This Can't Be The End: A heart felt, steamy romance of right person, wrong time

by Harper Rae James

Ana-

I never expected to fall for someone like Knox—overconfident, a flirt, the kind of man who walks into a room and owns it without even trying. He saw through every wall I put up, pushed every button I had, and made me feel things I wasn’t ready for. Every moment with him was electric. Addicting. But just when I let myself believe in us, life had other plans.



Knox—

Losing baseball broke me. It wasn’t just a game—it was my future, my identity, the only thing I’d ever wanted. When it was ripped away, I stopped believing in anything, least of all myself. But then came Ana. She didn’t try to fix me. She saw me—all the shattered, angry, lost pieces—and somehow, without even meaning to, she stitched me back together.



Losing her once nearly destroyed me. Losing her again? Not an option. I’ve already let go of one dream. I won’t let go of her.

Genres: Romance

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Ashton Rohrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️To put this book into words feels almost impossible. I loved it so much; the characters, the plot, how easily I could relate to certain parts, etc. Quick read but the ending answered all of my questions even though I was a little sad to see there are no other books by this author, will definitely be on the lookout for more to come!!

[Cherie (Sassy Gigi) Wheatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I loved this book right from the beginning. The characters were so relatable. The book read so smooth, like watching a movie. A definite page turner. The way Ana and Knox helped each other in ways they both needed was very special. Their relationship was like a fairy tale…but when you least expect it, the universe can have something different in mind. I definitely recommend you read this book. It’s a beautiful love story

Knox: “but, spending time with you today…it’s like your helping to Stitch me back together, piece by piece”

[Lexine Fabela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured this book like a savage! I can’t wait until book 2 and 3 are here!

[Ryana Horton · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is an ARC review. I wanted to like this book so much but i just couldn't get into it. i think the characters and the plot could have been so good but it read very much like a wattpad novella. it just felt very rushed.

i can't imagine how much work was is put into writing, and then formatting a book which is why i hesitate to write this review. but i did read it through and felt that there were things i liked but unfortunately this one was just not for me.

[Noemi Meli · Rating 2 out of 5]

bro I just couldn’t get into this boooook. and I feel so bad for dnf-ing at 58% because I did receive this book as an ARC, but I’m just in a constant “wtf is going on?” and I can’t do it anymore.

I’m in a deeeeep reading funk now. I have no desire to find out how this ends 🥱

[Swiftiequeen420 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the writing and the spice was SO good. The love story between Ana and Knox was a fast love at first sight kind of love. They both immediately fell hard and fast. When Ana catches Knox in what looks to be a compromising situation she refuses to hear him out and they part ways but as fate would have it they are brought back together and they work together to rebuild what they had. Something tragic happens pulling them apart again but eventually they get their HEA and it was beautiful! This book made me feel lots of feels. It is told from both povs and throughout the present and the past. I loved this book and am already starting the 2nd one about both of their best friends! 👀😍😍

[Shipra Arora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a arc and how much I loved it this book is written by Harper Rae james and it was her debut novel but I highly doubt it ...that is it actually her debut novel because it was so good ....so on point ....her writings just like a professional writer who has written multiple books through out her life ...
the spice level of this book is too good for me generally.... books are not able to match my Spice level because sometimes it's too much and sometimes less but her Spice level was on point I love the story I love the hero I love the heroine it's so cliche to call them that but they were actually the hero and heroine of this story I love the writing I love the small cute things...
I highly love the usage of flashbacks to make the story more than interesting.... coz i was so in doubt about rike in the beginning then it all started to make sense ........ buttt i love how harper has shown how much vulnerable Knox was how much insecure.... he was ....I loved how they show ANA being unapologetically herself she was proud of what she was but then she fell in love and it changed ...in love she became a different human because now she was looking at her with the eyes of knox.... not herself I love the character of Blake she is the best friend anyone can ask for and I can see that there is going to be a sequel of cash and blake I hope it come soon because I love it so much and I can't wait to read more of her writings... you know i specifically don't read acknowledgements of books but her acknowledgement the last line where she thank her parents because they we so supportive as she wrote that it's not normal thing for your parents to appreciate you for writing SMUT.....
So all in all i loved this book
5 stars out of 5
🌶🌶🌶🌶

[Khadija Hassim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading: This Can’t Be The End by @author.harper.rae.james

Thank you @good.girls.pr for the ARC

📚 Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult

📖 Tropes: Second Chance Romance, Dual POV, Emotional Angst, Fated Love, Memory & Fate

🚨 Trigger Warnings: Grief, Loss, Trauma, Depression, Hospital visits

In This Can’t Be The End, @author.harper.rae.james delivers an emotional and gut-wrenching love story about lost chances, heartbreak, and the fight for a second chance. Knox and Ana’s journey is one of passion, pain, and fate intervening at the most unexpected moments.

From the very first chapter, we’re thrown into Knox’s turmoil as he grapples with tragedy, his mind consumed by memories of Ana—the woman who once stitched him back together. Now, as she lies unconscious, his recollections reach her, stirring something deep within. As their love story unfolds through past and present moments, we witness the intensity of their connection and the weight of the choices that tore them apart.

The chemistry between Knox and Ana is electric, a love story that is both beautiful and devastating. The push and pull of their relationship, the aching nostalgia, and the emotional depth make this novel impossible to put down. The dual POV allows us to see both perspectives—the longing, the regret, and the desperate hope that maybe, just maybe, fate will give them another shot.

@author.harper.rae.james writing is lyrical and immersive, pulling readers into the depths of Knox and Ana’s emotions. If you love deeply emotional romances that explore love, loss, and the power of memories, This Can’t Be The End will leave you breathless.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#BookReview #RomanceBooks #SecondChanceRomance #EmotionalReads

[Krystyna Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the very first loop of the thread she'd weave that would eventually pull me back together.

*Thank you to Good Girls PR & the author Harper Rae James for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.*

Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This book is a little hard for me to leave a review for. The first half was great, a little rushed but the story and characters were there and setting up to be great. When it got to about the second half, it's like the entire story was too rushed to come to an end, and I started to struggle to really connect again.

The characters and their stories were really great. Knox and his complexity and backstory were really raw and real. It was strongly integrated throughout the entire book, which was really great. It was really humanizing to his storyline with all of the layers he had. Ana was set up to be a great FMC, but the second half of this book was kind of where her character storyline fell really flat for me.

The biggest thing for me in this book was the miscommunication trope. I know a lot of people do not have a problem with it, and normally it doesn't bother me, but it was almost too much. It was really drawn out to the point where it ruined the plotline for me, and I think made it seem more rushed at the end because of it. This book had a really great potential honestly. It was set up like a wattpad read, which honestly can sometimes be so great. But it seemed as if the author was just sweeping stuff together to get to the end, where if we just took a tiny little bit more time and made it a little longer, everything could have been tied up together soooooo nicely in this. The story is still great and I know might be a really great read for others. I'm interested to see how the next book plays out though!

[⚜️Heather-Christine⚜️ Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Spice-🌶️🌶️
Pacing-⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Chemistry-🔥🔥🔥🔥
Dialogue-🧨🧨🧨

I finished this book in 24 hours I couldn’t put it down. If you liked the book The Choice by Nicholas Sparks I feel like this one is right up your alley.

I really loved Ana and Knox’s story. Knox had such an unconventional start as a main character battling addiction and trying to piece his life together when Ana enters at the exact right time. It gave very much (transfer addiction) she became his next hyper fixation, but it helped him in the right way. Their connection felt instant, raw, and real, and I loved how fast they jumped into everything. One of the things Harper Rae James does so well is dialogue. There’s so much interaction between characters that it made the story feel alive and constantly moving. I was fully immersed and definitely not expecting the plot twist when it hit…it added so much tension!

Another thing I really appreciated was the fight between Ana and Knox. It wasn't your typical third-act breakup (a trope I’m honestly tired of). Instead, the conflict happened earlier, which gave the story space to actually develop instead of just reconciling in the 4th act and then immediate HEA. I hate that.

And the ending? So satisfying. What got me the most, though, was how deep down Knox always loved Ana. Even when it seemed like he was moving on, that love was there, buried under all the chaos. It made their journey feel even more powerful.

