Rayne

by Carly Wilson

Quenby Rayne is not your average teenage girl. Living in the smallest town in Tennessee, her life is far from complicated. It consists of riding her horse, long talks with her neighbor Dolores, and slow evenings on the porch.

That is, until Briggs, a seventeen-year-old-boy from Memphis, comes to work at her farm for the summer. Now, her days are filled with wishful thinking and sneaky romance.

What starts as infatuation quickly turns into a warm, lustful relationship. But can first love really last forever? Or is it just a summer fling?

Find out in this coming of age romance, Rayne.

Genres: Romance, Novella

180 pages, Paperback

Published April 8, 2025

Reviews

[Lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute story and super quick

[Katy Fann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute YA love story. Summer romance, first love. Wish it had been a little longer to really go more in depth with their feelings.

[Shelby Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indie author supporting an indie author here! I LOVED this novella and honestly wish it was a novel. I just wanted more of Quenby and Briggs. This is such a sweet, young adult, country romance. Very quick and easy read.

[Chelsea Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute and wholesome 💕

What a cute, wholesome little cowboy romance novel.

This story is about two young adults who fell in love as teenagers on her daddy’s ranch. Quenby is our FMC who fell hard for Briggs (our MMC), who came to work on the ranch as a teenager.

Briggs has a rough home life and is forced to return home and leave Quenby until next summer. A year goes by and he returns, until an unexpected event happens…. And they don’t speak for years.

Quenby has always aspired to compete in barrel racing, like her mom had. She decides to pursue this route and ends up reconnecting with Briggs.

No spice, just truly a cute love story with challenges along the way.

I also have to add that the author, Carly, is truly a delight. Go show her some love and read this short, cute cowboy romance about young love. This would be a great read for teenagers or young adults.

Recommend reading when you need a short, light, fluffy read to kick your feet to ❤️

[Kellie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute small town romance, that was a quick read. It was such a breath of fresh air and I really loved both Briggs and Quenby’s story. This story takes us from their teenage years to adulthood in such a quick time span, but it doesn’t lack in giving us their story. My heart hurt for Briggs and the what he had to deal with as a teen. Quenby is determined, ambitious and knows what she wants and will stop at nothing to get it. I loved this about her. So much time goes by and fast forward to the future. A horse competition brings them together once again. Their connection and chemistry never faded and it’s undeniable. But will they try to make it work? Will Briggs let her go again? This is what had my heart thumping until the bitter end. This was such a great, fun read and I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for future books. Her writing style was beautiful with great pacing giving the quick timelines within this.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt and Sweet

A very touching story about relationships , Love and how wonderful life can be when you set your pride aside. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Micah Kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carly Wilson reached out to me in my TikTok comment section and asked if I would read her novella, Rayne.

This small town western romance was definitely a great palate cleanser. I gave it 4.5 stars only because I wish it had been longer and expanded into a full novel I wanted to learn so much more about Quenby Rayne and Briggs.

I definitely recommend giving this book a read. You can find it on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.

[Liz_Dolphin70_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was such a heartwarming story about true love, finding your forever love no matter what obstacles life throws your way. I loved the vulnerability of the male main character and the beautiful relationship that develops between him and the female main character. I would recommend this book and will continue to read more from this Author!

[Nicole Gemme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rayne, Carly Wilson
4 stars

Indie Author Support!

This is a coming of age, small town, country, childhood, second chance type of romance.

This was a fast paced love story that left you loving the characters and rooting for them. This story truly shows that distance makes the heart grow fonder and that if it is meant to be it’ll be.

My only gripe is I wish it was a tad longer. The author did a great job and can’t wait to read more of her work!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute sweet story that touched on a hard topic. I enjoyed the relationship and character building. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

[Toriii Suarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kicked off my day with "Rayne," and honestly, I couldn't put it down. I've never managed to finish a book in less than 24 hours before! The setting took me back to my childhood days on my grandma’s farm in Preston Hollow, New York, and I was completely drawn in. The story moved at a great pace, and even though it's only 176 pages, I never felt rushed or like I missed any character details. I could see everything unfolding in my mind as I read.

The love story between Quenby Reign, and Briggs felt genuine, course, innocent, and totally captivating. I could feel the child like crush grow into a life long love as I read on. The responsibility and weight on Briggs’s shoulders but the grief and walls of protection from loss around Quenby— ah no words.

Hands down, my favorite character was Dolores. Her wisdom and friendship were woven throughout the story, really tying everything together in such a beautiful way. The idea that everyone deserves a Dolores in their life, at some point hit home for me—it made me think of my own Madeline.

Now, I'm hoping this gets turned into a movie, and I can't wait to read more from Carly. Her writing style is fantastic, and I’ll definitely be jumping on any future books she puts out!

[Emily Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No Spice 🫶

This was such a cute and enjoyable novella! It is a Young Adult romance novella, so no spice! I love the connection between Briggs and Quenby! This story follows the two from age 16/17 during a summer, then into a following summer, and then many years later! 🌷

I felt like this story was honest and true to a summer romance! The insta love that took place is so cute too! I’m a sucker for insta love, because I feel like that does just happen sometimes and it’s not told in stories enough! 🤠

The only thing I wanted out of this book was MORE! I wanted more of their relationship because it was so cute! I wanted more of their little banter, their dates, their relationship growing. However, this is a novella and I know with that, the story is shorter to accommodate that. But they were too cute to not want MORE of their relationship🥹

If you have yet to read this novella, please do! It’s available on KU and Amazon!

Tropes:
🐎 Young Adult, no spice
🐎 Insta Love
🐎 small town
🐎 Dual POV
🐎 Time skipping

[Paige Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rayne by Carly Wilson is a sweet, heartfelt romance about first love, growth, and finding your forever person.

The story follows Quenby, a young woman living a simple life in the small town of Cottage Grove, TN, with her father and beloved horse, Dusty. Her world shifts when Briggs comes to work on their farm for the summer. Both teenagers, they are drawn to each other despite personal struggles and circumstances that keep them apart.

The book captures the innocence and excitement of young love beautifully. Quenby’s devotion to her family, her horse, and her small-town life felt real and relatable, while Briggs’ backstory added depth and emotion to their connection. The story moves quickly, making it an easy and satisfying read.

It’s a charming, wholesome romance that warms the heart and leaves you rooting for these two.

Overall: A sweet, fast-paced small-town romance that’s perfect for fans of first-love stories and coming-of-age romance.

[Laura De La Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love cutesy indie author reads! This was a quick read but life was LIFING!! I’m glad I finally finished it!

This was a super cute YA with some country vibes. I loved the sweet love story about Quenby & Briggs. I do wish we had more in depth writing on their relationship.

I definitely related to some of both main characters growing up and I absolutely LOVE when I can relate to characters in a book. Dolores was a hoot! lol Loved her!

Carly do a great job with this quick read and I am so glad to have met her on social media!

[bookish things96 · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Saying this was easily my favorite read of the year is an understatement. Rayne feels like a breath of fresh air.
The story follows 16-year-old Quenby and her quiet, simple life on her family’s farm in the smallest town in Tennessee. It’s just her, her dad, and plenty of four-legged companions. But one summer changes everything.
Quenby finds herself falling for Briggs—the boy her father hires to help out on the farm for the season. What unfolds is a tender coming-of-age story about first love, heartbreak, and the kind of summer that leaves a lasting mark.

[Mia Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugghhhhh this book had me in my feels🥹🥰
Miss Carly you know what you were doing when you wrote this one!!

Quenby Rayne has always lived her life on her small town farm in Tennessee. Her days were usually all about the same tending to the horses, school, and visiting her neighbor Dolores. This is untill the summer Briggs a boy from Memphis came to work on the farm. Now her days are spent with her new found fling. But can this last or is it just for the summer?

I need more of Quenby & Briggs the passion these two had for each other is addictive!! If you love a cowboy romance, friends to lovers, coming of age. This is everything you need and more!

[SavannahsBooktok · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a cute story. Young summer love between Quenby & Briggs. When Briggs comes to work on Quenby’s family farm for the summer, their friendship grows fast and all those butterflies to come along with it. The only problem is, he’s only there for the summer. Will their paths ever cross again?! Find out in this sweet & short coming of age book. This is such a cute story for YA or if you need a pallet cleaner in between books. Perfect for all the special people in your life 15 and up .

[Karlie Hof · Rating 4 out of 5]

i was so kindly sent this book by the author and i was not disappointed! Rayne was a light and easy read and at times had me giggling and kicking my feet. i felt that it had a heartwarming message to follow your dreams and love loudly. the characters were sweet and i couldn’t help but falling in love with all of them. overall, a great read and first book by carly wilson!!

[Madi Bready · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet and wholesome coming-of-age romance. The author really puts you in each characters shoes through shifting perspectives and vivid imagery. I felt like I was 15 and experiencing my first love all over again ♥️ loveable characters, sweet and easily digestible storyline, and swoon-worthy plot payoffs. Highly recommend!

[Kamryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75! this book felt like a first love! I adored how we got to see Quenby and Briggs fall in love, fall apart, and come back to each other. Such a sweet and heartfelt YA novella! Small town, second chance, and all the first love feels.

I enjoyed that is was dual POV and took place in many years of their life so we got to watch them grow! Such a sweet novella

[Amber Arehart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Went into this book blind and I loved it!! I was so emotionally invested in Quenby Rayne and her development as a character. The love story between her and Briggs was so incredible and beautifully written! I loved picking up on the metaphors throughout the book that really made the love story feel complete. As Carly Wilson’s debut book, I fell in love and cannot wait to read more from her!

[Ashley Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful love story

This book was beautifully written and was an easy read. The relationship between these two was amazing and I found myself unable to stop reading . I absolutely loved this book

[Jess Malek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cutest book with the cutest ending ever! Such a great fun and easy read.

[Mara Michalski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing writing and beautiful story telling!! I can’t wait to hear more from this author!

[jassy lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

a cute small town romance! a very light & easy read.
as a long distance girly myself, certain parts of the story hit home 🥲

I only wish the book was a bit longer & that the romance had more of a slow burn

[Bumblebeekisses2 LeahB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rayne by Carly Wilson is one of those rare stories that feels universal something that can speak to both young readers and adults with equal grace. The writing has a gentle, poetic flow, like water weaving through stones, carrying moments of quiet reflection and unexpected strength.

What I loved most is how accessible it feels for most ages. Younger readers can appreciate its heart and imagery, while adults will find layers of meaning and nostalgia tucked between the lines. It’s a story about growth, hope, and the beauty of embracing life’s storms, told in a way that feels both comforting and profound.

This isn’t a book that shouts for attention it lingers softly, inviting you to slow down and listen. Rayne is a beautifully understated, heartfelt read that stays with you long after you’ve finished.

[Laurel Eliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a predictable but sweet little story, and for a new author it was really nice! i just wish it didn’t time jump so often, because i would’ve loved feeling more connected to the relationship, and since it was so short it was sort of hard to feel that way. i loved how the farm reminded me of my grandmas house!!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️

this book was really sweet and it was obvious that quenby and briggs were always meant to be.

i wish there was more of a slow burn and i would have liked to connect more with the characters, but i understand that it’s difficult to do that in a short story. i could definitely have read more as i did enjoy it☺️

also loved dusty🤭

[Sam Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It all started with once upon a time... in a small town called Cottage Grove."

Not my usual read, but I loved it. It hit all the marks for me on a sweet romance.

[Kyanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

very cute summer love story!