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What Should Have Been Ours

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A second-chance romance about the boy she never forgot—and the reunion fate never stopped writing.

Gabrielle Voss spent her childhood battling cancer inside the sterile walls of a Hospital, where heartbreak and healing lived side by side. But through it all, there was one bright Cameron Hayes, the boy who made her laugh, broke the rules with her, and promised to stay in her life forever.

Until he didn’t.

Twelve years later, Gabrielle has built a life as a veterinarian, five years cancer-free and trying to leave the past behind. That is, until one chance encounter in a hospital café brings everything rushing back—including Cameron.

Now a pediatric oncology resident, Cameron has returned to the place that saved his life, only to find the one girl he could never forget standing in line behind him. The spark between them is instant, the chemistry undeniable, but the wounds they carry run deep.

As they reconnect over shared memories and late-night hot chocolate, Gabrielle and Cameron are forced to face everything they left unsaid—and everything they lost. But with a secret threatening to break the fragile peace they've found, their second chance might slip through their fingers before it ever really begins.

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2025

12 people are currently reading
179 people want to read

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Faith Pincay

2 books27 followers

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5 stars
44 (69%)
4 stars
16 (25%)
3 stars
3 (4%)
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0 (0%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Kyrah Stewart.
98 reviews992 followers
June 2, 2025
such a sweet debut book 🥺 reminded me of a mix between greys anatomy and the fault in our stars!
Profile Image for Allison •  Alli’s Fairy Tales.
299 reviews24 followers
June 23, 2025
• My Reading Experience: LOVED IT!!!
• Book Spice: Level 0.5 - Implied but not shown

• Content Thoughts:

First, I want to thank the author (Faith Pincay) for allowing me to read this debut eARC!!!

Now, I have to say this story was exceptionally executed in a way that you fully connect with the characters and their story. I’ve always wondered how someone could legitimately sob while reading… like boohooing, tears streaming cry while reading about fictional characters…. Now I understand!

For me, this was not just an “oh that’s disappointing but I’m not emotionally connected” type of read at all!

I had to thank the author for causing me to completely fall apart. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading anything else this author writes.

Great job! I’m looking forward to getting my physical trophy of this book come release day - June 28th!! 🧚 💜
Profile Image for Kelsei Favors.
109 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2025
“In this lifetime” I whisper “And every lifetime after”

UGH MY HEART. If you love 5 feet apart, or even The Fault In Our Stars. A book about love, healing, grief, and doing everything while you still have the breath to do it. This book is for you.

It’s so gut wrenching, but holds so much emotional depth. I laughed, I cried, I was screaming and I couldn’t contain myself.

Shoutout to this amazing and beautiful author who gifted me this ARC. It’s truly truly amazing!
Profile Image for _readwithvanessa.
203 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2025
4.5 - First off, I love Faith’s writing, she writes beautifully. So many quotes I highlighted as I read! I love Gabrielle & Cameron’s love. This is the first book to ever make me shed a tear. I do not cry easily when it comes to books or shows/movies but this one did it for me! I could feel the love that these two characters had for each other through the pages.

I also absolutely LOVED the side characters!! Wes & Kinsley were so funny and they added a lot to the story, I enjoyed them so much.

Very happy with how the entire story wrapped up in the epilogue! Now I just need a second book with Wes & Kinsley as the main characters PLEASEEEEE!

Other things I loved:

1. Dual POV
2. How mature the MMC & FMC were - effective communicators from the beginning! No miscommunication here! 🚫
3. The banter between characters (the jokes in general, I loved that it made me laugh throughout)
4. How open the MMC is about how much he adores the FMC


** Thank you so much Faith, for allowing me to ARC read your book
Profile Image for Meg Wallace.
14 reviews
May 1, 2025
It's really a 4.5 star for me. Goodreads needs to re-think half stars.

The book made me laugh, it made me cry and that is what I need to be memorable.

I really liked the characters, the premise, and the friendships. Just when you thought you knew what was going to happen, things went differently.

Things I was not expecting:

The characters are likeable, and the author spent a lot of time allowing their friendships to grow. The nostalgia that was told in the beginning of the book later made Cam and Gab's relationship even more special. I found myself thinking that Wes and Kins were friends I'd want to have in real life.

The book has so many cute quotes and jokes to remember. I'll never look at hot chocolate the same. I have a lot of quotes underlined.

I actually Just a really sweet story. Everyone needs a Cam in their life.
Profile Image for Treasure Bishop.
64 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book.

For this to be a first published book by this author, it didn’t feel like that at all. Everything felt very organic and not cringy. I was really engulfed in the character lives.

I lowkey shed a tear and I am not a cryer while reading. I honestly didn’t want the book to end. Can’t wait to read another book by this author!
Profile Image for Lizzy.
66 reviews3 followers
May 20, 2025
Crying as I type this, I’ve actually been crying all morning. I don’t think I’ve ever sobbed this hard while reading a book and I’m a BIG cry baby.

The author does an incredible job pulling you into the story and making you feel every emotion right alongside the characters. The pacing was perfect, the banter between the FMC and MMC was so well done, and I loved that it was a fade to black spice level while still feeling like a true adult romance.

I cannot wait to read more from this author (cough cough more Wes please🙏🏽). Such a strong and emotional debut.

Thank you to the author for gifting me this ARC! 🩷
9 reviews
May 9, 2025
Thank you to the author Faith for giving me an eARC of this book! I know a book is a good if it can make me cry and this book had multiple moments where I had to wipe the tears from my face. There are so many beautiful quotes in this book and overall this story serves as a beautiful reflection of life, grief, and holding on to those that mean the most to us. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Renita.
77 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2025
Wow. Faith, you talented author. I loved absolutely everything about this book, truly. I fear I will never be able to recover from the heartbreak, though. This book had me sobbing like a baby. Not many books can make me cry but oh man this one got me. I wish I even knew what to say, there’s so many thoughts and emotions running through my head and I can’t even put them into words. This book literally left me speechless.
Profile Image for Madalina Petre.
86 reviews4 followers
May 17, 2025
3.5-4 ✨

[Got this as ARC from the beautiful Faith]

Five feet apart meets the fault in our stars meets a walk to remember 🫠

I finished this at 2am last night and for the last 20% of it I just BAWLED my eyes out. Last time I cried so hard so with Boys of Tommen in February🫣 amazing chemistry, I loved how organic and natural their relationship felt. I did see that ending coming but still wished it didn’t.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
1 review
May 1, 2025
This book completely swept me off my feet—it was an emotional rollercoaster I didn’t see coming. From the very first chapter, I felt deeply connected to Gabrielle and Cameron as they reunited after 12 long years apart. Their journey had me riding waves of excitement, heartbreak, and pure joy—I went from grinning ear to ear to full-on sobbing. The pacing was spot-on, and I loved that every twist and turn felt intentional. Best of all, nothing was predictable the story kept me guessing in the best way. The vivid descriptions and heartfelt dialogue played out like a movie in my mind. I binged the entire thing in just four hours because, honestly, I couldn’t tear myself away. If you’re looking for a book that grips you emotionally and doesn’t let go, this is it.
Profile Image for Ayanna  S.
247 reviews21 followers
June 27, 2025
This was ♾️ stars for me. this book was life changing in a way bc although I know about cancer, to witness two beautiful souls not only coming together in the battle against the disease but falling in love in every lifetime . just beautiful.
Profile Image for Fedline.
94 reviews3 followers
May 16, 2025
This couple is my fav book couple to date. The chemistry between the two main characters in this book was breaking test tubes lol. I was speechless after reading it and needed a few days to write out my review. When I tell you this book is sooo good. And it’s a debut novel ?! It’s definitely a tearjerker, so prepare your tissues. I felt like I knew Cam and Gab in real life. Ugh. 😢 I also loved the side characters. Can’t wait to read more from this author! I highly recommend you read this book. Can’t wait until I have the physical copy in my hand. Grateful to have received an ARC copy.
1 review1 follower
May 13, 2025
Wow!! This book stole my heart from the beginning. I opened my kindle and was i immediately transported from my home and into the world and minds of Gabrielle and Cam. To say this story is a just a romance does it no justice. I was on an emotional rollercoaster from the beginning to end and sobbed throughout many chapters both happy and sad tears. Thank you Faith for writing something that kept my interest through the entirety, craving to pick it back up each time I had to lay it down. This is a must read for anyone who wants to feel every feel and a reminder to appreciate every big and small moment in life.
Profile Image for Erika.
33 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2025
Faith’s writing has a way of pulling you out of reality and emerging you into a wonderful, heartbreaking, lovable world.

Gabrielle and Cameron met during one of the most trying times of their lives. They were pulled apart and then brought back together after twelve years!!! They got a second chance to experience love and all the small moments in between.
They have a love that is so incredibly pure and selfless.
The cry count stopped at 5 because I lost track of it 🥲( just in case you’re wondering)

We can’t forget about Wes and Kinsley!. They were funny, supportive, and so loving. They treat Gab and Cam like family. I don’t think they could’ve gone through this journey without their best friends.

I will always hold a special place in my heart for these characters. I laughed,kicked my feet, and cried so many times .

