Laws of You series. You best believe I will be reading her next series that releases May 2025.
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I’ve loved Gabe since I was eighteen, and I’m destined to love him until the day I die. It wasn’t a choice. It was predetermined. Written in the stars.
Truly a 10/10, no notes, five-star book (and series).
💚 Second chance 💚 Billionaire 💚 Fake engagement 💚 Found family 💚 Forced proximity 💚 Confident, larger-than-life, smart, badass FMC 💚 Golden retriever nerdy MMC 💚 Dual POV 💚 SPICY 🌶️🥵
This book healed me, wrecked me, put me back together, and left my heart so full. I highlighted half the damn thing because while I’ve related to every character in this series in some way, Molly was different.
“Too loud, too messy, too much, too chaotic” — I felt that in my soul. All we ever want is to be accepted and loved as we are. And the way Molly embraces abcs loves herself? It’s so incredibly beautiful and inspiring. But then to read how Gabe (swoon daddy himself) loves Molly exactly as she is? No asterisks. No “but onlys.” Just love, in its purest, deepest form. Their story is everything.
And it’s not just the romance. It’s the self-love. The way the friends love and show up each other. The fact that these MMCs aren’t just hot, successful swoon machines, they’re good people. Kind humans. Amazing friends.
I was an absolute sobbing mess, for so many reasons. Like, is it normal to send videos of yourself crying to the author? Because hi, it’s me, I’m the problem, it’s me.
As far as this being the book end of the series, it ended exactly as it began — full circle, and the most beautiful way to close out an unforgettable story. This world was perfect, and I’m forever grateful that Sam gave us the chance to escape into it and maybe even heal parts of ourselves along the way. And knowing what’s ahead? I cannot wait for what’s to come.
Thank you to Samantha Brinn and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC. I also bought the physical copy and the Kindle version because I love it that much. 💚
“Don’t be less, Rory. Be mine. Be exactly the person you are because who you are is magnificent. I have loved you exactly as you are for fourteen years, and I promise to love you exactly like that until the end of time.”
3.5 ⭐
When I first realised Gabe and Molly were going to be second chance romance, I expected it to be angsty and messy and emotional. It was all of these things, but not wrt their relationship and it was a welcome surprise.
I loved reading a second chance where they both knew it was bad timing and were willing to work for it, even though gabe did put a lot of effort into his wooing molly back. Their relationship spoke of long term history and knowing a person better than you know yourself. They were so sweet together that it really made my heart melt ( also spicy for people who need it).
The angst actually came later and boy was it a shock. I am still processing what happened because I never connected the dots when author started posting about her new book with Jordan 😭 I can't believe allie isn't with us anymore.
Found family like this series is often not found and I love each and every person of this family they have built so damn much. I genuinely love reading their family scenes - be it the girls talking and texting or the boys night or all of them together. It's my favourite part of the series.
This book was heavy on spice - and a more than few scenes felt like fillers for me, but if you like more smut in your books you might like it more than me.
Looking forward to Jordan's book now!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The fourth and final book of my favorite series…was I ready for it to be over? Nope. Do I wish I could read *each one* for the first time again? You betcha. Was Molly and Gabe and their story all that it could be? Absolutely, and more. So much more. Did Gabe get added to my book boyfriend list? For sure. He’s off the charts and on the tippy top. I’ve said this for each of the books in this series, but the author infuses some sort of magic in her books and this one was so, so magical. Gabe finds Molly after a decade apart. Swoon. He’ll do anything to get her back. Double swoon. Bringing in more swoons are the fierce friend group consisting of strong women and sweet men, the second chance at romance and love with a nerdy billionaire, fake fiancé vibe, a found family can never be replaced, and loving someone for exactly who they are. There’s more Rachel (she’s my most favorite book mama ever!), there is amazing steam, spice and intimate moments…and then there was “the twist”. The twist of all twists that wrecked me. Have no fear, the HEA is still there and it is amazing, and made my heart full. I could go on and on about how much I loved this book-this *entire* series, and I will forever be recommending them. I had the opportunity to read early from the author and Wordsmith Publicity. My thoughts are honest and voluntary. ♾️ stars
Holy crap was this another emotional roller coaster and I loved every second of it. The plot twist?! Samantha, I needed way more tissues than I anticipated and need my heart to be fully healed asap!! I am still in my feels and I don’t have the words to express how much love I have for this book and series. This series has become a favorite of mine and I am so sad it has come to an end, but gosh was Molly and Gabe’s story beautiful.
Gabe is our nerdy, billionaire MMC with a mouth like no other. Molly is a badass lawyer who is wild, free, and chaotic. It’s always been Molly for Gabe and he is not afraid to express this or show it to the whole world. He loves Molly for exactly who she is and doesn’t want her to be anything but herself. Seeing the love they have for one another, even after the years they were separated, was truly something special.
