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Stand By Me
When lonely, 10-year-old Cory convinced his pregnant mother to play with him on the lawn, he was delighted until she collapsed dead at his feet. Devastated, he knew no one could ever love him after his role in her death. Father sent him to a private school in London, where he grew hard and bitter.
When Cory's father married Leah's mother, Leah was a chunky 14-year-old tomboy from Colorado. Cory hated her on sight. Leah was a tough girl, but he managed to make her cry. He knew he was the worst.
Cory and Leah meet again when he is a sour 30-year-old elite, and Leah is a vivacious 27-year-old ski champion. The ugly duckling blossomed into a tall, voluptuous woman who looked at him like she would love to kick his ass.
Challenge accepted.
If you enjoyed the passionate romance of Bridgerton and the sass and grit of Yellowstone, then you are sure to love this fiery, modern blend of the two tales.
When Cory's father married Leah's mother, Leah was a chunky 14-year-old tomboy from Colorado. Cory hated her on sight. Leah was a tough girl, but he managed to make her cry. He knew he was the worst.
Cory and Leah meet again when he is a sour 30-year-old elite, and Leah is a vivacious 27-year-old ski champion. The ugly duckling blossomed into a tall, voluptuous woman who looked at him like she would love to kick his ass.
Challenge accepted.
If you enjoyed the passionate romance of Bridgerton and the sass and grit of Yellowstone, then you are sure to love this fiery, modern blend of the two tales.
437 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 16, 2024
ARC Review- Stand by Me by Deborah Hillier
Romance/ Enemies to Lovers/ Ugly Duckling/ Opposites attract / Step siblings
⭐️ x 10
You know when find a book and you love it instantly… and you want everyone you know to read it? This was it.
This book had me right from page one! And yes I finished it in the early morning hours reading throughout the night as I couldn’t put it down.
I was laughing and crying so much! It was an emotional roller coaster but so well written. Twists in the story had me engaged the whole time and balling at the last couple of chapters.
Leah is the FMC. What a woman! She so strong (if you know you know) and her personality is something to dream of. I loved her in every phase of the story and how she handled life, family and love.
Cory is our very hot and nasty MMC. I wanted to ring his neck a bit but I loved how he grew into the man he was always supposed to be.
If you enjoy a good love story where you can laugh as much as you cry… where you can connect with the characters and just live yourself into their lives, then this one is for you.
Thank you Deborah for this beautiful story. I can’t wait to read the second book!
Romance/ Enemies to Lovers/ Ugly Duckling/ Opposites attract / Step siblings
⭐️ x 10
You know when find a book and you love it instantly… and you want everyone you know to read it? This was it.
This book had me right from page one! And yes I finished it in the early morning hours reading throughout the night as I couldn’t put it down.
I was laughing and crying so much! It was an emotional roller coaster but so well written. Twists in the story had me engaged the whole time and balling at the last couple of chapters.
Leah is the FMC. What a woman! She so strong (if you know you know) and her personality is something to dream of. I loved her in every phase of the story and how she handled life, family and love.
Cory is our very hot and nasty MMC. I wanted to ring his neck a bit but I loved how he grew into the man he was always supposed to be.
If you enjoy a good love story where you can laugh as much as you cry… where you can connect with the characters and just live yourself into their lives, then this one is for you.
Thank you Deborah for this beautiful story. I can’t wait to read the second book!
September 19, 2023
Cory is such a stuck-up English bastard in the beginning, but as time passes, you just root for him. And God, is he sexy.
Leah is Cory's nemesis, and over the years, this "American Cowgirl" gets under his skin, and the way she shakes him up is glorious. She is so damned sweet and funny. I love the way they play off each other, ramping up emotional intimacy with sexual tension that is fire.
Leah is Cory's nemesis, and over the years, this "American Cowgirl" gets under his skin, and the way she shakes him up is glorious. She is so damned sweet and funny. I love the way they play off each other, ramping up emotional intimacy with sexual tension that is fire.
November 15, 2025
omg what a read a couldn't put it down the romance and suspense was fabulous so fantastic and the characters amazing the sacred love made me tear up on many parts if you love a super fantastic read then u will adore Deborah Hillierscould not reccomend more xx
December 11, 2024
Stand By Me pulled me in right away and didn’t let go. The mix of enemies-to-lovers tension, step-sibling drama, and opposites-attract romance kept me turning the pages all night. Leah is such a strong, grounded character—her resilience and independence made me root for her from the start. And Cory? Sure, he starts as an infuriating jerk, but seeing him soften and become the man Leah deserves made my heart melt. Their chemistry is undeniable, full of sparks, banter, and raw emotion. If you love a romance that makes you laugh, cry, and swoon, this one’s for you.
February 14, 2026
Can't wait for the next book
This book is so slept on! The storyline is great! The enemies to lovers was done so believable and realistic. The character growth was amazing. I loved the FMC and the MMC so much! I loved the tragic backstories. I just loved this story and can't wait to read book 2. I can't wait to see where their love story goes!
This book is so slept on! The storyline is great! The enemies to lovers was done so believable and realistic. The character growth was amazing. I loved the FMC and the MMC so much! I loved the tragic backstories. I just loved this story and can't wait to read book 2. I can't wait to see where their love story goes!
October 30, 2024
- I love how it is enemies to lovers , ugly duckling , opposites attract and step sibling
-I love this book immediately as I was hooked from the beginning
-this book gave me an emotional roll coaster of different emotions and it is well written
- I devoured this in few hours as it was good
- it had so many twists in the story
- last couple of chapters made my heart broke
- the FMC Leah , she is strong and fierce .. Can't forget her personality it is something to dream of
-in the story I love her even more on how she handle her life, family and especially love
-You meet MMC Corey who is very hot and very nasty . He made me feel like I had to strangled him but he grow up into the man he is supposed to be
-I love this book immediately as I was hooked from the beginning
-this book gave me an emotional roll coaster of different emotions and it is well written
- I devoured this in few hours as it was good
- it had so many twists in the story
- last couple of chapters made my heart broke
- the FMC Leah , she is strong and fierce .. Can't forget her personality it is something to dream of
-in the story I love her even more on how she handle her life, family and especially love
-You meet MMC Corey who is very hot and very nasty . He made me feel like I had to strangled him but he grow up into the man he is supposed to be
August 23, 2026
A Compelling Story of Second Chances, Family, and the Love That Survives the Past
Stand By Me immediately presents itself as a story driven by complicated emotions, difficult history, and characters who have far more beneath the surface than they initially reveal. What makes the premise especially compelling is the way Deborah Hillier places two people with a deeply complicated history at the center of the story and gives them the opportunity to confront everything that has kept them apart.
Cory’s childhood experience creates an incredibly important foundation for understanding the man he eventually becomes. As a ten year old, witnessing his mother’s death and believing that he somehow played a role in what happened would be devastating for anyone, let alone a child who is unable to properly understand or process such an experience. His decision to carry that guilt with him helps explain the bitterness and emotional distance that seem to define him later in life.
I found that aspect of the story particularly interesting because Cory is not introduced as a perfect or immediately lovable character. Instead, he appears to be someone shaped by pain, guilt, isolation, and years of believing that he is somehow undeserving of love. That gives his character considerably more emotional complexity. It becomes easier to understand that behind the difficult exterior is someone who has spent years protecting himself from feelings he never learned how to confront.
Then there is Leah, whose introduction creates a fascinating contrast. As a teenager, she is described as a tough, spirited tomboy who refuses to simply accept Cory’s treatment of her. Their early relationship establishes a history filled with resentment and emotional conflict, which makes their later reunion considerably more interesting.
Years later, Cory and Leah encounter each other again as adults, and this is where the story's central tension really begins to take shape. They are no longer the children they once were, but the memories of their younger years have not simply disappeared. The passage of time has changed them both, yet their history remains between them.
Leah’s transformation is not merely about appearance. What makes her character appealing is the sense of confidence and determination surrounding her. She has become a successful ski champion, and the woman Cory encounters is clearly not someone who is going to be intimidated by him. The dynamic between them promises plenty of sharp exchanges, tension, humor, and emotional friction.
Their relationship is one of the strongest elements of the premise because it is built on more than simple attraction. There is history here. There are old wounds, misunderstandings, resentment, and unfinished feelings. That gives their interactions a much more interesting foundation than a romance between two strangers.
I especially appreciate stories where characters have to confront who they were before they can fully understand who they have become. Stand By Me appears to embrace that idea wholeheartedly. Cory cannot simply erase his childhood, and Leah cannot pretend that the past never happened. Their reunion forces both of them to deal with memories and emotions that they might otherwise prefer to leave behind.
The family element also adds another layer to the story. Cory and Leah's connection is complicated by their parents' marriage, which means their relationship exists within an unusual family structure. That circumstance naturally creates additional emotional tension and makes their interactions even more complicated.
The story also seems to strike a nice balance between emotional drama and personality. Leah’s confidence and attitude provide an appealing counterpoint to Cory’s more guarded nature. Their opposing personalities create the potential for conversations and confrontations that are just as entertaining as the larger romantic storyline.
What stands out most about the premise is the idea that people can change without completely escaping their past. Cory has spent years carrying an enormous emotional burden, while Leah has grown into a strong and accomplished woman. Their reunion creates an opportunity for both characters to discover whether the people they have become can finally understand each other in ways that their younger selves never could.
Deborah Hillier also appears to have a strong instinct for creating characters with distinctive personalities. Cory is complicated, wounded, and difficult, while Leah is spirited, confident, and unwilling to back down. That contrast gives the story its spark and makes their relationship feel naturally capable of generating conflict.
The comparison to passionate historical romance and modern Western drama is also intriguing because it suggests that the book combines emotional intensity with a contemporary setting and strong personalities. That combination should appeal to readers who enjoy romance that includes plenty of family drama, character development, conflict, humor, and emotional baggage.
Ultimately, Stand By Me feels like a story about more than two people falling for each other. It is about confronting the past, learning to forgive, discovering self worth, and recognizing that the person we once believed ourselves to be does not necessarily have to determine who we become.
Cory’s journey is particularly intriguing because his greatest obstacle may not be Leah at all. It may be the guilt and self hatred he has carried since childhood. Leah, meanwhile, brings her own strength and independence to the relationship, making her much more than a romantic counterpart. She is someone capable of challenging Cory, standing up to him, and forcing him to confront parts of himself that he would rather keep hidden.
That combination gives the story an emotional foundation that makes the romance more meaningful. The reader is not simply wondering whether these two people will end up together. There is also the question of whether Cory can finally allow himself to be loved, whether Leah can move beyond their complicated history, and whether two people who once seemed completely incompatible can find something worthwhile in the middle of all that conflict.
Stand By Me has the ingredients of an engaging contemporary romance: complicated characters, family secrets, emotional wounds, sharp personalities, unresolved history, and a relationship that refuses to take the easy route. The premise promises plenty of tension while still leaving room for humor, warmth, and character growth.
For readers who enjoy romance built around strong personalities and complicated relationships rather than an effortless love story, Stand By Me offers an intriguing premise. Cory and Leah have history, and that history gives every encounter between them additional weight.
What makes the story memorable is ultimately the possibility of redemption. People make mistakes. People carry regrets. People change. Sometimes the person who seems impossible to understand is the person who most needs someone willing to look beyond the surface.
Stand By Me is an emotionally charged story about two people forced to reconsider everything they thought they knew about each other. With its blend of family complications, romantic tension, strong character personalities, and themes of forgiveness and second chances, it has the makings of a satisfying beginning to the Larsen Family Series.
Stand By Me immediately presents itself as a story driven by complicated emotions, difficult history, and characters who have far more beneath the surface than they initially reveal. What makes the premise especially compelling is the way Deborah Hillier places two people with a deeply complicated history at the center of the story and gives them the opportunity to confront everything that has kept them apart.
Cory’s childhood experience creates an incredibly important foundation for understanding the man he eventually becomes. As a ten year old, witnessing his mother’s death and believing that he somehow played a role in what happened would be devastating for anyone, let alone a child who is unable to properly understand or process such an experience. His decision to carry that guilt with him helps explain the bitterness and emotional distance that seem to define him later in life.
I found that aspect of the story particularly interesting because Cory is not introduced as a perfect or immediately lovable character. Instead, he appears to be someone shaped by pain, guilt, isolation, and years of believing that he is somehow undeserving of love. That gives his character considerably more emotional complexity. It becomes easier to understand that behind the difficult exterior is someone who has spent years protecting himself from feelings he never learned how to confront.
Then there is Leah, whose introduction creates a fascinating contrast. As a teenager, she is described as a tough, spirited tomboy who refuses to simply accept Cory’s treatment of her. Their early relationship establishes a history filled with resentment and emotional conflict, which makes their later reunion considerably more interesting.
Years later, Cory and Leah encounter each other again as adults, and this is where the story's central tension really begins to take shape. They are no longer the children they once were, but the memories of their younger years have not simply disappeared. The passage of time has changed them both, yet their history remains between them.
Leah’s transformation is not merely about appearance. What makes her character appealing is the sense of confidence and determination surrounding her. She has become a successful ski champion, and the woman Cory encounters is clearly not someone who is going to be intimidated by him. The dynamic between them promises plenty of sharp exchanges, tension, humor, and emotional friction.
Their relationship is one of the strongest elements of the premise because it is built on more than simple attraction. There is history here. There are old wounds, misunderstandings, resentment, and unfinished feelings. That gives their interactions a much more interesting foundation than a romance between two strangers.
I especially appreciate stories where characters have to confront who they were before they can fully understand who they have become. Stand By Me appears to embrace that idea wholeheartedly. Cory cannot simply erase his childhood, and Leah cannot pretend that the past never happened. Their reunion forces both of them to deal with memories and emotions that they might otherwise prefer to leave behind.
The family element also adds another layer to the story. Cory and Leah's connection is complicated by their parents' marriage, which means their relationship exists within an unusual family structure. That circumstance naturally creates additional emotional tension and makes their interactions even more complicated.
The story also seems to strike a nice balance between emotional drama and personality. Leah’s confidence and attitude provide an appealing counterpoint to Cory’s more guarded nature. Their opposing personalities create the potential for conversations and confrontations that are just as entertaining as the larger romantic storyline.
What stands out most about the premise is the idea that people can change without completely escaping their past. Cory has spent years carrying an enormous emotional burden, while Leah has grown into a strong and accomplished woman. Their reunion creates an opportunity for both characters to discover whether the people they have become can finally understand each other in ways that their younger selves never could.
Deborah Hillier also appears to have a strong instinct for creating characters with distinctive personalities. Cory is complicated, wounded, and difficult, while Leah is spirited, confident, and unwilling to back down. That contrast gives the story its spark and makes their relationship feel naturally capable of generating conflict.
The comparison to passionate historical romance and modern Western drama is also intriguing because it suggests that the book combines emotional intensity with a contemporary setting and strong personalities. That combination should appeal to readers who enjoy romance that includes plenty of family drama, character development, conflict, humor, and emotional baggage.
Ultimately, Stand By Me feels like a story about more than two people falling for each other. It is about confronting the past, learning to forgive, discovering self worth, and recognizing that the person we once believed ourselves to be does not necessarily have to determine who we become.
Cory’s journey is particularly intriguing because his greatest obstacle may not be Leah at all. It may be the guilt and self hatred he has carried since childhood. Leah, meanwhile, brings her own strength and independence to the relationship, making her much more than a romantic counterpart. She is someone capable of challenging Cory, standing up to him, and forcing him to confront parts of himself that he would rather keep hidden.
That combination gives the story an emotional foundation that makes the romance more meaningful. The reader is not simply wondering whether these two people will end up together. There is also the question of whether Cory can finally allow himself to be loved, whether Leah can move beyond their complicated history, and whether two people who once seemed completely incompatible can find something worthwhile in the middle of all that conflict.
Stand By Me has the ingredients of an engaging contemporary romance: complicated characters, family secrets, emotional wounds, sharp personalities, unresolved history, and a relationship that refuses to take the easy route. The premise promises plenty of tension while still leaving room for humor, warmth, and character growth.
For readers who enjoy romance built around strong personalities and complicated relationships rather than an effortless love story, Stand By Me offers an intriguing premise. Cory and Leah have history, and that history gives every encounter between them additional weight.
What makes the story memorable is ultimately the possibility of redemption. People make mistakes. People carry regrets. People change. Sometimes the person who seems impossible to understand is the person who most needs someone willing to look beyond the surface.
Stand By Me is an emotionally charged story about two people forced to reconsider everything they thought they knew about each other. With its blend of family complications, romantic tension, strong character personalities, and themes of forgiveness and second chances, it has the makings of a satisfying beginning to the Larsen Family Series.
February 18, 2024
The storyline I could tell from the outset was going to be a slow burn with the priggish high-bred Cory and friends and salt of the earth Leah, and I wondered at first if it was going to be a volatile mix or oil and water. There is depth to the angst and backstories of the characters in Stand By Me that is gradually unveiled, and there is a lot to be discovered. Each of the characters, love them or hate them, are multi-dimensional people and just like meeting people in real life, the reader cannot rely on first impressions.
Leah is a relatable young woman and eventually strong FMC with tumultuous emotions and a sad history of bad relationships she feels define her, but the story certainly doesn't simply revolve around her. Equal if not more weight is on alpha male Cory's storyline. There is a riotous mix of support characters to offset the main characters, and his friends are definitely entitled 'lads' ' who are oblivious to boundaries despite their upbringing and just who one might imagine such men to be.
Deborah writes intimate scenes that are lustful, lingering, intense, passionate and sensual, and are uniquely written - often from the male perspective - which feel real but not uncomfortably voyeuristic. There are welcome scatterings of humour and also scenes of violence which are handled deftly that also feel 'real' not gratuitous, implausible or questionable in the context of the story moving forward.
The story is well-written, has pace and action, with believable characters and conflicts. The dialogues are interesting, at times amusing and give added dimension to the characters. But this is not a soppy lovestory even as it concludes as there is enough volatility and pure physical attraction right at the end to understand that past the last word the story continues for all the characters that have been woven into life.
Leah is a relatable young woman and eventually strong FMC with tumultuous emotions and a sad history of bad relationships she feels define her, but the story certainly doesn't simply revolve around her. Equal if not more weight is on alpha male Cory's storyline. There is a riotous mix of support characters to offset the main characters, and his friends are definitely entitled 'lads' ' who are oblivious to boundaries despite their upbringing and just who one might imagine such men to be.
Deborah writes intimate scenes that are lustful, lingering, intense, passionate and sensual, and are uniquely written - often from the male perspective - which feel real but not uncomfortably voyeuristic. There are welcome scatterings of humour and also scenes of violence which are handled deftly that also feel 'real' not gratuitous, implausible or questionable in the context of the story moving forward.
The story is well-written, has pace and action, with believable characters and conflicts. The dialogues are interesting, at times amusing and give added dimension to the characters. But this is not a soppy lovestory even as it concludes as there is enough volatility and pure physical attraction right at the end to understand that past the last word the story continues for all the characters that have been woven into life.
February 4, 2026
Stand By Me hit me harder than I expected. What starts as a tragic childhood memory turns into a deeply emotional, slow burn romance that feels raw, messy, and very human. Cory’s guilt over his mother’s death shapes everything about him, and the author doesn’t soften that damage he grows up sharp edged, closed off, and honestly kind of unbearable at times. But that’s what makes his journey believable. Pain doesn’t make people noble; it makes them defensive, bitter, and afraid to love.
Leah absolutely stole the story for me. Watching her evolve from an awkward, tough tomboy into a confident, fearless woman without losing her grit was incredibly satisfying. She doesn’t exist to fix Cory she challenges him, calls him out, and refuses to shrink herself to make him comfortable. Their chemistry is explosive, full of tension, sarcasm, and emotional whiplash. When they clash, it feels earned. When they soften, it feels deserved.
This book blends emotional depth with passion in a way that reminded me why I love character-driven romance. It’s not perfect, and it doesn’t try to be polite but that’s the point. Stand By Me is about forgiveness, self-worth, and the terrifying act of letting someone see you fully. I closed the book feeling wrung out, a little wrecked, and oddly hopeful and that’s the mark of a romance that truly sticks with you.
Leah absolutely stole the story for me. Watching her evolve from an awkward, tough tomboy into a confident, fearless woman without losing her grit was incredibly satisfying. She doesn’t exist to fix Cory she challenges him, calls him out, and refuses to shrink herself to make him comfortable. Their chemistry is explosive, full of tension, sarcasm, and emotional whiplash. When they clash, it feels earned. When they soften, it feels deserved.
This book blends emotional depth with passion in a way that reminded me why I love character-driven romance. It’s not perfect, and it doesn’t try to be polite but that’s the point. Stand By Me is about forgiveness, self-worth, and the terrifying act of letting someone see you fully. I closed the book feeling wrung out, a little wrecked, and oddly hopeful and that’s the mark of a romance that truly sticks with you.
June 9, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
This story really stayed with me.
Penny’s journey, balancing the challenges of single motherhood and guarding her heart felt incredibly real and deeply moving. And Dusty, with his rugged charm, humor and emotional strength beneath it, was the perfect match to bring warmth and tension to the story.
The way the author weaved family bonds, love, and suspense into the beautiful Colorado ranch setting made it impossible to put down. The danger Penny and Dusty faced added such a thrilling edge to the romance, making their connection feel earned and urgent.
The author created a delicate balance between the emotional depth of her characters with the suspense elements in this third installment that was a powerful mix that worked beautifully. I don’t think I’ve seen it done better and I happily give this novel five stars.
While, the love story between Penny and Dusty can be read as a stand-alone novel, Book 1, STAND BY ME, and Book 2, THE LIGHT OF MY SOUL are equally riveting reads. I highly recommend this series.
This story really stayed with me.
Penny’s journey, balancing the challenges of single motherhood and guarding her heart felt incredibly real and deeply moving. And Dusty, with his rugged charm, humor and emotional strength beneath it, was the perfect match to bring warmth and tension to the story.
The way the author weaved family bonds, love, and suspense into the beautiful Colorado ranch setting made it impossible to put down. The danger Penny and Dusty faced added such a thrilling edge to the romance, making their connection feel earned and urgent.
The author created a delicate balance between the emotional depth of her characters with the suspense elements in this third installment that was a powerful mix that worked beautifully. I don’t think I’ve seen it done better and I happily give this novel five stars.
While, the love story between Penny and Dusty can be read as a stand-alone novel, Book 1, STAND BY ME, and Book 2, THE LIGHT OF MY SOUL are equally riveting reads. I highly recommend this series.
November 6, 2025
Emotional start and solid slow burn payoff
I went into this book blind and gave it an honest chance, and it pulled me in more than I expected. It opens with a heavy emotional hit, following Cory the day his mother dies. There is instant bully tension and raw emotion right out of the gate.
The introduction of Leah was the one point where things felt shaky at first, and the third-person POV took me a minute to adjust to. There was some head hopping early on, and if you are not used to that style, it might feel confusing in the beginning. But once the writing settles, it becomes smooth and enjoyable.
This is a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story between step-siblings, with years of growth, grief, and complicated family dynamics driving the characters. If you like fast-paced romance or insta-love, this will feel slow. But if you enjoy emotional foundation, real character development, and a relationship that is earned over time, it hits.
By the time everything clicked, I was invested, and I am continuing with book two. Worth the read if you give it room to build.
I went into this book blind and gave it an honest chance, and it pulled me in more than I expected. It opens with a heavy emotional hit, following Cory the day his mother dies. There is instant bully tension and raw emotion right out of the gate.
The introduction of Leah was the one point where things felt shaky at first, and the third-person POV took me a minute to adjust to. There was some head hopping early on, and if you are not used to that style, it might feel confusing in the beginning. But once the writing settles, it becomes smooth and enjoyable.
This is a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story between step-siblings, with years of growth, grief, and complicated family dynamics driving the characters. If you like fast-paced romance or insta-love, this will feel slow. But if you enjoy emotional foundation, real character development, and a relationship that is earned over time, it hits.
By the time everything clicked, I was invested, and I am continuing with book two. Worth the read if you give it room to build.
November 21, 2024
This book had me hooked from the very first page—I laughed, cried, and stayed up all night just to finish it. It’s a perfect mix of enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, and step-sibling drama, with twists that kept me guessing until the very end.
Leah, the FMC, is such a strong, relatable character. Her growth, her resilience, and how she handles love and family made me admire her more with every chapter. And Cory? He starts as an infuriating, arrogant jerk, but watching him evolve into the man Leah deserves was so satisfying. Their chemistry was electric, full of tension, humor, and raw emotion.
If you love romance that makes you feel everything—joy, heartbreak, and hope—this book is a must-read. Deborah Hillier, thank you for such a beautifully written story. I can’t wait for the next book!
Leah, the FMC, is such a strong, relatable character. Her growth, her resilience, and how she handles love and family made me admire her more with every chapter. And Cory? He starts as an infuriating, arrogant jerk, but watching him evolve into the man Leah deserves was so satisfying. Their chemistry was electric, full of tension, humor, and raw emotion.
If you love romance that makes you feel everything—joy, heartbreak, and hope—this book is a must-read. Deborah Hillier, thank you for such a beautifully written story. I can’t wait for the next book!
November 29, 2024
Wow! I read the entire book in one sitting (about 3 hours)! Only stopped to eat dinner. Enter the world of the Stoddards and the Larsons. Twelve year-old Leah travels to England to visit her mother and meets her uptight step brother Cory. Eleven years later, she returns again and the tension still exists between them. Unresolved childhood trauma and current family turmoil bring Leah and Cory together, but their headstrong ways lead to a new level of tension-HOT and STEAMY! An engaging storyline jam- packed with twists and turns makes this a page turner. Themes tackled include rape, divorce, bullying, abortion, child abuse, and bigotry. Stand by Me with have you crying, laughing, hating, and loving as you weave your way through the novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 5, 2026
Stand By Me is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you emotionally and leaves a lasting impression. What begins with a heartbreaking childhood tragedy gradually unfolds into a powerful slow-burn love story filled with pain, healing, and personal growth.
Cory is a fascinating character whose unresolved guilt and emotional scars shape much of his life. He's often frustrating, stubborn, and difficult to like, but that's exactly what makes his development feel authentic. Rather than presenting a perfect hero, the story explores how grief and self blame can create walls that are difficult to tear down.
Cory is a fascinating character whose unresolved guilt and emotional scars shape much of his life. He's often frustrating, stubborn, and difficult to like, but that's exactly what makes his development feel authentic. Rather than presenting a perfect hero, the story explores how grief and self blame can create walls that are difficult to tear down.
June 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this book even though this style of romance is not my usual go-to. I love the clash of cultures/social classes, the character development Cory goes through and the fact that Leah is an incredibly strong and badass female lead. I also really like that the majority of the book focuses on their story and eases you into the side characters which you end up loving or hating by the end of it all- and either way you want to know where their stories will lead. Cory & Leah go through their fair share of ups & downs, but their story is sweet and I appreciated the plot twists that keep it interesting.
December 18, 2024
Not My Genre
I'll readily admit that I don't read romance novels. It's not the genres I enjoy. I think I may have read three when in high school so that was 30 years ago. I say this since I read this to review for an author on a Bsky feed without checking the genre. I believe as far as romance novels go it was good. I felt like the characters were all cliches of a type which may also be expected. The precocious nine year old was a bit much. The "mother" just deteriorated in split second but helped move the story along. In all it was ok. Like I said, just not my thing.
I'll readily admit that I don't read romance novels. It's not the genres I enjoy. I think I may have read three when in high school so that was 30 years ago. I say this since I read this to review for an author on a Bsky feed without checking the genre. I believe as far as romance novels go it was good. I felt like the characters were all cliches of a type which may also be expected. The precocious nine year old was a bit much. The "mother" just deteriorated in split second but helped move the story along. In all it was ok. Like I said, just not my thing.
August 8, 2025
I started this book adamantly putting my foot down that I did not want Cory and Leah together. I'm not a fan of the whole "male love interest is a bully," thing. But, and this is a testament to Deborah's fantastic writing, I ended up completely falling for him. He had some of the best character development I've ever seen, and in the end, he won me over. He proved himself worthy of being with Leah, who I absolutely adored from the start. I also loved Tommie and Leslie; that sweet little girl brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. Can't recommend this book highly enough!
November 17, 2025
I absolutely loved this story. Cory and Leah’s journey grabbed me from the first page and never let go. Watching them go from painful childhood memories to this intense, fiery adult connection was so satisfying. Their chemistry feels real, their pain feels real, and their banter had me smiling more than once. The mix of raw emotion, family tension, and slow burn romance makes this book impossible to put down. If you like heartfelt stories with grit, passion, and characters who actually grow, you’ll love this one.
October 6, 2024
This book had me hooked from the very beginning. To slowly watch Cory open up and fall for Leah was beautiful. The last 100 pages of this book had me with tears in my eyes, and I can't wait to see what happens next with their story.
My favorite lines from the book
"I warned you before Leah, don't make it hard for me to be good. I don't have your dedication"
"While his mind fought it, to his soul they were one"
My favorite lines from the book
"I warned you before Leah, don't make it hard for me to be good. I don't have your dedication"
"While his mind fought it, to his soul they were one"
December 15, 2024
I felt so bad for Cory at first. Then angry he was so cold but he had a rough upbringing. I loved it when he met Leah as an adult and not the "ugly duckling" anymore. Interesting story.
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