Faith, I will be reading every single one of your books in the future. I’ll try to remember to buy tissues next time, so that I don’t use my shirt as a tissue .🤣


I don’t think I’ll ever look at hot chocolate the same, “ Good days call for hot chocolate, bad days require it.”
Profile Image for Hanh T.
52 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2025
Faith ! This was my first impression of you girl 😭 it’s almost 5 in the morning and I can’t stop crying . This was beautifully written . Cameron and Gabrielle are forever going to hold a piece of my heart . I love how this story reflects on love , and grief and how life can somehow be beautiful again ; which I can personally relate too . Thank you for the opportunity of this ARC is a story I’ll never forget . ♥️

The quote😭 “In this lifetime “ “and every lifetime after” 😭😭😭

“You gave me everything”
Profile Image for Tomi.
292 reviews25 followers
May 31, 2025
This book was perfect. The depth, the emotion, the writing… it was all so good. I rarely get emotional when reading but this book really got me. I love these characters and I was so sad when this book ended.
Profile Image for Kris Book Reads.
164 reviews154 followers
August 9, 2025
3.5 (rounded up)⭐️ – This story was such a cute, but heartbreaking read 🥹. I loved the hospital setting, and the hot chocolate moments melted my heart! I loved all the characters, and while the pacing was a bit slow in the middle, this was still a fantastic debut!
Profile Image for Ky September .
37 reviews31 followers
July 8, 2025
5/5

The more I read, the more I realize how rare it is to find a romance that goes beyond pure escapism. As a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, I want the “sweep me off my feet” moments—the grand gestures, the declarations of love. But I also need a sense that somewhere out there, people like this could actually exist. And that’s exactly where Faith Pincay’s "What Should Have Been Ours" lands: right in that sweet spot.

For a debut novel, I was struck by her intuitive grasp of emotional tension and the inter-relational depth threaded throughout the story. She already has a strong command of descriptive detail—so much so that you don’t just observe the characters, you feel what they’re going through. You’re not watching from the sidelines; you’re in the arena with them.

From all the pre-release buzz, I knew this was going to be a tearjerker. I told myself I wouldn’t cry. I was wrong. As I finished the final pages—while my husband drove me and our kids home from the pool (yes, I risked motion sickness for this)—hot tears fell anyway. I couldn’t help it.

Bottom line: Read this book. If you’re a romance person looking for that extra something—that depth, that ache, that breath between sentences—this one’s for you.

One of my favorite quotes: "But my brain won't slow down from the thoughts of how beautiful the world works to bring two lost souls back together where they were always supposed to be."
Profile Image for Sarah.
88 reviews3 followers
May 3, 2025
LOVE IT.

Truly enjoyed the plot and the characters. I know I will reread this and recommend for others to read. I felt so many emotions.

Writing style and flow is good too; I’m excited to see how the author’s style sharpens as she settles into her groove.

Ready for another read from this author!
Profile Image for Tatiana.
2 reviews
June 3, 2025
Absolutely loved this debut novel written by Faith Pincay! I instantly connected with the characters and fell in love with their story. The storytelling was fresh, authentic, and I couldn’t put it down. Her debut novel is well worth the read and she has such a bright future ahead! Many thanks to the author for this ARC!
1 review
May 2, 2025
SO good! Wrecked me emotionally, but in the best way. The book had me hooked from the very beginning, so well written. I’m in love with Westly, and cam will stick with me for a long long time
Profile Image for Prescious Patterson.
158 reviews10 followers
May 24, 2025
First thank you so much Faith for giving me early access to this masterpiece.

Now about the book…..

If I could give this a million stars I would. For this being Faiths debut book this is amazing.

This book was beautifully written, soul crushing but healing. Cancer is known in my family from losing my nephew a few years ago, so the way Faith was able to write about the good, bad and ugly but do it well and authentic was perfection!

I’m amazed and can’t wait to read any more of her books.

You will NEED Kleenex. Prepare yourself. ❤️‍🩹
Profile Image for Alyssa Richmond.
66 reviews8 followers
June 4, 2025
Hey i’m actually NOT doing okay! i’ve been sobbing. especially those last 5-6 chapters. NOT doing okay. Thank you so much Faith for letting me read this ARC copy of your book. It was beautiful. I am heartbroken. I grew attached to the characters and the plot so fast. just want to say an honorable mention for the napkin rewrite (that sent me into orbit) So proud of you and can’t wait to read more of your books in the future 💌
Profile Image for Gillian Rea.
53 reviews55 followers
May 21, 2025
If you are looking for a book that you can devour in a couple of days that will absolutely break your heart and give you a dehydration headache from the tears… this is it.

You think you cried at Me Before You? The Fault in Our Stars? My Sister’s Keeper? The Last Letter?? Well BUCKLE UP girl

Faith’s writing is very easy to fall into. The book takes quite a lot of time drawing out the relationship between Cam and Gab.. maybe a bit slow / info dumpy for me in the beginning but it was all worth it in the end.