No me gustaba gustando como se estaba manejando la relación de Molly y Gabe, era un sólido 2⭐️, pero luego pasó lo de Allie y la manera en cómo se manejó, se convirtió en 1⭐️
Pensé que el libro de Jordan y Allie trataría sobre un matrimonio en crisis, no que él se enamoraría de alguien más 💔💔💔💔😭😭😭. Me niego a que Jordan se vuelva a enamorar. Su relación con Allie era la más amorosa, fuerte y tierna de todas, y ahora está muerta. En todos los libros pasados, cada uno dijo que su relación era algo fuera de lo común, como si fueran almas gemelas, que eran la relación más fuerte de todo el grupo. No podré ver a Jordan con otra persona ni podré creer que llegue amar a alguien como amaba a Allie. Por favor, que ella esté viva, que esté en el programa de protección a testigos, que su fantasma se meta en otro cuerpo, o lo que sea, pero que sea ella.
Estoy ofendida porque, se supone que todos son tan buenos amigos, casi como hermanos, we convirtieron en una gran y hermosa familia pero desde que se enteraron del asesinato de Allie, a excepción de Jordan y Molly, todos actuaron como si nada. Molly estaba sufriendo más por la culpa que por su pérdida. Una vez que se dio cuenta de que no era su culpa, se olvidó de su amiga. Solo hay un capítulo sobre el funeral, y solo se menciona que Jordan está mal, mientras todos los demás siguen conversando como si nada. En los siguientes capítulos, continúan con sus vidas como si no hubiera pasado nada, sin una mínima muestra de tristeza. Continuaron sus vidas como si nunca hubiera ocurrido, como si Allie nunca hubiera sido parte de su disque familia.
Ahora si mi opinión sobre los protagonistas:
Durante diez años, Gabe no quiso saber nada de Molly, pero cuando mágicamente decide que es hora de estar juntos porque "hizo lo que debía", espera que ella lo acepte como si nada hubiera pasado. No me gustó cómo Molly lo aceptó desde el principio; no lo hizo arrastrarse por su perdón, humillarse ni nada. Además, todos sus amigos lo recibieron con los brazos abiertos. Lo mínimo que esperaba es que las chicas le pusieran las cosas difíciles, pero no, estaban tan contentas.
Él solo apareció diciendo que quería otra oportunidad, todos le aplaudieron y eso fue todo. Desde que aparece en su despacho, parece que nunca se fue. Todas sus interacciones son como si nunca la hubiera dejado.
Me molesta esto porque, al terminar su relación, ella moldeó toda su vida alrededor de él. Dejó de lado su amor por el baile por él, se convirtió en abogada por él, dejó de comprar ciertas cosas por él, dejó de ver películas de Marvel por él, nunca intentó estar en otra relación por él. Hay una parte en la que dice que ha vuelto a ser ella misma porque Gabe regresó, qué triste que dependa de un hombre para ser feliz. Y ella hace lo que él le diga, cuando le dijo que se fuera que ya no la quiera en su vida, ella se fue, pero todos los días le mandaba mensajes y flores. Cuando él le dijo "ya volví y estoy listo para una relación", ella corre a sus brazos. Ella solo está allí para lo que él quiere, y eso me molesta aún más, porque en todos los otros libros, Molly es mostrada como alguien fuerte, inteligente e independiente, pero aquí es una sumisa cuya felicidad depende de lo que Gabe diga y haga.
Up until around 43%, I would've given this 5☆. I should've stopped then.
So, Molly & Gabe. Two 18yos meeting on the first day of university and living their best young adult years until trauma strucks in their last year. Fast forward 10 years, he grovels to get his girl back & he does it.
They're the absolute sweetest together and I loved their chemistry... until 43% when they solved everything and should've been allowed to live their happy ever after.
Now, we all know nothing good ever happens when the book "ends" early. The rest of the book was awful.
The dialogues were repetitive and cringe. "I love you because I've been in love with you ever since I first saw you when we were 18 when I accidentally loved you and then this love stayed with me all of the 10 years we were apart when I let you go intentionally qnd never called you I loved you but I broke your heart but now I'm back to win you back in 2 pages because I love you you're the love of my life I-". Shut up. We get the point. Stop talking. It's the ultimate Tell Don't Show. I was quickly sick of them.
Then it's like the author has nothing to say anymore so every new chapter is a whole new scene. Such unnecessary scenes and micro plots happening. One after the other nothing takes its time to settle or makes sense.
Thirdly, it's a lovely found family book, except they only show it once then keep mentioning it throughout the book like it's a reminiscent memory, not a part of the main plot.
Finally, I fucking hate plots with "OH, you're grieving? Let me FUNK the grief out of you." Can we genuinely stop that? Why would someone who's angry, grieving, blaming themselves, having an existential crisis, etc. WANT TO BE INVASIVELY PUNCTURED at that time?? Sincerely, have some self-respect it's not cool or trendy. Western feminism is as bad as your toxic patriarchy.
All in all, I suggest you read the book until they solve all their relationship problems. DNF the rest. I dont think I'll be reading the rest of the series if they're going to be in this sequence as well.
I have really enjoyed this series from Sam! It's full of the best banter, vivacious and loving women, honest and loyal men, sexy spice and an epic, epic found family! I'm so sad this series is over but it's been amazing getting to know and spend time with Sam's debut characters!
Now, second chance isn't my favourite trope but throughout this series Sam has accomplished making me enjoy friends to lovers (the first book) and now second chance with Molly and Gabe's story. We've had hints of Molly's heartbreak throughout the series and we finally get the whole story of what happened with her college sweetheart / love of her life, Gabe! I loved how Gabe came back into Molly's life and was determined to do anything and everything to win her back. Let's be honest, he didn't have to try very hard but his efforts were very swoony worthy!!
I do have one slight negative which is why this isn't a 5 star read for me.. her nickname "Rory" was a little far fetched and over-used for me... don't shoot me!
Sam really puts you through the ringer with the emotions in this book, both with Molly's happily ever after AND the lead into Sam's new series, based in Boston. I have really enjoyed this series, and I can't wait to see how this new series plays out ....
Thank you to Samantha and Autumn @ Wordsmith Publicity for the arc!
As if this series is over 😫 just excuse me while I pick myself up from the floor. If you’ve started the Laws of You series, you’ll know that Sam has created the most wonderful friendship group in her Pittsburgh world and knowing that it’s come to end has been emotional.
In a nutshell, Molly and Gabe were loved up 10 years ago until they weren’t. She’s a strong girlie and picked herself up, got a killer career and an incred friendship group, but she’s never moved on. And now he’s turned up in her town, ready to win her back…
My hot take: 💚 Sweated and sobbed by the end of Chapter one – strap in 🤍 Molly is loud in all the best ways and shines at her proudest moments 💚 Gabe is a hot nerd with a dirty mouth. These are facts 🤍 Seriously, he’s got secret tattoos and glasses ❤️🔥 💚 It got off-the-charts emotional 🤍 Sexy breakfasts need to be a thing
Thank you so much for this ARC Wordsmith Publicity and Samantha Brinn. It’s Always Been You is book four of the Laws of You series and is out now in paperback and on KU!
If you like: ❤️🩹 Second chance 👓 Billionaire ❤️🩹 Fake engagement 👓 Forced proximity ❤️🩹 Found family
It’s Always Been You by Samantha Brinn eARC Review
Sam, you continue to amaze me. This book, the fourth book in the Laws Of You Series was everything. What a perfect way to end an amazing series. My heart definitely shattered and it was a little bit of an emotional roller coaster BUT I cannot tell you how much I loved this book.
The epitome of a second chance romance. Molly and Gabe are it. Their love. Oh my goodness, their love. A once in a lifetime kind of love that has you swooning and blushing and rooting for them the entire time. The love that they have for one another is like nothing I have ever read. Their declarations of their feelings and the acts of service that Gabe does for her, my gosh 😭😭😭 he is seriously the sweetest man BUT he has a filthy mouth & we love him for it. 😮💨👏🏻
The characters in this series, I feel like they are my actual best friends and I am truly going to miss them. The character development throughout this series has been incredible and how they all accepted Gabe into their family was just the sweetest thing ever.
I tried to savor this book because I am not ready for this series to be over. It’s definitely a bittersweet feeling!
Read if you enjoy: Second chance Billionaire Fake engagement Forced proximity Found family Cinna-retriever MMC
Thank you so much Sam for the opportunity to read this as an ARC for my honest opinion and review!
the most perfect characters and the most perfect series. think my heart actually broke while reading this but i’ve literally never loved a series more ❤️🩹 molly and gabe have such a perfect story. i’m so sad to be finishing this series, it’s been such a fun journey to watch all of these characters build such a perfect family. i’ve never felt so connected to characters in a series, samantha brinn u are amazing.
This book will tug at your heartstrings while beautifully showcasing how friends can become family. Molly and Gabe were young and in love until tragedy tore them apart. Now, Gabe is back, and his love for Molly has never wavered. Determined to win her heart again, he shows her that she is perfect just the way she is. Their chemistry is undeniable, and Gabe seamlessly becomes part of Molly’s life and her tight knit circle of friends. The bond they all share is incredibly heartwarming. This story is both sweet and deeply emotional, taking you on an emotional rollercoaster. Be sure to add this one to your TBR!
Thank you, Samantha Brinn and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC.
I cannot even put into words the emotion I feel from this book.
Samantha has waited until the end to give us this beautiful, heartfelt, emotionally charged crescendo to the Laws of You series, and what a way to go out!
I've always been a Molly gal, ever since Hallie and Ben's book. There was just something so relatable about her. Probably that we're both chaos unhinged. And Gabe. Oh my god, this man!
And then the third act... well, I can't go into details.... but let's just say I was basically LC screaming at Heidi outside the bathrooms at Les Deux like, "You know what you did!"
What better way to wrap up a beautiful series and start a fresh new series with a certain someone who IS MINE, by the way. IYKY. I have dibs. Sorry, I don't make the rules.
Well done Sam on a beautiful series. You are amazing in every way, and I cannot wait for the spin off!