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Everything That Lingers
She only wanted an escape from her messy life. But the billionaire she’s stranded with keeps forcing her to face it.
Grace yearns for solace. The past year of her life has been scarred by burnout, a failed relationship, and the loss of her mother. Booking a two-week vacation at a secluded mansion to escape the burning rubble of her life seemed like the only way she'd be able to breathe again. But her hopes of tranquility are shattered when a freak storm traps her with a mysterious billionaire, dredging up traumatic memories she thought were long buried.
Brent only wants to make up for past mistakes. He isn't prepared for the way Grace's caring nature and adorable clumsiness awaken his heart after years of hibernation. But with an ex-wife determined to keep him from his daughter and a pile of regrets from a failed marriage, can he really dive into something new without it blowing up?
Grace is stuck on the fact that Brent is an older man, their age gap and her trust issues clouding her deepening attraction. And though Brent is caught in Grace’s gravitational pull, his insecurities and a bitter custody battle might be all it takes to tear them apart.
Can their unexpected bond survive while shadows of the past linger?
Everything That Lingers is a reverse gumpy/sunshine romance that’s perfect for fans of Lucy Score and Mariana Zapata. Expect plenty of endearing clumsiness, heated glances by the pool, and an emotional story that will leave you cheering for love.
TW for abuse (not depicted; talked about in one scene).
Grace yearns for solace. The past year of her life has been scarred by burnout, a failed relationship, and the loss of her mother. Booking a two-week vacation at a secluded mansion to escape the burning rubble of her life seemed like the only way she'd be able to breathe again. But her hopes of tranquility are shattered when a freak storm traps her with a mysterious billionaire, dredging up traumatic memories she thought were long buried.
Brent only wants to make up for past mistakes. He isn't prepared for the way Grace's caring nature and adorable clumsiness awaken his heart after years of hibernation. But with an ex-wife determined to keep him from his daughter and a pile of regrets from a failed marriage, can he really dive into something new without it blowing up?
Grace is stuck on the fact that Brent is an older man, their age gap and her trust issues clouding her deepening attraction. And though Brent is caught in Grace’s gravitational pull, his insecurities and a bitter custody battle might be all it takes to tear them apart.
Can their unexpected bond survive while shadows of the past linger?
Everything That Lingers is a reverse gumpy/sunshine romance that’s perfect for fans of Lucy Score and Mariana Zapata. Expect plenty of endearing clumsiness, heated glances by the pool, and an emotional story that will leave you cheering for love.
TW for abuse (not depicted; talked about in one scene).
- GenresRomanceContemporary
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2023
83 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Raina Ash
17 books92 followersRaina Ash writes stories about healing love—stories that are emotional, funny, and uplifting. Expect complex, resilient women searching for love, passion that's off the charts, neurodiverse characters, and protective men you can’t help but crush on.
Raina lives in Arizona with two cats and several plants she struggles to keep alive. She enjoys quiet moments, video games, crafting for nerdy causes, and sushi. Lots of sushi.
She can be found on Instagram and TikTok @RomanceByRaina. Visit www.romancebyraina.com for updates about soon-to-be released books and freebies.
Raina lives in Arizona with two cats and several plants she struggles to keep alive. She enjoys quiet moments, video games, crafting for nerdy causes, and sushi. Lots of sushi.
She can be found on Instagram and TikTok @RomanceByRaina. Visit www.romancebyraina.com for updates about soon-to-be released books and freebies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 18, 2023
I absolutely adore Raina Ash and everything she writes. This was absolutely no exception. 4.5 Stars!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝:
🥀 A secluded mansion with a mysterious older man as the surprising co-tenant??? Sign me up for this fall/winter romance!
🥀 Raina continues to expertly address mental health and everyday afflictions in a masterful way. In this story, Raina did a great job representing the everyday struggles SA survivors may handle from their thought processes, to their reactions and then guilt for those reactions, to some tactics that may ultimately help them to thrive another day more. We saw a lot of growth, acceptance, and hope in Grace as the story went on, and I loved seeing this for her. She was a great FMC, proving that brightness can come from the darkest of pasts.
🥀 Raina also handled the burdens and decisions people must make when going through nasty divorces well. Brent was such a good dad and it was hard to see the hoops he was having to jump through to get to see his daughter. The way that his ways of dealing with his ex-wife’s evasions continued to evolve and he had set backs in his ways of handling it like many realistic people would, made me love him that much more. Perfection is not sexy. Flaws = sexy. Growth = sexy. Brent = sexy.
🥀 Speaking of Brent, he was so unbelievably patient and caring with Grace, always giving her the space she needed but also always being there for her whenever she needed comfort or someone to talk to. AND that switch from caring, sweet, cinnamon roll to dirty, dirty man in the sheets was so delectable. Hands down one of my favorite Raina Ash MMCs to date!
🥀 The clumsiness was an extra perk in this one! Just one additional thing to love about the characters.
Check it out!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝:
🥀 A secluded mansion with a mysterious older man as the surprising co-tenant??? Sign me up for this fall/winter romance!
🥀 Raina continues to expertly address mental health and everyday afflictions in a masterful way. In this story, Raina did a great job representing the everyday struggles SA survivors may handle from their thought processes, to their reactions and then guilt for those reactions, to some tactics that may ultimately help them to thrive another day more. We saw a lot of growth, acceptance, and hope in Grace as the story went on, and I loved seeing this for her. She was a great FMC, proving that brightness can come from the darkest of pasts.
🥀 Raina also handled the burdens and decisions people must make when going through nasty divorces well. Brent was such a good dad and it was hard to see the hoops he was having to jump through to get to see his daughter. The way that his ways of dealing with his ex-wife’s evasions continued to evolve and he had set backs in his ways of handling it like many realistic people would, made me love him that much more. Perfection is not sexy. Flaws = sexy. Growth = sexy. Brent = sexy.
🥀 Speaking of Brent, he was so unbelievably patient and caring with Grace, always giving her the space she needed but also always being there for her whenever she needed comfort or someone to talk to. AND that switch from caring, sweet, cinnamon roll to dirty, dirty man in the sheets was so delectable. Hands down one of my favorite Raina Ash MMCs to date!