Cam and Gabrielle’s love is really beautiful. No toxicity or miscommunication or tension, those are tropes for another book. Their love is simple yet very deep.

The story is headed where you think it’s headed… but even knowing what’s coming won’t prepare you for the pain.

The last 20% of this book had me fighting for my life. I was gasping for air and I couldn’t see the words on the page through the tears. I cried for an hour solid reading that last part. It was very well done. A couple of nice surprises at the end too.

Wes was an excellent side character, well developed. Would love to see his love story play out in another book…

*I was kindly given an eARC copy of Faith Pincay’s debut novel - What Should Have Been Hours - to read and review here on Goodreads.*
Profile Image for Keoisha.
42 reviews5 followers
June 14, 2025
This was more of a 3.70 star read for me. It was a sweet second chance romance that follows Gabrielle and Cameron, two childhood sweethearts who bonded over shared hospital stays as children battling cancer. Years later, fate brings them back together when Cameron returns as a doctor at the very hospital where their story started.

Their reconnection is soft, loving, and easy to root for. I really enjoyed how naturally their romance unfolded and how their shared history gave it emotional depth. The friend group dynamic was also a highlight for me.

That said, I did find myself wishing for a little more drama or emotional tension outside of the main issue they had to deal with. The beginning didn’t immediately feel like a second chance story to me, and I think a bit more angst or flashback buildup would’ve helped create a stronger emotional hook. The plot is a bit on the predictable side, but it still managed to tug on my heartstrings, and that ending wrapped things up in a satisfying, full-circle way.

All in all, a warm and emotional read I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys quiet, meaningful romances.
Profile Image for Shanarra Goode.
96 reviews18 followers
Read
July 1, 2025
I really loved this book.

From the first chapter, I was completely pulled into Gabrielle and Cameron’s story. It’s emotional in all the best ways—tender, vulnerable, and full of heart. Gabrielle is such a strong and relatable heroine, and watching her find her footing after everything she’s been through was genuinely inspiring. And Cameron? The perfect blend of steady, sweet, and just enough complexity to keep you turning the page.

The chemistry between them is immediate, but what made this second-chance romance stand out for me was the emotional depth. Their shared history, quiet moments of connection, and those late-night hot chocolates made their love story feel real and earned. I found myself rooting for them the whole way through.

But this isn’t just a love story. It’s also about healing, forgiveness, and finding your way back to someone who never really left your heart. The pacing was spot-on, the writing was smooth and engaging, and by the end, I didn’t want to let go of these characters.

If you’re a fan of second-chance romance that delivers on all the feels—this one’s a must-read.
Profile Image for Brianna.
25 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2025
I found myself thoroughly enjoying this debut novel. It’s a story of grieving a love while they’re still here and loving on your people while you still can. You can really tell how much care and research went into crafting the story—Faith Pincay poured her heart into these pages!

It gave me the emotional pull of Five Feet Apart and The Fault in Our Stars and the high-stakes tension of Grey’s Anatomy. The characters felt raw and real, especially Gabrielle and Cameron. Their chemistry was undeniable and their journey pulled at my heartstrings. I loved the banter between the friend group. Wes and Kinsley were hilarious and I loved how much they loved their friends.

One part just felt a bit repetitive to me, the reminders about their 12 year separation and how fate brought them back together. I got that point early on, so I wish that had been more subtly woven in.

This book still delivered an emotional punch with beautiful lines that stuck with me:

“I become the spaces between her breaths, the warmth in the sunlight, the echo of a love too big to end.
Goodbye Gabrielle.
Don't worry, I'm waiting for you on this side.”

I’m excited to see what Faith Pincay writes next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jayden Ellison.
86 reviews7 followers
May 16, 2025
OH MY. i don’t even know where to start, (partially because i can barely see my keyboard through my tears.)

1. this was a phenomenal book and I’m so blessed that I was able to read this early.
2. Reading this book made me seriously question if you had ever wrote a book before. are you sure you don’t have a different pen name because this was a phenomenal debut novel for an author.
3. This book made me call my husband and tell him I love him. Cam and Gabs love is otherworldly. Their soulmate connection was perfectly written.
4. I want to read this book again maybe in five years because I can’t stop crying right now.
5. If you don’t read this book, you’re missing out.
Profile Image for Rae Blackwell.
91 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2025
OMG! i fell in love with these characters so fast and so hard... that being said, i sobbed like a baby and i mean mascara running down my face, making my eyes burn sobbing. i was emotionally distraught but i was laughing and giggling the whole time. this book hooked me from the beginning and kept pulling me in with each chapter.

the beginning although interesting and captivating, was a big information dump but once i got through those first few chapters i honestly couldn’t put it down… i HAD to get to the end to see what happened to these characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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