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The Rest of Me

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Death never simply settles for the life it claims.
It’s greedy.
It stole all of our lives that night and while it put my husband in the ground, it left my four children and me behind.
After an ugly year of grief, something had to change.

My sister suggested open spaces, big skies and fresh air in the heart of Wyoming.
We settled into our shared estate the best we could until I met my new neighbor.
Arrogant, bossy and rude; Reid was easily the worst person I’d ever met. I'd decided to write him off entirely until I realized he was the only local horse instructor.

I’d heard that if I could get my kids onto a horse, they’d start to heal.
Desperation had me creating an alliance with him.
Envy had me craving the connection he had with them.

Distracted by the newness of our situation, I missed how close his demons danced to my ghosts. While I was ignorantly letting him take my heart, it was too late to realize . . .
He’d already stolen it once before.

284 pages, ebook

First published October 18, 2019

1026 people are currently reading
2858 people want to read

About the author

Ashley Munoz

29 books2,600 followers
Ashley resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and four children. She enjoys hiking, sneaking off to read, and of course, drinking copious amounts of coffee when she finally sits down to write.

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5 stars
1,073 (37%)
4 stars
1,003 (35%)
3 stars
584 (20%)
2 stars
125 (4%)
1 star
40 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
Profile Image for Ainhoa.
582 reviews17 followers
November 14, 2022
Apparently I’m on a Ashley Munoz high! And oh man, she delivers.

This was a great second chance story with Layla who lost his husband tragically and is left with their four children. She moves to a different sweet little town and her neighbor doesn’t precisely start their relationship smoothly. It deals with loss, tragedy, and heartbreak.

I must say I loved Layla and I was surprised on how well developed she is, how well her torn feelings are described. Reid was even better, I loved the man, his patience, his understanding, his will to keep going. But most of all, I loved the kids... I loved them all for different reasons but they made this story complete.

It was a beautiful story, and you should read it. The end.
Profile Image for G.
513 reviews201 followers
November 6, 2021
4 stars
Loved this book soo much. This was my first book from Ashley Munoz and certainly would not be my last.
The different ways everyone dealt with their grief was beautiful to read about. Reid and Layla helped each other to heal from the issues that plagued them. The kids, for me, were a highlight in this book. I admired Reid so much for how he treated them. Kinda wished the epilogue was longer though....
I'm looking forward to reading more books from the author.
Profile Image for Jessica .
2,575 reviews15.9k followers
July 5, 2023
I was excited to try out a new small town romance author and this one was cute and emotional! The heroine is still overcoming the loss of her husband as she's raising her kids. She moves and her new neighbor is kind and wants to help her out. The story goes on from there. I prefer just a bit more angst in my romances, so I was a little bored as the story continued and the heroine didn't want to fall in love again after losing her husband. The connection between the hero and her kids was sweet. But I need more than a sweet romance and a sweet story, so I didn't love this one as much as I wanted to.
Profile Image for Jessie.
209 reviews18 followers
October 13, 2019
This emotional second chance romance should be the best one of 2019.

I received this arc in exchange for my honest review.


“Sometimes life can beat your heart in such way that it can tear you apart. But then there appears an angel without wings, with such a big heart, with so much desire to love, that it brings them all together with all the good things it offers."

I'm glad I gave this book a chance. Honestly, I didn't want it to end. It is a story full of many feelings, but it will surely steal your heart. And I think Reid will occupy the most space in it. A new book boyfriend for your list.

Layla Jacobson is mother of four child, a widow, conservative and in her mid-thirties. The death of her husband Travis was a serious blow in everyone's life. His departure left a bitter taste and although a year has passed, she has not been able to release the pain of her loss. Together with her children, she decides to find the best way to start healing and continue with their lives in a new place. One where hope will be born, new friends and a neighbor who will give you much more than a friendship.

Jameson Reid Harrison, returned to his village with a broken heart but willing to start over. His new job as an equine therapy assistant will open a door to a second chance at love. He is gentle, so willing and understanding that it will be difficult not to love him.

