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Ridgewood #1
Between the Flames
He wasn’t an ordinary crush, but the two of us were definitely a classic cliche.
Ryder Thompson.
Quarterback of the football team. The star of campus. Everyone wanted to be him, be friends with him, or sleep with him. Unfortunately, I was no exception to that rule.
The problem? I was the nerdy girl who he didn’t know existed — or at least that’s what I thought until his actions showed me otherwise.
I could still feel his fingertips pressed against my neck, his touch lingering so vividly that I let myself wonder if there could someday be an ‘us’. That was until the world came crashing down.
I spent years building a wall around my heart and keeping my feelings for him under lock and key. Now, ten years later, he’s back in my life, making promises I’m not sure he can keep.
Ryder Thompson.
Quarterback of the football team. The star of campus. Everyone wanted to be him, be friends with him, or sleep with him. Unfortunately, I was no exception to that rule.
The problem? I was the nerdy girl who he didn’t know existed — or at least that’s what I thought until his actions showed me otherwise.
I could still feel his fingertips pressed against my neck, his touch lingering so vividly that I let myself wonder if there could someday be an ‘us’. That was until the world came crashing down.
I spent years building a wall around my heart and keeping my feelings for him under lock and key. Now, ten years later, he’s back in my life, making promises I’m not sure he can keep.
Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2022
101 people are currently reading
1138 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
June 7, 2022
A wonderfully written debut novel about two star crossed almost lovers who have never let each other go. Forced apart by unexpected circumstances, they attempt to build a life for themselves, but all the while wondering “what if?”
I think what I enjoyed the most about this story was Ryder and his perseverance to always do what he strongly believes is the right thing even at the expense of his own happiness. He is a dominant, sexy man and boy does he strongly feel. I have a weak spot for heros who fight for their woman and always treats them the best while at the same time being broody and tough as nails to the rest of the world.
I don’t want to give anything away, but please add this to your TBR list for a swoony, sexy and at times heart wrenchingly angsty book. There is so much more in store for side characters that have me already squirming for more. I got to take a small peek into what else is in store for them and, oh boy, it is going to be hot in here!!!!
I think what I enjoyed the most about this story was Ryder and his perseverance to always do what he strongly believes is the right thing even at the expense of his own happiness. He is a dominant, sexy man and boy does he strongly feel. I have a weak spot for heros who fight for their woman and always treats them the best while at the same time being broody and tough as nails to the rest of the world.
I don’t want to give anything away, but please add this to your TBR list for a swoony, sexy and at times heart wrenchingly angsty book. There is so much more in store for side characters that have me already squirming for more. I got to take a small peek into what else is in store for them and, oh boy, it is going to be hot in here!!!!
August 8, 2022
ARC review coming soon!
August 11, 2022
I received this book as an ARC and holy moly, was it 100% better than I could have hoped.
The book follows Elle and Ryder as long-lost almost star-crossed lovers from high school who reunite and find out that the flame never really burnt out. As they introduce their adult selves, they find that time couldn't tarnish the chemistry they had for each other, no matter how hard they try to stay away from each other.
This book was a fast read for me, especially considering I love her writing style and had been anticipating this book. I felt I connected really well with the characters, and I thought the story line was strong.
Elle
I related heavily to Elle. As someone who would rather stay in the background, crushing on a guy who she felt couldn't have noticed her. When he did notice her, she didn't know how to navigate the new situation. It didn't help that outside obstacle also scared her off of really trying to get to know Ryder.
Ryder
Ryder, Ryder, Ryder!
YALL ARE NOT READY FOR RYDER.
His character was so good! I love how respectful and hardworking he was even though he was forced into a situation that would have been stressful for anyone. He was also the perfect amount of dominant and caring.
-Possessive
-Spicy
-Romantic
I mean come on
"Don't start something you aren't ready to finish Elle, once you give me the green light, I won't hold back. I've fantasized about this moment for the last ten years. There will be no holding back."
"Oh beautiful, the better question would be is there anyway I don't want you?... the answer to which is no."
I couldn't choose just one quote... and honestly, I'd love to post many more but that is a good starting point. I adored this book, I tried to pace myself when I got it, but I finished it in one night and I'm not ashamed. I absolutely cannot wait to see what else A.R. Rose has up her sleeve, I am so excited for more spice and more syrupy sweet romance in her next books.
