Simon and Blaire have spent four years proving that a broken relationship doesn't have to make broken parents.
They've mastered co-parenting; the phone calls, the preschool pickups, and the awkward conversations. Their three-year-old son, Theo, is happy, loved, and the center of both their worlds.
Simon has a new girlfriend. Blaire is finally trying to date again. On paper, they're doing exactly what they're supposed to do—building separate lives while raising their son together.
But moving on is harder than either of them expected. Feelings refuse to stay buried. And the future they both convinced themselves they lost suddenly doesn't feel so impossible anymore.
I love a good second-chance romance, and the single mom/single dad aspect made it even better. The ending left me SPEECHLESS, and I already know I’m going to be so anxious waiting for book 2. 😭
Throughout the entire book, my heart hurt so much for Blaire. She’s such a good mom and it was so obvious that she never truly got over Simon. The way things ended between them all those years ago was heartbreaking, and I hated knowing how much it still affected her. I loved seeing them co-parent Theo and do everything they could to give him a happy and healthy life, even when the feelings between them were complicated.
I felt so bad for Blaire having to see and know about Simon being with other women, especially Veronica. Obviously, they were broken up and they both had every right to move on, but that doesn’t make it any easier when you still love someone and have to watch them be with someone else.
There was also a part where Blaire realized why Simon had gotten such a big place because he hoped that one day he’d have more kids and a family of his own and realized that future probably wasn’t with her HURT. At times, I felt like Blaire was almost too understanding, but she has such a big heart that I don’t think she knows how to be anything else.
And then there’s Simon… I do think he’s a good dad, and obviously I want him and Blaire to end up together and finally get their HEA. BUTTTT I also feel like he could have tried harder. At times, he was a bit of a coward because whenever life got hard, he would retreat and run instead of actually dealing with things. I also feel like there is WAY more to the story with Veronica and their relationship, and I really hope we get more answers about that in book 2… even though I’m sure whatever we find out is going to hurt Blaire (and probably my heart too 😭).
All in all, I really did love this book. It gave me ALL the feels, and I was invested in the story from beginning to end. The ending has me needing book 2 immediately, and I’m so excited to see how this story ends. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I laughed, I cried, I went through ALL the emotions possible while reading this book and I NEED the next one. Be aware this book WILL break you. Have comfy clothes/ blanket and tissues on hand because you will need them.
SIMON CRANE????? MY LOVVEEEEE 😭😭❤️ okay but can we talk about simon being a father because THIS MAN AND HIS LOVE FOR THEO 🥹🫶🏻 like excuse me??? a man who loves his child this much will ALWAYS have my heart 😭💗 and Blaireeee, my girl 🥹🫶🏻 these two have so much history and watching them find their way back to each other was just 🫠😭 the feelings, the tension, the little moments, THE PININGGG 😭🤏🏻 also, the plotline and setting were SO GOOD?? 😭❤️ everything flowed so naturally and i loved how easy this book was to get into. it was such a smooth, enjoyable read 🫶🏻💗 and theo??? BABYYYY 😭💗 the little family moments were honestly so cute and i just wanted these people to be happy together PLEASE 🙏🏻🧎🏻♀️😭🫶🏻 the second-chance romance, the emotions and simon being simon >>>>> 😭❤️🔥 overall, this was such a cute read and if you love second-chance romance with a little family drama and lots of feelings, you might enjoy this one too 🥹💗 SIMON, MY MAN, YOU'RE NOT GETTING OUT OF MY HEAD ANYTIME SOON. THANK YOU 😭🤌🏻❤️ i'll be looking forward to book 2!! 🥹🫶🏻🎀
wow😭 this was so good, the writing is just so easy to read like i would read it so fast😭 from beginning to end i was hooked, i’m scared for book 2 not going to lie
this Veronica character ugh I can’t even think about her without getting mad
i love that the characters go to therapy to sort out their problems!🥹
I love that this is the first time I’ve come across a story like this! It’s a second-chance romance about a couple who co-parent perfectly for their son while hiding the ugly truth that they STILL have feelings for each other. Everyone around them knows it except THEM. LOL. Talk about being in denial under the excuse of co-parenting for their son’s sake! 😂 BUT that’s not all, because this story also comes with drama and plot twists!
BTW, I love how they’re both amazing when it comes to co-parenting and being parents. They always prioritize Theo above ALLLLL things, and when they finally get back together, they even decide to go back to family therapy. 🥹 I absolutely adore them for making that decision!
