Leap

by M.R. Joseph

What if you had no idea your "future" lived beside you your whole life? What if that person was also your best friend? What would you do when you finally realized it? MacIntyre "Mack" Cooper and Corrine "Rinny" Blanchard have known each other since birth. Living next door to one another on the South Shore of Long Island, and their parents being best friends, meant growing up together was unavoidable. Their bond made them inseparable. What Corrine didn't expect was the attraction she began to feel towards her best friend as the two grew older. As Corrine's feelings evolve over time and tragedies transpire, she must put her feelings for Mack aside and continue to be just his best friend- unconditionally- when he needs her the most. However, what happens when the person you love most in the world is taken away without warning just when you need them the most? Would you give up hope or would your love keep hope- and him alive? No one knew Rinny like Mack did. No one ever would. Mack's advice to her was when life takes a turn, when your faith is tested and dreams seem out of reach, sometimes the only thing you can do is...leap!

Genres: Romance

236 pages, Paperback

Published April 25, 2016

About the author

M.R. Joseph is a bestselling author of contemporary romance, new adult, and rom-com novels. A self-proclaimed book nerd turned writer, she crafts heartfelt, funny, and romantic stories that readers can’t get enough of. Hailing from the City of Brotherly Love, she draws inspiration from the world around her, including music and moments shared with her husband, kids, friends, and her dog, Scarlet. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her unwinding in her magical backyard or soaking up the sun on a East Coast beach, surrounded by family and music. A lover of books, laughter, and life’s little joys, she pours all of that magic into every story she tells.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MRJosephAuthor

Instagram- m.r._joseph_

TikTok- @missyreds74

Reviews

[Lisa Cullinan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story ...

Leap is the first book that I've read from M.R. Joseph and it certainly won't be the last. The story revolved around the lives of Rinny and Mack, next door neighbors who have been best friends from before they were even born. Told through Rinny's POV, Leap made me feel as though I was reading Rinny's journal. Her most private thoughts and true feelings for Mack were so poignantly described as the years moved along. The innocence of their youth was the easy part; navigating the teenage and college years when you've come to the realization that you're in love with your best friend, led to heartbreak and confusion.

Rinny and Mack were meant to be together. Their story held more than anyone's fair share of grief and tragedy, and at times was hard to take. Throughout it all—their love for each other, whether it be the friendship kind or something more—never, never faltered.

"It’s hard for me to skip right to part about falling in love because there were some bumps. And hills and a few mountains to conquer before that element came into fruition. It was actually poetic and messy. Inevitable and costly is how it turned out. But I wouldn’t have had it any other way. You have to do complicated before you fall and land."

Leap left me with a tear in my heart—without air in my lungs. It felt like waking from a dream but you're not sure whether you're still sleeping. This book is a treasure—beautiful and breathtaking storyline (set in NYC and Long Island-my home), characters that I endlessly rooted for and cried over, along with flawless grammar and sentence structure made this, hands down, a five star read for me. I look forward to reading more from this brilliantly talented author.

[Jenny Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

****ARC recieved for honest review***

I am a sucker when it comes to friends to lovers story. I absolutely love them. This one may be one of my favorites. The road to lovers for MacIntyre "Mack" and Corrine "Rinny", who have known each other forever, is filled with bumps and twists. While reading, you will feel all the emotions that Rinny goes through from thinking of Mack as her best friend to starting to feel more to having to hold in her feeling.

I don't want to give away too much but it's a story about love, heartache, pain, miscommunication, hope and faith. I was in a reading slump for a while and Leap got me right out of it. As my first M.R. Joseph, I'm glad I took the "Leap".

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the alternating of past and present, it's definitely one of my favorite type of storytelling. This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I felt like the end was a tad abrupt and short, so a solid four stars!

[J.E. Benoit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict (www.bookboyfriendaddict.com). A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Life is about taking chances. Life is about taking the leap of faith. The leap.

This was a really sweet, often tumultuous and sometimes sad, childhood friends to lovers story. This was the first book I read from M.R. Joseph and I really enjoyed it! The writing was very good and I found it very easy to fall in love with the characters. Corrine a.k.a. Rinny and Mack have been best friends since they were born, when their families moved into houses next to each other when they were still in the womb. They’ve been inseparable their entire lives and are as close as two people can be. As they grow up their feelings for each other start to change and suddenly there’s the possibility of being more than friends, but life has a way of throwing you curveballs and this book allows us to follow along with these two as they try to navigate all that life is throwing at them.

I thought the way the story told was very unique, in part present day and the bulk told in flashbacks. You’ll be sucked in right from the prologue and after the first chapter your heart will ache for Corinne and Mack before you’ve even met him. In the first flashback you’ll fall right in love with Mack and with each new flashback we get to see what a great friend and protector he has always been for Rinny and you’ll fall even more in love with him. I liked how the events going on in the present day were woven in with the flashback scenes where we get to see how their friendship evolved into something more. There were lots of ups and downs along the way and the things that are going on in the present day will squeeze your heart and keep you wondering what’s going to happen.

There were a few difficult topics that this book touched upon, I thought they were handled well and at the same time there was enough to balance them out so that the book wasn’t overly heavy. It was pretty emotional though and the writing did a good job of connecting my emotions to the characters’. If I could have changed one thing, I would have loved to of seen more of Rinny and Mack in the “present day” or even just more of them in flashbacks when they were actually together. Mainly because I loved them together so much that I wanted to see more of them happy! But I really liked the ending and even though there wasn’t an epilogue the last chapter sort of felt like it was. I really enjoyed this book, it was full of heart and a really sweet story!

“You never have to thank me, Corrine. I’m always going to be here. I’m not going anywhere.”

[Emily C · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully beautiful story by MR Joseph!! Leap follows the very tragic and hard journey of childhood friends Mack and Rinny through their lives. The deep emotional connection between them was felt by me and boy was this a devastatingly heartbreaking story, yet also charming and heartwarming. Love will conquer all of you just take the leap!!!! I loved it!!!

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many emotion and feelings for the beautiful, beautiful, and frustrating book. For a more candid version of my feelings about this book please check out my video review because I just can't put into words how much I love this journey, this LEAP that I took with Mack and Rinny.

Met this author at Lovely Ladies & Naughty Books Hosted by Jasinda Wilder & All Romance Reviews in Washington, D.C. May 21, 2016 #LLNBDC2016

This specific video review: https://youtu.be/n5Sx8WLW9CM

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel Stephanie Uncensored
https://www.youtube.com/c/stephanieun...

[Tina Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 amazing stars.
This book was so amazingly good!!! I don't know how many times I had to put it down from the tears rolling down my face. This book touched me beyond reason. A friend's to lovers with life, love and tragedy all wrapped up into one. And how precious life can be and hold on to everything you have and take chances. Live life to the fullest because it can change in the blink of an eye. To just take that....Leap
I highly recommend this book it is such a beautiful book,go ahead take the leap you won't be disappointed at all. I don't won't to put to much into this review because I don't won't to spoil anything for anyone,just now this book is a must read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Elizabeth Shuey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by M.R Joseph!! Leap is about two best friends that become lovers, but the road to becoming lovers is such an emotional journey. This book has some laughter, tears and angst, not to mention deals with some heavy topics. You'll fall in love with Mack and Rinny and you'll find yourself yearning for the ending they deserve. I recommended this to all my book friends and they loved it as much as I did. Take the Leap and read this book, you won't be disappointed.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a leap and read this fabulous book!

This is by far one of my top favorites this year! It kept me turning the page! Couldn't put it down! I was on the edge of my seat...I cried...I laughed..I wanted to throw my kindle...just so full of everything. It's a book I wish I could unread and reexperience! 5+ stars!!!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have a box of tissues

Such a emotional amazing book! Will warn you, the tears will be flowing and will be needing a box of tissues! Too me it means it was a great book that has impacted me! A must read!

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

When reading this book I felt as though I had a hole in my heart. I was captivated by every word, every touch, every emotion from childhood and beyond, I felt it in my gut. I felt myself loose a part of myself because their pain was so tangible, I felt myself put back together and discovered new things about myself, Leap is the perfect title for MR Joseph's best work.

