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The Leaving Road
Magnolia had her life planned out; however, after a devastating loss, and a heartbreaking betrayal she didn’t see coming, her plans crumbled and changed in the blink of an eye. Fleeing her home in the wake of her devastation gave her the strength to move on with her life. When she’s called back eight years later to settle loose ends and is finally forced to confront her past, will who she’s become be strong enough to finally move on? Or will returning to the place she left behind bring her to where she’s supposed to be?
A story of love and loss, and all roads leading home.
A story of love and loss, and all roads leading home.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2025
655 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Kris M. Davey
6 books86 followersHi all!
New indie author here,
I write betrayal and grovel tropes with HEA
My work isn’t for everyone, I’m good with that, are you?
If not, that’s cool too!
It’s a welcome mat for most, and those are my people!
-most of my stories have triggers, mind them, or don’t, either way, I’ll still be here-
Happy reading, or happy rage.
😉
New indie author here,
I write betrayal and grovel tropes with HEA
My work isn’t for everyone, I’m good with that, are you?
If not, that’s cool too!
It’s a welcome mat for most, and those are my people!
-most of my stories have triggers, mind them, or don’t, either way, I’ll still be here-
Happy reading, or happy rage.
😉
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
dnf
June 1, 2025DNF @ 47%
The fmc bitterness and loathing was justified 100% I cannot imagine discovering my best friend hooking up and being in a relationship with someone who he damn well aware that was mean and horrible to the fmc. Then hearing him telling the mean girl that the fmc was just a responsibility for him and his mother to take care of after her mom’s death… I hated that he used “young and horny” to excuse what he did because no jackass, you’re 17 y/o not 14 ffs, and if you ever really considered Magnolia as your true friend, you wouldn’t do that to her. Never. Magnolia was dealing with her sick mom and you were out there sneaking around with her bully. While your bestfriend was taking care of her sick mom, you were out there getting your dick wet. Then had the audacity to climb up Magnolia’s room at night to give her “support” after hooking up with the bully I bet. For Sloan to do all of that AND staying with the mean girl for years before breaking up with her then yeah, you’re a shit friend to Magnolia and never deserve her. And oh have I mentioned that he lost his virginity to this evil, mean girl? 🫠🫠
He had the audacity to be mad and upset at Magnolia for leaving without any notice. It hadn’t even occurred to him that maybe, just maybe she found out about his lies and his betrayal 🙄
Good thing is that Magnolia moved on and dated and had boyfriends but of course she’s emotionally stunted with every boyfriends she had while Sloan stayed with the mean girl and convinced himself that he was in love with her eventhough he had feelings for Magnolia as well. Bleghhhh. Dnf-ing this because I know how it’s going to end and I think that Magnolia should have never ended up with Sloan! She’s way better than me. I would have forgiven him but would never forget.
“Magnolia’s mine, always has been.” — Bet you didn’t think of that while screwing her tormentor huh 🥱🥱🥱🥱
The fmc bitterness and loathing was justified 100% I cannot imagine discovering my best friend hooking up and being in a relationship with someone who he damn well aware that was mean and horrible to the fmc. Then hearing him telling the mean girl that the fmc was just a responsibility for him and his mother to take care of after her mom’s death… I hated that he used “young and horny” to excuse what he did because no jackass, you’re 17 y/o not 14 ffs, and if you ever really considered Magnolia as your true friend, you wouldn’t do that to her. Never. Magnolia was dealing with her sick mom and you were out there sneaking around with her bully. While your bestfriend was taking care of her sick mom, you were out there getting your dick wet. Then had the audacity to climb up Magnolia’s room at night to give her “support” after hooking up with the bully I bet. For Sloan to do all of that AND staying with the mean girl for years before breaking up with her then yeah, you’re a shit friend to Magnolia and never deserve her. And oh have I mentioned that he lost his virginity to this evil, mean girl? 🫠🫠
He had the audacity to be mad and upset at Magnolia for leaving without any notice. It hadn’t even occurred to him that maybe, just maybe she found out about his lies and his betrayal 🙄
Good thing is that Magnolia moved on and dated and had boyfriends but of course she’s emotionally stunted with every boyfriends she had while Sloan stayed with the mean girl and convinced himself that he was in love with her eventhough he had feelings for Magnolia as well. Bleghhhh. Dnf-ing this because I know how it’s going to end and I think that Magnolia should have never ended up with Sloan! She’s way better than me. I would have forgiven him but would never forget.
“Magnolia’s mine, always has been.” — Bet you didn’t think of that while screwing her tormentor huh 🥱🥱🥱🥱
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
June 1, 2025DNF 50%. I just cannot get into these characters or the story. And I am tired of trying to.
May 12, 2025
2.5 I agree with another reviewer. This was like a cheesy Hallmark movie.
June 11, 2025
There was nothing romantic about this. Why the h even wants the H after what he did to her I will never understand. This author has a good premise, and her writing is decent, but her execution is just off. The grovel does not justify the betrayal. The buildup to the big emotional reveals is always so anticlimactic, it falls flat, and takes me out of the story.
H and h are best friends. H’s mom looked after h after her mom died because they used to be best friends and her father was absent a lot. H hooks up with h’s bully. Literally like he hooks up with the bully then crawls through the h’s window and spends the night with her, she doesn’t know anything. He can’t sleep without her because she “settles” him. Nah that’s just guilt talking, my dude. Later he even admits to wanting to cheat on bully with h. 🤦♀️
She overhears him talking bad about her and essentially diminishing their friendship, so she skips town after high school. The big thing is he makes their friendship and his mom watching over out for her to be a burden. Guess what? H is hurt she ghosted him since they were BFFs (some friend you were). Still continues a relationship and even moves in with the bully because she was his first. Yea true love. They only break up because she “stole” from him. Yep she was gonna get cut off and decided to buy herself nice bags on his dime.
H returns to town after her dad dies, to settle his estate. Of course her family is ridiculously wealthy, she had no clue. And well her dad won’t hand over the money unless she lives in the town for two years, because she needs to heal. The confrontation between H and h when she comes back is one of the cringiest things I have ever read. Straight from a hallmark movie in a public bar. H admits to his family why h cut them out. Family knew he was dating the bully, but not about the actual bullying or that he called her a burden. Woe is him.
H had feelings for h, but she never showed “interest”. H never made a move because her friendship was too important. Like so important, he slept with her bully, dated her, and moved in with her instead, makes perfect sense. He acts like bully was the only girl he could have slept with as a hormonal teenager. Typical, h is chased by every man she sees in town after moving back. Add spunky girl BFF side kick.
A better story would have been her finding a better man that didn’t betray her and moving back to town. Let the shitty H rot with the bully. He only left her because she messed with his money anyway. I felt like the entire relationship between H + h hinged on nostalgia and that’s it. I gave it a 2, because sadly I’ve read worse by McGinlay. I know this is her debut novel and I’m sure she’ll get better with time.
H and h are best friends. H’s mom looked after h after her mom died because they used to be best friends and her father was absent a lot. H hooks up with h’s bully. Literally like he hooks up with the bully then crawls through the h’s window and spends the night with her, she doesn’t know anything. He can’t sleep without her because she “settles” him. Nah that’s just guilt talking, my dude. Later he even admits to wanting to cheat on bully with h. 🤦♀️
She overhears him talking bad about her and essentially diminishing their friendship, so she skips town after high school. The big thing is he makes their friendship and his mom watching over out for her to be a burden. Guess what? H is hurt she ghosted him since they were BFFs (some friend you were). Still continues a relationship and even moves in with the bully because she was his first. Yea true love. They only break up because she “stole” from him. Yep she was gonna get cut off and decided to buy herself nice bags on his dime.
H returns to town after her dad dies, to settle his estate. Of course her family is ridiculously wealthy, she had no clue. And well her dad won’t hand over the money unless she lives in the town for two years, because she needs to heal. The confrontation between H and h when she comes back is one of the cringiest things I have ever read. Straight from a hallmark movie in a public bar. H admits to his family why h cut them out. Family knew he was dating the bully, but not about the actual bullying or that he called her a burden. Woe is him.
H had feelings for h, but she never showed “interest”. H never made a move because her friendship was too important. Like so important, he slept with her bully, dated her, and moved in with her instead, makes perfect sense. He acts like bully was the only girl he could have slept with as a hormonal teenager. Typical, h is chased by every man she sees in town after moving back. Add spunky girl BFF side kick.
A better story would have been her finding a better man that didn’t betray her and moving back to town. Let the shitty H rot with the bully. He only left her because she messed with his money anyway. I felt like the entire relationship between H + h hinged on nostalgia and that’s it. I gave it a 2, because sadly I’ve read worse by McGinlay. I know this is her debut novel and I’m sure she’ll get better with time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 21, 202559% UPDATE
So far it’s a nice enough betrayal story but nothing much has really happened. The MMC was a typical teenage douche who chose the OW’s easy pussy over his lifetime friendship and potential romantic love of the FMC. He also said hurtful things he didn’t mean where the FMC could hear it. What I don’t like about him is that he played the victim and was mad that the FMC ran away from him without a word to him, like he didn’t know he had been treating her wrong for a year before this happened. He claimed self righteous indignation over her abandonment of him for eight years and never once wondered WHY she would have done that in the first place.
The next thing I don’t like is that he stayed with the vile OW for four years. And as yet, the ONLY reason he ended it with her is because of her criminal financial fraud against him and his family. NOT because he didn’t have feelings for her or because he came to his senses and realized she was a terrible person even before her direct crime against him. He even convinced himself that the pussywhipped feelings he had were actually love for her. This is a man who as a teenager was already actively keeping any other guy away from the FMC because he knew he had more than “friends” feelings for her. But the first sex he got he instantly forgot all about her and his feelings of family and romantic love for her during a very traumatic time in her life.
Idk if I would ever be able to trust this guys judgment on relationships or his true feelings on people as he seems so easily lead by his balls. Like, if the FMC is not around, will he forget his loyalty and love again when the next hoho catches his penal attention? Because that’s basically what happened. He knew that the OW was a bully and he still went there with her and he stayed with her for four years, claiming it was love.
Also, are there never any other chicks for the MMC’s to hook up with in these stories? I don’t believe the betrayal is worse when it’s with your bully. I think it would be worse if it was with a completely random person, because it would potentially mean it was a real relationship between the MMC and the random OW. They could have had a potential life together.
Anyway, the MMC being a selfish jerk is enough for me not to like him but the drag on getting to the confrontation conversation is causing my attention to wander and not stay on this book to finish it as fast as I normally would have. I’m a bit bored with it. And I’m not liking the side character Lexie as she is knowingly getting involved with a married man, idc if his wife did run away years before. He could have been gotten his status resolved and he didn’t. And Lexie is purposely being stupid with him. I will finish this review whenever I actually finish this book. Smh.
FINAL UPDATE
I don’t really remember much from this story as it kind of just resolved this couple’s status with each other after a traumatic event happened. The event also left me wondering what actually happened as the assailant was shot but the reader doesn’t know by who, the FMC or the MMC. It just ends with the main couple checking each other for injuries and talking to the cops. We don’t even know if the guy died or not. It was so vague or poorly written or both. It had a somewhat feel of the author running out of steam for this couple.
Honestly, the book after the 60% mark was just boring. The couple accept each other back and date fairly quickly. The vile OW outs her own dirty secrets to everyone and then basically disappears. The side characters are there to push the couple together and to set up for their own stories. It’s a lite fluff of a betrayal and redemption story. Like I said before I barely remember what happened because it ended so abruptly for me that it felt like a cliffhanger. I immediately jumped into the next book just to get a better resolution to these characters. And in a way I did get that as they seemed to have moved on together comfortably.
The author has a nice easy writing style but there is something lacking. It’s too easy. It’s too convenient. Some confrontations are had but they are too lite. Not enough emotion or resolved too maturely. Whatever it is that it’s missing is leaving me bored after the halfway point of this book and the next book. It’s not bad just too boring. Oh and it ends after one very tame and unstimulating sex scene. The author might as well have written a FTB scene it was that uninteresting. Good luck.
P. S. UPDATE
I came back to add that the excuse given for the MMC’s fickleness was because he was young and immature, then the four years he spent with the OW was because he was traumatized by the FMC’s abandonment of him and he just didn’t care what was happening since he was depressed and miserable and the OW took advantage of that to rob him and his family blind. Honestly, immaturity has no baring on knowing right from wrong. He knew he was sneaking around with the FMC’s bully. And yet he still told himself, the OW and his parents and friends that it was love. Besides that, blaming everything on immaturity and teenage hormones can only go so far. He made choices, over and over again. He made choices for years.
I also never felt he would have ended things on his own with the OW because he came off as lazy emotionally in general. He didn’t put effort into his relationship with FMC even though they grew up together and she was in a traumatic experience at her young age. He didn’t put any effort into his relationship with the OW. Really how do you not notice that amount of fraud happening for four years! Even his parents didn’t notice, because they didn’t care what he did either. So no, I didn’t believe the HEA because no actual accountability happened here. They all blamed the FMC for running away on top of that. But where the MMC was expected to be forgiven because he was “young and dumb”, the FMC who had lost her mother to cancer(!) and her father to his grief, was still expected to be mature enough to have stayed and confronted the MMC and his parents on everything that she saw and heard. Give me a break. I didn’t feel the FMC should have gotten ANY blame. Period.
Like if it was me in his and his family’s situation I would have figured the FMC ran away due to post death trauma and grief. Leaving her home town because it was too hard for her. THAT would have been my only thought. I would have been hurt that she cut us off but I would have understood it for the most part. None of them did that. They just blamed her for leaving like she really just left for no apparent reason. There was a glaringly obvious reason that no one attributed to her. It was a little weird.
There, I remembered more of the story. lol.
So far it’s a nice enough betrayal story but nothing much has really happened. The MMC was a typical teenage douche who chose the OW’s easy pussy over his lifetime friendship and potential romantic love of the FMC. He also said hurtful things he didn’t mean where the FMC could hear it. What I don’t like about him is that he played the victim and was mad that the FMC ran away from him without a word to him, like he didn’t know he had been treating her wrong for a year before this happened. He claimed self righteous indignation over her abandonment of him for eight years and never once wondered WHY she would have done that in the first place.
The next thing I don’t like is that he stayed with the vile OW for four years. And as yet, the ONLY reason he ended it with her is because of her criminal financial fraud against him and his family. NOT because he didn’t have feelings for her or because he came to his senses and realized she was a terrible person even before her direct crime against him. He even convinced himself that the pussywhipped feelings he had were actually love for her. This is a man who as a teenager was already actively keeping any other guy away from the FMC because he knew he had more than “friends” feelings for her. But the first sex he got he instantly forgot all about her and his feelings of family and romantic love for her during a very traumatic time in her life.
Idk if I would ever be able to trust this guys judgment on relationships or his true feelings on people as he seems so easily lead by his balls. Like, if the FMC is not around, will he forget his loyalty and love again when the next hoho catches his penal attention? Because that’s basically what happened. He knew that the OW was a bully and he still went there with her and he stayed with her for four years, claiming it was love.
Also, are there never any other chicks for the MMC’s to hook up with in these stories? I don’t believe the betrayal is worse when it’s with your bully. I think it would be worse if it was with a completely random person, because it would potentially mean it was a real relationship between the MMC and the random OW. They could have had a potential life together.
