Left Behind

Finding My Forever #3

by Michele Notaro

My god, if I have to watch one more happy couple get together, I’m going to lose it completely and probably rip out all of my awesomely pink hair. My older brother is now married and has a family, my best friend is in a committed relationship, and the man I’ve wanted to be with for the last two years just can’t give me what I want… what I know I deserve… I need to do something, go somewhere else and clear my head.

So, when I get invited to a photographer’s convention in Florida, I jump at the chance. Now I can get away from all the coupled happiness around me and surround myself with… all the photographers from back home.

Well, crap.

Why didn’t I realize that I already knew half the people here? How did I not know that Andrew—the head of the jerk brigade—would be here too? Ugh. Well, at least I can hang out at the beach, right?

***Left Behind is the third book in the Finding My Forever series, but is a standalone novel. Each book in the series will feature a different couple, but the couples will show up throughout the series. It’s a 114,000 word contemporary romance between two men with explicit language and graphic sex intended for Adults Only.***

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, LGBT, Adult, M M Contemporary

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 2017

About the author

Michele is married to an awesome guy that puts up with her and all the burnt dinners she makes—hey, sometimes characters are a bit distracting, and who doesn’t plot when they’re supposed to be cooking? They live together in Baltimore, Maryland with two little monsters, a three-legged princess, a four-legged goofball, and a cutie with giant ears (aka their two kids, their two cats, and their dog). She hopes to rescue another cat soon, and if her hubby wouldn’t kill her, she’d get more than one… and maybe a few more dogs as well.

She loves creating worlds filled with lots of love, chosen family, and of course, magic, but she also likes making the characters fight for that happy ending. She hopes to one day write all the stories in her head—even if there are too many to count!

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Feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear from you.

Reviews

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was relay looking forward to Levi story. The last two book we see Declan and Levi off and on. So that is where I though Levis HEA was going. But nope in this book Levi meets Andy. So I was a little bit disappointed. I tried to get over it and just read the book for what it is. But Levi and Andy chemistry felt forced . SORRY. A lot of other people loved this book. So feel free to just ignore me. And read it for your self. :)

[Kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

It was good, funny (I laughed so much), hot and really sweet (really). Plus, it had a subject that I really liked to read about HIV

But the book pissed me off sometimes... Pissed me off BIG. I mean: Declan issue was not worked right by Levi. They were supposed to be friends after all, and I didn't felt it Levi wasn't bothered with Andy attitude with Declan... Just in the end he said something. How he wanted Declan to feel? Is it a friend attitude?
Then there was Matt issue... I just hope so much there was no cheating in that story (PLEASE?!)... I know Declan and Levi was not like official, but Levi did think they were exclusive after all, hope Declan just slept with Matt after Levi and not during because It would ruin my vision of Declan and I'd never like him anymore.
There were also conversations that I wanted to see and didn't Like when Andy learned his HIV was undetectable... I want to see him talking to Levi about his worry and how it means to them. I know he was like: "OK I'm ready to fuck" ... but I really wanted a serious conversation there.

Well, there were other little things, but in the general, the book was really good to read... and I am in love with the series yet...
So good to see Levi loving Andy and being loved. They were so cute together :)

Loved to see Harley and Theo so happy (could have to be a special story about they getting married. It would be so sweet [I think Harley has fear]).
Loved to see Caleb, Reese and the kids <3 Love the influence Levi had in Sam... :)
I really loved to see the Mahen together... The mom is something else (Love her - all of them)

Now starts another agony part: waiting for Declan story :)

[namericanwordcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The core romance of Levi and Andrew is great. They go from hating each other to loving each other and its fun.

Levi is in a no win relationship that he has just ended and Andrew is still stunned from a terrible betrayal.

We get a lot of dating, flirting, and couple time. Good stuff. Levi is a fun character and once we figured Andrew out, he is pretty great too.

You will like this book better if you have read the other books in the series since we get a ton of page time with past couples and future ones.

Good read!