I love a coming of age story. I love seeing what friends have been through, the embarrassing moments, the let downs, the kisses and more. Corrine, AKA Rinny was a tomboy, who sells herself short. I felt that she was the type of girl that turned heads, but didn't recognize her beauty. I felt that she was intelligent, but she was quite impulsive and hormonal. AHAH Being a teenager isn't easy. As a woman Rinny grows more beautiful, she is a photographer, and is a bit more confident. She is a real woman with emotions and seeking a true love.

Mack, how he reminded me of every girl's dream, I hated him and loved him. I hated him because I felt for Rinny. I wanted him to like me.. I mean Rinny ;) I loved him because he was the all around good guy, the masculine guy, the hero of every girl's dream. He absolutely would defend Rinny and at times I think he would fight and kill for her. He becomes highly motivated at a young age, and pursues journalism to make a difference in this world. I enjoyed reading about a good man.

As they grow up, there are more obstacles, and tables turn. Rinny is there for Mack just as much to the point I was begging Mack not to mess up, and not to take advantage of Rinny. I admired their friendship even when it was gut wrenching, There was a push and pull effect, like most cases when two people need to just get together, but there is so much standing in your way. The story telling and the way the scenes would move from past to present were written effortlessly. There was an eerie sense to this story. (I will not spoil this for other readers) I will say that this book has an ominous tone. It's something I was trying to figure out, that I was crying out for, and when you discover it, you will want to kick and scream..but no worries because there is something so beautiful about Mack and Rinny that I just knew that I wouldn't be let down and I wasn't.

I have to say every time that Rinny would "apologize" to Mack, it was so romantic to me, its so pure. Its like when Barbara Streisand moves Robert Redford's hair off of his forehead in the movie, "The Way We Were" , (Katie and Hubbell) no matter what it gives me goosebumps. It's something so genuine, a simple gesture that gives so much tenderness. Their love is powerful, touching, and consuming.


It deals with the harsh reality of what we face as a society, what we face as a human being, and what we can lose in an instant. It is completely romantic, it isn't over the top with sex, but its there and its passionate, it takes you away and makes you sigh, makes you say YES, and overall makes you happy. They are fighters and they are lovers.


"How could you ever think that you're just Rinny?I never thought of you that way."

"I took a leap."

"It means taking a chance. When you aren't sure of something and you actually do it. You find out for yourself what it's like. You take the leap. That's what I did. I leaped."

This book is unforgettable!

[Kristine GPI Bookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of M.R. Joseph's work for quite a while now, her Sandy Cove series a favourite of mine, for Leap I went in blind, I had read the blurb quickly months ago when the cover had been revealed but that was as much as I knew, I just wanted to experience the story without any preconceived notions of what it would be about, I wanted to get lost and drown in Joseph's words, despite knowing very little I expected a love story, instead what I experienced was a life story.


Rinny and Mack became best friends in utero, when their parents moved in next door to each other. Over the years that followed they were each others best friend, confidante, from childhood, to adolescence, to high school and college, they were always right there in front of each other sharing every funny, scary, embarrassing, honest truth with each other, there was nothing they couldn't say to one another, no instance in their young lives where they wouldn't support each other, for years they were each others person until one day they weren't anymore, and therein lies the beauty of this story, the transcendence of childhood memories to adulthood, and everything in between, this story is one that had me utterly mesmerised, entirely enraptured with discovering every nuance of these characters, riding the highs and the lows, living the journey the author sought to create.


"I took a leap."

"What does leaping have to do with it?"

"It means taking a chance. When you aren't sure of something and you actually do it. You have to find out for yourself what it's like. You take the leap. That's what I did. I leaped."


I want to tell you how I felt when ....... happened, I want to tell you how positively giddy I was when ..... said ......., I want to tell you how my heart ached, how my soul cried when .........., but I can't because I can't take discovering those moments away from you, because as much as I want to sit here and tell you every glorious moment, every second of heartache, every inch of pure, unbridled joy I can't, because I want you to experience Leap the same way I did, a little blind and eager just to lose yourself in the words. For fans of the authors work, they will find a new depth here, a story far less traditional contemporary romance, while Leap does deal with first loves, real loves, true loves, part coming of age, part women's fiction, Joseph didn't rely on sex to drive this story forward, instead focusing on the incredible life Rinny to utterly captivate and enchant this reader. Days later and Leap is still on my mind, I feel listless and adrift, and I find myself picking it back up to spend just a few more minutes with these characters that held my heart, characters who reminded me about having faith, about hope, about taking a leap.

http://glasspaperinkbookblog.blogspot...

