What do you think?
Rate this book
The Me and You Series #1
A Me and You Thing
THE DEEPEST HEARTACHE IS THE ONE YOU DON'T SEE COMING.
Golden couple, Sawyer and Quinn Denali, have an amazing love story. A match in every way, their happiness is evident to all who spend time with them. The arrival of twin baby girls completes their picture-perfect family.
When Quinn has the opportunity to help others on a two-week volunteer trip, she reluctantly leaves her family, knowing a short break from the demands of motherhood will be good for her. She doesn't expect the trip to change her life forever. But it does. It changes everything in the most permanent way possible.
Struggling from day to day, the young family moves forward, finding happiness . . . and love.
But fate isn't done mixing things up in their lives. When Quinn unexpectedly returns home, she finds her place taken by the person she trusted most.
It leaves everyone reeling. The unspoken question rings loudly and can't be ignored: "What happens now?"
There's only one thing Quinn knows for sure. Returning home is hard. Returning from the dead? Even harder.
A Me and You Thing is a closed-door romance novel that explores the strength of enduring love and friendship, betrayal, and the fight to reclaim a life stolen.
This is Book One in The Me and You Series, Quinn's Story.
Book Two is A Me and Him Thing, Bree's Story.
The books should be read in order.
Golden couple, Sawyer and Quinn Denali, have an amazing love story. A match in every way, their happiness is evident to all who spend time with them. The arrival of twin baby girls completes their picture-perfect family.
When Quinn has the opportunity to help others on a two-week volunteer trip, she reluctantly leaves her family, knowing a short break from the demands of motherhood will be good for her. She doesn't expect the trip to change her life forever. But it does. It changes everything in the most permanent way possible.
Struggling from day to day, the young family moves forward, finding happiness . . . and love.
But fate isn't done mixing things up in their lives. When Quinn unexpectedly returns home, she finds her place taken by the person she trusted most.
It leaves everyone reeling. The unspoken question rings loudly and can't be ignored: "What happens now?"
There's only one thing Quinn knows for sure. Returning home is hard. Returning from the dead? Even harder.
A Me and You Thing is a closed-door romance novel that explores the strength of enduring love and friendship, betrayal, and the fight to reclaim a life stolen.
This is Book One in The Me and You Series, Quinn's Story.
Book Two is A Me and Him Thing, Bree's Story.
The books should be read in order.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2018
166 people are currently reading
969 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Dean
20 books751 followersTaylor Dean/Lee Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up. Taylor has also jumped into the magical world of children’s books as Lee Taylor Dean, making one more dream into a reality.
Connect with Taylor on her website: www.taylordeanbooks.com
Connect with Taylor on her website: www.taylordeanbooks.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 20, 2019
I actually have to amend this as I re read and highlighted parts of this book last night and I am actually angry. Angry for how the heroine was made to feel neglected and guilty for being alive and returning to her family! She was treated horrendously by her husband and best friend when she returned! The author then sloppily tried to blame the evil OW for all the bad behaviour and manipulating the husband! I also found so much of what happened to be contradictory ! The husband tells the OW he will always love her, even when the wife has returned! But then he tells the Wife he never forgot her, and it was Always her that he loved? Really? The heroine kept saying she had no right to feel betrayed? Really because I disagree! The hero was pathetic, he kept putting the feelings of the OW first and neglected his wife who nearly died, lost her memory, who was then abused and hospitalised, and came back to him! She should of been his priority! I am sorry but he struck out for me, I wanted her to dump him and find a man who actually understood what having the love of your life means, and what loyalty meant! Sawyer was a sorry excuse of a husband, and I don’t know how Quinn stayed with him as I lost all trust and respect for him in this book. The best friend was a joke. Also shame on both Sawyers and Quinns mothers for not doing more. Quinn is home after being believed dead, and she is broken hearted to find out her best friend and husband were soon to be married. So when Sawyer and Bree walk in looking like a couple and being tactile, the women make excuses and leave? Sorry what? If that was my daughter and son I would be talking to the other two and speaking some Sense to them, not leaving Quinn to fend for herself! This is not a love story, and this is not how anyone should act if they lost their wife! Also, quick ending with no issues resolved! Like Quinn must have been hella angry about their boat being renamed after Bree, but does that get talked out? Nope! The boat just gets re named Quinn! They just return to a happy couple and Create a new child! Woo hoo, because that won’t come back to bite them on the ass, as if! Yeah, no thanks. I am sorry but I don’t want to see a happy couple who apparently have true love done dirty. So the wife is believed to be dead, but shock horror it turns out she isn’t! So why the husband is grieving, her ass of a best friend moves in uninvited to help with the kids! So their relationship goes from him tolerating her to him falling for her? Really? Is that believable? Nope. Chances are if the hero is in an absolute state with grief, and the heroine’s best friend is looking after the children and keeps making moves, then love is not what is going on between these two! I may be judgmental, but to me it’s either one of two things, either, the hero did not love the wife as much as he claimed, because if he did he would not move on the her best friend, and be having a relationship with her 18 months later, then quickly renaming his boat after her (previously named after his wife), and getting engaged to her. 18 months may be a long time to some, but not to me when it involves losing the ‘love of your life’. Or, he does not love the OW at all. Because they originally did not get on, she is obsessive and keeps trying it on with him, and he is grieving and grows to depend on her support and attention, and uses her as a crutch, which is most likely to me and not at all romantic.
I am also not a fan of weak MCs, which we have here! The husband just seems to let everything happen and goes along with it. Losing the wife, letting himself get entangled with the best friend, renaming the boat, and getting engaged! Do not get me wrong he tells the OW he will always love his wife, and he ultimately chooses the wife, but he is too passive for my liking, and how could you ever trust his judgement again? The OW was pretty nasty going for the husband of her apparently deceased best friend! Then when the poor wife has the cheek to return from the dead/amnesia hell, the OW tells her that she has ruined their happy bliss! Excuse me? This imposter takes over her life and her children and she is going to dish out abuse to the injured wife? I think not! Too much going on, quite unlikeable characters, ridiculous plot, so it’s a big bust for me. When presented with a strong couple and love story, I actually want those things included, not just drama. It’s a shame as I love the book I’m With You, by this author, but this just did not work for me.
I am also not a fan of weak MCs, which we have here! The husband just seems to let everything happen and goes along with it. Losing the wife, letting himself get entangled with the best friend, renaming the boat, and getting engaged! Do not get me wrong he tells the OW he will always love his wife, and he ultimately chooses the wife, but he is too passive for my liking, and how could you ever trust his judgement again? The OW was pretty nasty going for the husband of her apparently deceased best friend! Then when the poor wife has the cheek to return from the dead/amnesia hell, the OW tells her that she has ruined their happy bliss! Excuse me? This imposter takes over her life and her children and she is going to dish out abuse to the injured wife? I think not! Too much going on, quite unlikeable characters, ridiculous plot, so it’s a big bust for me. When presented with a strong couple and love story, I actually want those things included, not just drama. It’s a shame as I love the book I’m With You, by this author, but this just did not work for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
no-way-jose
August 5, 2019If this is real life for the author I pity her. If this is the way she expects a best friend to act or if she’s a friend who would do this than I’d rather have no friends at all. She’s more of a jealous enemy. And if a husband in love with his wife and grieving her death gets in a relationship with the dead wife best friend and is going to marry her, he’s a jerk and not in love at all. And the dead wife comes back from being enslaved, hospitalized and amnesiac and the husband and bff blamed the wife for being gone for so long.. I have no words but being disgusted.
And again, if this is real life for the author... I pity her.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And again, if this is real life for the author... I pity her.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Read
August 2, 2022Self note:
H thought his wife was dead and h’s bff moved with him and his twin babies to take care of them. During the 19 months the live together until the h returns, they start to fall in love and 3-4 months before h returns H decide after ow insist that they give their relationship a try and they engaged. Wtf? Well, he changed the name of his boat to ow’s name. Two days before h returns ow throw and donates all her clothes so she can have space in the closet for when she moves to the master bedroom.
They kiss but they don’t sleep together. No intimacy, only kisses (I didn’t like the kisses but I guess it was that way) He falls in love with ow but not as much as he loved his wife and still think of her. I mean it was less than two years ago…
With friends like ow who wants enemies?
