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: Novella, Romance

180 pages, Paperback

Published April 8, 2025

Reviews

[Lacy Goldstein · 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.

[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.

[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 · 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!

[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 Lee Reads · 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!!

[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!

[jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rayne by Carly Wilson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Small town
Coming of age
Second chance
Dual POV

This book was beautifully written. It just felt pretty. I really felt like these characters were meant to be. I think it takes a really talented author to make you feel that in such a short amount of time, especially when the characters aren't even together for a good amount of the book.

[Kathy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute young love story. It is well written and it is hart warming. Nice job Carly. Keep them coming.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not crying you are!!!! this fuck was such a cute feel good bug. I love the story. It’s what I call a perfect pallet cleanser. I love finding new Indie authors and I feel like this one did not miss the marks. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story 🫶🏼 Beautiful writing style!

[Reilly Deegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was seriously the cutest, small town romance ever! I read the whole book in an hour, I loved that it was a smaller book, because it wasn’t too information packed. I never got bored, and there was always something happening. I fell in love with the characters, and I started to feel like I was living in the book. This book was written, amazing, and I would highly suggest this to anybody who wants a comforting, small town romance!

[Ashli Grady · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great coming of age book! Great for teens!!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super sweet feel-good love story. Great for all ages. Loved that it was a short read with no unnecessary fluff.

[La'Shonda Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of first love, teenage love, hurt and love coming around again! Loved it

[Amanda Nevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town Tennessee Romance drew me in and kept me right there with Quenby and Briggs. They are a young couple that fall in love while Briggs takes a job at her and her Fathers ranch. Life pulls them apart. Can they find their way back to each other?
5 star read. Highly recommend.

[Vasilia Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet and a wonderful book!