[Tiffany Willams · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I didn't know a world without him. I felt his presence even when I didn't know he was near."

It's no secret how much I adore friends-to-lovers romances, but this story right here...just floored me!!

My heart was taken within the first few pages of Corrine (Rinny) and Mack's story. Their bond is one for the books. Pun totally intended;)

I was immersed into their world. I felt as if I was right beside Rinny as she told their story.

"Mack was my first everything. My first friend. My first partner in crime, my first batting coach, my first kick to a set of balls, my first kiss, my first...love. My only love. The one man who could bring me to my knees just with the sheer masculinity of his voice."

M.R. Joseph has this writing style unlike any other. She can weave words between the past and present with such ease and grace.
You are being told a story in its entirety without feeling as if you're missing details.

Rinny and Mack have such an amazing relationship. They were friends even before they were born. No matter how many years go by, they are still each other's number one...even if life tries to tear them apart.

"You're all I got, Rinny. You're all I got."
"You have me, Mack. I'll always be here."

This book is not just a love story.
It's a story of friendship, struggle, forgiveness, and acceptance.
It's amazingly true to life.
You feel as if you are experiencing it all yourself.

There is so much within this story!
It takes on very tough issues within its pages. I can't tell you how many times I cried because one issue hits very close to home. <3

I applaud Ms. Joseph for bringing so many difficult situations into the light. It truly made the story even more beautiful.

"I could have willed myself not to be in love with Mack. I could have met someone, fallen in love with them, and had my own babies. Sometimes, when the heart wants something so badly, when a heart bleeds for another like mine did for Mack, you sacrifice things you could have had."

Be still my heart!

There is so much you can take away from this book. The love Rinny and Mack share is unlike any I've ever seen. I makes you believe in true love-destiny. It makes you want to hold onto your loved ones even harder.
It teaches you that sometimes, when you feel something deep in your gut, you just have to Leap.

Thank you, M.R. Joseph for another fabulous book!

"We're all destined for something in life. Maybe this is how it's all supposed to be. Maybe this was the path of life that was chosen for all of us. Maybe it was all part of the master plan."

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Each day gets harder and harder. Every day when there's no word about Mack, it pulls me down. So far down sometimes I don't think I can ever climb back up. There's no God. If there were, this life, or lack of wouldn't exist. I'm tired of feeling sorry for myself. I'm tired of lying to Haven. I'm tired of it all."

Rinny and Mack became best friends in utero, when their parents moved in next door to each other. Over the years that followed they were each others best friend, confidante, from childhood, to adolescence, to high school and college, they were always right there in front of each other sharing every funny, scary, embarrassing, honest truth with each other, there was nothing they couldn't say to one another, no instance in their young lives where they wouldn't support each other, for years they were each others person until the unthinkable happens and Rinny is forced to face her life without Mack. She is forced to stand on her own two feet without Mack. Will she survive?


Moving back and forth from present circumstances to the beginning and beyond of Mack and Rinny's relationship, this story delves into the heart and soul of a relationship that has lasted decades. Through the years these two have been everything to each other. They have lived through each other. They have loved each other. Now when the most horrific thing happens to one of them, how will the other live on?


I loved everything about this book. The way the author jumped back and forth from present to various different time periods in the characters lives. The way the author made Rinny so raw and real and relatable. The way the story twisted and turned so much that you couldn't possibility know what emotion you would feel next. Loved it all. This is a definite must read for any reader. Add it to your shelves today!

[Hilda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leap
by M.R. Joseph
I had the privilege of meeting M.R. Joseph at a signing event in Washington DC. I had not yet read anything by her and asked the question, what should I read first? After a few minutes of explaining each story we together thought that Leap might be a good book for me to start with. I am so glad that she recommended this book. It was my first book by her and will not my last by the amazing author.

Leap took me on an emotional journey that I have yet to experience this year. This is my second 5 star read this year and this one is for a completely different reason. I LOVED the story of Mack and Rinny. Friends since birth, to lovers, to partners in life yet not lovers, to lovers again. Amazing. The twists and turns that took them on the roller coaster of life that at times I felt was completely unfair. Finally getting to where they should be only to have it all ripped away killed me. M.R. Joseph knows how to make you emotionally connect with the characters. I wanted to just grab Rinny and hold her tight. The things that she went thru made me mad, sad, and happy. I had my heart ripped out, my soul forever changed by this story. I loved Mack one minute and hated him the next. How can men be so blind?
M.R. Joseph did an amazing job of making me connect with them, to make me feel that they were real. And when an author can actually make me cry real tears I know they have done an amazing job.
Will Mack and Rinny be able to overcome all of the obstacles that life throws them or will they just be stuck in limbo forever?

[Jill M (Embrace the Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is one of those books that will stay with you well past the last page. It was an emotional, heartbreaking journey with a perfect ending.

This was so much more than a best friends to lovers story. MR will break your heart, make you cry but then put the pieces back together. It’s a journey of two souls finally coming together and becoming whole.

I loved how we went from the present to the past. It was well written the way it flowed never skipping a beat . It was emotional and sexy and just so good I couldn’t put it down. I loved every word from beginning to end.

MR Joseph wrote a beautiful story of love, loss and hope. It leave a spot on your heart. I have loved everything she has written and can’t wait to see where she takes us next.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leap by M.R. Joseph was a great stand alone book featuring Mack and Rinny! You will fall in love with their story from the very beginning and get sucked into each and every bump, twist and turn along the way!

Life is about taking chances. Life is about taking the leap of faith. The leap.

These words couldn't be more true for the two childhood friends as their lives unfold on the pages. Their story is like none other and Ms. Joseph did a great job of dealing with some very touchy topics and social issues.

I really enjoyed this book and completely believe it's worth the chance to take the leap so if I were you I'd take the leap and read this book! You will not regret it!

http://teahoneysbookcafe.blogspot.com/

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 amazing stars.
This book was so amazingly good!!! I don't know how many times I had to put it down from the tears rolling down my face. This book touched me beyond reason. A friend's to lovers with life, love and tragedy all wrapped up into one. And how precious life can be and hold on to everything you have and take chances. Live life to the fullest because it can change in the blink of an eye. To just take that....Leap
I highly recommend this book it is such a beautiful book,go ahead take the leap you won't be disappointed at all. I don't won't to put to much into this review because I don't won't to spoil anything for anyone,just now this book is a must read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Priscilla (angstbooklover) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't really know where to start with this book,like holy shit gut wrenching and achingly painful. I always love a good chase in my books,at first i was a bit skeptical about reading it but i got to say it didn't disappoint me in the end either,I couldnt put it down because usually when the story is really good i savour it and take my time but not with this one,This book was a total enigma for me just the way i wanted it,because who loves a book that is pretty predictable??Boring!!,i recommend this book for anyone to read,if you're a sucker for Friends to Lovers,Hate,Betrayal and torturous then this is for you . I give you 5stars

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 amazing stars.
This book was so amazingly good!!! I don't know how many times I had to put it down from the tears rolling down my face. This book touched me beyond reason. A friend's to lovers with life, love and tragedy all wrapped up into one. And how precious life can be and hold on to everything you have and take chances. Live life to the fullest because it can change in the blink of an eye. To just take that....Leap
I highly recommend this book it is such a beautiful book,go ahead take the leap you won't be disappointed at all.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing!! I loved Mack and Rinny. Stories of friendship that turn to love is one of my favorite storylines. Add in some angst and some difficult challenges/topics for the characters to make the book even better!! 3% into the book I was holding my breath...by the end of the book I was in tears!! So,so good!! I have loved every book by this author and she delivered again!! Must read!!

[Stacy Landis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts journey thru Leap

Was suggested this book from a friend. Read Reunion and loved it. Great ending to the story. Only thing that puzzled me was Rinny getting mad when Mack appeared. I'd have thought it would have been better if she thought she was dreaming. But overall a great read!

[Carrie Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want to take a Leap???

This book took me from page one...it spoke to my heart and told me that you can take a Leap where life is concerned. Thank you M.R. Joseph for a story of life, hope and resilience.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite of M.R. Joseph's book so far! Just fantastic Missy!! This story was so different from her other books and it was just an emotional, mesmerizing novel. "When the going gets touch-just leap."