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Magnolia Creek #1
The Pieces Left Behind
No love is greater than your first love the second time around. Camille Stevens life was perfect.
Perfect husband.
Perfect home.
Perfect career.
She and her husband were the envy of all of their friends. Until the perfect storm blew through, washing it all away. Now she's returning to Texas with plans for a fresh start and resigned to a life alone. What she doesn't plan for is crossing paths with the first man she ever loved and lost. The first man to leave her in pieces. Vaughan McCallan. The sweet boy who said he'd always love her then left her is now a sexy man, complete with cowboy hat and chiseled muscles. She refuses to give him a second chance despite the begging he does. But when Vaughan confesses the truth about what really happened all those years ago, old flames are stoked and their fiery love is rekindled. With her future looking like the one she always imagined they would have, Camille can finally breathe again.
But looming in the back of her mind is whether or not she can let her mended, yet fragile, heart believe in love again.
Can she risk getting so close to the fire? Will she get a second chance at first love, or will she lose him forever?
Perfect husband.
Perfect home.
Perfect career.
She and her husband were the envy of all of their friends. Until the perfect storm blew through, washing it all away. Now she's returning to Texas with plans for a fresh start and resigned to a life alone. What she doesn't plan for is crossing paths with the first man she ever loved and lost. The first man to leave her in pieces. Vaughan McCallan. The sweet boy who said he'd always love her then left her is now a sexy man, complete with cowboy hat and chiseled muscles. She refuses to give him a second chance despite the begging he does. But when Vaughan confesses the truth about what really happened all those years ago, old flames are stoked and their fiery love is rekindled. With her future looking like the one she always imagined they would have, Camille can finally breathe again.
But looming in the back of her mind is whether or not she can let her mended, yet fragile, heart believe in love again.
Can she risk getting so close to the fire? Will she get a second chance at first love, or will she lose him forever?
332 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2023
228 people are currently reading
832 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Marie
14 books100 followersRyan Marie is a big city girl living in a small town literary world. When she’s not busy being just mom, you can find her building the next Happily Ever After with diverse characters who are everyday people. She loves a good love story, but won’t hold back when adding some gut wrenching drama that will have readers in tears. But don’t worry…you’ll always get that HEA. Adopted by Texas, she’s a proud southerner and enjoys introducing readers to southern slang and all the bless your hearts you can handle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
July 29, 2023
in what universe does a victim marry the perpetrator
Spoiler
So the guy didn’t cheat on his girlfriend that he had to break up with in college. He was drugged, sexually assaulted, and then the woman who did it ended up pregnant. Nowhere in the book does it say that he ever had a DNA test even knowing that this woman drugged him and was trying to trap him thinking he was a future NFL player. The woman and her parents supposedly forced him into marriage by threatening that they would not allow him to see his daughter when born. None of this makes sense.
Beyond the hatred that the guy expressed to the woman the morning after the assault and from then on about how she assaulted him, ruined his life and broke up his relationship with the love of his life he’s just going to roll over and marry her? And why? Not just because they threatened him not to see the baby but because “after all his love had broken up with him what did he have to live for”??????? Under what universe do people not realize that all he had to do was sue for custody rights? Not to mention that nowhere in this book is it mentioned that he even asked for a DNA test? The woman who is so evil to have done these things to him, and he never even got the paternity Test? He just believes it’s his baby? And then after the wedding he proceeds to sleep with the perpetrator a couple of dozen times in the first few years (he tells this to his reunited love) . Called it basically like marital duty. Say what??????? So you’re gonna have a marriage of convenience yet you’re going to actually actively sleep with the perpetrator of your sexual assault? Then explains that he stopped sleeping with her so the wife cheated a lot. Why sleep with the perpetrator to begin with????? This is sooo sick!!! If this was written with the gender roles reversed there would be an out crying of social outrage!! This guy is the most weak a$$ dude I’ve ever read about…. And his excuses don’t wash….. I’d never sleep with my ra9ist just because were married and hey after all it is just physical duty and since we’re married why not…. This entire book is a total regret, and I wish that I had never even seen the advertisement for it much less read the stupid thing.
Spoiler
So the guy didn’t cheat on his girlfriend that he had to break up with in college. He was drugged, sexually assaulted, and then the woman who did it ended up pregnant. Nowhere in the book does it say that he ever had a DNA test even knowing that this woman drugged him and was trying to trap him thinking he was a future NFL player. The woman and her parents supposedly forced him into marriage by threatening that they would not allow him to see his daughter when born. None of this makes sense.
Beyond the hatred that the guy expressed to the woman the morning after the assault and from then on about how she assaulted him, ruined his life and broke up his relationship with the love of his life he’s just going to roll over and marry her? And why? Not just because they threatened him not to see the baby but because “after all his love had broken up with him what did he have to live for”??????? Under what universe do people not realize that all he had to do was sue for custody rights? Not to mention that nowhere in this book is it mentioned that he even asked for a DNA test? The woman who is so evil to have done these things to him, and he never even got the paternity Test? He just believes it’s his baby? And then after the wedding he proceeds to sleep with the perpetrator a couple of dozen times in the first few years (he tells this to his reunited love) . Called it basically like marital duty. Say what??????? So you’re gonna have a marriage of convenience yet you’re going to actually actively sleep with the perpetrator of your sexual assault? Then explains that he stopped sleeping with her so the wife cheated a lot. Why sleep with the perpetrator to begin with????? This is sooo sick!!! If this was written with the gender roles reversed there would be an out crying of social outrage!! This guy is the most weak a$$ dude I’ve ever read about…. And his excuses don’t wash….. I’d never sleep with my ra9ist just because were married and hey after all it is just physical duty and since we’re married why not…. This entire book is a total regret, and I wish that I had never even seen the advertisement for it much less read the stupid thing.
May 25, 2023
This was a solid 4-star's UNTIL chapter 46-47. What kind of non ending was that?! Where was the resolution??
Soo the H finally wins the h back after confessing what really happened. They are all in love, talking babies and marriage. Then, the H's daughter wants to go to her 6th grade dance, and the H is completely irrational about it. The h steps in to help the tension, and he responds with she's not your daughter. You're not her mother. Which would be fine and dandy butttt for the whole fricken book he's been saying how he wishes the h was her mother (even told the h this). That he wants to raise her with the h. He follows that up by saying her mom died and he's all she has, so he needs to make all the decisions regarding her. Obviously, he knows he inserted his foot. Also, just a fyi, the daughter loves the h and wants her to be her new mom.
Anyways, they get back together because the H decides to stalk her girls' night out, get drunk and mad, and then drive drunk. He gets hit by a car on his motorcycle and almost dies. Their reconciliation off page. Literally, the next page is 18 weeks later, and the H is talking to the h's dead husband. Then the epilouge where they got married and had a son and are pregnant with their daughter!!
If the main MCS are gonna break up this late in the book, then their resolution needs to be on page. Otherwise, it doesn't feel very HEA.
I'm not gonna get into the other little things that bugged me.
3 it could have been great stars
Soo the H finally wins the h back after confessing what really happened. They are all in love, talking babies and marriage. Then, the H's daughter wants to go to her 6th grade dance, and the H is completely irrational about it. The h steps in to help the tension, and he responds with she's not your daughter. You're not her mother. Which would be fine and dandy butttt for the whole fricken book he's been saying how he wishes the h was her mother (even told the h this). That he wants to raise her with the h. He follows that up by saying her mom died and he's all she has, so he needs to make all the decisions regarding her. Obviously, he knows he inserted his foot. Also, just a fyi, the daughter loves the h and wants her to be her new mom.
Anyways, they get back together because the H decides to stalk her girls' night out, get drunk and mad, and then drive drunk. He gets hit by a car on his motorcycle and almost dies. Their reconciliation off page. Literally, the next page is 18 weeks later, and the H is talking to the h's dead husband. Then the epilouge where they got married and had a son and are pregnant with their daughter!!
If the main MCS are gonna break up this late in the book, then their resolution needs to be on page. Otherwise, it doesn't feel very HEA.
I'm not gonna get into the other little things that bugged me.
