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Willow's Cove #1
Right Where You Left Me
JULIAN
I never believed in fate until it brought Camilla back to Willow’s Cove. After spending six years thinking of her every single day, it felt like I’d finally gotten a break from the universe when we were put under the same roof for a week. The question I kept asking myself was, did I want to be selfish by trying to undo the past, or let her go for good?
CAMILLA
After reading endless books and watching every rom-com under the sun, I always wondered how people fell in love with two people, but that summer, I found out how easy it was. The choice was laid out in front of me—Julian, who was part of my past I thought I’d left behind, and Greyson, a part of a future I thought I was sure of.
I never believed in fate until it brought Camilla back to Willow’s Cove. After spending six years thinking of her every single day, it felt like I’d finally gotten a break from the universe when we were put under the same roof for a week. The question I kept asking myself was, did I want to be selfish by trying to undo the past, or let her go for good?
CAMILLA
After reading endless books and watching every rom-com under the sun, I always wondered how people fell in love with two people, but that summer, I found out how easy it was. The choice was laid out in front of me—Julian, who was part of my past I thought I’d left behind, and Greyson, a part of a future I thought I was sure of.
282 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2025
106 people are currently reading
1385 people want to read
About the author
Lana Vargas
3 books183 followersLana Vargas is a Mexican-American Romance Author who resides in California. With her debut novel Summer in Phoenix landing her in the top 40 on Amazon, followed by her Sophomore novel The Darkness that Follows Us landing in the top 20 and winning Best Romance Novel in the Literary Romance category from Wolf Media Festival, she is proof that anyone can make their dreams a reality. She plans to continue to show women that we all deserve great love stories one book at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
April 14, 2025
i had a pleasure of beta reading this book back in february and it was so good! i recommend to people who love second chance, the summer i turned pretty vibes and small beach town! ✨ i love the characters and i can’t wait for everyone to read it once it releases
May 10, 2025
“if you’re ever back in Willow’s Cove, I’ll be right where you left me.”
I had the pleasure and honor of being one of the beta readers of this book and now after finishing the ARC, it hit even harder.
Mila and Julian ❤️🩹 I loved the emotions Julian showed. His patience and love speaks volumes. His YEARNING. His kept promises.
HE RENOVATED THE HOUSE IN EVERY DETAIL SHE WANTED. Can he be real please? Only for me?!!
This was real romance. The family struggles, daddy issues, and older sibling guilt were so real and relatable. I felt so seen and heard.
LANAAAA 😭😭😭 She knows how to pull your heart strings with second chances ❤️🩹
I will eat up any chilhood love and second chance romance she writes!
Mila and Julian are so Gracie Abrams and Taylor Swift coded I cannot!! There were so many references i loved and squealed once i realized 🤭
For me, I can’t do love triangles cause I always feel so terrible for the other person. But all characters were written so well, how can you hate one of them or even pick sides?! I’m honestly not bluffing because im biased and I love Lana but this was written so well. The structure of the book going from present to past was so good. She captured your attention where all you wanted was to turn the next page and get to the next chapter to find out what really happened. And hello? the ending sentences for every chapter CHEFS KISS no seriously. so good. every chapter.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and get to know the rest of Willow Cove’s beloved residents or visitors ;)
I had the pleasure and honor of being one of the beta readers of this book and now after finishing the ARC, it hit even harder.
Mila and Julian ❤️🩹 I loved the emotions Julian showed. His patience and love speaks volumes. His YEARNING. His kept promises.
HE RENOVATED THE HOUSE IN EVERY DETAIL SHE WANTED. Can he be real please? Only for me?!!
This was real romance. The family struggles, daddy issues, and older sibling guilt were so real and relatable. I felt so seen and heard.
LANAAAA 😭😭😭 She knows how to pull your heart strings with second chances ❤️🩹
I will eat up any chilhood love and second chance romance she writes!
Mila and Julian are so Gracie Abrams and Taylor Swift coded I cannot!! There were so many references i loved and squealed once i realized 🤭
For me, I can’t do love triangles cause I always feel so terrible for the other person. But all characters were written so well, how can you hate one of them or even pick sides?! I’m honestly not bluffing because im biased and I love Lana but this was written so well. The structure of the book going from present to past was so good. She captured your attention where all you wanted was to turn the next page and get to the next chapter to find out what really happened. And hello? the ending sentences for every chapter CHEFS KISS no seriously. so good. every chapter.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and get to know the rest of Willow Cove’s beloved residents or visitors ;)
May 15, 2025
ARC REVIEW
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 stars
TROPES
🌊Second chance
🌊Small coastal/beach town
🌊Friends to strangers to friends to lovers
🌊‘It’s always been you’
🌊HEA (happy ever after)
I want to write this review for everyone. Spoiler free and Spoilers (which will only be quotes)
I want to thank Lana for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. Lana is one of my favourite authors. Easy with no hesitation. When I read Lana’s other books ‘Summer in Phoenix’ and ‘The darkness that follows us’ and absolutely LOVE them I knew I needed to read this book. As soon as I downloaded it to my kindle and read the dedication ‘To all the hopeless romantics who hide away. The world is waiting for you whenever you’re ready.’ I knew it was going to be a book I deeply connected to and woahhh was I right. Julian and Camilla’s dynamic was SO perfect and adorable. I loved the small town beach town vibes going on. Lana’s books are such a perfect length they’re not dragged out but not rushed either just purely perfection. I loved every single character I was reading about and I cannot wait to read every single one of Lana’s future books. The prologue was SO captivating that instantly I needed to read on. I read this book in one day because I simply could not put it down. I will 100% be buying a physical copy as soon as I can. This book is for the hopeless romantics. The ones who are afraid to be loved and also to love others because they know it will hurt them. This is for us. I genuinely find it hard to bring words to this book because it’s just simply that good my words CANNOT justify how amazing it is. I BEG everyone reading this review to read this book. You will not regret it.
PLAYLIST FOR RWYLM (made by me- Lana also has a playlist linked in her instagram bio)
🔗 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/579...
QUOTES⚠️(POSSIBLE SPOILERS)⚠️
The choice was laid out in front of me—Julian, who was part of the past I thought I’d left behind, and Greyson, a part of a future I thought I was sure of.
Neither of us knew it then, but I was hers from that day on.
When Camilla asked how long it’d been since we last saw each other, I lied when I said I lost count. It had been two thousand, two hundred and fifty-seven days.
I stayed in the same spot until the sun rose that morning, thinking of everything I should have confessed, not knowing how different everything would have played out if I had.
“I don’t get it. You read all these romance books about a girl who’s so oblivious, she can’t see when the guy likes her, and yet, you can’t tell when one likes you.”
“I see the way you distance yourself from everyone else. Sometimes, I’m jealous I can’t do the same. People around me feel like plants put there just for looks. I can’t remember the last time I had a meaningful conversation with my friends. To answer your question: I’m showing you because you’re the first genuine person I’ve been around in a long time.”
“You’ve never been invisible to me, Camilla Vega.” I didn’t know it yet, but after he’d said those words, I was completely and utterly his.
Sometimes, it felt like we shared a brain.
“What’s your new favorite book?” She sank to the floor and let a smile spread across her face. “It’s still the same. You probably don’t remember—” “Persuasion by Jane Austen.” My quickness to answer made her lips part in shock, but how could I forget after spending most of our summer before junior year watching in awe as she read pages of it to me?
You can let her go back to her life in New York, or spend the rest of yours wishing you fought for her. You’ll be the only person to blame if you make the same mistake twice.”
At sixteen, there wasn’t much I was sure of, but I knew making that bet with Julian in English class was the best risk I’d taken.
After my service, I could’ve gone anywhere, but back home was the place that felt right.”
“There’s that look again. What was she? First love?” Bill asked. “More like the love.” Mila was everything. “I see. What happened between you two? Is she the one that got away, as they say?”
didn’t care for the trophy—I just wanted her. When she leaped off the ground into my arms and crushed her soft lips against mine, that was the real win.
Being close to her was a drug, and I chased the way she made my pulse pound like it was an addiction.
Maybe one day, you’ll write the story of us.”
“When I picture my future, it’s you, Mila. Wherever you go, I go.”
First loves were supposed to be beautiful, but no one warned me how shitty it would feel the moment it died.
“Because a life without you is meaningless.”
I would just have to love her the way I loved the waves at the cove—from afar.
“Maybe, in another life, we did it right.”
“Whatever you choose, my heart is yours whether you want it or not.”
“I really wish we could’ve done it right in this lifetime, Mila.”
I’m going to love you for the rest of my life, and no matter how many years pass, or who we become, if you’re ever back in Willow’s Cove, I’ll be right where you left me.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 stars
TROPES
🌊Second chance
🌊Small coastal/beach town
🌊Friends to strangers to friends to lovers
🌊‘It’s always been you’
🌊HEA (happy ever after)
I want to write this review for everyone. Spoiler free and Spoilers (which will only be quotes)
I want to thank Lana for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. Lana is one of my favourite authors. Easy with no hesitation. When I read Lana’s other books ‘Summer in Phoenix’ and ‘The darkness that follows us’ and absolutely LOVE them I knew I needed to read this book. As soon as I downloaded it to my kindle and read the dedication ‘To all the hopeless romantics who hide away. The world is waiting for you whenever you’re ready.’ I knew it was going to be a book I deeply connected to and woahhh was I right. Julian and Camilla’s dynamic was SO perfect and adorable. I loved the small town beach town vibes going on. Lana’s books are such a perfect length they’re not dragged out but not rushed either just purely perfection. I loved every single character I was reading about and I cannot wait to read every single one of Lana’s future books. The prologue was SO captivating that instantly I needed to read on. I read this book in one day because I simply could not put it down. I will 100% be buying a physical copy as soon as I can. This book is for the hopeless romantics. The ones who are afraid to be loved and also to love others because they know it will hurt them. This is for us. I genuinely find it hard to bring words to this book because it’s just simply that good my words CANNOT justify how amazing it is. I BEG everyone reading this review to read this book. You will not regret it.
PLAYLIST FOR RWYLM (made by me- Lana also has a playlist linked in her instagram bio)
🔗 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/579...
QUOTES⚠️(POSSIBLE SPOILERS)⚠️
The choice was laid out in front of me—Julian, who was part of the past I thought I’d left behind, and Greyson, a part of a future I thought I was sure of.
Neither of us knew it then, but I was hers from that day on.
When Camilla asked how long it’d been since we last saw each other, I lied when I said I lost count. It had been two thousand, two hundred and fifty-seven days.
I stayed in the same spot until the sun rose that morning, thinking of everything I should have confessed, not knowing how different everything would have played out if I had.
“I don’t get it. You read all these romance books about a girl who’s so oblivious, she can’t see when the guy likes her, and yet, you can’t tell when one likes you.”
“I see the way you distance yourself from everyone else. Sometimes, I’m jealous I can’t do the same. People around me feel like plants put there just for looks. I can’t remember the last time I had a meaningful conversation with my friends. To answer your question: I’m showing you because you’re the first genuine person I’ve been around in a long time.”
“You’ve never been invisible to me, Camilla Vega.” I didn’t know it yet, but after he’d said those words, I was completely and utterly his.
Sometimes, it felt like we shared a brain.
“What’s your new favorite book?” She sank to the floor and let a smile spread across her face. “It’s still the same. You probably don’t remember—” “Persuasion by Jane Austen.” My quickness to answer made her lips part in shock, but how could I forget after spending most of our summer before junior year watching in awe as she read pages of it to me?
You can let her go back to her life in New York, or spend the rest of yours wishing you fought for her. You’ll be the only person to blame if you make the same mistake twice.”
At sixteen, there wasn’t much I was sure of, but I knew making that bet with Julian in English class was the best risk I’d taken.
After my service, I could’ve gone anywhere, but back home was the place that felt right.”
“There’s that look again. What was she? First love?” Bill asked. “More like the love.” Mila was everything. “I see. What happened between you two? Is she the one that got away, as they say?”
didn’t care for the trophy—I just wanted her. When she leaped off the ground into my arms and crushed her soft lips against mine, that was the real win.
Being close to her was a drug, and I chased the way she made my pulse pound like it was an addiction.
Maybe one day, you’ll write the story of us.”
“When I picture my future, it’s you, Mila. Wherever you go, I go.”
First loves were supposed to be beautiful, but no one warned me how shitty it would feel the moment it died.
“Because a life without you is meaningless.”
I would just have to love her the way I loved the waves at the cove—from afar.
“Maybe, in another life, we did it right.”
“Whatever you choose, my heart is yours whether you want it or not.”
“I really wish we could’ve done it right in this lifetime, Mila.”
I’m going to love you for the rest of my life, and no matter how many years pass, or who we become, if you’re ever back in Willow’s Cove, I’ll be right where you left me.”
September 28, 2025
This is a book I can read over and over again and never get tired of. The yearning in this book was incredibly intense. The first love of high school sweethearts sometimes never dies, and I love seeing it all play out.
Julian and Camilla are opposites in high school, but their bond was electric. When they graduated, they were supposed to start a life together across the country in New York… but Julian never made it there with her.
Camilla starts a successful life of becoming an author and finding her person- Greyson, who mended a broken heart he didn’t cause.
Camilla ends up back in her hometown… and he’s right where he left her… 😭💖
Julian and Camilla are opposites in high school, but their bond was electric. When they graduated, they were supposed to start a life together across the country in New York… but Julian never made it there with her.
Camilla starts a successful life of becoming an author and finding her person- Greyson, who mended a broken heart he didn’t cause.
Camilla ends up back in her hometown… and he’s right where he left her… 😭💖
May 17, 2025
My emotions were all over the place 😭🩷 I was aggravated, happy, sad, (in the best ways) this story was told so beautifully and I love how we saw the growth throughout this entire book. It was perfectly paced and the ending had me torn and confused, just like Camilla Vega HAHA! I’m obsessed and I can’t wait to read more books from Lana
July 3, 2025
5⭐️
If you are a lover of second chance romances you HAVE to read this book. I was not able to rest until I read the entire book, I literally had to stay up all night till the morning because I could not get enough of Camilla and Julian.
It's a small beach town, friends to strangers to lovers, "It's always been you", like yes please!
This book hit hard. The MMC Julian’s patience, and understanding and complete love he had for Camilla omg my stomach was dipping and turning the entire time I felt like I was right there in some of the moments with them. The way the author was able to describe the emotions was so good. This man YEARNED and that is literally what is needed in the romance book community. And the grand gesture Julian did in the book, ahhh so sweet!
There was real emotion, real love, real swoon romance, real family issues and struggles, real heartbreak, real angst, just real. If you don't love second chance romance this will make you fall in love.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC ! 🫶🏾
If you are a lover of second chance romances you HAVE to read this book. I was not able to rest until I read the entire book, I literally had to stay up all night till the morning because I could not get enough of Camilla and Julian.
It's a small beach town, friends to strangers to lovers, "It's always been you", like yes please!
This book hit hard. The MMC Julian’s patience, and understanding and complete love he had for Camilla omg my stomach was dipping and turning the entire time I felt like I was right there in some of the moments with them. The way the author was able to describe the emotions was so good. This man YEARNED and that is literally what is needed in the romance book community. And the grand gesture Julian did in the book, ahhh so sweet!
There was real emotion, real love, real swoon romance, real family issues and struggles, real heartbreak, real angst, just real. If you don't love second chance romance this will make you fall in love.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC ! 🫶🏾
September 11, 2025
Okay so this may be the first second chance romance (my favorite trope of all time) where I actually hoped she would choose the other guy. I liked it for the first 70% and then it felt like nothing but “trying too hard” writing and some really cheesy lines.
July 31, 2025
This book is the perfect summer romance! The author Lana Vargas describes it as a crossover between The Notebook and TSITP and it definitely is! I saw a lot of similarities to The Notebook which I'm fine with because I love that movie. It was also a quick introduction, which is perfect because I hate slow burns. This is also a dual timeline and dual pov, which I loved because it was so much easier to understand that way. Definitely recommend :)
June 18, 2025
The writing of their love was so developed and lovely that you can't help but root for them! There was a third party, which I didn't hate but felt bad for. I wish they weren't involved so much in the book. I wanted more time with my characters! I would read another book from them because I want to read about them more!!
BUT ANYWAY, READ THIS, IT'S THE PERFECT SUMMER ROMANCE BOOK.
4.25⭐️
BUT ANYWAY, READ THIS, IT'S THE PERFECT SUMMER ROMANCE BOOK.
4.25⭐️
June 27, 2025
4⭐️ I had the pleasure of receiving the ARC for this book, and I absolutely loved it!!! the writing was so captivating, and there was so much dialogue which made it so fast paced. the then and now timelines, both of our characters povs, the relationships between all of the characters were sooooo good! I was on my seat the entire time to find out what was going to happen in both the past and present timelines. I would HIGHLY recommend this, especially for a summer romance read!
June 8, 2025
ARC REVIEW: I absolutely loved this book!! I don’t normally love second chance romance but this was the best one I’ve read!! I love how we get to hear about Julian and Camilla’s relationship in high school!! Julian and Camilla are the absolute cutest!! I loved this book and thank you Lana for writing it!!🩷
May 20, 2025
A Cozy, Coastal Read with Heart
Here’s what I loved:
Authentic characters with emotional depth
The people in this story weren’t just placeholders—they were fully fleshed-out humans (for the most part). I found myself laughing along with them, cheering them on for their wins, squinting at their flaws, and smiling when they finally got it right.
Emotional beats that landed every time
Any frustration I had with a character’s decision-making was handled so well in the narrative. The author didn’t leave emotions hanging or rush past hard moments. Everything had its time to unfold—and the payoff felt honest.
Smooth, natural storytelling
The prose flowed with a comforting rhythm. Nothing felt overly engineered or too precious. It had that rare quality of being emotionally rich and easy to read.
The setting? Absolutely dreamy.
Willow’s Cove is the kind of town you want to visit, journal in, and never leave. I could practically smell the sea salt and coffee. It’s small-town storytelling done with sincerity.
One small thing…
Perfect if you love:
🌊 Second chances in friendship and love
🌊 Beach-town beginnings
🌊 Heartfelt friendships
🌊 Small town dreams
Final Thoughts:
Right Where You Left Me (Willow's Cove Series Book 1)
I received an ARC of Right Where You Left Me and finished it in just a couple of sittings—which tells you a lot right there. From the first few chapters, I was swept into the rhythm of Willow’s Cove: the people, the memories, the quiet ache of starting over. It felt like slipping into a favorite oversized sweater, sitting by the window of a beachside condo and watching the tide roll in.
Here’s what I loved:
Authentic characters with emotional depth
The people in this story weren’t just placeholders—they were fully fleshed-out humans (for the most part). I found myself laughing along with them, cheering them on for their wins, squinting at their flaws, and smiling when they finally got it right.
Emotional beats that landed every time
Any frustration I had with a character’s decision-making was handled so well in the narrative. The author didn’t leave emotions hanging or rush past hard moments. Everything had its time to unfold—and the payoff felt honest.
Smooth, natural storytelling
The prose flowed with a comforting rhythm. Nothing felt overly engineered or too precious. It had that rare quality of being emotionally rich and easy to read.
The setting? Absolutely dreamy.
Willow’s Cove is the kind of town you want to visit, journal in, and never leave. I could practically smell the sea salt and coffee. It’s small-town storytelling done with sincerity.
One small thing…
There was one phrase—"stir crazy"—that popped up a few too many times for my taste, but that’s probably just me. It didn’t take away from the story, but it did stick out just enough to break the flow now and then. That said, it’s a tiny ripple in an otherwise very smooth tide.
Perfect if you love:
🌊 Second chances in friendship and love
🌊 Beach-town beginnings
🌊 Heartfelt friendships
🌊 Small town dreams
Final Thoughts:
For what it is, this was a lovely, satisfying read that reminded me of the power of coming home—to a place, to a person, to yourself. I’m already looking forward to what’s next in the Willow’s Cove series.
Lana Vargas, girl…you DID the thing.
Vibe check:
Cozy | Reflective | Beachy
May 19, 2025
I was given the honor of being an ARC reader on this book and I’m grateful of that. But with that being said, there are a few things I’d like to say about my experience. I did enjoy the story, but I think what I would’ve liked better is a part one and two of it, the flash backs Camilla and Julian faced did grab my attention with an event that took place, but I think I would’ve liked it better if they were sectioned off at the beginning to learn about the past to begin with. Another thing while reading, as the flash backs did grab my attention, I did feel the story the two main characters shared was rushed in some aspects, such as being high school sweethearts, reading about them did make me reminisce back to my high school days and what love felt like, knowing how much they meant to each other, that losing it to move on with their lives, they felt there was still closure needed. Moving forward with the willows cove series, a story I would love to follow is either Sofias story with how she got involved with Levi or either it was left off there was something going on with Taylor and Elijah. So either one of their stories, I would love to read more about. I did feel also at the end, when Julian went after Mila in NY, I felt it was kinda rushed, it felt more of a slow burn than anything, but he showed up at her doorstep to confess his love, not caring he was engaged to Greyson. He still took the time to want to seek his closure, knowing he would most likely be shot down another time. But it wasn’t until the last chapter before the epilogue, Mila showed back up in Willows Cove, proving her love for Julian was still there. I felt they had more story to be told, other than rushing everything after Sofias and Levi’s wedding. Overall, I did enjoy the story, but a few things I would’ve liked differently. Another one of those being, the sentence structure. When one character was talking, the other responded in the same sentence, which made me confused on who was talking. Again, the story was good and I can’t wait to see where the adventures in Willows Cove leads to. Thank you Lana for giving me the opportunity to become one of your ARC readers and can’t wait to see where this goes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2025
I had the pleasure of receiving the ARC for this book and I absolutely loved it!!!!!! The relationship between Julian and Camila was everything — so beautifully written. Their story had me deep in my feelings; I couldn’t put the book down. What really stuck with me was how Julian remembered every single detail about Camila, even after all that time. The fact that he bought her dream home? I melted. I also really enjoyed the dual POV and the shifts in the timeline. It gave such a rich backstory to who they were when they were younger and how their love grew and changed. Seeing both sides — their past and their present — made the story even better! Every character in this book was written with care, and I adored the dynamic between all of them. Even though I was wholeheartedly rooting for Julian and Camila, I have to admit… I felt a little bad for Greyson. He seemed like a genuinely good guy, and that added another layer of bittersweet emotion to the story. Overall, I really loved this book so much! I’m already so excited to read the rest of the series!
One of my favorite quotes from the book-
POSSIBLE SPOILER
“I’m going to love you for the rest of my life, and no matter how many years pass, or who we become, if you’re ever back in Willow’s Cove, I’ll be right where you left me.”
AHHHH I LOVED JULIAN
One of my favorite quotes from the book-
POSSIBLE SPOILER
“I’m going to love you for the rest of my life, and no matter how many years pass, or who we become, if you’re ever back in Willow’s Cove, I’ll be right where you left me.”
AHHHH I LOVED JULIAN
May 26, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
When I tell you this book had me crying, reminiscing, feeling anxious, laughing out loud, and all of the above….man oh man!!🥰
Lana captivated me with her writing with Summer in Phoenix, which I still think about practically every day btw, but she definitely captivated me with Right Where You Left Me.🥺
It had me thinking about high school all over again and the what ifs in life we used to think about back when you are 16 years old and trying to figure out your life. I was lucky enough to find my true love at that ripe age of 16, where he was the football player starting on varsity as a sophomore and me, playing soccer and trying to go unnoticed but it never ended up working out for me in that department. We will be together a total of 14 years this year with 6 of those years being married.❤️
This book was everything and more. I loved getting to know Camilla and Julian, especially with the flashbacks!! If it wasn’t for life getting in the way of me reading when I first got this book delivered, I would have most definitely finished it within 6 hours because it was THAT good! I am still recommending Summer in Phoenix to anyone and everyone, but now I get to add this book to that list of recommendations as well!😘
✨One of my favorite quotes✨:
“You’ve never been invisible to me, Camilla Vega.”
When I tell you this book had me crying, reminiscing, feeling anxious, laughing out loud, and all of the above….man oh man!!🥰
Lana captivated me with her writing with Summer in Phoenix, which I still think about practically every day btw, but she definitely captivated me with Right Where You Left Me.🥺
It had me thinking about high school all over again and the what ifs in life we used to think about back when you are 16 years old and trying to figure out your life. I was lucky enough to find my true love at that ripe age of 16, where he was the football player starting on varsity as a sophomore and me, playing soccer and trying to go unnoticed but it never ended up working out for me in that department. We will be together a total of 14 years this year with 6 of those years being married.❤️
This book was everything and more. I loved getting to know Camilla and Julian, especially with the flashbacks!! If it wasn’t for life getting in the way of me reading when I first got this book delivered, I would have most definitely finished it within 6 hours because it was THAT good! I am still recommending Summer in Phoenix to anyone and everyone, but now I get to add this book to that list of recommendations as well!😘
✨One of my favorite quotes✨:
“You’ve never been invisible to me, Camilla Vega.”
May 16, 2025
“I wondered if he knew her eyes changed color in the sun, how she’d read every book in her collection at least three times, or that her favorite color was a certain shade of green; not forest or mint, but something in between.”
ARC REVIEW ❣️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫶🏼 Childhood friends to lovers
🏡 Small town romance
🌊 Coastal/ beachy romance
🤞🏼 Second chance romance
👀 Forced proximity
👯♀️ Dual POV
⏳ Dual Timeline
🩷 YEARNING
Thank you to Lana for the ARC copy of this absolute masterpiece! Mila and Julian’s love story is my favorite this year. 🥹 Everything about this book is my favorite — from the coastal vibes to the absolute adoration from Julian for Camilla. I absolutely devour second chance romances and Lana executed this so perfectly! The high stakes in knowing Lana only had a certain amount of time in Willow’s Cove and Julian’s desire to earn her back kept me hooked the entire time. My condolences to Greyson, but I NEEDED Mila to take Julian back! Before reading this book, please prepare your tissues and clear your schedule. I absolutely would have read this in one sitting had I known how much I would’ve thought about this book when I couldn’t read it. Lana’s writing is beautiful, and it seriously shows in this new novel. 5/5, this book has my heart. ❣️
ARC REVIEW ❣️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫶🏼 Childhood friends to lovers
🏡 Small town romance
🌊 Coastal/ beachy romance
🤞🏼 Second chance romance
👀 Forced proximity
👯♀️ Dual POV
⏳ Dual Timeline
🩷 YEARNING
Thank you to Lana for the ARC copy of this absolute masterpiece! Mila and Julian’s love story is my favorite this year. 🥹 Everything about this book is my favorite — from the coastal vibes to the absolute adoration from Julian for Camilla. I absolutely devour second chance romances and Lana executed this so perfectly! The high stakes in knowing Lana only had a certain amount of time in Willow’s Cove and Julian’s desire to earn her back kept me hooked the entire time. My condolences to Greyson, but I NEEDED Mila to take Julian back! Before reading this book, please prepare your tissues and clear your schedule. I absolutely would have read this in one sitting had I known how much I would’ve thought about this book when I couldn’t read it. Lana’s writing is beautiful, and it seriously shows in this new novel. 5/5, this book has my heart. ❣️
June 1, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I had the pleasure of reading this book, once as a BETA read and now as an ARC reader. Right Where You Left Me by @authorlanavargas
This book is about High School Sweet hearts that had to break up after Graduating and go their separate ways. Camila goes off to college in New York and Julian stays in his home town for a while and later enlists. But as luck will have it Camila finds her self back in her home town of Willow's Cove and finds Julian there. Feelings stir up and reveal themselves back from the Shadows. Don't want to give too much away
Let me tell you, both times this book has pulled on all of my feels. The Dual POVs between Julian and Camila offers so much insight and truly takes you on a journey into understanding both characters, while also portraying both time lines, between their High School selves and their adult present.
Lana's writing style is very poetic within the imagery she creates and the way she has her characters express themselves. You really feel the love these characters have in the most authentic way.
I truly enjoyed this one and I highly recommend you read it. Along with Lana's previous books: "Summer in Pheonix," "The Darkness that Follows Us"
I had the pleasure of reading this book, once as a BETA read and now as an ARC reader. Right Where You Left Me by @authorlanavargas
This book is about High School Sweet hearts that had to break up after Graduating and go their separate ways. Camila goes off to college in New York and Julian stays in his home town for a while and later enlists. But as luck will have it Camila finds her self back in her home town of Willow's Cove and finds Julian there. Feelings stir up and reveal themselves back from the Shadows. Don't want to give too much away
Let me tell you, both times this book has pulled on all of my feels. The Dual POVs between Julian and Camila offers so much insight and truly takes you on a journey into understanding both characters, while also portraying both time lines, between their High School selves and their adult present.
Lana's writing style is very poetic within the imagery she creates and the way she has her characters express themselves. You really feel the love these characters have in the most authentic way.
I truly enjoyed this one and I highly recommend you read it. Along with Lana's previous books: "Summer in Pheonix," "The Darkness that Follows Us"
May 9, 2025
First of all, the writing in this book is absolutely gorgeous. The way Julian thinks and feels about Camila is the purest, most wholesome thing ever. The yearning, the fact she's always been the only one for him 😭
Camila comes back to her hometown from New York for her book signing, and it leads to her staying for a whole week longer for her ex-boyfriend's sister's wedding, but she has to stay with her ex in a gorgeous how by the beach that she wanted to live in prior to New York 😩
Loved the small town of Willow's Cove, loved the characters throughout. It's dual POV and dual timeline.
The main characters were giving me older Belly and Conrad vibes, like yesss!! and there's one scene where there's angry confessions and it reminded me of the whole "I thought you knew" scene in TSITP 😅
I started tearing up a few times just from how Julian speaks about Cami, I can't describe how raw and sweet it is. I need me a Julian!!
I read this so fast. Couldn't recommend this enough 😍
[Thank you so much Lana for the ARC — all opinions are honest and my own]
Camila comes back to her hometown from New York for her book signing, and it leads to her staying for a whole week longer for her ex-boyfriend's sister's wedding, but she has to stay with her ex in a gorgeous how by the beach that she wanted to live in prior to New York 😩
Loved the small town of Willow's Cove, loved the characters throughout. It's dual POV and dual timeline.
The main characters were giving me older Belly and Conrad vibes, like yesss!! and there's one scene where there's angry confessions and it reminded me of the whole "I thought you knew" scene in TSITP 😅
I started tearing up a few times just from how Julian speaks about Cami, I can't describe how raw and sweet it is. I need me a Julian!!
I read this so fast. Couldn't recommend this enough 😍
[Thank you so much Lana for the ARC — all opinions are honest and my own]
June 29, 2025
Never would I have thought that I’d read two love triangles on the same week, let alone find that I would actually reread them without being annoyed. Somehow, Lana has made it the impossible possible. I was a bit nervous considering I don’t like love triangles, nor do I enjoy dual timelines. There’s something about them that makes me want to skip them. However, this is the first time I’ve actually looked forward to them!
I was actually enjoying getting to know how their story started, and while in other books I feel like the chapters from the past just drag the story, my issue here was the opposite: I wanted more. I feel like some moments were told rather than shown to us, like when they talk about the cliff jump, but we don’t read the actual moment, etc. I wish we could have seen more of the moments when they fell for each other.
Now, as for the main couple. Spoiler Alert!! I do feel bad for Greyson. I wish it could have handled a bit differently. BUT, Julian bought the house SHE wanted, and then was painting it the color SHE always visualized, and held hope in case she ever came back?! Come on!! 😭 Also, I feel like the biggest issue revealed near the end was miscommunication, which I HATE, but also, Julian was still so down for her, it was cute to read about!! And his confession at the end? I am glad he made a last effort and it paid off. 🥹
Also, I LOVED the setting. Lana definitely created that summer-by-the-beach vibe, which I really enjoyed. I could picture the breathtaking, peaceful view from the house SO well, it was great to read about the twon and the scenery around it.
Overall, I’m really excited to see how the series continues!!
I was actually enjoying getting to know how their story started, and while in other books I feel like the chapters from the past just drag the story, my issue here was the opposite: I wanted more. I feel like some moments were told rather than shown to us, like when they talk about the cliff jump, but we don’t read the actual moment, etc. I wish we could have seen more of the moments when they fell for each other.
Now, as for the main couple. Spoiler Alert!! I do feel bad for Greyson. I wish it could have handled a bit differently. BUT, Julian bought the house SHE wanted, and then was painting it the color SHE always visualized, and held hope in case she ever came back?! Come on!! 😭 Also, I feel like the biggest issue revealed near the end was miscommunication, which I HATE, but also, Julian was still so down for her, it was cute to read about!! And his confession at the end? I am glad he made a last effort and it paid off. 🥹
Also, I LOVED the setting. Lana definitely created that summer-by-the-beach vibe, which I really enjoyed. I could picture the breathtaking, peaceful view from the house SO well, it was great to read about the twon and the scenery around it.
Overall, I’m really excited to see how the series continues!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2025
From Camilla’s first words to Jullians last, this beautiful heart wrenching romance, Taylor Swift inspired title keeps you longing from start to finish.
I had the privilege of being a beta reader for this but just finished reading the final copy of this, and I’m in love. If you’ve read Lana’s first two novels, you will be in awe on how far she has come as an author - not only is the writing stellar but the way she pieces together each part of this story and ties it together in a green ribbon (if you’ve read this you know what I mean) is just amazing.
I loved Summer in Pheonix and The Darkness That Follows Us but this first installment of her new series is next level and I am so excited for the next book and hope I get to beta read again for her next novels of this series.
Lana, thank you for producing this amazing piece!
❤️
I had the privilege of being a beta reader for this but just finished reading the final copy of this, and I’m in love. If you’ve read Lana’s first two novels, you will be in awe on how far she has come as an author - not only is the writing stellar but the way she pieces together each part of this story and ties it together in a green ribbon (if you’ve read this you know what I mean) is just amazing.
I loved Summer in Pheonix and The Darkness That Follows Us but this first installment of her new series is next level and I am so excited for the next book and hope I get to beta read again for her next novels of this series.
Lana, thank you for producing this amazing piece!
❤️
May 17, 2025
I had the opportunity to receive the arc for this book. I just gotta say Lana did not disappoint with this book. I didn't think I would relate so much to Mila but I did. Mila and Julian's story was amazing to read about. I'm not one to read second-chance but the way this was written touched my heart. The way it was so relatable and it had real-life struggles. Overall such a great book. I read Summer in Phoenix and all I have to say is that Lana has grown as a writer. I was so captivated throughout the whole book I had trouble forcing myself to put the book down since I had to study for finals but anytime I could I would find time to finish reading rwylm. I can't wait for the rest of the series!
May 18, 2025
"You would do the same if you had a girl like Camilla Vega." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I literally had to put my phone down once I read the line above. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to be a part of the ARC team for this book. Mila and Julian’s story was so beautiful to read, the way we were shown their present as well as getting to read their past and everything they dealt with— I was hooked since the first page. I love the small town vibes and the description of Willow’s Cove definitely made it feel like I was there physically! And the house… THE HOUSE. Julian literally is the standard and beyond!
So beautifully written. Lana did it again.
So excited to read the Willow’s Cove series and get to read more about this small town that captured my heart.
I literally had to put my phone down once I read the line above. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to be a part of the ARC team for this book. Mila and Julian’s story was so beautiful to read, the way we were shown their present as well as getting to read their past and everything they dealt with— I was hooked since the first page. I love the small town vibes and the description of Willow’s Cove definitely made it feel like I was there physically! And the house… THE HOUSE. Julian literally is the standard and beyond!
So beautifully written. Lana did it again.
So excited to read the Willow’s Cove series and get to read more about this small town that captured my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2025
Right Where You Left Me was such a sweet, yearning filled book with a heavy dose of heart tugging moments. The author seamlessly wove in informative flashbacks that made the tension between the MC's that much more intense. It had me aching to understand how two people so in love, had fallen so completely apart. Their proximity and situation forces them to rehash old wounds, mistakes, and facing the very real question of whether their once epic love is something they can walk away from for a second time. It's a sticky situation that Camilla finds herself in and Julian does not make it easy on her whatsoever.
Overall, RWYLM is a really cute but angsty small town, second chance romance book that gives a good helping of love, regret, and hope. Definitely give this book a go!
Overall, RWYLM is a really cute but angsty small town, second chance romance book that gives a good helping of love, regret, and hope. Definitely give this book a go!
May 22, 2025
A man who yearns is a man who earns!
I’ve had the absolute pleasure of receiving an ARC and reading this a bit earlier than most and holy crap, i fell in love. This book was so freaking good omg! I’m not gonna lie halfway through out reading this, i forgot it was a second chance romance and was rooting for the my girl to choose herself. The details, intensity, and tension between these characters was enough to make me go through this book so quickly. The way he remembered every little detail about her made me scream and kick my feet like a little girl. (Huge The Notebook Vibes 💚) I’m a sucker for a cute and sad story so this filled in all my boxes. Forever blessed to be apart of this Journey and cannot wait for more of Lana’s Work! 🤍
I’ve had the absolute pleasure of receiving an ARC and reading this a bit earlier than most and holy crap, i fell in love. This book was so freaking good omg! I’m not gonna lie halfway through out reading this, i forgot it was a second chance romance and was rooting for the my girl to choose herself. The details, intensity, and tension between these characters was enough to make me go through this book so quickly. The way he remembered every little detail about her made me scream and kick my feet like a little girl. (Huge The Notebook Vibes 💚) I’m a sucker for a cute and sad story so this filled in all my boxes. Forever blessed to be apart of this Journey and cannot wait for more of Lana’s Work! 🤍
July 18, 2025
*3⭐️0🌶️ (look on my profile to see what my ratings mean to me)
Main Tropes:
Dual POV
Dual Timeline
Second Chance
Small Town Romance (Small Beach Town)
Childhood Friends To Lovers (High School Sweethearts)
Love Triangle
Forced Proximity
Points I enjoyed in this book:
The House😍🫠🥹
Daddy Issues (Yes I Know)
Yearning
I’m Not Usually One For Dual Timelines But This Worked
His Jersey And Jackets
Secret Spots
Angry Love Confessions
Nickname
Didn’t like/ improve:
I did wish we had a little spice in this book but the lack of spice didn’t take away from the book. I also wished we got to see some certain confrontations in the present (won’t be naming names🤫). I can’t wait to read more from Lana.
Main Tropes:
Dual POV
Dual Timeline
Second Chance
Small Town Romance (Small Beach Town)
Childhood Friends To Lovers (High School Sweethearts)
Love Triangle
Forced Proximity
Points I enjoyed in this book:
The House😍🫠🥹
Daddy Issues (Yes I Know)
Yearning
I’m Not Usually One For Dual Timelines But This Worked
His Jersey And Jackets
Secret Spots
Angry Love Confessions
Nickname
Didn’t like/ improve:
I did wish we had a little spice in this book but the lack of spice didn’t take away from the book. I also wished we got to see some certain confrontations in the present (won’t be naming names🤫). I can’t wait to read more from Lana.
September 14, 2025
I have read everything from this author and I love seeing her growth with each book. While I enjoyed the book this wasn't my favorite of her work and I thats just because I don't like when one of the MCs has a partner already. It can be easy to root for the romance being pushed in the stories when the 3rd party is an ass but Greyson was nice so it left me feeling bad for him. But I appreciated that the author didn't have Camilla hiding her relationship or acting single. I think this is the most tasteful way to handle this trope with a nice guy. my only real criticism is that the ending felt rushed. I wish the conversation of Camilla finally choosing was included I think it would have made a more emotional ending.
May 10, 2025
lana has magic hands! she just does okay? like this book was so beautifully written. I loved camila and julian. ESPECIALLY JULIAN PEREZ! there was definitely YEARNING IN THIS BOOK BECAUSE WOW! The way it would flip to their past and match up the story of what’s going on in the present was amazing! The way it flowed and how these characters were older but still very much the same in a good away and how amazing their love story was written… it was just everything! I was wanting more and more. kept tapping away on my kindle because I wanted to know what else was going to happen. I was giddy, frustrated, sad, happy and just feeling all the emotions when it came to reading about these two. I am definitely OBSESSED!
May 7, 2025
Arc read review!!
I am a simple woman. Lana Vargas with my favorite Taylor Swift song? Sign me up.
This book had me by the THROAT. Downloaded kindle on my computer solely so I could finish it in class.
The yearning. The wanting. I didn't think I'd love second-chance romance as much as I do now. The characters were so complex and well-written. (Mila had me screaming a few times but I don't blame her 😭)
YOU'RE TELLING ME HE FIXED THE HOUSE JUST THE WAY SHE WANTED THE WHOLE TIME SHE WAS GONE?!?!? MY HEARTTTTTTT
Can't wait for the next one!!!
I am a simple woman. Lana Vargas with my favorite Taylor Swift song? Sign me up.
This book had me by the THROAT. Downloaded kindle on my computer solely so I could finish it in class.
The yearning. The wanting. I didn't think I'd love second-chance romance as much as I do now. The characters were so complex and well-written. (Mila had me screaming a few times but I don't blame her 😭)
YOU'RE TELLING ME HE FIXED THE HOUSE JUST THE WAY SHE WANTED THE WHOLE TIME SHE WAS GONE?!?!? MY HEARTTTTTTT
Can't wait for the next one!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2025
This book hit me right in the feelings.
Right Where You Left Me is soft, emotional, and so real when it comes to heartbreak and trying to move on. Lana Vargas really captured that bittersweet feeling of holding on to something that’s already gone. It’s a short read, but it stays with you—kind of like a song you didn’t know you needed until it played at the perfect time. I love I love I love. Thank you to Lana for giving the opportunity to be an ARC reader. This novel was amazing and well-written.
Right Where You Left Me is soft, emotional, and so real when it comes to heartbreak and trying to move on. Lana Vargas really captured that bittersweet feeling of holding on to something that’s already gone. It’s a short read, but it stays with you—kind of like a song you didn’t know you needed until it played at the perfect time. I love I love I love. Thank you to Lana for giving the opportunity to be an ARC reader. This novel was amazing and well-written.
May 10, 2025
Let me hold your hand when i say this is book had me on the edge of the chair while reading it, and i was here cheering and screaming at the characters ehehe, and I very much enjoyed reading it. The characters are so realistic and the story had me pausing and walking around the room, but let me tell you if you are looking for a summer romance book, don't walk but RUN TO GET THIS ONE CUS OMG! Lana, you are a legend, and this is an amazing book. (I am still waiting for more of this series for certain characters!)
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