Anyway, the MMC being a selfish jerk is enough for me not to like him but the drag on getting to the confrontation conversation is causing my attention to wander and not stay on this book to finish it as fast as I normally would have. I’m a bit bored with it. And I’m not liking the side character Lexie as she is knowingly getting involved with a married man, idc if his wife did run away years before. He could have been gotten his status resolved and he didn’t. And Lexie is purposely being stupid with him. I will finish this review whenever I actually finish this book. Smh.
FINAL UPDATE
I don’t really remember much from this story as it kind of just resolved this couple’s status with each other after a traumatic event happened. The event also left me wondering what actually happened as the assailant was shot but the reader doesn’t know by who, the FMC or the MMC. It just ends with the main couple checking each other for injuries and talking to the cops. We don’t even know if the guy died or not. It was so vague or poorly written or both. It had a somewhat feel of the author running out of steam for this couple.
Honestly, the book after the 60% mark was just boring. The couple accept each other back and date fairly quickly. The vile OW outs her own dirty secrets to everyone and then basically disappears. The side characters are there to push the couple together and to set up for their own stories. It’s a lite fluff of a betrayal and redemption story. Like I said before I barely remember what happened because it ended so abruptly for me that it felt like a cliffhanger. I immediately jumped into the next book just to get a better resolution to these characters. And in a way I did get that as they seemed to have moved on together comfortably.
The author has a nice easy writing style but there is something lacking. It’s too easy. It’s too convenient. Some confrontations are had but they are too lite. Not enough emotion or resolved too maturely. Whatever it is that it’s missing is leaving me bored after the halfway point of this book and the next book. It’s not bad just too boring. Oh and it ends after one very tame and unstimulating sex scene. The author might as well have written a FTB scene it was that uninteresting. Good luck.
P. S. UPDATE
I came back to add that the excuse given for the MMC’s fickleness was because he was young and immature, then the four years he spent with the OW was because he was traumatized by the FMC’s abandonment of him and he just didn’t care what was happening since he was depressed and miserable and the OW took advantage of that to rob him and his family blind. Honestly, immaturity has no baring on knowing right from wrong. He knew he was sneaking around with the FMC’s bully. And yet he still told himself, the OW and his parents and friends that it was love. Besides that, blaming everything on immaturity and teenage hormones can only go so far. He made choices, over and over again. He made choices for years.
I also never felt he would have ended things on his own with the OW because he came off as lazy emotionally in general. He didn’t put effort into his relationship with FMC even though they grew up together and she was in a traumatic experience at her young age. He didn’t put any effort into his relationship with the OW. Really how do you not notice that amount of fraud happening for four years! Even his parents didn’t notice, because they didn’t care what he did either. So no, I didn’t believe the HEA because no actual accountability happened here. They all blamed the FMC for running away on top of that. But where the MMC was expected to be forgiven because he was “young and dumb”, the FMC who had lost her mother to cancer(!) and her father to his grief, was still expected to be mature enough to have stayed and confronted the MMC and his parents on everything that she saw and heard. Give me a break. I didn’t feel the FMC should have gotten ANY blame. Period.
Like if it was me in his and his family’s situation I would have figured the FMC ran away due to post death trauma and grief. Leaving her home town because it was too hard for her. THAT would have been my only thought. I would have been hurt that she cut us off but I would have understood it for the most part. None of them did that. They just blamed her for leaving like she really just left for no apparent reason. There was a glaringly obvious reason that no one attributed to her. It was a little weird.
There, I remembered more of the story. lol.
October 19, 2025
“The thing is, I spent all night thinking about the past and what I would have done differently. Unfortunately for me, technology hasn’t caught up with time travel yet so I can’t go back in time. All I can do is say I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I said those things to Cassie”
This is his apology
There’s no grovel
He helped her with some puppies and with a dangerous situation
Not romantic, I never felt he loved her
Couldn’t read at all the sex scene
Bullies aren’t sexy
This is his apology
There’s no grovel
He helped her with some puppies and with a dangerous situation
Not romantic, I never felt he loved her
Couldn’t read at all the sex scene
Bullies aren’t sexy
May 9, 2025
Second Chances
Sloan and Magnolia get a second chance at being together after several years of a misunderstanding and a teenage boys hormones. This is where Communication would have been great. It was great to see Casey get what was coming to her in the end.
Sloan and Magnolia get a second chance at being together after several years of a misunderstanding and a teenage boys hormones. This is where Communication would have been great. It was great to see Casey get what was coming to her in the end.
not-celibate-manwhore
August 9, 2025note : avoid, horrible mmc
childhood friends to strangers to lovers
he hooked up and dated her bully for years and talked badly about her to the bully.
fmc heard it and left. years later he justified it as " immaturity" and was mad at the fmc for leaving
he was a horrible friend and never defended her when ow said shit about her and even participated, yet he has the audacity to be mad at HER for leaving
childhood friends to strangers to lovers
he hooked up and dated her bully for years and talked badly about her to the bully.
fmc heard it and left. years later he justified it as " immaturity" and was mad at the fmc for leaving
he was a horrible friend and never defended her when ow said shit about her and even participated, yet he has the audacity to be mad at HER for leaving
June 1, 2025
★★. You’d think Sloan killed her family and then cheated on her with the way she held a grudge. I understood her pain at first since she just lost her mom and her best friend was dating her bully but goddamn EIGHT YEARS OF THE GRUDGE? And in those eight years you completely blocked off the mom without talking to her? Sloan was an IDIOT yeah, but he was 17 and explained himself so well honestly. Do I think he was a little b!tch? ABSOLUTELY because you stayed with the bully for another 4 years and barely had sex so stop complaining and stop the pity party.
Lexie and Jace were gross. He’s MARRIED. I don’t care if it’s just legally obviously it meant something to him if he still wears the ring and is not pushing that much to get a divorce. Lexie hating cheating but having no problem still flirting with a married man is gross. Magnolia saying she’d support it, girl stop lying you cut your best friend off for 8 years for some words.
Dexter I felt for him. Lydia was annoying but also having Magnolia and Lexie put their two cents in when they don’t even know him or her was weird as hell.
The groveling was done well. He realized his mistakes….a little too late and changed completely. I felt bad more for his mom honestly.
Lexie and Jace were gross. He’s MARRIED. I don’t care if it’s just legally obviously it meant something to him if he still wears the ring and is not pushing that much to get a divorce. Lexie hating cheating but having no problem still flirting with a married man is gross. Magnolia saying she’d support it, girl stop lying you cut your best friend off for 8 years for some words.
Dexter I felt for him. Lydia was annoying but also having Magnolia and Lexie put their two cents in when they don’t even know him or her was weird as hell.
The groveling was done well. He realized his mistakes….a little too late and changed completely. I felt bad more for his mom honestly.
August 15, 2025
My rating: 3 stars
What I loved: I loved Magnolia’s(h) friend. I really hope she gets a book. I also loved how Magnolia moved away and went on with her life. Her becoming a vet and having herself put together was a great “slap in the face” to her bully/ow. I also liked how the ow/bully called herself out. Lastly, I liked how Sloan’s(H) parents let him know how disappointed they were of him.
What I didn’t like: I thought Magnolia’s dad was a jerk to put that stipulation in the will making her stay in the home in order for her to get it. The way he handled things, he should have been happy she even talked to him. Also, Sloan truly was no friend. To have slept with the one woman that bullied Magnolia made him the worse friend anyone could have. Lastly, I hate when something horrible happens and all of a sudden everything is great between them. Girl he slept with the bitch that bullied you, make that man crawl on broken glass.