[Dionne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to be in the minority but I was disappointed in this one, probably because I was still really wanting Levi to be with Declan. I wasn't alone, Levi spent more than half the book pining for Declan even after he became interested in being with Andy and it really seemed to me that Andy was a rebound for Levi. He didn't become very invested in being with Andy until he found out Andy's secret, then he became determined to be with Andy no matter what. Declan's reluctance to have a relationship with Levi isn't really explained but a secondary character that gets introduced towards the end of the book might a part of it. This made it appear that Declan might have been seeing another man while sleeping with Levi. I never really warmed up to Andy and I ended the book really pissed at Declan, which doesn't make me really want to read the next book, which is Declan's story.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Levi Maher ist erfolgreicher Fotograf mit einem eigenen Shop, hat eine liebende Familie, enge Freunde und eine On-Off-Beziehung mit Declan. Doch diese macht ihn nicht wirklich glücklich und Levi erkennt, dass er doch mehr möchte. Mehr, als Declan ihm geben kann. Der ultimative Bruch als Freunde mit gewissen Extras scheint unvermeidlich. Levi zieht sich zurück und fliegt nach Florida um dort an einer Veranstaltung für Fotografen teilzunehmen. Und ausgerechnet dort trifft er auf seine Nemesis, den Fotografen Andrew.

Man kennt sich seit Jahren, doch Andrew verhält sich Levi gegenüber immer unfreundlich, schnippisch und herablassend. Das macht den eigentlich attraktiven Mann sehr unattraktiv. Doch Levi findet Andrew dennoch interessant und entwickelt eine gewisse Obsession für den arroganten Andrew.

Das Interesse ist sogar auch bei Andrew vorhanden, doch Levi ist nicht für ihn bestimmt. Kein Mann ist mehr für Andrew bestimmt und er versucht Levi so gut wie möglich auf Distanz zu halten. Doch aus einer zaghaften Freundschaft wird mehr und gegen Gefühle kann man kaum etwas tun. Selbst wenn sie beide eine schwere Bürde aus ihrer Vergangenheit mit sich herumschleppen und eigentlich zu ängstlich sind um einer neuen Beziehung eine Chance zu geben.

Eigentlich hatte ich ja gedacht, dass Declan Levis Love-Interest sein wird. Doch da hat die Autorin dem Leser einen Strich durch die Rechnung gemacht und mit Andrew einen völlig anderen Kerl in Levis Arme geschoben. Und dort passt Andrew auch sehr gut hin. Man kennt alle Beteiligten ja schon aus den vorigen Büchern und weder Levi, noch Declan oder Andrew waren da besonders sympathisch. Zumindest ist ihnen mein Herz nicht zugeflogen.

Doch Levi und Andrew muss man erst besser kennenlernen und vor allem hinter ihre Fassade blicken. Sie sind beide von Verlusten, Betrug und Krankheit gezeichnet und es fällt ihnen schwer aus ihrer Komfortzone zu kommen. Doch Notaro gelingt ihre Entwicklung sehr gut und auch dieses Buch hat mir wieder sehr gut gefallen. Wieder gibt es viel von der Familie Maher zu lesen, ein paar neue Protagonisten werden vorgestellt und es gibt einen kleinen, aber interessanten Ausblick auf das nächste Pairing.

[AliciaJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this story up until about the 75% mark, which is probably where the book should have finished. It just got to be waaaay too long after that. Every time I'd finish a chapter I kept thinking ok, we're done. But nope, something else had to happen and the story would drag on some more. Also, after the two MC's got together, it just became such a ooey gooey love fest, I was pretty much over it. I like affection and all, but holy cow, these two were just over the top. Overall, I enjoyed it, but I would say the first part was way more interesting. The characters had a lot of chemistry and fun banter *before* they decided to get together, but after that, it became pretty predictable and a bit boring unfortunately.

[Paula´s Brief Review · Rating 2 out of 5]

Y me pregunto yo a mi misma porqué pierdo el tiempo en libros tan insípidos...???
La respuesta es que la historia y los personajes son agradables, pero consigue aburrirnos hasta la saciedad con conversaciones insustanciales, descripciones aburridas y repeticiones y más repeticiones de los mismos monólogos interiores de cada protagonista, sin profundizar en los problemas para nada ( y mira que el de este libro da juego!)
En este caso ni siquiera consigue que te creas su relación, es todo tan forzado....!

[Fatimama · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an unexpectedly good story.

I did not see it coming that Andy is HIV positive. The disease was handled with sensitivity IMO.

I really loved how the romance progressed.

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75☆

I really liked Levi in the other stories
so I was excited to read his HEA but
I'm in minority here with this one ...
because I really was disapointed with
the whole Dec and Lev thing
for 2 books Levi and Declan had the friends with benefits thingy going on and even in the beginning of this one they were still sleeping together so I was just bummed that they didn't end up together...
I also didn't really feel the connection/chemistry between Andy and Levi
It just felt that Andy was a rebound so yeah
I wasn't really feeling this one..


hopefully I will like the next one better ..
and that Declan gets his cocky attitude back

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This story put me through all the feels. There was happy tears, sad tears, tears of anger, tears of laughter. Levi and Andrew’s story is so beautiful and touching. I loved the hidden things that revealed themselves little by little, like a beautiful flower opening up. Each petal giving a new, different emotion, that flowed so very well. These two are probably in my top 10 couples. Being able to connect with them and feel what they were feeling, just immersed me so deeply into their story. I just loved it so much.

[Lori¸¸¸.•*❀Ɍɛɑɗs̱LɪƙɛIʈs̱H̱ɛɍJɔɓ 유❤유 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Levi and Andrew was a great guy after it all was said and done!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been really looking forward to this book and was so happy to read Levi's story, having thoroughly enjoyed the first two books where he was my favorite side character. Happily Michele has absolutely delivered on this story and it is a complete pleasure to read.

Levi is so full of energy and passion, it's impossible not to love him and finding out about his past only makes you love him that much more! Andy was set up so completely as Levi's 'nemisis' initially, but once you find out his backstory, it is just as easy to love him too. The way that Levi and Andy seem initially to be the least likely couple, but become so deeply drawn together is beautiful. Quite a few sensitive subjects are handled in this book - it was an unexpected roller coaster of emotions. I cried several times and I laughed out loud too. I do not want to ruin the plot which works so well with a slow reveal of the different issues facing Levi and Andy as they work through their problems together. It's definitely not all drama though and the more serious issues Levi and Andy face are balanced really well with the smaller moments of tenderness and love between them. Lots of snark and wit, optimism and determination which kept the book light enough to overly be a really joyful read despite the more serious issues being tackled. It was also great to see more side characters come on board like Andy's cousins - who will hopefully feature further down the line (Hunter and Tristan surely need to be together?!).

I love a good romance, and this is a GREAT romance novel. Definitely the best yet of the series and I'm looking forward to seeing poor Dec finally get his act together in the next book!! Michele is a must read for me now without a doubt. Thoroughly recommended.

[Bookreader87(Amanda) · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I heard Levi was getting his story I was so excited but when I started reading his story and realized Declan was not his love interest I was so disappointed. I was really looking forward to a Declan/Levi love story since book one. I honestly thought there was so much potential there. I was hoping the author would have did a story where we got to go back and witness how they initially met, spent that weekend together and how they went from enemies, to friends, to eventual lovers. I wanted to see how they went about sneaking around with one another, how they spent time with one another. I wanted inside Declan and Levi's relationship. I wanted to witness there struggles from going from the one night stand type of guys to finally being able to be in a relationship with one another. I thought they would finally find love with each other you know break down their walls together. But nope we got someone completely new for Levi. We got Andy. I am not saying there story is bad. I am just saying it was not the story I was hoping for. Well next is Declan's story with Matty. I did want a Matty story but did not expect it to be with Declan. I'm going to be honest if Matty is the love interest that can finally penetrate Declan's walls and change him I am going to be salty AF because that should of been Levi. LOL. Okay mini rant over...on to the book review.
Brief Summary:
Left Behind is a enemies to lover story. Levi is feeling low after the dissolution with his relationship with Declan. Levi wanted more from there relationship but Declan could not give him what he needed. So, Levi is broken hearted. His co-workers suggest he go to a photography convention in Florida. Well he is there he encounters his nemesis Andrew. They end up being able to tolerate one another enough to hang around the same crowd. Something happens that ends up with them sharing a car ride home from Florida. During they trip they get to know one another a bit better.
When they get home. They get intimate but Andy runs away. Levi is hurt and cannot figure out what went wrong. Levi realizes he has to go slow with Andy or he risk scaring him away. They build a friendship but again Levi wants more. He works up the courage to go for it again before getting shot down once again by Andy. Levi eventually learns Andy has a secret of his own. Andy is HIV positive and does not want to put Levi at risk so he tries to push him away instead. Levi refuses to give up and warns Andy that he is going to get him to go out with him. Eventually Andy breaks down and they get together.