The ow acts like a bitch when h returns talking about how the h had destroy her hea in not being dead. Bro… as I said. So, the H and ow doesn’t kiss after the h returns and H knows he wants his wife but he is an ass and do stuff with ow and cares about ow’s feeling (imo) more than h’s feelings. She was kidnapped and had amnesia, she has returned and her babies are toddlers now and they don’t know how she is, the H and ow were about to marry in a month, saw that he changed her name for ow in his stupid boat, … all of this after her traumatic experience and H cares more about not being too hard on ow. Kick her ass. Later on, he is over ow cried and realize that ow is sabotaging his relationship with h and doing stuff to hurt h. He is so over her. Doesn’t want to be around ow anymore. The ending was rush. He goes to h after she moved on and said that she can’t leave him or he would die. That he never had a doubt of who was the one for him. I don’t know I feel like he maybe was stupid and wanted to be gentle with ow because he cares for her and feel like he had debts with her for all the time she helped him BUT his wife’s needs and feelings should be over ow’s feelings and needs. The ow’s pain is not even close to h’s pain.
Then, she tries to seem less like a bitch but it’s hard to forgive her not only for the husband but for how she treated h after she returned from a traumatic experience and she literally said that she was so happy with H and about to have her hea and that’s why she didn’t go to visit her at the hospital. She said: I bet you understand, right? I WANTED MORE SPINE FOR h. I can understand that it wasn’t cheating but bro this two person are supposed to be the ones who loved you the most (or some of the ones) and the ow is crying sad tears bc she is back and the H is holding her while she is crying…
H thought his wife was dead and h’s bff moved with him and his twin babies to take care of them. During the 19 months the live together until the h returns, they start to fall in love and 3-4 months before h returns H decide after ow insist that they give their relationship a try and they engaged. Wtf? Well, he changed the name of his boat to ow’s name. Two days before h returns ow throw and donates all her clothes so she can have space in the closet for when she moves to the master bedroom.
They kiss but they don’t sleep together. No intimacy, only kisses (I didn’t like the kisses but I guess it was that way) He falls in love with ow but not as much as he loved his wife and still think of her. I mean it was less than two years ago…
With friends like ow who wants enemies?
The ow acts like a bitch when h returns talking about how the h had destroy her hea in not being dead. Bro… as I said. So, the H and ow doesn’t kiss after the h returns and H knows he wants his wife but he is an ass and do stuff with ow and cares about ow’s feeling (imo) more than h’s feelings. She was kidnapped and had amnesia, she has returned and her babies are toddlers now and they don’t know how she is, the H and ow were about to marry in a month, saw that he changed her name for ow in his stupid boat, … all of this after her traumatic experience and H cares more about not being too hard on ow. Kick her ass. Later on, he is over ow cried and realize that ow is sabotaging his relationship with h and doing stuff to hurt h. He is so over her. Doesn’t want to be around ow anymore. The ending was rush. He goes to h after she moved on and said that she can’t leave him or he would die. That he never had a doubt of who was the one for him. I don’t know I feel like he maybe was stupid and wanted to be gentle with ow because he cares for her and feel like he had debts with her for all the time she helped him BUT his wife’s needs and feelings should be over ow’s feelings and needs. The ow’s pain is not even close to h’s pain.
Then, she tries to seem less like a bitch but it’s hard to forgive her not only for the husband but for how she treated h after she returned from a traumatic experience and she literally said that she was so happy with H and about to have her hea and that’s why she didn’t go to visit her at the hospital. She said: I bet you understand, right? I WANTED MORE SPINE FOR h. I can understand that it wasn’t cheating but bro this two person are supposed to be the ones who loved you the most (or some of the ones) and the ow is crying sad tears bc she is back and the H is holding her while she is crying…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2019
Unlike every other review posted for this book so far, HERE THERE BE SPOILERS.
I can't talk about my opinion of the book without referencing its spoilers, and the book is neither so awesome nor so awful that I can simply say "read it and discover for yourself."
Don't click the spoiler cut unless you want to be spoiled.
You have been warned. SPOILERS AHOY.
I can't talk about my opinion of the book without referencing its spoilers, and the book is neither so awesome nor so awful that I can simply say "read it and discover for yourself."
Don't click the spoiler cut unless you want to be spoiled.
You have been warned. SPOILERS AHOY.
August 11, 2022
This is a second-chance romance for Sawyer and Quinn. The blurb sets it up, they are happily married when they are separated, then stuff happens that complicates the reconnection. I can’t really write a review without disclosing the situation, so please STOP here if you want to go in blind.
I liked this one, I felt like the author showed us enough to sympathize with each of the characters. (only a teeny amount for Bree though) I felt the love, got the feels, etc. What I didn’t like was the way it was laid out, which was in separate parts It didn’t flow, and I was impatient with long stretches of chunks (Sawyer searching Nicaragua, Quinn in Nicaragua) that I didn’t care about because I wanted to get to the good stuff.
Bottom Line- I liked it, and would’ve loved it if more page time was dedicated to “the after”. I also wanted more from Sawyer’s POV, and for Quinn to be less understanding… and a better epilogue that focuses on them. I had zero issues with the Bree situation, but strict safety gangers might take issue. It’s free to read with KU, and there’s some angst if you don’t mind some messy.
Safety-
I liked this one, I felt like the author showed us enough to sympathize with each of the characters. (only a teeny amount for Bree though) I felt the love, got the feels, etc. What I didn’t like was the way it was laid out, which was in separate parts It didn’t flow, and I was impatient with long stretches of chunks (Sawyer searching Nicaragua, Quinn in Nicaragua) that I didn’t care about because I wanted to get to the good stuff.
Bottom Line- I liked it, and would’ve loved it if more page time was dedicated to “the after”. I also wanted more from Sawyer’s POV, and for Quinn to be less understanding… and a better epilogue that focuses on them. I had zero issues with the Bree situation, but strict safety gangers might take issue. It’s free to read with KU, and there’s some angst if you don’t mind some messy.
Safety-
never-no-way
August 19, 2019Thanks to my friend Rejane and the reviews she shared with us, I know I must avoid this book.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
With pathetic characters, this book sounds like a really nauseous reading experience!
Here are two reviews that explain the plot in detail:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
With pathetic characters, this book sounds like a really nauseous reading experience!
Here are two reviews that explain the plot in detail:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 25, 2025
My heart...it was all over the place with this book. The prologue started out and I just felt this deep sadness and sorrow. Then to jump back in time a week and see this string of beautiful moments. The emotions I was feeling just tugged at my heart. The ups and downs. Then to jump back in time to the moments after the prologue and my heart was sinking. The emotions and portrayal of the different characters' sorrows were so well written. Memories of a tragic moment in my family from two years ago came flooding back in. The shock, the heartache, the sorrow, the love, the numbness. Taylor Dean has done a fantastic job capturing those emotions and showing the characters as they lived and experienced those moments in relation to their story.
This is a book that completely sucked me in and blew me away. I couldn't set it aside. Every free moment I was reaching for it. Hoping and wishing for certain outcomes and wishing and hoping that I could go back and change parts of it. Then I'd read further into the story and not want to change a single thing. The sorrow and heartache are real but the beauty, love and joy are real as well.
Quinn and Sawyer are a powerhouse couple. I adored them. I ached for them. Then I'd try to talk to them even though they're not real. I wanted to tell them to listen to me and let me guide them and open their eyes. And yet, it wouldn't have worked. So I kept my thoughts to myself and continued reading. You will be all over the place with your emotions while reading this book. But if I could tell you some advice, it would be, start this book and don't give up hope. Love is a beautiful and precious emotion. Hang on tight and trust.
That's all pretty vague but just trust me (even though you don't know me) and settle in for the roller coaster ride of emotions. If you are a fan of Amy Harmon or Jennifer Peel, you will love Taylor Dean's books. If you haven't read any of these three authors' books before, do yourself a favor and go check them out. I love their writing styles. Beautiful and emotional, stories that grab you and don't let go. I admit that I shed several tears but I also laughed and felt joy.
Content: Clean. Some mild innuendo between a married couple as well as some intimate moments between that married couple. Nothing graphic or detailed. Very tastefully written but I would recommend for more mature readers. I'm pretty conservative in what I read and consider it to be clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
This is a book that completely sucked me in and blew me away. I couldn't set it aside. Every free moment I was reaching for it. Hoping and wishing for certain outcomes and wishing and hoping that I could go back and change parts of it. Then I'd read further into the story and not want to change a single thing. The sorrow and heartache are real but the beauty, love and joy are real as well.
Quinn and Sawyer are a powerhouse couple. I adored them. I ached for them. Then I'd try to talk to them even though they're not real. I wanted to tell them to listen to me and let me guide them and open their eyes. And yet, it wouldn't have worked. So I kept my thoughts to myself and continued reading. You will be all over the place with your emotions while reading this book. But if I could tell you some advice, it would be, start this book and don't give up hope. Love is a beautiful and precious emotion. Hang on tight and trust.
That's all pretty vague but just trust me (even though you don't know me) and settle in for the roller coaster ride of emotions. If you are a fan of Amy Harmon or Jennifer Peel, you will love Taylor Dean's books. If you haven't read any of these three authors' books before, do yourself a favor and go check them out. I love their writing styles. Beautiful and emotional, stories that grab you and don't let go. I admit that I shed several tears but I also laughed and felt joy.
Content: Clean. Some mild innuendo between a married couple as well as some intimate moments between that married couple. Nothing graphic or detailed. Very tastefully written but I would recommend for more mature readers. I'm pretty conservative in what I read and consider it to be clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
December 4, 2018
I can not even begin to tell you how much self-control it took me to get through this book without flipping ahead to see how it ended. I loathe spoilers and hadn't even read the book summary before I started reading this book. Knowing Taylor Dean wrote it was all it took for me to bump it to the top of my to-read list.
The only thing I had read about A Me and You Thing was part of author Charissa Stastny's review which says:
"Wow! This heart-tugging romance blew me away. It’s an emotional roller-coaster ride of epic proportions…so prepare yourself. My heart soared up into the heavens, then was dragged into the bitter misery of hell, like being dragged behind a pickup truck for a mile or so. Ouch! But I got my happy (actually, glorious!) ending, so I loved it. The ending was so much more fulfilling because of what my heart went through to get there with the characters."
Charissa summed up my experience of reading this book pretty near perfectly. Even with that promise of a "glorious" ending, it took so much restraint for me to read this book without jumping to the last page to see how this story played out.
I was emotionally invested in this story in a way that happens far too infrequently. Admittedly I read a lot of "fluff romance" but honestly if I could find more stories like this one I would quit reading fluff because this type of romance is so much more fulfilling and satisfying to read.
So here's my recommendation. Don't read the summary. Don't read any more reviews. Pre-order this book now! Better still... clear your calendar on December 10th and plan to spend the day reading. You'll be thanking me if you do.
Fair warning, Taylor has written a book that is somehow both heartwrenching and heartwarming. These characters came to life and wrapped themselves around my heart. Despite the fact that my emotions have been put through the wringer, I have no hesitation in giving this two thumbs up.
Content: I consider this to be clean but it does mention marital relationships and has a few mild swear words and mild innuendo. However, due to the way it is written, I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
The only thing I had read about A Me and You Thing was part of author Charissa Stastny's review which says:
"Wow! This heart-tugging romance blew me away. It’s an emotional roller-coaster ride of epic proportions…so prepare yourself. My heart soared up into the heavens, then was dragged into the bitter misery of hell, like being dragged behind a pickup truck for a mile or so. Ouch! But I got my happy (actually, glorious!) ending, so I loved it. The ending was so much more fulfilling because of what my heart went through to get there with the characters."
Charissa summed up my experience of reading this book pretty near perfectly. Even with that promise of a "glorious" ending, it took so much restraint for me to read this book without jumping to the last page to see how this story played out.
I was emotionally invested in this story in a way that happens far too infrequently. Admittedly I read a lot of "fluff romance" but honestly if I could find more stories like this one I would quit reading fluff because this type of romance is so much more fulfilling and satisfying to read.
So here's my recommendation. Don't read the summary. Don't read any more reviews. Pre-order this book now! Better still... clear your calendar on December 10th and plan to spend the day reading. You'll be thanking me if you do.
Fair warning, Taylor has written a book that is somehow both heartwrenching and heartwarming. These characters came to life and wrapped themselves around my heart. Despite the fact that my emotions have been put through the wringer, I have no hesitation in giving this two thumbs up.
Content: I consider this to be clean but it does mention marital relationships and has a few mild swear words and mild innuendo. However, due to the way it is written, I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
January 10, 2019
Taylor Dean--you are my fave! There is something so deliciously satisfying about reading a book that is not only well written, but has rock-solid characters and unexpected twists--so poignant and beautiful.
Ms. Dean absolutely captivated me with her vividly descriptive words and I could not put this one down. Really--I put off some pretty important stuff for this book. This book is very clearly told in a couple of different points of view and those glimpses only served to add a rich depth to the story. There were parts that were real and raw, almost like watching a train wreck and being physically unable to look away, and there were other parts that were so tender and wrenching and I literally thought my heart would shatter.
I was swimming in the depths of despair, catching a sweet glimmer of hope when suddenly -- What. The. HECK?!? The twists and turns caught me off guard and left me reeling, broken, and sympathetic. This is one hauntingly beautiful story that is going to stay with me for a long, long time.
Content: moderate romance (kissing, fade-to-black intimacy); mild+ violence; mild language
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Ms. Dean absolutely captivated me with her vividly descriptive words and I could not put this one down. Really--I put off some pretty important stuff for this book. This book is very clearly told in a couple of different points of view and those glimpses only served to add a rich depth to the story. There were parts that were real and raw, almost like watching a train wreck and being physically unable to look away, and there were other parts that were so tender and wrenching and I literally thought my heart would shatter.
I was swimming in the depths of despair, catching a sweet glimmer of hope when suddenly -- What. The. HECK?!? The twists and turns caught me off guard and left me reeling, broken, and sympathetic. This is one hauntingly beautiful story that is going to stay with me for a long, long time.
Content: moderate romance (kissing, fade-to-black intimacy); mild+ violence; mild language
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
August 3, 2025
This has 3 POVs:
The FMC, Quinn
MMC, Sawyer and
OW, Bree
This was kinda slooooow in progression and OW drama is present like a plague but Sawyer (the MMC) wasn’t confused or indecisive in choosing between Quinn (the FMC) and Bree (OW). But since you’ll get stuck in Quinn’s head you don’t know this and will get frustrated hence the sloooow progress; and there’s nothing more frustrating than a drawn out misunderstanding.
He knew who he loves the most and who he wants to be with but the way he handled it created a sort of misunderstanding between him and Quinn.
When Quinn returned (from the dead 🫢) she found out later (by accidentally eavesdropping) that her BFF Bree (who at this time is now engaged to Sawyer) has been playing mommy to her children and wannabe wife to her husband. It was quite clear that Sawyer wants Quinn so he broke off the engagement to Bree but he was guilty that he was hurting her because he was quite literally dropping her SO FAST like a hot potato once Quinn came back 😭. I wanna say “poor girl” but bitch was nasty to Quinn saying “Everything was perfect (when she was gone)” when homegirl Quinn SUFFERED SO MUCH just to get back to her old life and family. What kind of best friend is she.
============================================
—some quotes from Sawyer’s POV—
“I can’t move on. I don’t have it in me. It’s not as if opportunities haven’t been thrown my way. Bree is living in my home, and I notice the way she looks at me sometimes. But my mind . . . it just can’t go there. I’m not ready. She’s made the girls so happy, though. I owe her, big time. I can never repay her for the unselfish sacrifice of her life, her career, and her dreams”
—> This is mostly Sawyer’s feelings for OW since she quite literally barged in on his life after Quinn “died”
“It’s not lost on me that she thinks I need to learn a thing or two about dating. I’ve been moving so slow with her, it’s almost verging on ridiculous. Frankly, learning to love someone new is tough. Deep down, I still want Quinn. I’m not really sure how to change that. I’m not so sure I want to change it. I think I need to accept that it will never change and move forward anyway.”
—> this is after they(OW and MMC) have kissed once and then he proceeded to pretend like nothing happened for 3mos 😭
“It’s been nineteen long months since the day I lost Quinn. Plus three days, six hours, ten minutes, and twenty-three seconds. At least, that’s how it feels. If it weren’t for the fact that Bree lives in my house and has practically fallen into my lap, I doubt I would be pursuing another woman yet. Bree is making it easy for me.”
—> BRUH… he memorized the days Quinn was gone, down to the seconds then practically told us that Bree was an easy woman 🫢
“Would I be settling? If I had a choice, I’d choose Quinn. Of course I would. But that choice has been taken from me.”
—> BRUH 😭 I can’t with this guy 🤭. This is after Bree got jealous of Sawyer constantly talking about Quinn and she basically got all vulnerable to him and his thought process is this 🌚
“I could fall in love with her if I let myself. It would be so easy to slip into a relationship. She’s ready and willing. The transition would be smooth and polished, with hardly a hiccup in our lives.”
—> Errrr who would tell him that’s not ground for healthy and loving relationship?
“The white picket fence didn’t make me feel better. It made things worse. I look at it and think of her(Quinn). Every time. Like a yellow ribbon on an old oak tree, it screams I still want her. As if I’m waiting for Quinn to return, and it’s my secret message just for her. She’s the only one who would understand the message. If she saw it, I know she’d know I still love her and always will.”
—> He’s so unserious this was his thought when Bree and him were discussing their wedding details. Man can’t beat settling for 2nd option allegations 🤣
“Don’t get me wrong, a relationship with benefits will be a huge bonus. It’s the only thing we lack right now since we decided to wait until marriage for intimacy...
But, truth be told, I’m struggling with the concept. It’s not that I don’t want her. I do. We share a soft and sweet type of love for one another. It’s nice and . . . comforting.
It’s just that . . . it’s hard to get Quinn out of my head. Even when I kiss Bree, in my mind I see Quinn. I can’t shake the image.”
—> He’s slay for this tbh 💅🏽
“I’m not deliriously happy. It weighs on me. I know what deliriously happy feels like. I had it once and I hate that I lost it. It’s ruined me for future relationships because nothing else compares. I often struggle with the thought that I’m settling, which seems so unfair to Bree. Then I remind myself that I can never recapture what I once had, so quit trying. It won’t happen.”
—> Have to admit ya feel sorry for the OW even though she barged in desperate on the relationship.
“There, standing on my doorstep, looking delicate and fragile, her expression scared, yet hopeful, is the love of my life.
Quinn.
My wife.
My beautiful Quinn.
Quinn.
Quinn.
Quinn.
I’m not sure if she’s real or a figment of my imagination. I only know that I see her, I want her, and I’ll do anything within my power to make her stay.
Forever.”
—> Izzz over for ya bitches (Bree) the real heroine arrived 🤗
—some quotes from Bree’s (OW) POV—
During our walk, I knew Sawyer’s intentions were to end things once and for all. I knew he was done trying to console me, that I’d gone too far in my attempts to play upon his guilty conscience. I tested his patience, and now it’s backfiring on me.
Even though I kept him from where I knew he wanted to be all day.
With Quinn.I know he’s dying to cut ties with me and be with her. It’s so obvious. He can’t hide it.
—> The way this woman tested my patience and now I came to know she is having her OWN book 🧍♀️
“Quinn has called eleven times. This has nothing to do with us. She’s worried about Jordyn (Jordyn is Quinn and Sawyer’s child). Why would you deny her?” He looks at me like I’m a particularly annoying bug he’d like to squish.
—> Because you are you fuckin bitch. Imagine being so jealous that you deny the mother her own rights🤨
She’s going to give up and step aside. It’s in her nature. She’s not like me. I’ll try to force someone to choose me, to love me. I’ll yell and scream and fight. I’ll scratch until my fingernails fall off.
—> Epitome of pick me girl 🙄
The FMC, Quinn
MMC, Sawyer and
OW, Bree
This was kinda slooooow in progression and OW drama is present like a plague but Sawyer (the MMC) wasn’t confused or indecisive in choosing between Quinn (the FMC) and Bree (OW). But since you’ll get stuck in Quinn’s head you don’t know this and will get frustrated hence the sloooow progress; and there’s nothing more frustrating than a drawn out misunderstanding.
He knew who he loves the most and who he wants to be with but the way he handled it created a sort of misunderstanding between him and Quinn.
When Quinn returned (from the dead 🫢) she found out later (by accidentally eavesdropping) that her BFF Bree (who at this time is now engaged to Sawyer) has been playing mommy to her children and wannabe wife to her husband. It was quite clear that Sawyer wants Quinn so he broke off the engagement to Bree but he was guilty that he was hurting her because he was quite literally dropping her SO FAST like a hot potato once Quinn came back 😭. I wanna say “poor girl” but bitch was nasty to Quinn saying “Everything was perfect (when she was gone)” when homegirl Quinn SUFFERED SO MUCH just to get back to her old life and family. What kind of best friend is she.
============================================
—some quotes from Sawyer’s POV—
“I can’t move on. I don’t have it in me. It’s not as if opportunities haven’t been thrown my way. Bree is living in my home, and I notice the way she looks at me sometimes. But my mind . . . it just can’t go there. I’m not ready. She’s made the girls so happy, though. I owe her, big time. I can never repay her for the unselfish sacrifice of her life, her career, and her dreams”
—> This is mostly Sawyer’s feelings for OW since she quite literally barged in on his life after Quinn “died”
“It’s not lost on me that she thinks I need to learn a thing or two about dating. I’ve been moving so slow with her, it’s almost verging on ridiculous. Frankly, learning to love someone new is tough. Deep down, I still want Quinn. I’m not really sure how to change that. I’m not so sure I want to change it. I think I need to accept that it will never change and move forward anyway.”
—> this is after they(OW and MMC) have kissed once and then he proceeded to pretend like nothing happened for 3mos 😭
“It’s been nineteen long months since the day I lost Quinn. Plus three days, six hours, ten minutes, and twenty-three seconds. At least, that’s how it feels. If it weren’t for the fact that Bree lives in my house and has practically fallen into my lap, I doubt I would be pursuing another woman yet. Bree is making it easy for me.”
—> BRUH… he memorized the days Quinn was gone, down to the seconds then practically told us that Bree was an easy woman 🫢
“Would I be settling? If I had a choice, I’d choose Quinn. Of course I would. But that choice has been taken from me.”
—> BRUH 😭 I can’t with this guy 🤭. This is after Bree got jealous of Sawyer constantly talking about Quinn and she basically got all vulnerable to him and his thought process is this 🌚
“I could fall in love with her if I let myself. It would be so easy to slip into a relationship. She’s ready and willing. The transition would be smooth and polished, with hardly a hiccup in our lives.”
—> Errrr who would tell him that’s not ground for healthy and loving relationship?
“The white picket fence didn’t make me feel better. It made things worse. I look at it and think of her(Quinn). Every time. Like a yellow ribbon on an old oak tree, it screams I still want her. As if I’m waiting for Quinn to return, and it’s my secret message just for her. She’s the only one who would understand the message. If she saw it, I know she’d know I still love her and always will.”
—> He’s so unserious this was his thought when Bree and him were discussing their wedding details. Man can’t beat settling for 2nd option allegations 🤣
“Don’t get me wrong, a relationship with benefits will be a huge bonus. It’s the only thing we lack right now since we decided to wait until marriage for intimacy...
But, truth be told, I’m struggling with the concept. It’s not that I don’t want her. I do. We share a soft and sweet type of love for one another. It’s nice and . . . comforting.
It’s just that . . . it’s hard to get Quinn out of my head. Even when I kiss Bree, in my mind I see Quinn. I can’t shake the image.”
—> He’s slay for this tbh 💅🏽
“I’m not deliriously happy. It weighs on me. I know what deliriously happy feels like. I had it once and I hate that I lost it. It’s ruined me for future relationships because nothing else compares. I often struggle with the thought that I’m settling, which seems so unfair to Bree. Then I remind myself that I can never recapture what I once had, so quit trying. It won’t happen.”
—> Have to admit ya feel sorry for the OW even though she barged in desperate on the relationship.
“There, standing on my doorstep, looking delicate and fragile, her expression scared, yet hopeful, is the love of my life.
Quinn.
My wife.
My beautiful Quinn.
Quinn.
Quinn.
Quinn.
I’m not sure if she’s real or a figment of my imagination. I only know that I see her, I want her, and I’ll do anything within my power to make her stay.
Forever.”
—> Izzz over for ya bitches (Bree) the real heroine arrived 🤗
—some quotes from Bree’s (OW) POV—
During our walk, I knew Sawyer’s intentions were to end things once and for all. I knew he was done trying to console me, that I’d gone too far in my attempts to play upon his guilty conscience. I tested his patience, and now it’s backfiring on me.
Even though I kept him from where I knew he wanted to be all day.
With Quinn.I know he’s dying to cut ties with me and be with her. It’s so obvious. He can’t hide it.
—> The way this woman tested my patience and now I came to know she is having her OWN book 🧍♀️
“Quinn has called eleven times. This has nothing to do with us. She’s worried about Jordyn (Jordyn is Quinn and Sawyer’s child). Why would you deny her?” He looks at me like I’m a particularly annoying bug he’d like to squish.
—> Because you are you fuckin bitch. Imagine being so jealous that you deny the mother her own rights🤨
She’s going to give up and step aside. It’s in her nature. She’s not like me. I’ll try to force someone to choose me, to love me. I’ll yell and scream and fight. I’ll scratch until my fingernails fall off.
—> Epitome of pick me girl 🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2018
Oh. My. Goodness. Taylor Dean! What are you doing to me?!
Wait. Pause. First, I have to start with this. Taylor Dean is one of my favorite authors and I'll tell you why. Her books are always filled with real emotions that completely suck me in, heart and mind. "I Have People" was my first book by Taylor Dean. I was so in love with it and how it made me feel. I went right out and picked up another book, then another. I have read everything she has written. I'm a fan, through and through. She is always an author I recommend to everyone asking. If you haven't read anything by this author, please, please do it.
Now, back to the beginning. Taylor Dean! What are you doing to me?!?!?!
I am really not in the habit of reading book blurbs by authors I know and love. I like coming into things blind and being completely surprised. I feel like nothing could have prepared me for this book, even the book blurb. My heart. I swear it will never be the same. Taylor is right up front that this book contains heartbreak. She isn't kidding. It's a fair warning. I got through the first chapter- which was sad!- and I thought to myself, "okay, I made it through that. I'm okay. Sad, but okay." I thought I was through the worst of it. Hahahahahahaha. I should have known better.
I'm not going to give anything away here. I can't really talk about the book without giving things away. I will just say this: it took me days to emotionally recover from this book. My heart was fully invested in every single emotion happening. That's how Taylor Dean does things. She doesn't shy away from the raw and the gritty. The highs are high and the lows are low. It's amazing. But hang onto your hearts with this one, friends, because it's a doozy of a ride!
Content: intimate relations between a married couple are talked about in a general way, with no details. Peril, mild violence, innuendo (between a married couple), kissing.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Wait. Pause. First, I have to start with this. Taylor Dean is one of my favorite authors and I'll tell you why. Her books are always filled with real emotions that completely suck me in, heart and mind. "I Have People" was my first book by Taylor Dean. I was so in love with it and how it made me feel. I went right out and picked up another book, then another. I have read everything she has written. I'm a fan, through and through. She is always an author I recommend to everyone asking. If you haven't read anything by this author, please, please do it.
Now, back to the beginning. Taylor Dean! What are you doing to me?!?!?!
I am really not in the habit of reading book blurbs by authors I know and love. I like coming into things blind and being completely surprised. I feel like nothing could have prepared me for this book, even the book blurb. My heart. I swear it will never be the same. Taylor is right up front that this book contains heartbreak. She isn't kidding. It's a fair warning. I got through the first chapter- which was sad!- and I thought to myself, "okay, I made it through that. I'm okay. Sad, but okay." I thought I was through the worst of it. Hahahahahahaha. I should have known better.
I'm not going to give anything away here. I can't really talk about the book without giving things away. I will just say this: it took me days to emotionally recover from this book. My heart was fully invested in every single emotion happening. That's how Taylor Dean does things. She doesn't shy away from the raw and the gritty. The highs are high and the lows are low. It's amazing. But hang onto your hearts with this one, friends, because it's a doozy of a ride!
Content: intimate relations between a married couple are talked about in a general way, with no details. Peril, mild violence, innuendo (between a married couple), kissing.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 2, 2019
Different read, safe and on the 'clean' side. The couple here is established in a strong, 5 year marriage, with the recent addition of twin baby daughters.
There is significant OW involvement but no cheating, as it would be impossible given the circumstances. However, the old adage 'no good deed goes unpunished' could be the sub-title for this story.
As I said, it's different - unusual and unlikely, but not out of the realm of possibility.
The strongest passage in the book by far was the prologue, probably one of the more gut-wrenching that I've read. Yet, it was also an example of why I'm not a fan of intense, cold openings. It's too easy to lose momentum after such an impact and that was the case here. Nevertheless, the story still manages to hold the attention.
A bit too heavy on the telling aspect and long stretches of introspection for my taste. The execution wasn't the best following that prologue but I've read far worse books.
~1 August 2019 ~
After reading a friend's review and remembering why I need to write reviews immediately after finishing a book, I'm revising my original review of this book.
Yes, I felt it had an exceptionally strong opener and I stand by that opinion. But I realised that the impact of that prologue was the only thing that really stuck with me when I got around to reviewing the book. There was more about it I disliked than I actually liked, but they were irritating issues rather than anything that infuriated me. I didn't like the h's best friend. I didn't like her jealousy or the fact that she poached her best friend's husband, harboring thoughts of him and his daughters with the h whilst he was still grief-stricken.
I also didn't like that the H went there, that he crossed that line and was actually going to marry her. I'm not saying he shouldn't have moved on, but he should have moved on in another sandbox.
I don't know, perhaps it's just me, but the husband of your best friend should be utterly off-limits - unless they hated each other's guts - but really, even then, you just shouldn't go there.
1.5 - 2 stars.
There is significant OW involvement but no cheating, as it would be impossible given the circumstances. However, the old adage 'no good deed goes unpunished' could be the sub-title for this story.
As I said, it's different - unusual and unlikely, but not out of the realm of possibility.
The strongest passage in the book by far was the prologue, probably one of the more gut-wrenching that I've read. Yet, it was also an example of why I'm not a fan of intense, cold openings. It's too easy to lose momentum after such an impact and that was the case here. Nevertheless, the story still manages to hold the attention.
A bit too heavy on the telling aspect and long stretches of introspection for my taste. The execution wasn't the best following that prologue but I've read far worse books.
~1 August 2019 ~
After reading a friend's review and remembering why I need to write reviews immediately after finishing a book, I'm revising my original review of this book.
Yes, I felt it had an exceptionally strong opener and I stand by that opinion. But I realised that the impact of that prologue was the only thing that really stuck with me when I got around to reviewing the book. There was more about it I disliked than I actually liked, but they were irritating issues rather than anything that infuriated me. I didn't like the h's best friend. I didn't like her jealousy or the fact that she poached her best friend's husband, harboring thoughts of him and his daughters with the h whilst he was still grief-stricken.
I also didn't like that the H went there, that he crossed that line and was actually going to marry her. I'm not saying he shouldn't have moved on, but he should have moved on in another sandbox.
I don't know, perhaps it's just me, but the husband of your best friend should be utterly off-limits - unless they hated each other's guts - but really, even then, you just shouldn't go there.
1.5 - 2 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2019
CONTAINS SPOILERS!! GOODREADS IS THE ESPN FOR READERS,SO IF YOU GONNA COMPLAIN ABOUT SPOILERS DON'T TUNE IN!!:....I have so many problems with this book. The first being, a wife and NEW mother leaving her kids and her man to go to another country to volunteer services she hadn't volunteered for when she was unattached. The second being the best friend quitting her job to attach herself to a grieving family and the husband just letting her into his house, he could have hired a live-in nanny/ housekeeper. The third being when the wife returns the husband spends too much time consoling the OW, his wife was left for dead and abused, yet he was more concerned about the OW's feelings. He goes with the OW twice to the clinic with his and the wife's kids and leaves the wife ,who has TBI , alone to fend for herself. I do appreciate the no sex with the other woman,but he just didn't really want his wife. Just because you tell us he wants his wife doesn't mean it was conveyed properly. Show us with want, need, passion. You want me to believe this man hasn't touched his wife in two years and he would not want at least the intimacy of touching and holding his wife. He exhibited more passion in consoling the other woman than loving his wife!! Sawyer was just too weakly passionate for his wife. And lastly, I didn't appreciate the way ALL the breakup writing was done. First, we read about through the eyes of the wife( she finds out about them), second the 45 minute conversation we were not privy to and the walk to he took with the OW was told after the fact when she was feeling guilty about being a bitch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2021
Disturbing read.
