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Once and Always #1
Something Good
Sammy
He was never meant to be mine, the all-american boy with the pretty eyes and perfect life. But my golden boy was determined to break down my walls and soothe the hurts no one else took the time to see. As my world caved in around me, he became my light in the darkness, and against my better judgment, I fell for him.
I broke his heart that summer, but years later, he’s back, and once again, I find myself unable to resist him. This time, though, I’m realizing I don’t want to resist. I want a second chance.
Will
It was the best summer of my life…until he broke my heart. The pain of losing him almost ruined me, but I moved on and started a new life. Only it turns out that the new life I’d built was an illusion, and I’ve moved back, trying to rebuild once again.
Sammy’s different this time around, but that same pull is there, the one I can’t walk away from. He says he wants another chance, but can I trust him with my heart a second time?
Something Good is the first book in the Once and Always series featuring stories about men finding love and their second chances. This emotional romance features themes of parental neglect and abandonment. For a full list of triggers, please visit the author's website.
He was never meant to be mine, the all-american boy with the pretty eyes and perfect life. But my golden boy was determined to break down my walls and soothe the hurts no one else took the time to see. As my world caved in around me, he became my light in the darkness, and against my better judgment, I fell for him.
I broke his heart that summer, but years later, he’s back, and once again, I find myself unable to resist him. This time, though, I’m realizing I don’t want to resist. I want a second chance.
Will
It was the best summer of my life…until he broke my heart. The pain of losing him almost ruined me, but I moved on and started a new life. Only it turns out that the new life I’d built was an illusion, and I’ve moved back, trying to rebuild once again.
Sammy’s different this time around, but that same pull is there, the one I can’t walk away from. He says he wants another chance, but can I trust him with my heart a second time?
Something Good is the first book in the Once and Always series featuring stories about men finding love and their second chances. This emotional romance features themes of parental neglect and abandonment. For a full list of triggers, please visit the author's website.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2024
About the author
Melody Claire
4 books68 followersMelody Claire writes emotional contemporary MM romance stories with moderate heat and a whole lot of heart. She hails from Kansas City but resides in Omaha and loves setting her stories in the Midwest. She is married with two almost grown kiddos, a dog, and a kitty. By day, she teaches middle school, and by night can be found writing on her laptop or curled up with her kindle. She's addicted to Pink Drinks and the sound of her husband's laugh, and loves nothing more than to escape into a love story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
April 8, 2024
didn’t connect to the characters, their love/story, the writing, and the pacing.
skimmed the last 40% and was completely disinterested in the ending as well. felt like the development between the characters reuniting after being separated for 10 years progressed at warp speed which completely took me out of their relationship and made it not believable for me. needed more depth between them for a second chance romance.
skimmed the last 40% and was completely disinterested in the ending as well. felt like the development between the characters reuniting after being separated for 10 years progressed at warp speed which completely took me out of their relationship and made it not believable for me. needed more depth between them for a second chance romance.
March 27, 2024
Something Good by Melody Claire is astounding. This book brought me so much hurt in part one and repaired my broken heart in part two. Melody, you have such a way with story telling, I could have lived with these two forever.
Sammy and Will were always inevitable. Best friend for the first ten years of life, to lose touch when Will moves away, these two always found each other again. And every time, felt like coming home.
Sammy is such a sweet soul underneath the hard exterior in the beginning. His need to protect and put others and their needs above his own, speaks volumes of his character. His growth in part two put a smile on my face. The changes he made as he aged, he was more opened and expressive. I loved his journey, as he prevailed from his youth, it was such a pleasure to read. I know, I know, it’s fictional but I loved that he became the master of his story. I love my broken boys and I loved seeing this one’s life change and him finding his passion. Such a beautiful part of this story for me, you’ve done an outstanding job with this one Melody. Will might be his something good, but I think Sammy is mine. To see him on the other side of life, touched my soul.
And Will, my sweet Will, I just want to hug him forever and I’d like to stab Dimitri for him. I love him for atoning to his mistakes and fixing them with his mother and Jason. Repairing the hurt we may not have realized we caused is part of healing.
I connected to both of these characters on different levels. My connection with Sammy has more depth, just because I relate to him, but I love them both the same. Also, I’m such a sucker for some animal love. Thank you for making Goldie a part of this story and part of Will’s healing.
I just loved Sammy’s brother Jimmy, I hope we get more of him at some point, if he is speaking to you. Also, Will’s mama is such a wonderful delight, I loved her wisdom and advice. (Reminds me of my two book besties/soul sisters, always helping me to navigate this crazy life.)
Thank you Melody Claire for trusting me to read this one for you. This is my honest opinion. I couldn’t love Sammy, Will and Goldie more if I tried.
I’m beyond excited for book two of this series and to learn more about Jason. ♥️
Sammy and Will were always inevitable. Best friend for the first ten years of life, to lose touch when Will moves away, these two always found each other again. And every time, felt like coming home.
Sammy is such a sweet soul underneath the hard exterior in the beginning. His need to protect and put others and their needs above his own, speaks volumes of his character. His growth in part two put a smile on my face. The changes he made as he aged, he was more opened and expressive. I loved his journey, as he prevailed from his youth, it was such a pleasure to read. I know, I know, it’s fictional but I loved that he became the master of his story. I love my broken boys and I loved seeing this one’s life change and him finding his passion. Such a beautiful part of this story for me, you’ve done an outstanding job with this one Melody. Will might be his something good, but I think Sammy is mine. To see him on the other side of life, touched my soul.
And Will, my sweet Will, I just want to hug him forever and I’d like to stab Dimitri for him. I love him for atoning to his mistakes and fixing them with his mother and Jason. Repairing the hurt we may not have realized we caused is part of healing.
I connected to both of these characters on different levels. My connection with Sammy has more depth, just because I relate to him, but I love them both the same. Also, I’m such a sucker for some animal love. Thank you for making Goldie a part of this story and part of Will’s healing.
I just loved Sammy’s brother Jimmy, I hope we get more of him at some point, if he is speaking to you. Also, Will’s mama is such a wonderful delight, I loved her wisdom and advice. (Reminds me of my two book besties/soul sisters, always helping me to navigate this crazy life.)
Thank you Melody Claire for trusting me to read this one for you. This is my honest opinion. I couldn’t love Sammy, Will and Goldie more if I tried.
I’m beyond excited for book two of this series and to learn more about Jason. ♥️
April 3, 2024
Friends to lovers is probably my favourite trope. Add in a heart-wrenching breakup and second chance romance and you've got my full attention. Sammy and Will are the sweetest boys at 18, even Sammy with his prickly exterior and absolute low self-esteem. Will is his 'something good' 🥹. But Sammy, as anyone with abusive parents knows, can't accept love. So they break up and make us all cry.
But then, 10 years after, they find their way back to each other. Sammy is all in, but Will is hurt and finalising his divorce from his a-hole exhusband, who is a cheating pos.
This was cute, sweet and surprisingly angsty. I wanted to wrap Sammy and his brother Jimmy in a warm hug and never let them go.
I loved Olivia, awesome fictional mum. And Julio. I love seeing kindness represented in books, we get so many mean characters, it's refreshing to find kind ones.
Sammy and Will get their HEA and it was super satisfying. The second half of the book goes slower and is less angsty, but the reparation was beautifully described.
Loved it. Can't wait to read about Jason and Zach.
But then, 10 years after, they find their way back to each other. Sammy is all in, but Will is hurt and finalising his divorce from his a-hole exhusband, who is a cheating pos.
This was cute, sweet and surprisingly angsty. I wanted to wrap Sammy and his brother Jimmy in a warm hug and never let them go.
I loved Olivia, awesome fictional mum. And Julio. I love seeing kindness represented in books, we get so many mean characters, it's refreshing to find kind ones.
Sammy and Will get their HEA and it was super satisfying. The second half of the book goes slower and is less angsty, but the reparation was beautifully described.
Loved it. Can't wait to read about Jason and Zach.
April 11, 2024
Will & Sammy
Rating: 3.5⭐
- Friends-to-Lovers
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Hurt/Comfort
- First Times
- Second Chance
- Opposites Attract
This was a journey to go on with these men as they went from children to teens to adults. There are two major time jumps in this book, so be prepared for those. They show up between age 11 to 18 and then again from age 18 to 28. The book is also split into two parts based on these time jumps. I will admit that I slugged through the Part 1 of this book. Not sure if it was because of all the teenage angst and anger or that I knew what was coming at the end of Part 1. Either way, I blasted through Part 2 because I knew they were coming back together. I just wish you got to see more of them together as adults and finally reuniting and getting their HEA. I felt a bit cheated by time I was done, which is why I can't rank it higher. Sammy and Will were always inevitable and I wanted to bask in their happiness but just didn't get to unfortunately.
Sammy is a sweet soul in a horrible situation and he had to take on the weight of the world at 18, while keeping it together for his little brother Jimmy. He has a need to protect others and put them first before his own needs. When Will moved, he lost his bright light in the dark storm that was his life and when he didn't continue to write after the first letter, like he promised, Sammy became angry and bitter. Will coming back for the summer before going to college just brought all his jumbled feelings back out and he was very unkind to Will. Will finds a way to get through Sammy's defenses and they spend time together over the summer creating special memories they will never forget. As Sammy's life continues to crumble, he feels like the best option is to breakup with Will and give him the best chance at a great life. Yeah, teenage stupidity there because he ended up hurting Will so deeply.
Will spirals after he leaves just kind of loses himself for a while. He cuts off communication with Sammy and even distances himself from his mom and his friend Jason. Ten years later, Will is getting a divorce from his cheating husband and moving back to Nebraska. He's spent 10 years avoiding the place because of Sammy and his heartache. It was sad to see that he settled for so long because of how broken he was over how Sammy let him go and didn't fight for them. His bright light has dimmed now and he's picking up the pieces of his life to create a new one. Fate throws these two back into each other’s lives whether they like it or not. There's a lot of hurt that needs to be healed, conversations to be had, patience, and love fully given. The couple stumbles a little but they work it out together and find their way to finally being together, forever this time.
I loved Sammy's brother Jimmy and hope he finds the happiness he deserves as well. It looks like Jason and Zach's story is next up in this series, which should be an interesting one because Jason thought he was ace but finds out he's actually demi.
Trigger Warnings:
parental neglect, parental abandonment, divorce, anxiety (on page panic attack - side character) descriptions of anxiety symptoms (main character)
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: Yes, in the middle
Rating: 3.5⭐
- Friends-to-Lovers
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Hurt/Comfort
- First Times
- Second Chance
- Opposites Attract
This was a journey to go on with these men as they went from children to teens to adults. There are two major time jumps in this book, so be prepared for those. They show up between age 11 to 18 and then again from age 18 to 28. The book is also split into two parts based on these time jumps. I will admit that I slugged through the Part 1 of this book. Not sure if it was because of all the teenage angst and anger or that I knew what was coming at the end of Part 1. Either way, I blasted through Part 2 because I knew they were coming back together. I just wish you got to see more of them together as adults and finally reuniting and getting their HEA. I felt a bit cheated by time I was done, which is why I can't rank it higher. Sammy and Will were always inevitable and I wanted to bask in their happiness but just didn't get to unfortunately.
Sammy is a sweet soul in a horrible situation and he had to take on the weight of the world at 18, while keeping it together for his little brother Jimmy. He has a need to protect others and put them first before his own needs. When Will moved, he lost his bright light in the dark storm that was his life and when he didn't continue to write after the first letter, like he promised, Sammy became angry and bitter. Will coming back for the summer before going to college just brought all his jumbled feelings back out and he was very unkind to Will. Will finds a way to get through Sammy's defenses and they spend time together over the summer creating special memories they will never forget. As Sammy's life continues to crumble, he feels like the best option is to breakup with Will and give him the best chance at a great life. Yeah, teenage stupidity there because he ended up hurting Will so deeply.
“If I was the darkest of nights, you were the brightest of days.”
Will spirals after he leaves just kind of loses himself for a while. He cuts off communication with Sammy and even distances himself from his mom and his friend Jason. Ten years later, Will is getting a divorce from his cheating husband and moving back to Nebraska. He's spent 10 years avoiding the place because of Sammy and his heartache. It was sad to see that he settled for so long because of how broken he was over how Sammy let him go and didn't fight for them. His bright light has dimmed now and he's picking up the pieces of his life to create a new one. Fate throws these two back into each other’s lives whether they like it or not. There's a lot of hurt that needs to be healed, conversations to be had, patience, and love fully given. The couple stumbles a little but they work it out together and find their way to finally being together, forever this time.
“I loved you, Sammy. I was so in love with you that it was like a living, breathing thing. How could you ever think I’d be better off without the other half of my heart?”
“No. It feels like I was always meant to be yours. Like it was inevitable that one way or another, I’d always come back here. Back to you.”
I loved Sammy's brother Jimmy and hope he finds the happiness he deserves as well. It looks like Jason and Zach's story is next up in this series, which should be an interesting one because Jason thought he was ace but finds out he's actually demi.
Trigger Warnings:
parental neglect, parental abandonment, divorce, anxiety (on page panic attack - side character) descriptions of anxiety symptoms (main character)
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: Yes, in the middle
April 4, 2024
4.5 stars. Sammy has a hard life he’s only eighteen and holding on by a thread. His mom left him and his younger brother to live with guy number… he lost count. He has all the responsibilities on his back.
Years ago he had a best friend, Will, who moved and lost contact. Now Will is back. First Sammy was angry because he never contacted him, but now Will wants to be boyfriends. Sammy is reluctant, he just doesn’t deserve a guy like Will.
Will sees Sammy as the guy he really is, he cares, and he’s a survivor but sadly has little self-esteem.
But Sammy made a decision that hurt both of them deeply.
We can follow them over the years when they are both lost.
Funny how life works for them, you can run and avoid, you can shut yourself off, but in the end, fate did what was good for them. And thank goodness it was good!
Oh wow, that was a captivating story. Two guys coming from different backgrounds, going from best friends to losing this and having second chances. It’s all quite emotional.
The hurt comfort was palpable, I even hoped for more resistance, but these guys were so lovable and kind, they didn’t want to hurt.
The whole story is well written. The author did a great job, crafting out their journey over all those years.
Years ago he had a best friend, Will, who moved and lost contact. Now Will is back. First Sammy was angry because he never contacted him, but now Will wants to be boyfriends. Sammy is reluctant, he just doesn’t deserve a guy like Will.
Will sees Sammy as the guy he really is, he cares, and he’s a survivor but sadly has little self-esteem.
But Sammy made a decision that hurt both of them deeply.
We can follow them over the years when they are both lost.
Funny how life works for them, you can run and avoid, you can shut yourself off, but in the end, fate did what was good for them. And thank goodness it was good!
Oh wow, that was a captivating story. Two guys coming from different backgrounds, going from best friends to losing this and having second chances. It’s all quite emotional.
The hurt comfort was palpable, I even hoped for more resistance, but these guys were so lovable and kind, they didn’t want to hurt.
The whole story is well written. The author did a great job, crafting out their journey over all those years.
October 14, 2024
Something Good is book one in the Once and Always series. This MM second chance romance story is about Sammy and Will.
Sammy and Will's story is an emotional one. They were childhood best friends up until Will's family moved away and they lost touch. Seven years later, Will moves back after his graduation from high school. During that summer before he leaves for college, Will and Sammy can't help but fall for each other. Unfortunately Sammy ends up making a decision he thinks is for the best, and it ends up breaking both their hearts. Ten years later, we find Sammy and Will reuniting again. Sammy is looking for a second chance, and Will is scared to give him one. Sammy and Will definitely had me rooting for them to get their HEA.
I absolutely loved Sammy. My heart broke to see everything he went through. He always would protect others and put their needs above his own, especially when it came to his younger brother Jimmy. I was so happy to see Sammy persevere in the end, but I have to admit his career choice didn’t make sense to me. As for Will, I did struggle a bit with some of his choices as well as his behavior at times. But in the end I am glad he returned to those he left behind, especially his mother and Jason. As for the rest of the side characters, I really enjoyed them and hope we get to see more of them in the future. Overall, I think this was a great start to a new series.
Sammy and Will's story is an emotional one. They were childhood best friends up until Will's family moved away and they lost touch. Seven years later, Will moves back after his graduation from high school. During that summer before he leaves for college, Will and Sammy can't help but fall for each other. Unfortunately Sammy ends up making a decision he thinks is for the best, and it ends up breaking both their hearts. Ten years later, we find Sammy and Will reuniting again. Sammy is looking for a second chance, and Will is scared to give him one. Sammy and Will definitely had me rooting for them to get their HEA.
I absolutely loved Sammy. My heart broke to see everything he went through. He always would protect others and put their needs above his own, especially when it came to his younger brother Jimmy. I was so happy to see Sammy persevere in the end, but I have to admit his career choice didn’t make sense to me. As for Will, I did struggle a bit with some of his choices as well as his behavior at times. But in the end I am glad he returned to those he left behind, especially his mother and Jason. As for the rest of the side characters, I really enjoyed them and hope we get to see more of them in the future. Overall, I think this was a great start to a new series.