Background:
There is a lot that happens in this book. I will say you get a lot of self pity from Levi at the beginning of the book because everyone has someone and he is alone. He is the epitome of the saying those who smile the brightest are usually the saddest. Levi was that for a long time. We find out that the reason he was the one night stand type of man was because he lost his first love Alec in a horrific car crash and he never really let himself heal from that. Levi was they type to bottle his emotion and push them down. With Andy however, he was able to open himself up and allow himself to grieve Alec.
There is Andy's story too. We find out he only disliked Levi because he did not like the one night stand lifestyle he thought Levi was leading, only to find out there was more to Levi than he let on. Andy was in a five year relationship with Rowan, his ex, a man he thought he could trust. Turns out he was not. Andy found Rowan in bed with his best friend, Max. Andy later also found out his ex use to sleep around a lot, leading Andy to have some serious trust issues. His ex was the one who he contracted HIV from. Andy also had a mother who is a royal b*tch. She could not accept the fact her son was gay. Needless to say they did not have much of a relationship. As for his father we don't get much about how his father felt about him being gay we only know he passed away.
As for the whole Levi and Declan situation. It kind of got pushed to the background. We know it ends with Levi being hurt by Declan because he is unable to commit. Declan is pops up here and there. We also find out that Declan may have been with Matty when he and Levi were sleeping around with one another. Which technically isn't cheating since they were not officially together. Also, I think it was added so the reader would have some animosity towards Declan and be okay with Levi ending up with Andy. I'm still a little disheartened but I'll work on letting my Levi and Declan love go, I'll get there...eventually lol. We also see Declan has his quite a bit of his own problems going on with his mother's death, his father's animosity towards him, his brother Kade being kicked out of his father's house. They guy has his hands full and I am sure we will most likely see more in detail in the next book.
At times, the pace was a bit dragging but overall the book was a good read.

[Jenny Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay..... so, Levi and Andrew.....
I have to say that this one wasn't your typical enemies to lovers stories, though it was a bit entertaining. I do have to say though, that they weren't my favorite. Levi....you either like him or you don't, and i had a hard time liking him. He was too.... something, I dunno, for me.
So, he and Andrew are both photographers... wedding photographers at that, and even though they'd known each other for a handful of years, they've only been able to tolerate each other. Of course, there is a reason for that, and I could even understand it, the WHY, on Andrew's side.... but the way they were to each other in the beginning was ridiculous.

So, Levi, who had been having a friends with benny's situation with Declan, needs to put space between them when yet again, Declan tells them they can't be anything more than what they are. After getting an invite to a convention, he goes.... where of course, other photographers from his town is there, including Andrew.
Andrew is a jerk, plain and simple, and while Levi throws around the F-bomb more than a middle schooler trying to sound cool.... their back and forth was just exhausting and immature. I swear, they sounded like children....

Another thing that bothered me, was that Levi was a self-proclaimed commitment-phobe, but he was always upset when the guys he was with, didn't want a commitment. I understand, to a degree, his reasoning on why he was hesitant... but you can't swear off relationships to anyone who'll listen and then be mad when no one wants a relationship with you... that's ridiculous...

Once he and Levi started becoming "friends" though, other than some of the dialogue between them, I enjoyed Andrew, and thought he was sweet. He was more vulnerable than I initially thought, and I have to admit, although it's a terrible disease and I wish it were irradiated from the world.... I enjoy reading about people finding love while living with a positive status. I thought this was handled really well, and I liked how conscious Andrew was of it, and how Levi loved him regardless. I've known it to rip families apart, even the most deepest in love, simply out of fear. And that's understandable, I get it.... but, I loved that everyone was so accepting and didn't paint him with a tainted brush...

And of course, I loved seeing all the other guys from the series, and I'm glad to see Sammy opening up more, though he kind of broke my heart a little bit again in this one. He and his little brother had such a terrible start in life, I'm so glad to see that everything is staying awesome with their dads and big ol' loving extended family.... Even if Levi's mother is clearly insane, and way too much like Levi for my taste.

Overall though, I was glad to see that it worked out for Andrew and Levi, and though I was kind of upset that nobody made sure Declan was okay there at the end, I'll read the next one, because I think he deserves his HEA and I can't wait to see him get it.

3 stars for me on this one.

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Michele Notaro that I have read and I am sure glad I did. It is an amazing book. I know it is the third book in a series, but it absolutely can be read as a stand alone. I had no trouble catching up with the characters and stories from the previous two books. After reading this book there is no doubt that I will read the first books as well.

This story is about Levi and Andrew. Both photographers, but they couldn’t be more different. Levi is flamboyant and snarky, can’t stop talking, especially around Andrew. Andrew is the silent one, brooding and grumpy. From the moment they met they rubbed each other the wrong way. When they are attending the same convention, however, they are getting to know each other a bit better. And they learn there is more behind the man then they show the world.

Michele has written a beautiful story. She doesn’t hold back from writing about difficult issues, but she doesn’t let it resort in overly drama. She describes them with knowledge and respect. The characters are rich in development. They are vulnerable and yet so strong. Under the easygoing exterior is a heartbroken man. Levi might have a big mouth, but he has an even bigger heart. And Andrew? Andrew is a sweetheart, who is scared to death of hurting Levi. But he can’t resist Levi. Levi is a force to be reckoned with. Levi knows what he wants and he wants Andrew. I was in awe how he dealt with Andrew’s secret. It was touching to see how understanding and accepting Andrew was about Levi’s past.

I loved the crazy family, by blood and by heart. You wish you had a family like that, who stick together and love each other no matter what.
The best part by far of this book are the interactions. Michele is a master in dialogue: witty, hilarious, understanding, serious, gentle, teasing. Combined with the little touches, the soft caresses, the whispering endearments this story is all about love.

Keep your tissues ready when reading this story. Whether it is from laughing or from crying, you won’t be able to keep your eyes dry.

[SophiaH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I I wasn't disappointed in Levi and Andy's story. I had so high expectations/hopes and was a little scared to be honest but after reading the book, this one might be my favorite of the 3. Levi is such a sweetheart. I really love him and his sunshine nature. He feels everything so deeply and when he loves he loves with his whole heart and soul. Andy and he are such a good fit. It was so lovely how Levi was charming and courting Andy.

Even the cuss words were used more infrequently and they had actual pet names for each other!

But what is with the mother shouting at everyone all the time. I mean Jesus, why is she so angry and shouty just because Levi didn't tell her immediatly after starting to date Andy, he is an adult isn't he? Which is more than I can say about his mother:

"My mom didn’t disappoint, “Talking, right. I’m sure that’s what you were doing.”
Andy’s eyes widened slightly, “We were literally talking.”
“If you say so, dear,” she said mockingly.
He looked at me and I just shrugged a shoulder and shot him a really, you should’ve known better look. He’d been around my family enough over the past two months to know how they behave."

And that wasn't the only time. Literally every time couple is alone together is simply hugging mostly she and sometimes the father are making some comment about not doing stuff in her kitchen or 'sure "show" him the house'. Seriously what is up with them/her?

I liked her standing up for her children and their partners, like a Mama lion. Having said that, she is supposed to be a doctor, I would think she has other options getting information etc. that doesn't involve nearly getting thrown out of a hospital for making a scene...

[Kasey Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Levi finally gets his HEA and it’s not with who you think.

I lurved this book. I fell in love with Levi as Caleb’s best friend and adopted brother, in Book 1, then as Harley’s BFF in Book 2. He was sad, lonely, but oh so sweet.

I love that how the author threw us a twist on who Levi’s soulmate would be and I have to admit Andrew (we met him in book 2) was the perfect choice. He challenges Levi, but in a good way. It wasn’t easy for them to admit they had feelings for each other considering the misconceptions about each other in their past and you know, because Andrew acted like a complete douche.

Levi and Andrew as individual characters have more depth to their personalities than we could have ever imagined. Levi is more than hair color, glitter, and sass. Andrew is more than regimented rules, work, and a bad attitude. They both have demons they need to overcome. But together… They are strong. They love fiercely. They are HAF.

Complex characters. Real raw emotion. Sexy times. A close knit family, not all of them blood related. All combine to make one beautifully written story.

BUT…. OMG my feels. Have a large industrial size box of tissues ready. THERE WILL BE TEARS!

I highly recommend this and all of Michelle Notaro’s books. You can read Left Behind as a standalone, but I advise you read it as part of the series. Trust me you really want to.

Now to “patiently” wait for Declan and Matty’s story. *Insert Jeopardy theme song here*

[Maureen Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this, it seems like Ms. Notaro has taken two of my all time favorite things - the enemies to lovers trope and scads of humour- and put them into this fantabulous book just for me. Love, love ,love this story.

Levi and Andrew are competing photographers who have been butting heads and trading insults for years. When they are thrown together at a convention, sparks fly in more ways than one. Their love story is sad, happy, scary, angsty and wonderful all rolled into one. Expect the unexpected.

This is a standalone story and can be enjoyed as such. However, it is book 3 in a popular series. For those of us who had read the previous two books, we already had Levi's happily ever after man firmly in our sights and in our hearts. Michele Notaro has taken the huge risk of alienating her loyal fans by tearing that relationship out by its roots and giving our Levi over to someone we definitely did not get a good impression of in Book 2. Kudos to Michele for having the guts to do it because it worked. After reading Left Behind, I can no longer see Levi with anyone other than Andrew. To risk being a cliche...Andrew completes him and gives him the fun in his life that has always been in his heart.

Caution to all readers: in case you are not already aware, these books are highly addictive. You will be pining for Book 4 before you even finish the last page. If you lack the patience to do so, you may want to wait until Book 4 is ready for release before reading this. That is how good these books are.

I sincerely hope that you enjoy reading this as much as I have.

[Morgan Elektra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't remember now where I first stumbled upon Michele Notaro's Finding My Forever series. I think someone recommended the first book on some forum or another. And I enjoyed Reese & Caleb's story. But one of the best parts of that (and Harley's) book was Levi Maher. With his playful attitude, unconditional love for his friends and family, and ever changing hair colors, he quickly became one of my favorite characters. And when he got involved with Declan in a previous book, I was worried for him. That worry proved well founded, but damn if Notaro didn't surprise me with his story! I loved getting to see inside Levi's head, and learn more about his quirks and his sad history. And Andrew, glimpsed only briefly in Harley's story, was a nice surprise as well. I liked seeing Levi get under his skin and get to the heart of his pain. They worked together really well, and I thought Notaro used a deft hand dealing with Andrew's storyline.

As always, the rest of the Maher clan was present and accounted for. Is there a somewhere I can sign up to be adopted by Mom & Dad Maher? Because they are the best.

I enjoyed the book, start to finish. The only thing that keeps this from being 5 stars is a few moments throughout the story (the glitter fight, especially) that I felt resolved a little too quickly. But it was a minor issue, and it doesn't make me any less excited for the next book. Bring it on!

[Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in this series, my 3rd attempt to give it a chance, and my 3rd DNF, though this one made it to nearly 50% before I gave up. Despite LOVING Michele's shifter series, I think I've got to admit defeat and say this series just isn't for me. The writing was technically MUCH better than the first two books, but I'm still just not into anything else.

I really liked Levi as a character, but his family dynamics weird me out (I've seen this kind of thing in a lot of m/m romances, and it always makes me really uncomfortable, the creepy-close-knit family where everyone is gay and wayy too open) and I didn't feel like the author did a good job of making his connection with Alex organic and believable. Suddenly he was ~thinking~ about him all the time, but I felt like we were being told this, instead of being shown how that might actually happen. And Levi has a very strange relationship with Declan that is going on at the same time, and that frankly, felt so much stronger. I get I didn't read through to the end, but if at halfway through the book, I'm still rooting for Levi to be with the character I know he doesn't end up with, I think that's a problem.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Levi was sick of all the happy couples around him and especially after the way his relationship with Declan ended and so decided to go to a photographer's convention in Florida for a badly needed change of scene. However, when he gets there he sees loads of photographers from back home and especially his nemesis Andrew who always has s comment ready and available to try and put him down. Maybe sitting at the beach would be a better place to hide.

I loved the way that Levi and Andy seemed to irritate each other but were actually much nicer than either of them realised. I loved the way that they shared a journey back home by road and that over time they were able to talk to each other and be friends - something which continued over lunch when they were back. Their love and affection built up over time and that was a beautiful thing to observe. The discussions around Andy's illness were inspiring and I loved the way that Levi was practical and thought about it on a practical nature in order to make sure it was clear that it was not a deal breaker. Easy to read feel and understand this story was very emotional at times. This is an MM story with mature content.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only surprise that this book held for me was that I thought because of book 2 that he would end up with what's his name (I can't even remember the name of the guy he had been canoodling around with off and on).

Unfortunately, I ended up swiping through swaths of this book just to get to the end and find out who he ended up with. I swiped too far and read that he was doing the shimmy with the other photographer - the one he loathed - and thought, "What on earth!" and had to swipe back to figure out what the heck was going on. This book was just a big swiping game for me because it really didn't hold my interest, even though I did want to know the ending.

If there's a book in the series about the canoodler I'll read it (because I do so enjoy a man-whore), but so far this is all in the "meh" range. (I just checked and the next is about him - Declan - so I'll at least give it a try.)

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Levi has been commitment phobic for years. He’s found the perfect “friend with benefits” in Declan, a long-time family friend. Unfortunately, Levi starts to care a little too much and finds it impossible to keep the status quo. He wants something more. Declan doesn’t.

Believing he needs some time to get away, Levi decides to attend a photography conference in sunny Florida.

Andrew works at a competing photography studio. For no apparent reason, he’s been overtly hostile toward Levi almost since they met a few years ago. This hasn’t been a problem for easy-going Levi since they rarely have jobs in the same venue.

Turns out, Andrew is attending the same conference. What’s the chance?

There is an HEA, but will Levi find it with Declan or Andrew? Good book. It took a while to warm up to mopey Levi...and his friends are STILL too cutesy, but I’ll read the next one.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favourite so far - 3*

In the prior two books I was annoyed at all the time spent on hinting about Levi and Declan. So I was looking forward to finally finding out what the issue was. And apparently Levi has also been waiting. Too bad we are both disappointed that this did not get resolved. However it was nice to see Levi move on and find a nice guy. I liked them together quite a bit. We still have dumb nicknames but they are not so bad as to hurt my eyes whenever I read them. I think her writing is getting better so despite being irritated that Declan's issues are not revealed I will likely read the next book.

[Ayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book 1 and especially in book 2 I felt so much for Levi. It was obvious you could see his sadness and when the whole Declan situation happened, it made me was him to find is HEA that much more! I liked that we got to see a little bit of that in this book. I like that the author showed us the other side of it and that Declan obviously cared about him but was dealing with his own issues (which we should see in his book yay!). I also loved Levi and Andrew. Levi is easy to love, he is incredible charming, genuine and sweet. Andrew is a little more closed off, for obvious reasons once you read the book. But they are the perfect couple! Loved this book and series, great read!

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Left Behind” is a third book in Finding My Forever series by Michele Notaro. I stumbled upon these books by accident and they quickly took place among my other favorites. That said, I was super excited to read Levi’s story.

I absolutely loved this book! The plot was extremely gripping and made me feel so many things on so many levels. It will stay with me for a while.
In this book, we’re able to learn a little bit more about Levi - he was still his lovely, sweet self, but with more depth. As for Andy, he was a bit of a mystery at the beginning, but an amazing guy nevertheless. The romance between them was a slow-burning one, but it worked perfectly with their story.
All in all, „Left Behind” made me smile, laugh and cry! It was perfect!

I never wanted it to end!!!!

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, loved me some Levi!

I fell in love with Levi in the first book! I was so glad that he had matured in this one, lol! It was amazing how he helped Andrew come out of his dark, unhappy life. He and Andrew were hilarious, lol... But it was so heartbreaking but loving how Levi showed Andy that inspite of his situation, he deserved to be loved too. When he told Andrew that he was going to romance the sh**t out of him, I laughed and cried! Loved this book! Now, I can't wait for Declan's story, lol!!!

[Dee Winston · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG !!! Emotional!! Tear Jerker

Levi has always been my favorite character. He just needed someone to see past the facade and his smile. He needed Andrew. And Andrew needed him. He needed someone to take care of him and Love him the way he deserved. And Andrew needed someone that wouldn't give up on him. I can't wait to see what else the rest of the characters have in store. I love this series.

[Lex Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where to start...

I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed most of the story, but I found myself getting bored in different places throughout and skipping a few pages.
I though Levi was hilarious, even though at times his humor felt... overwhelming? Yeah, overwhelming.
With that being said, I loved how his family was open and inviting.
Levi and Andy made a terrific couple.
Always will love a enemies to lovers romance.
3 ☆s.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Levi & Andy's story. I was a bit disappointed at the beginning that Levi didn't get his HEA with who I thought but Andrew is perfect for him. They had some issues to overcome but managed to get through the hard times together. I really enjoyed these two men. Great characters who felt real. I loved seeing more of the other guys and their family. I look forward to more.

Please don't make me wait too long for Declan's book!!