The book follows Elle and Ryder as long-lost almost star-crossed lovers from high school who reunite and find out that the flame never really burnt out. As they introduce their adult selves, they find that time couldn't tarnish the chemistry they had for each other, no matter how hard they try to stay away from each other.
This book was a fast read for me, especially considering I love her writing style and had been anticipating this book. I felt I connected really well with the characters, and I thought the story line was strong.
Elle
I related heavily to Elle. As someone who would rather stay in the background, crushing on a guy who she felt couldn't have noticed her. When he did notice her, she didn't know how to navigate the new situation. It didn't help that outside obstacle also scared her off of really trying to get to know Ryder.
Ryder
Ryder, Ryder, Ryder!
YALL ARE NOT READY FOR RYDER.
His character was so good! I love how respectful and hardworking he was even though he was forced into a situation that would have been stressful for anyone. He was also the perfect amount of dominant and caring.
-Possessive
-Spicy
-Romantic
I mean come on
"Don't start something you aren't ready to finish Elle, once you give me the green light, I won't hold back. I've fantasized about this moment for the last ten years. There will be no holding back."
"Oh beautiful, the better question would be is there anyway I don't want you?... the answer to which is no."
I couldn't choose just one quote... and honestly, I'd love to post many more but that is a good starting point. I adored this book, I tried to pace myself when I got it, but I finished it in one night and I'm not ashamed. I absolutely cannot wait to see what else A.R. Rose has up her sleeve, I am so excited for more spice and more syrupy sweet romance in her next books.
October 20, 2022
The whole book felt rushed and like it wasn't properly reviewed by an audience other than the author and people paid to tell her she did well. It may have been okay with more time and thought, perhaps a thesaurus or a higher vocabulary so every adult scene wasn't the same, not that there were that many. For being marketed as "spicy" this was maybe a two. That's pushing it. On top of all that, if you disagree with the author, they and their street team of "we'll tell you you're perfect" will come after you. So no, everything about this book and it's sequels and now the author has me turned off to anything of hers in the future. There are nicer and better indie authors out there who deserve the support and help. I don't see this one lasting.
August 1, 2022
First I have to say I am so grateful that I was given an ARC if this book, I love the author’s tiktok account and was so excited when I got the arc in my email! I really liked this book, I liked how sweet of a father the love interest is and I like that Elle made sure she got what she deserved in their relationship. I loved the second chance romance aspect. The book was a little rushed but I couldn’t put it down and finished it within a few hours!
August 11, 2022
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Dual POV
2nd chance Romance
HEA
I was excited when I received this ARC to review and now that I’m finished with it… wow
A.R. Rose’s writing style captures her reader! The writing was phenomenal and had me captivated from the beginning! I couldn’t and didn’t put this book down. I devoured it. I had to know what happened.
This is the romance that we all wished for one time or another while growing up!
You won’t be disappointed!
October and the next book cannot get here soon enough!
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Dual POV
2nd chance Romance
HEA
I was excited when I received this ARC to review and now that I’m finished with it… wow
A.R. Rose’s writing style captures her reader! The writing was phenomenal and had me captivated from the beginning! I couldn’t and didn’t put this book down. I devoured it. I had to know what happened.
This is the romance that we all wished for one time or another while growing up!
You won’t be disappointed!
October and the next book cannot get here soon enough!
November 2, 2022
Shew. Who pines for someone after 10 years when you’ve had 2 conversations? They needed more to their story to make it believable. The “fight” at the end - what? It was a poor job making him possessive. Thank goodness I don’t have to read book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2022
He wasn’t an ordinary crush, but the two of us were definitely a classic cliche.
Ryder Thompson.
Quarterback of the football team. The star of campus. Everyone wanted to be him, be friends with him, or sleep with him. Unfortunately, I was no exception to that rule.
The problem? I was the nerdy girl who he didn’t know existed — or at least that’s what I thought until his actions showed me otherwise.
I could still feel his fingertips pressed against my neck, his touch lingering so vividly that I let myself wonder if there could someday be an ‘us’. That was until the world came crashing down.