This story about second chances, forgiveness, determination and healing will keep you on the verge of tears. It is beautiful and the plot is excellent. Impossible not to love it. What are you waiting to read it?

***Highly recommended.***
Profile Image for Dawn.
128 reviews73 followers
November 28, 2020
This was a freebie and I probably wouldn't have noticed it otherwise. My moods have been all over the place when it comes to reading just now but I really enjoyed this one.
Profile Image for Mel  (whilemelwasreading).
1,301 reviews119 followers
September 30, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “They’d hurt someone I wanted to protect, someone important to me, because however it had happened, Layla and her kids were important to me.”

What you’ll find:
✔️Cowboy Romance
✔️Enemies to Lovers
✔️Widowed Single Mom
✔️Slow Burn
✔️Dual POV

Layla is determined to heal from her husbands tragic death, not only for her kids, but herself. She’s settling into her new ranch and hoping what she’s heard about horses will help her kids heal. But when she meets the horse instructor, who happens to be her new neighbour, it’s not smooth sailing. And his demons are closer to her ghosts then she realized. When she gives him her heart, she doesn’t realize that he’s stolen it once before.

This book seriously touched my heart. It stood out from what I’ve been reading. Why, you might ask? Because it took its time. You got to know the characters. And let me tell you, Reid, the way he just wades right in. Without overstepping. He will steal your heart. If the kids don’t that is. If it wasn’t Reid bringing tears to my eyes, it was the kids. This book is packed with plenty of heart and emotion. It’s light on the steam. Has a smidge of humour. And has twists thrown in that will rock you. I must say, they were a bit predictable for me, but it didn’t take away from the anticipation of how it unfolded.

This story was about two lost souls who found the light in each other. With the help of some kids who are wise beyond their years. They could teach you a lot about love all on their own. Such a beautiful story. If you enjoy a love story that is slow building and has plenty of emotion, I definitely recommend this one!
580 reviews9 followers
August 30, 2019
I dont even have the words to describe how much I loved this book..whatever I could say would never be enough Biggest book hangover EVER! I loved every character( especially the kids) amazing storyline! My heart hurt at times while ready this...this was my first read by Ashley but now a forever fan!
Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,912 reviews392 followers
Read
December 2, 2024
DNF @ 40%- the hero in this is so painfully creepy and cringe to me. I tried to push through because I think the heroine’s love after loss journey could be great, especially with 4 kids who are in different stages of grief and are also being helped by the hero with horse therapy, but the way his inner monologue thinks of her when she’s said she isn’t ready to move on is just.. yeah pass for me. I think if you like love after loss stories with a hero who is a little obsessed with the heroine off the bat, but has his own issues then you’ll like this listen/read.
Profile Image for andrea.el.
248 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️


* this was a heartwarming story and the plot…???? holy crap did i cry
Profile Image for ❤️Court - Villains Do It Better❤️.
1,081 reviews782 followers
January 18, 2022
3.25 Stars

Not bad. I could never really connect with the heroine because all she did was cry and it got to be a bit annoying😅 I get she was grieving, but maybe she wasn't ready to move on then because it did take away from the romance. The hero on the other hand, I know he made a huge mistake, but I still loved him and I'm glad he finally got the family he wanted, although I did feel like he was with the heroine more for the kid rather than herself with how much he kept saying how lonely he was😅 I'm really glad that the heroine's husband was a good guy though and that the author didn't take the easy way out to make it easier for the heroine to move on. Lastly, the twists were pretty obvious but it's whatever.


Safety:

Om drama- Heroine is widowed I think for a little over a year, and it does cause some drama but not really jealousy. Mainly just the heroine still handling her grief. She also has kids with him.

Ow drama- Hero was previously engaged and had a baby on the way but found she cheated on him and baby isn't his, and it doesnt cause any drama/jealousy. A girl the hero had made out with in HS has some appearances and hero almost goes out with her.

Both I think have been celibate since their previous relationship

No cheating/sharing

No virgins/no manh*e
Profile Image for pagesofchapters | demi.
145 reviews94 followers
August 7, 2020
“I wanted to tell you that somehow, through the love of this man, I’ve found a way to forgive your brother.”

THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!! Going into this book I thought it was going to be another regular romance but OH MY WAS I WRONG!!!

Firstly, I really enjoyed the ‘country’ aspects that were thrown into this book. It made a really strong and stable setting for the events of this book. Secondly, I really enjoyed the relationship Layla had with her kids throughout this book, and how they supported eachother through losing their dad. Speaking of that, I also really enjoyed the plot of this book and loved how it tackled the topic of greif and healing from hardships.

Now for Reid and Layla’s relationship. I really liked their relationship throughout the story. I loved that it was taken in a more realistic approach in the way that it grew slowly over time and not just an immediate event. (I did however think the lust they both had for eachother when they first met was a little much).

Now for the plot twist that truly came out and slapped me in the face..REID WAS THE MAN WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR LAYLA’s HUSBANDS DEATH??? AND HIS SISTER IS THE WOMAN SHE HAD BEEN WRITING TO??????? When I read this I was absolutely shocked. So I give a hug applause to Ashley Munoz for writing an incredible plot twist that I didn’t see coming. She did an incredible job of having us fall in love with this relationship and hope for them to be together so much that we wouldn’t even think about this! I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance with a plot twist so this was very refreshing!

Overall, I absolutely adored this book from start to finish! I will definitely be looking into more of Ashley Munoz’s work!!

“And you’re the rest of me, all of it...forever”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gladys Avilés.
357 reviews5 followers
October 12, 2019
“She wasn’t ready for love and I wasn’t ready to lose her.”

This is a great read from the very begging to the end!
A widow that struggles with her pain and a man carrying a thousand battles!
Ashley has this power to make you love the characters she creates because they feel real and totally unique!
Reid and Layla’s love story is absolutely everything that I love! Beautiful and healing! It was emotional and heartwarming! The chemistry between them was charming and so realistic, I loved every scene between them. And the kids were the cutest!
I loved the setting this book took place in.. and the horses!
I laughed and cried a few tears, or a lot with the beautiful epilogue. The family concept was something I enjoyed with every chapter I read.

Can’t wait for the world to read this book!

Another amazing Ashely’s book that goes to the 2019 top reads!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
19.8k reviews249 followers
September 7, 2019
Layla is devastated when her husband is killed in an accident, which leaves her struggling to keep her head above water in order to be there for her 4 children. A fresh start is needed all round, and she meets arrogant and broody Reid, who is her new neighbour. Reid has his own dark past which haunts him and to overcome, but can he and Layla heal each other? This is a beautifully written story, which is an emotional roller coaster throughout, as well as being a heart-warming, raw, gritty, and powerful story. This is a fantastic story, and I highly recommend for all readers.
Profile Image for The Book Lover.
2,070 reviews31 followers
October 18, 2019
This was a sweet and hopeful story, Miss Munoz was a new author to me, but the story was well written and the characters were amazing!
Profile Image for it.sgottabethebooks.
1,843 reviews87 followers
September 11, 2019
This is my first Ashley Munoz Book. She is a phenomenal writer who has me hooked from the very beginning of Reid and Layla’s story.

The Rest of Me had me in all the feels. It had me swooning, crying and laughing out loud. It broke me as I felt for Layla. The tragic loss she and her children endured is heartbreaking. Layla’s sadness and loneliness she desperately tries to hide from everyone will have you feeling so much heartache. Reid was a broken man with a broken past and you can’t help be drawn to his heartache. The relationship he formed with his Layla and her kids was so sweet. He had the patience of a saint. I just fell in love with his character.

The Rest of Me was such a beautiful story. I couldn’t get enough of it. It’s such an emotional book that will have you on a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish. Ashley knocked it out of the park with Reid and Layla’s journey.
Profile Image for Marissa West.
333 reviews
February 24, 2023
To be honest the last like 70 pages kinda ruined this for me. I was really enjoying it. Following Layla’s grief after losing her husband and then the chaos she felt in moving on and finding how to love again was heartbreaking and beautiful.

It was feeling like real life, the different stages of grief the whole family was in throughout the story all felt so completely real. The kid’s relationship with Reid was so heartwarming wholesome, the way he helped them with each of their one struggles by just being there for them.

Then Reid had do go and be the drunk driver that killer her husband?! And hardly had any jail time?! It just doesn’t make sense. That didn’t need to happen, Reid could have still had his own grief from losing what he thought was his daughter. He still could have been dealing with the betrayal of his ex cheating. Sure he could have still gotten drunk and drove. But he didn’t have to be the one that killed Layla’s husband. Ugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kelly_Reads_Books.
2,115 reviews186 followers
October 3, 2019
What a sweet, touching story about tragedy, hope, love, and second chances.
Layla and Reid have a strong physical attraction but they both have a past that interferes with their relationship.
I recommend this romantic love story.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews116 followers
Want to read
May 9, 2021
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/26/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,206 reviews154 followers
May 27, 2020
4.5 stars. this was so good and that epilogue was the sweetest! I did call the big twist right from the beginning and the pacing was a little off but other than that I really enjoyed this book and i’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
Profile Image for Lager Lefse Book Blog.
557 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2019
It’s always a good thing when you walk away from a book thinking, ‘Wow’ (jaw and emotions on the floor). So here I sit and I’m still thinking, ‘wow’, but beyond that I feel like I have no words. So here it goes.

There were so many aspects of this book that I loved, but the characters are a main part. Layla is drowning in grief from the death of her husband. While trying to fake it until she can make it, she is also mom to four incredibly awesome kids. I loved the kids and their personalities in this book. Their presence completely added to the book in every single way. It was fantastic to read an emotional romance book that focused so much on family, even if that put Layla and Reid in some precarious situations. 😉

"Henley says that daddy is your rock and I wanted to give you a rock from me, so I could be your rock too."


Reid, Reid, Reid. Talk about someone who was practicing a severe case of self-hate. Despite his feelings toward himself, I had the complete opposite feeling towards him. He was gentlemanly, hardworking, sensitive, and an animal lover to boot. Every emotion that he felt towards himself, I had the opposite reaction. He is a gorgeous man, based on his character and personality alone.

'"When the hurt gets too big, and there's no one who will understand; I tell them"..."They listen better than anyone and my soul always feels lighter when I'm done.'"


Ashley Munoz, you have created an epically emotion filled book with so many dimensions that it is truly awe-inspiring. The characters are complex while having a simple nature. It is difficult not to fall in love with each one. The story line melded together so easily while experiencing the ups/downs of a good book. Think a lazy river rapids ride, with its sudden drops, tumultuous water, and evening out finally to calm. From beginning to epilogue, I was sucked in and thoroughly loved this book.

"She wasn't ready for love and I wasn't ready to lose her."

Profile Image for JoAnna Edger.
388 reviews
August 15, 2019
Let me just start out by saying that Ashley has totally taken all of my emotions with this book and twisted them in 5,000 different ways!

My heart breaks for Layla and her family. I couldn’t imagine being put in her situation and trying to figure out the next steps! I love her for her strength and willpower to push through every day even when she doesn’t feel like she can.

Reid coming into her life was so unexpected because obviously she was nowhere near looking for someone that she would remotely have a connection with... but lemme tell you their connection is THROUGH THE ROOF!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

The amount of care this man shows just melts my heart and I truly can say I love me some Reid! You will too I just know it.

Lastly i will stress this book brings ALL THE FEELS, laughing, crying, anger, fun... this was just all around a book that will grab you and leave you satisfied!!!

Without a doubt 5 stars!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#YouWantThis #SecondChanceRomance
Profile Image for Shelly Tooley.
202 reviews10 followers
September 13, 2019
This is such a phenomenal book! I am blown away! A devastated Layla who loses her husband Travis, the love of her life, in a car accident, decides that her and her children need a fresh start somewhere new where they weren’t surrounded by what they lost. Little did they know that their neighbour Reid would be the one to help heal them. This book is filled with so much angst and feels. It will rip open your heart and put it back together. You will feel so much for Layla and her 4 children. Feel the loss, feel the struggle and then cheer them on as they heal. I felt every emotion while reading this book. I fell in love with her 4 children Michael, Steven, Jovi and Henley. I loved the special relationship that Reid has with each individual child. I just loved everything about this story and I know that I will reread this book many times. Congratulations Ashley! This book is epic!
Profile Image for Krystal Estrada.
50 reviews
October 18, 2019
Forgiveness and love at its best!

I generally stay away from romance in the "western" genre because it's not my cup of tea, but this book is so much more than that! Layla and Reid's story is full of the healing power of love and forgiveness, and you need it in your life.
Layla is broken, and rightfully so, after losing her husband. Her pain is so raw and real that you cry with her through her heartbreak.
Reid is existing, punishing himself for something he finds unforgivable but, through it all, he'll capture your heart. He's so patient, kind, understanding, and deserving of everything he believes he isn't.
This second chance love story is exactly the kind of second chance that I love. Broken roads that are blessed; happiness despite the pain and sorrow. This one has all the feels and you'll find yourself frantically turning pages begging for more.
Profile Image for Booklover Mercis Bookish Blog.
337 reviews23 followers
September 13, 2019
This book destroyed me from chapter 1!So many times my heart would break only for her to stitch it right back together.Moving on from the death of a spouse has got to be tough but she plays out in detail just how painful it can really be with the tears,the guilt.But you can't fight love and she proves it with Reid and Laylas beautiful,enchanting,heart warming story..I mean holy shnaps!!Talk about intense chemistry!!❤❤❤I am head over heels for Reid.Does he come in size merci?!😂My fiance will understand😂Layla has got to be the sweetest,most caring female character I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.Love love loved it!Ashley you are a phenomenon!...are you even human?..are you an alien because this book was out of this world!(yeah i know cheesy but it really was)❤❤❤❤💣💣💣💣💣
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,639 reviews
October 18, 2019
I read this book in one sitting while I was at work and supposed to be working. I loved every word of it. I had tears in my eyes at several parts of this book. I loved that you felt like you were right there with them feeling all the emotions that they were feeling. Reid and Layla were so good and written so beautifully. The kids were great. They added so much to this story and it was wonderful. Reid and Layla were looking for the second chance that they deserved. They were able to find it with each other and they had some bumps in their path to happiness but love was more powerful. This story was powerful. I highly recommend this book and I think that you should have some tissues ready because you will need them.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
351 reviews5 followers
September 12, 2019
While this is the first book by Ashley that I have read, I'm confident it won't be my last!
If you like books that you can't predict what will happen next, then this book is for you.
Ashley did an amazing job bringing me into this story. I felt everything that Reid and Layla experienced. For me this is important as a reader.

I don't want to give to much of the book away, but there were times where I felt happy, sad, mad and wanting to put the book down and not pick it up again (glad I kept reading) just to name a few emotions.

Profile Image for Elaine.
735 reviews7 followers
October 16, 2019
OMG, why do I love this book so much, it about lose, love and lose again!! Ashley Munoz will rip your heart apart with each word written, I cired, laughed, cried and cried some more!!
Reid and Layla have tried to come to terms with their losses, Layla because she lost her husband to an accident, while the drunk driver got way with only months in jail!
Reid because he lost himself because of an ex!
Will Layla and Reid get their happily ever after or will their past come back to haunt them?
Profile Image for Kathy Seabrease.
718 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2019
What a phenomenal love story! So well written! Loved Reid and Layla...both broken, but trying to find their way back... He is the mate we all want in our lives...trying so hard to be loving man, a better man! I cried, I chuckled and fell in love with them and their story... is it possible to find someone so understanding and compassionate as Reid? ... while trying to cope with his own pain and secrets...And was floored by what that was. Keep em coming Ashley!
Profile Image for Jaime Reynolds.
1,930 reviews23 followers
September 3, 2019
Absolutely loved loved this story. Tragedy strikes two people who find one another and essentially help heal each other. A heartfelt story full of emotions, hope and new beginnings. Of finding love when you never thought it was possible again. This is one that you need on your TBR list. Fair warning though, once you start you will not want to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews

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