Always Mine: A Small Town Friends-To-Lovers Romance (Honey Mountain Series Book 1)

I really enjoyed this book! It helped get me out of a slump. Laura Pavlov was a new author to me, and after reading Always mine, I can say that I’ll be reading more of her books in the future.• friends-to-lovers• friends-with-benefits• childhood best friendsI don’t normally read a lot of books with these tropes but it’s so refreshing when I do. If I had a guy best friend who I fell in love with, I’d want Niko West. Vivian is truly one lucky girl.In the beginning, Niko struggles with commitment issues and opening up to people. The only person in his life who he is really close to and knows him best is Vivian. They’re there for each other when it matters, always supporting and protecting one another.And Vivian, is so caring. She’s there for her family, everyone else she loves. She sacrificed a lot by staying home instead of going away to college, to support her family. That’s one of the things Vivian and Niko both have in common. They’re both selfless individuals who do what it takes to support those they love even if it means they miss out on opportunities.Also, a finally mention is the banter in the book. I really enjoyed the back and forth between the Thomas sisters, especially Dylan’s witty remarks. Oh and we can’t forget about like Mabel, she was so adorable.I found this to be a lovely, sweet read about two people denying their true feelings for one another by masking it as friendship. Their relationship both as friends and lovers is what you want a good relationship to look like.

OMG, what a fantastic read! A beautiful friends-to-lovers romance that is fun, sexy and gorgeously swoony, I was completely swept up in this beautiful small-town romance, and I absolutely loved it!This is the start of a new series for Laura Pavlov, and we are introduced to the Thomas sisters from the small town of Honey Mountain. They were raised by their very proud and loving dad after their mother passed away when they were teenagers, and they are as close as can be. This is the story of second-eldest, Vivian.Vivian and Niko have been best friends since childhood. They have been there for each other through ups and downs, and are a huge part of each other’s lives. So, when Vivi finds herself single for the first time since high school and realises just what she’s been missing in her one lacklustre relationship that ended badly six months previously, she decides it’s time to experience what epic sex is all about. And who better to turn to than the man she trusts the most? A broody, closed-off-to-everybody-but-her man with proven skills who is known as the town’s player who she knows won’t be interested in anything other than a quick fling – her very own best friend.This may not be a unique storyline, but the way Pavlov writes it is just awesome. It’s funny and honest, and in a true reflection of Vivian and Niko’s friendship, she has full trust in him, and she lets it all out there.Vivi’s blatant attempts to lure Niko into her bed had me laughing out loud, and though Niko has feelings towards her that are more than just friendly, he’s never allowed himself to go there. Not only because she’s been in a long-term relationship, but she has been his touchstone in life, the one person who has always been there for him, and he refuses to mess with that. And after surviving his devastating childhood, he’s not interested in a relationship or family, or any of the things that he knows Vivi wants.But the more he thinks about it, and the more Vivi encourages him, Niko can’t resist the attraction that has always been there for him. The chemistry is fantastic, and the sexual tension builds brilliantly, and when he finally gives in, they take that final step, and it’s hot and passionate, and the connection that they share changes everything.I love these two together so much, and I loved watching their friendship shift so effortlessly into more. They do their best to keep things casual, but it’s so right and so special, they quickly realise that they’re in way deeper than they ever intended to be. They’re completely honest about everything that’s happening between them, but it’s a scary situation for Niko, who never wanted to be feeling anything like what he feels for Vivi, and my heart broke for both of them as they try to figure out what they are to each other, and what they want from the future.They have some soul searching to do, but the drama is short-lived and well-written, and brings only minor angst that works to builds intensity in the story, so that when they do actually come together, those scenes had me cheering and grinning like a fool.The relationship stuff is resolved earlier than expected in the book, so we get to see lots of time with them together as a couple and figuring out their new life together. Just in time for real drama to hit. Niko’s family is a mess, and there are big developments there which have a huge impact on them, and Vivi’s past also plays its part. But they’re strong together, and I loved watching them face everything and find their happy ending, which again had me grinning like an idiot.I love these characters so much! They are funny, playful, caring and honest, and from the very beginning their love for each other is beautiful to see and I loved watching it change and deepen so naturally. Niko is that wonderful mix of broody and sweet-hearted, and his vulnerabilities just made him all the more irresistible. I loved watching him come to understand and accept his feelings for Vivi, and then openly and eagerly dive headfirst into everything he was once afraid of… gah, he’s just amazing!There’s also a wonderful bunch of side characters – Niko’s buddies at the fire station are entertaining, and I adored Vivi’s sisters (filterless Dylan, in particular, is a freaking riot!). I cannot wait to read more about them as the series continues, and with the brief hints that we get during this book, I am so excited for Everly’s second-chance-romance coming up next in Ever Mine.This is such a great read full of humour, heart, and a beautiful, natural, functional romance that absolutely owned my heart. It’s a fave for 2022!

Good story, lovely characters. Steamy scenes are OK, but a bit quick and not very detailed. But the emotion is there and can't help but like the characters. Though there is a few weepy moments, it's worth it.

I love the story of Niko and his honey bee Vivian, I thought Niko was a wonderful lovingman, very protective of Vivian. this author is new to me I found the book a great readand could not put it down, I would recommend this book by Laura Pavlovand I am looking forwardto reading the rest of the series.

First book I've read by this author. Niko - muscular, broody, commitment-phobe, playboy firefighter falls for his best friend since childhood - sweet baker Vivi (who he calls Honey Bee).They start off with a friends with benefits relationship. Vivi has only had 1 boyfriend and the sex wasn't very good. She thinks experienced Niko could help her to find out what the fuss is about.Niko had a traumatic childhood and doesn't feel he is good enough for Vivi and he can't offer her what she wants in terms of a relationship but agrees to help her explore her sexuality.Fun, mostly light-hearted easy to read book with a good cast of supporting characters. The rest of the series is about Vivi's 4 sisters.

A love story that you’d always want to happen to you. I absolutely loved every word, paragraph and chapter. I was hooked from the first page until the last. I dream every day for this kind of love but it’s only from the books I read that it happens. Laura knows her love stories and I love reading her books.

This is the first book I 've read by this author and have already downloaded the second in the series. This had all the small town vibes with good character set up which makes for an effortless read.

First book I've read by this author and i loved it. Niko is one hot swoon-worthy Firefighter and he would do anything for his Honey Bee. I can't wait to read the rest of the Thomas Sisters stories. Amazing five star read