Scan barcode
A review by katemc7
The One I Left Behind by Piper Rayne
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a solid 3.5 stars for me! It was a very easy and fast read. There is just something about the second chance situation that gets me every time. That and brother's BF or little sister's BF. The challenges I had with this one was I felt like there could have been more character development. Everything was very fast paced. It seemed that Gillian was mad and neither of them were thinking anything would happen and then a few chapters later they were making declarations of love. Don't get me wrong- when you know you know. I guess I just wanted a LITTLE more development. What I did like was their connection. I liked the mini flashbacks we got from when they were younger. I liked how much Clay was involved in the story and in Gillian's life. I liked how Ben made it his mission for Clay to like him and come around and that he recognized how important he was. I liked the touch her and die vibes. I also liked the banter between the brothers and the outlying characters.
Ben is on the other side of retirement and he still has the rest of his life to figure out what he wants to do. First thing on the agenda is going home to check in with his family. Get his head straight. It is definitely not to see her...Gillian....the one he left get away...the one he walked away from and decided to forget...but who is he kidding...he has never forgotten her. Even if he acts like he has. And then he sees her and the connection he feels is still there. He decides he owes her an explanation or at least a convo to break the ice. But she doesn't want to hear it. Until she says yes to breakfast on the outskirts of town and somehow or other Ben is now going to be the high school football coach. He is now picturing a future here, and he wants nothing more than to have Gillian by his side. Is he too let? Will she open up to him?
Gillian has never told anyone the name of her son's father. Even though everyone suspects it's Ben. It's not. She has kept that part of her life closed off to her son Clayton, but now that Ben is back she can't hide from him anymore. She also can't deny the feelings that never seemed to go away. She can't deny that she still feels a pull towards him. There are some hurdles in the way- the number one being how long is he going to be here? Is it worth being hurt if it is only for a short time? Will Clayton ever learn to accept him?
Like I said super-fast short read and great intro to a small town! I have requested an ARC for book 2 and can't wait to see what happens with Jude and Sadie. I haven't read a lot of friends to lovers books!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Piper for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Ben is on the other side of retirement and he still has the rest of his life to figure out what he wants to do. First thing on the agenda is going home to check in with his family. Get his head straight. It is definitely not to see her...Gillian....the one he left get away...the one he walked away from and decided to forget...but who is he kidding...he has never forgotten her. Even if he acts like he has. And then he sees her and the connection he feels is still there. He decides he owes her an explanation or at least a convo to break the ice. But she doesn't want to hear it. Until she says yes to breakfast on the outskirts of town and somehow or other Ben is now going to be the high school football coach. He is now picturing a future here, and he wants nothing more than to have Gillian by his side. Is he too let? Will she open up to him?
Gillian has never told anyone the name of her son's father. Even though everyone suspects it's Ben. It's not. She has kept that part of her life closed off to her son Clayton, but now that Ben is back she can't hide from him anymore. She also can't deny the feelings that never seemed to go away. She can't deny that she still feels a pull towards him. There are some hurdles in the way- the number one being how long is he going to be here? Is it worth being hurt if it is only for a short time? Will Clayton ever learn to accept him?
Like I said super-fast short read and great intro to a small town! I have requested an ARC for book 2 and can't wait to see what happens with Jude and Sadie. I haven't read a lot of friends to lovers books!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Piper for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!