Book Review: Always Have: A Hot Friends to Lovers Romance (The Always Series Book 1) by Claire Kingsley
When I picked up Always Have, I was immediately drawn in by the premise of a friends-to-lovers romance. Who doesn’t love a good dose of yearning and miscommunication wrapped in a witty narrative? Claire Kingsley did not disappoint—what started as a light-hearted romp quickly transformed into an emotional rollercoaster that had me turning pages late into the night.
At the heart of Always Have are Kylie and Braxton, two best friends whose chemistry simmers beneath the surface like a pot about to boil over. Kylie, who has had her fill of the dating scene, is steadfast in her belief that Braxton is simply too much of a player for her to consider anything more than friendship. Meanwhile, Braxton, the epitome of the hot bad boy, isn’t just another womanizer—his heart beats for Kylie. The tension between them is palpable, and Kingsley masterfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers engaged and rooting for these characters to finally acknowledge their feelings.
One of the elements that truly stood out to me was Kingsley’s ability to weave humor into a narrative filled with angst. The duo’s banter made me chuckle while simultaneously feeling the weight of their unspoken love. I found myself giggling at the moments when their circumstances tangled together—like when Braxton takes care of a flu-stricken Kylie, revealing a side of him that is tender yet undeniably protective.
Kingsley’s writing style appeals to the heart while also embracing the messiness of friendships and romantic relationships. Her pacing allows the story to build naturally, leading to moments of both heartache and joy that felt genuine and raw. The depth of character development was another highlight; the journey of Kylie and Braxton felt not just relatable but intimate. I found myself invested in their paths, the challenges they faced, and the ultimate question of whether their friendship could survive a romantic entanglement.
Notably, there’s a quote that resonated with me: “What if this is a mistake?” Kylie asks, to which Braxton replies, “It isn’t. It can’t be a mistake.” This encapsulates the essence of their relationship—the fear of losing something precious against the thrilling prospect of finally being together. It struck me as a reminder of how often we let fear dictate our choices, especially in matters of love.
Always Have is a gem for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with a bit of sass, heat, and heartfelt moments. If you appreciate stories where the tension is high, friendships face the ultimate test, and the journey to love is fraught with complications, then this book is for you.
Reading Kingsley’s work left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling that I wouldn’t trade for anything. This book isn’t just a romance; it’s an exploration of friendship, desire, and ultimately, the courage it takes to love someone fully. I can’t wait to delve into the next book in the series, and I highly recommend it to fellow readers who cherish heartfelt storytelling sprinkled with a side of sizzling chemistry. Happy reading!
You can find Always Have: A Hot Friends to Lovers Romance (The Always Series Book 1) here >>