This book gave me all the feels, and I’ll definitely be reading more from Harper Rae James. ❤️

[Ashlley · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝘾𝙖𝙣'𝙩 𝘽𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙀𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙚
★★☆☆☆

Thank you, Harper and Good Girls PR for the ARC ♡

As much as I wanted to love this one, I found myself struggling to stay connected for the most part. I really enjoyed the first half, but the second half felt a bit rushed, and I started to lose the flow of the story.

I did really like Knox’s character. He’s complex and flawed in such a raw and real way. It wasn’t just a quick mention of his issues—they were woven throughout the book, and I appreciated how his struggles were explored. It made him feel more human, and I love seeing characters with layers like that.

However, the miscommunication trope threw me off. While I can usually tolerate it, it felt a bit overdone here. It was a bit frustrating and made the plot feel more rushed than it needed to be. I think some plot points could’ve been fleshed out a little more, which would’ve added more depth to the overall story.

But overall, I see the potential here, and I know others will definitely enjoy it. Just because it didn’t fully click for me doesn't mean it won’t for someone else!

[Alexandria Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

🧡✨ Book 1 Spotlight: This Can’t Be the End ✨🧡
📖 by Harper Rae James
🎯 Book 2 (This Time Around) hits May 28th — and y’all, if you haven’t met Knox yet… FIX IT. 👀

This debut?? Ate. Left no crumbs.
I’m talking emotional wreckage, swoon-worthy spice, and a love story that hurts so good.

Knox was cocky, broody, and broken — and Ana? She saw every messy piece and loved him anyway�� until life flipped the script and ripped them apart. 💔

✨ The angst? Premium.
✨ The flashbacks? Flawless.
✨ The chemistry? You’ll need a fan.
✨ The heartbreak? MAJOR.
✨ The spice? Seasoned just right. 🌶️

“You are more than I could have ever deemed myself worthy… You are it for me.” — OKAY, I’M IN SHAMBLES 😭

This story is messy, raw, and real. They fight. They fall. They fumble — but if you’ve ever believed in second chances, this book is going to wreck you in the best way. 🥹

🫶 Perfect for fans of:
– Second-chance romance
– He-falls-first energy
– Emotional rollercoasters
– Surprise pregnancy
– Characters who grow (and make you sob while doing it)

AND YES—Book 2 is coming. So read this one now, cry with me, and let’s prepare to be emotionally destroyed again. 💅

[Yana Lately · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was short, had a ton of sweet moments, and was packed with so many heartbreaks.

Knox discovered that he could no longer play baseball due to an elbow injury. He underwent several surgeries to repair the damaged tissues, which ultimately led to an opioid addiction. After countless therapy sessions and interventions, he managed to stay clean for 10 months. One night, while attending a concert with his roommate, he felt himself on the verge of spiraling back into addiction, but then he noticed Ana. Her presence somehow made Knox forget all his troubles and hardships, prompting him to pursue her. Although Ana was initially a tough nut to crack, he was fortunate enough to maintain her interest.

I’m not particularly fond of the miscommunication trope, but I did enjoy their story. Their second chance was so worth it because it seemed like fate and time were never in their favor for the first half of their relationship.

Thank you to Good Girls PR for an ARC of this title. All opinions are my own.

[Merrit Townsend (always1morebook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Can't Be the End is book one in the Twist of Fate Series. While this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. Each book will follow a different couple in a shared world

Why you will love this book:
-Dual POV's
-Past and present timeline
-Redemption Arc
-Right Person, Wrong Time
-Miscommunication
-Second Chances
-Mental Health Rep/Addiction

This story was very unique. it is told through the eyes of both characters (Knox and Ana) so you get a better understanding of where each is coming from and why they do what they do. It is also told in a past/present timeline. There were times I was very frustrated with Fox and Ana's actions. I sometimes have to remember that they were very young when they met so there is not always decisions made that I agreed with. We do get an HEA but man do these characters go through hell to get there. There was a time in the story where I wasn't sure if we were going to get an HEA but rest assured, Harper took care and gave us the ending we all needed.

[book_queen_forever · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟🌟🌟

This was a easy short read! The story follows Ana & Knox two young adults finding their selves in the world, when a surprise encounter happens and they meet.

The story switches between the past and present, Ana & Knox were the definition of right person, wrong time, epic love, other part of a missing soul, that’s the kind of love story they had!! But time and fate were never on their side.

It was a enjoyable story, it’s a little rough and rushed around some edges but I think it adds to the charm of the story.

I did enjoy the characters developments throughout the story, mostly Knox’s character. He was written well and his character development was the best in maturing through the story. Ana was frustrating at times to connect with, but as the story went on, her character became more wiser and likeable. And together they had such great chemistry.

All around it was a good story, it was easy and short, it held up well and was written very nicely.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

I loved this so much!

Knox and Ana meet at her workplace when he feels like things won't get better for him. But watching him fall for her at first glance and then going through the heartbreak with him 😭🫣 my heart ❤️.

It does remind me of wattpad BUT there are a lot of great reads that came off of that website and I'd be proud of that comparison 👏.

I loved the banter and the chemistry between both characters. I loved the suspense. Being able to read their story of how they came to be and then where they were now and how they got there 😭👏🫢 im in love ❤️ 😍

I have never been one for breakups but I felt that maybe theirs was necessary, sometimes you need to let go to grow and if it comes back then you know (in the wise words of Marques Houston).

The ending though 🫢👏👏👏👏👏 perfecto! Buenisimo!!!!! Encore!! They are so perfect together ❤️. He was there for everything and he wasn't going to leave her side.... that's true love.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Can't Be the End by Harper Rae James was an emotional rollercoaster—and I loved every second of the ride.

The story follows Knox, who has just discovered that his dream of playing professional baseball is over due to an injury. While trying to numb the pain, he meets Ana at a club, and for him, it’s love at first sight. Ana, on the other hand, swore she’d never fall for a cocky guy like Knox—but his charm eventually wins her over. However, one misunderstanding leads to heartbreak and a surprise ending you won’t see coming.

I read this book in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. You’re going to fall in love with these characters—and at times, you might be frustrated with them too.

This story does touch on sensitive topics like addiction and infidelity, so if those are triggering for you, please proceed with caution.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this book sucked me in immediately is insane. From the get-go, I needed to know what happened with Ana. Knox and Ana fall hard and fast, and life didn’t play fair…on several occasions.
Knox is dealing with his addiction issues after dealing with a career-ending injury, leading to the misuse of substances. Ana is ultimately the one who pulls him from his own demons, even if she doesn’t realize it. His nickname for her is too fucking precious, honestly.
I had started this one, as I was reading book 3 for an arc, and felt I was missing some nuances, and realizing pretty quickly how much I enjoyed Harper’s writing style, here we are starting from the beginning. This book was really great, even if it did break my heart before 8 am… but I guess I am the one to blame.
I can’t wait to see what happens with the next two!

[Kaitlin James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knox and Ana captivated me from the start. Knox is struggling with losing his dream career and when he meets Ana she “stitches” him back together. Ana doesn’t put up with any drama and has a hard time resisting Knox. Like any romance, things gets complicated. I wanted to scream and throw the book at times and tell them to stop being dumb and just be together!

I love how the author uses flashbacks to tell us the story of Knox and Ana. By showing us the little details that made them fall in love, I was really able to connect to the story! They were finally able to realize their feeling for each other due to a horrible accident.

This book was an amazing read and I highly recommend checking it out when it is published on March 4th. Thank you Good Girls PR for the Advanced copy!

[Cheryl Huber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 stars 🌟

So happy I was finally feeling well enough to give my full attention to reading and used this book to bring me back to life 😩

This book was so well written and paced so well! It absolutely tore my heart to shreds so prepare your tissues and your wine!! Our FMC is Ana, who is very loyal and struggles with trust issues, for a valid reason. And Knox is our MMC with a little bit of a dark past who falls head over heels for Ana instantly. I will not be giving any spoilers for the story because I think that it is so much more impactful going into this book without any knowledge of it, but I will say that I CANNOT recommend this book enough.

Please support this wonderful author @author.harper.rae.james and read this book and the sequel ‘This Time Around’ available now 🤗🫶🏻

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was instantly hooked by the past-to-present timeline, which gave so much depth and clarity to the story.

The opening chapters had me gasping because there’s a twist early on that totally threw me and had my mind spinning in the best way!

What truly made this book stand out was the growth between the characters. Their relationship wasn’t easy. There were so many trials and heartaches but the way they fought through it all made their love even more powerful.

And let’s talk about the male main character… I was OBSESSED with how obsessed he was with her. His devotion, his protectiveness, the way he showed up for her over and over again…he had me melting. & this book had the right amount of spice that I love. They are for sure one of my favorite couples.

[Samantha Helsper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying I’m a big fan of Blink 182 so the way they are incorporated into this book makes it even better!
I loved this book so much. I loved the flipping back and forth between past and present time. But man let me tell you, I cried! I was not expecting the ending. I expected something big to have happened to the FMC but not that… it broke my heart the way it all happened. But i have to say the ending truly was wonderful! I didn’t see that ending coming but I’m glad I didn’t. Because it made the book even better. I will definitely be reading more by this author, especially in this series!!

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harper is really good at telling a story with real life scenarios about trial and tribulations.

Anna had to learn how to trust and communicate. She did keep a secret from Knox and it was a big secret which she eventually told him. This cause some trust issues. She also had to learn to stop and listen and not assume.

Knox had some really bad issues he had to work through and was in the process of working through when he met Anna. Again communication was not there in the beginning .

Anna and Knox had to learn to find who they were truly and grow before they can truly learn to forgive.

[Alyssa Trujillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely incredible! The MMC is just what you would want in a man, Knox Reed would do anything and everything for the woman he loves and does it with his whole heart. The love story between Knox & Ana kept me drawn in the entire book, the tension, passion, and connection they have is so captivating. I felt all the emotions while reading this book and I couldn’t stop turning the pages!

This book shows you how fragile time is and to really cherish your loved ones and hold them close! I loved it so much and will definitely be reading it again!

[Erin Saulpaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, simple read. I honestly don't know what to say. It was a good book. I'm glad I read it. I read a lot of dark romance, and I absolutely love it. Don't get me wrong. But books like This Can't Be The End are a perfect pallet cleanser for when I finish the really dark book. I just want a feel-good love story that's lower on the drama/action. This helps me reset and check on my mental health. Depending on how I feel, if I feel more depressed or cold about things, I will take a longer break in between dark books. I'm sure I didn't explain it very well, but it works for me.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded to 4 ⭐️

This is not a book I normally would have picked up, but I'm glad I did!

Full transparency, I actually picked it up as I was selected to be an ARC reader for book 2 and figured I'd give book 1 a shot before diving into the ARC.

I was not expecting such a devastatingly beautiful book. I wanted to know what happened so badly that I happily kept opening the pages to dive back in.

This had tropes I'm honestly not fond of, but the author did a wonderful job of bringing everything back full circle and I still very much enjoyed myself

[Janelle McFadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked instantly!

This book had me hooked instantly. I could not put it down and finished it in 3 sits.
I felt every emotion the characters did because of how well written it was. There was excitement, heartache, sadness, tragedy, and yearning. I truly enjoyed this story because it felt realistic within the romance, unlike other romance books. These characters are so relatable as if they could be people in our ordinary lives. I cannot wait to read more from this author!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading dual timelines and how love has to be worked for. Ana and Knox were interesting to read about, I enjoyed the story although this wasn’t my favorite trope to read. I’m not fond of miscommunication and that was slightly hard for me to get through. But I love that they were able to work through their imperfections and gave their love a chance.

Thank you Good Girls PR for giving me the opportunity for this ARC.

[Fairlyoddreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

(ARC) Ana and Knox had a love that could not be ignored! I’m usually not a flash back and forth reader but in this book it worked really well and added a lot to the story. This book was a true definition of right person, wrong time and included very important topics as well. Over all a good story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

Thank you Harper and GoodGirlsPR for the ARC and congratulations on your debut novel! I can’t wait to see what you write next!

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

All day long absolutely yes, I will love this book!

1. Public play? Yes please (could have been more but I digress)!
2. The character growth. Yes.
3. The way the author talks about love. Nailed it!

I couldn’t put this book down! I can’t wait to read more about Knox and Ana in the Christmas novella coming out! Riker was a total surprise for me but I was getting the feeling she was pregnant throughout the book! Note I will now forever love that name!