Okay this book was hard to read and it just confirms my resolve. When I go to Heaven I am taking my husband with me! No way am I getting him move on! No way! And I truly hated Breezy. She totally moved in on him the first month Quinn was gone. I detest women like her. I didn't feel bad for her EVER! I don't care they thought she was dead. You don't just move in to your dead beat friends life and live it for her. Totally inappropriate. Plus when they started kissing she was just pushing it and then marriage? Are you freaking kidding me. I was irate. I threw my book across the room when Quinn saw the boats name! Omg I cried. It was ugly. When the evil b word Bree lied to the stupid idiot hero in was beyond enraged. I hated him for most of the book and he never redeemed himself to me. Just a pig. At least they didn't sleep together. But I still really hated the two of them. I was team Quinn all the way. And Yes it's not cheating because they thought she was dead but It was not very moral to move in on your best friends husband ever!!! I was glad when she was dating a guy named clarence! How embarrassing is that! And the heroine is a far first-person than I because breezy would never be seen again because if I was Quinn, she be dead! Just a terrible story but written well because I bawled through the entire book. And there would not be a prologue where I could sit with the woman who almost stole my man and be nice. I am definitely NOT a Melanie!!!
Okay this book was hard to read and it just confirms my resolve. When I go to Heaven I am taking my husband with me! No way am I getting him move on! No way! And I truly hated Breezy. She totally moved in on him the first month Quinn was gone. I detest women like her. I didn't feel bad for her EVER! I don't care they thought she was dead. You don't just move in to your dead beat friends life and live it for her. Totally inappropriate. Plus when they started kissing she was just pushing it and then marriage? Are you freaking kidding me. I was irate. I threw my book across the room when Quinn saw the boats name! Omg I cried. It was ugly. When the evil b word Bree lied to the stupid idiot hero in was beyond enraged. I hated him for most of the book and he never redeemed himself to me. Just a pig. At least they didn't sleep together. But I still really hated the two of them. I was team Quinn all the way. And Yes it's not cheating because they thought she was dead but It was not very moral to move in on your best friends husband ever!!! I was glad when she was dating a guy named clarence! How embarrassing is that! And the heroine is a far first-person than I because breezy would never be seen again because if I was Quinn, she be dead! Just a terrible story but written well because I bawled through the entire book. And there would not be a prologue where I could sit with the woman who almost stole my man and be nice. I am definitely NOT a Melanie!!!
December 12, 2018
5* that was a totally unexpected angsty-heartbreaking-feel good-emotional story. I loved it!
November 9, 2018
Wow! This heart-tugging romance blew me away. It’s an emotional roller-coaster ride of epic proportions…so prepare yourself. My heart soared up into the heavens, then was dragged into the bitter misery of hell, like being dragged behind a pickup truck for a mile or so. Ouch! But I got my happy (actually, glorious!) ending, so I loved it. The ending was so much more fulfilling because of what my heart went through to get there with the characters. This story is unique and refreshing—not your run-of-the-mill predictable romance that doesn’t stick with you when you finish. No! This one is made of super glue, and will be stuck in your heart forevermore. I loved Saywer and Quinn. I mean…love-loved them! They are amazing characters. Sawyer—a book boyfriend from your best dreams—and Quinn is the biggest sweetheart ever! I loved their perfect romance. Sooooo beautiful. And what they had to go through to keep it was intense, heart-wrenching agony at times, but so worth it. This book scared me for a while. When I thought I knew what would happen, I’d start having those heart palpitations and say, “No! Don’t do it! Nooooooo!” But the end result was so amazing and beautiful that all I can think is, “This is the best book EVER!” Taylor Dean is beyond talented. Read her note at the end to see why she wrote this book. It gave me valuable insight, which I really appreciated. This story is intense and shows the whole spectrum of the human heart and what lengths it will go to for love (both good and bad), but it’s so worth the roller-coaster ride…so I highly recommend this one. This author never disappoints. If you want a light, fluffy romance, skip this one. But if you want a fulfilling heart journey of epic greatness, give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.
***I read an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
***I read an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2018
This one has me left me feeling a little jumbled. I was all in in the beginning...but then there was a few things that kind of niggled at me. The potential to kill it with angst was most definitely there, but for me, at least, it felt a little light...which I'm not sure how that happened with the subject matter at hand. There was a fair amount of telling vs. showing and repetition...I found myself pissed at everyone at one point or another but I wish it would have delved a little deeper. Clean and wholesome was pretty much spot on... 3 stars.
November 12, 2021
I was ready to hate this book after reading some negative reviews but to my surprise I ended up really liking it. The writing was good. Angst level picked up after 50% mark and the ow drama was pretty darn good. If you like marital strife dramas I recommend this one.
December 12, 2018
4 1/2 “You’re My Fave” Stars!! What a beautiful, heart-wrenching book this is! Buckle up and get on the roller coaster...
December 14, 2018
4 Beautifully Emotional Stars
THE DEEPEST HEARTACHE IS THE ONE YOU DON'T SEE COMING!
And I definitely didn't.
I knew going into this it was going to be emotional; but never did I expect or anticipate the journey this book would take me on. There were so many ups and downs, moments where I wanted to throw my kindle and such heartbreaking moments where the tears would not stop. This was such a beautiful story of LOVE, survival, sacrifice, and unselfishness.
THE DEEPEST HEARTACHE IS THE ONE YOU DON'T SEE COMING!
And I definitely didn't.
I knew going into this it was going to be emotional; but never did I expect or anticipate the journey this book would take me on. There were so many ups and downs, moments where I wanted to throw my kindle and such heartbreaking moments where the tears would not stop. This was such a beautiful story of LOVE, survival, sacrifice, and unselfishness.
June 15, 2023
4.5 Stars for all the angsty parts in this book,
For the hero's speeches towards the end. *Sigh* 💓
And for the HEA. A perfectly satisfying one ❤️
First things first:
This is NOT a--
🚫 cheating romance
🚫 love triangle
🚫 marriage in trouble (they were happily married)
At one point in the story, it might feel or appear to be all of those things, but you realize it was never any of that. 😅 Every bit of angst I felt paid off at the end. This is exactly what I look for.
Quinn and Sawyer were soulmates. Not only did they feel that way about each other, after finishing this book, I believed they were, too. I really connected with these characters. But if I'm honest, the pacing during the first part of the book didn't work for me. I skimmed read through it, including all the filler. It wasn't until the 30ish% that I got to the nitty-gritty. After that, it was angst-city, baby.
Sawyer, believing he had lost Quinn (his wife) in a tragic accident, was left completely and utterly devastated. He was lost to grief and despair.
Enter Bree, Quinn's best friend and OW. I want make clear how I felt about Bree: I loathed her with a fiery passion of a thousand suns. 🤬 She forced herself into a grieving man's life...and into Quinn's shoes. To me, it was apparent from the start that Bree desired the life Quinn had--she wanted her man and her babies. And she was pathetic enough to accept being a consolation prize, because SHE KNEW the love of Sawyer's life would alway be Quinn. Note: Sawyer was celibate the entire time Quinn was gone (thank goodness for small miracles).
Enter Quinn's dramatic return...and Bree's dreams were obliterated into smithereens.
(This was about 2 yrs after Quinn was in the accident.)
There, standing on my doorstep, looking delicate and fragile, her expression scared, yet hopeful, is the love of my life.
Quinn.
My wife.
My beautiful Quinn.
Quinn.
Quinn.
Quinn.
I’m not sure if she’s real or a figment of my imagination. I only know that I see her, I want her, and I’ll do anything within my power to make her stay.
Forever.
Did I feel even a little tiny bit sorry for Bree? That's a hell nooooo. 😈 Her despicable behavior after Quinn's return made me despise her even more than I already did. Now, I know the dynamic between Quinn and Bree was like that of Melanie and Scarlett's from 'Gone with the Wind.' It was an inside joke between them since they were total opposites. I appreciated how the author made that connection to the move. But oh how I wanted Quinn to put Bree in her place! I was so, so mad she never did. And because sometimes men are incredibly clueless, Sawyer didn't exactly handle things properly, which consequently left Quinn thinking she'd lost Sawyer to Bree. Spoiler alert: she never did.
Bree: She’s going to give up and step aside. It’s in her nature. She’s not like me. I’ll try to force someone to choose me, to love me. I’ll yell and scream and fight. I’ll scratch until my fingernails fall off. As for Quinn, she’ll accept it and put another’s happiness ahead of her own. Because she’s Melanie and I’m Scarlett.
Sawyer: There was never a choice to be made. It was always Quinn for me.
Sawyer's speeches and inner thoughts towards the end were PERFECTION! This was a man desperate to never ever lose the love of his life again. Everything was made right and I loved every second of those final scenes. Heartfelt and sigh-worthy. I was both emotional and giddy AF.
Epilogue: 3 months later Bree goes back to make amends with Quinn, and she's still having jealous thoughts about her friend. 🤨 Quinn is living her happily ever and expecting another baby and Bree is...bitter. I wanted to reach inside this book and drag her out of that house by the hair myself, sinceMelanie Quinn would never! A pacifist I am not, apparently.
And that's why I could never be the heroine in a romance book.
Something more to note:
Even when Quinn and Bree first met Sawyer, he fell instantly in love with Quinn. Bree met him first but it was Quinn that he was drawn to. So even then, Quinn was the one for him. I found that immensely comforting.
By the way, Sawyer is my fist marine biologist book boyfriend. It might sound boring and nerdy but it worked 😆
For the hero's speeches towards the end. *Sigh* 💓
And for the HEA. A perfectly satisfying one ❤️
First things first:
This is NOT a--
🚫 cheating romance
🚫 love triangle
🚫 marriage in trouble (they were happily married)
At one point in the story, it might feel or appear to be all of those things, but you realize it was never any of that. 😅 Every bit of angst I felt paid off at the end. This is exactly what I look for.
Quinn and Sawyer were soulmates. Not only did they feel that way about each other, after finishing this book, I believed they were, too. I really connected with these characters. But if I'm honest, the pacing during the first part of the book didn't work for me. I skimmed read through it, including all the filler. It wasn't until the 30ish% that I got to the nitty-gritty. After that, it was angst-city, baby.
Sawyer, believing he had lost Quinn (his wife) in a tragic accident, was left completely and utterly devastated. He was lost to grief and despair.
Enter Bree, Quinn's best friend and OW. I want make clear how I felt about Bree: I loathed her with a fiery passion of a thousand suns. 🤬 She forced herself into a grieving man's life...and into Quinn's shoes. To me, it was apparent from the start that Bree desired the life Quinn had--she wanted her man and her babies. And she was pathetic enough to accept being a consolation prize, because SHE KNEW the love of Sawyer's life would alway be Quinn. Note: Sawyer was celibate the entire time Quinn was gone (thank goodness for small miracles).
Enter Quinn's dramatic return...and Bree's dreams were obliterated into smithereens.
(This was about 2 yrs after Quinn was in the accident.)
There, standing on my doorstep, looking delicate and fragile, her expression scared, yet hopeful, is the love of my life.
Quinn.
My wife.
My beautiful Quinn.
Quinn.
Quinn.
Quinn.
I’m not sure if she’s real or a figment of my imagination. I only know that I see her, I want her, and I’ll do anything within my power to make her stay.
Forever.
Did I feel even a little tiny bit sorry for Bree? That's a hell nooooo. 😈 Her despicable behavior after Quinn's return made me despise her even more than I already did. Now, I know the dynamic between Quinn and Bree was like that of Melanie and Scarlett's from 'Gone with the Wind.' It was an inside joke between them since they were total opposites. I appreciated how the author made that connection to the move. But oh how I wanted Quinn to put Bree in her place! I was so, so mad she never did. And because sometimes men are incredibly clueless, Sawyer didn't exactly handle things properly, which consequently left Quinn thinking she'd lost Sawyer to Bree. Spoiler alert: she never did.
Bree: She’s going to give up and step aside. It’s in her nature. She’s not like me. I’ll try to force someone to choose me, to love me. I’ll yell and scream and fight. I’ll scratch until my fingernails fall off. As for Quinn, she’ll accept it and put another’s happiness ahead of her own. Because she’s Melanie and I’m Scarlett.
Sawyer: There was never a choice to be made. It was always Quinn for me.
Sawyer's speeches and inner thoughts towards the end were PERFECTION! This was a man desperate to never ever lose the love of his life again. Everything was made right and I loved every second of those final scenes. Heartfelt and sigh-worthy. I was both emotional and giddy AF.
Epilogue: 3 months later Bree goes back to make amends with Quinn, and she's still having jealous thoughts about her friend. 🤨 Quinn is living her happily ever and expecting another baby and Bree is...bitter. I wanted to reach inside this book and drag her out of that house by the hair myself, since
And that's why I could never be the heroine in a romance book.
Something more to note:
Even when Quinn and Bree first met Sawyer, he fell instantly in love with Quinn. Bree met him first but it was Quinn that he was drawn to. So even then, Quinn was the one for him. I found that immensely comforting.
By the way, Sawyer is my fist marine biologist book boyfriend. It might sound boring and nerdy but it worked 😆
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2019
This was a very emotional read. I knew it was going to take me on a rollercoaster but I wasn’t prepared for all I felt as I raced through the pages. I struggled as I kept questioning how I would deal in such a difficult situation. It was like watching a tragedy unfold, and yet not wanting to turn away and keep going to find out where Dean would take this.
Once again she proves to be the most excellent person to highlight all of the sides in this heart-wrenching tale. She has a unique talent of taking you through all of the pain, grief, worry and tumult and leaving you thinking about the story for long after you finish the book. I had to leave on a trip a few days after finishing this book, and I lost sleep worrying about leaving my family after reading this book. That’s how great Dean is at pulling you into the story, experiencing it more than reading it.
Once again she proves to be the most excellent person to highlight all of the sides in this heart-wrenching tale. She has a unique talent of taking you through all of the pain, grief, worry and tumult and leaving you thinking about the story for long after you finish the book. I had to leave on a trip a few days after finishing this book, and I lost sleep worrying about leaving my family after reading this book. That’s how great Dean is at pulling you into the story, experiencing it more than reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2022
how the hell did no one slap the “best friend”
September 11, 2024
she lost her memory
2y later her husband is marrying her BFF
he's for the h and H
a lot of pages about him trying to find her after her accident
4.5*
2y later her husband is marrying her BFF
he's for the h and H
a lot of pages about him trying to find her after her accident
4.5*
maybe
July 3, 2022I want to read because this sounds like a complete trainwreck. 😂
January 30, 2025
if you look up pathetic loser in the dictionary the name sawyer will appear and under desperate you’ll find bree the thirstiest bitch that ever lived
YOURE TELLING ME THAT IM DEAD AND MY BEST FRIEND STEPS INTO MY ROLE PLAYS MOMMY FOR MY CHILDREN AND FALLS IN LVOE WITH MY HUSBAND MY FUCKING MAN AND IM ACTUALLY ALIVE SO I COME HOME AND FIND OUT THEYRE ENGAGED BUT HE APPARENTKY STILL LOVES ME AND SAYS HES GONNA END THINGS WITH HER YET HES CONSTABTKY COMFORTING HER AND AT HER BECK AND CALL IGNORING ME NEVER STANDINF UP FOR ME WHEN MY EX BEST FRIEND SAYS IM AN UNSTABLE AND UNFIT MOTHER YEAH FUCK THAT SHIT YOU TOTALLY LOVE ME UH HUH
DONT FORGET HE RENAMES OUR BOAT THAT WAS ORIGINALLY MY FUCKING NAME THE BOAT THAT WAS THE PLACE WE MET THE PLACE HE PROPOSED THE PLACE WE CONCEIVED OUR KIDS FOR HER HE CHANGES IT TO HER NAME AS A PRE WEDDING GIFT WHEN HE ONCE TOLD ME THAT THE NAME OF THE BOAT IS WHAT HIS HEART TRULY DESIRES EXCUSE ME TF
UH YEAH IM FUCKING OUTTIE GET ME OUT OF THIS NIGHTMARE IM GONNANA OFF MUSELF RIGHT TF NOW THIS MAN IS DOWNRIGHT AN ABSOLUTE POS IDIOTIC LOSER OF A HUMAN AND SHOULD STOP BREATHING IMMEDIATELY AND WHILE YOURE AT IT TAKE THE THIRSTY HOE WHO WANTS TO BE ME SO BAD WITH YOU GOODNIGHT
YOURE TELLING ME THAT IM DEAD AND MY BEST FRIEND STEPS INTO MY ROLE PLAYS MOMMY FOR MY CHILDREN AND FALLS IN LVOE WITH MY HUSBAND MY FUCKING MAN AND IM ACTUALLY ALIVE SO I COME HOME AND FIND OUT THEYRE ENGAGED BUT HE APPARENTKY STILL LOVES ME AND SAYS HES GONNA END THINGS WITH HER YET HES CONSTABTKY COMFORTING HER AND AT HER BECK AND CALL IGNORING ME NEVER STANDINF UP FOR ME WHEN MY EX BEST FRIEND SAYS IM AN UNSTABLE AND UNFIT MOTHER YEAH FUCK THAT SHIT YOU TOTALLY LOVE ME UH HUH
DONT FORGET HE RENAMES OUR BOAT THAT WAS ORIGINALLY MY FUCKING NAME THE BOAT THAT WAS THE PLACE WE MET THE PLACE HE PROPOSED THE PLACE WE CONCEIVED OUR KIDS FOR HER HE CHANGES IT TO HER NAME AS A PRE WEDDING GIFT WHEN HE ONCE TOLD ME THAT THE NAME OF THE BOAT IS WHAT HIS HEART TRULY DESIRES EXCUSE ME TF
UH YEAH IM FUCKING OUTTIE GET ME OUT OF THIS NIGHTMARE IM GONNANA OFF MUSELF RIGHT TF NOW THIS MAN IS DOWNRIGHT AN ABSOLUTE POS IDIOTIC LOSER OF A HUMAN AND SHOULD STOP BREATHING IMMEDIATELY AND WHILE YOURE AT IT TAKE THE THIRSTY HOE WHO WANTS TO BE ME SO BAD WITH YOU GOODNIGHT
dnf
November 9, 2023I was annoyed with the writing style… lots of telling me about how great her marriage is without showing me… and I knew that would continue to bother me, so I check reviews… and realized that she continues in this style through the whole book … and the angst that’s coming will not work for me if I’m not connected to this couple. And I’m not. Also, several reviews say they all end up friends in the end. And I’m not about that life. 🤷🏼♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2025
4.5 stars
The couple was so dorky in their love for one another in the beginning. It was hard to get through but once we got into the meat of the story, I was hooked.
I felt the angst and the pain of both characters but also the love Sawyer felt when he was given a second chance with his soul mate. It was so epic. I know he treated the OW like crap but I didn’t even care cause how can you fight that sort of love. I finished and then immediately read my favorite parts several times.
Highly recommended.
The couple was so dorky in their love for one another in the beginning. It was hard to get through but once we got into the meat of the story, I was hooked.
I felt the angst and the pain of both characters but also the love Sawyer felt when he was given a second chance with his soul mate. It was so epic. I know he treated the OW like crap but I didn’t even care cause how can you fight that sort of love. I finished and then immediately read my favorite parts several times.
Highly recommended.
November 11, 2019
I couldn’t put this down. The way the author handle this story was fantastic. It was angst filled. If you want a angst filled read with an ending that you will love this book is it.
June 18, 2023
⭐️⭐️ for angst because Saw-🤮, sorry, Sawyer 🤢 deserves book jail time!
The reality is that Sawyer is a big hot raging inflamed red flag, and every time I had to read his POV I wanted to scream. Let’s unpack:
🚩 nicknaming your wife’s best friend “Breezy” because she’s a (and listen to this) A BREATH OF FRESH AIR?! I think not.
🚩 his “she doesn’t even look like she had twin babies because she regained her figure so quickly after having them” comment was so out of pocket
🚩 HE WAS SO PASSIVE ALL THE TIME. If I were him and this annoying best friend came up to me and forcefully moved herself into my house without my prior knowledge I would simply escort her luggage out to the sidewalk and see her out. That was crazy. Also the whole “you need me” 1000x from her and his “yes I need you😩” grated my nerves.
🚩 (this might be on me and heavily influenced by mafia-men characters who would literally go above and twice beyond for their girl but) the fact that he only spent two weeks “searching” for her (cause really from what I gathered he looked for her for the first few days, and decided to stay the two weeks to ‘honour’ her trip) and a little over a year before moving onto a new relationship 😭😭😭 scream
🚩 the “you’re my fave” comments felt FOUL 😩
🚩 it also really sucked that he told Bree that he ‘loved her and always would’ when the supposed love of his life is IN THE SAME HOUSE AS THEM. This was foulllll, and he seems ridiculous. It’s hard to believe that really loved Quinn all that much and had that deep unique connection with her.
I feel like this book addressed some things in ways that I really disagreed with. Quinn absolutely had the right to feel betrayed!!! And she felt bad for feeling upset!!! Girl, cry your pearls, you are entitled to it!!!! Seriously, the fact that this is never really addressed… Sawyer for all of his ✨soul-deep connection✨ with Quinn didn’t have any qualms in getting with her best friend? I feel the loyalty from here. Quinn was also a sweet character and she deserved all the devotion in the world, which Sawyer sadly didn’t have much of. The way he dealt with his relationship with Bree was also so messy and dysfunctional, it was crazy. She disrespected his wife tremendously, yet he tells her she’s always welcome in their home? Think again, sweetie. He should have defended her and stood by her side more too. He really sucked at setting boundaries, and I’m convinced they got down and dirty during those 45 minutes up in Bree’s room or whatever. For a man that seemed so great, he cared more about appeasing to Bree than taking care of his wife. I really felt for Quinn, and the angst was good. I think she deserves better though.
The reality is that Sawyer is a big hot raging inflamed red flag, and every time I had to read his POV I wanted to scream. Let’s unpack:
🚩 nicknaming your wife’s best friend “Breezy” because she’s a (and listen to this) A BREATH OF FRESH AIR?! I think not.
🚩 his “she doesn’t even look like she had twin babies because she regained her figure so quickly after having them” comment was so out of pocket
🚩 HE WAS SO PASSIVE ALL THE TIME. If I were him and this annoying best friend came up to me and forcefully moved herself into my house without my prior knowledge I would simply escort her luggage out to the sidewalk and see her out. That was crazy. Also the whole “you need me” 1000x from her and his “yes I need you😩” grated my nerves.
🚩 (this might be on me and heavily influenced by mafia-men characters who would literally go above and twice beyond for their girl but) the fact that he only spent two weeks “searching” for her (cause really from what I gathered he looked for her for the first few days, and decided to stay the two weeks to ‘honour’ her trip) and a little over a year before moving onto a new relationship 😭😭😭 scream
🚩 the “you’re my fave” comments felt FOUL 😩
🚩 it also really sucked that he told Bree that he ‘loved her and always would’ when the supposed love of his life is IN THE SAME HOUSE AS THEM. This was foulllll, and he seems ridiculous. It’s hard to believe that really loved Quinn all that much and had that deep unique connection with her.
I feel like this book addressed some things in ways that I really disagreed with. Quinn absolutely had the right to feel betrayed!!! And she felt bad for feeling upset!!! Girl, cry your pearls, you are entitled to it!!!! Seriously, the fact that this is never really addressed… Sawyer for all of his ✨soul-deep connection✨ with Quinn didn’t have any qualms in getting with her best friend? I feel the loyalty from here. Quinn was also a sweet character and she deserved all the devotion in the world, which Sawyer sadly didn’t have much of. The way he dealt with his relationship with Bree was also so messy and dysfunctional, it was crazy. She disrespected his wife tremendously, yet he tells her she’s always welcome in their home? Think again, sweetie. He should have defended her and stood by her side more too. He really sucked at setting boundaries, and I’m convinced they got down and dirty during those 45 minutes up in Bree’s room or whatever. For a man that seemed so great, he cared more about appeasing to Bree than taking care of his wife. I really felt for Quinn, and the angst was good. I think she deserves better though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews