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Ghosts Don't Cry
Some people leave. Some people disappear. And some people become ghosts long before they die.
By the time Ronan Oliver was seventeen, he’d already learned how to survive without a home or anyone who cared if he lived or died. By eighteen, he was drowning in desperation and hunger.
Then came the night that changed everything.
Now, at twenty-five, he's back in the town that let him fall. And Lily Gladwin, the only girl who didn't think he was worthless, won't even look at him.
He doesn't blame her. He wouldn't forgive himself either.
But ghosts don't cry.
And if they did? No one would know.
By the time Ronan Oliver was seventeen, he’d already learned how to survive without a home or anyone who cared if he lived or died. By eighteen, he was drowning in desperation and hunger.
Then came the night that changed everything.
Now, at twenty-five, he's back in the town that let him fall. And Lily Gladwin, the only girl who didn't think he was worthless, won't even look at him.
He doesn't blame her. He wouldn't forgive himself either.
But ghosts don't cry.
And if they did? No one would know.
- GenresContemporaryRomance
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
33 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
L. Ann
48 books999 followersIf you are looking for gentle romps through the flowers, with lovers holding hands and never making mistakes, then my books are not for you.
I don't write heroes or heroines, I write people with baggage, history and problems. My characters are flawed, they're messy, they make disastrous mistakes that are hard to come back from. My stories are not sweet or kind, they are dark and, at times, cruel. They deal with uncomfortable subjects and I do not apologise for it.
If you like plot twists, characters you don't think you'll ever grow to love but eventually do, sarcasm, dark paths and messy relationships, then come on in. The water may be deep and shark-infested, but I know the way out ...I promise.
You can find L. Ann at the following locations:-
NEWSLETTER ➙https://lannauthor.com and get a FREE E-BOOK!
AMAZON -- https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B078...
FACEBOOK -- https://www.facebook.com/LAnnAuthor/
READER FB GROUP -- https://www.facebook.com/groups/lanns... - join her Reader Group on Facebook and be in with a chance to pick up ARCs and swag before anyone else.
BOOKBUB -- https://www.bookbub.com/profile/l-ann
INSTAGRAM -- https://www.instagram.com/lee_ann_aut...
TWITTER -- https://twitter.com/LeeAnn_Author
VIP Reader Group - https://clubdamnation.com
I don't write heroes or heroines, I write people with baggage, history and problems. My characters are flawed, they're messy, they make disastrous mistakes that are hard to come back from. My stories are not sweet or kind, they are dark and, at times, cruel. They deal with uncomfortable subjects and I do not apologise for it.
If you like plot twists, characters you don't think you'll ever grow to love but eventually do, sarcasm, dark paths and messy relationships, then come on in. The water may be deep and shark-infested, but I know the way out ...I promise.
You can find L. Ann at the following locations:-
NEWSLETTER ➙https://lannauthor.com and get a FREE E-BOOK!
AMAZON -- https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B078...
FACEBOOK -- https://www.facebook.com/LAnnAuthor/
READER FB GROUP -- https://www.facebook.com/groups/lanns... - join her Reader Group on Facebook and be in with a chance to pick up ARCs and swag before anyone else.
BOOKBUB -- https://www.bookbub.com/profile/l-ann
INSTAGRAM -- https://www.instagram.com/lee_ann_aut...
TWITTER -- https://twitter.com/LeeAnn_Author
VIP Reader Group - https://clubdamnation.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 23, 2025
A Story That Lingers Long After the Last Page
This is…
…a story about making hard choices…finding the strength to do what must be done for even the slightest chance of a future.
…a story about looking deeper…because appearances can be deceiving.
…a story about life lessons…learned the hard way.
…a story about young love… stronger than most people believe.
…a story that might change the way you see life…yours, and those who cross your path.
Sometimes a story just grabs hold of you and refuses to let go. Ghosts Don’t Cry was that kind of book for me. I read about 40% of the story in my first sitting before work called and made me pause, but I finished the rest when I picked it up again.
The story alternates between present day and flashbacks. You get to see Ronan at age 25, still living life in a type of survival mode, even though his circumstances have changed over the past two years. You also get to see Lily at age 25 and how she’s made a life for herself. With the flashbacks, you get to see the friendship/relationship develop between Ronan and Lily when they were seventeen.
Ronan’s storyline was something unfamiliar to me in a book, but not a new concept for me. As a former elementary school teacher, I had students over the years who didn’t have homes, or briefly, temporary ones at best. School was an escape from their life and a safe place for them. Unlike Ronan, my students were guaranteed two meals a day while at school.
Ronan’s story wasn’t an easy read. The lessons he learned before we even got to meet him were tragic and heartbreaking. No child should have to experience what he did, but the sad truth is that too many do. In spite of his life experiences, Ronan strives to be more. He’s intelligent, resourceful, and constantly learning, even as he stays under the radar to survive. While he may utilize the library as a safe space whenever possible, he spends his time there reading and learning.
When in school, he grew closer to Lily in secret, but at 18, he had to make a tough choice. He did it not only to protect her, but to save himself, in the only way available to him. To have the intelligence to do that, along with the strength, was heartbreaking while also allowing a glimmer of hope.
There are a few side characters in this story who enhance it. Cassidy, Lilly’s best friend, is a ride-or-die spitfire who always has her back. Mr. Edwards, Lily and Ronan’s history teacher, showed how moments of hesitation were redeemed by choosing to act when it mattered. Tom, Ronan’s neighbor, who shows up exactly when he’s needed, offering quiet support in whatever way he can. Then there is Beverly Walsh, a woman convinced of her own righteousness, someone who wields her authority over others, and is an adult bully, to state it plainly. They each play a meaningful role in the story.
I’m not sure what to classify this story as, to be honest. At its base, it is a story about two young people from vastly different circumstances who fell in love, lost each other, but got their HEA in the end. That HEA alone would make me categorize it as a romance. But that doesn’t come close to the essence of this story. It’s a story about life and how sometimes, you just live it day by day. I may not be able to relate to Ronan’s situation personally, but the story pulled me in and held my attention. My hardest days (comparatively) are a grain of sand when his is the entire beach.
Fiction met reality in many scenes. It showed the cruelty of people, while also showing how caring others could be with the same situation. There are people who help those who are struggling, while others are indifferent and stick labels on others based on their circumstance. Self reflection is most definitely a byproduct of reading this story.
Ghosts Don’t Cry is the type of story that will linger long after the final page is turned and have you looking at the world, and people in it, with more empathy.
L. Ann is a one-click author for me. She doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable topics, and her many of her characters come with real baggage, messy choices, and plenty of flaws. If you want characters who challenge you, frustrate you, and make you question their choices before finally earning their HEA, pick up more of her books. It’s a refreshing change of pace.
This is…
…a story about making hard choices…finding the strength to do what must be done for even the slightest chance of a future.
…a story about looking deeper…because appearances can be deceiving.
…a story about life lessons…learned the hard way.
…a story about young love… stronger than most people believe.
…a story that might change the way you see life…yours, and those who cross your path.
Sometimes a story just grabs hold of you and refuses to let go. Ghosts Don’t Cry was that kind of book for me. I read about 40% of the story in my first sitting before work called and made me pause, but I finished the rest when I picked it up again.
The story alternates between present day and flashbacks. You get to see Ronan at age 25, still living life in a type of survival mode, even though his circumstances have changed over the past two years. You also get to see Lily at age 25 and how she’s made a life for herself. With the flashbacks, you get to see the friendship/relationship develop between Ronan and Lily when they were seventeen.
Ronan’s storyline was something unfamiliar to me in a book, but not a new concept for me. As a former elementary school teacher, I had students over the years who didn’t have homes, or briefly, temporary ones at best. School was an escape from their life and a safe place for them. Unlike Ronan, my students were guaranteed two meals a day while at school.
Ronan’s story wasn’t an easy read. The lessons he learned before we even got to meet him were tragic and heartbreaking. No child should have to experience what he did, but the sad truth is that too many do. In spite of his life experiences, Ronan strives to be more. He’s intelligent, resourceful, and constantly learning, even as he stays under the radar to survive. While he may utilize the library as a safe space whenever possible, he spends his time there reading and learning.
When in school, he grew closer to Lily in secret, but at 18, he had to make a tough choice. He did it not only to protect her, but to save himself, in the only way available to him. To have the intelligence to do that, along with the strength, was heartbreaking while also allowing a glimmer of hope.
There are a few side characters in this story who enhance it. Cassidy, Lilly’s best friend, is a ride-or-die spitfire who always has her back. Mr. Edwards, Lily and Ronan’s history teacher, showed how moments of hesitation were redeemed by choosing to act when it mattered. Tom, Ronan’s neighbor, who shows up exactly when he’s needed, offering quiet support in whatever way he can. Then there is Beverly Walsh, a woman convinced of her own righteousness, someone who wields her authority over others, and is an adult bully, to state it plainly. They each play a meaningful role in the story.
I’m not sure what to classify this story as, to be honest. At its base, it is a story about two young people from vastly different circumstances who fell in love, lost each other, but got their HEA in the end. That HEA alone would make me categorize it as a romance. But that doesn’t come close to the essence of this story. It’s a story about life and how sometimes, you just live it day by day. I may not be able to relate to Ronan’s situation personally, but the story pulled me in and held my attention. My hardest days (comparatively) are a grain of sand when his is the entire beach.
Fiction met reality in many scenes. It showed the cruelty of people, while also showing how caring others could be with the same situation. There are people who help those who are struggling, while others are indifferent and stick labels on others based on their circumstance. Self reflection is most definitely a byproduct of reading this story.
Ghosts Don’t Cry is the type of story that will linger long after the final page is turned and have you looking at the world, and people in it, with more empathy.
L. Ann is a one-click author for me. She doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable topics, and her many of her characters come with real baggage, messy choices, and plenty of flaws. If you want characters who challenge you, frustrate you, and make you question their choices before finally earning their HEA, pick up more of her books. It’s a refreshing change of pace.
November 17, 2025
This book broke me but fixed me too. A beautifully sad but heart warming read.
A tough story to read as it’s unimaginable to imagine what Ronan went through in life. He is a prime example of someone needing just a bit of belief and faith to be able to turn your life around.
I’m glad Ronan managed to find his people, he deserved a chance. This book was written so beautifully I literally read from start to finish in one day. Each page flowed so well and I needed to see what would happen at the end.
A beautiful heart breaking yet heart warming story that I won’t forget. Thank you for writing it.
A tough story to read as it’s unimaginable to imagine what Ronan went through in life. He is a prime example of someone needing just a bit of belief and faith to be able to turn your life around.
I’m glad Ronan managed to find his people, he deserved a chance. This book was written so beautifully I literally read from start to finish in one day. Each page flowed so well and I needed to see what would happen at the end.
A beautiful heart breaking yet heart warming story that I won’t forget. Thank you for writing it.
November 24, 2025
Ghosts Don’t Cry - L Ann
My Review;
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pages: 447
Genre: Romance
Tropes;
🛠️Second Chance Romance
🪚Grumpy Sunshine
🛠️Small Town
🪚Buried Heartbreak
🛠️Deep Secrets
🪚Pining
🛠️Burning Tension
This is Ronan and Lily’s story. This book will stay with me for a long time. It’s a poignant story everyone should read. I say that not because I want people to get to know this author, but because everyone needs this wake up call about people we pass by in our daily lives. The judgements we immediately make not knowing facts or taking the time to find out. The truth this book makes you realize will haunt you.
This book is an awakening of your own humanity. Don’t judge but to actually look deeper and see. To make a difference.
There are real Ronan’s in all our lives. Pay attention and be a help and not judge-mental.
This book is a must read for everyone.
#ghostsdontcry #LAnn #secondchanceromance #grumpysunshine #foundfamily
My Review;
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pages: 447
Genre: Romance
Tropes;
🛠️Second Chance Romance
🪚Grumpy Sunshine
🛠️Small Town
🪚Buried Heartbreak
🛠️Deep Secrets
🪚Pining
🛠️Burning Tension
This is Ronan and Lily’s story. This book will stay with me for a long time. It’s a poignant story everyone should read. I say that not because I want people to get to know this author, but because everyone needs this wake up call about people we pass by in our daily lives. The judgements we immediately make not knowing facts or taking the time to find out. The truth this book makes you realize will haunt you.
This book is an awakening of your own humanity. Don’t judge but to actually look deeper and see. To make a difference.
There are real Ronan’s in all our lives. Pay attention and be a help and not judge-mental.
This book is a must read for everyone.
#ghostsdontcry #LAnn #secondchanceromance #grumpysunshine #foundfamily
January 1, 2026
Six stars!!! 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a book I will think about daily for a very long time.
- Dual POV
- Dual timeline
- ☀️😤Grumpy vs sunshine
- ❤️ second chance romance 🥰
- hidden romance 💘
- ☠️tattoos
- he loves to read 📖
- 🔥 tension
- small town 🏘️
- 👦🏼childhood trauma and neglect
- 😭 devastating
- HEA 😍
WOW! What a book. This was BEAUTIFUL and devastating. Although incredibly painful to read, this is reality and needs to be written. The love story, also painful, was amazing ❤️
The author did an excellent job capturing addiction, neglect, being unhoused, defensiveness to protect self, desperation, survival, small town gossip, hypocrisy and intense judgment, the judicial system setting an example and ruining someone’s life, the attitude that “someone else will help,” and caring only after it’s convenient for them, not the person suffering. The author also captures quite well the power of one or two people making a significant difference in someone's life. There are so many nuggets of truth written in this book that broke my heart, showing how humanity can fail, but again this is reality and we can’t ignore it. There are also so many components that warmed my heart and demonstrated the good in humanity. The way the author included these pieces was detailed and provoked strong emotions in the reader, so well done!
Let’s start with Lily. She is such a strong and resilient girl and then woman. She was so kind, thoughtful, and patient, and had a beautiful soul. She takes time to observe and then get to know Ronan. She sees through the mask he has to wear to survive. Then, when he pushes her away (multiple times) through being verbally aggressive, manipulative, and gas lighting, she still can see through it all. Now, she had every right to walk away, she didn’t deserve nor need to tolerate how he treated her. If the story went that way, I would have cheered for Lily; yet, she took a different path, choosing to challenge him and push back against his defenses, all while being compassionate. Although she was emotionally hurt during all of this, her efforts to show him he can be honest and still loved were worth it. He needed that consistent pushing and unconditional love.
I thought the author also did well demonstrating that Lily was the less vulnerable person in the relationship and, so, she was the one to initiate contact and always the one to go to Ronan. Ronan didn’t have much in life and couldn’t risk his physical safety nor emotional wellbeing to go to her. Although it seems unequal that Lily was always the one going to Ronan, it was equitable because she was fed, safe, loved, and didn’t have much to lose by initiating the contact. Lily understood this, did not see it as a burden, and showed up for Ronan, repeatedly.
Now Ronan. What another beautiful soul. He had a start to life that was filled with love, but addiction took that from him. He learned how to survive on his own in a world that is often cruel to those that don’t fit the perfect mold. This left a huge mark on him, including him believing he was not worth anything and no one could love him, triggering deep rooted shame and low self-esteem. He tries his best to progress forward, causing him to keep his distance from others so they do not find out the truth. When faced with choices, he always runs (e.g., flight mode), as that is a survival instinct that has served him well. At times you just want to shake him and say “do not run from her, she loves you!;” yet, his behavior makes sense in the context of his childhood trauma and running always led to a fresh start and sense of safety. It takes A LOT to prove to him people genuinely care. Sometimes more aggressive approaches, such as yelling at him, are what it took. Despite his toxic behavior, I had nothing but empathy and understanding for what he was doing and why he was acting that way. Again, I love that Lily didn’t tolerate his manipulation and called him out, while also approaching him with empathy.
The dual POV was so well done. The timing of each chapter was perfect. The pacing was also perfect. I could NOT put the book down.
Then, there was the teacher who showed up, even though late, and the twist at the end with the house 😭😭 Ugh, this teacher really made the difference and I applaud him for attempting to repair the damage he caused by being a bystander for too long.
Also, Lily’s best friend. What a rock of a woman. She is so supportive and understanding of Lily and Lily’s love for Ronan. She shows up consistently, doesn’t take crap, and won’t back down. She is the best friend we all need!
Overall, this was one of my favorite reads this year. The dual POV helps you understand all sides of the story. The story allows you see how unfair the world can be and, often, those with more money get away with a lot compared to the innocent person who has less to no income. This book shows how people have to survive, including often pushing people away and avoiding connection because they believe that is the safest option (at one point that behavior was the safest option, yet they do not know when that behavior is adaptive vs maladaptive; it is always safer to prevent harm than be harmed and regret having let someone in). This book also shows how you don’t have to tolerate that behavior from someone, yet can be empathic, kind, and patient to give someone space to heal.
Critique/Confusion:
Chapter 23 it’s December as indicated by the chapter starting with “DECEMBER ARRIVES WITH TEETH.” a few pages later it’s revealed that it is Ronan’s 18th birthday. It is not clear how much time goes by since his birthday, but at some point Lily has a birthday and they lose their virginity to each other. Then, the book states that several weeks go by after Lily‘s birthday, during in which they spend a ton of time together. After that, Ronan gets jumped, distances himself, and pushes Lily away. Lily is then searching for Ronan and the book states that Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were chaotic so she couldn’t visit him. So, the only conclusion I can make is that Ronan and Lily have birthdays essentially in the first few days of December and their birthdays are next to each other. However, the book doesn’t indicate their birthdays were that close. It made it seem like he had a birthday, time goes by, and then it’s Lily’s birthday. However, this doesn’t make sense with the phrasing in chapter 42 about Christmas. I’m just so confused. This doesn’t ruin the book in anyway, just something that stood out to me.
Also, he is arrested and in court, found guilty, and put in jail at a speed I have never seen in the court system. This timing also didn’t make sense.
This is a book I will think about daily for a very long time.
- Dual POV
- Dual timeline
- ☀️😤Grumpy vs sunshine
- ❤️ second chance romance 🥰
- hidden romance 💘
- ☠️tattoos
- he loves to read 📖
- 🔥 tension
- small town 🏘️
- 👦🏼childhood trauma and neglect
- 😭 devastating
- HEA 😍
WOW! What a book. This was BEAUTIFUL and devastating. Although incredibly painful to read, this is reality and needs to be written. The love story, also painful, was amazing ❤️
The author did an excellent job capturing addiction, neglect, being unhoused, defensiveness to protect self, desperation, survival, small town gossip, hypocrisy and intense judgment, the judicial system setting an example and ruining someone’s life, the attitude that “someone else will help,” and caring only after it’s convenient for them, not the person suffering. The author also captures quite well the power of one or two people making a significant difference in someone's life. There are so many nuggets of truth written in this book that broke my heart, showing how humanity can fail, but again this is reality and we can’t ignore it. There are also so many components that warmed my heart and demonstrated the good in humanity. The way the author included these pieces was detailed and provoked strong emotions in the reader, so well done!