***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: Overheard H saying the h was just an obligation to him and his family, H dating the h’s bully secretly, death of h’s parents. Past: H and h are childhood friends. Their parents are best friends. When h’s mother dies, h’s father basically throws himself in his job and drinking. H’s parents step up to help. H climbs through the h’s bedroom every night to talk and hold her. h likes the H and decides to let the H know at their graduation party. When she goes to look for him, she overhears him with ow who bullies the h. H and ow/bully have been dating secretly and he plans on moving in with the ow. Ow wants H to tell the h about her and him now. H tells ow that he and his family feel obligated to care for the h because of her mom being best friends with his mom and he doesn’t want to tell her right now. h runs and decided to leave early for college that she got accepted too without letting anyone know besides her dad. Present: h is back in town to get her childhood house ready to be sold and talk to her dad’s lawyer about the will. When there she finds out that her dad put in his will that she had to stay in the house for two years in order for her to receive everything. h decides to take a couple of days to decide. After talking with her friend from college, the friend comes and they decide to fix the house up and stay. Of course, h runs into old friends and they ask her to met up at the H’s restaurant. h’s friend agrees and convinces h to go. When there H comes and lets the h know how he feels about her up and leaving without letting anyone know. h lets H have it and tells him what she overheard that night. H realizing how wrong he was goes about fixing it. H did continue to date ow after h left in the past but broke it off with her. He hasn’t been with ow for awhile now. h goes on a date but it doesn’t work out. H sees it because they were at his restaurant he owns. H tells his mom and dad what the h overheard and they tell him how disappointed they are of him. H’s mom goes to talk to the h and things get worked out. h goes out with her friend and the old friends and H shows up. Ow/bully also shows up and h puts her in her place. H continues to try to earn the h back. When they bust an animal ring, the vet place she is working at goes to get the animals, the H overhears and is there helping her. H continues to help and they slowly become friends and talk about the past. H tells the h that basically he was a horny 18 years old thinking with the wrong head. That when ow gave him attention he enjoyed it and thought it was love. h finds herself in trouble with the bad guy doing the animal fighting the H is there to save her. Later when out with friends the ow/bully shows up again and while mad she yells at the H for telling the h how she stole money from him. Everyone overhears and now they know what really happened. HEA with them living together, h opening up her own clinic, and H proposes.
Final thoughts: This was an ok read for me. Definitely will read her friend’s book if she gets one.
What I loved: I loved Magnolia’s(h) friend. I really hope she gets a book. I also loved how Magnolia moved away and went on with her life. Her becoming a vet and having herself put together was a great “slap in the face” to her bully/ow. I also liked how the ow/bully called herself out. Lastly, I liked how Sloan’s(H) parents let him know how disappointed they were of him.
What I didn’t like: I thought Magnolia’s dad was a jerk to put that stipulation in the will making her stay in the home in order for her to get it. The way he handled things, he should have been happy she even talked to him. Also, Sloan truly was no friend. To have slept with the one woman that bullied Magnolia made him the worse friend anyone could have. Lastly, I hate when something horrible happens and all of a sudden everything is great between them. Girl he slept with the bitch that bullied you, make that man crawl on broken glass.
***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: Overheard H saying the h was just an obligation to him and his family, H dating the h’s bully secretly, death of h’s parents. Past: H and h are childhood friends. Their parents are best friends. When h’s mother dies, h’s father basically throws himself in his job and drinking. H’s parents step up to help. H climbs through the h’s bedroom every night to talk and hold her. h likes the H and decides to let the H know at their graduation party. When she goes to look for him, she overhears him with ow who bullies the h. H and ow/bully have been dating secretly and he plans on moving in with the ow. Ow wants H to tell the h about her and him now. H tells ow that he and his family feel obligated to care for the h because of her mom being best friends with his mom and he doesn’t want to tell her right now. h runs and decided to leave early for college that she got accepted too without letting anyone know besides her dad. Present: h is back in town to get her childhood house ready to be sold and talk to her dad’s lawyer about the will. When there she finds out that her dad put in his will that she had to stay in the house for two years in order for her to receive everything. h decides to take a couple of days to decide. After talking with her friend from college, the friend comes and they decide to fix the house up and stay. Of course, h runs into old friends and they ask her to met up at the H’s restaurant. h’s friend agrees and convinces h to go. When there H comes and lets the h know how he feels about her up and leaving without letting anyone know. h lets H have it and tells him what she overheard that night. H realizing how wrong he was goes about fixing it. H did continue to date ow after h left in the past but broke it off with her. He hasn’t been with ow for awhile now. h goes on a date but it doesn’t work out. H sees it because they were at his restaurant he owns. H tells his mom and dad what the h overheard and they tell him how disappointed they are of him. H’s mom goes to talk to the h and things get worked out. h goes out with her friend and the old friends and H shows up. Ow/bully also shows up and h puts her in her place. H continues to try to earn the h back. When they bust an animal ring, the vet place she is working at goes to get the animals, the H overhears and is there helping her. H continues to help and they slowly become friends and talk about the past. H tells the h that basically he was a horny 18 years old thinking with the wrong head. That when ow gave him attention he enjoyed it and thought it was love. h finds herself in trouble with the bad guy doing the animal fighting the H is there to save her. Later when out with friends the ow/bully shows up again and while mad she yells at the H for telling the h how she stole money from him. Everyone overhears and now they know what really happened. HEA with them living together, h opening up her own clinic, and H proposes.
Final thoughts: This was an ok read for me. Definitely will read her friend’s book if she gets one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2025
This Fatphobic Book Starts Out Presenting Body Positivity But Fails By Surrendering Her Body Dysmorphia To Cassie, When It's Caused By A Toxic Emotional Support Network SPECIFICALLY
How cute.
Sloan is led.
Cassie manipulates.
Remember:
Sloan was young.
Cassie was in control.
Remember:
Sloan is a boy and boys will by boys.
Cassie is a girl, and knew what she was doing.
Your sexist, fatphobic, ableist, classist, framing, which also is how racist and anti-LGBTQ framings get used, is really toxic.
Sloan was the one romantically involved with Magnolia as he fucked others. Best friends don't sleep together. Best friends talk on the phone.
Sloan lied while Cassie wanted honesty.
He was the problem, not Cassie.
Cassie is irrelevant in their relationship, but as always the OW gets the projection of his choices.
Gawd I hate him, I hate Lori, I hate his dad, I really hate Momma, I hate Lexie, I really hate Jace and Dexter needed slapped around the head for only storming out over money, the classist, sexist, ableist, fatphobic FUCKS.
(Honestly I saw someone write miscommunication and I hate you, how many adulterous affairs have you nuanced?)
Gawd I Love The Toxic Toddler Narcissists Who Pretend They Were Stupid 17-Year-Olds But Cassie Is Definitely A Master Manipulator At That Age, And HE Was Young, So Sexist
Imagine being thrilled by the idea of being "punished" by the man you heard calling you a Lard Ass with your bully.
Seriously?
You could get turned on by a man after you heard him discussing your Ass as if it was Lard?
Wow, your pussy has never clenched, has it?
Never had anything but emptiness to splutter around.
Sloan gets away with bullying the woman he claimed to love, but was facilitating her bully behind her back and he repeatedly slipped inside her, cheating on the women he slept with every night.
Wow, Magnolia Got Communally Gaslit to Fuck By All These Toxic Cunts, Trying To Pretend Sloan Didn't CHEAT On Her With Her Bully, For Years
Wow, I'm assuming this book isn't for fans of romance, but people who are waiting for their father to show up still that you have all the excuses prepared for him.
Holy shit!
Like how pathetic this book is.
Sloan was immature but Cassie was the mastermind??
Sloan covertly lied to her FOR YEARS. Covertly ignored his choices FOR YEARS. Covertly "placated" his bully of a girlfriend FOR YEARS.
Cassie has issues but she just mirrored Sloan.
Schrodingers Narcissistic Patriarchy, where the town will pick and act according to his choices, fuck Magnolia.
Wow, that was toxic as fuck.
And wow, I went from loving, to hating Lexie for her disloyalty to Magnolia over that cheating scumbag.
And make no mistake, Sloan is a cheater.
The point of a romantic relationship is that you regulate each others heart when vulnerable.
Magnolia was doing that for this cheating scumbag, for years.
Just because sex wasn't involved, THEY were Romantically involved.
I really couldn't wait to see him suffer.
And he didn't.
He got everything he wanted, immediately.
I also wanted to smack Momma in the face for planting bullshit notions like closure.
Please, Naricssists don't care.
Especially cheaters and liars and abusers like Sloan.
He fucked Magnolias bully for years.
Knew she was Magnolia'a bully and he slipped inside her, over and over and the lied and pretended he was in love with Magnolia as he did this.
Toxic cunt.
Shallow asshole.
Fuck you Lori for letting him cheat.
Fuck you Jace for normalising cheating when he was an adult.
Fuck the whole town.
He faced no accountability for his choices.
I wish Cassie stole more now.
Fuck you.
Her "daww hes embarrassed about emotionally using two girls, dawww" fuck him, fuck him.
But Magnolia isn't real, she accepts this shit for the Unseen, Unloved and utterly Unfucked to be finally seen by the shit heas and affirm the fantasy that he "made a mistake"....every day....for years....inside Cassie....for years.
Eww I hope Magnolia gets regular STI checks, he might fuck Cassie again behind her back, old habits and all.
Not a pick of romance or authenticity in this, just excuses.
This abuser CHASED OFF OTHER MEN as he cheated.
They were in a relationship, he just didn't wanna label it.
And I love that women like you feel invalidated by the fact that the body is the organ of emotion and he demonstrate his love for Magnolia over and over INSIDE CASSIE.
As soon as Lexie was smilinf about "hes coming for you" I knew this was for the Misogynist Pick Mes.
Started out about body positivity and resulted in accepting that Cassie was somehow reaponsible for BOTH thir choices when they were teens.
Thats so sexist.
So fucking Fatphobic
So fucking dire.
But you must be used
How cute.
Sloan is led.
Cassie manipulates.
Remember:
Sloan was young.
Cassie was in control.
Remember:
Sloan is a boy and boys will by boys.
Cassie is a girl, and knew what she was doing.
Your sexist, fatphobic, ableist, classist, framing, which also is how racist and anti-LGBTQ framings get used, is really toxic.
Sloan was the one romantically involved with Magnolia as he fucked others. Best friends don't sleep together. Best friends talk on the phone.
Sloan lied while Cassie wanted honesty.
He was the problem, not Cassie.
Cassie is irrelevant in their relationship, but as always the OW gets the projection of his choices.
Gawd I hate him, I hate Lori, I hate his dad, I really hate Momma, I hate Lexie, I really hate Jace and Dexter needed slapped around the head for only storming out over money, the classist, sexist, ableist, fatphobic FUCKS.
(Honestly I saw someone write miscommunication and I hate you, how many adulterous affairs have you nuanced?)
Gawd I Love The Toxic Toddler Narcissists Who Pretend They Were Stupid 17-Year-Olds But Cassie Is Definitely A Master Manipulator At That Age, And HE Was Young, So Sexist
Imagine being thrilled by the idea of being "punished" by the man you heard calling you a Lard Ass with your bully.
Seriously?
You could get turned on by a man after you heard him discussing your Ass as if it was Lard?
Wow, your pussy has never clenched, has it?
Never had anything but emptiness to splutter around.
Sloan gets away with bullying the woman he claimed to love, but was facilitating her bully behind her back and he repeatedly slipped inside her, cheating on the women he slept with every night.
Wow, Magnolia Got Communally Gaslit to Fuck By All These Toxic Cunts, Trying To Pretend Sloan Didn't CHEAT On Her With Her Bully, For Years
Wow, I'm assuming this book isn't for fans of romance, but people who are waiting for their father to show up still that you have all the excuses prepared for him.
Holy shit!
Like how pathetic this book is.
Sloan was immature but Cassie was the mastermind??
Sloan covertly lied to her FOR YEARS. Covertly ignored his choices FOR YEARS. Covertly "placated" his bully of a girlfriend FOR YEARS.
Cassie has issues but she just mirrored Sloan.
Schrodingers Narcissistic Patriarchy, where the town will pick and act according to his choices, fuck Magnolia.
Wow, that was toxic as fuck.
And wow, I went from loving, to hating Lexie for her disloyalty to Magnolia over that cheating scumbag.
And make no mistake, Sloan is a cheater.
The point of a romantic relationship is that you regulate each others heart when vulnerable.
Magnolia was doing that for this cheating scumbag, for years.
Just because sex wasn't involved, THEY were Romantically involved.
I really couldn't wait to see him suffer.
And he didn't.
He got everything he wanted, immediately.
I also wanted to smack Momma in the face for planting bullshit notions like closure.
Please, Naricssists don't care.
Especially cheaters and liars and abusers like Sloan.
He fucked Magnolias bully for years.
Knew she was Magnolia'a bully and he slipped inside her, over and over and the lied and pretended he was in love with Magnolia as he did this.
Toxic cunt.
Shallow asshole.
Fuck you Lori for letting him cheat.
Fuck you Jace for normalising cheating when he was an adult.
Fuck the whole town.
He faced no accountability for his choices.
I wish Cassie stole more now.
Fuck you.
Her "daww hes embarrassed about emotionally using two girls, dawww" fuck him, fuck him.
But Magnolia isn't real, she accepts this shit for the Unseen, Unloved and utterly Unfucked to be finally seen by the shit heas and affirm the fantasy that he "made a mistake"....every day....for years....inside Cassie....for years.
Eww I hope Magnolia gets regular STI checks, he might fuck Cassie again behind her back, old habits and all.
Not a pick of romance or authenticity in this, just excuses.
This abuser CHASED OFF OTHER MEN as he cheated.
They were in a relationship, he just didn't wanna label it.
And I love that women like you feel invalidated by the fact that the body is the organ of emotion and he demonstrate his love for Magnolia over and over INSIDE CASSIE.
As soon as Lexie was smilinf about "hes coming for you" I knew this was for the Misogynist Pick Mes.
Started out about body positivity and resulted in accepting that Cassie was somehow reaponsible for BOTH thir choices when they were teens.
Thats so sexist.
So fucking Fatphobic
So fucking dire.
But you must be used
May 28, 2025
A lovely small town story.
This second chance romance set in a charming small town hits all the right notes. Magnolia and Sloan grew up as close friends, but teenage feelings and a painful misunderstanding drove them apart. Eight years later, Magnolia returns home after her father’s death, only to confront the past and Sloan. What follows is a heartfelt journey of awkward reunions, lingering emotions, and personal growth. The emotional tension is palpable, the grovelling is satisfying, and the small-town setting adds warmth to the story. Sweet, angsty, and deeply relatable. Perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered “what if.”
This second chance romance set in a charming small town hits all the right notes. Magnolia and Sloan grew up as close friends, but teenage feelings and a painful misunderstanding drove them apart. Eight years later, Magnolia returns home after her father’s death, only to confront the past and Sloan. What follows is a heartfelt journey of awkward reunions, lingering emotions, and personal growth. The emotional tension is palpable, the grovelling is satisfying, and the small-town setting adds warmth to the story. Sweet, angsty, and deeply relatable. Perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered “what if.”
May 28, 2025
Sloan and Magnolia. They were childhood best friends, they had feelings for each other but never said anything. He ends hooking up with her bully and says some nasty things about FMC, she overhears and runs away not speaking to MMC or his family for a few years. She has to come back to town as her father has died, the book is then him grovelling. It was a cute, cheese read. A bit OTT for me and lacked something…
May 10, 2025
There’s something special about a second chance romance set in a sleepy little town, and this one hit all the right notes. Magnolia and Sloan grew up side by side—literally. Their moms were best friends, so they were practically raised as siblings-turned-besties. But once hormones got involved in their teen years, things started to shift. Just as Magnolia was about to graduate high school, everything fell apart. She overhears Sloan saying something that cuts deep—something she was never meant to hear—and instead of confronting it, she walks away from her hometown and the boy she secretly loved.
Fast forward eight years, and life pulls her right back to the very place she ran from. Her father’s passing forces her to face the ghosts she left behind, including Sloan, who’s still very much around—and very much full of regret. What follows is a journey full of awkward reunions, resurfaced feelings, and the slow process of rebuilding something that was broken before it ever had a real chance to grow.
The emotional tension is real in this book. It doesn’t shy away from how messy young love can be, especially when misunderstandings and immaturity get in the way. But there’s a satisfying amount of growth from both characters. Magnolia has built walls, but you can feel her longing under the surface. Sloan? He’s definitely got some groveling to do—and he does grovel, which was honestly kind of great to watch.
This is the kind of small town where everyone knows your business, but it somehow adds warmth rather than annoyance. The dynamic between old enemies and loyal friends kept the story moving and added depth to the main couple’s journey.
It’s sweet, it’s angsty, and it’s a heartfelt look at how growing up doesn’t always mean growing apart. This one felt real, and if you’ve ever had a “what if” from your past linger a little too long, Magnolia and Sloan’s story might just hit home.
Fast forward eight years, and life pulls her right back to the very place she ran from. Her father’s passing forces her to face the ghosts she left behind, including Sloan, who’s still very much around—and very much full of regret. What follows is a journey full of awkward reunions, resurfaced feelings, and the slow process of rebuilding something that was broken before it ever had a real chance to grow.
The emotional tension is real in this book. It doesn’t shy away from how messy young love can be, especially when misunderstandings and immaturity get in the way. But there’s a satisfying amount of growth from both characters. Magnolia has built walls, but you can feel her longing under the surface. Sloan? He’s definitely got some groveling to do—and he does grovel, which was honestly kind of great to watch.
This is the kind of small town where everyone knows your business, but it somehow adds warmth rather than annoyance. The dynamic between old enemies and loyal friends kept the story moving and added depth to the main couple’s journey.
It’s sweet, it’s angsty, and it’s a heartfelt look at how growing up doesn’t always mean growing apart. This one felt real, and if you’ve ever had a “what if” from your past linger a little too long, Magnolia and Sloan’s story might just hit home.
May 13, 2025
I love this!
This book was just beautiful. I loved the story of Magnolia and Sloan and how it spanned years. I loved the way they never forgot each other and I loved the way they found their way back! It brought out so many emotions throughout the book. I wanted to sm@ck Sloan at the beginning, but my heart began to break for him as the book went on. That’s not to say I was ready to forgive him right away. He needed to earn that and I really feel like he did.
This will definitely be a book I revisit! I’ve read it twice already and I just adore it. Kris M Davey has a way with her characters that really pull you in. I read anything she writes and love it all, but this is one of my favorites!
This book was just beautiful. I loved the story of Magnolia and Sloan and how it spanned years. I loved the way they never forgot each other and I loved the way they found their way back! It brought out so many emotions throughout the book. I wanted to sm@ck Sloan at the beginning, but my heart began to break for him as the book went on. That’s not to say I was ready to forgive him right away. He needed to earn that and I really feel like he did.
This will definitely be a book I revisit! I’ve read it twice already and I just adore it. Kris M Davey has a way with her characters that really pull you in. I read anything she writes and love it all, but this is one of my favorites!
July 10, 2025
8 years and you still retaining feelings for him? It’ll only take me 1 year of no contact with someone I had a fallout with and I’d forget they ever existed. I mean if you’re gonna base it in real life settings then be realistic. What you should’ve done is make it like she’s completely over him and basically the romance they build is brand new. I have seen and read books from authors who have done this. It’s a DNF as I have lost interest upto 43%.
May 4, 2025
Good
I love second chance angst with ow drama! Liked the characters and storyline, excited for Jace's storyline to play out.
I love second chance angst with ow drama! Liked the characters and storyline, excited for Jace's storyline to play out.
August 8, 2025
Cute, but for some reason I absolutely cannot put my finger on, it was missing something. No idea what, because the writing was well done, outside of a few typos that were easy to overlook. I also liked how, once Sloan realized what he had done wrong, he went after Magnolia without any hesitation (even though in real life, that might be a little unrealistic, since I'd argue after 8 years, you don't really know a person -- but then again I didn't meet my "soulmate" while in diapers, so what do I know?)
Definitely interested in Lexie and Jace's story, but I don't know if the author has it in the works.
Definitely interested in Lexie and Jace's story, but I don't know if the author has it in the works.
May 10, 2025
This author is absolutely fantastic. You feel every emotion, betrayal and heartbreak. Despite her insecurities, the h is a strong and courageous woman. The H truly redeemed himself and the HEA was so well-deserved for both of them. I encourage you to follow this author, who is new to publishing. Her books are absolutely worth it.
May 9, 2025
I found Kris randomly a while ago and I've been following her writing ever since and she's fast becoming one of my favourite new authors! I absolutely loved the Leaving Road and the journey between Sloan and Magnolia. Best friends since babies and lots of unrequited love. I thought the writing was amazing and I really connected with the characters, I don't want to give too much away but it's a true journey to forgiveness and I absolutely loved the grovel and side characters! such a good story and I can't recommend it enough
May 8, 2025
short and sweet
I came across this story unfortunately on a pay per chapter website that was not the original author. After doing some deep diving I found Kris Daveys Facebook group page and saw she was posting the story for free on there. I’m so glad it’s come to terms with with an actual book on kindle and KU. Congrats Kris!! The story is amazing
I came across this story unfortunately on a pay per chapter website that was not the original author. After doing some deep diving I found Kris Daveys Facebook group page and saw she was posting the story for free on there. I’m so glad it’s come to terms with with an actual book on kindle and KU. Congrats Kris!! The story is amazing
May 9, 2025
awesome
Kris is one of my go to Authors…when you give yourself the gift of reading The Leaving Road you’ll understand why ….5 star Author every time ! Her works are some of the best out there …. Highly recommend…VJay
Kris is one of my go to Authors…when you give yourself the gift of reading The Leaving Road you’ll understand why ….5 star Author every time ! Her works are some of the best out there …. Highly recommend…VJay
May 10, 2025
Love, love this book. Kris you are an amazing author and love your work. Keep up your amazing writing. You have a lifelong supporter from me ❤️
May 10, 2025
love love love
I came across this author, and I love her writing, and how she brings the characters together. Can’t wait to buy the rest of her book’s.
I came across this author, and I love her writing, and how she brings the characters together. Can’t wait to buy the rest of her book’s.
September 7, 2025
1. This book was recommended to me as being a great “grovel” book but so far, I’m not seeing it. I’m at 40% and the two MCs have only met once, briefly, since the betrayal.
2. At 51%, Sloan gave Magnolia his card. He had just given her his card the night before?
3. Why do all the FMC’s in these books have a mouthy, pushy best friend who constantly pressures her to do things she doesn’t want to do instead of supporting her decisions like a true friend should?