Even though he’s a good father now, I’m still pissed at Crane, honestly. Because, by my standards, he was a COWARD in the beginning when Blaire was pregnant with Theo!!!!! HE LEFT HER!!! Whatever his reasons were, he was still being irresponsible by leaving her to deal with everything on her own. And in the present day, when Blaire goes on a date, he starts acting like a jerk. ;)
Meanwhile, Blaire is such a strong mom! From the time she was pregnant with Theo until Crane came back into the picture as Theo’s father, she handled so much on her own. Honestly, though? SHE DESERVED BETTER. :) Woops, but well, love is blind, right? 😂 The fact that she kept loving him is still something I find hard to understand, honestly. ;,)
But then, they try to work things out together, even with Crane’s ex coming into the picture and bringing along MORE drama.
One thing I really appreciated about this story is how much I learned about parenting, especially through the family therapy sessions. There were so many valuable insights, and I loved how the story incorporated them into the characters’ journey. ❤️
AND THE CLIFFHANGER???? WHAT????? EXCUSE ME????? 😭😭 I DID NOT EXPECT THE STORY TO END LIKE THAT???????? TT I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW BECAUSE WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?????!!!
Thank you for the ARC, L. Beckett & Literary Loft! 💛
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
There is something so bittersweet about a love story where two people have spent years trying to move on, only to realize that their feelings might not be as buried as they thought 🥹
Simon and Blaire have spent four years learning how to co-parent their little boy, Theo, while building separate lives. They've found a way to make things work for their son, but moving on romantically is a different story. With Simon in a new relationship and Blaire trying to open her heart again, their unresolved past makes everything so much more complicated.
What makes this premise particularly emotional is the idea that you can move forward with your life without necessarily leaving someone behind in your heart. When you've shared years, memories, and a family with someone, letting go isn't always as simple as deciding to move on.
I also love that the story explores the complexities of co-parenting alongside second-chance romance. Having a child together means Simon and Blaire will always be connected, but that doesn't automatically mean they should find their way back to each other. Their past still matters, and if they want another chance, they need to confront what went wrong rather than simply rely on the feelings that remain.
The possibility of falling in love with the same person all over again, while knowing how much it can hurt to lose them, is what makes this kind of romance so compelling. Sometimes, the person who once felt like home is also the person you have to learn how to live without.
Overall, the premise of Right Where I Left You promises a bittersweet exploration of love, heartbreak, parenthood, and second chances. It's the kind of story that makes you wonder whether some relationships deserve another beginning or whether certain chapters are better left closed.
Because sometimes, moving on doesn't mean you stopped loving someone. It simply means you learned how to live without them.
And perhaps the hardest question is whether you're brave enough to try again🫠
I can't believe I devoured this book in one day, but it was such an easy and addictive read! I really loved how Simon and Blaire navigate co-parenting Theo. Their love for him just oozes from every page, and I absolutely adored that part of their story. But these two? In denial. The push and pull. The tension.
And, of course, I'm here to say that it's been a while since another set of characters has stressed me out this much.
This is a second-chance romance, so you know what’s going to happen, right? RIGHT?
But nope. I did NOT see that coming. I guess I was so relaxed, thinking there wouldn’t be any major twists, and then—NOPE. The author dropped a bomb, and OH MY GOSH. No pun intended, especially since our MMC is in the military. 😂💣 But nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book. I genuinely couldn't put it down.
And beyond the romance, I loved what this story reminded me of: there is a right time for everything. It may not happen when or how we expect it to, and there may be challenges along the way, but what matters most is how we navigate those challenges and how willing we are to fight for the things that truly matter.
I can't believe I have to wait until next year for the final installment, though! Since this is a duology, I know we're getting one more book, and honestly, I'm both excited and terrified.
But maybe the wait is a good thing because I need time to calm down and emotionally prepare myself. Because if this book was already a roller coaster, I have a feeling the second and final book is going to take us on an even wilder ride
A smooth, engaging read with an ending that leaves you wanting more! Right Where I Left You by L. Beckett was a surprisingly enjoyable read. The story follows Simon and Blaire, who have known each other all their lives and were in a relationship for four years before Simon walked away when things became too serious, leaving Blaire pregnant. I found Simon's decision frustrating because, while he clearly loved Blaire, he wasn't ready to take responsibility or offer the stability and commitment she deserved. Being present for important moments is one thing, but building a family requires much more than that. A few years later, with their little boy Theo, it's evident that Simon and Blaire still have feelings for each other. Their journey towards admitting those feelings and deciding to try again was engaging. However, just when things seemed to be falling into place, Veronica, Simon's ex-girlfriend, returned with news of her pregnancy, leaving us with some major questions. What impressed me most was how smoothly the story flowed. For a debut novel, the writing felt remarkably polished, and I didn't find any obvious plot holes or moments that made the story feel incomplete. The ending was unexpected and definitely made me curious about the next instalment. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens to Simon and Blaire and whether Veronica's baby is Simon's. A light, engaging read with relationship drama, unresolved feelings, and a cliffhanger that makes you want the next book soon!
Thank you to Literary Loft and L.Beckett for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review!
Synopsis:
Four years after their breakup, Simon and Blaire have mastered co-parenting their three-year-old son while building separate lives. But as they both try to move on, unresolved feelings resurface, leaving them wondering if their love story is truly over or if they’re destined for a second chance.
Review:
I AM SO TORN OVER THIS BOOK because I absolutely loved it, but THAT ENDING?! EXCUSE ME?! I don’t want to wait!
The chemistry between Simon and Blaire was everything I wanted from a second-chance romance. There was so much history, tension and unresolved emotion between them, and I loved watching those feelings slowly come back to the surface.
The spice? Absolutely loved it. The chemistry was there, the tension was tensioning, and I was completely invested in these two finding their way back to each other.
I also really enjoyed the second-chance storyline. Add in the co-parenting dynamic, and there was so much emotional depth to their relationship.
But my biggest beef with this book is THE ENDING.
I finished this book feeling personally victimised. I was so invested in Simon and Blaire, and that ending left me with SO MANY QUESTIONS. I need answers, and I need to know what happens next because WHAT WAS THAT?!
I genuinely loved this book. The chemistry, the spice and the emotional pull of the second-chance romance made it such an enjoyable read.
Surprise, surprise, surprise. That's what happened for me in this book. Right when I thought I knew where it was going, whoops, twisty little plot turn. The writing was quite well, there were a few things that I had to re-read a couple of times just to make sure that I had the correct context; wasn't sure if it was intentional or not. (Did not disrupt or take away from the book or anything) This book will hit my cycle of rereads because it's a cozy comfy vibe book that doesn't raise my blood pressure in a bad way.
There's a few elements that I wish the author would lean more into a little heavier, but it's not necessary to make the book any better. And a few areas where I wish there was a little more resistance from the FMC. Blaire is a strong FMC, but I feel like there was a missed opportunity to not have her feel like the "doormat ex just waiting for her first love" type FMC. But the dynamic is enough for what the story is, and I'm not displeased with this. The gut punch at the end, agreed, illegal cliffhanger.
Was pleasantly shocked to know that it's not a stand alone, and the first of a duo. I will reread this before the second installment drops for sure. Kudos for the military rivalry comment and having it make sense. As a milbrat it's nice to see some of the things I grew up with normalized in books. Will most likely post a more in depth review once book has published. ♥
This may be one of my most vulnerable reviews because I connected with this story on such a personal level. 🥺❤️ So many situations in this book felt familiar to me, and I couldn’t help but get emotional while reading. There were moments where I literally had a knot in my throat.
I felt like I was reliving some of the hurt I thought I had forgotten. The flashbacks, the emotions, the internal thoughts… it was almost like being seen and reminded that my feelings were valid and that the things I thought and felt were completely normal. 🥺
I loved this book SO much. And now knowing there’s a part two?! I NEED ANSWERS. 😭
What is the outcome? Is he or is he NOT? Will we get the happy ending I once wished for myself? 👀 I have SO many questions, and I’m already nervous about what’s coming next.
I truly cannot recommend this book enough. I want to say SO much more, but I refuse to spoil anything!
And the tropes?! 😮💨🔥 ✨ Second chance romance ✨ Co-parent to lovers ✨ Unplanned pregnancy ✨ Love triangle (THIS BROKE ME 😭) ✨ She’s a teacher ✨ He’s in the military
Blaire… OH, Blaire. 🥺 You are so kind and forgiving, and I understood you completely. Simon, I need to see how you handle everything next..because one wrong move might break my heart all over again. 😭
Book two cannot come soon enough. I need answers, I need to know whether they’ll get the ending they deserve, and I am already nervous for what’s ahead. 👀📖
Dare I say, I haven’t cried this much while reading a book in a LONG time, but the last two chapters of this one absolutely broke me because OMG, WHAT WAS THAT?! I NEED PART 2 ASAP 🥹❤️🩹
Where do I even start with this book? The story, the characters, the ANGST, and the intense emotions it made me feel all at once!!! I was genuinely overwhelmed by everything I was feeling while reading this at literally 3 AM 😭😭😭
Simon and Blaire, YOU GUYS. They are what the song LEGENDARY LOVERS is all about. They belong together in every possible way, and I still don’t understand why it took them so long to figure that out. The YEARNING, the tension, and watching Simon win her heart all over again had me completely hooked. 🥹❤️
One of my absolute favourite characters has to be Theo. OH, HE’S SO ADORABLE! I loved his character so much. 🥹🤏🏻
Now, I’m usually not a fan of the pregnancy or coparenting tropes, but when they’re done RIGHT, I will eat them up, and this book is proof of that. I finished it in THREE DAYS??? Yes, I was THAT obsessed. 🥰🙂↕️
And can we PLEASE talk about the chemistry between Simon and Blaire? THE CHEMISTRY WAS INSANE. And that tattoo he has for her??? IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW. 🤭❤️🔥
Overall, I absolutely LOVED this book. It made me laugh, cry, yearn, and feel way too many emotions at once. Now I’m just here waiting (impatiently) for Part 2 because I KNOW it’s going to be amazing. 🥹❤️🩹
Right Where I Left You by L. Beckett is an emotional romance that explores love, timing, second chances, and the feelings that never completely disappear. From the beginning, the story creates that bittersweet feeling of reconnecting with someone who once meant everything to you.
What I enjoyed most was the emotional tension between the characters. Their history adds depth to their interactions, making even the quieter moments feel meaningful. The story takes its time exploring unresolved feelings and the difficult question of whether two people can find their way back to each other after everything that has changed.
L. Beckett does a good job balancing romance with emotional moments, giving the story a warm yet slightly melancholic atmosphere. The characters feel imperfect and relatable, which makes their journey easier to connect with.
Overall, Right Where I Left You is a heartfelt read for anyone who enjoys emotional romance, second chances, complicated feelings, and characters trying to figure out where they truly belong. A sweet and reflective romance that stays with you after the final page.
This was a cute second chance romance and I really enjoyed the whole “it’s always been you” aspect of Simon and Blair’s story. There’s something about two people finding their way back to each other that I will always have a soft spot for.
I do wish we had gotten a little more time for the story to develop. Some parts felt repetitive, while others moved a little too quickly, especially toward the end. I also found myself wanting more closure because the ending felt rather abrupt. I understand leaving room for a story to continue but I personally would have liked a little more resolution before reaching that final page.
Overall, there were definitely sweet moments that I appreciated and I liked the idea behind the story. I just wish we had gotten a little more depth and a more complete ending to really bring everything together before the next book.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this early.
This book is full of emotional moments from start to finish and I was entrapped the whole time.
I have to give Blaire and Simon an applause for co-parenting as well as they did for 4 years. Theo was loved by both equally and they had his best interests in mind. Nowadays parents can have ulterior motives and the child always becomes collateral damage.
I'm also glad they both fessed up their true feelings towards one another and decided to try again. It took awhile but it was obvious to everyone that they wanted to be together.
Veronica is such a nasty woman. I truly dislike her and her manipulative personality. I seriously hope the big reveal proves that she is lying so they don't have to deal with her anymore.
The ending was so emotional. I'm hoping after a bumpy road a HEA will be waiting for these two because they've been through enough turmoil. I'm looking forward to reading more about these characters and their journey. So glad I got a chance to read this story!
I am obsessed 😍 I’ve actually never related to an FMC as much as I did with Blaire as a mother. I was hooked from the start.
The way they both showed up for Theo & co-parenting, putting him first was top tier. You could feel the love Simon & Blaire had for him jumping out of the book.
Also the way that Simon & Blaire showed up for EACH OTHER even when they were just co-parenting was so good. The way they had to navigate such a huge situation right after finally admitting they still loved each other, Blaire taking it with her chin held high ready to do whatever needed to be done.
Veronica can kick rocks 🪨 I can’t stand her crazy ass. The cliff hanger ending tho, I can’t wait to have my hands on the next book. I will be thinking about this book for the foreseeable future, rent free living at the front of my brain 🥹
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book. Blaire and Simon are two characters who feel very real, and their complicated messy relationship came alive on the page.
The twist halfway through? I did not see that coming. The cliffhanger at the end? BRUTAL. If I had the second book in the series I would have started it IMMEDIATELY upon finishing this one.
This book is SPICY and it is a good time. But the relationships are what stand out. The relationship between Blaire and Simon, their relation ship with their son, Blaire's friendship with Jamie, and the relationships Blaire and Simon have with their family.
And then there is Veronica. I love when an author creates a character that you viscerally hate.
I really loved this and can't wait for the next one!
Excuse me ma'am, that cliff hangar was diabolical. Right when I think I know where this story line is going to go, the author just drops a bomb and leaves me craving more. Blair and Simon have been successfully co-parenting for years. Simon has lived a very "adventurous life" , while Blair held it down as the practical parent. While she may not agree with Simon's sexcapades, the two of them share an undeniable love and respect for one another as co-parents. This story has spice, love, drama, and some adorable banter. It also has a hyperactive kiddo who kicks his shoes everywhere, has little break downs, and likes to tell you all the things (making this very relatable for any parent). Very cute! This would be a great rainy day read.
Right Where I Left You was a great read from start to finish. I loved all of the main characters and how well they blended together.
As someone who isn't too crazy for second chance romance, this one surprised me. It also had a good amount of spice that it didn't feel like it was taking away from the story. I do wish that there was a bit more groveling that came from the MMC. And that the FMC wasn't so celibate so that things were a bit more balanced. That's my only gripe but doesn't affect how I feel about the story as a whole.
The book does leave off on a cliffhanger that was a bit illegal but I cannot wait to read the second half of this story which we will get early 2027!
I am emotionally damaged from the ending of this book and will need 3-5 business days to recover before the next book comes.
I LOVE these two. I cannot express how much I couldnt put this book down. Everytime i thought I knew what was going to happen a new little twist popped up on me. I am so curious about the answers to all our burning questions, which youll need to read to know but man its so good.
The chemistry, longing and tension was so well writen between the two main characters. The love they have for their child is also so precious. Ronnie....i cant handle, she's gotta go. Im over her already and her drama. BUT ITS SO GOOD
Ok, well that ending was incredibly rude! I had no idea this was going to become a series but now I’m oddly invested in it. I didn’t anticipate that I would enjoy this book this much. I thought it would be a cute read but I didn’t expect to get emotionally invested in the storyline and couple. Blair and Simon have a son together but spend the last 4 yrs as just co-parents. Simon, being a boy, fills the void of Blair with other women while she ignores all the signs that they’re both still in love with one another. It quickly became an addicting read and I blew through it pretty fast. Thank you Literary Loft and L. Beckett for the Advanced Copy!
Super sweet easy read. Such a special story line of a second chance romance. It follows Blaire and Simon while they navigate moving on and co-parenting. Only to realize moving on was never really in the cards for them. They have both pushed those feelings down and tried to hide and ignore them. Eventually those feelings resurface and they see you can only push them so far down before you cannot ignore them. This was truly heartwarming. I enjoyed the story line that allowed them to face the issues and give the relationship another go. And it pays off beautifully!! This one really filled my heart.
This book is a teacher military soldier co parenting second chance romance. Blair and Simon were high school sweethearts that had a child and ended their relationship due to Simon running away with fear to the military. Now they co parenting and are friendly. I thought the story was good but didn’t know it was a two part story so ends on a cliffy. I really want to know the outcome with the crazy ex. And after 10 years I hope they get their hea.
I read this in less than one day and I was on the edge of my seat! I kinda went into reading this one blind and I truly had no idea where the story would go with Blaire + Simon. I knew right away they were going to keep me guessing. I loved their co-parenting relationship, you could tell they really wanted to do well for Theo. So many twists and surprises that I can’t wait to see how their story continues in book 2!
Oh man, what an incredibly real storyline. Simon and Blaire’s story definitely hit a little close to home but it is so well written that I finished it in 2 days. Blaire is probably one of the best and sweetest FMCs I’ve read in a while. But I will say, Veronica aggravates me to no end, which is probably a testament to how well this book is written. Definitely looking forward to but dreading book 2…
I liked the premise of this story. It was cute! I wanted to rate it higher but there are a considerable amount of typos and errors in the story. Parts of the storyline also felt repetitive. I will probably read book 2 because i need to know what happens!!
Simon and Blaire are childhood sweethearts who separated just before Blaire found out she was pregnant. For the past 4 years they have been co-parting while both still being in-love with one another.
What follows is their journey back to one another, filled with some OW drama as Simon is in a relationship at the beginning of the book.
I will say, the way the book played out I was not expecting. The issues I had with the book are due to personal pet peeves within second-chance romance book and the way the FMC had been written (spoilers) celibate FMC, whore MMC, no grovelling from MMC, no fighting to win back FMC after betrayal/separation, martyr/ FMC who puts everyone else’s feeling before her own .
I will include my full review which contains spoilers once the book has been released.