3 it could have been great stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2023
Read the ARC for this book and was immediately hooked! However, there are some heavy topics discussed so please read the trigger warnings before proceeding. It is a fairly long book, but once you get through the first about ten chapters you will not be able to put this book down. Vaughan and Camille are precious! There are so many sweet moments between the two of them that I could not get enough of. This is also the first book I've encountered that really captures southern culture so if you're from the south, this is definitely a great read. Finally, if you like:
Second Chance Romance
Single Dad
Cowboys
Then I definitely encourage to give this a read!
Second Chance Romance
Single Dad
Cowboys
Then I definitely encourage to give this a read!
June 15, 2023
2.5 stars
tw: suicide attempt
i'm sad because while i was reading the first chapters, i really thought it was going to be a 5 stars read, but after the chapter where she arrives at her hometown, things moved too quickly in my opinion. she was with her late husband for nine (!) years, and not even a year later her sister was trying to force her to reunite with the mmc when she explicitly said she wasn't ready and was still grieving. her sister and their friends try a few times to force the issue, which only leads to the fmc getting hurt. when she actually is the one who takes the initiative to talk to the mmc, it happens organically and it's so much better because it came from her decision (it's a cute chapter actually 😭 they both and his little daughter spend the day together at his ranch and i wish the author used this approach in their reunion from the beginning, and not the fmc close family and friends trying to force it disregarding her mental health)
so the way some things were handled could've been better, specially when it came down to mental health, which made me give this 2.5 stars.
tw: suicide attempt
i'm sad because while i was reading the first chapters, i really thought it was going to be a 5 stars read, but after the chapter where she arrives at her hometown, things moved too quickly in my opinion. she was with her late husband for nine (!) years, and not even a year later her sister was trying to force her to reunite with the mmc when she explicitly said she wasn't ready and was still grieving. her sister and their friends try a few times to force the issue, which only leads to the fmc getting hurt. when she actually is the one who takes the initiative to talk to the mmc, it happens organically and it's so much better because it came from her decision (it's a cute chapter actually 😭 they both and his little daughter spend the day together at his ranch and i wish the author used this approach in their reunion from the beginning, and not the fmc close family and friends trying to force it disregarding her mental health)
so the way some things were handled could've been better, specially when it came down to mental health, which made me give this 2.5 stars.
September 11, 2023
So, wow🥹 I really loved this book. This book had so many layers to it, and to be quite honest i was NOT expecting it. But i appreciated the depth that was added to the story. It’s about love, losing love, and finding it again. 🫶🏽
Y’all know i love a good second chance romance and tbh Vaughan and Camille deserve the absolute world and i’m so glad they found their happiness together🩵 with that being said the smut 🥵 mhm.
Lastly, the fact that this is Ryan Marie’s first ever book!? 🤯 this was very well written and I know it’s only going to improve so this is my application to be an official Ryan Marie ambassador because YES 🫡
Y’all know i love a good second chance romance and tbh Vaughan and Camille deserve the absolute world and i’m so glad they found their happiness together🩵 with that being said the smut 🥵 mhm.
Lastly, the fact that this is Ryan Marie’s first ever book!? 🤯 this was very well written and I know it’s only going to improve so this is my application to be an official Ryan Marie ambassador because YES 🫡
June 11, 2023
I had a pleasure to read ARC version of this book. I can’t find the words to explain how much I fall for this story. The begging is heartbreaking and I was a little anxious of the rest of the story but it proved to be unnecessary. I fall for Cami, for Vaughan, for Day, for this beautiful story about love, pain, lost and healing. For me i know It’s gonna be one of the most memorable books in my whole life. I can’t wait for the next books in this series.
June 11, 2023
If you’re looking for a book to bring all the emotion to the table, this is it! We open up to our lead female, Camille, facing an unfathomable travesty that no one should ever have to face. I love that her family gives her encouragement while also letting her go through the emotions without telling her to let go, move on, or get over it.
When she moves back home to Texas, the support of not only her family, but also her friends, continues to astound me. She’s incredibly blessed to have such amazing people in her life! She’s had time to grieve, and now, with all the love in the world, they are pushing her out of the comfort bubble she’s built around herself.
Vaughn. What do I say about this amazing man?! He went through something traumatic of his own and lost his true love in the process. But now that she’s back, he is ready to prove that it’s always been her. From the tattoos to his dirty talk — woo! I definitely went back to re-read several scenes!
In addition to all of the spice, we get a sweetness with Day that brings such a joy to the pages. My heart broke for her having to live life without her mother. I love that none of the adults tainted her image of her mother (even though she was awful) and that real-life struggles of becoming a pre-teen girl were included.
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
When she moves back home to Texas, the support of not only her family, but also her friends, continues to astound me. She’s incredibly blessed to have such amazing people in her life! She’s had time to grieve, and now, with all the love in the world, they are pushing her out of the comfort bubble she’s built around herself.
Vaughn. What do I say about this amazing man?! He went through something traumatic of his own and lost his true love in the process. But now that she’s back, he is ready to prove that it’s always been her. From the tattoos to his dirty talk — woo! I definitely went back to re-read several scenes!
In addition to all of the spice, we get a sweetness with Day that brings such a joy to the pages. My heart broke for her having to live life without her mother. I love that none of the adults tainted her image of her mother (even though she was awful) and that real-life struggles of becoming a pre-teen girl were included.
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
May 14, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ Received the ARC for this book and right off the bat, this book captured all of my attention! It jumps straight into a tough topic though so please check trigger warnings!
🐎Widow/Widower
🤎Second chance romance
🐎High School Sweethearts
🤎Surprise Pregnancy
🐎Single-Dad
🤎Cowboys
For this being a debut novel, you wouldn’t even notice! The writing style and story building makes you think that this author has been writing for years. I absolutely adored the main characters (UHM….THE SPICE ??🌶️)and especially Day! The relationship building and the found family trope between not only the main characters but also the best friends was so nice to connect to! Reading this book just gave me such a warm, homey feeling that I can’t get over and it’s definitely worth the read!
🐎Widow/Widower
🤎Second chance romance
🐎High School Sweethearts
🤎Surprise Pregnancy
🐎Single-Dad
🤎Cowboys
For this being a debut novel, you wouldn’t even notice! The writing style and story building makes you think that this author has been writing for years. I absolutely adored the main characters (UHM….THE SPICE ??🌶️)and especially Day! The relationship building and the found family trope between not only the main characters but also the best friends was so nice to connect to! Reading this book just gave me such a warm, homey feeling that I can’t get over and it’s definitely worth the read!
February 11, 2024
La escritura no tiene la seriedad necesaria, se tratan temas fuertes y hay momentos en el tono no va con el contexto.
Spoilers ⚠️ ⚠️
Camilla y Vaughan eran novios hasta que él le fue infiel y deja embarazada a la otra.
Pues resulta que no fue infiel y en realidad lo violaron, la agresora quedó embarazada y lo obligó a casarse. La rata asquerosa de la violadora pensó que Vaughan se enamoraría de ella y serían una familia feliz, obviamente eso no paso y por 8 años él tuvo que soportar vivir con su agresora y actuar enfrente de su hija como si fuera feliz y no sintiera asco por su esposa.
12 años después Camilla se entera de la verdad, le pregunta a Vaughan de que murió la hdp y le dice de cáncer, ella se siente mal por la agresora sexual e incluso dice que ojala no haya sufrido mucho y que espera que sus últimos días los hayan pasado disfrutando del amor que se tenían ¿?. O sea acaba de escuchar la historia de una violación y se siente mal por la violadora, ¿cómo vas a estar hablando de un tema tan delicado y vas a salir con tus estupideces??, ¿tiene algún problema de audición? ¿cómo pudo pensar y decir que Vaughan amó a su esposa después de escuchar que lo violó?.
Es una lastima que la rata asquerosa sólo sufrirá por 5 meses.
Si vas a escribir sobre violación, infórmete y trata el tema con el respeto que se merece.
Ah, también tenemos el tema del suicidio. El esposo de Camille pasó su vida con depresión, no le contó a nadie, ni busco ayuda, un día ya no pudo más y se suicidio. Camille dice que nunca la amo porque no confío en ella y que la abandonó dejándola sola. Entiendo que tenga esos sentimientos mientras pasa el duelo, pero después siguió con lo mismo y no intento aprender/informarse sobre la depresión.