Let’s start with Lily. She is such a strong and resilient girl and then woman. She was so kind, thoughtful, and patient, and had a beautiful soul. She takes time to observe and then get to know Ronan. She sees through the mask he has to wear to survive. Then, when he pushes her away (multiple times) through being verbally aggressive, manipulative, and gas lighting, she still can see through it all. Now, she had every right to walk away, she didn’t deserve nor need to tolerate how he treated her. If the story went that way, I would have cheered for Lily; yet, she took a different path, choosing to challenge him and push back against his defenses, all while being compassionate. Although she was emotionally hurt during all of this, her efforts to show him he can be honest and still loved were worth it. He needed that consistent pushing and unconditional love.
I thought the author also did well demonstrating that Lily was the less vulnerable person in the relationship and, so, she was the one to initiate contact and always the one to go to Ronan. Ronan didn’t have much in life and couldn’t risk his physical safety nor emotional wellbeing to go to her. Although it seems unequal that Lily was always the one going to Ronan, it was equitable because she was fed, safe, loved, and didn’t have much to lose by initiating the contact. Lily understood this, did not see it as a burden, and showed up for Ronan, repeatedly.
Now Ronan. What another beautiful soul. He had a start to life that was filled with love, but addiction took that from him. He learned how to survive on his own in a world that is often cruel to those that don’t fit the perfect mold. This left a huge mark on him, including him believing he was not worth anything and no one could love him, triggering deep rooted shame and low self-esteem. He tries his best to progress forward, causing him to keep his distance from others so they do not find out the truth. When faced with choices, he always runs (e.g., flight mode), as that is a survival instinct that has served him well. At times you just want to shake him and say “do not run from her, she loves you!;” yet, his behavior makes sense in the context of his childhood trauma and running always led to a fresh start and sense of safety. It takes A LOT to prove to him people genuinely care. Sometimes more aggressive approaches, such as yelling at him, are what it took. Despite his toxic behavior, I had nothing but empathy and understanding for what he was doing and why he was acting that way. Again, I love that Lily didn’t tolerate his manipulation and called him out, while also approaching him with empathy.
The dual POV was so well done. The timing of each chapter was perfect. The pacing was also perfect. I could NOT put the book down.
Then, there was the teacher who showed up, even though late, and the twist at the end with the house 😭😭 Ugh, this teacher really made the difference and I applaud him for attempting to repair the damage he caused by being a bystander for too long.
Also, Lily’s best friend. What a rock of a woman. She is so supportive and understanding of Lily and Lily’s love for Ronan. She shows up consistently, doesn’t take crap, and won’t back down. She is the best friend we all need!
Overall, this was one of my favorite reads this year. The dual POV helps you understand all sides of the story. The story allows you see how unfair the world can be and, often, those with more money get away with a lot compared to the innocent person who has less to no income. This book shows how people have to survive, including often pushing people away and avoiding connection because they believe that is the safest option (at one point that behavior was the safest option, yet they do not know when that behavior is adaptive vs maladaptive; it is always safer to prevent harm than be harmed and regret having let someone in). This book also shows how you don’t have to tolerate that behavior from someone, yet can be empathic, kind, and patient to give someone space to heal.
Critique/Confusion:
Chapter 23 it’s December as indicated by the chapter starting with “DECEMBER ARRIVES WITH TEETH.” a few pages later it’s revealed that it is Ronan’s 18th birthday. It is not clear how much time goes by since his birthday, but at some point Lily has a birthday and they lose their virginity to each other. Then, the book states that several weeks go by after Lily‘s birthday, during in which they spend a ton of time together. After that, Ronan gets jumped, distances himself, and pushes Lily away. Lily is then searching for Ronan and the book states that Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were chaotic so she couldn’t visit him. So, the only conclusion I can make is that Ronan and Lily have birthdays essentially in the first few days of December and their birthdays are next to each other. However, the book doesn’t indicate their birthdays were that close. It made it seem like he had a birthday, time goes by, and then it’s Lily’s birthday. However, this doesn’t make sense with the phrasing in chapter 42 about Christmas. I’m just so confused. This doesn’t ruin the book in anyway, just something that stood out to me.
Also, he is arrested and in court, found guilty, and put in jail at a speed I have never seen in the court system. This timing also didn’t make sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
This story, of Ronan and Lily, was hard to read at times, but a page turner I could not put down. That may sound quite contradictory, but it just was.
It was devastating, raw and cruel, while also being compassionate, amazing and beautiful.
When people don't want to "see", they justify that by lashing out or taking the moral high ground. Human nature is a funny thing when pushed. You never know which way it will go.
Ronan and Lily, I take my hat off to you both.
What a love story.
Thank you L.Ann
It was devastating, raw and cruel, while also being compassionate, amazing and beautiful.
When people don't want to "see", they justify that by lashing out or taking the moral high ground. Human nature is a funny thing when pushed. You never know which way it will go.
Ronan and Lily, I take my hat off to you both.
What a love story.
Thank you L.Ann
November 17, 2025
This book was like reading a movie.
The Notebook meets It Ends With Us with added emotional trauma and some dirty talk 😏
The things that the MMC Ronan lived with will have you wanting to reach in the story and hug him while also wanting to slap him at times for being so stubborn lol
The FMC Lily is so sweet and I love how she continued to push Ronan. She doesn't give up on him. Also I wish I had a bestie like hers in my life. Cassidy is my kind of girl.
This is one of those books that will stick with you. It's one of those stories that changes how you'll look at life. I recently got a job at an elementary school and I know I'll be keeping an eye out for little Ronans just like Lily did.
If you want an emotional read that'll tug at your heart definitely read this story.
The Notebook meets It Ends With Us with added emotional trauma and some dirty talk 😏
The things that the MMC Ronan lived with will have you wanting to reach in the story and hug him while also wanting to slap him at times for being so stubborn lol
The FMC Lily is so sweet and I love how she continued to push Ronan. She doesn't give up on him. Also I wish I had a bestie like hers in my life. Cassidy is my kind of girl.
This is one of those books that will stick with you. It's one of those stories that changes how you'll look at life. I recently got a job at an elementary school and I know I'll be keeping an eye out for little Ronans just like Lily did.
If you want an emotional read that'll tug at your heart definitely read this story.
January 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This author is so very talented with writing works with such emotion. This story really hits you and given the homelessness issue, hopefully makes people think of the whys and how's. Fantastic read.
This author is so very talented with writing works with such emotion. This story really hits you and given the homelessness issue, hopefully makes people think of the whys and how's. Fantastic read.
December 9, 2025
amazing
Absolutely amazing story! Lily and Ronan have something special and I loved reading their story unfold. Five stars isn’t enough.
Absolutely amazing story! Lily and Ronan have something special and I loved reading their story unfold. Five stars isn’t enough.
December 1, 2025
I am broken. This book broke me, and I cried my eyes out. It deals with some tough subjects that really resonated with me. It was a look into my past I wasn't expecting. But regardless, it opened my eyes a little more.
Ronan and Lily were such strong characters! I loved that Ronan wasn't the "typical" teenage guy in this book. He was deeper, had real feelings that were shown so well. He had to grow up so fast, it would have been easier for him to fall into a lot of more horrible things. But his strength and resiliency showed through in so many spots in the book.
For me, Lily had such compassion that was beyond her years. She too wasn't the typical teenager that you might expect. Once she knew about his truths, she took the time to understand him. She didn't shy away from what he was dealing with. Instead she made more of an attempt to help him on a personal level.
Their love story is raw. It is so real, and a reminder of the reality that is out there for so many. My heart ached for both of them through out the book. Its tragic, beautiful, compassionate and realistic. It broke my heart and put it back together again.
I love the emotional pull that this book gave me. It was so worth the book hangover.
Ronan and Lily were such strong characters! I loved that Ronan wasn't the "typical" teenage guy in this book. He was deeper, had real feelings that were shown so well. He had to grow up so fast, it would have been easier for him to fall into a lot of more horrible things. But his strength and resiliency showed through in so many spots in the book.
For me, Lily had such compassion that was beyond her years. She too wasn't the typical teenager that you might expect. Once she knew about his truths, she took the time to understand him. She didn't shy away from what he was dealing with. Instead she made more of an attempt to help him on a personal level.
Their love story is raw. It is so real, and a reminder of the reality that is out there for so many. My heart ached for both of them through out the book. Its tragic, beautiful, compassionate and realistic. It broke my heart and put it back together again.
I love the emotional pull that this book gave me. It was so worth the book hangover.
December 17, 2025
This story is heart breaking, because although fiction, it hides so many truths.
Ronan and Lily come from different worlds yet Lily is seemingly the only one who truly sees Ronan.
He has learned very early how easy it is to become invisible, even at the new school he is now at. Lily sees part of the struggle he lives everyday and tries to help when she can. In a town that would rather condemn than acknowledge, Ronan never stood a chance and the love that builds between our pair is tested to it's limits.
Seven years on and life has brought Ronan back to the town that threw him away like trash. Both he and Lily have built new lives in the chasm his leaving left and it seems fate is determined to force them back into the same space to deal with the truths and lies of the past, if only to let them move on.
This book is both beautiful and devastatingly heart breaking. No person should have to deal with the life Ronan was forced into. No one should ever be "unseen" because it's easier to condemn someone as a criminal or trash than actually step up and offer help.
A beautiful, compassionate, often hard to read story this will make you cry buckets but change the way we perceive parts of the world we live in.
Ronan and Lily come from different worlds yet Lily is seemingly the only one who truly sees Ronan.
He has learned very early how easy it is to become invisible, even at the new school he is now at. Lily sees part of the struggle he lives everyday and tries to help when she can. In a town that would rather condemn than acknowledge, Ronan never stood a chance and the love that builds between our pair is tested to it's limits.
Seven years on and life has brought Ronan back to the town that threw him away like trash. Both he and Lily have built new lives in the chasm his leaving left and it seems fate is determined to force them back into the same space to deal with the truths and lies of the past, if only to let them move on.
This book is both beautiful and devastatingly heart breaking. No person should have to deal with the life Ronan was forced into. No one should ever be "unseen" because it's easier to condemn someone as a criminal or trash than actually step up and offer help.
A beautiful, compassionate, often hard to read story this will make you cry buckets but change the way we perceive parts of the world we live in.
November 27, 2025
Oh. My. Freaking. God. Ghosts Don’t Cry is an absolute work of art. It left me wrecked in the most beautiful way. From the very first page, I felt completely immersed in the story. The author’s descriptive writing made me feel like I was right there with the characters; every word felt intentional, vivid, and beautifully crafted. I ended up highlighting so many passages.
There was one line that echoed in my chest long after I read it. It was simple, but devastatingly powerful. Much like most of this story.
“Some ghosts don't stay buried, no matter how deep you try to put them. And some people leave marks on your heart that seven years of silence can't erase.”
Beyond the gorgeous and emotional prose, the story itself is incredible. The plot, the characters, the setting, etc. everything was so well developed and so deeply felt. Even when the author shattered my heart (more than once), I loved every second of it.
I truly cannot recommend this book enough. It’s not just a 5/5 read. It’s a 10/5. Ghosts Don’t Cry blew me away in the best way possible.
There was one line that echoed in my chest long after I read it. It was simple, but devastatingly powerful. Much like most of this story.
“Some ghosts don't stay buried, no matter how deep you try to put them. And some people leave marks on your heart that seven years of silence can't erase.”
Beyond the gorgeous and emotional prose, the story itself is incredible. The plot, the characters, the setting, etc. everything was so well developed and so deeply felt. Even when the author shattered my heart (more than once), I loved every second of it.
I truly cannot recommend this book enough. It’s not just a 5/5 read. It’s a 10/5. Ghosts Don’t Cry blew me away in the best way possible.
November 19, 2025
I am completely broken and in awe. WHAT A BOOK!! I read it so fast and only put it down when I was required to. It was like watching a movie and I just had to get to the end of it. Ronan is a special kind of person. He had to fight so hard in so many ways. I wanted to jump in the book to love and help him myself. I love that there were people who really saw him for who he was and not the circumstances that he was dealt in life. We don't always get to choose what happens to us but we do get to choose the people we want in our lives. I LOVE that Ronan could see his own potential. Having to fight for basic needs makes anything else seem impossible. L. Ann wrote such a fabulous book that I wish I could give it higher than a 5 star rating. It deserves so much more.
November 24, 2025
My eyes still hurt from the tears the author pulled from me. This book had me sobbing in the best way. Each chapter built a story of love and loss. But by bit the author showed us how love can be forged and how it can be broken. Ronan is tough and cold. Lily is caring and open. Together they formed a bond that could never truly be broken. The more I read in this story, the more I craved. I needed to know what happened between them and I was begging for things to be fixed. That author has a way of taking angsty broken men and making you fall for them over and over again. And even when they do something that appears to be unforgivable, the author finds a way to make us love them anyone. This story is probably my top pick for the year.
December 10, 2025
Tropes/Trigger Warnings: Contemporary/ second chance/ grumpy sunshine/ small town TW: several please check before reading.
Coupling Type: MF
Characters: MFC: Lily MMC: Ronan
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice:🌶️🌶️
Favorite Quote/scene: You’re exhausting. The lie burns in my throat, mixing with bile. She was never exhausting. She was air in my lungs when I was drowning. Light leading me home when I was lost in the dark. Hope when I’d forgotten what it felt like to want more than survival.
Over all thoughts on book and/or author: Ronan story was heartbreaking. L.Ann does it again, this book breaks you and then slow puts you back together again. I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for heartbreak to redemption.
Coupling Type: MF
Characters: MFC: Lily MMC: Ronan
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice:🌶️🌶️
Favorite Quote/scene: You’re exhausting. The lie burns in my throat, mixing with bile. She was never exhausting. She was air in my lungs when I was drowning. Light leading me home when I was lost in the dark. Hope when I’d forgotten what it felt like to want more than survival.
Over all thoughts on book and/or author: Ronan story was heartbreaking. L.Ann does it again, this book breaks you and then slow puts you back together again. I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for heartbreak to redemption.
January 16, 2026
This book, this story.. i’m trying to find the right words or the right manner to explain the way this story made me feel🥹. From the moment i started reading i just knew that this would be another masterpiece🤩. Some parts of this story were hard to get through. Like i said many times before L. Ann really knows how to make you feel all the emotions of her characters. Even tho this is a fictional story we can’t hide fact that there are many homeless people in the world feeling this way. Feeling like they don’t deserve to be helped or saved.
L. Ann thank you so much for writing another beautiful masterpiece 🫶🏼
I can’t wait for you next book 🥰
L. Ann thank you so much for writing another beautiful masterpiece 🫶🏼
I can’t wait for you next book 🥰
November 25, 2025
Ghosts don’t cry but readers do. This is a story that brutally took me apart and eventually put me back together. It’s a story of love against the odds, small town prejudice and second chances. Actual tears were shed reading this book and that doesn’t happen often. The emotion is palpable. I could see the scenes and feel the cold. The writing is that outstanding. This book will wreck you but it’s so completely worth it. I’m not ready to leave these characters!
December 19, 2025
Beautiful Story!
I think I have left 3 reviews in the years I’ve been reading and they are the ones I consider a work of art. I don’t even know how to capture my thoughts on this book. It was just so damn good. Now you will probably end up crying 3/4 of the book but so worth it. She pulls every emotion possible in this story. You just have to read it yourself to understand but be forewarned have a box of tissues next to you. Best book of the year by far!
I think I have left 3 reviews in the years I’ve been reading and they are the ones I consider a work of art. I don’t even know how to capture my thoughts on this book. It was just so damn good. Now you will probably end up crying 3/4 of the book but so worth it. She pulls every emotion possible in this story. You just have to read it yourself to understand but be forewarned have a box of tissues next to you. Best book of the year by far!
November 23, 2025
Emotional read
I just want to hug the mmc and tell him your not alone its a hartbreaking story of a young man just trying to survive the best way he knows how and the girl who falls in love with him this author is an automatic download for me her writing and story telling pulls you in and won't let go till the last page has been read
I just want to hug the mmc and tell him your not alone its a hartbreaking story of a young man just trying to survive the best way he knows how and the girl who falls in love with him this author is an automatic download for me her writing and story telling pulls you in and won't let go till the last page has been read
December 2, 2025
This book tackles tough and touchy subjects. The way society handled a young man who was trying to survive. About a young woman who fell in love with the young man and tried to uplift him and help him in any way she could. She was judged for her actions. The story goes back and forth between the present and the past so we get a full story of what this man went through, his struggles, his persistence in surviving and the things he had to do to accomplish that. It was heartbreaking in some parts, but in the end it was beautiful.
November 25, 2025
Must Read!!!!
Words will never be enough to describe my feelings on this book, Ronan’s story is so heart breaking and no one should ever have to go through that.
Lilly is just adorable she tried so hard to help him when no one else did
I loved this book so much
Words will never be enough to describe my feelings on this book, Ronan’s story is so heart breaking and no one should ever have to go through that.
Lilly is just adorable she tried so hard to help him when no one else did
I loved this book so much
November 24, 2025
Review to come …
November 24, 2025
This. This is a ten stars emotional damage wrapped up in a wonderful story.
The author is known to keep her readers' tears in a jar. The jar must be overflowing this time.
Because everything in that book feels real : Ronan's desperation, the small town's judgement, Lily's kindness.
And the writing ? Ronan's love of books and words just pours out of the pages. Somes are just pure poetry.
Do you want to have your heart broken in a thousand pieces and gaze to the wall while wondering if you'll ever feel like before again ? Yeah, that's where I am now.
The author is known to keep her readers' tears in a jar. The jar must be overflowing this time.
Because everything in that book feels real : Ronan's desperation, the small town's judgement, Lily's kindness.
And the writing ? Ronan's love of books and words just pours out of the pages. Somes are just pure poetry.
Do you want to have your heart broken in a thousand pieces and gaze to the wall while wondering if you'll ever feel like before again ? Yeah, that's where I am now.
December 5, 2025
One of my most favourite reads of 2025!
This has got to be the most emotional story I’ve read in what feels like forever. Ronan and Lily’s story is so raw and beautiful. I cried so much and then sobbed some more. My heart broke so many times but I trusted the author would put it back together again!
Whilst this book is sad and heartbreaking, it is most wonderfully written. An absolute masterpiece and a must read.
This has got to be the most emotional story I’ve read in what feels like forever. Ronan and Lily’s story is so raw and beautiful. I cried so much and then sobbed some more. My heart broke so many times but I trusted the author would put it back together again!
Whilst this book is sad and heartbreaking, it is most wonderfully written. An absolute masterpiece and a must read.
December 29, 2025
I have never cried over a book the way I cried over this one. It gutted me. Broke me. And pieced me back together. The writing is incredible. The story was heartbreaking and then heartwarming. I will never be the same after this one.
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