April 2, 2024
This second chance romance was so good. The story was heart wrenchingly beautiful. I felt so sad for Sammy throughout the first part of this book, he had such a hard life and somehow it just kept getting worse. I don’t particularly love time jumps in books, but with where Sammy and Will both were in their lives, it made sense. These two were the ultimate, right person, wrong time couple. This story also had some great side characters, who deserved their own HEA, can’t wait for their stories!
Tropes
❤️Childhood best friends
❤️Hurt/Comfort
❤️Second chance
❤️Slow burn
❤️Opposites attract
Tropes
❤️Childhood best friends
❤️Hurt/Comfort
❤️Second chance
❤️Slow burn
❤️Opposites attract
March 29, 2024
Sammy and Will’s story will completely break your heart before putting it back together again. ❤️🩹
From being childhood best friends with entirely different home lives, being torn apart by one moving away, to reuniting the Summer after graduation. These guys still held a special place in their hearts for each other after all those years. The years hadn’t been as kind to Sammy, and he had to make a life-changing decision - one that would alter the following decade, but it was done out of love and sacrifice. I loved seeing how he persevered over the following years, and rooted for him to get the happy ending he deserved the entire time. It always breaks my heart when so much time separates those who love each other, but sometimes it’s needed to mature and become the person you’re meant to be, for yourself and for the other person. What’s meant to be found a way in the end. ❤️
✨Childhood Friends to Lovers
✨Second Chances
✨Opposites Attract - Skater/Preppy
✨Hurt/Comfort
✨Adorable Golden Retriever 🐾
✨Found Family
✨HEA
🩶Possible Trigger Warnings: Childhood parental neglect and abandonment, Poverty/Food Insecurity, Anxiety disorder.
I absolutely loved this first book in a new series! Can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you so much Author Melody Claire for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ❤️
From being childhood best friends with entirely different home lives, being torn apart by one moving away, to reuniting the Summer after graduation. These guys still held a special place in their hearts for each other after all those years. The years hadn’t been as kind to Sammy, and he had to make a life-changing decision - one that would alter the following decade, but it was done out of love and sacrifice. I loved seeing how he persevered over the following years, and rooted for him to get the happy ending he deserved the entire time. It always breaks my heart when so much time separates those who love each other, but sometimes it’s needed to mature and become the person you’re meant to be, for yourself and for the other person. What’s meant to be found a way in the end. ❤️
✨Childhood Friends to Lovers
✨Second Chances
✨Opposites Attract - Skater/Preppy
✨Hurt/Comfort
✨Adorable Golden Retriever 🐾
✨Found Family
✨HEA
🩶Possible Trigger Warnings: Childhood parental neglect and abandonment, Poverty/Food Insecurity, Anxiety disorder.
I absolutely loved this first book in a new series! Can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you so much Author Melody Claire for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ❤️
March 30, 2024
4 stars
Sammy and Will story starts when they're just two boys who love to ride their bikes, go camping and spending time together in their secret spot. When they're 12, Will has to move away and Sammy is devastated. They exchange only one letter and then Will doesn't write back. They're just kids and Will cannot know how he hurt Sammy, he didn't realise, at that time, how awful Sammy's family situation was and how much he needed Will's friendship.
When Will returns after seven year, Sammy is a lonely, bitter young man who has to work to buy himself and his brother Jimmy (who has anxiety) food because their mom doesn't care about them and she's always away with men.
Sammy is on the verge of losing everything: he's got no money to pay rent and bills, he's about to loose the house and he and his brother have to go to a charity organization to get some food.
He doesn't know how to make things work and, despite having spend a wonderful summer in love with Will, in order to prevent him to jeopardise his future, he pushes him away.
The journey that will lead them back together is long and painful and I really liked how the author described both MCs' feelings, how their experiences affected them, how they changed during the years of their separation.
Sammy's development was beautiful and I loved that a boy so desperate and hopeless was able to create something so beautiful and making a career out of it.
What prevented me from giving an higher rate
Will's behaviour: I believe that when they broke up, he was a little bit immature.
He run away and never looked back, he could have visited during breaks, he could have texted and called, but moreover he could have shown Sammy he still got his back, that they could at least be friends.
Instead not only he cut Sammy off, but he also distanced himself from his mother and from his friend Jason.
Sammy was trying to surviving, never forgiving himself for the hurt he cause to Will and never giving himself the chance to be happy with someone else. He sacrifices his own happiness to see Will realising his dreams and it's kind of sad that Will never truly understand it.
Dimitri: I think we all agree that he should be erased from the face of the heart. He's awful and the fact that Will put up with him, with his coldness and indifference, his cheating (Will clearly didn't want to see), the way they lived their intimacy, it says more about Will than Dimitri.
Just because Will's heart always belonged to Sammy, it doesn't mean Will had to endure that kind of relationship.
I really really loved the side characters of this novel: Jason, a concerned but also very supportive friend; Olivia, a caring mother, who gently pushed her boys towards the right direction; Jimmy, a brave little brother, who wanted to prove himself and return his brother's care.
Next book will be about Jason and it has all the premises to be another good second chance romance. I hope we'll got Jimmy's story soon, though, he needs a very happy ending too.
Very recommended.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
Sammy and Will story starts when they're just two boys who love to ride their bikes, go camping and spending time together in their secret spot. When they're 12, Will has to move away and Sammy is devastated. They exchange only one letter and then Will doesn't write back. They're just kids and Will cannot know how he hurt Sammy, he didn't realise, at that time, how awful Sammy's family situation was and how much he needed Will's friendship.
When Will returns after seven year, Sammy is a lonely, bitter young man who has to work to buy himself and his brother Jimmy (who has anxiety) food because their mom doesn't care about them and she's always away with men.
Sammy is on the verge of losing everything: he's got no money to pay rent and bills, he's about to loose the house and he and his brother have to go to a charity organization to get some food.
He doesn't know how to make things work and, despite having spend a wonderful summer in love with Will, in order to prevent him to jeopardise his future, he pushes him away.
The journey that will lead them back together is long and painful and I really liked how the author described both MCs' feelings, how their experiences affected them, how they changed during the years of their separation.
Sammy's development was beautiful and I loved that a boy so desperate and hopeless was able to create something so beautiful and making a career out of it.
What prevented me from giving an higher rate
Will's behaviour: I believe that when they broke up, he was a little bit immature.
He run away and never looked back, he could have visited during breaks, he could have texted and called, but moreover he could have shown Sammy he still got his back, that they could at least be friends.
Instead not only he cut Sammy off, but he also distanced himself from his mother and from his friend Jason.
Sammy was trying to surviving, never forgiving himself for the hurt he cause to Will and never giving himself the chance to be happy with someone else. He sacrifices his own happiness to see Will realising his dreams and it's kind of sad that Will never truly understand it.
Dimitri: I think we all agree that he should be erased from the face of the heart. He's awful and the fact that Will put up with him, with his coldness and indifference, his cheating (Will clearly didn't want to see), the way they lived their intimacy, it says more about Will than Dimitri.
Just because Will's heart always belonged to Sammy, it doesn't mean Will had to endure that kind of relationship.
I really really loved the side characters of this novel: Jason, a concerned but also very supportive friend; Olivia, a caring mother, who gently pushed her boys towards the right direction; Jimmy, a brave little brother, who wanted to prove himself and return his brother's care.
Next book will be about Jason and it has all the premises to be another good second chance romance. I hope we'll got Jimmy's story soon, though, he needs a very happy ending too.
Very recommended.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
April 9, 2024
This concept has been done a billion times but I have enjoyed this author before and I was excited to read this. The book started off good but I quickly was turned off by how fast the characters decided they wanted each other and how Sammy was so abrasive. It didn’t feel natural to me, he felt like a caricature of what a “bad boy” should be. His story was heartbreaking but he rubbed me the wrong way. Plus he called Will “golden boy” so much that I just wished he’d stop!
Speaking of Will, he was very bland. I felt like reading his POV was just uninteresting. He also didn’t think Sammy wouldn’t be mad that he never kept in touch with him? That seemed pretty clueless.
The first part of this book, which takes place the summer after the MC’s graduate high school, was too long. I would have loved more sexual tension too. The sex in this book was very boring and that’s not usually the case with this author. Since the bulk of the story takes place when they are 18 the story read as very immature to me.
Part two was actually worse than part one. I skimmed the last parts of this. Ten years has passed and Sammy now has a career as an artist and I was like “what?!?” It’s never mentioned that he can even draw. That came out of left field. Will is still boring except now he has a beard. As in facial hair.
I did really like two side characters, Jason who is Will’s friend, and Jimmy who is Sammy’s brother. I know Jason’s story is next and then hopefully we’ll get Jimmy’s story.
Unfortunately this didn’t work for me but it will be a story many will enjoy. I just didn’t feel all the feelings for these two men.
I received an ARC for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
Speaking of Will, he was very bland. I felt like reading his POV was just uninteresting. He also didn’t think Sammy wouldn’t be mad that he never kept in touch with him? That seemed pretty clueless.
The first part of this book, which takes place the summer after the MC’s graduate high school, was too long. I would have loved more sexual tension too. The sex in this book was very boring and that’s not usually the case with this author. Since the bulk of the story takes place when they are 18 the story read as very immature to me.
Part two was actually worse than part one. I skimmed the last parts of this. Ten years has passed and Sammy now has a career as an artist and I was like “what?!?” It’s never mentioned that he can even draw. That came out of left field. Will is still boring except now he has a beard. As in facial hair.
I did really like two side characters, Jason who is Will’s friend, and Jimmy who is Sammy’s brother. I know Jason’s story is next and then hopefully we’ll get Jimmy’s story.
Unfortunately this didn’t work for me but it will be a story many will enjoy. I just didn’t feel all the feelings for these two men.
I received an ARC for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
April 15, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Melody Claire is a new-to-me author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this book. But I’m a sucker for a second chance romance, so I gave this one a try. I will say, I finished this book with some mixed feelings. There were parts I really liked, and some things that didn’t work as well for me.
This book is told in two parts, with alternating first-person POVs throughout.
Overall, I was engaged in the story. Though there were times I wanted more from the story and characters, I did like seeing the past and present, seeing them fall apart and come back together. There are some heavy themes in this book, so make sure you check out the trigger warnings.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Melody Claire is a new-to-me author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this book. But I’m a sucker for a second chance romance, so I gave this one a try. I will say, I finished this book with some mixed feelings. There were parts I really liked, and some things that didn’t work as well for me.
This book is told in two parts, with alternating first-person POVs throughout.
Overall, I was engaged in the story. Though there were times I wanted more from the story and characters, I did like seeing the past and present, seeing them fall apart and come back together. There are some heavy themes in this book, so make sure you check out the trigger warnings.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
March 30, 2024
ARC REVIEW : Something Good by Melody Claire
Something good is the story of Sammy and Will, two childhood friends, who love each other deeply - only for life and circumstances to separate them. But they are inevitable and they’re here to take you for an emotional ride. The author has a sensitive and tender way of story-telling which is why I absolutely loved her first book! And this one didn’t miss the mark.
Sammy is just like what we call “a jackfruit”. Spiky and hard on the outside, incredibly sweet on the inside. He had to go through a lot at such a young age. He had to put others first and he doesn’t worry about himself. Will is nothing but a golden sweetheart. His pure, innocent love for Sammy was so soothing and healing for me. Truly a Golden boy! And special thanks to the author for having Goldie. I’m a sucker for books that give some space for pets. Really, pets can be such an exciting addition to romance books!
Tropes:
🔹Hurt/Comfort
🔹Second Chance
🔹Small Town
🔹Slow Burn
🔹Virgin MC
🔹Childhood friends
I could relate myself to Sammy in so many ways because I too had to do adulting due to irresponsible parents. I know how hard it is to grow up so early in life and not have a regular childhood and teen hood. There’s nothing more cruel than having kids and not being there for them. I have never hated a character as much as Charlotte, I mean what is wrong with that woman and that absent father as well!
Loved the side characters so much, especially Will’s mom. Her conversation with Sammy was so heartbreaking and motivating at the same time. There is hope for humans! And I am already impressed by Jason(what an amazing friend he is!), and hoping that we will get to see his love story with Zach next. Jimmy is such a cutie with a sassy side to him. It was so organic and beautiful, the way Sammy and Jimmy loved and stood by each other! Hoping to see more of Rafi’s family, Olivia, Jimmy and Jason in future.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion. Just go for it!
Something good is the story of Sammy and Will, two childhood friends, who love each other deeply - only for life and circumstances to separate them. But they are inevitable and they’re here to take you for an emotional ride. The author has a sensitive and tender way of story-telling which is why I absolutely loved her first book! And this one didn’t miss the mark.
Sammy is just like what we call “a jackfruit”. Spiky and hard on the outside, incredibly sweet on the inside. He had to go through a lot at such a young age. He had to put others first and he doesn’t worry about himself. Will is nothing but a golden sweetheart. His pure, innocent love for Sammy was so soothing and healing for me. Truly a Golden boy! And special thanks to the author for having Goldie. I’m a sucker for books that give some space for pets. Really, pets can be such an exciting addition to romance books!
Tropes:
🔹Hurt/Comfort
🔹Second Chance
🔹Small Town
🔹Slow Burn
🔹Virgin MC
🔹Childhood friends
I could relate myself to Sammy in so many ways because I too had to do adulting due to irresponsible parents. I know how hard it is to grow up so early in life and not have a regular childhood and teen hood. There’s nothing more cruel than having kids and not being there for them. I have never hated a character as much as Charlotte, I mean what is wrong with that woman and that absent father as well!
Loved the side characters so much, especially Will’s mom. Her conversation with Sammy was so heartbreaking and motivating at the same time. There is hope for humans! And I am already impressed by Jason(what an amazing friend he is!), and hoping that we will get to see his love story with Zach next. Jimmy is such a cutie with a sassy side to him. It was so organic and beautiful, the way Sammy and Jimmy loved and stood by each other! Hoping to see more of Rafi’s family, Olivia, Jimmy and Jason in future.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion. Just go for it!
April 2, 2024
Melody has truly out done herself in the heartbreakingly beautiful romance. Sammy & Will were best friends til Will had to move away and lost touch. When Will returns home, he isn't prepared for the boy who has struggled so much to be the support for his brother. The summer before college is the best of their lives, until it isn't. Sammy makes a choice out of love to give Will the life he deserves, not stuck with him struggling just to survive.
Another ten years passes before these two cross paths once again. And as with other times they are drawn together, they have an inevitable love that just took some misfires to get right.
You don't get to see these men fall in love once, but twice when both are truly ready for that stage in their lives. Yes, it is painful to read, but it's so beautifully done that you're happy to have had the experience. Another amazing read from Melody and so looking forward to the next book in the Once and Always series.
Another ten years passes before these two cross paths once again. And as with other times they are drawn together, they have an inevitable love that just took some misfires to get right.
You don't get to see these men fall in love once, but twice when both are truly ready for that stage in their lives. Yes, it is painful to read, but it's so beautifully done that you're happy to have had the experience. Another amazing read from Melody and so looking forward to the next book in the Once and Always series.
March 31, 2024
This book is about a love that continued over the years. Sammy and Will have known each other since they were children, where they had a great connection until Will's family had to move.
“I’m not dating material, golden boy. I’m not the kind of guy someone takes home to show off to their mom.”
When they meet again, they both hold grudges from the past. Sammy carries a lot of weight, much more than any teenager should carry and Will is his ray of sunshine. Sammy always had a soft spot for Will, but sometimes, loving is also letting go.
"I’d never been good at making the smarter choice."
Tropes
▫️ Second chance
▫️ Grumpy/sunshine
▫️ Small town
▫️ Childhood best friends
▫️ Slow burn
“I’m not dating material, golden boy. I’m not the kind of guy someone takes home to show off to their mom.”
When they meet again, they both hold grudges from the past. Sammy carries a lot of weight, much more than any teenager should carry and Will is his ray of sunshine. Sammy always had a soft spot for Will, but sometimes, loving is also letting go.
"I’d never been good at making the smarter choice."
Tropes
▫️ Second chance
▫️ Grumpy/sunshine
▫️ Small town
▫️ Childhood best friends
▫️ Slow burn
April 9, 2024
I am a sucker for a second chance romance and Melody Claire delivered!
At first I wanted to give you a whole run down of what happened in this story but I think all you need to know going into this book is that Sammy’s story will break your heart and these two boys were destined to be together from the very beginning.
Yes, there are time jumps. First we get a 7 year time jump where they go from 11 year old boys to 18 year old men. Then we get one summer where my heart was constantly broken and I just wanted to save Sammy. Then we get a 10 year time jump and I had no idea this was coming. I knew there was a time jump but not TWO. Now they go from 18 years old to 28 years old and as you can imagine a lot of life happened but at their core these two were meant to be together, we know it, they don’t want to believe it, but they fight HARD for it. Yes, it was all worth it but don’t get me wrong, I was messaging Melody constantly wanting to know why!
Melody also did a great job leaving us wanting more. She set up this world and gave us wonderful side characters who I know are coming in books two and three. I can’t wait for the next book in the Once and Always series.
Drop into my DMs to chat all about Sammy and Will.
At first I wanted to give you a whole run down of what happened in this story but I think all you need to know going into this book is that Sammy’s story will break your heart and these two boys were destined to be together from the very beginning.
Yes, there are time jumps. First we get a 7 year time jump where they go from 11 year old boys to 18 year old men. Then we get one summer where my heart was constantly broken and I just wanted to save Sammy. Then we get a 10 year time jump and I had no idea this was coming. I knew there was a time jump but not TWO. Now they go from 18 years old to 28 years old and as you can imagine a lot of life happened but at their core these two were meant to be together, we know it, they don’t want to believe it, but they fight HARD for it. Yes, it was all worth it but don’t get me wrong, I was messaging Melody constantly wanting to know why!
Melody also did a great job leaving us wanting more. She set up this world and gave us wonderful side characters who I know are coming in books two and three. I can’t wait for the next book in the Once and Always series.
Drop into my DMs to chat all about Sammy and Will.
April 10, 2024
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
I adore a well-done second chance romance and this book is definitely that! The prologue will give you all of the feels with their childlike innocence. Claire does a good job of highlighting the heartbreaking moments between both MCs in this book, as well as, the individual distressing moments that they experience.
Sammy and Will are childhood friends that are torn apart by distance. They reunite seven years later after they have just graduated. Sammy is angry over the lost years, has a chip on his shoulder, and pushes Will away at first. Will is secretly experiencing more than platonic feelings for Sammy. He helps him and his brother, Jimmy, out on a couple of occasions. (Their mom isn’t that great of a parent). Despite some tense interactions, Sammy and Will manage to get close once again. Their connection deepens and a romantic relationship ensues. Things take a turn and the couple find themselves apart again.
Fate intervenes and they are reunited a second time ten years later, in their late twenties. (Personally, I kind of liked the double reuniting after dual periods of separation). Sammy and Will have both changed in their own ways. Both MCs have some internal obstacles to overcome before they can find their way back to one another. I appreciated all of the honest and vulnerable conversations between them. The prologue and part one highlight heartbreak. Part two focuses on unification and healing. I love the shift in Sammy and how he fights for Will this time.
This book will definitely put you through an emotional ringer. That said, both MCs experience growth on their respective journeys. Jimmy, Jason, and Goldie (love the connection to the golden boy!) are great support systems for the couple. I was happy that Sammy and Will were able to get past their conflicts and reach their HEA. The epilogue is so sweet and swoon worthy! I’m so excited about Jason’s story, up next in the series!
There are some potentially triggering topics in this book, so be sure to check out the author’s content warnings.
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
I adore a well-done second chance romance and this book is definitely that! The prologue will give you all of the feels with their childlike innocence. Claire does a good job of highlighting the heartbreaking moments between both MCs in this book, as well as, the individual distressing moments that they experience.
Sammy and Will are childhood friends that are torn apart by distance. They reunite seven years later after they have just graduated. Sammy is angry over the lost years, has a chip on his shoulder, and pushes Will away at first. Will is secretly experiencing more than platonic feelings for Sammy. He helps him and his brother, Jimmy, out on a couple of occasions. (Their mom isn’t that great of a parent). Despite some tense interactions, Sammy and Will manage to get close once again. Their connection deepens and a romantic relationship ensues. Things take a turn and the couple find themselves apart again.
Fate intervenes and they are reunited a second time ten years later, in their late twenties. (Personally, I kind of liked the double reuniting after dual periods of separation). Sammy and Will have both changed in their own ways. Both MCs have some internal obstacles to overcome before they can find their way back to one another. I appreciated all of the honest and vulnerable conversations between them. The prologue and part one highlight heartbreak. Part two focuses on unification and healing. I love the shift in Sammy and how he fights for Will this time.
This book will definitely put you through an emotional ringer. That said, both MCs experience growth on their respective journeys. Jimmy, Jason, and Goldie (love the connection to the golden boy!) are great support systems for the couple. I was happy that Sammy and Will were able to get past their conflicts and reach their HEA. The epilogue is so sweet and swoon worthy! I’m so excited about Jason’s story, up next in the series!
There are some potentially triggering topics in this book, so be sure to check out the author’s content warnings.
March 29, 2024
4.5 stars
I have always enjoyed the author's writing and how incredibly she conveys the emotions of the characters and their struggles and the anguish which takes place to get their HEA and this book was just as incredible as her previous books.
Sammy and Will have been best friends for the first ten years of their lives and had lost touch after Will moved away but now Will is back for the summer before he leaves for college.
Sammy's house life was not so good and he also had to take care of his brother, so he believed nothing good was going to happen in his life but Will was his Something Good. The Once part of the book was filled with angst and my heart hurt for both characters but I understood why Sammy broke up with Will, he always thought so much about others and he decided what was best for Will but was it the best?
I liked the Always part more because you meet them after ten years and though things have changed in their life and they both have grown up, their feelings for each other are still the same. I loved Sammy in this part a little more, how determined he was to get a second chance from Will, how he took care of him and romanced him, I loved every second of it. The chemistry between them was amazing even after years had passed and I enjoyed it.
The best part apart from the characters for me was Goldie (Will's pet), I love it when pets are there in the stories and also Jimmy was a wonderful character and I am looking forward to his HEA as well but next is Jason's story which I am excited about.
* I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review *
I have always enjoyed the author's writing and how incredibly she conveys the emotions of the characters and their struggles and the anguish which takes place to get their HEA and this book was just as incredible as her previous books.
Sammy and Will have been best friends for the first ten years of their lives and had lost touch after Will moved away but now Will is back for the summer before he leaves for college.
Sammy's house life was not so good and he also had to take care of his brother, so he believed nothing good was going to happen in his life but Will was his Something Good. The Once part of the book was filled with angst and my heart hurt for both characters but I understood why Sammy broke up with Will, he always thought so much about others and he decided what was best for Will but was it the best?
I liked the Always part more because you meet them after ten years and though things have changed in their life and they both have grown up, their feelings for each other are still the same. I loved Sammy in this part a little more, how determined he was to get a second chance from Will, how he took care of him and romanced him, I loved every second of it. The chemistry between them was amazing even after years had passed and I enjoyed it.
The best part apart from the characters for me was Goldie (Will's pet), I love it when pets are there in the stories and also Jimmy was a wonderful character and I am looking forward to his HEA as well but next is Jason's story which I am excited about.
* I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review *
April 2, 2024
This book had me all in my feels 😭🥺🥰
I fell in love with Sammy and Will from the very beginning. Sammy's homelife is awful, and Will is his something good and oh how good it was! Their connection is all consuming, and there was never any chance of them not gravitating towards each other.
This book is a journey, an all-consuming rollercoaster ride that will definitely leave a lasting impression.
I have read all of the books by this author, and the way she writes transports you into the story and makes you feel as though you are experiencing everything with the characters.
This book is not only the story of one boys struggle with having to grow up too fast and take on way more responsibilities than he should be expected to but one of falling in love with your best friend and never getting over them and then having a second chance at forever.
Another beautifully written emotionally charged book from Melody Claire that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
I fell in love with Sammy and Will from the very beginning. Sammy's homelife is awful, and Will is his something good and oh how good it was! Their connection is all consuming, and there was never any chance of them not gravitating towards each other.
This book is a journey, an all-consuming rollercoaster ride that will definitely leave a lasting impression.
I have read all of the books by this author, and the way she writes transports you into the story and makes you feel as though you are experiencing everything with the characters.
This book is not only the story of one boys struggle with having to grow up too fast and take on way more responsibilities than he should be expected to but one of falling in love with your best friend and never getting over them and then having a second chance at forever.
Another beautifully written emotionally charged book from Melody Claire that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
March 28, 2024
4.5 stars
Second chance is my favorite trope - but it breaks my heart every time. So did this beautiful story by Melody Claire and I loved every minute of it. Something goodis the story of Sammy and Will, two childhood friends, who love each other deeply - and then there is the world to separate them.
The author has a tender way with words and her storytelling is beautiful. I loved her first book and this book is a big promise of what's to come.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Second chance is my favorite trope - but it breaks my heart every time. So did this beautiful story by Melody Claire and I loved every minute of it. Something goodis the story of Sammy and Will, two childhood friends, who love each other deeply - and then there is the world to separate them.
The author has a tender way with words and her storytelling is beautiful. I loved her first book and this book is a big promise of what's to come.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
April 4, 2024
The way I am 'savouring the feeling of Something Good'... after finishing reading it!
My heart! Sammy and Wills romance shall forever live on in my heart!
Part One of this story was heart breaking my heart ached for both the main characters and their situations.
I loved the childhood, to adulthood time skip and how we actually grow up with the characters and this book did not disappoint in delivering the drama. I was on a rollercoaster of emotions while reading but nothing more than joy was felt while reading this and just wanting the best for both Sammy and Will. I couldn't help but smile to myself while reading certain moments the characters were together, but also want to cry for their pain. The duality is endless.
This story shall and forever more hold a special place in my heart and was definitely my something good feeling for the week while I read this.
I can not wait for the next book! And Melody Claire and I am so happy to have found you through reading this beautiful story, can't wait to read more of your work! I found your work through an ARC sign up and I'm so happy I got the opportunity to read this!
10/10 would recommend this sweet second chance MM romance.
My heart! Sammy and Wills romance shall forever live on in my heart!
Part One of this story was heart breaking my heart ached for both the main characters and their situations.
I loved the childhood, to adulthood time skip and how we actually grow up with the characters and this book did not disappoint in delivering the drama. I was on a rollercoaster of emotions while reading but nothing more than joy was felt while reading this and just wanting the best for both Sammy and Will. I couldn't help but smile to myself while reading certain moments the characters were together, but also want to cry for their pain. The duality is endless.
This story shall and forever more hold a special place in my heart and was definitely my something good feeling for the week while I read this.
I can not wait for the next book! And Melody Claire and I am so happy to have found you through reading this beautiful story, can't wait to read more of your work! I found your work through an ARC sign up and I'm so happy I got the opportunity to read this!
10/10 would recommend this sweet second chance MM romance.
March 27, 2024
Melody has delivered another fantastic, emotional rollercoaster of a novel. I absolutely adored both Sammy and Will, my heart breaking and mending with theirs. I'm not ready to say goodbye to these two guys just yet, so here's hoping we see more of them in the next book. Super excited for Jason's story and keeping my fingers crossed that Jimmy will get his own HEA in a future installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2024
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Sammy and Will ❤️
This book was fantastic, it was such a heartfelt and extremely well thought out story. It was more emotional than I expected on both characters parts, speaking of these characters.....loved them ❤️. This is one of my favorite second chance reads to date. I am so happy I took a chance on this, I would absolutely recommend.
* Inrecievd an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Sammy and Will ❤️
This book was fantastic, it was such a heartfelt and extremely well thought out story. It was more emotional than I expected on both characters parts, speaking of these characters.....loved them ❤️. This is one of my favorite second chance reads to date. I am so happy I took a chance on this, I would absolutely recommend.
* Inrecievd an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
April 4, 2024
I enjoyed it, it was sweet and I love friends to lovers second chance. I thought the beginning was tooooooo long and the second half had no intensity.
March 30, 2024
This book blew me away. The story of Sammy and Will will stay with me for a long time. This is a beautifully written childhood best friends to lovers, second chance book. Make sure you have tissues handy.
Will and Sammy met as young boys growing up in the same small town. They were inseparable best friends until Will moved away. They were reunited again during the summer after they graduated from high school. In that time, Sammy hasn’t had an easy life with an absent mother and the responsibility of raising his younger brother.
Sammy’s story had me sobbing. Not just a few tears falling. Sobbing. He had way too much responsibility on his shoulders due to his neglectful mom. Will helped as much as he can, but ultimately he can’t.
Will loved Sammy fiercely and wanted to be everything to him, but also fought his own demons. He has a pure heart, but can be a bit misguided.
I don’t want to say anything more. These two get a HEA, but they fight hard for it. They need to forgive themselves and each other for choices they make do circumstances beyond their control. The author created some great side characters and I can’t wait to see them in future books.
Read this beautiful story. You won’t be sorry. Just heed the TW.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Will and Sammy met as young boys growing up in the same small town. They were inseparable best friends until Will moved away. They were reunited again during the summer after they graduated from high school. In that time, Sammy hasn’t had an easy life with an absent mother and the responsibility of raising his younger brother.
Sammy’s story had me sobbing. Not just a few tears falling. Sobbing. He had way too much responsibility on his shoulders due to his neglectful mom. Will helped as much as he can, but ultimately he can’t.
Will loved Sammy fiercely and wanted to be everything to him, but also fought his own demons. He has a pure heart, but can be a bit misguided.
I don’t want to say anything more. These two get a HEA, but they fight hard for it. They need to forgive themselves and each other for choices they make do circumstances beyond their control. The author created some great side characters and I can’t wait to see them in future books.
Read this beautiful story. You won’t be sorry. Just heed the TW.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 30, 2024
I knew once I finished chapter one that this one was going to hurt my heart, but like only in that unique way that a really great book can. Where do I even start with Sammy and Will, they are a couple that just worms their way into your heart. You're rooting for them, even as your hearts breaking while you read their journey to get there. This story spans decades, you meet them when they are cute little guys on bikes and then again as the universe brings them back together as adults. If second chances aren’t typically your thing, I implore you to give this one a try, it might just change your perspective on this trope.
Sammy and Will are quite the opposite, Will dresses more in the preppy style but don’t let that fool you he’s got a heart of gold. Sammy has the skater boy image and puts on this tough exterior due to the life he’s grown up in and what he’s had to do to survive, the only one who’s ever taken the time to actually see him, is Will. Sammy has some exceptional growth throughout this book, he goes from a punka$$ kid mad at the world for the sh*tty hand he’s been dealt to an adult who’s found himself and made peace with his past. You finally see that big heart that only Will could see, he learned to channel his anger, and to let his defenses down. Will’s time away also changed him, life hadn’t been all the way kind to him, but that was for the best, it brings him back to where he needed to be, to reconnect with the people he long ago left behind, it takes him a little bit longer to have the kind of growth that Sammy does but he gets their and their hard fought HEA is so worth the emotional journey this book takes you on.
This book is the first in a new series by Melody, I loved Jason as a side character and can’t wait to see his story and where she takes the rest of this series! This book does have some triggers so check that out before you jump in so you know what to expect.
*I want to thank Melody for the opportunity to read and review this book, this is my honest opinion*
Sammy and Will are quite the opposite, Will dresses more in the preppy style but don’t let that fool you he’s got a heart of gold. Sammy has the skater boy image and puts on this tough exterior due to the life he’s grown up in and what he’s had to do to survive, the only one who’s ever taken the time to actually see him, is Will. Sammy has some exceptional growth throughout this book, he goes from a punka$$ kid mad at the world for the sh*tty hand he’s been dealt to an adult who’s found himself and made peace with his past. You finally see that big heart that only Will could see, he learned to channel his anger, and to let his defenses down. Will’s time away also changed him, life hadn’t been all the way kind to him, but that was for the best, it brings him back to where he needed to be, to reconnect with the people he long ago left behind, it takes him a little bit longer to have the kind of growth that Sammy does but he gets their and their hard fought HEA is so worth the emotional journey this book takes you on.
This book is the first in a new series by Melody, I loved Jason as a side character and can’t wait to see his story and where she takes the rest of this series! This book does have some triggers so check that out before you jump in so you know what to expect.
*I want to thank Melody for the opportunity to read and review this book, this is my honest opinion*
March 29, 2024
“That summer was one of the lowest times in my life. But you were my something good. The light in the darkness.”
"It feels like I was always meant to be yours. Like it was inevitable that one way or another, I’d always come back here. Back to you.”
This book isn't something good, it's something great.
Melody Claire's upcoming release, Something Good, is a beautiful second chance romance that you will completely fall in love with.
Sammy and Will seem to circle around each other their whole lives. They are together, then separated, twice, before getting their long overdue HEA.
The first time is as children, when the best friend's are excited for the greatest summer of their lives, only to be torn apart because Will moves away, leaving them both devastated.
At 18, Will is back, but Sammy is resentful. The Golden Boy is back for one summer before leaving for college, whilst Sammy is struggling with simply surviving.
This poor boy has been to hell and back several times in his short life already. Charlotte - Sammy’s right, she doesn't deserve the title of mom - has left him to fend for himself and his little brother, Jimmy, his whole life. But when she finally cuts out for good, Sammy is just trying to survive.
One beautiful summer with Will is all he allows himself, before he knows he has to let him go, breaking both of their hearts.
"I’d let you go. I’d done what I thought was the right thing for you. But I’d ripped my own heart out in the process.”
It's so heartbreaking, but I COMPLETELY understand why Sammy did it 🥺💔
Will, of course, does not. And he loses his way somewhat - or big time in one decision he makes 😭
But ten years later, he's back. And a chance meeting with Sammy has them orbiting each other again.
What starts out as them only getting answers leads to the most beautiful second chance because these two, they're inevitable.
Sammy and Will belong together completely. In one way or another, they've loved each other their whole lives; even when they've been hurt or mad or heartbroken, the root of it all was the love between them.
I so loved seeing them get to know each other again, seeing them learn to love and trust each other. Seeing Sammy thrive, because oh, my god, no one deserved to thrive more than this boy who turned into a magnificent man.
Will is amazing, but Sammy has my whole heart.
“I think I’ve loved you my whole damn life.”
🥺🥺🥺
Something Good is book one in the Once and Always series from Melody Claire, and she has written some fantastic side characters here, most notably the wonderful Jason, and Sammy’s brother Jimmy, and I'm hoping to see them both in future books.
There is so much potential for this series, and Melody Claire's writing continues to go from strength to strength.
Now, I'll admit, second chance isn't my favourite trope. Why? Well, I'm okay-ish if it's a short time apart, long separations just hurt and make me a bit anxious. They also increase the opportunity for other people or relationships to occur, another thing I can't stand... I like my MCs only with each other 🤣
Something Good has both of these tropes 😞 But, bear with me. Despite some of my greatest anxiety-ridden tropes, it really works. Melody Claire has created such a beautiful book with complex characters, and I completely understand why everything happened the way they did. So, if you're like me with these tropes, please don't let that stop you from missing out on just how wonderful Sammy and Will are together.
This is a couple I will long remember and revisit like old friends. Something Good is complex, heartbreaking, sweet, sad, loving, sexy, and beautiful. Don't miss it when it releases on April 2nd.
Something tells me I'm into Something Good.
"It feels like I was always meant to be yours. Like it was inevitable that one way or another, I’d always come back here. Back to you.”
This book isn't something good, it's something great.
Melody Claire's upcoming release, Something Good, is a beautiful second chance romance that you will completely fall in love with.
Sammy and Will seem to circle around each other their whole lives. They are together, then separated, twice, before getting their long overdue HEA.
The first time is as children, when the best friend's are excited for the greatest summer of their lives, only to be torn apart because Will moves away, leaving them both devastated.
At 18, Will is back, but Sammy is resentful. The Golden Boy is back for one summer before leaving for college, whilst Sammy is struggling with simply surviving.
This poor boy has been to hell and back several times in his short life already. Charlotte - Sammy’s right, she doesn't deserve the title of mom - has left him to fend for himself and his little brother, Jimmy, his whole life. But when she finally cuts out for good, Sammy is just trying to survive.
One beautiful summer with Will is all he allows himself, before he knows he has to let him go, breaking both of their hearts.
"I’d let you go. I’d done what I thought was the right thing for you. But I’d ripped my own heart out in the process.”
It's so heartbreaking, but I COMPLETELY understand why Sammy did it 🥺💔
Will, of course, does not. And he loses his way somewhat - or big time in one decision he makes 😭
But ten years later, he's back. And a chance meeting with Sammy has them orbiting each other again.
What starts out as them only getting answers leads to the most beautiful second chance because these two, they're inevitable.
Sammy and Will belong together completely. In one way or another, they've loved each other their whole lives; even when they've been hurt or mad or heartbroken, the root of it all was the love between them.
I so loved seeing them get to know each other again, seeing them learn to love and trust each other. Seeing Sammy thrive, because oh, my god, no one deserved to thrive more than this boy who turned into a magnificent man.
Will is amazing, but Sammy has my whole heart.
“I think I’ve loved you my whole damn life.”
🥺🥺🥺
Something Good is book one in the Once and Always series from Melody Claire, and she has written some fantastic side characters here, most notably the wonderful Jason, and Sammy’s brother Jimmy, and I'm hoping to see them both in future books.
There is so much potential for this series, and Melody Claire's writing continues to go from strength to strength.
Now, I'll admit, second chance isn't my favourite trope. Why? Well, I'm okay-ish if it's a short time apart, long separations just hurt and make me a bit anxious. They also increase the opportunity for other people or relationships to occur, another thing I can't stand... I like my MCs only with each other 🤣
Something Good has both of these tropes 😞 But, bear with me. Despite some of my greatest anxiety-ridden tropes, it really works. Melody Claire has created such a beautiful book with complex characters, and I completely understand why everything happened the way they did. So, if you're like me with these tropes, please don't let that stop you from missing out on just how wonderful Sammy and Will are together.
This is a couple I will long remember and revisit like old friends. Something Good is complex, heartbreaking, sweet, sad, loving, sexy, and beautiful. Don't miss it when it releases on April 2nd.
Something tells me I'm into Something Good.
April 10, 2024
Wow, Melody Claire doesn't pack her punches! Wrapped Up in You was one of my favorite books last year so I had high hopes for this and just wow. I'm still reeling from the emotional journey! The early heartbreak was so painful, and the first half of the book was tinged in melancholy, even when they were together, because we know it was going to end in that first heartbreak. Sammy's background was heart breaking (mind the TW, especially if parental neglect is a big one for you). His resilience, strength and love for his younger brother make him a character you can't help but love, even when he's making choices you know aren't the best. Melody did such a good job showing us how and why he thinks the way he does, and it hurts so good. Will was also delightfully easy to love and cheer for, the way he tried so hard to help Sammy, to be there for him, even when he was too young and inexperienced to really know how.
The second half gave pretty immediate relief to the brutal heartbreak of the first two parts, and their reunion felt natural and realistic. The concept of soul mates is a strong theme in this book, as well as resilience. It's the perfect read when you need to feel hopeful and uplifted but need that hope to convince you it's real through the time and effort it takes to get there.
Melody Claire is a true wordsmith and the flow, pacing and quality of her word choice puts her in the upper echelons of romance writers for me. All of the characters are given the depth necessary to make them real enough to live rent free in your head. I could picture every scene.
I usually hate having an artist MC, because I am a professional artist and it's like taking a detective to a mystery. However, I have to hand it to her, she avoided most of the issues that set me off. Sammy was a mix of both natural inclination/talent and study and practice. While his art actually plays a pretty minor part, the author was knowledgeable enough in describing a commission process. There were a few minor things I missed, like any sort of ventilation or protective gear mentioned in the description of his studio, but this is such a niche criticism that I can barely count it as such.
I highly recommend her work to anyone that wants a well-crafted, beautifully written story of modern love. I received an early copy of this book, and this is my honest thoughts about it.
I wish there had been a little more time spent in the HEA and I personally didn't think Will having been married previously made enough difference to the plot as to be necessary. I think he could have just been in a long term relationship that ended vs a marriage, but that's just me. I need the balance of enjoying their HEA for the heartache it takes to get there, and to me it felt a little fast once they got back together. However, the epilogue was perfection and the way she brought them full circle into their partnership was absolutely beautiful.
The second half gave pretty immediate relief to the brutal heartbreak of the first two parts, and their reunion felt natural and realistic. The concept of soul mates is a strong theme in this book, as well as resilience. It's the perfect read when you need to feel hopeful and uplifted but need that hope to convince you it's real through the time and effort it takes to get there.
Melody Claire is a true wordsmith and the flow, pacing and quality of her word choice puts her in the upper echelons of romance writers for me. All of the characters are given the depth necessary to make them real enough to live rent free in your head. I could picture every scene.
I usually hate having an artist MC, because I am a professional artist and it's like taking a detective to a mystery. However, I have to hand it to her, she avoided most of the issues that set me off. Sammy was a mix of both natural inclination/talent and study and practice. While his art actually plays a pretty minor part, the author was knowledgeable enough in describing a commission process. There were a few minor things I missed, like any sort of ventilation or protective gear mentioned in the description of his studio, but this is such a niche criticism that I can barely count it as such.
I highly recommend her work to anyone that wants a well-crafted, beautifully written story of modern love. I received an early copy of this book, and this is my honest thoughts about it.
I wish there had been a little more time spent in the HEA and I personally didn't think Will having been married previously made enough difference to the plot as to be necessary. I think he could have just been in a long term relationship that ended vs a marriage, but that's just me. I need the balance of enjoying their HEA for the heartache it takes to get there, and to me it felt a little fast once they got back together. However, the epilogue was perfection and the way she brought them full circle into their partnership was absolutely beautiful.
March 28, 2024
I was drawn into this book by the way this was written instantly. When books have different time jumps I'm always a bit weary, mainly because at times, they get confusing. However, that didn't happen here. The way Melody handled the time differences was done quite well and was written in a way that was very understandable, and easy to follow.
We start off this story at the very beginning, where Sammy and Will's story first started. After Will's family moves away, we jump into their life as young adults after highschool. We get to see how they reconnected through the summer, and we got to watch those young men fall in love with one another. Sammy was always trying to be protective of those he cared about, and he felt as though he had to end things with Will so Will could go off to college, without being tied down by him.
That scene broke my heart, I felt for both of these men, especially cause I could see it from both of their points of views. Figuratively and literally. I loved the relationship Sammy had with his brother, he took care of Jimmy to the best of his abilities. And yes, he made mistakes, but he learned from them and did better each time. During certain moments Sammy's character came off as jaded at times, but the more you read, the more you learn about why he is the way he is.
Sammy and Will's characters grabbed a hold of me, and did not let go. Their story was beautiful, complicated, heartbreaking, and powerful. A story about two souls being drawn to one another regardless of being complete opposites. I really enjoyed how this book was written, the pacing was really nice. While this story is on the longer side, nothing feels like it was drawn out, or didn't belong. The story just flowed seamlessly. I appreciated the chapters of these men reuniting years later and learning the truth about why things happened the way they did. I thought it added more dimension to the story getting that additional knowledge. Especially because we really got to see the growth both of these characters went through.
I quite liked this story, and if you are interested in a friends to lovers story, with angst mixed in, I think you could enjoy this book too. I'm looking forward to Jason and Zach's story, I'm very curious as to what their story is going to be.
We start off this story at the very beginning, where Sammy and Will's story first started. After Will's family moves away, we jump into their life as young adults after highschool. We get to see how they reconnected through the summer, and we got to watch those young men fall in love with one another. Sammy was always trying to be protective of those he cared about, and he felt as though he had to end things with Will so Will could go off to college, without being tied down by him.
That scene broke my heart, I felt for both of these men, especially cause I could see it from both of their points of views. Figuratively and literally. I loved the relationship Sammy had with his brother, he took care of Jimmy to the best of his abilities. And yes, he made mistakes, but he learned from them and did better each time. During certain moments Sammy's character came off as jaded at times, but the more you read, the more you learn about why he is the way he is.
Sammy and Will's characters grabbed a hold of me, and did not let go. Their story was beautiful, complicated, heartbreaking, and powerful. A story about two souls being drawn to one another regardless of being complete opposites. I really enjoyed how this book was written, the pacing was really nice. While this story is on the longer side, nothing feels like it was drawn out, or didn't belong. The story just flowed seamlessly. I appreciated the chapters of these men reuniting years later and learning the truth about why things happened the way they did. I thought it added more dimension to the story getting that additional knowledge. Especially because we really got to see the growth both of these characters went through.
I quite liked this story, and if you are interested in a friends to lovers story, with angst mixed in, I think you could enjoy this book too. I'm looking forward to Jason and Zach's story, I'm very curious as to what their story is going to be.
April 7, 2024
🌲SOMETHING GOOD by @melody.claire.author
"He'd been hope and light and happiness when I thought I'd forgotten what any of those things meant."
————————————
🌲second chance
🌲friends to lovers
🌲hurt/comfort
🌲so much hurt
🌲small town
————————————
My rating:
⭐ 5
🔥2.5
💧3
If i could give this book all of the starts, I really really would. It had been years since i shed actual tears for a book, but Something Good definetly did it for me (really, if you don't want to cry your heart out, maybe this is not the book for you). They were tears of sadness and they were tears of happyness. There's something about the way Melody writes that makes me feel all of the feelings of the characters, all of the heartbreak, all of the sadness, all of the anger, all of the insecurities, all of the happiness. I absolutely loves Sammy and Will. They were amazingly witten from the first page of the book. I loved the animosity between them at the beginning and OMG the character development. I loved how much they grew (and I really loved Goldie) and how the universe was just working overtime to reconnect them. I adored the juxtaposition between the sweet, lovely moments where Sammy would open up and the angsty, heartbreaking ones where his head would win over his heart. I loved every second of this book and its only flaw is that I can't read it again fot the first time and fall in love with Sammy and Will all over again. (Also, I really really loved the concept of the "once" and "always" parts, it was heartbreaking but I enjoyed every single heartbreak!) (I cried every single time Sammy called Will golden boy, more so when he called him *his* golden boy.)
"If I was the darkest of nights, you were the brightest of days."
I recieved an ARC coby from the author and this is my honest review.
#mmromance #bookstagram #bookboyfriends #mustreadromance #bookish #kindleromance #kindleunlimitedromance #indieauthors #smalltownromance #foundfamily #gayromance #booktok #bookstagram #bookworms #reading #book #bookish #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookshelf #bookaddict #goodreads #tbr #mmcontemporaryromance #romancebooks #mmromance👬 #mmromancebook #ku #kindleunlimited #secondchance #friendstolovers #arcreview #arcreader
"He'd been hope and light and happiness when I thought I'd forgotten what any of those things meant."
————————————
🌲second chance
🌲friends to lovers
🌲hurt/comfort
🌲so much hurt
🌲small town
————————————
My rating:
⭐ 5
🔥2.5
💧3
If i could give this book all of the starts, I really really would. It had been years since i shed actual tears for a book, but Something Good definetly did it for me (really, if you don't want to cry your heart out, maybe this is not the book for you). They were tears of sadness and they were tears of happyness. There's something about the way Melody writes that makes me feel all of the feelings of the characters, all of the heartbreak, all of the sadness, all of the anger, all of the insecurities, all of the happiness. I absolutely loves Sammy and Will. They were amazingly witten from the first page of the book. I loved the animosity between them at the beginning and OMG the character development. I loved how much they grew (and I really loved Goldie) and how the universe was just working overtime to reconnect them. I adored the juxtaposition between the sweet, lovely moments where Sammy would open up and the angsty, heartbreaking ones where his head would win over his heart. I loved every second of this book and its only flaw is that I can't read it again fot the first time and fall in love with Sammy and Will all over again. (Also, I really really loved the concept of the "once" and "always" parts, it was heartbreaking but I enjoyed every single heartbreak!) (I cried every single time Sammy called Will golden boy, more so when he called him *his* golden boy.)
"If I was the darkest of nights, you were the brightest of days."
I recieved an ARC coby from the author and this is my honest review.
#mmromance #bookstagram #bookboyfriends #mustreadromance #bookish #kindleromance #kindleunlimitedromance #indieauthors #smalltownromance #foundfamily #gayromance #booktok #bookstagram #bookworms #reading #book #bookish #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookshelf #bookaddict #goodreads #tbr #mmcontemporaryromance #romancebooks #mmromance👬 #mmromancebook #ku #kindleunlimited #secondchance #friendstolovers #arcreview #arcreader
April 3, 2024
A new series from Melody Claire that brings an emotional story for two best friends at three different periods of their lives together. Sammy's character breaks my heart with what he and his younger brother, Jimmy, go through with their home life and the neglect and abandonment they experience with their mother. What becomes a saving grace for Sammy is Will, his childhood best friend who moved away several years ago but is now back for the summer. Sammy has, understandably, become angry at the world, stubborn in his need to do things himself and unable to trust in others but Will has this easy way of just knocking down his walls. When it comes to adulthood after another few years apart, past hurts have changed both men but Will is the one that needs Sammy to step up this time.
From the start, these two young men have a bond the surpasses time, pain and separation, from young boys to men who have experienced all that life has to offer and brings them together again when they are both in a place accept what they need - each other.
This story had a big impact on me with the trigger warnings resonating but the author has written it so well. You can't help but be drawn into their friendship, the highs and lows that they experience individually and together. Sammy feels the need to protect others at his own expense, only wanting the best for them whilst struggling to survive himself. Will is so giving and has a wonderful, sunshine personality that when he is suffering, I felt that really hard.
There is a brilliant supporting cast. Will's mum is so warm and caring, the complete opposite to Sammy and Jimmy's, and his friend Jason is there as back up for every good and bad decision during that summer. Sammy's support system, apart from Will, comes later on in life and it's a heartwarming moment to read that he let other people in.
I cannot recommend this story enough for those who will enjoy an emotional, angsty ride with two best friends who come back together at different times in their lives. Please ensure to read the book's trigger warnings.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
From the start, these two young men have a bond the surpasses time, pain and separation, from young boys to men who have experienced all that life has to offer and brings them together again when they are both in a place accept what they need - each other.
This story had a big impact on me with the trigger warnings resonating but the author has written it so well. You can't help but be drawn into their friendship, the highs and lows that they experience individually and together. Sammy feels the need to protect others at his own expense, only wanting the best for them whilst struggling to survive himself. Will is so giving and has a wonderful, sunshine personality that when he is suffering, I felt that really hard.
There is a brilliant supporting cast. Will's mum is so warm and caring, the complete opposite to Sammy and Jimmy's, and his friend Jason is there as back up for every good and bad decision during that summer. Sammy's support system, apart from Will, comes later on in life and it's a heartwarming moment to read that he let other people in.
I cannot recommend this story enough for those who will enjoy an emotional, angsty ride with two best friends who come back together at different times in their lives. Please ensure to read the book's trigger warnings.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
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