En ambas escenas (la del suicidio y la violación) después de contar sus experiencias, inician contacto sexual. No se que intentaba hacer la autora.
Hay más cosas que no me gustaron como se trataron.
Spoilers ⚠️ ⚠️
Camilla y Vaughan eran novios hasta que él le fue infiel y deja embarazada a la otra.
Pues resulta que no fue infiel y en realidad lo violaron, la agresora quedó embarazada y lo obligó a casarse. La rata asquerosa de la violadora pensó que Vaughan se enamoraría de ella y serían una familia feliz, obviamente eso no paso y por 8 años él tuvo que soportar vivir con su agresora y actuar enfrente de su hija como si fuera feliz y no sintiera asco por su esposa.
12 años después Camilla se entera de la verdad, le pregunta a Vaughan de que murió la hdp y le dice de cáncer, ella se siente mal por la agresora sexual e incluso dice que ojala no haya sufrido mucho y que espera que sus últimos días los hayan pasado disfrutando del amor que se tenían ¿?. O sea acaba de escuchar la historia de una violación y se siente mal por la violadora, ¿cómo vas a estar hablando de un tema tan delicado y vas a salir con tus estupideces??, ¿tiene algún problema de audición? ¿cómo pudo pensar y decir que Vaughan amó a su esposa después de escuchar que lo violó?.
Es una lastima que la rata asquerosa sólo sufrirá por 5 meses.
Si vas a escribir sobre violación, infórmete y trata el tema con el respeto que se merece.
Ah, también tenemos el tema del suicidio. El esposo de Camille pasó su vida con depresión, no le contó a nadie, ni busco ayuda, un día ya no pudo más y se suicidio. Camille dice que nunca la amo porque no confío en ella y que la abandonó dejándola sola. Entiendo que tenga esos sentimientos mientras pasa el duelo, pero después siguió con lo mismo y no intento aprender/informarse sobre la depresión.
En ambas escenas (la del suicidio y la violación) después de contar sus experiencias, inician contacto sexual. No se que intentaba hacer la autora.
Hay más cosas que no me gustaron como se trataron.
June 10, 2023
”Every day, always, from this life into the next."
DAMN! Okay, now that the tears have stopped falling and I have finally closed this book, I can take a deep breath and get my emotions under control.
Right from the very start this story had a vice grip on my heart, and it was continually squeezing it, eventually wringing every ounce of blood from it until it was ready to shatter! The poignant storytelling was powerfully and explosively emotional. I mean, my God, how much more is this author going to put me through! Within every chapter, I was either laughing, or sobbing uncontrollably into my pillow! I think every emotion was squeezed out of me, and by the end I felt so emotionally drained, but at least I had a smile on my face!
Cami and Vaughn took us on a journey that was filled with heartache, pain, anger, gut-wrenching emotional turmoil, forgiveness, passion, and an all-consuming love. Sometimes second chances are hard to give, especially when there is so much hurt to be forgiven first. These two will have you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails with anxiety, and holding your breath, hoping and praying that they finally get their happy ever after together.
This was a beautifully written story with unbelievably amazing characters, and with a storyline that grabs onto your heart and digs itself in never letting go!
I absolutely loved it and look forward to reading the next story in this!
DAMN! Okay, now that the tears have stopped falling and I have finally closed this book, I can take a deep breath and get my emotions under control.
Right from the very start this story had a vice grip on my heart, and it was continually squeezing it, eventually wringing every ounce of blood from it until it was ready to shatter! The poignant storytelling was powerfully and explosively emotional. I mean, my God, how much more is this author going to put me through! Within every chapter, I was either laughing, or sobbing uncontrollably into my pillow! I think every emotion was squeezed out of me, and by the end I felt so emotionally drained, but at least I had a smile on my face!
Cami and Vaughn took us on a journey that was filled with heartache, pain, anger, gut-wrenching emotional turmoil, forgiveness, passion, and an all-consuming love. Sometimes second chances are hard to give, especially when there is so much hurt to be forgiven first. These two will have you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails with anxiety, and holding your breath, hoping and praying that they finally get their happy ever after together.
This was a beautifully written story with unbelievably amazing characters, and with a storyline that grabs onto your heart and digs itself in never letting go!
I absolutely loved it and look forward to reading the next story in this!
June 10, 2023
“I’m all in. I always have been.”
Camille had moved on from the heartbreak of her childhood sweetheart and had a seemingly enviable life, until she is moving home and starting over after a devastating loss. She’s expecting to spend her life alone, but instead crosses paths with the first man to break her heart. Vaughan knows that he’s had and lost the great love of his life, and if it’s not her, then it’s not worth having - but once he is able to confess the truth that drove them apart all those years ago, he might get a second chance at his first love.
I loved Camille and Vaughan so much that I am ready to reread only a day after finishing for the first time! The way tender-hearted Vaughan dotes on his little girl is the sweetest thing, and I melted every time he called her “baby bird”. My heart broke for Camille and I cried for her right from the start. I loved Vaughan’s patience and the ways he validated Camille’s feelings and supported her in her grieving
This was a fabulous start to a series, and I can’t wait to spend more time in Magnolia Creek!
You’ll Find —
Small Town
Single Dad
Second Chance
Childhood Sweethearts
Football player turned Cowboy
“It’s Always Been You”
Thankful for the opportunity to read a review copy!
⚠️: suicide, sexual assault
Camille had moved on from the heartbreak of her childhood sweetheart and had a seemingly enviable life, until she is moving home and starting over after a devastating loss. She’s expecting to spend her life alone, but instead crosses paths with the first man to break her heart. Vaughan knows that he’s had and lost the great love of his life, and if it’s not her, then it’s not worth having - but once he is able to confess the truth that drove them apart all those years ago, he might get a second chance at his first love.
I loved Camille and Vaughan so much that I am ready to reread only a day after finishing for the first time! The way tender-hearted Vaughan dotes on his little girl is the sweetest thing, and I melted every time he called her “baby bird”. My heart broke for Camille and I cried for her right from the start. I loved Vaughan’s patience and the ways he validated Camille’s feelings and supported her in her grieving
This was a fabulous start to a series, and I can’t wait to spend more time in Magnolia Creek!
You’ll Find —
Small Town
Single Dad
Second Chance
Childhood Sweethearts
Football player turned Cowboy
“It’s Always Been You”
Thankful for the opportunity to read a review copy!
⚠️: suicide, sexual assault
June 9, 2023
This book had my attention right from the beginning. I do want to warn you that this does start off with a tough topic so please check trigger warnings.
Camille and Vaughan both experienced losing love and finding it again. This book was beautifully written. We get to see how these two are a great support system for each other and how they deal with family dynamics all while trying to build back the trust and relationship they once had when they were younger. The way these two characters developed throughout the book was amazing. You really get to see how each of them learned how to be there for the other outside their relationship. I absolutely loved that Camille got to see a whole new side of Vaughan (the alpha male side). The side characters did not disappoint either. It was great to see how Camille had her main girlfriends and Vaughan had his group of guys. I cannot wait for the future installments of this series.
Thank you to Ryan Marie & The Author Agency for the arc in exchange for my honest review
Camille and Vaughan both experienced losing love and finding it again. This book was beautifully written. We get to see how these two are a great support system for each other and how they deal with family dynamics all while trying to build back the trust and relationship they once had when they were younger. The way these two characters developed throughout the book was amazing. You really get to see how each of them learned how to be there for the other outside their relationship. I absolutely loved that Camille got to see a whole new side of Vaughan (the alpha male side). The side characters did not disappoint either. It was great to see how Camille had her main girlfriends and Vaughan had his group of guys. I cannot wait for the future installments of this series.
Thank you to Ryan Marie & The Author Agency for the arc in exchange for my honest review
November 21, 2023
🧡 REVIEW 🧡 The Pieces Left Behind - Ryan Marie | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5| 🌶🌶🌶.5
"Everyday, always, from this life into the next"
When my book bestie @ketobabelife tells me that I "have to read this book!" I take her recommendations very seriously. So when I saw that Ryan Marie was opening up spots for her Hype Team, I JUMPED at the opportunity! Because if Shalini says it's good...it's damn good!
OMG. This story!!! I cried, but what's new?! I couldn't even see the words at some points in the story! This was a second chance romance, which I'm 50/50 on this trope. It really depends on the context of why the relationship failed in the first place. At first I thought...oh no am I going to hate this one? I genuinely hate a certain trope and assumed that this was the direction the book was going to take, but I'm glad that the story went in the opposite direction.
Camille is just a badass FMC, and although she is stubborn, she is also fierce and protective. Vaughn has a few failed attempts at winning Cami over, but it's his daughter, Dagen, that creeps into her heart first. Their relationship was so heart felt, and relatable for those of us who grew up with single parents. Their bond was formed separately from Vaughn, and I really loved that. Vaughn is so swoony. In spite of the trauma he's gone through, he loves his daughter to fiercely.
An amazing debut novel from Ryan Marie! I highly recommend this one! If you love a second chance romance with a single parent trope this one is for you!!!
Thank you so much @author.ryanmarie for the eARC, and letting me be part of your hype team!
"Everyday, always, from this life into the next"
When my book bestie @ketobabelife tells me that I "have to read this book!" I take her recommendations very seriously. So when I saw that Ryan Marie was opening up spots for her Hype Team, I JUMPED at the opportunity! Because if Shalini says it's good...it's damn good!
OMG. This story!!! I cried, but what's new?! I couldn't even see the words at some points in the story! This was a second chance romance, which I'm 50/50 on this trope. It really depends on the context of why the relationship failed in the first place. At first I thought...oh no am I going to hate this one? I genuinely hate a certain trope and assumed that this was the direction the book was going to take, but I'm glad that the story went in the opposite direction.
Camille is just a badass FMC, and although she is stubborn, she is also fierce and protective. Vaughn has a few failed attempts at winning Cami over, but it's his daughter, Dagen, that creeps into her heart first. Their relationship was so heart felt, and relatable for those of us who grew up with single parents. Their bond was formed separately from Vaughn, and I really loved that. Vaughn is so swoony. In spite of the trauma he's gone through, he loves his daughter to fiercely.
An amazing debut novel from Ryan Marie! I highly recommend this one! If you love a second chance romance with a single parent trope this one is for you!!!
Thank you so much @author.ryanmarie for the eARC, and letting me be part of your hype team!
May 30, 2023
This is a second chance of a first love after 12 years apart. Camille and Vaughan were high school sweethearts until they went to different colleges. And incident happens to Vaughan (we find out what later in the book), and it forces them apart as Camille thinks that Vaughan cheated on her. He has a baby by and marries another woman.
Camille is left to pick up the pieces of her life and move on with another man, and another state. The book actually begins with a tragic event involving her husband, and she deals with that in the first quarter of the book. The aftermath of the event is very well written and so emotional.
Camille then moves back home to Magnolia Creek to be near her family and friends, and of course runs into Vaughan since he has also moved back to the area. They cautiously pursue a relationship and find that they cannot stand to be apart. These two are meant to be, and their relationship is incredible.
The relationship between Camille and Vaughan’s daughter is also wonderful. Dagen and Camille quickly become close, and Camille has sweet moments where she helps Dagen.
The girlfriend group aspect of this book is also amazing. Camille’s friends help her through her tragedy and push her to move on with her life (for the good). I can’t wait to read their books in the rest of this series.
Favorite Quotes:
“I watched her walk away but vowed that this isn't the end. She's back and has been put in my path. I won't stop until my last breath.” Vaughan McCallan
“Just know that you are my entire world and I love you more than my next breath. You are the air that feeds my body.” Vaughan McCallan
Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
*Second Chance of First Love
*Small Town
*Close Friends Group
*Cowboy
*Single Dad
*Self Discovery
*Redemption
*It Was Always You
Camille is left to pick up the pieces of her life and move on with another man, and another state. The book actually begins with a tragic event involving her husband, and she deals with that in the first quarter of the book. The aftermath of the event is very well written and so emotional.
Camille then moves back home to Magnolia Creek to be near her family and friends, and of course runs into Vaughan since he has also moved back to the area. They cautiously pursue a relationship and find that they cannot stand to be apart. These two are meant to be, and their relationship is incredible.
The relationship between Camille and Vaughan’s daughter is also wonderful. Dagen and Camille quickly become close, and Camille has sweet moments where she helps Dagen.
The girlfriend group aspect of this book is also amazing. Camille’s friends help her through her tragedy and push her to move on with her life (for the good). I can’t wait to read their books in the rest of this series.
Favorite Quotes:
“I watched her walk away but vowed that this isn't the end. She's back and has been put in my path. I won't stop until my last breath.” Vaughan McCallan
“Just know that you are my entire world and I love you more than my next breath. You are the air that feeds my body.” Vaughan McCallan
Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
*Second Chance of First Love
*Small Town
*Close Friends Group
*Cowboy
*Single Dad
*Self Discovery
*Redemption
*It Was Always You
June 26, 2023
"𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴, 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵."
The Pieces Left Behind by Ryan Marie
✶ single father
✶ second chance
✶ cowboys
✶ widow/widower
✶ 3/5
A solid debut for Ryan Marie!
This novel took me by surprise, and if you hadn’t told me it was the author's debut, I never would’ve known!
The Pieces Left Behind takes readers on an emotional journey as Camille tries to start over after a traumatic event. She reunites with her first love Vaughn, now a single father.
Almost as sweet as the romance was the relationship between Camille Vaughan’s daughter Dagen. The two quickly become close, and Camille has so many precious moments with Dagen, cementing her place in both of their lives
My biggest critique about the novel is the abundance of miscommunication, one of my least favourite tropes. So many issues in the novel would have been fixed if the characters had been open and honest with each other.
The strengths, however, were the family dynamics and the fact that each character was perfectly imperfect. The characters work on themselves as much as they do in their relationship to find their way back to each other, weaving a beautiful love story along the way.
If you are looking for a solid angst-filled, spicy romance, The Pieces Left Behind is for you!
Thank you to The Author Agency and Ryan Marie for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
The Pieces Left Behind by Ryan Marie
✶ single father
✶ second chance
✶ cowboys
✶ widow/widower
✶ 3/5
A solid debut for Ryan Marie!
This novel took me by surprise, and if you hadn’t told me it was the author's debut, I never would’ve known!
The Pieces Left Behind takes readers on an emotional journey as Camille tries to start over after a traumatic event. She reunites with her first love Vaughn, now a single father.
Almost as sweet as the romance was the relationship between Camille Vaughan’s daughter Dagen. The two quickly become close, and Camille has so many precious moments with Dagen, cementing her place in both of their lives
My biggest critique about the novel is the abundance of miscommunication, one of my least favourite tropes. So many issues in the novel would have been fixed if the characters had been open and honest with each other.
The strengths, however, were the family dynamics and the fact that each character was perfectly imperfect. The characters work on themselves as much as they do in their relationship to find their way back to each other, weaving a beautiful love story along the way.
If you are looking for a solid angst-filled, spicy romance, The Pieces Left Behind is for you!
Thank you to The Author Agency and Ryan Marie for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 7, 2023
yikes.
So the fmc looses her husband cause he unalives himself. His su*c*de note made me cry! the depression and darkness he described was so heartbreaking. Fmc is devastated - they were so happy, loved each other and wanted a family but now he’s gone.
there is a 8 month time jump where she moves back to texas to be with her family and she reunites with her first love. it’s so insta love and doesn’t make sense. like girly pop your husband of 9 years just died but you’re out here fucking “the love of your life” and planning a family with him after 8 months. idk I read books where the main characters were widowed and it was always so much better executed. With this one i don’t give a flying fuck about their second chance romance, I care more about the deceased husband than the two characters who are alive😂
And don’t get me started on the mmc’s storyline and what happened to him. That was sick and ridiculous, all he had to do was go to the police, tell everyone the truth and sue for custody.
Sorry, even if it’s fictional, I’m not gonna tolerate bad writing and bad execution. Obviously all of this is my personal opinion.
So the fmc looses her husband cause he unalives himself. His su*c*de note made me cry! the depression and darkness he described was so heartbreaking. Fmc is devastated - they were so happy, loved each other and wanted a family but now he’s gone.
there is a 8 month time jump where she moves back to texas to be with her family and she reunites with her first love. it’s so insta love and doesn’t make sense. like girly pop your husband of 9 years just died but you’re out here fucking “the love of your life” and planning a family with him after 8 months. idk I read books where the main characters were widowed and it was always so much better executed. With this one i don’t give a flying fuck about their second chance romance, I care more about the deceased husband than the two characters who are alive😂
And don’t get me started on the mmc’s storyline and what happened to him. That was sick and ridiculous, all he had to do was go to the police, tell everyone the truth and sue for custody.
Sorry, even if it’s fictional, I’m not gonna tolerate bad writing and bad execution. Obviously all of this is my personal opinion.
December 15, 2023
I was hooked on this book from the start, even though the first section of the book was unexpected. I cried and laughed and swooned.
This is a second chance romance featuring a single dad and horses. What more could you ask for. I was rooting for the relationship to succeed and enjoyed seeing how that happened.
Occasionally I felt like the MMC was a bit over the top, but it was clear how strongly he felt and the space he gave the FMC.
I recommend reading the trigger warnings so you know what you are getting into. The first section of the book was heavy and there was heaviness throughout alongside the joy! If you want a happily ever after with some sadness and spice along the way, then this book is for you!
Trigger warnings: suicide, suicidal thoughts, cancer, death of a parent, rape (not graphic), sexual assault (not graphic), depression discussed in detail
This is a second chance romance featuring a single dad and horses. What more could you ask for. I was rooting for the relationship to succeed and enjoyed seeing how that happened.
Occasionally I felt like the MMC was a bit over the top, but it was clear how strongly he felt and the space he gave the FMC.
I recommend reading the trigger warnings so you know what you are getting into. The first section of the book was heavy and there was heaviness throughout alongside the joy! If you want a happily ever after with some sadness and spice along the way, then this book is for you!
Trigger warnings: suicide, suicidal thoughts, cancer, death of a parent, rape (not graphic), sexual assault (not graphic), depression discussed in detail
July 3, 2024
It was okay. Not everything was totally believable- which is fine I do not require all my books to be realistic- it was just missing a lot.
There were also a few typos which caught me up and interrupted the reading flow.
Make sure to read the TW because there are some potential dark things that are hard to read for some.
Am I mad I read it. No. But I probably won’t think of the book again now that I am done.
There were also a few typos which caught me up and interrupted the reading flow.
Make sure to read the TW because there are some potential dark things that are hard to read for some.
Am I mad I read it. No. But I probably won’t think of the book again now that I am done.
June 9, 2023
⭐ 4.5
This book is a second chance and I liked it, and here you know that I'm not a big fan of this trope, but if it's well written I like it and here I LOVED it.
At the beginning she talks about a heavy subject, I thought it was very good how it was handled and especially how our FMC deals with everything, how she deals with the subject of mourning her husband and all the stages involved. She returns to her hometown and is reunited with her ex-boyfriend after 12 years and we must know that things did not end well between the two of them, then a whole journey starts from there because she does not want to see him even in paint but he wants to explain everything that happened because "everything is not what it seems" and guys, here I cried a lot when he explained everything to her, it is a very strong theme and touched my heart in a way that I felt a lot of empathy for him, I thought it was excellent what the author did with this theme. The relationship she created with his daughter seemed very beautiful to me, the development of both of them as characters I loved and the magical touch they gave us was spectacular.
It was not an easy read because of the themes it touches on but it was good, the secondary characters were charming and if you are a fan of cowboys, small town and a bunch of friends who are there for you in good and bad you will like this book as much as I did.
🫂 thank you to Ryan Marie & The Author Agency for the arc in exchange for my honest review 📚!!
______________________
Este libro es un second chance y me gustó, y aquí saben que no soy muy fan de ese trope pero cuando está bien escrito les agarro el gusto y aquí ME ENCANTO.
Al principio habla de un tema un poco fuerte, me pareció muy bien la manera en la que tratado y sobre todo como nuestra FMC lidia con todo, como lleva el tema del duelo por su esposo y todas las etapas que conlleva. Ella regresa a su pueblo natal y se reencuentra con su ex novio luego de 12 años, y debemos saber que las cosas no terminaron bien entre ellos dos, luego de allí empieza toda una travesía porque ella no lo quiere ver ni en pintura pero el quiere explicarle todo lo que paso ya que “todo no es lo que parece” and guys, aqui llore muchisimo cuando él le explico a ella todo, es un tema muy fuerte y me tocó el corazón de una manera que sentí mucha empatía por él, me pareció algo excelente lo que hizo la autora con ese tema. La relación que ella creó con la hija de el me parecio muy hermosa la evolución de los dos como personajes me encanto, ademas ese toque mágico que nos dieron fue espectacular-
Fue una lectura no tan ligera por los temas que toca pero fue buena, los personajes secundarios encantadores, y si eres fan de los cowboy, small town y una banda de amigos que está allí para ti en las buenas y en las malas les gustar este libro tanto como me gusto a mi.
This book is a second chance and I liked it, and here you know that I'm not a big fan of this trope, but if it's well written I like it and here I LOVED it.
At the beginning she talks about a heavy subject, I thought it was very good how it was handled and especially how our FMC deals with everything, how she deals with the subject of mourning her husband and all the stages involved. She returns to her hometown and is reunited with her ex-boyfriend after 12 years and we must know that things did not end well between the two of them, then a whole journey starts from there because she does not want to see him even in paint but he wants to explain everything that happened because "everything is not what it seems" and guys, here I cried a lot when he explained everything to her, it is a very strong theme and touched my heart in a way that I felt a lot of empathy for him, I thought it was excellent what the author did with this theme. The relationship she created with his daughter seemed very beautiful to me, the development of both of them as characters I loved and the magical touch they gave us was spectacular.
It was not an easy read because of the themes it touches on but it was good, the secondary characters were charming and if you are a fan of cowboys, small town and a bunch of friends who are there for you in good and bad you will like this book as much as I did.
🫂 thank you to Ryan Marie & The Author Agency for the arc in exchange for my honest review 📚!!
______________________
Este libro es un second chance y me gustó, y aquí saben que no soy muy fan de ese trope pero cuando está bien escrito les agarro el gusto y aquí ME ENCANTO.
Al principio habla de un tema un poco fuerte, me pareció muy bien la manera en la que tratado y sobre todo como nuestra FMC lidia con todo, como lleva el tema del duelo por su esposo y todas las etapas que conlleva. Ella regresa a su pueblo natal y se reencuentra con su ex novio luego de 12 años, y debemos saber que las cosas no terminaron bien entre ellos dos, luego de allí empieza toda una travesía porque ella no lo quiere ver ni en pintura pero el quiere explicarle todo lo que paso ya que “todo no es lo que parece” and guys, aqui llore muchisimo cuando él le explico a ella todo, es un tema muy fuerte y me tocó el corazón de una manera que sentí mucha empatía por él, me pareció algo excelente lo que hizo la autora con ese tema. La relación que ella creó con la hija de el me parecio muy hermosa la evolución de los dos como personajes me encanto, ademas ese toque mágico que nos dieron fue espectacular-
Fue una lectura no tan ligera por los temas que toca pero fue buena, los personajes secundarios encantadores, y si eres fan de los cowboy, small town y una banda de amigos que está allí para ti en las buenas y en las malas les gustar este libro tanto como me gusto a mi.
August 4, 2023
The Pieces Left Behind by Ryan Marie is her debut novel and book 1 in the Magnolia Creek series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
Second chance
Small-town
Single dad
High school sweethearts
Sexy cowboy
TW: depression, suicide, alcohol use, drugs, rape
Camille and Vaughan were high school sweethearts. After graduation, Vaughan moved from Texas to Florida for college. He was a football player who wanted to be drafted by the NFL. Unfortunately, a serious event happened, they broke up and he didn’t end up in the NFL.
Twelve years passed, and Camille's life was perfect until it wasn’t. She lost her husband to an invisible demon. She returned to Texas, but she didn’t expect to cross paths with her first love, the man whom she loved and lost.
Camille and Vaughan's relationship was sweet. In the beginning, Vaughan tried to talk to her that didn’t work. After she connected with his daughter, they spent more time together, and she allowed him to speak his truth. They took their second chance. Their relationship was nice; it was like they were teenagers again. Their connection was still there.
The spice in the book was present, and that single dad knows how to talk dirty.
Vaughan never stopped loving her. She was his sunshine.
"The circumstances that brought her here, brought both of us, is tragic. But those cataclysmic events allowed for our lives to come back together and let us heal and repair what was once broken."
Dagen, Vaughan's daughter, was so adorable. Her mom passed away, and she found in Cami that maternal bond that she was missing. Camille’s relationship with her was a goal.
My only downfall in the book was the last three chapters. They had an argument, and they haven’t spoken about it; she didn't answer his calls or texts. But they found each other in a bar, and an accident happened, but after that, it jumps to 18 weeks after the accident. We never got the resolution of their problem or what happened in those 18 weeks.
This book was good. I loved how the author portrayed the face of mental health. Also, I loved how she portrayed rape culture in men and how it is more difficult for them to speak about it because of the fear that authorities and people will believe them.
"Things like that don’t happen to guys. Men are always seen as the aggressor."
Besides that, I love the message that the author portrays in her book. Oh, Dagen epilogue, I was like, WTH! We need to wait until 2025 to read her story. I can't wait to continue with the series.
"The years have gone by, and I have shed more happy tears with my husband and kids than I ever thought possible. All my little pieces held close together with an abundance of love."
June 11, 2023
This was Second Chance and Single Dad Trope.
Wow, hello Ryan Marie and thank you for making me cry so much 😭. My first by this author and it literally took my breath away with so much heartache and then so much love.
Please check for triggers, as some things are very hard to read and can be sensitive.
The way the story started, I really was not expected to be given such a big twist that early on. Let me tell you, I cried so much after reading that letter.
I didn't think that Ryan Marie could break my heart any further, oh boy was I wrong.
Camille goes back home after a big loss. She is ready to start a fresh. Then she bumps into her first love.
Vaughan, has knocked out quite a few book boyfriend off the perch. He is so loyal, so strong, cute Alpha and so so brave. Oh and not to forget and excellent dad. When he knows his love of his life is back in town he was adamant that he will keep and not let her go a second time.
Their break up, was so hard to wrap my head round it. All I could do was cry for Vaughan and I honestly blame Camille partly for this. Vaughan was so strong and how he has still managed to live on.
He had strong faith in his true love and never let Cami go, even though he was living in a nightmare. Not only he didn't stop loving her for 12 years, he made sure he made all her dreams come true even though Cami wasn't in his life.
Despite his nightmare life, he still had it in his heart to move forward and forget.
Now at this stage they both have a lot to work through if they want that HEA.
That man has a very dirty mouth and follows through too. (Swoon).
The friends and family were just amazing and I absolutely loved their interactions, banter and loving support. Vaughans daughter is an angel despite her mother. I loved how she developed her feelings for Cami and how she grew throughout as a character.
Be prepared for one heck of an emotional ride. You will have a shattered heart until it is mended again. Slow burn, drama, pain, loss, angst, humour, banter, family, Friends, love and steam.
“I love you, Camille. I always have and I always will. Nothing has ever changed how I feel about you. Everyday, always. From this life into the next.”
What a guy ❤️😍🥰
I can't wait to read rest of the gangs story and eventually Daegan story in the future.
Wow, hello Ryan Marie and thank you for making me cry so much 😭. My first by this author and it literally took my breath away with so much heartache and then so much love.
Please check for triggers, as some things are very hard to read and can be sensitive.
The way the story started, I really was not expected to be given such a big twist that early on. Let me tell you, I cried so much after reading that letter.
I didn't think that Ryan Marie could break my heart any further, oh boy was I wrong.
Camille goes back home after a big loss. She is ready to start a fresh. Then she bumps into her first love.
Vaughan, has knocked out quite a few book boyfriend off the perch. He is so loyal, so strong, cute Alpha and so so brave. Oh and not to forget and excellent dad. When he knows his love of his life is back in town he was adamant that he will keep and not let her go a second time.
Their break up, was so hard to wrap my head round it. All I could do was cry for Vaughan and I honestly blame Camille partly for this. Vaughan was so strong and how he has still managed to live on.
He had strong faith in his true love and never let Cami go, even though he was living in a nightmare. Not only he didn't stop loving her for 12 years, he made sure he made all her dreams come true even though Cami wasn't in his life.
Despite his nightmare life, he still had it in his heart to move forward and forget.
Now at this stage they both have a lot to work through if they want that HEA.
That man has a very dirty mouth and follows through too. (Swoon).
The friends and family were just amazing and I absolutely loved their interactions, banter and loving support. Vaughans daughter is an angel despite her mother. I loved how she developed her feelings for Cami and how she grew throughout as a character.
Be prepared for one heck of an emotional ride. You will have a shattered heart until it is mended again. Slow burn, drama, pain, loss, angst, humour, banter, family, Friends, love and steam.
“I love you, Camille. I always have and I always will. Nothing has ever changed how I feel about you. Everyday, always. From this life into the next.”
What a guy ❤️😍🥰
I can't wait to read rest of the gangs story and eventually Daegan story in the future.
November 3, 2023
The Pieces Left Behind
By Ryan Marie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cami returns to her hometown after the devastating loss of her husband. When Vaughan McCallen, the boy who broken her heart, shows up and will stop at nothing to get her back.
🤭Yee freaking Haw, I am in my cowboy romance era and I never want out. First off Ryan Marie thank you so much for sending me this ebook!! I can’t believe this is your debut novel because honeyyy I am here for it, it was wonderful.
“𝐈 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐢. 𝐒𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫.”
Let’s start at the beginning, reading Robbie’s letter to Cami broke me- omg I sobbed. But watching Cami have such a strong support system was so heartwarming. Her family and friends went so above and beyond for her and exactly what the book needed. Watching Cami navigate loss and all the emotions that accompany it was shown so well throughout this book. I really thought the author did a wonderful job of really expressing and explaining the importance mental health side of this story.
The big elephant in the room is Vaughan and what happened to him. As much as we don’t hear about such things happening to me, I thought it was very well explained and eyeopening. His story was absolutely devastating and I was heartbroken reading about it. I love that the author chose to shine a light on the subject this way.
I loved watching Vaughan and Cami fight for their love and move on from the past. I thought the two of them worked so well together, and the second chance romance trope 🥹 just yes🩷
“𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲.”
Dagen was such a sweet character for this book, I love her connection with Cami as her mom. I thought Cami was so kind and nurturing to Dagen is a way she needed so much.
This is my first book by Ryan Marie and I am diving into book two of the Magnolia Creek series IMMEDIATELY 😍
By Ryan Marie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cami returns to her hometown after the devastating loss of her husband. When Vaughan McCallen, the boy who broken her heart, shows up and will stop at nothing to get her back.
🤭Yee freaking Haw, I am in my cowboy romance era and I never want out. First off Ryan Marie thank you so much for sending me this ebook!! I can’t believe this is your debut novel because honeyyy I am here for it, it was wonderful.
“𝐈 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐢. 𝐒𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫.”
Let’s start at the beginning, reading Robbie’s letter to Cami broke me- omg I sobbed. But watching Cami have such a strong support system was so heartwarming. Her family and friends went so above and beyond for her and exactly what the book needed. Watching Cami navigate loss and all the emotions that accompany it was shown so well throughout this book. I really thought the author did a wonderful job of really expressing and explaining the importance mental health side of this story.
The big elephant in the room is Vaughan and what happened to him. As much as we don’t hear about such things happening to me, I thought it was very well explained and eyeopening. His story was absolutely devastating and I was heartbroken reading about it. I love that the author chose to shine a light on the subject this way.
I loved watching Vaughan and Cami fight for their love and move on from the past. I thought the two of them worked so well together, and the second chance romance trope 🥹 just yes🩷
“𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲.”
Dagen was such a sweet character for this book, I love her connection with Cami as her mom. I thought Cami was so kind and nurturing to Dagen is a way she needed so much.
This is my first book by Ryan Marie and I am diving into book two of the Magnolia Creek series IMMEDIATELY 😍
October 23, 2023
This book will be one of my 2023 recommendations if you are looking for something new. This book isn't getting talked about enough. The emotions you will have, the ugly cry's, the hey! look ma i made it moments. I couldn't put this book down.
Camille grow up in Texas, has a childhood heartbreak that no one saw coming. She is in college and after so many years her now husband Ryan has put her through the worst thing possible. After getting through the tragedy, she finds herself with her sibilings helping her move from NC back to her home state of TX. She sold off her company in NC that she ran with her husband, and came home to find her happiness again.
Enter Vaughan, the love of her life and the one that broke her first. Vaughan went out of state to college. They both wanted to give the long distance their all but he was having more problems with it then she was. After one night that Vaughan doesnt remember Thanksgiving break he comes home and tries to tell Cami about it but things didn't go as planned. Fast forward 12 years, hes back home running the same ranch him and Cami worked on as kids. He's got a daughter of his own and throughout the whole book hes trying to give his side of the story while still being just as in love with Cami as he was at seventeen.
They both went such heartbreak to find themselves back in the same spot wishing for a second chance to finally find their forever. If you need something that will re jump start you back into reading after a book slump, read this. OMG! I wish I could already read it again like it was the first time.
Camille grow up in Texas, has a childhood heartbreak that no one saw coming. She is in college and after so many years her now husband Ryan has put her through the worst thing possible. After getting through the tragedy, she finds herself with her sibilings helping her move from NC back to her home state of TX. She sold off her company in NC that she ran with her husband, and came home to find her happiness again.
Enter Vaughan, the love of her life and the one that broke her first. Vaughan went out of state to college. They both wanted to give the long distance their all but he was having more problems with it then she was. After one night that Vaughan doesnt remember Thanksgiving break he comes home and tries to tell Cami about it but things didn't go as planned. Fast forward 12 years, hes back home running the same ranch him and Cami worked on as kids. He's got a daughter of his own and throughout the whole book hes trying to give his side of the story while still being just as in love with Cami as he was at seventeen.
They both went such heartbreak to find themselves back in the same spot wishing for a second chance to finally find their forever. If you need something that will re jump start you back into reading after a book slump, read this. OMG! I wish I could already read it again like it was the first time.
May 25, 2024
WOW! The story is nothing short of an ABSOLUTE masterpiece! I started this book completely blind, it was recommended and I was not at all prepared for the heartbreak that this story brought. Even though this story is label as a “second chance romance” it is so much more than that with all its ups and downs of life.
This story follows Camille and Vaughan, they were high school sweethearts who were destroyed at a young age because of one choice neither one of them made. They thought they had found their forever love but one night changed everything. Fast forward 12 years, Camille moves back home after a loss she didn’t see coming and she was forced to face her past head on. Camille hoped she would never see Vaughan McCallan again but fate and their very close knit friend group had different plans in mind.
Vaughan has loved Camille since he was 15 years old and even though he hasn’t seen her since the day they broke up he never stopped loving her. This man did everything he could to win back Camille and he was never going to let her go again. What Camille didn’t plan on was falling in love his Vaughans daughter. Once Cami realized she cared for her she knew there was no way she could ignore Vaughan or stay away from Dagen. I absolutely love the relationship that Cami builds and shares with Day, it’s so natural and nurturing. The bond she shares with Day is beautiful and top level.
This was the first book I read by this author and im definitely hooked and ready for more. This story is filled with emotions, romance, spice, hurt and scenes that will make you cry. MUST READ!
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 4/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
This story follows Camille and Vaughan, they were high school sweethearts who were destroyed at a young age because of one choice neither one of them made. They thought they had found their forever love but one night changed everything. Fast forward 12 years, Camille moves back home after a loss she didn’t see coming and she was forced to face her past head on. Camille hoped she would never see Vaughan McCallan again but fate and their very close knit friend group had different plans in mind.
Vaughan has loved Camille since he was 15 years old and even though he hasn’t seen her since the day they broke up he never stopped loving her. This man did everything he could to win back Camille and he was never going to let her go again. What Camille didn’t plan on was falling in love his Vaughans daughter. Once Cami realized she cared for her she knew there was no way she could ignore Vaughan or stay away from Dagen. I absolutely love the relationship that Cami builds and shares with Day, it’s so natural and nurturing. The bond she shares with Day is beautiful and top level.
This was the first book I read by this author and im definitely hooked and ready for more. This story is filled with emotions, romance, spice, hurt and scenes that will make you cry. MUST READ!
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 4/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
June 6, 2023
4 Stars
3 Chilli Peppers
Tropes:
Second Chance
Single Dad
Cowboys
"Every day, always, from this life into the next."
Okay, I am going to be honest. From the first couple of pages, I thought I was going to dislike this book, but let me tell you, I was completely wrong. This book was really good. It actually made me tear up towards the end and that is highly unusual.
When Cami moves back to Texas after an unexpected tragedy, the last person she wants to see is her ex Vaughan. He broke her heart in college. And they went their separate ways. But now he owns the ranch she wants to volunteer at. What's a girl to do?
"And the butterflies?
"You and Day. My two girls."
First of all how adorable is Day? I absolutely love that little girl. Her sassy is unmatched. Her perfected eye rolls made me laugh every single time. But on the other hand, she pulled at my heartstrings throughout this book.
"She must have attended the same eye-rolling class as Camille because hers was almost identical."
Second, this book hit at a topic that I have honestly never read in a book before. What happened to Vaughan was upsetting. I am glad that Ryan Marie wrote about it honestly.
Third, the relationship between Camille and Day was adorable. I loved how much they loved each other and how they instantly got along.
Finally, Vaughan and his dirty mouth. Oh my! And there's always a scene that involves the "peach emoji" if ya know what I mean. Don't want to get my review flagged lol.
I loved all the side characters and how supportive they were of each other. Both Vaughan and Camille had the support that they needed and I loved that!
I cannot wait for Day's book. I am upset that we have to wait until 2025 for it though!
Thank you to Ryan Marie and The Author Agency for this ARC.
3 Chilli Peppers
Tropes:
Second Chance
Single Dad
Cowboys
"Every day, always, from this life into the next."
Okay, I am going to be honest. From the first couple of pages, I thought I was going to dislike this book, but let me tell you, I was completely wrong. This book was really good. It actually made me tear up towards the end and that is highly unusual.
When Cami moves back to Texas after an unexpected tragedy, the last person she wants to see is her ex Vaughan. He broke her heart in college. And they went their separate ways. But now he owns the ranch she wants to volunteer at. What's a girl to do?
"And the butterflies?
"You and Day. My two girls."
First of all how adorable is Day? I absolutely love that little girl. Her sassy is unmatched. Her perfected eye rolls made me laugh every single time. But on the other hand, she pulled at my heartstrings throughout this book.
"She must have attended the same eye-rolling class as Camille because hers was almost identical."
Second, this book hit at a topic that I have honestly never read in a book before. What happened to Vaughan was upsetting. I am glad that Ryan Marie wrote about it honestly.
Third, the relationship between Camille and Day was adorable. I loved how much they loved each other and how they instantly got along.
Finally, Vaughan and his dirty mouth. Oh my! And there's always a scene that involves the "peach emoji" if ya know what I mean. Don't want to get my review flagged lol.
I loved all the side characters and how supportive they were of each other. Both Vaughan and Camille had the support that they needed and I loved that!
I cannot wait for Day's book. I am upset that we have to wait until 2025 for it though!
Thank you to Ryan Marie and The Author Agency for this ARC.
May 13, 2025
I actually quite liked this it was a second chance and I really don't love this however this was quite good.
Vaughan and Camille are going out in high school and then they both reach collage and within the first few months they hit a rough patch. Vaughan comes home and announces that he has slept with someone else (its not what you think). Camille instantly cuts him off wont listen to him. Vaughan tries for months to get her to listen to him however the woman he slept with is now pregnant and he then marries her.
Camille moves on and marries Robbie and they have a very happy 8 years of marriage and then Robbie dies (Suicide). Camille is heartbroken as she just doesn't understand why. He leaves a letter and sorts her out financially however he has prevented them from having children. Robbie was struggling with depression and this had been untreated for his life.
Camille returns to her old town and Vaughan is waiting for her he has never stopped loving her. Camille is still insistent she wants nothing to do with Vaughan however eventually she does listen. Vaughan was raped by a girl at his collage and she then became pregnant as he had lost Camille he decided to marry her so that he could be a full time father to his child. His wife died 4 years ago.
Camille is great with Day (Vaughan's daughter) and Day is very keen to have a new mum so their relationship is very cute.
Vaughan and Camille are going out in high school and then they both reach collage and within the first few months they hit a rough patch. Vaughan comes home and announces that he has slept with someone else (its not what you think). Camille instantly cuts him off wont listen to him. Vaughan tries for months to get her to listen to him however the woman he slept with is now pregnant and he then marries her.
Camille moves on and marries Robbie and they have a very happy 8 years of marriage and then Robbie dies (Suicide). Camille is heartbroken as she just doesn't understand why. He leaves a letter and sorts her out financially however he has prevented them from having children. Robbie was struggling with depression and this had been untreated for his life.
Camille returns to her old town and Vaughan is waiting for her he has never stopped loving her. Camille is still insistent she wants nothing to do with Vaughan however eventually she does listen. Vaughan was raped by a girl at his collage and she then became pregnant as he had lost Camille he decided to marry her so that he could be a full time father to his child. His wife died 4 years ago.
Camille is great with Day (Vaughan's daughter) and Day is very keen to have a new mum so their relationship is very cute.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2023
wow
✨R E V I E W✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Check for your trigger warning ⚠️
This book was written so beautifully! It was for sure a roller coaster of a ride! I cried, was pissed, happy and everything in between! It was all beautiful and done so well. I cannot wait for the next books and then Days book!
Camille just lost her husband Robbie and moved back home to where she grew up. There she found out some very horrible things that happened to someone very important to her but didn’t know the truth for over a decade.
Vaughn was her first love and thought he was endgame. They went to separate colleges but he wanted to transfer. Some horrible things happened to him but he didn’t get the chance to explain. Till he did and everything she thought she knew came crashing down around here again but were they able to figure it out?
They both have an amazing set of friends and family they knew the truth except cami. Once she finds out will she forgive and let go of the hurt she’s been holding onto? Will they ever get their happily ever after?
This book was beautiful and I can’t recommend it enough I’m so glad I got to come across this book on IG. Ryan you’re so gifted I cannot wait for the next books of the series ! 🫶🏽
✨R E V I E W✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Check for your trigger warning ⚠️
This book was written so beautifully! It was for sure a roller coaster of a ride! I cried, was pissed, happy and everything in between! It was all beautiful and done so well. I cannot wait for the next books and then Days book!
Camille just lost her husband Robbie and moved back home to where she grew up. There she found out some very horrible things that happened to someone very important to her but didn’t know the truth for over a decade.
Vaughn was her first love and thought he was endgame. They went to separate colleges but he wanted to transfer. Some horrible things happened to him but he didn’t get the chance to explain. Till he did and everything she thought she knew came crashing down around here again but were they able to figure it out?
They both have an amazing set of friends and family they knew the truth except cami. Once she finds out will she forgive and let go of the hurt she’s been holding onto? Will they ever get their happily ever after?
This book was beautiful and I can’t recommend it enough I’m so glad I got to come across this book on IG. Ryan you’re so gifted I cannot wait for the next books of the series ! 🫶🏽
June 9, 2023
Pieces Left Behind is the debut novel for Ryan Marie and what a great start to her writing career. This is Camille (Cami) Stevens and Vaughan McCallan’s second chance at love. I do think I should point out that there are trigger warnings pointed out at the start of the book and I believe you need to be aware of them as this book covers some deep and emotional topics.
Cami hasn’t had it easy, she had been through so much and now she has returned to her home town in the hope of starting afresh. The last thing she expected was to come face to face with Vaughan the man she has a lot of history with. So do Cami and Vaughan take a leap of faith and move forward or will the past and their secrets ruin the future. One click now to find out.
This was a very emotional roller coaster of a read and it touched me on so many levels. The characters are strong and this is a beautifully written love story that touches on some very hard topics with compassion. If you love emotional, small town second chance romances this book should certainly be on your radar. Looking forward to what’s next from the residents of Magnolia Creek.
Cami hasn’t had it easy, she had been through so much and now she has returned to her home town in the hope of starting afresh. The last thing she expected was to come face to face with Vaughan the man she has a lot of history with. So do Cami and Vaughan take a leap of faith and move forward or will the past and their secrets ruin the future. One click now to find out.
This was a very emotional roller coaster of a read and it touched me on so many levels. The characters are strong and this is a beautifully written love story that touches on some very hard topics with compassion. If you love emotional, small town second chance romances this book should certainly be on your radar. Looking forward to what’s next from the residents of Magnolia Creek.
July 26, 2023
thoughts
Thankful for Ryan who reached out to me regarding her book because holy freakin’ crap I loved it. I’d never heard of Ryan or this book before her reaching out and now I need everyone to consider reading this book!
The banter, the conversations, the sibling relationships, the strong female relationships, found family, second chance romance, SPICE. UGH. Daddy V. <3
I really enjoyed Ryan’s writing and I was immediately hooked after the devastatingly beautiful first chapter. It was easy to devour this and hard to put it down.
While the main focus was on Camille and Vaughan, I thoroughly enjoyed all the other side characters who played such a huge part in this book. Cannot WAIT for more from this series!
& While I’m growing to hate third act breakups – I did understand this one and justified it.
favorite quotes
“You’re healing, and that’s a different process for everyone. There is no time frame as to when your heart just magically heals and all the sadness disappears.”
“I’m not a boy anymore, Camille. I’m all man. So if you’re hoping for something sweet and slow, you better tell me now because once my **** is buried inside of you, I’m ******* you until you bet me to stop. That could take days.”
rating
4.5 stars just because I loved it so much but was so sad for a third act breakup ):
Thankful for Ryan who reached out to me regarding her book because holy freakin’ crap I loved it. I’d never heard of Ryan or this book before her reaching out and now I need everyone to consider reading this book!
The banter, the conversations, the sibling relationships, the strong female relationships, found family, second chance romance, SPICE. UGH. Daddy V. <3
I really enjoyed Ryan’s writing and I was immediately hooked after the devastatingly beautiful first chapter. It was easy to devour this and hard to put it down.
While the main focus was on Camille and Vaughan, I thoroughly enjoyed all the other side characters who played such a huge part in this book. Cannot WAIT for more from this series!
& While I’m growing to hate third act breakups – I did understand this one and justified it.
favorite quotes
“You’re healing, and that’s a different process for everyone. There is no time frame as to when your heart just magically heals and all the sadness disappears.”
“I’m not a boy anymore, Camille. I’m all man. So if you’re hoping for something sweet and slow, you better tell me now because once my **** is buried inside of you, I’m ******* you until you bet me to stop. That could take days.”
rating
4.5 stars just because I loved it so much but was so sad for a third act breakup ):
June 11, 2023
Sweet Romantic Second chance story. Loved the story, a little bit annoyed with Camille though🙄
Camille and Vaughn were each other's loves. Vaughn then went away to college and for a while it worked for them, but then Vaughn did something and no matter what he said Camille cut him out...
Years later Camille returns home, she lost her husband, and Vaughn is a single dad running a farm. Vaughn sees this as his second chance to get Camille to finally listen to his side, if only he can get her to give him the time of day...
So i understand why she cut him off the first time. But now she should be more matured, lol. It took poor Vaughn alot to get her to listen and when she did it took alot for her to come to terms with how they ended. But Camille was also still getting over the dearth of her husband, so poor Vaughn had a challenging time. Loved the story, enjoyed the characters and Vaughn little girl was too adorable. That ending was a bit hectic. I would love to read Dagens story someday💖😍
Read on behalf of
Fay's Corner
Camille and Vaughn were each other's loves. Vaughn then went away to college and for a while it worked for them, but then Vaughn did something and no matter what he said Camille cut him out...
Years later Camille returns home, she lost her husband, and Vaughn is a single dad running a farm. Vaughn sees this as his second chance to get Camille to finally listen to his side, if only he can get her to give him the time of day...
So i understand why she cut him off the first time. But now she should be more matured, lol. It took poor Vaughn alot to get her to listen and when she did it took alot for her to come to terms with how they ended. But Camille was also still getting over the dearth of her husband, so poor Vaughn had a challenging time. Loved the story, enjoyed the characters and Vaughn little girl was too adorable. That ending was a bit hectic. I would love to read Dagens story someday💖😍
Read on behalf of
Fay's Corner
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