It Was Always You: A Fake Relationship/Brother's Best Friend Romance (Ridgewater High Romance)

Judy Corry's books just keep getting better! It Was Always You is the third book in her Ridgewater High series, and it's definitely my favorite (so far). This book features bad boy Noah, the ex-boyfriend of Ashlyn from Meet Me There. Noah did not seem very redeemable in that novel, but here he's fully fleshed out and basically reformed.Lexi and Noah have loads of chemistry, and I really enjoyed their relationship—fake and then not-so-fake. I didn't particularly like how they sneaked around behind her dad's (and brother's) back, but it did feel totally authentic ... and Lexi eventually did the right thing and respected her dad.While the relationship is fun, this book has lots of serious matter, too—it deals with domestic abuse, strained parent-child relationships, and bullying. I thought all of these issues were handled well.One slight complaint: When Lexi and Noah begin fake dating, many students believe they're sleeping together because of something Lexi said that came out totally wrong. Noah assures her that no one will really think they're having sex because she's still wearing her purity ring. Similarly, Lexi's brother basically confesses a prior sexual relationship to her by pointing out that he's no longer wearing his purity ring. I grew up in the height of "True Love Waits"/purity culture, and I knew a lot of girls (but no guys—that part seems weird to me) who wore purity rings ... and I can't think of one of them who would have taken it off just because she became sexually active; the ring was a symbol, but it wasn't a clear line in the sand—the removal of a purity ring did not necessarily represent a loss of virginity, just as the presence of a ring did not necessarily signify virginity. Besides, if you were having sex and didn't want anyone to know about it, wouldn't you just keep wearing the ring?Purity ring weirdness aside, this story is so good. I enjoyed every minute I spent reading It Was Always You (which went deep into the night because I just couldn't put the book down). 4-1/2 stars.Content note: This is clean YA with no sex or foul language. There are a few mentions of sex, and some of the kisses get heated. The domestic abuse plot line, while not at all graphic, might be too much for some readers.

Ok, so I have read these books completely out of order and while the secondary characters each have their own book, I didn’t feel lost or like I missed anything. I actually wanted to go back and get to know them! I still have 2 more books in this series to read and I am definitely looking forward to it. I have just discovered Judy’s books about 2 weeks ago and have been on a reading binge ever since. Her writing is awesome and I love how her books are clean but still contain enough passion and tension between her characters to keep me interested even in YA!

These teens have true dilemmas which makes this story more rich and interesting. I love the characters, and the sweetness of their relationship as it begins to develop.Battling the circumstances of the past, including those beyond their control, this pair find something special in each other.This is a great book to bring some dialogue between generations, and enlightenment about aspects of dating that are usually glossed over when entering the land of fiction.As a divorced woman, I believe there are many realities that youth don't really recognize unless learned the hard way, or shown through conversations that are more open than many parents have with their teens. This is a neutral ground where some of these conversations could start.

It's so much fun to read about the need getting the popular kid in the end. Now, add the fact that he's here brothers best friend and hiding deep family secrets and you have a winner of a story.

I am so glad that I discovered Judy Corry! I love all her books, but this one has got to be my new favorite!!! I loved the chemistry between the characters, how loving Noah is towards Lexi, and especially how the author keeps it clean, but yet extremely romantic! I cannot wait for the next one!

Oof. I liked the first two books--this one felt too young; more like middle school than high school, and that made any attraction descriptions feel super creepy. 'Oh my gosh, I've never held a guy's hand before, what if I'm really bad at it?? But his beautiful, chiseled abs make my breath catch.'It was nice to see a redemption story for Noah! I was invested in the story!

I couldn't stop. I had to know the ending. Super cute and fun read. Clean and keeps your interest. I love this author and would recommend any of her books!

This author doesn't shy away from the tough stuff re: family dynamics, and I'm grateful for that. The story has depth and cultivates a slow burn romance...the kind I dreamed of as a teenager. If you enjoy a YA that steers away from cheesy and instead aims for the heart, this is for you.

I haven’t read a book in about 10 years until I bought this book. I absolutely loved it, didn’t want to put it down. Great that it gave you both perspectives of the 2 main characters. Loved it so much I bought “My Second Chance” I’m hooked! Thank you Judy Corry for inspiring me to read again!

What can i say.. I'm a sucker for romance. Its a simple yet beautiful story and i loved reading every minute of it.