🥀 The clumsiness was an extra perk in this one! Just one additional thing to love about the characters.
Check it out!
January 21, 2024
I simply didn't like it. It had nothing. Very cliched, predictable and not so entertaining story and the characters. Plus, their romance was so unconvincing.
December 28, 2023
Title: Everything That Lingers by Raina Ash - A Captivating Journey Through Healing Hearts
🌟📖✨ **Review by Mysterious Shy** 📖✨🌟
I recently had the pleasure of delving into "Everything That Lingers" by the talented Raina Ash, courtesy of BookSirens. This heartwarming tale is a rollercoaster of emotions that explores the intricacies of healing, love, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Grace, our protagonist, seeks refuge from the chaos of her life, marked by burnout, a fractured relationship, and the poignant loss of her mother. A two-week escape to a secluded mansion seems like the perfect remedy for her weary soul. Little does she know, fate has other plans as a storm strands her with the enigmatic billionaire, Brent.
What unfolds is a beautifully crafted narrative that not only unravels the layers of Grace's past trauma but also takes us on a journey of redemption and self-discovery for Brent. Ash's storytelling is both poignant and gripping, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a profound level.
Grace's caring nature and endearing clumsiness bring a refreshing charm to the story, breaking down the walls around Brent's heart that had been dormant for far too long. The author artfully weaves a tale of unexpected connection and the transformative power of love.
However, the path to happiness is fraught with challenges. Brent grapples with the aftermath of a failed marriage and a bitter custody battle, while Grace struggles with trust issues stemming from their age gap. The emotional turbulence of their journey is expertly navigated by Ash, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, rooting for this unlikely couple to defy the odds.
The exploration of age-gap romance is handled with sensitivity, addressing Grace's reservations and Brent's insecurities with nuance. The authenticity of their connection shines through, making it easy for readers to empathize with their struggles.
"Everything That Lingers" is not just a romance; it's a story about resilience and the courage to confront the shadows of the past. As the title suggests, the narrative skillfully captures the lingering impact of life's challenges and the strength it takes to move beyond them.
In a world where we all carry our own burdens, this book is a poignant reminder that healing is a journey, and sometimes, unexpected companionship can be the balm that soothes our wounded hearts.
So, dear readers, if you're looking for a tale that will tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh, and leave you with a warm glow of hope, "Everything That Lingers" is a must-read. Raina Ash has crafted a story that lingers in the soul, long after the last page is turned.
Happy Reading,
Mysterious Shy 📖✨
🌟📖✨ **Review by Mysterious Shy** 📖✨🌟
I recently had the pleasure of delving into "Everything That Lingers" by the talented Raina Ash, courtesy of BookSirens. This heartwarming tale is a rollercoaster of emotions that explores the intricacies of healing, love, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Grace, our protagonist, seeks refuge from the chaos of her life, marked by burnout, a fractured relationship, and the poignant loss of her mother. A two-week escape to a secluded mansion seems like the perfect remedy for her weary soul. Little does she know, fate has other plans as a storm strands her with the enigmatic billionaire, Brent.
What unfolds is a beautifully crafted narrative that not only unravels the layers of Grace's past trauma but also takes us on a journey of redemption and self-discovery for Brent. Ash's storytelling is both poignant and gripping, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a profound level.
Grace's caring nature and endearing clumsiness bring a refreshing charm to the story, breaking down the walls around Brent's heart that had been dormant for far too long. The author artfully weaves a tale of unexpected connection and the transformative power of love.
However, the path to happiness is fraught with challenges. Brent grapples with the aftermath of a failed marriage and a bitter custody battle, while Grace struggles with trust issues stemming from their age gap. The emotional turbulence of their journey is expertly navigated by Ash, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, rooting for this unlikely couple to defy the odds.
The exploration of age-gap romance is handled with sensitivity, addressing Grace's reservations and Brent's insecurities with nuance. The authenticity of their connection shines through, making it easy for readers to empathize with their struggles.
"Everything That Lingers" is not just a romance; it's a story about resilience and the courage to confront the shadows of the past. As the title suggests, the narrative skillfully captures the lingering impact of life's challenges and the strength it takes to move beyond them.
In a world where we all carry our own burdens, this book is a poignant reminder that healing is a journey, and sometimes, unexpected companionship can be the balm that soothes our wounded hearts.
So, dear readers, if you're looking for a tale that will tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh, and leave you with a warm glow of hope, "Everything That Lingers" is a must-read. Raina Ash has crafted a story that lingers in the soul, long after the last page is turned.
Happy Reading,
Mysterious Shy 📖✨
January 23, 2024
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Two strangers seeking alone time are thrown together due to a scheduling mishap. As both are battling different emotional upheavals in their lives, they are drawn to each other and seek solace in each other's arms. Yet once their time at this hideaway is over, where do their lives take them then?
I really enjoyed Everything That Lingers. Both main characters pasts continue to disrupt their confidence in themselves where they don't believe they deserve any better. There is some trigger topics but it is dealt with tact and a great reminder to find someone you can trust to talk to so you are not holding all of the emotions in. Sometimes authors forget to do that but Raina did this very nicely where it helped their characters grow and get closer together. I definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours and Pink Fox Publishing for the ARC. Also thank you to the author, Raina Ash for the amazing writing and great read! Looking forward to reading some more of your books!
Two strangers seeking alone time are thrown together due to a scheduling mishap. As both are battling different emotional upheavals in their lives, they are drawn to each other and seek solace in each other's arms. Yet once their time at this hideaway is over, where do their lives take them then?
I really enjoyed Everything That Lingers. Both main characters pasts continue to disrupt their confidence in themselves where they don't believe they deserve any better. There is some trigger topics but it is dealt with tact and a great reminder to find someone you can trust to talk to so you are not holding all of the emotions in. Sometimes authors forget to do that but Raina did this very nicely where it helped their characters grow and get closer together. I definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours and Pink Fox Publishing for the ARC. Also thank you to the author, Raina Ash for the amazing writing and great read! Looking forward to reading some more of your books!
September 23, 2025
Everything thing that lingers by Raina Ash is a dual perspective age-gap romance.
I'm not normally a fan of age-gap romance but I really liked this book. It follows Grace who's last year has been a hectic disaster. Her friend lets her know of a place she can stay for free, although its a bit of a drive. Once settled into the retreat, she realizes she is not the only one there. Brent is a workaholic Billionaire who rented the place to try and relax and unwind. He goes to make coffee and notices a girl on the couch.
Between a storm that causes the lights to go out and sharing the retreat with a stranger, trauma from Grace's past resurfaces.
This book is a heavy read, and makes your heart race for both characters at times. It is one of those books that I want to recommend, but due to content warning I have to be selective to who i recommend it too. Great book, but read when you are in a place to do so.
I'm not normally a fan of age-gap romance but I really liked this book. It follows Grace who's last year has been a hectic disaster. Her friend lets her know of a place she can stay for free, although its a bit of a drive. Once settled into the retreat, she realizes she is not the only one there. Brent is a workaholic Billionaire who rented the place to try and relax and unwind. He goes to make coffee and notices a girl on the couch.
Between a storm that causes the lights to go out and sharing the retreat with a stranger, trauma from Grace's past resurfaces.
This book is a heavy read, and makes your heart race for both characters at times. It is one of those books that I want to recommend, but due to content warning I have to be selective to who i recommend it too. Great book, but read when you are in a place to do so.
December 26, 2023
5/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️
Raina Ash delivers another heartfelt story normalizing anxiety while still being steamy and beautiful. I absolutely loved Brent and Grace and this book. Grace's past is tragic and Brent's future is looking grim, but these two come together to find out what real live is and it's an amazing thing.
Brent's custody battle and his ex-wife had me on the edge of my seat in a ball of anxiety. She was breathing my heart and even though I know in romances, everything ends okay, I was so concerned it wouldn't. Felicity was such a piece of work, I wanted to cause her bodily harm.
I also really loved Jessica. What an amazing best friend to have. I'm hoping the details of Jessica's past were kept hush hush because we'll be getting her story soon. I need her to get her happily ever after too! Although whatever Raina's next story is, I'm here for it.
3/5 🌶️
Raina Ash delivers another heartfelt story normalizing anxiety while still being steamy and beautiful. I absolutely loved Brent and Grace and this book. Grace's past is tragic and Brent's future is looking grim, but these two come together to find out what real live is and it's an amazing thing.
Brent's custody battle and his ex-wife had me on the edge of my seat in a ball of anxiety. She was breathing my heart and even though I know in romances, everything ends okay, I was so concerned it wouldn't. Felicity was such a piece of work, I wanted to cause her bodily harm.
I also really loved Jessica. What an amazing best friend to have. I'm hoping the details of Jessica's past were kept hush hush because we'll be getting her story soon. I need her to get her happily ever after too! Although whatever Raina's next story is, I'm here for it.
January 22, 2024
What a ride!! This book gave me all the feels!! Big trigger warnings for this one!! Grace is a graphic designer who needs to get away from her life, that seems to be crumbling around her. When her friend gets her an AirBNB for free, she decides to go. Once she’s there, there’s been a mix up and she meets Brent, who is trying to take a break from work. It’s a lovely forced proximity, age-gap, romance with a lot of deep emotional baggage and healing. I was really rooting for Grace and Brent to not only be together, but for them to find peace and happiness with the struggles they had been dealt. It’s not your light hearted romance, but it’s a great read! Thank you so much to NetGalley and Pink Fox Publishing for my ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 20, 2023
"Everything That Lingers" by Raina Ash. This captivating book takes you on a journey with Grace, who's in desperate need of a break from her chaotic life. She books a two-week getaway at a secluded mansion to escape her troubles, but fate has other plans.
When a freak storm traps Grace with a mysterious billionaire named Brent, her plans for solitude are shattered. As they spend time together, Grace's caring nature and adorable clumsiness begin to awaken Brent's heart, which has been dormant for far too long. However, both of them carry their own emotional baggage and insecurities that threaten to tear them apart.
One of the key conflicts in the story is the age gap between Grace and Brent, as well as Grace's trust issues stemming from her past. These elements add depth and complexity to their evolving relationship. Alongside their personal struggles, there's a bitter custody battle and regrets from a failed marriage that further complicate matters.
"Everything That Lingers" beautifully explores themes of healing, trust, and the lingering impact of the past on present relationships. Raina Ash's writing will keep you engaged and invested in the emotional journey of the characters. You'll find yourself eagerly turning the pages to see if their unexpected bond can withstand the challenges they face.
So, grab a cozy spot, a cup of your favorite beverage, and immerse yourself in this rollercoaster of emotions. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the book once you've finished it. 📚😊
When a freak storm traps Grace with a mysterious billionaire named Brent, her plans for solitude are shattered. As they spend time together, Grace's caring nature and adorable clumsiness begin to awaken Brent's heart, which has been dormant for far too long. However, both of them carry their own emotional baggage and insecurities that threaten to tear them apart.
One of the key conflicts in the story is the age gap between Grace and Brent, as well as Grace's trust issues stemming from her past. These elements add depth and complexity to their evolving relationship. Alongside their personal struggles, there's a bitter custody battle and regrets from a failed marriage that further complicate matters.
"Everything That Lingers" beautifully explores themes of healing, trust, and the lingering impact of the past on present relationships. Raina Ash's writing will keep you engaged and invested in the emotional journey of the characters. You'll find yourself eagerly turning the pages to see if their unexpected bond can withstand the challenges they face.
So, grab a cozy spot, a cup of your favorite beverage, and immerse yourself in this rollercoaster of emotions. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the book once you've finished it. 📚😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2024
I went into this book wanting to love it. It had some really fun moments…. But it also had a lot of moments that felt like trauma for trauma’s sake. I felt this lacked the nuanced take on the traumatic events in this story. Rather, it felt very stereotypical of trauma being used for entertainment rather than trauma being represented well in entertainment.
A book I really wanted to love but just couldn’t get there.
A book I really wanted to love but just couldn’t get there.
February 3, 2024
If you’re looking for an age gap romance that embodies love, trust, and second chances this is the book for you!
I love age gap/single parent romances, and love when they are well written. Raina Ash did an amazing job creating a love story that was tested by many obstacles but prevailed in the end.
Grace has been through so much, from horrible narcissistic relationships to being a victim of SA and a very traumatic childhood. It is inspiring to watch her grow and learn to love herself in the process of opening herself up to love again with Brent. She is incredibly brave and resilient.
Brent is an MMC that I didn’t know I needed, but now that I have read this book I want one! He was incredibly patient as he navigated his relationship with Grace and was the first to confess to his mistakes, who doesn’t love a man who express his feelings and faults. Plus, add in that dirty mouth of his, and that is an extra bonus to his overall sex appeal.
Raina did such an incredible job representing mental health, past trauma, and self doubt and the effect that plays on a new relationship. This story is an incredible read regarding self discovery and second chances.
Thank you so much for the ARC copy of this book! This is my first book by Raina Ash and I can’t wait to read more of her works!
I love age gap/single parent romances, and love when they are well written. Raina Ash did an amazing job creating a love story that was tested by many obstacles but prevailed in the end.
Grace has been through so much, from horrible narcissistic relationships to being a victim of SA and a very traumatic childhood. It is inspiring to watch her grow and learn to love herself in the process of opening herself up to love again with Brent. She is incredibly brave and resilient.
Brent is an MMC that I didn’t know I needed, but now that I have read this book I want one! He was incredibly patient as he navigated his relationship with Grace and was the first to confess to his mistakes, who doesn’t love a man who express his feelings and faults. Plus, add in that dirty mouth of his, and that is an extra bonus to his overall sex appeal.
Raina did such an incredible job representing mental health, past trauma, and self doubt and the effect that plays on a new relationship. This story is an incredible read regarding self discovery and second chances.
Thank you so much for the ARC copy of this book! This is my first book by Raina Ash and I can’t wait to read more of her works!
January 25, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! If you love age gap romances with second chances then this book is for you! I fell in love with Grace and Brent’s characters so much! The love and trust they taught each other really touched me! This does have some trigger warnings to be aware of.
Thank you so much NetGalley for allowing me to read this book!!
Thank you so much NetGalley for allowing me to read this book!!
January 16, 2024
After reading one of Raina ashes books recently, I’ve been looking forward to this read. And I wasn’t let down. Brent’s custody battles and graces tragic past left me on the edge of my seat. This book was written beautifully.
Definitely looking forward to more of Raina ashes books!!!!!!
Definitely looking forward to more of Raina ashes books!!!!!!
January 19, 2024
I absolutely adore Raina Ash.
This is the second book of hers I've read.
This book is precious.
The characters are real, and the slowburn was perfect.
Loved this book.
This is the second book of hers I've read.
This book is precious.
The characters are real, and the slowburn was perfect.
Loved this book.
December 20, 2023
A Beautiful slowburn story about learning To live With The past and realizing You deserve Good things No matter what.
Absolutely loved The book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Absolutely loved The book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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December 19, 2023I loved this book so much that I'll be buying a copy. It was steamy, emotional and full of heart and grit. I connected with the female main character so much that it makes me wanna dive into the rest of her books. The author has earned a permanent place on my TBR.
January 28, 2024
This book is beautiful. It hits you in every feel you could possibly have! The characters are so raw and real, and both of their stories are heartbreaking. Yet they heal each other. Loved this book.
November 26, 2023
I’m a new fan of Raina Ash’s work. I loved Love & Panic, and reading Everything That Lingers solidified me as a fan.
The slowburn in this was perfect. Her writing reminded me so much of Mariana Zapata except we don’t have to wait till 95% for them to kiss (not shade I promise - just to show how their writing is different).
This book follows Grace who hasn’t been dealt the best hand in life. She books this secluded vacation at a nice mansion, only to find out it’s already being rented out by some handsome, older, but mysterious billionaire.
No. This isn’t like that scary Airbnb movie. It’s about Grace and Brent, two people who come from very different lives finding each other during difficult times. Grace is dealing with childhood trauma (TW: SA) and Brent is struggling with custody rights to see his child.
What I love about this story is how real it is. Even though you want them to be together SOOO bad, sometimes life isn’t that simple. The epitome of right person, wrong time, but also if you love someone, let them go. If it’s meant to be, they’ll come back. Both characters go through so much growth and acceptance and I loved every second reading about it.
This book is so much more than your regular romance. It has close proximity, slow burn, age-gap, and spice, but it’s also heart warming and heartbreaking and an overall amazing story. Read it in a day sooo…highly recommend.
The slowburn in this was perfect. Her writing reminded me so much of Mariana Zapata except we don’t have to wait till 95% for them to kiss (not shade I promise - just to show how their writing is different).
This book follows Grace who hasn’t been dealt the best hand in life. She books this secluded vacation at a nice mansion, only to find out it’s already being rented out by some handsome, older, but mysterious billionaire.
No. This isn’t like that scary Airbnb movie. It’s about Grace and Brent, two people who come from very different lives finding each other during difficult times. Grace is dealing with childhood trauma (TW: SA) and Brent is struggling with custody rights to see his child.
What I love about this story is how real it is. Even though you want them to be together SOOO bad, sometimes life isn’t that simple. The epitome of right person, wrong time, but also if you love someone, let them go. If it’s meant to be, they’ll come back. Both characters go through so much growth and acceptance and I loved every second reading about it.
This book is so much more than your regular romance. It has close proximity, slow burn, age-gap, and spice, but it’s also heart warming and heartbreaking and an overall amazing story. Read it in a day sooo…highly recommend.
November 19, 2023
I really enIjoyed this emotionally charged, forced proximity, age gap, with lots of witty dialogue, Grace and Brent's journey does deal with some emotional, physical abuse. I believe the author has trigger warnings in place...while there are some hard parts in the story...there are some cute and charming parts and this is where I felt built the attraction and trust between the characters. The story's plot was very intriguing and will keep you invested till the end to see if both Grace and Brent will give in to that attraction and build that relationship?? Loved the HEA!!!
I received this as an ARC and leaving my honest opinion voluntarily.
I received this as an ARC and leaving my honest opinion voluntarily.
December 9, 2023
Grace is on a vacation in an Airbnb that her friend hooked up for her for 2 weeks because she had a crazy ass meltdown in work.
"I had a meltdown during a meeting with a client. A massive one. I had spent weeks and weeks working on a project that I was really excited about. I presented it to the client. Of course, they hated it. Like, the worst any client has ever hated my work. Dealing with a mean client isn't something I haven't dealt with in the past, but I just snapped. I yelled a bunch of curse words at my client, shared my thoughts on their shitty business, stomped to my desk while telling my supervisor what I thought of him—that he's a sexist idiot who can't even use their, there, and they're correctly. Then, I might've accidentally broken a small potted plant, let out a guttural war cry, and fled."
"Sounds like quite an exit. I bet it felt good."
"You know, it kind of did."
Safe to say Brent is a workaholic. His assistant had to force him to take a month vacation… at the same Airbnb Grace is staying at. Of course there was an issue with the scheduling and they both ended up the Airbnb at the same time. On top of being a workaholic, Brent hasn't seen his daughter in 3 months. His ex wife is manipulating him and always makes the daughter go somewhere when she's supposed to be with her dad.
There was a huge storm that made it so that Grace nor Brent could leave the mansion. They connected and talked and fell in love but they thought the other was taken. Brent was sunshine, being all "good morning" because he's lonely and Grace was midnight rain, all grumpy, traumatised by her past and weary of men. Grace eventually warmed up to Brent, how could you not? He's a cutie.
"I might still dislike men, but you kind of make it impossible to dislike you." Firelight flickers in his eyes. "I'm okay if you hate all other men except me." "Oh, really? Well, that's a possibility."
"Maybe he’s right. I don’t know. Just white trash." "Don't insult me." "What?" Insult him? How did I insult him? His voice is smooth yet unyielding as he says, "You're a beautiful, intelligent, and interesting woman. And you're insulting my tastes by calling yourself… that term."
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐ I hadn't expected certain things but it did not take away from the story. Cried my eyes out when they started talking about their past. Ended happy, Brent bought the Airbnb they stayed at.
Smut: 🌶 It was there but it wasn't the main focus and I liked that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"I had a meltdown during a meeting with a client. A massive one. I had spent weeks and weeks working on a project that I was really excited about. I presented it to the client. Of course, they hated it. Like, the worst any client has ever hated my work. Dealing with a mean client isn't something I haven't dealt with in the past, but I just snapped. I yelled a bunch of curse words at my client, shared my thoughts on their shitty business, stomped to my desk while telling my supervisor what I thought of him—that he's a sexist idiot who can't even use their, there, and they're correctly. Then, I might've accidentally broken a small potted plant, let out a guttural war cry, and fled."
"Sounds like quite an exit. I bet it felt good."
"You know, it kind of did."
Safe to say Brent is a workaholic. His assistant had to force him to take a month vacation… at the same Airbnb Grace is staying at. Of course there was an issue with the scheduling and they both ended up the Airbnb at the same time. On top of being a workaholic, Brent hasn't seen his daughter in 3 months. His ex wife is manipulating him and always makes the daughter go somewhere when she's supposed to be with her dad.
There was a huge storm that made it so that Grace nor Brent could leave the mansion. They connected and talked and fell in love but they thought the other was taken. Brent was sunshine, being all "good morning" because he's lonely and Grace was midnight rain, all grumpy, traumatised by her past and weary of men. Grace eventually warmed up to Brent, how could you not? He's a cutie.
"I might still dislike men, but you kind of make it impossible to dislike you." Firelight flickers in his eyes. "I'm okay if you hate all other men except me." "Oh, really? Well, that's a possibility."
"Maybe he’s right. I don’t know. Just white trash." "Don't insult me." "What?" Insult him? How did I insult him? His voice is smooth yet unyielding as he says, "You're a beautiful, intelligent, and interesting woman. And you're insulting my tastes by calling yourself… that term."
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐ I hadn't expected certain things but it did not take away from the story. Cried my eyes out when they started talking about their past. Ended happy, Brent bought the Airbnb they stayed at.
Smut: 🌶 It was there but it wasn't the main focus and I liked that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 2, 2023
Grace is a woman who stays at a huge mansion to relax. On the exact day she arrives at the mansion is the one year anniversary of Grace's mother passing. Grace struggling with her feelings, childhood trauma and the grief of losing her mother. While Grace is relaxing in the manison she see's a mysterious older man in the manison that she's staying at. Brent is an older man who is also a millionaire trying to escape his reality and to take a little break from work. Brent is a divorced man with a daughter he loves unconditionally who he hasn't seen in over three months because his ex wife seems to be keeping their daughter away from him.
A storm happens and Grace and Brent are stuck sharing the Mansion together. Brent sleeping in the guest house and Grace sleeping in the main house. It's take a couple of days for Grace to warm up to Brent since he's a complete stranger that she somehow got stuck with sharing the mansion with. Grace and Brent both start to open up to each other and both have an attraction to another. Brent is a very supportive and caring man who is patient with Grace. Eventually the two go their own separate ways. Brent goes back to New York and fights for custody while his ex wife lies and gives him a hard time. Brent ends up flying out to California to win back Grace. Grace and Brent get back Brent ends up and Grace moves to New York to be with him. Brent ends up getting full custody of his daughter and the three of them end up going back to manison where Brents and Grace love originally began
Grace and Brents love story will always be one my favorites!
Tropes:
Close proximity
Age-gap
Slow burn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A storm happens and Grace and Brent are stuck sharing the Mansion together. Brent sleeping in the guest house and Grace sleeping in the main house. It's take a couple of days for Grace to warm up to Brent since he's a complete stranger that she somehow got stuck with sharing the mansion with. Grace and Brent both start to open up to each other and both have an attraction to another. Brent is a very supportive and caring man who is patient with Grace. Eventually the two go their own separate ways. Brent goes back to New York and fights for custody while his ex wife lies and gives him a hard time. Brent ends up flying out to California to win back Grace. Grace and Brent get back Brent ends up and Grace moves to New York to be with him. Brent ends up getting full custody of his daughter and the three of them end up going back to manison where Brents and Grace love originally began
Grace and Brents love story will always be one my favorites!
Tropes:
Close proximity
Age-gap
Slow burn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2024
This book was everything.
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Read this book for…
Age gap
Forced proximity
Billionaire MMC
You meet Grace who is running away from her real life and goes up to a mansion for a few weeks. However, she unexpectedly finds the mansion already with a stranger! She starts to get ready to leave but encounters obstacles in the form of our wonderful friend Mother Nature.
I will say I love myself an age gap and I literally gasped when I met our mysterious HOT older MMC Brent. He is the embodiment of goodness -- incredibly patient, kind, and sensitive. Grace has her inner struggles which I thought the author did an amazing job handling. Brent was amazing with meeting Grace where she was at and never pushing her boundaries. However, he is not without his own battles. I loved how the two found a beautiful love in the most unexpected place in their lives. It was not without its own obstacles but it made the end so so worth it.
Raina Ash is a new author to me but when I tell you I ran to look up the rest of her works after I finished this I mean it! Her writing is captivating and absolutely gorgeous. I think what I loved the most (and what I am assuming is a common point in her work though obviously I will have to confirm this hypothesis) is that her characters are beautifully complex. It’s not a typical love story -- there is so much more to that surface premise. The love story itself…ugh *chefs kiss*.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Read this book for…
Age gap
Forced proximity
Billionaire MMC
You meet Grace who is running away from her real life and goes up to a mansion for a few weeks. However, she unexpectedly finds the mansion already with a stranger! She starts to get ready to leave but encounters obstacles in the form of our wonderful friend Mother Nature.
I will say I love myself an age gap and I literally gasped when I met our mysterious HOT older MMC Brent. He is the embodiment of goodness -- incredibly patient, kind, and sensitive. Grace has her inner struggles which I thought the author did an amazing job handling. Brent was amazing with meeting Grace where she was at and never pushing her boundaries. However, he is not without his own battles. I loved how the two found a beautiful love in the most unexpected place in their lives. It was not without its own obstacles but it made the end so so worth it.
Raina Ash is a new author to me but when I tell you I ran to look up the rest of her works after I finished this I mean it! Her writing is captivating and absolutely gorgeous. I think what I loved the most (and what I am assuming is a common point in her work though obviously I will have to confirm this hypothesis) is that her characters are beautifully complex. It’s not a typical love story -- there is so much more to that surface premise. The love story itself…ugh *chefs kiss*.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 12, 2024
3.5⭐
Sweet and Seducing ❁ Grace yearns for solace from her messy life, the grief of losing her mother, and the ghost of her past relationship. What she doesn’t know is that the hot billionaire she’s stranded with for two weeks will change her life.
Grace and Brent both bear a scar from the past, Grace with her ex’s toxic relationship that messed up her confidence, and him with his past mistakes with his ex-wife which made him couldn’t meet his daughter. While they both feel a strong attraction on their first encounter, the shadow of their past lingers between them and threatens to tear them apart. Can their unexpected bond survive this obstacle?
Both characters are very realistic in a way that they are not completely perfect, both show their flaws, and then their process to find a way to support and console each other’s fear left a good impression while I was reading it. I love how Grace healed herself and became more confident, while Brent learned how to trust in a relationship.
The only flaw I get from this book is that there’s still some part where a lot of unessential description is included, also I really wish that the writer explores more on Brent’s daughter, Katie–she seems lovely. Either way, I love the ‘real’ element of the story and the spice is burning too hot (3/5)
If you’re a fan of age-gap, close proximity, and slow-burn romance, then you might want to read this book while enjoying a hot chocolate under the blanket ❤️🔥
Sweet and Seducing ❁ Grace yearns for solace from her messy life, the grief of losing her mother, and the ghost of her past relationship. What she doesn’t know is that the hot billionaire she’s stranded with for two weeks will change her life.
Grace and Brent both bear a scar from the past, Grace with her ex’s toxic relationship that messed up her confidence, and him with his past mistakes with his ex-wife which made him couldn’t meet his daughter. While they both feel a strong attraction on their first encounter, the shadow of their past lingers between them and threatens to tear them apart. Can their unexpected bond survive this obstacle?
Both characters are very realistic in a way that they are not completely perfect, both show their flaws, and then their process to find a way to support and console each other’s fear left a good impression while I was reading it. I love how Grace healed herself and became more confident, while Brent learned how to trust in a relationship.
The only flaw I get from this book is that there’s still some part where a lot of unessential description is included, also I really wish that the writer explores more on Brent’s daughter, Katie–she seems lovely. Either way, I love the ‘real’ element of the story and the spice is burning too hot (3/5)
If you’re a fan of age-gap, close proximity, and slow-burn romance, then you might want to read this book while enjoying a hot chocolate under the blanket ❤️🔥
January 5, 2024
This book was heartwarming and heart wrenching at the same time.
This story is about Grace and Brent. Grace is currently going through a break-up with her boyfriend that would belittle her constantly. She has some deep trauma that she doesn’t want to talk about. She also recently just lost her mom, and is still heartbroken from that.
Brent on the other hand is a single dad, to a little girl named Katie. He just recently went through a divorce and it’s fighting a custody battle against his ex wife.
They both meet each other through a mistake. They end up at the same vacation house that had been booked out twice. Grace is very iffy about Brent at first but slowly Brent starts to bring down her walls. Brent and Grace slowly start to open up to each other. But there is a lot of ups and downs that they have to go through.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a book that hooked me and left me wanting to continue. It’s a nice slow burn that is perfect for anyone who loves that. There was not to much spice but there was some scenes. There is some trigger warnings so if you aren’t comfortable reading about those, then this might not be for you. But I really enjoyed this book overall.
I would like to thank NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This story is about Grace and Brent. Grace is currently going through a break-up with her boyfriend that would belittle her constantly. She has some deep trauma that she doesn’t want to talk about. She also recently just lost her mom, and is still heartbroken from that.
Brent on the other hand is a single dad, to a little girl named Katie. He just recently went through a divorce and it’s fighting a custody battle against his ex wife.
They both meet each other through a mistake. They end up at the same vacation house that had been booked out twice. Grace is very iffy about Brent at first but slowly Brent starts to bring down her walls. Brent and Grace slowly start to open up to each other. But there is a lot of ups and downs that they have to go through.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a book that hooked me and left me wanting to continue. It’s a nice slow burn that is perfect for anyone who loves that. There was not to much spice but there was some scenes. There is some trigger warnings so if you aren’t comfortable reading about those, then this might not be for you. But I really enjoyed this book overall.
I would like to thank NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 1, 2024
I have just recently started reading books by this author and am completely a fan. This is a story filled with heartbreak and emotion but also shows us resilience and healing. Grace is in desperate need of a break from all the upheaval of her life and she decides to book a two-week vacation, taking herself to a secluded mansion so that she might find some peace and solace. But due to a scheduling error, she finds herself sharing the mansion with a stranger, Brent. Seems as if Brent had the same idea of getting away from the chaos in his life. Both are carrying a lot of emotional baggage, but when both are forced to spend their vacation together, they come to know what real happiness is and begin to help each other heal. While certainly not a light-hearted read, it is most definitely an exceptionally beautiful and heartwarming story that will have you feeling a whole slue of emotions. The story is well-written and pulled me in right from the beginning and I was engrossed till the very end. The characters were well-developed and had such realistic qualities making them both relatable and likable. A very touching story that I am glad to have had the opportunity to read.
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
December 31, 2023
Oh, man, this was so much more emotional than I thought it would be. The premise of the book definitely caught my attention and I think it was everything I imagined.
Grace and Brent end up both booking an air b&b for the same timeframe. A massive storm passes, leaving them stuck there together. During their stay, they both open up to each other and grow closer than imaginable in a short time frame. When they part, their fate is unclear. Will they reconnect or be a vacation fling?
Things to expect:
-Age gap (11 years)
-Strangers to lovers
-Past trauma (FMC)
-Forced Proximity
-Horrible ex-wife
-Custody battle
-Mentions of parental loss
I loved these characters. The way Brent is willing to go to incredible lengths to see his daughter ❤ He is also so amazing with Grace. He respects her boundaries, asks permission, listens to her 👏 He is an amazing guy.
Grace is dealing with a lot. Her mother passed away a year ago. Her ex is a condescending jerk! Watching her open up and become comfortable with Brent was beautiful.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Grace and Brent end up both booking an air b&b for the same timeframe. A massive storm passes, leaving them stuck there together. During their stay, they both open up to each other and grow closer than imaginable in a short time frame. When they part, their fate is unclear. Will they reconnect or be a vacation fling?
Things to expect:
-Age gap (11 years)
-Strangers to lovers
-Past trauma (FMC)
-Forced Proximity
-Horrible ex-wife
-Custody battle
-Mentions of parental loss
I loved these characters. The way Brent is willing to go to incredible lengths to see his daughter ❤ He is also so amazing with Grace. He respects her boundaries, asks permission, listens to her 👏 He is an amazing guy.
Grace is dealing with a lot. Her mother passed away a year ago. Her ex is a condescending jerk! Watching her open up and become comfortable with Brent was beautiful.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2023
Grace and Brent. This gorgeous romance highlights the pervasiveness of anxiety - and maybe the importance of therapy and treatment. Grace is a designer, and a bit of a mess. Brent is a self-made millionaire, and a bit of a mess. They meet through a double-booked air bnb and we see their growing connection, and the challenges they face. No spoilers, but these include past trauma, their own insecurities, toxic exes, a custody battle, work challenges, geographic distance and their age and life stage gap. I just loved it!
Grace is so frustrating, her thought patterns are circular and so unhelpful, but her sweet nature shines through and we love her, and want these two to get together, and somehow be together. The story takes place over a year and we see them both grow. Grace faces her demons, Brent stands up for himself. There's steam, and it's poignant and such a nicely plotted journey to their happily ever after. Recommended!
Grace is so frustrating, her thought patterns are circular and so unhelpful, but her sweet nature shines through and we love her, and want these two to get together, and somehow be together. The story takes place over a year and we see them both grow. Grace faces her demons, Brent stands up for himself. There's steam, and it's poignant and such a nicely plotted journey to their happily ever after. Recommended!
November 19, 2023
I really enjoyed reading Everything That Lingers by Raina Ash because it was a slow burn and second chance story about Grace and Brent. Both characters had had a bad past and each was trying to move forward from that. Because of a mix-up in housing arrangements, they were both at the rental at the same time. Things were slow at first but they both connected. Grace’s character was a bit rough around the edges when it came to men. Brent’s character was trying to do the right thing and leave but mother nature had other plans. I think both characters needed each other to help heal them. But there was other stuff on the side that was a big factor in continuing their relationship. I received an ARC of this story, and I am voluntarily choosing to leave this review. I would highly recommend reading this story.
March 29, 2024
Thank you @netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the e-ARC of this book.
😅 Forced Proximity
💼 CEO MMC
👨👧 Single Dad MMC
❤️🩹 Healing/Guarded FMC
⛔️ Age Gap
At first reading, this book has a mystery/thriller vibe. I actually had to go back and double check that I was indeed reading a romance. And as the book continued, that became apparent. I think it was because of this that I really enjoyed reading it.
I really felt connected to Grace’s character. Her awkwardness and curiosity along with how she eventually started opening up to Brent and their unfortunate (but was it?) run-in at the Airbnb.
My heart broke for Grace and Brent after the call he received from his lawyer but loved how mature both reactions were. And the maturity he showed in fixing it all for the rest of the book.
This was a sweet read.
😅 Forced Proximity
💼 CEO MMC
👨👧 Single Dad MMC
❤️🩹 Healing/Guarded FMC
⛔️ Age Gap
At first reading, this book has a mystery/thriller vibe. I actually had to go back and double check that I was indeed reading a romance. And as the book continued, that became apparent. I think it was because of this that I really enjoyed reading it.
I really felt connected to Grace’s character. Her awkwardness and curiosity along with how she eventually started opening up to Brent and their unfortunate (but was it?) run-in at the Airbnb.
My heart broke for Grace and Brent after the call he received from his lawyer but loved how mature both reactions were. And the maturity he showed in fixing it all for the rest of the book.
This was a sweet read.
January 19, 2024
I really wanted to like this book. It's been a struggle read for me, though. I'm going to have to DNF this one at 40%. I have too many other books in my TBR pile. I loved the story idea and the potential it had for me to enjoy. However, I literally cannot with this FMC. I was also looking forward to the age-gap romance trope but feel like the descriptions just didn't do their ages justice. She was 30 and acted like she was 20. While I loved the male character and felt so bad for him throughout the entirety that I read, I felt like his character would have been better portrayed as 51 instead of 41.
Maybe I will continue reading it soon and some of my thoughts on it will change. For now, though, I'm setting it aside and moving on.
Maybe I will continue reading it soon and some of my thoughts on it will change. For now, though, I'm setting it aside and moving on.
February 8, 2024
Puntuación: 3.6/5
Everything that lingers es autoconclusivo, que nos adentra en la historia de Brent y Grace quienes se conocen de forma inusual al haber rentado la misma casa en las montañas para pasar un tiempo a solas y fuera de su problemática realidad, ya que Brent es un padre soltero, guapo y billonario que está luchando por la custodia de su hija y con un matrimonio fracasado y Grace está luchando con demonios de su infancia y la muerte de su madre, así que el destino los une para explorar un posible futuro juntos, pero sus personalidades no se los pondrá fácil.
El libro es corto, con un inicio lento en donde se enfoca en contextualizarte sobre la vida, pasados y ciertos problemas de cada uno, lo cual es una parte importante, pero su narrativa es muy lenta y cargada con mucha información que hace que los capítulos se sientan pesados y aburridos por lo que cuesta continuarlo, además lo emocionante y picante entre ellos se hace esperar mucho cayendo en un slow burn.
No me quejo que el romance sea en slow burn porque está muy apegado a la realidad y las circunstancias, pero lo que me hubiera gustado para hacer más dinámica la trama y relación es que tuviera muchos más diálogos entre ellos que tanto pensamiento introspectivo, pero bueno sirvió para conocerlos más a fondo y entender muchas de sus acciones, miedos y sentimientos durante toda su interacción, y si estás buscando sus partes picantes puede que te decepciones porque son muy escasas y cortas.
Me gustó que te mostrara que sucede entre ellos después de sus “vacaciones”, aunque de una forma resumida en cada capítulo, pero sinceramente ayuda a darle más forma a la relación y no quedar todo a la imaginación, ahora los temas que envuelven como padre soltero, inseguridades, transgresiones son muy interesantes y reales con los que puedes llegar a conectar, pero algunos fueron poco desarrollados. El final le da un cierre y resolución a varios problemas planteados por lo que me gustó.
¿Lo recomiendo? Sí estás buscando algo medio tranquilo, con temas reales y profundos y un romance en slow burn con una pequeña diferencia de edad entre un padre soltero, billonario y alegre y una joven con varios problemas de confianza y huraña, pero que te hace reír por lo que le pasa pues este puede ser el libro que buscas, ahora para mí no es el mejor, ni el más picante y entretenido que he leído, pero tiene una trama y temas que llaman la atención que al final valen la pena leerlo.
Everything that lingers es autoconclusivo, que nos adentra en la historia de Brent y Grace quienes se conocen de forma inusual al haber rentado la misma casa en las montañas para pasar un tiempo a solas y fuera de su problemática realidad, ya que Brent es un padre soltero, guapo y billonario que está luchando por la custodia de su hija y con un matrimonio fracasado y Grace está luchando con demonios de su infancia y la muerte de su madre, así que el destino los une para explorar un posible futuro juntos, pero sus personalidades no se los pondrá fácil.
El libro es corto, con un inicio lento en donde se enfoca en contextualizarte sobre la vida, pasados y ciertos problemas de cada uno, lo cual es una parte importante, pero su narrativa es muy lenta y cargada con mucha información que hace que los capítulos se sientan pesados y aburridos por lo que cuesta continuarlo, además lo emocionante y picante entre ellos se hace esperar mucho cayendo en un slow burn.
No me quejo que el romance sea en slow burn porque está muy apegado a la realidad y las circunstancias, pero lo que me hubiera gustado para hacer más dinámica la trama y relación es que tuviera muchos más diálogos entre ellos que tanto pensamiento introspectivo, pero bueno sirvió para conocerlos más a fondo y entender muchas de sus acciones, miedos y sentimientos durante toda su interacción, y si estás buscando sus partes picantes puede que te decepciones porque son muy escasas y cortas.
Me gustó que te mostrara que sucede entre ellos después de sus “vacaciones”, aunque de una forma resumida en cada capítulo, pero sinceramente ayuda a darle más forma a la relación y no quedar todo a la imaginación, ahora los temas que envuelven como padre soltero, inseguridades, transgresiones son muy interesantes y reales con los que puedes llegar a conectar, pero algunos fueron poco desarrollados. El final le da un cierre y resolución a varios problemas planteados por lo que me gustó.
¿Lo recomiendo? Sí estás buscando algo medio tranquilo, con temas reales y profundos y un romance en slow burn con una pequeña diferencia de edad entre un padre soltero, billonario y alegre y una joven con varios problemas de confianza y huraña, pero que te hace reír por lo que le pasa pues este puede ser el libro que buscas, ahora para mí no es el mejor, ni el más picante y entretenido que he leído, pero tiene una trama y temas que llaman la atención que al final valen la pena leerlo.
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