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This
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Bennett Ross has a list of don’t-wants. No white dress or happily ever after. She doesn’t want soul-crushing love or promises she’s too broken to keep. Most of all, she doesn’t want anyone to ask her to stay.
Dane Masters might not have a list, but he does have a house and a steady job, and he knows exactly what he wants—Bennett.
When life keeps dragging her back to him, he’s there to give her a reason not to leave again. Each time, she has more trouble walking away, and he falls a little harder when she goes.
Unless Dane can find a way to prove he’s what she’s been searching for, Bennett will always have an excuse to push him away.
And then he’ll risk becoming another broken piece she leaves behind.
Bennett Ross has a list of don’t-wants. No white dress or happily ever after. She doesn’t want soul-crushing love or promises she’s too broken to keep. Most of all, she doesn’t want anyone to ask her to stay.
Dane Masters might not have a list, but he does have a house and a steady job, and he knows exactly what he wants—Bennett.
When life keeps dragging her back to him, he’s there to give her a reason not to leave again. Each time, she has more trouble walking away, and he falls a little harder when she goes.
Unless Dane can find a way to prove he’s what she’s been searching for, Bennett will always have an excuse to push him away.
And then he’ll risk becoming another broken piece she leaves behind.
289 pages, Paperback
Published September 24, 2019
190 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
C.G. Blaine
10 books144 followersC.G. Blaine writes contemporary romance and new adult novels. At one time, she was cool. Now she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband and plays pillow to a forever-hangry blind cat. She’s terrible at texting back, and if she’s overly nice to you, chances are she’s not a fan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 22, 2020
I am disappointed. THIS was not what I was hoping for. I was expecting a far more heartfelt story and I felt as if I was not given it. Yes it had its moments but not enough for me to fall in love with it. Disappointed ain't a word enough.
September 30, 2019
It could have been a great book if it wasn't for the fact that even after they'd been together even unofficially, but in a distant relationship where they talked and met regularly, he kept fucking other women. And the fact that he was jealous when she posted a picture with another man? How hypocritical is that? So yes, cheat for me. Which makes a pill very hard to swallow when he says he loved her from the first time he saw her. Just not, it ruined the book completely for me.
September 22, 2019
THIS, oh my gosh this book. I loved it! It made me laugh, I teared up and I rejoiced at the ending. Such a well written book, it kept me turning the pages hoping Bennett would resolve her abandonment issues and find her HEA. I fell in love with Dane. Her bestie, Keaton is a hoot. Not only are the main characters well developed, so are the supporting characters.
September 27, 2019
This was my first book by C. G. Blaine and I loved it. At first I had some problems with the book, not because of the writing or the story perse. But because of some decisions the characters made, but overall I really loved Bennett and particularly Dane. He was amazing.
September 18, 2019
I think I stumbled across a treasure tonight and it’s called This by C.G. Blaine. I thoroughly enjoyed this deeply moving love story. Blaine manages to infuse humor, romance and tears all into one beautiful tale. Blaine gives her characters layers of vulnerability which breathes life into them on the page. Dane and Bennett’s love story is swoon worthy. I loved the witty banter and the group of friends that give the characters depth. There is a lot of sex in this book, but unlike most contemporary romance it doesn’t feel cheap. Overall a fantastic read. I can’t wait to read more from Blaine. I was given a copy of this book.
September 26, 2019
I laughed, Cried and Swooned!! The Sex scenes were HOT!!! Dane and Bennett’s love story is Amazing!!! I loved Characters and the group of friends that give the characters support in this book!! This Author is Great, and this book was so worth the read!!!
September 25, 2019
Dane and Bennett are about to give you an unforgettable experience. Complex characters who feel so genuine and real. You'll find yourself loving and yelling at them, yet at the same time understand where they are coming from.
C.G. has a beautiful book voice in which is descriptive, powerful in the storytelling. Guaranteed to make you want to close your door, ignore your phone and people around you so that you can let yourself get lost in THIS.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
C.G. has a beautiful book voice in which is descriptive, powerful in the storytelling. Guaranteed to make you want to close your door, ignore your phone and people around you so that you can let yourself get lost in THIS.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
September 19, 2019
An amazing love story!
Loved this book. I laughed and cried while reading it. The love that Dane and Bennet share is wonderful. My heart hurt for the way Bennett's mother treated her. I'm so glad she had a family to accept her and love her.
Loved this book. I laughed and cried while reading it. The love that Dane and Bennet share is wonderful. My heart hurt for the way Bennett's mother treated her. I'm so glad she had a family to accept her and love her.
September 29, 2019
An emotional journey for two people before they could find their happy. For Bennett it's not a white dress or promises which will be broken inevitable. For Dane it's Bennett, but how long before he realises that's what he needs. Both have their own baggage from previous relationships as well as from what their families bring. There is hurt on both sides from each other and it's a fight to get where they need to be, but will it be one they are willing to make?
Great characters and even better side characters too.
Great characters and even better side characters too.
September 28, 2019
This is an emotional journey
Bennett and Dane meet in the most unusual way but instantly know that it wont be the last they see of each other and over the next year as Bennett continually leaves to follow her nomadic dreams of seeking ...something. Would Dane and she be able to continue their relationship or would the distance break them apart?
I read a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Bennett and Dane meet in the most unusual way but instantly know that it wont be the last they see of each other and over the next year as Bennett continually leaves to follow her nomadic dreams of seeking ...something. Would Dane and she be able to continue their relationship or would the distance break them apart?
I read a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
September 27, 2019
4 1/2 Stars
This was a well written but emotionally exhausting story between Dane and Bennett. They both started out as commitment-phobic independent singles enjoying casual and frequent hookups.
I didn’t like their random cheating even after meeting each other.
It took a long long time before Dane realized he wanted more from Bennett, and it took even longer for Bennett to stop acting like a bonehead.
Well written and heartbreaking backstory for both of them. I couldn’t decide which was worse, Bennett’s horribly cruel and selfish mother or Dane’s sleezy womanizing and greedy father.
So much relationship problems with Bennett and her exes who all inherited the cheating gene. The first time she saw the social media posts with Dane’s hands and lips all over another girl while messaging Bennett, I felt sick for her.
Lots and lots of drama and angst in this very long detailed storyline of a couple who deserved their final HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a well written but emotionally exhausting story between Dane and Bennett. They both started out as commitment-phobic independent singles enjoying casual and frequent hookups.
I didn’t like their random cheating even after meeting each other.
It took a long long time before Dane realized he wanted more from Bennett, and it took even longer for Bennett to stop acting like a bonehead.
Well written and heartbreaking backstory for both of them. I couldn’t decide which was worse, Bennett’s horribly cruel and selfish mother or Dane’s sleezy womanizing and greedy father.
So much relationship problems with Bennett and her exes who all inherited the cheating gene. The first time she saw the social media posts with Dane’s hands and lips all over another girl while messaging Bennett, I felt sick for her.
Lots and lots of drama and angst in this very long detailed storyline of a couple who deserved their final HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2019
Emotionally draining....in a good way! Was already a fan of C. G.'s with her first book and really hoped the second wouldn't disappoint. No surprise here, it didn't. She has a way with writing a rollercoaster of a book where you find yourself so sucked in and you become invested in the characters. Hilarious and sad, be ready to test yourself and enjoy the ride.
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.
September 29, 2019
This is my first book from this author and it will not be my last I just loved Dane and Bennett's book these two are great characters and were just smoking hot together. This s a good well-written book that sucked me in and kept me hooked right until the very end I would recommend it.
October 23, 2019
3.5
This was my first time reading a book by Blaine and I must say the writing was addicting and the characters were memorable. The reason my rating wasn't higher was because I can't handle these drama/angst filled relationships anymore. I can't relate to the dark pasts with family issues that make the characters hold back their feelings, I really can't. It was just hard for me to read about Bennett's indecision and the back and forth *shrug* if you're a person that loves a dash of that in your romance, I'm sure you'll enjoy this!
Huge thanks to the author for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion. ♥
For more of my reviews, please visit:
This was my first time reading a book by Blaine and I must say the writing was addicting and the characters were memorable. The reason my rating wasn't higher was because I can't handle these drama/angst filled relationships anymore. I can't relate to the dark pasts with family issues that make the characters hold back their feelings, I really can't. It was just hard for me to read about Bennett's indecision and the back and forth *shrug* if you're a person that loves a dash of that in your romance, I'm sure you'll enjoy this!
Huge thanks to the author for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion. ♥
For more of my reviews, please visit:
October 20, 2019
The story sucked me in from the first page. Bennett's gypsy soul, Dane's smoothness. I just knew it was going to consume me. I was so much into the story that I forgot the story wasn't real. I loved this book, this story, everything about it. I wasn't prepared for how much it put me in touch with my feelings. It was simple, elegant, and absolutely breathtaking.
The character growth in the two main characters is phenomenal. They were both soul searching for each other but they didn't understand it until they grew into the people they were meant to be. This part is so relatable in a way that most people go through this kind of growth in life.
The writing. I can't even begin to describe the writing style. It was unbelievable. The word choices and the way the book progressed was so beautiful. You were drawn just to her style.
This book absolutely deserves 5 stars.
The character growth in the two main characters is phenomenal. They were both soul searching for each other but they didn't understand it until they grew into the people they were meant to be. This part is so relatable in a way that most people go through this kind of growth in life.
The writing. I can't even begin to describe the writing style. It was unbelievable. The word choices and the way the book progressed was so beautiful. You were drawn just to her style.
This book absolutely deserves 5 stars.
September 28, 2019
Sometimes you can run so much that you don't have anywhere else to go to except home. Everybody has problems that they want to run from but can't. At some point, it gets tiresome and painless to others because you're always gone. She learned that the hard way which was unfortunate because she is lovable and worthy too. There are too many people that feel this way about life and that is sad.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2019
THIS is the only romance novel you need in your life. The story is richly layered with believable characters and beautifully written. I can't wait for the next one from C.G. Blaine!
September 30, 2019
Loved,loved this story
I fell in love with Bennet and Dean. This book was amazing and recommend it to everyone, if I can give it 10 stars i would.
I fell in love with Bennet and Dean. This book was amazing and recommend it to everyone, if I can give it 10 stars i would.
June 1, 2020
Amazon
Bennett has baggage, lots and lots of baggage. She doesn't want the white picket fence and a marriage. She does, however, want to take Dane to bed. But it will have to remain just for sex because she doesn't do the love thing or the happy ever after thing. Dane is determined, though, and what he wants is Bennett. If he's persistent enough, he just may scale those walls she's got around her heart.
First I gotta get this off my chest - Bennett was EXHAUSTING to read!!! She was so damaged that it broke my heart. I felt for her, but she got on my last freakin nerve with her running away, her hot and cold bs, and honestly, I thought Dane deserved better. Not that he was innocent or a saint, because definitely not. But, he did not deserve the crap she put him through.
That said, I liked this story even though it exhausted me at times. It is emotionally substantial, it's got heart, and more than a little sexy.
ARC via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
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January 25, 2021
I kinda loved this one. The reviews put me off to a certain extent, but I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would.
It was sweet, realistic and not over the top.
I liked that it was in 3 parts and all the different characters you meet along the way.
Deffo recommend
It was sweet, realistic and not over the top.
I liked that it was in 3 parts and all the different characters you meet along the way.
Deffo recommend
October 6, 2019
I really liked this book, despite the heroine and all her issues. If there was ever a book where a h needed to grovel, this was it. Dane was a hero I think most of my friends on here would approve. He was faithful and loyal and knew what he wanted. He knew there was nobody else after he met Bennett and he'll go over well with those who want the hero to do the chasing - even if Bennett didn't deserve him.
The book had a few minor glitches but nothing that would take anyone out of the story. It wasn't precisely what I go for, but I told someone earlier I can tolerate more things I don't necessarily fancy in an intelligently written book with relatable characters and a believable plot. And lord knows books like that are hard to come by of late.
If you don't like the angsty, push/pull stuff, I'd avoid this as it's chock full of it.
Dane isn't a manwhore, but neither is he a monk when he enters the story. Bennett does cheat on him once during a misunderstanding and doesn't come clean. There is some OM drama - which she does confess - and a small blip where the H's stepmum makes a play for him (ew). He doesn't keep that a secret.
All in all I felt it was a relatively solid story with nothing blatantly offensive. There is steam and it's dead sexy, but very tastefully done without resorting to the gutter for TMI explicit descriptions.
Good job. I'd read more by this writer.
The book had a few minor glitches but nothing that would take anyone out of the story. It wasn't precisely what I go for, but I told someone earlier I can tolerate more things I don't necessarily fancy in an intelligently written book with relatable characters and a believable plot. And lord knows books like that are hard to come by of late.
If you don't like the angsty, push/pull stuff, I'd avoid this as it's chock full of it.
Dane isn't a manwhore, but neither is he a monk when he enters the story. Bennett does cheat on him once during a misunderstanding and doesn't come clean. There is some OM drama - which she does confess - and a small blip where the H's stepmum makes a play for him (ew). He doesn't keep that a secret.
All in all I felt it was a relatively solid story with nothing blatantly offensive. There is steam and it's dead sexy, but very tastefully done without resorting to the gutter for TMI explicit descriptions.
Good job. I'd read more by this writer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2019
"This" is a charming story that has well defined characters. Bennett is a runner. How long can you keep running before it starts to hurt those you love? Dane how long do you wait for someone to run back to you and want to stay? Both have vulnerabilities that colour their live
Dane and Bennett first meet in an unconventional way and as their romance zig zags its way begining as a no ties long distance relationship. The ensuing journey is emotional, humorous, passionate and enlightening. Introducing wonderful characters Bennett meets whilst she goes from one place to another never staying long enough to lay down roots. Add the support, understanding and love of friends and family that helps both characters face some home truths with some heartache makes an attention grabbing read.
Dane and Bennett first meet in an unconventional way and as their romance zig zags its way begining as a no ties long distance relationship. The ensuing journey is emotional, humorous, passionate and enlightening. Introducing wonderful characters Bennett meets whilst she goes from one place to another never staying long enough to lay down roots. Add the support, understanding and love of friends and family that helps both characters face some home truths with some heartache makes an attention grabbing read.
September 30, 2019
This is the first C.G. Blaine book I have read and WOW.....it was a great read! I could not put this book down. This novel is about the relationship between Bennett Ross, who is searching for “something” in her life, and Dane Masters, who believes he is that “something”. Their romance is an emotional journey of periodic interconnects during their life paths. This book is dramatic, emotional, and steamy. The banter between the characters is priceless! I plan to read more of C.G. Blaine’ book’s in the near future. I highly recommend this wonderful book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2019
This.
This book.
This man.
This woman.
My god was it hot, angsty, frustrating, delicious... basically everything you would want from a romance novel.
I knew from the very first page that this was my kind of book. Dane & Bennett’s first meeting made me laugh, and their banter throughout made me smile. The rawness with which the author captures their emotions is astounding.
I devoured it, I loved it, and now I have a book hangover to contend with.
Five stars for a book by a new to me author. Fantastic.
This book.
This man.
This woman.
My god was it hot, angsty, frustrating, delicious... basically everything you would want from a romance novel.
I knew from the very first page that this was my kind of book. Dane & Bennett’s first meeting made me laugh, and their banter throughout made me smile. The rawness with which the author captures their emotions is astounding.
I devoured it, I loved it, and now I have a book hangover to contend with.
Five stars for a book by a new to me author. Fantastic.
October 1, 2019
I started this book with doubts that i wouldnt like it and gosh was i wrong! I loved this book, it had the right amount of everything needed to keep you hooked! Bennett was a great written character, i loved that she was strong willed and determined, at the same time i was wanting to slap her upside the head 😂 Dane - ah a heart throb that stole my heart from the get go! I laughed, had tears and cheered. This book was great! First by this author and not my last 😊
October 1, 2019
This was everything. I love that the attraction between Bennett and Dean, the fact that the two of them still lived their lives while separated was wonderful and realistic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2019
From start to finish, the book will suck you in and toy with your emotions- in the best way. Absolutely love CG and can’t wait to read more from her. Her words are an art form.
April 7, 2020
Not as angsty as I’d hoped from reading other reviews. But I ended up really liking this. I’ll definitely look out for more from Ms. Blaine.
November 16, 2021
Absolutely brilliant.
Powerful, full of humor, love, sadness, lies, expectations, hope, human faults... mistakes in relationships, fear. Fear of losing, fear of not being worthy of having it. So real you keep reading, you want to swallow the whole book, then it crashes and you cannot read... You put down that book, hoping all will be good. You return, you cry with the story and fear along with the characters. For your sanity. For their sake. For the happy ending.
Powerful, full of humor, love, sadness, lies, expectations, hope, human faults... mistakes in relationships, fear. Fear of losing, fear of not being worthy of having it. So real you keep reading, you want to swallow the whole book, then it crashes and you cannot read... You put down that book, hoping all will be good. You return, you cry with the story and fear along with the characters. For your sanity. For their sake. For the happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews