Always on My Mind (Stanmore FC Soulmates Series)

About the book Book 3 of trilogy. Can be read as a standalone, but contains spoilers for previous books. Written in 3rd person POV. Dual POV. Ending: (spoiler)......HEA Spice: 2 ----- Always on My Mind is a sapphic, sports romance of two women who get another chance at love after breaking up. It's a lovely book that features soulmates and soccer/football. If you want a second chance romance with found family and mental health rep, consider reading this. Tessa is journalist in London. Tessa is trying to move on from Jamie, but knowing Jamie is her soulmate makes it harder. Jamie is a notable soccer/football player that moves back to London, for Tessa. I loved the concept of soulmates. Of two lovers who didn't have the chance of being together in their different lifetimes and finally get an opportunity to have their happy ending. Jamie struggles with her s3xual orientation, making her stay in the closet. Tessa doesn't want to love Jamie in secret. I could see from each side and sympathized with them both. I admired Jamie for the effort she put in improving herself and getting the help she needed. I also admired Tessa for being firm on what she needed. I really liked this book. I enjoyed the characters. Painter has talent for creating intriguing characters as she weaves humor and heart in her stories. I knew this book would be great, and it was.

Much like the other books in this series, this was SO SWEET! And it was the sweetest ending to this series!! I love how Kelsey is able to balance real life and a little bit of magical realism! I LOVE a second chance, so seeing Tessa and Jamie come back together, and then really embrace the fact that they’re actually soulmates made my heart so happy! And it wasn’t without struggles! Jamie had a lot to work through, and I thought it was written so well. She wanted nothing more than to BE with Tessa but she was scared of her father and that really made her hold back. And while Tessa understood where Jamie was coming from, she also deserved to live her life to the fullest. And I loved that despite how much she loved Jamie, she did what was right for her! Seeing them really fight for their relationship felt so special, they had been doing it literally for centuries, and they finally were able to get it right!! And a special shout out to the epilogue!! I LOVE an epilogue so much. Seeing EVERYONE at the end in the future was SO SWEET!! I’ll forever read Kelsey’s books, they make my heart so happy!!

I received an advanced copy of this book for review. This is my own opinion. I read 70% of this in one sitting (thank you extremely long oil change appointment) and I think I’ve read most of the books in this trilogy in a really short time. I tell you this because it’s rare for me. I think this one might be my favorite of the trilogy?? But don’t tell Jordan, he’s still my favorite keeper. If you like Derry Girls or Ted Lasso, this is a MUST. Tessa is a Derry girl (couldn’t resist) working as a journalist in London. Jamie recently moved from Manchester to London to play football. They’re soulmates and exes, and Jamie’s refusal to come out keeps keeping them apart. In Always On My Mind, we get soulmates, new and old friends, good parents and bad ones, and tragic backstories (in multiple timelines!) While this book does deal with some heavy themes/ sexual harassment, suicide of a sibling-not on page and far in the past, and a verbally abusive parent, content wise, it’s pretty light. I found myself grinning like a loon the whole time. I’m sad to see the series end, but I can’t wait to see what Painter writes next! This book is part of a trilogy, but can be read as a standalone. It connects with the other two but isn’t super spoilery. The final installment certainly cements this series as a favorite for me.

Kelsey never disappoints! If you want a fun, sometimes emotional sapphic romance with great side characters this one is for you! This book has some heavy themes, so just be sure you read the warnings. But overall this had me laughing, smiling, and sometimes sweating. I enjoyed the way we get multiple timelines throughout as they always help keep things a little more interesting for me.