4. Another h with terminal BBS. She was supposedly still mad at Sloan and had told him that she hadn’t forgiven him or decided if they could even be friends again but when he started running his hand up and down her thigh under the table, she didn’t say or do anything. Then, she allowed him to drive her home.
5. At 60%, I’m still seeing no grovel. All Sloan is doing is bulldozing his way back into her life, showing up when she’s on a date and even at her work.
DNF
2. At 51%, Sloan gave Magnolia his card. He had just given her his card the night before?
3. Why do all the FMC’s in these books have a mouthy, pushy best friend who constantly pressures her to do things she doesn’t want to do instead of supporting her decisions like a true friend should?
4. Another h with terminal BBS. She was supposedly still mad at Sloan and had told him that she hadn’t forgiven him or decided if they could even be friends again but when he started running his hand up and down her thigh under the table, she didn’t say or do anything. Then, she allowed him to drive her home.
5. At 60%, I’m still seeing no grovel. All Sloan is doing is bulldozing his way back into her life, showing up when she’s on a date and even at her work.
DNF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2025
Could have been great
Yeah, this book missed the mark for me. I skimmed through 75% of the book. Magnolia was obnoxious. I am not discounting how hurt she was. It was a betrayal of epic proportions... when you are 18 years old. When you are a grown a$$ adult... guess what? You understand that the stupidity of youth cannot be held against someone for so long. Sloane explained until he was blue in the face... try some understanding, yeah? I love me some good groveling, but not when the FMC doesn't give an inch for the majority of the book. Especially when the original betrayal wasn't that horrible once you can see it through the lens of an adult.
I read a book not long ago where the betrayal at the same age was so horrible, so reprehensible, that I could not believe that the MMC could have been redeemed. Yet, the FMC had a rough time understanding, she listened and allowed him to prove himself to her. Magnolia was too much, and I felt Sloan could have done better.
Yeah, this book missed the mark for me. I skimmed through 75% of the book. Magnolia was obnoxious. I am not discounting how hurt she was. It was a betrayal of epic proportions... when you are 18 years old. When you are a grown a$$ adult... guess what? You understand that the stupidity of youth cannot be held against someone for so long. Sloane explained until he was blue in the face... try some understanding, yeah? I love me some good groveling, but not when the FMC doesn't give an inch for the majority of the book. Especially when the original betrayal wasn't that horrible once you can see it through the lens of an adult.
I read a book not long ago where the betrayal at the same age was so horrible, so reprehensible, that I could not believe that the MMC could have been redeemed. Yet, the FMC had a rough time understanding, she listened and allowed him to prove himself to her. Magnolia was too much, and I felt Sloan could have done better.
May 17, 2025
Mmm.
Good writing style but weak plot.
This is a new author that apparently wrote on wattpad, she’s surely very capable and good with angst but it’s not my kid of plot.
There are also some loose ends that I wish she had cleared but she didn’t.
Heroine is an overweight teenager that has been infatuated with her male bff forever but he just sees her as his friend.
When they’re 17/18 she overhears him speaking very badly about her with her arch enemy, one of the mean girls at school that always bullied her.
He basically says she’s a charity case and he feels sorry for her. The heroine also finds out he’s been dating her enemy for months, without telling her, even knowing she was bullying her.
The heroine leaves immediately after hearing that.
She also cut ties with his mother, that was her late mother’s bff and was taking care of her because she loved her friends daughter.
Years later she’s back in town and the hero acts like he’s the injured part.
When he realizes she heard what he said to his gf he’s sorry and tries to make amends.
There’s also a mystery going on.
The heroine is a vet tech, she’s grown up and doesn’t binge eat anymore so now her weight is not an issue anymore, she’s pretty and self confident.
She had boyfriends and sex, so no celibate here that is why I rated two stars instead of one.
I didn’t particularly like it because she could never move on emotionally from him.
Not even a man she loved, not one. Really?
That was not only unbelievable but also very demeaning because the hero, let’s be honest here, was no prize, no hero. He was a horny teenager that for an easy girl throw his friend under the bus.
So I couldn’t understand where all that fixation she had for him was about.
She came back prettier and all grown up but still the same infatuated teenager that she was when she left.
Oh, the hero, after she left, moved in with his gf aka the heroine arch enemy, and stayed with her for years. So he was happy with a nasty bitch which was very bad because I couldn’t understand where have understood a sexual fling with the girl when they were 18, but he moved in with her and stayed with her for years, she was a major bitch and she was also a criminal since she stole from him.
Really?
The picture here is confusing.
He says he missed the heroine but he stayed with her enemy for years so no, I don’t believe it for one second that he cared for the heroine not just as a woman but not even as his friend.
You don’t betray your best friend for a piece of azz. But anyway, I couldn’t understand when he was 17 but not all the years he was with her, that means he was really in love with the bitch, and that he was really low.
To me he was an inconsistent, weak, immature and worthless human being.
The heroine should have found a lot of better men, I think most of the men she met could have been better than him because he didn’t have anything good for him.
And him staying years with a nasty bitch didn’t make him nicer.
So, after all, I couldn’t understand what she found about him to love and to stay fixated on him for years.
And his love for her when he found out ow was a thief and a bitch is very very cheap. So, ok for no celibacy and no double standard, but the man here is not worth a second glance.
Good writing style but weak plot.
This is a new author that apparently wrote on wattpad, she’s surely very capable and good with angst but it’s not my kid of plot.
There are also some loose ends that I wish she had cleared but she didn’t.
Heroine is an overweight teenager that has been infatuated with her male bff forever but he just sees her as his friend.
When they’re 17/18 she overhears him speaking very badly about her with her arch enemy, one of the mean girls at school that always bullied her.
He basically says she’s a charity case and he feels sorry for her. The heroine also finds out he’s been dating her enemy for months, without telling her, even knowing she was bullying her.
The heroine leaves immediately after hearing that.
She also cut ties with his mother, that was her late mother’s bff and was taking care of her because she loved her friends daughter.
Years later she’s back in town and the hero acts like he’s the injured part.
When he realizes she heard what he said to his gf he’s sorry and tries to make amends.
There’s also a mystery going on.
The heroine is a vet tech, she’s grown up and doesn’t binge eat anymore so now her weight is not an issue anymore, she’s pretty and self confident.
She had boyfriends and sex, so no celibate here that is why I rated two stars instead of one.
I didn’t particularly like it because she could never move on emotionally from him.
Not even a man she loved, not one. Really?
That was not only unbelievable but also very demeaning because the hero, let’s be honest here, was no prize, no hero. He was a horny teenager that for an easy girl throw his friend under the bus.
So I couldn’t understand where all that fixation she had for him was about.
She came back prettier and all grown up but still the same infatuated teenager that she was when she left.
Oh, the hero, after she left, moved in with his gf aka the heroine arch enemy, and stayed with her for years. So he was happy with a nasty bitch which was very bad because I couldn’t understand where have understood a sexual fling with the girl when they were 18, but he moved in with her and stayed with her for years, she was a major bitch and she was also a criminal since she stole from him.
Really?
The picture here is confusing.
He says he missed the heroine but he stayed with her enemy for years so no, I don’t believe it for one second that he cared for the heroine not just as a woman but not even as his friend.
You don’t betray your best friend for a piece of azz. But anyway, I couldn’t understand when he was 17 but not all the years he was with her, that means he was really in love with the bitch, and that he was really low.
To me he was an inconsistent, weak, immature and worthless human being.
The heroine should have found a lot of better men, I think most of the men she met could have been better than him because he didn’t have anything good for him.
And him staying years with a nasty bitch didn’t make him nicer.
So, after all, I couldn’t understand what she found about him to love and to stay fixated on him for years.
And his love for her when he found out ow was a thief and a bitch is very very cheap. So, ok for no celibacy and no double standard, but the man here is not worth a second glance.
December 10, 2025
⭐️: 3.5
Summary: This is a contemporary romance.
Additional tropes:
✅ Friends to enemies to lovers
✅ Other woman drama
✅ Overheard
Detailed spoilers/trigger warnings (if any) and final thoughts can be found below.
The main characters are Magnolia and Sloan. They grew up together since their mothers were best friends. Eight years ago, the FMC overheard the MMC talking to someone he was dating, who happened to be her bully, and he says something very hurtful things. The FMC leaves devastated, not just the house but packs up and immediately leaves for college without any goodbyes. She’s now back in her hometown to settle her late father’s affairs.
Being that this is a small town, it doesn’t take long for word to get around she is back. The stipulation of her father’s will is she must remain in the town for a certain period of time to get the inheritance. Surprisingly, being back in spite of the bad memories, feels good and she wants to stay. Her first run-in with the MMC is hard but she stays focused with her plan.
In the meantime, he is determined to fix the wrongs from the past. The more he sees her the more he realizes it’s always been her, and not in a just friends kind of way.
The other woman is there and is intent on disrupting her peace, but Magnolia has grown and changed to become a stronger woman who doesn’t let anyone stand in the way of what she wants. The more that she learns about the past, the more she decides it’s time to let go and move forward to a promising and happy future.
⚠️SPOILERS/SPICE/DETAILED TRIGGERS⚠️
*The overheard scene takes place immediately. The main characters have just graduated and there is a party happening to celebrate. The FMC had intended to tell the MMC she had developed feelings for him. Instead she overheard him telling her high school bully that him and his mom think she is a burden. Her mom had passed away a year or two prior to this incident so his mom had really stepped into that role for her and the FMC loved her very much for it. So hearing that she felt this way was even more devastating.
🌶️: 1/5
Final thoughts: I enjoyed this book. There is quite a bit of angst, mainly from the immediate overheard scene which sort of sets the tone for the book. And then, of course, the other woman bringing drama at certain points added a nice little piece to it.
It was a little boring at times, and I found myself sort of speed reading through certain parts, but I love that Sloan took full responsibility for the immature and wrong choices he made when he was younger and he intends to make up for that and really sticks to all of the things that he says he is going to do.
I enjoyed the secondary characters. Lexie is an amazing friend and I’m glad that she is going to get her story in the next book. Overall, the story has a lot of what I love in a book and I definitely recommend it.
Summary: This is a contemporary romance.
Additional tropes:
✅ Friends to enemies to lovers
✅ Other woman drama
✅ Overheard
Detailed spoilers/trigger warnings (if any) and final thoughts can be found below.
The main characters are Magnolia and Sloan. They grew up together since their mothers were best friends. Eight years ago, the FMC overheard the MMC talking to someone he was dating, who happened to be her bully, and he says something very hurtful things. The FMC leaves devastated, not just the house but packs up and immediately leaves for college without any goodbyes. She’s now back in her hometown to settle her late father’s affairs.
Being that this is a small town, it doesn’t take long for word to get around she is back. The stipulation of her father’s will is she must remain in the town for a certain period of time to get the inheritance. Surprisingly, being back in spite of the bad memories, feels good and she wants to stay. Her first run-in with the MMC is hard but she stays focused with her plan.
In the meantime, he is determined to fix the wrongs from the past. The more he sees her the more he realizes it’s always been her, and not in a just friends kind of way.
The other woman is there and is intent on disrupting her peace, but Magnolia has grown and changed to become a stronger woman who doesn’t let anyone stand in the way of what she wants. The more that she learns about the past, the more she decides it’s time to let go and move forward to a promising and happy future.
⚠️SPOILERS/SPICE/DETAILED TRIGGERS⚠️
*The overheard scene takes place immediately. The main characters have just graduated and there is a party happening to celebrate. The FMC had intended to tell the MMC she had developed feelings for him. Instead she overheard him telling her high school bully that him and his mom think she is a burden. Her mom had passed away a year or two prior to this incident so his mom had really stepped into that role for her and the FMC loved her very much for it. So hearing that she felt this way was even more devastating.
🌶️: 1/5
Final thoughts: I enjoyed this book. There is quite a bit of angst, mainly from the immediate overheard scene which sort of sets the tone for the book. And then, of course, the other woman bringing drama at certain points added a nice little piece to it.
It was a little boring at times, and I found myself sort of speed reading through certain parts, but I love that Sloan took full responsibility for the immature and wrong choices he made when he was younger and he intends to make up for that and really sticks to all of the things that he says he is going to do.
I enjoyed the secondary characters. Lexie is an amazing friend and I’m glad that she is going to get her story in the next book. Overall, the story has a lot of what I love in a book and I definitely recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
It was a Hallmark movie basically.
Most of the time, the dialogues were cringey and a little juvenile. You have one sex scene but no swearing, which was odd for grown ass characters.
I really liked the beginning and found the story appealing but, as soon as Lexi appears, it was done.
The hero was heroic, rich and hot, the heroine suffered from BBS very quickly.
HFN. No idea what the fuck is happening with the house or the will.
Things I didn't like:
- The stupidity of the will. This was very VERY Hallmark and not in a good way.
- How unprofessional the heroine Magnolia was. First day on her new job - she was a vet with some experience - she cried and threw up without doing or seeing anything. I'm sorry but in what world?!
- The conversation between Sloan and his parents when he told them the truth about what happened 8 years earlier. His mother acted like he had killed someone and his father was disappointed in him like he had stolen a car or something. The scene was very over the top, CW teen drama show.
- How Sloan literally invaded her space of work when he wasn't a vet himself. Dude was just dancing around like he was an employee. Like where were the vet assistants? Made no sense.
- Sloan's obsession over Magnolia, stalking her and following her everywhere. She ever had a moment for herself. I found this very unhealthy and suffocating. Not a good beginning of a relationship.
- How can you open a vet clinic in the same small town you used to work, when the existing clinic has only 2 vets (and apparently only one vet assistant)?! How is that new business suppose to work? 5$ and a dream?
I get that the horrible date with the contractor was to introduce him (as the asshole) and Remy (as the poor next heroine), but that was so badly written. We don't even see him asking Magnolia on a date, it just happened.
Most of the time, the dialogues were cringey and a little juvenile. You have one sex scene but no swearing, which was odd for grown ass characters.
I really liked the beginning and found the story appealing but, as soon as Lexi appears, it was done.
The hero was heroic, rich and hot, the heroine suffered from BBS very quickly.
HFN. No idea what the fuck is happening with the house or the will.
Things I didn't like:
- The stupidity of the will. This was very VERY Hallmark and not in a good way.
- How unprofessional the heroine Magnolia was. First day on her new job - she was a vet with some experience - she cried and threw up without doing or seeing anything. I'm sorry but in what world?!
- The conversation between Sloan and his parents when he told them the truth about what happened 8 years earlier. His mother acted like he had killed someone and his father was disappointed in him like he had stolen a car or something. The scene was very over the top, CW teen drama show.
- How Sloan literally invaded her space of work when he wasn't a vet himself. Dude was just dancing around like he was an employee. Like where were the vet assistants? Made no sense.
- Sloan's obsession over Magnolia, stalking her and following her everywhere. She ever had a moment for herself. I found this very unhealthy and suffocating. Not a good beginning of a relationship.
- How can you open a vet clinic in the same small town you used to work, when the existing clinic has only 2 vets (and apparently only one vet assistant)?! How is that new business suppose to work? 5$ and a dream?
I get that the horrible date with the contractor was to introduce him (as the asshole) and Remy (as the poor next heroine), but that was so badly written. We don't even see him asking Magnolia on a date, it just happened.
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