I spent years building a wall around my heart and keeping my feelings for him under lock and key. Now, ten years later, he’s back in my life, making promises I’m not sure he can keep.
Heather's Notes
I am not sure how I feel about this book. First off, it don't think it is really second chance book as the never had a first chance. Well, never had the first relationship, just the possibility. Also both of them having a relationship with the others love interest was kind of icky, and not really necessary. Also the entire, I will never regret my relationship, didn't really ring true. You can regret the relationship with out regretting the results. Also the fact that they had a good marriage and then decided it end it right before they reconnected with their "one" was a bit too pat. I didn't hate it but I didn't really like it much either.
Ryder Thompson.
Quarterback of the football team. The star of campus. Everyone wanted to be him, be friends with him, or sleep with him. Unfortunately, I was no exception to that rule.
The problem? I was the nerdy girl who he didn’t know existed — or at least that’s what I thought until his actions showed me otherwise.
I could still feel his fingertips pressed against my neck, his touch lingering so vividly that I let myself wonder if there could someday be an ‘us’. That was until the world came crashing down.
I spent years building a wall around my heart and keeping my feelings for him under lock and key. Now, ten years later, he’s back in my life, making promises I’m not sure he can keep.
Heather's Notes
I am not sure how I feel about this book. First off, it don't think it is really second chance book as the never had a first chance. Well, never had the first relationship, just the possibility. Also both of them having a relationship with the others love interest was kind of icky, and not really necessary. Also the entire, I will never regret my relationship, didn't really ring true. You can regret the relationship with out regretting the results. Also the fact that they had a good marriage and then decided it end it right before they reconnected with their "one" was a bit too pat. I didn't hate it but I didn't really like it much either.
August 12, 2022
This book was SO good I was obsessed with it! It was angsty perfection.
I could not put it down! I loved every second (page) of this book. I HIGHLY recommend it!
I could not put it down! I loved every second (page) of this book. I HIGHLY recommend it!
June 13, 2022
5 STAR READ!
Spicy Second Chance Romance! Dual POV!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Between The Flames and I devoured it!
As teens Elle & Ryder may be the classic cliché, but the universe has other plans. Fast forwarding a decade later, their connection is still undeniable and all consuming.
This book has characters you will love, a few laugh out loud relatable moments, and overall will suck you in and leave you eagerly awaiting Book 2!
Recommend!
Spicy Second Chance Romance! Dual POV!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Between The Flames and I devoured it!
As teens Elle & Ryder may be the classic cliché, but the universe has other plans. Fast forwarding a decade later, their connection is still undeniable and all consuming.
This book has characters you will love, a few laugh out loud relatable moments, and overall will suck you in and leave you eagerly awaiting Book 2!
Recommend!
June 14, 2022
5/5⭐️
3/5🌶
"I see her and I know - I know for a fact - that if I gave her the smallest inch of me, she’d let me take the whole fucking mile . And let me be damn straight here: I’d be giving her a hell of a lot more than just one inch."
This book went from 0 to 100 real quick and I couldn't read it fast enough!!! High angst in the front and steamy smut in the back!!!
3/5🌶
"I see her and I know - I know for a fact - that if I gave her the smallest inch of me, she’d let me take the whole fucking mile . And let me be damn straight here: I’d be giving her a hell of a lot more than just one inch."
This book went from 0 to 100 real quick and I couldn't read it fast enough!!! High angst in the front and steamy smut in the back!!!
July 31, 2022
I was one of the lucky ones that got an ARC of this book, and I am so stoked that I did.
When I first got this book and read the blurb, I thought it was more like girl falls for her best friend type of thing but boy was I wrong.
I honestly wasn't sure how I would feel about this book and the relationship between Ryder and Elle but the more I read this book the more I liked the idea.
It was spicy and I loved how possessive Ryder was and how much he wanted Elle.
I loved the dual point of views and am a sucker to know what the guy's thoughts are in books.
I did give it four stars because there was just something missing even though I read it in one day. I just can't put my finger on it, but I really did love this story.
I am looking forward to Lily and Noah's story!
When I first got this book and read the blurb, I thought it was more like girl falls for her best friend type of thing but boy was I wrong.
I honestly wasn't sure how I would feel about this book and the relationship between Ryder and Elle but the more I read this book the more I liked the idea.
It was spicy and I loved how possessive Ryder was and how much he wanted Elle.
I loved the dual point of views and am a sucker to know what the guy's thoughts are in books.
I did give it four stars because there was just something missing even though I read it in one day. I just can't put my finger on it, but I really did love this story.
I am looking forward to Lily and Noah's story!
August 5, 2022
Been following this author on TikTok so I gladly have received an arc for review.
This book surpassed all expectations!!!
The book follows Ella and Ryder who are high star crossed lovers. However circumstances get in the way and tear them apart.
They reunite after 8 years and cannot deny the chemistry that is between them.
I could say so much more but I am afraid to spoil the book so please do yourself a favor and read this book 📕
This book surpassed all expectations!!!
The book follows Ella and Ryder who are high star crossed lovers. However circumstances get in the way and tear them apart.
They reunite after 8 years and cannot deny the chemistry that is between them.
I could say so much more but I am afraid to spoil the book so please do yourself a favor and read this book 📕
August 25, 2022
This book had me at its mercy in the first 10 pages. I was absolutely hooked on it and cannot tell you how much you need this in your life. It is spicy and angsty and oh so good. I like the dynamics of the two main characters and how they work as a team. I fell in absolute love with all of the characters in this book and am chomping at the bit for book 2. I was lucky enough to read it on ARC and posted about it but was struggling to find the proper words to do it justice. This book haunts me in the best way because sometimes love and magnetism are not enough. Timing plays a huge role in every relationship and I have never found a book to have that better represented than this one.
August 9, 2022
4.5/5 Stars: I had the privilege of getting an ARC for this debut novel and WOW, it really exceeded my expectations! I’m not usually one for high school crushes stories but I was immediately drawn into the story and instantly fell in love with main characters Ryder and Elle! Again, not one for second chance romance but I found myself rooting for Ryder and Elle and wanting desperately for them to work it out somehow! The spice was nice haha and there was just the right amount of it imho. Also loved that it was dual POV! A.R. Rose’s writing will draw you in and before you know if you’ll have finished the book and wanting more! Imagine my pleasant surprise when I found out there were be a book two that focuses on side characters that were featured in this book as let me tell you I can not wait to devour their story, too! Totally would recommend this book to anyone wanting a wonderful, spicy, and well written second chance romance!
August 11, 2022
I got this book as an Advanced reader copy and I squealed with excitement!! while I was reading this book I absolutely fell in love with these characters! Elle and Ryder are your perfect combination of sweet and spicy!! There paths didn’t align 10 years ago in high school but flash forward to now it seems like everything is working out just fine. this book has everything you could want and more, there is banter, there is angst. The spice 🌶🌶🌶 the MMC AND FMC🥵🥵!! And more!! A.R. Rose You did a wonderful job with this novel and I am so honored that I was able to read it!!! I cannot wait to read the second book in the series!!
August 12, 2022
WOW!!! I’m not even sure what I was expecting but this book exceeded 🥵 I didn’t wanna put it down; I kept wondering how everything would play out. The characters were relatable and I was so sucked into the world!
I’m so excited for the next book in the standalone series, which will feature some of the characters in this book. So glad I got to be an ARC reader for this ❤️
PS- check out the author on TikTok, she’s great!!!
I’m so excited for the next book in the standalone series, which will feature some of the characters in this book. So glad I got to be an ARC reader for this ❤️
PS- check out the author on TikTok, she’s great!!!
Read
September 14, 2022Dnfed around 14%. If I actually rated it based on what I read so far, I'd give it a half star.
All these recs in the Facebook group and all these 5 stars had me ready for an epic love story. That's not how it starts out at least 🤷🤷🤷🤔
They're both in high school. Shes a nerdy girl who is best friends with this guy named Noah since they were little kids and she's definitely friend zoned da fuq outta him. I think he has feelings for her since he's (softly) telling her that they should get married if none of them are by adulthood (this was when they're young kids). She gets super mad in one part because he's not talking to her so she's slamming her car door and then he's slamming his car door and I'm like whispering "what the fucccckkkkkkk" to myself 😂🤔😐😐😐🤦🤷🤷
Then there's the H. Hes a douche waffle. He has a bangin hot girlfriend who he keeps around but doesn't know why. But he's yearning, PINING for the h. Okur.....he doesn't put on his nutbags and dump his gf at all. He sees the h in the woods one day and almost ALMOST kisses her. But from what?! They barely have a conversation before this scene and this is the most incomprehensible thing ever🤔🤔🤔🙄🙄🙄🙄 what do you even like about her my dude?!!? Her pussyy? You havent seen it yet, let alone spoke two sentences to her 😂😂 🤔🤔🤔🤔But a phone call stops it from happening. So from The start, hes a cheating ashhole. Who can't do the decent thing and dump his gf to be with the girl he wants
Then the gf (yeah, he didn't dump her yet) comes over and says she might be pregnant and while she's taking the test, hes thinking about college football, frat parties and college graduation that he'll miss out on. 😂😂😂😂😂😂 hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Effing douche canoe!
Ha.
Shes pregnant and hes so mad he throws thr test at the wall and then he's thinking about the h. 🤔
That's when I Dnfed.
If someone can tell me how this gets better, I'm willing to give it another shot. But all this to me was stinky doo doo.
I don't want to read about a guy nutting into another girl and getting her pregnant while emotional cheating on the main h of a book and doing nothing about it. Sorry not effing sorry!!! Where are these 5 stars coming from?!!! Im baffled....
All these recs in the Facebook group and all these 5 stars had me ready for an epic love story. That's not how it starts out at least 🤷🤷🤷🤔
They're both in high school. Shes a nerdy girl who is best friends with this guy named Noah since they were little kids and she's definitely friend zoned da fuq outta him. I think he has feelings for her since he's (softly) telling her that they should get married if none of them are by adulthood (this was when they're young kids). She gets super mad in one part because he's not talking to her so she's slamming her car door and then he's slamming his car door and I'm like whispering "what the fucccckkkkkkk" to myself 😂🤔😐😐😐🤦🤷🤷
Then there's the H. Hes a douche waffle. He has a bangin hot girlfriend who he keeps around but doesn't know why. But he's yearning, PINING for the h. Okur.....he doesn't put on his nutbags and dump his gf at all. He sees the h in the woods one day and almost ALMOST kisses her. But from what?! They barely have a conversation before this scene and this is the most incomprehensible thing ever🤔🤔🤔🙄🙄🙄🙄 what do you even like about her my dude?!!? Her pussyy? You havent seen it yet, let alone spoke two sentences to her 😂😂 🤔🤔🤔🤔But a phone call stops it from happening. So from The start, hes a cheating ashhole. Who can't do the decent thing and dump his gf to be with the girl he wants
Then the gf (yeah, he didn't dump her yet) comes over and says she might be pregnant and while she's taking the test, hes thinking about college football, frat parties and college graduation that he'll miss out on. 😂😂😂😂😂😂 hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Effing douche canoe!
Ha.
Shes pregnant and hes so mad he throws thr test at the wall and then he's thinking about the h. 🤔
That's when I Dnfed.
If someone can tell me how this gets better, I'm willing to give it another shot. But all this to me was stinky doo doo.
I don't want to read about a guy nutting into another girl and getting her pregnant while emotional cheating on the main h of a book and doing nothing about it. Sorry not effing sorry!!! Where are these 5 stars coming from?!!! Im baffled....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2022
A spicy book with a good plot can be hard to find, but this had it. I really liked the dual perspectives of Elle and Ryder. Sometimes the story felt rushed which is why I gave it 4 stars, but overall I enjoyed the read. I have the ARC of the second book and I’m looking forward to getting into that next.
Read
September 15, 2022Did I read the same book as everyone else?!? This was … boring. And I couldn’t understand the infatuation. They didn’t know each other. Never dated. And they held onto this for 10 years?!
I gave up at 60% after skimming quite a bit.
I gave up at 60% after skimming quite a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2023
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. I loved every moment of this read. From starting off when the main characters are teenagers to fast forwarding into adulthood, we get to experience so much with Ryder and Elle. It really felt like we were on the life journey with all of them. I finished the entire read in 5 hours, because I couldn’t put the ARC down.
If you like a second chance romance, where there’s a possible alpha-hole and a slow burn of the love with our characters you need to pick this up NOW. You can find me recommending this to everyone. I’m already counting down the days until book two 😍
If you like a second chance romance, where there’s a possible alpha-hole and a slow burn of the love with our characters you need to pick this up NOW. You can find me recommending this to everyone. I’m already counting down the days until book two 😍
August 4, 2022
This was such an amazing and great story! I was completely hooked the whole time and read it in one sitting! The only reason I rated this 4 and not 5 is because I felt that the first half was a little slow to get into the story and then the second half went so fast! I really wanted to get into Ryder and Elle and how they were reconnecting and falling in love! Amazing book and I'm so excited for the stories to come!
August 11, 2022
OMG!!! For AR Rose's bebut book, she did phenomenal!!!
The perfect small town romance, where the heart get denied what it truly wants in the beginning! But when they are brought back together 10 years later, they finally get their chance at true love!!
It has the perfect amount of spice and those scenes are DELICIOUS!!!
I cannot wait for Wicked Games We Play!!
The perfect small town romance, where the heart get denied what it truly wants in the beginning! But when they are brought back together 10 years later, they finally get their chance at true love!!
It has the perfect amount of spice and those scenes are DELICIOUS!!!
I cannot wait for Wicked Games We Play!!
September 16, 2022
DNF at 63%
This book is rushed and drags painfully at the same time. Not for me.
This book is rushed and drags painfully at the same time. Not for me.
November 17, 2022
literally the worst book i've ever read
January 10, 2023
Horrible. There are so many jumps in time that aren’t made known, random inclusions, plot holes, etc. a very hard read.
October 15, 2023
BookTok Recommendation
I kept waiting for it to get better… almost quit 3x but it’s such a short book I couldn’t justify just tossing it.
I kept waiting for it to get better… almost quit 3x but it’s such a short book I couldn’t justify just tossing it.
April 18, 2024
Meh…. The back and forth was boring, the whole book was boring. I finished it but I skipped a lot of bits.
August 11, 2022
Absolutely captivating story of a high school crush, love unrequited untill one day it isn't....
Ellie's long term crush Ryder starts to knotice her their senior year of high school. She feels his eyes linger a little longer, he is constantly "bumping" into her around every corner, and is being flirtatious. One problem Ryder has a long term girlfriend and if that isn't enough, his girlfriend Lily is one of Ellie's friends. Is Ellie imagining that Ryder maybe pursuing her?
Ryder has knoticed Ellie, she has consumed his thoughts, one big problem he has a girlfriend. A girlfriend that on paper, or highschool standards is perfect, popular, blond with the star football player. But he has lost intrest in and plans on ending it before actually pursuing Ellie.
Noah is Ellie's guy bestie, has been since they where young kids on the play ground and their mothers became best friends, so Noah and Ellie became best friends. Noah has a thing for Lily, but he has never told Ellie. One day Ellie walks down the stairs to class and hears a heated conversation between Noah and Lily, where she is basically saying she no longer can break up with Ryder. She knows she promised that after Ryder's big football she would end it and be Noah's girlfriend but she no longer could because things had changed. A few days later Ellie finally can catch up with Noah at lunch, where she decides to ask about what she saw with him and Lily and he tells her he thought she was ending it with Ryder so they could be together and she changed her mind. He doesn't want to say more so Ellie lets it go.
Before Ryder can end things with Lily to presue the beautiful nerdy girl, Lily finds out she is pregnant with his child. Despite Ryder's dreams of moving out of his small town, going to college, he has to do what he feels is right. Put all his dreams behind him, marry Lily and raise their child together.
Ellie is crushed when she finds out the news that Ryder and Lily are engaged and have a baby on the way. She goes to a big graduation party, Ryder gets her alone where he admits he has feelings for her, he was about to end it with Lily to presue those feelings he has had for a long time, but he has to do what is right for Lily and his child. He will always think of her as the one who got away, the "what if"...and then Ryder walks away. Ellie is crushed.
The story picks up 8 years later, Ellie has moved in the next town over from her home town, she accompanied her dream and is a reporter for a newspaper has a great life but still thinks about Ryder and what would have been.
Ryder owns a successful contracting business, has a son, and is married to Lily, but is incredibly board with his life. He loves Lily but is not in love with her. To his surprise Lily also feels the same way and one night decides to tell him she wants a divorce. Surprisingly the divorce is amicable and they decide to remain friends.
Noah is a police officer in the same town Ellie now lives, but he hasn't spoken to Ellie since she left for college, without saying goodbye and never looking back. His mother and Ellie's are still friends so he knows she lives in the town and wonders why she has never reached out to reconnect, or why she left never looling back. Out of the blue he sends Ellie a e mail asking to meet up. Where they reconect, rebuild their friendship and somewhere along the way 7 months have passed of hanging out with eachother so much like when they where kids. One night Noah brings up an agreement they made a children, if they where not married by 26 they would marry eachother. They decide to see if dating could work, because they are now both 26 with Ellie's 27 Birthday approaching.
It is now time for Ellie, Noah, Lily and Ryder's 10 year reunion. Where everything changes when Ellie and Ryder set eyes on one another and the connection is the same. But Ellie is dating Noah, and Ryder and Lily are divorced. Could now be the time 10 years later for Ryder and Ellie to finally be together? Or is it not ment to be. Even if Ryder is finally available Ellie is not, she is with Noah.
You just have to read this book to find out if Ellie decides to follow her heart and finally presue the person she has she has always wondered what if....or can't possibly hurt her best friend turned boyfriend.
This story is absolute written amazingly, where you as the reader get all the feels and emotions that each character goes through. You will cheer for Ellie to get her happy ever after with who she is truly ment to share her life with.
Ellie's long term crush Ryder starts to knotice her their senior year of high school. She feels his eyes linger a little longer, he is constantly "bumping" into her around every corner, and is being flirtatious. One problem Ryder has a long term girlfriend and if that isn't enough, his girlfriend Lily is one of Ellie's friends. Is Ellie imagining that Ryder maybe pursuing her?
Ryder has knoticed Ellie, she has consumed his thoughts, one big problem he has a girlfriend. A girlfriend that on paper, or highschool standards is perfect, popular, blond with the star football player. But he has lost intrest in and plans on ending it before actually pursuing Ellie.
Noah is Ellie's guy bestie, has been since they where young kids on the play ground and their mothers became best friends, so Noah and Ellie became best friends. Noah has a thing for Lily, but he has never told Ellie. One day Ellie walks down the stairs to class and hears a heated conversation between Noah and Lily, where she is basically saying she no longer can break up with Ryder. She knows she promised that after Ryder's big football she would end it and be Noah's girlfriend but she no longer could because things had changed. A few days later Ellie finally can catch up with Noah at lunch, where she decides to ask about what she saw with him and Lily and he tells her he thought she was ending it with Ryder so they could be together and she changed her mind. He doesn't want to say more so Ellie lets it go.
Before Ryder can end things with Lily to presue the beautiful nerdy girl, Lily finds out she is pregnant with his child. Despite Ryder's dreams of moving out of his small town, going to college, he has to do what he feels is right. Put all his dreams behind him, marry Lily and raise their child together.
Ellie is crushed when she finds out the news that Ryder and Lily are engaged and have a baby on the way. She goes to a big graduation party, Ryder gets her alone where he admits he has feelings for her, he was about to end it with Lily to presue those feelings he has had for a long time, but he has to do what is right for Lily and his child. He will always think of her as the one who got away, the "what if"...and then Ryder walks away. Ellie is crushed.
The story picks up 8 years later, Ellie has moved in the next town over from her home town, she accompanied her dream and is a reporter for a newspaper has a great life but still thinks about Ryder and what would have been.
Ryder owns a successful contracting business, has a son, and is married to Lily, but is incredibly board with his life. He loves Lily but is not in love with her. To his surprise Lily also feels the same way and one night decides to tell him she wants a divorce. Surprisingly the divorce is amicable and they decide to remain friends.
Noah is a police officer in the same town Ellie now lives, but he hasn't spoken to Ellie since she left for college, without saying goodbye and never looking back. His mother and Ellie's are still friends so he knows she lives in the town and wonders why she has never reached out to reconnect, or why she left never looling back. Out of the blue he sends Ellie a e mail asking to meet up. Where they reconect, rebuild their friendship and somewhere along the way 7 months have passed of hanging out with eachother so much like when they where kids. One night Noah brings up an agreement they made a children, if they where not married by 26 they would marry eachother. They decide to see if dating could work, because they are now both 26 with Ellie's 27 Birthday approaching.
It is now time for Ellie, Noah, Lily and Ryder's 10 year reunion. Where everything changes when Ellie and Ryder set eyes on one another and the connection is the same. But Ellie is dating Noah, and Ryder and Lily are divorced. Could now be the time 10 years later for Ryder and Ellie to finally be together? Or is it not ment to be. Even if Ryder is finally available Ellie is not, she is with Noah.
You just have to read this book to find out if Ellie decides to follow her heart and finally presue the person she has she has always wondered what if....or can't possibly hurt her best friend turned boyfriend.
This story is absolute written amazingly, where you as the reader get all the feels and emotions that each character goes through. You will cheer for Ellie to get her happy ever after with who she is truly ment to share her life with.
August 9, 2022
💥Overall opinion:
This was one hell of a debut! From the very first chapter, I knew that I was going to love this book. Ms. Rose wrote an amazing cast of characters and an equally awesome storyline. The chemistry and tension and angst was between these characters she brought to life was off the charts. I couldn't absorb the words fast enough!
⛔️Brief Story Summary:
In high school, Ryder Thompson was the quarterback of the football team and the star of campus. Elle was the nerdy girl who he didn't know existed - or at least that's what she thought. The first time he kissed her it made her wonder if they could someday be together. But fate had other plans. After spending ten years building a wall around her heart and burying her feelings for him, he shows back up, making promises he might not be able to keep.
⚡️POV:
Dual - Male and Female MC
💋Tropes:
Second Chance
💣Main Character Rating:
Ryder - 5⭐️ - he can do no wrong in my eyes. He's honorable and stands by his word, protects those he loves, is a charming alpha male, and is an all around good freaking guy! Plus, he knows what he wants and he wasn't afraid to show it.
Elle - 5⭐️ - she was written so extremely relatable, that it was hard not to like her. The fact that she never once questioned him or hated/resented him for the hand they were dealt, spoke volumes about her character, which is why I liked her so much!
💧Sadness level:
0/5
🌶Spice level:
1.5/5
📚Descriptive spice scenes:
Yes and they're quite steamy
🖤Om/Ow drama:
Yes
🚫Closure:
I connected with this story on a personal level, being a statistic myself, and that made reading this so much more enjoyable. I'm definitely excited to see what's next for this author and can't wait to read what she comes up with!
⭐️Overall Rating:
5 freaking stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was one hell of a debut! From the very first chapter, I knew that I was going to love this book. Ms. Rose wrote an amazing cast of characters and an equally awesome storyline. The chemistry and tension and angst was between these characters she brought to life was off the charts. I couldn't absorb the words fast enough!
⛔️Brief Story Summary:
In high school, Ryder Thompson was the quarterback of the football team and the star of campus. Elle was the nerdy girl who he didn't know existed - or at least that's what she thought. The first time he kissed her it made her wonder if they could someday be together. But fate had other plans. After spending ten years building a wall around her heart and burying her feelings for him, he shows back up, making promises he might not be able to keep.
⚡️POV:
Dual - Male and Female MC
💋Tropes:
Second Chance
💣Main Character Rating:
Ryder - 5⭐️ - he can do no wrong in my eyes. He's honorable and stands by his word, protects those he loves, is a charming alpha male, and is an all around good freaking guy! Plus, he knows what he wants and he wasn't afraid to show it.
Elle - 5⭐️ - she was written so extremely relatable, that it was hard not to like her. The fact that she never once questioned him or hated/resented him for the hand they were dealt, spoke volumes about her character, which is why I liked her so much!
💧Sadness level:
0/5
🌶Spice level:
1.5/5
📚Descriptive spice scenes:
Yes and they're quite steamy
🖤Om/Ow drama:
Yes
🚫Closure:
I connected with this story on a personal level, being a statistic myself, and that made reading this so much more enjoyable. I'm definitely excited to see what's next for this author and can't wait to read what she comes up with!
⭐️Overall Rating:
5 freaking stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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