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Without the Rush: A Fort Bender Novel
Not yet published
Expected 3 Dec 26Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 3, 2026
About the author
Layna James
5 books68 followersLayna James lives in Texas with her family, an anxiety-ridden Rottie named Ruby, and way too many ideas about future projects.
A romantic at heart, her stories feature diverse characters who navigate the complexities of life while falling in love. Witty banter and swoon-worthy moments are her favorite things to write.
Layna loves fuzzy socks, most types of dessert, and all genres of music.
A romantic at heart, her stories feature diverse characters who navigate the complexities of life while falling in love. Witty banter and swoon-worthy moments are her favorite things to write.
Layna loves fuzzy socks, most types of dessert, and all genres of music.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t even know where to start! This story had me by the collar from the very first chapter. Throughout the story, I wanted to scream, I was laughing, crying, giggling, and feeling a myriad of emotions.
I fell in love with so many characters. Not just our MCs but the supporting cast too. You can tell the amount of care that went into this story by how distinct every character’s voices are and how easily you fall for the great ones and want to smack the “bad ones.” Because seriously, there are a few characters I wanted to smack and one grave I (shamefully) wanted to see a dog pee on. 😆 The characters all felt so real to me and it was so fun getting to read.
But aside from the side characters, the MCs are who really have me swooning. I adore Vanessa and my heart hurt for her and everything she had to go through to find her HEA. Her and Samson could be described as soul mates with how perfect they are for each other. (Not a soul mate trope though, just so there’s no confusion). I fell hard for Samson too. He’s such a cinnamon roll MMC but when he’s in the bedroom? 😮💨 Man oh man. The angst was ANGSTY too. 😍
The story explores grief in such a beautiful way and I enjoyed getting to see the real, raw, and complicated emotions that came with it.
These two had to go through so much but it was SO worth it. I loved everything about this book and can honestly say, it’s going on my shelf of books I’ll reread 🥹 It’s an emotional ride but also a comforting one if that makes sense.
This was an incredibly beautiful story and I’m so grateful for Layna allowing me to be an advanced reader.
Thank you! it was such a privilege ♥️
If you love
🔥 Slow burn
✨Angst for days
🌶️ Spice that will have you needing a cold glass of water
💞Cinnamon roll MMC (who can be a tiny bit dominating in 🛏️)
🏡 Small town
♥️ Single dad
📖Librarian FMC
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Found family
And overall, characters you fall head over heals for,
You should definitely read this! And the best part, there are more stories that take place in this series ♥️
I fell in love with so many characters. Not just our MCs but the supporting cast too. You can tell the amount of care that went into this story by how distinct every character’s voices are and how easily you fall for the great ones and want to smack the “bad ones.” Because seriously, there are a few characters I wanted to smack and one grave I (shamefully) wanted to see a dog pee on. 😆 The characters all felt so real to me and it was so fun getting to read.
But aside from the side characters, the MCs are who really have me swooning. I adore Vanessa and my heart hurt for her and everything she had to go through to find her HEA. Her and Samson could be described as soul mates with how perfect they are for each other. (Not a soul mate trope though, just so there’s no confusion). I fell hard for Samson too. He’s such a cinnamon roll MMC but when he’s in the bedroom? 😮💨 Man oh man. The angst was ANGSTY too. 😍
The story explores grief in such a beautiful way and I enjoyed getting to see the real, raw, and complicated emotions that came with it.
These two had to go through so much but it was SO worth it. I loved everything about this book and can honestly say, it’s going on my shelf of books I’ll reread 🥹 It’s an emotional ride but also a comforting one if that makes sense.
This was an incredibly beautiful story and I’m so grateful for Layna allowing me to be an advanced reader.
Thank you! it was such a privilege ♥️
If you love
🔥 Slow burn
✨Angst for days
🌶️ Spice that will have you needing a cold glass of water
💞Cinnamon roll MMC (who can be a tiny bit dominating in 🛏️)
🏡 Small town
♥️ Single dad
📖Librarian FMC
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Found family
And overall, characters you fall head over heals for,
You should definitely read this! And the best part, there are more stories that take place in this series ♥️
Review of advance copy received from Author
A big thank you to Layna for letting me Beta read this ❤️
This is my favorite read from Ms. James to date! When I tell you I felt all the emotions while reading this?!? I mean the way it started off had me clutching my pearls! And towards the end she had ya girl shedding some tears 😭
I absolutely LOVED Samson. Not only is the man a lumberjack and a florist, but he is a devoted father who cares so deeply for his child and loved ones. And the way he leaves flowers for Vanessa while she isn’t even looking? Ugh, we love a lover boy!
Oh and my heart went out to Vanessa! She really went THROUGH it. I wanted to dig her husband up outta that grave and beat his ass for her. But I’m glad that at the end, she got a man that she deserved, one who knew exactly how to love her.
10/10 I need another story about them lol ❤️
This is my favorite read from Ms. James to date! When I tell you I felt all the emotions while reading this?!? I mean the way it started off had me clutching my pearls! And towards the end she had ya girl shedding some tears 😭
I absolutely LOVED Samson. Not only is the man a lumberjack and a florist, but he is a devoted father who cares so deeply for his child and loved ones. And the way he leaves flowers for Vanessa while she isn’t even looking? Ugh, we love a lover boy!
Oh and my heart went out to Vanessa! She really went THROUGH it. I wanted to dig her husband up outta that grave and beat his ass for her. But I’m glad that at the end, she got a man that she deserved, one who knew exactly how to love her.
10/10 I need another story about them lol ❤️
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews