What do you think?
Rate this book
Defining Us
I was never a girl who believed in love. And love at first sight? Surely that didn't truly exist. So imagine my surprise when, after one kiss from Grayson Abbott, I asked him to marry me!
I was kidding of course, but there was something special about the guy that even I couldn't deny.
Our connection was instant; he felt it, too. The only problem was he didn't know the secret of my past that I buried years ago. The closer we became, the further down I buried that secret.
I know he deserves my truth, but when I finally come clean, will there still be an "us"?
I was kidding of course, but there was something special about the guy that even I couldn't deny.
Our connection was instant; he felt it, too. The only problem was he didn't know the secret of my past that I buried years ago. The closer we became, the further down I buried that secret.
I know he deserves my truth, but when I finally come clean, will there still be an "us"?
- GenresSmall Town Romance
323 pages, ebook
Published September 25, 2017
79 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 7, 2025
It had been such a fun surprise to read this book. I didn’t know Taylor Delong before, but this book will definitely not be my last from her. The writing pulled me in from the beginning and stayed strong the whole way. I loved how everything felt emotional without being too much. Ainsley had that wild charm and confidence that made her so easy to love. Grayson was everything you want, caring, sweet, and strong. Their chemistry was fire since the very beginning. I liked how both characters had their issues, but it didn’t feel fake or overdone. The side characters added a lot to the story. It all felt like a big puzzle that came together well. Total 5 stars from me. Can’t wait to read more by this author. Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy of her book and giving me the opportunity to read it, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
September 27, 2017
Taylor Delong is a new author to me. That always makes for an exciting reading experience.
Ainsley Bradford is a woman not afraid of one night stands, but never kisses any of them. Until the night she meets Grayson Abbott. After that kiss her whole world gets turned upside down.
Grayson Abbott doesn't sleep with women he doesn't know. However, he may make an exception when it comes to Ainsley. One kiss has affected him more than he could have ever imagined.
As their relationship develops, Ainsley and Grayson's secrets come to light. They aren't the type of secrets that some people can get past.
I loved Defining Us. It was a smooth read that did do a little flashing back, but was well written and easy to follow. The characters were likable and you could relate to their feelings. There were a few minor twists that weren't always directly associated with the main characters, but did affect their relationship. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
5 stars for Defining Us!
Ainsley Bradford is a woman not afraid of one night stands, but never kisses any of them. Until the night she meets Grayson Abbott. After that kiss her whole world gets turned upside down.
Grayson Abbott doesn't sleep with women he doesn't know. However, he may make an exception when it comes to Ainsley. One kiss has affected him more than he could have ever imagined.
As their relationship develops, Ainsley and Grayson's secrets come to light. They aren't the type of secrets that some people can get past.
I loved Defining Us. It was a smooth read that did do a little flashing back, but was well written and easy to follow. The characters were likable and you could relate to their feelings. There were a few minor twists that weren't always directly associated with the main characters, but did affect their relationship. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
5 stars for Defining Us!
December 12, 2019
As if I didn't already love Clare and Brayden, Gray and Ainsley have stollen my heart. I couldn't put this book down!
December 8, 2024
The MMC has anger issues and SAd the FMC by coming in her while actively being told no.
He was pushing continuously to not use condoms, gets her to agree (after she says no 5 times) then says he'll pull out and even though she says no again right before, he doesn't pull out. She's mad for like five seconds and then her "anger melts away" when he says he just couldn't help himself
Like??
He's also frequently yelling in her face. Her friends text her and he takes her phone and won't let her have it for the day because he wants her to himself. He's very whiney. He villainized his ex gf who had a miscarriage, blamed her for the pregnancy, and then ditched her to take care of his sister when their parents died. He painted her as a crazy person because she struggled with her mental health after the miscarriage. He called it a blessing in disguise.
When FMC told him about her abortion at 19, he yelled at her and then left to sleep on the couch. He said "mad doesn't even begin to describe what I am". He felt so entitled to that information from her.
And then the random cheating between their friends. They made it all about them lol again, mmc felt entitled to the information and yelled at everyone.
It felt like they were constantly fighting over such random stuff, caring about little things and not caring about big things, like him forcefully ejaculatjng in her as she was telling him no. It's so wild that it was just never brought up again.
He was pushing continuously to not use condoms, gets her to agree (after she says no 5 times) then says he'll pull out and even though she says no again right before, he doesn't pull out. She's mad for like five seconds and then her "anger melts away" when he says he just couldn't help himself
Like??
He's also frequently yelling in her face. Her friends text her and he takes her phone and won't let her have it for the day because he wants her to himself. He's very whiney. He villainized his ex gf who had a miscarriage, blamed her for the pregnancy, and then ditched her to take care of his sister when their parents died. He painted her as a crazy person because she struggled with her mental health after the miscarriage. He called it a blessing in disguise.
When FMC told him about her abortion at 19, he yelled at her and then left to sleep on the couch. He said "mad doesn't even begin to describe what I am". He felt so entitled to that information from her.
And then the random cheating between their friends. They made it all about them lol again, mmc felt entitled to the information and yelled at everyone.
It felt like they were constantly fighting over such random stuff, caring about little things and not caring about big things, like him forcefully ejaculatjng in her as she was telling him no. It's so wild that it was just never brought up again.
January 24, 2025
3 stars because I overall liked the love story.
However.......there's too much added stuff that just doesn't amount to anything. Storylines intermingle and don't get flushed out, like with Natalie and Caleb, and they just seemed to take up unneeded space.
Ainsley as a character just bothered me a bit towards the end. Her ability to just quit her job and stay home and "do nothing" and Grayson just rolls with it despite it being eluded too that he's careful with his finances. And we never really find out how he's so independently well off that he can afford everything including paying for their wedding. I'm probably reading too much into it, but it stuck with me until the end that things were left unsettled.
However.......there's too much added stuff that just doesn't amount to anything. Storylines intermingle and don't get flushed out, like with Natalie and Caleb, and they just seemed to take up unneeded space.
Ainsley as a character just bothered me a bit towards the end. Her ability to just quit her job and stay home and "do nothing" and Grayson just rolls with it despite it being eluded too that he's careful with his finances. And we never really find out how he's so independently well off that he can afford everything including paying for their wedding. I'm probably reading too much into it, but it stuck with me until the end that things were left unsettled.
December 14, 2021
Love Grayson and Ainsley
Ainsley is in a slump and she goes out with her friends and meets Grayson who is so hot and his sister buys her a drink from him. She walks up to him and on impulse kisses him and they are both blown away with so much chemistry. She leaves with her friends but gets his number and texts him and they go out. The relationship is a whirlwind but they both have secrets. Great characters and storyline Highly recommended. Amazing Book. I totally love Grayson and Ainsley. The supporting characters are totally awesome. This is my first book by this author definitely not my last
Ainsley is in a slump and she goes out with her friends and meets Grayson who is so hot and his sister buys her a drink from him. She walks up to him and on impulse kisses him and they are both blown away with so much chemistry. She leaves with her friends but gets his number and texts him and they go out. The relationship is a whirlwind but they both have secrets. Great characters and storyline Highly recommended. Amazing Book. I totally love Grayson and Ainsley. The supporting characters are totally awesome. This is my first book by this author definitely not my last
January 21, 2022
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a great contemporary read that isn't lacking on the steam and has a bit of an insta-love feel to it. Even with that insta-love feel, there is still plenty of relationship development between between Grayson & Ainsley. Their instant connection is absolute fire & I loved seeing how they grew together. I particularly loved the growth that Ainsley goes through in this story. She has been knocked down so much in her past that seeing her become the assertive woman that she is was really awesome to see. Grayson is also the perfect book boyfriend.
Overall I really enjoyed this book & will have to check out others by this author.
This is a great contemporary read that isn't lacking on the steam and has a bit of an insta-love feel to it. Even with that insta-love feel, there is still plenty of relationship development between between Grayson & Ainsley. Their instant connection is absolute fire & I loved seeing how they grew together. I particularly loved the growth that Ainsley goes through in this story. She has been knocked down so much in her past that seeing her become the assertive woman that she is was really awesome to see. Grayson is also the perfect book boyfriend.
Overall I really enjoyed this book & will have to check out others by this author.
October 1, 2017
I loved this book from the first page. The prologue sucked me in, and I just didn't want to put this book down. I love the confidence Ainsley has when she meets Grayson. She is a little crazy, in the best way possible. Grayson(sigh) is the sweetest, most loving man. The way he cares for his family, and the support he gives Ainsley, is just so swoonworthy. Their story, both seperately, and together, brought tears to my eyes and a smile on my face. Ms. Delong's writing is truly wonderful, she really makes you feel a connection with her characters.
August 19, 2025
This was my first Taylor Delong book and definitely not my last. From the very first kiss, Ainsley and Grayson’s connection is electric. Their story is fast-paced, steamy, and full of heart. I loved their whirlwind romance, the secrets that kept me turning the pages, and the amazing supporting characters that made the world feel even richer.
If you’re looking for instant chemistry, a swoony hero, and a romance you won’t want to put down, this one is a must-read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
If you’re looking for instant chemistry, a swoony hero, and a romance you won’t want to put down, this one is a must-read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
September 30, 2021
Emotional, anguish, thrilling, realistic
Oh my goodness! Straight up fairy tale this is not until the happily ever after in the end. The anguish from the beginning until then is heart wrenching, but makes the story so good. I truly love how in the storyline the family Dynamic is unfortunately real, but I loved how positive Ainsley ended up and how loving Gray was. Realistic aspects of "real life" involved made the book even more emotional.
Oh my goodness! Straight up fairy tale this is not until the happily ever after in the end. The anguish from the beginning until then is heart wrenching, but makes the story so good. I truly love how in the storyline the family Dynamic is unfortunately real, but I loved how positive Ainsley ended up and how loving Gray was. Realistic aspects of "real life" involved made the book even more emotional.
January 23, 2025
DNWTF
I did not want to finish this. Ainsley was the WORST. selfish, small minded, you think of it. you name it. I could not get into it and I found myself mad at her over and over. She kept secret after secret and then when Gray was keeping his friend accountable for cheating, SHE WAS MAD AT HIM. WHAT? No I felt like she was in Highschool and not a freaking adult! this is was a HARD book to swallow.
I did not want to finish this. Ainsley was the WORST. selfish, small minded, you think of it. you name it. I could not get into it and I found myself mad at her over and over. She kept secret after secret and then when Gray was keeping his friend accountable for cheating, SHE WAS MAD AT HIM. WHAT? No I felt like she was in Highschool and not a freaking adult! this is was a HARD book to swallow.
September 30, 2017
Solid 3.5. Grayson and Ainsley are an adorable couple. There were times when Ainsley came off to me as a little bratty or self-centered. And the story has a few pacing and editorial issues, but it was a cute and light love story and I look forward to Taylor’s next book!
January 25, 2019
Taylor did it again!!
Taylor got me hooked with Bray and Claire's story. This one made so much sense to me. I love to see how other characters came to be in books and I loved this steamy story!!
Taylor got me hooked with Bray and Claire's story. This one made so much sense to me. I love to see how other characters came to be in books and I loved this steamy story!!
April 6, 2025
I’m not sure what made it so hard to get through this book but the odd details took me out of the story. Natalie also rubbed me the wrong way. Who says something like that to someone you just met and her cheating subplot was just terrible.
July 5, 2018
A beautifully written love story that grabs your attention from the first chapter until the last. I could not put it down.
July 12, 2018
wow can you say love at first sight? they meet one night and she kisses him and asked him to marry her. only there both have secrets to share that could destroy them both. you must read this book!
January 11, 2019
I could not put this book down! I just adore these characters and the story line. Well done!
April 9, 2019
Hottest book and not just in the kitchen!! This book was the perfect mix of happy and angst and again Taylor nails it with the other characters!
December 14, 2021
Great book. Can't wait to read about their kids.
May 2, 2024
It was good
I liked it but i felt there should've been more tension like they didn't lash the arguments out enough. They forgave to easily.
I liked it but i felt there should've been more tension like they didn't lash the arguments out enough. They forgave to easily.
September 6, 2025
It was ok. Love the relationship as[ect but it was just hard to read pushed threw and made it to the end
June 23, 2025
Are you looking for an emotional read? Look no further than Defining Us. I had read Breaking Point first. It was definitely an emotional and rocky story. Defining Us is a great companion read. So many questions were answered.
I swooned over Grayson before. I devoured him in this story. He fell hard for Ainsley. If I didn't believe in love at first sight before, I do now. He had me swooning over his many declarations. He held up Ainsley without question. Her family life was crushing her. Her family life was destroying her slowly.
Together their life shines. Together there will always be cupcakes. There strength will hold up their friends leaving me all warm and fuzzy.
I swooned over Grayson before. I devoured him in this story. He fell hard for Ainsley. If I didn't believe in love at first sight before, I do now. He had me swooning over his many declarations. He held up Ainsley without question. Her family life was crushing her. Her family life was destroying her slowly.
Together their life shines. Together there will always be cupcakes. There strength will hold up their friends leaving me all warm and fuzzy.
January 7, 2022
This book started out with a bang and didn't slow. If you want a slow-burn, this isn't for you. Instant chemistry, instant lust, and instant intimacy. The hero and heroine are drawn to each other the first time they lock eyes across the bar, and they don't let up until they get their HEA.
October 11, 2018
AMAZING
I was gripped by this book from chapter 1. I totally adored the story of Grayson and Ainsley. Grayson was the perfect BBF... smart, caring, passionate, and just a little Alpha. Ainsley was smart, sassy and strong. These two together were a great couple and I enjoyed their journey. I appreciated that it wasn't extremely angst, but just like every couple, they had their tough moments. The secondary characters were also great.
This was my first read by this author and I am very much looking forward to reading a whole lot more.
Well Done!!!!
I was gripped by this book from chapter 1. I totally adored the story of Grayson and Ainsley. Grayson was the perfect BBF... smart, caring, passionate, and just a little Alpha. Ainsley was smart, sassy and strong. These two together were a great couple and I enjoyed their journey. I appreciated that it wasn't extremely angst, but just like every couple, they had their tough moments. The secondary characters were also great.
This was my first read by this author and I am very much looking forward to reading a whole lot more.
Well Done!!!!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews