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The Reason

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Lily Turner was married to her best friend, Mark, but she longed for a love that ignited her soul and body. Problem was, she wondered if she ever had it at all. They were simply roommates, raising their kids under the same roof. But they both agree they deserve more, so they make the move toward uncoupling.Living separate lives in the same house, everything was going as planned and life was moving along, even if there were some bumps along the way.But when Lily met Casey Dunlap at a local caf�, their attraction was immediate, yet innocent, his sexy charm instantly drawing her in. When their harmless meetings slowly evolved into more than just friends, Lily struggled with the magnetic pull Casey had on her, not knowing what to do. It should have been easy - she was no longer going to be married. She had no reason to drag her feet... Except that Casey was nearly fifteen years her junior - only ten years older than her teenage son.Just when Lily felt she was ready for a new beginning, fate stepped in, leaving her wondering just what happened.So when a tragic accident brings the two together again, Casey will stop at nothing to prove to Lily that age is just a number when you finally the right person, even when Lily's kids discover her new love interest when she desperately tried to keep it secret.

258 pages, Paperback

Published December 12, 2020

4 people are currently reading
30 people want to read

About the author

Stacy M. Wray

9 books107 followers
Stacy M Wray started out writing romance, tried her hand at suspense, then shifted into women's fiction. Her love for real-life stories with grit and emotion guides her in her storytelling, especially when it comes to women. She doesn't believe that life should fall into a single genre.

Lover of gray and white cats, craver of all that nature has to offer, believer of the voice hidden deep in the depths of her soul, and the mother of two very amusing adult children, she realizes life is a constant revolving door.

She also appreciates that it's never too late to try something new. Never.

Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorstacym...
Website: www.stacymwray.com
Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/stacymwray

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5 stars
17 (41%)
4 stars
13 (31%)
3 stars
8 (19%)
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1 (2%)
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2 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for ✦ Ellen’s Reviews ✦.
1,773 reviews360 followers
February 11, 2019
I love finding new to me authors. I really enjoyed this sexy story about an older woman/younger man. The author avoided a lot of clichés which made for a thoroughly readable romance.

The gorgeous cover and description really grabbed my attention plus a trusted blogger friend highly recommended this book. 'The Reason' had ordinary people dealing with normal day-to-day issues plus a lovely romance, incredible chemistry and my favorite trope.

"I hate he can’t give me words –not even a fight. I guess I’m not worth his energy."

Lily Turner is witnessing the end of her marriage. Lily, the devoted wife and mother, is struggling with the new "normal" of her life. Enter the very unexpected Casey, a young man who has the potential to turn her well-ordered life upside down.


Casey is not what he seems at first. Lily is attracted to the sweet, sexy and caring Casey but their timing is all wrong. Not until a life-changing event occurs does Lily realize that there is potential for a wonderful relationship with Casey.

"We’ve built a friendship slowly and steadily. Do I want it to be more? Yes, I think I do. Not only am I physically attracted to him, I’m emotionally drawn to him, as well. What has been lacking in my marriage, I’ve found in the form of a much younger man."

When these two finally connect and Casey enters Lily's life, sparks fly! But tenstions buil as it becomes clear that Casey wants more. Is Lily ready to ignore convention and open herself to a relationship with a man 15 years younger?

I loved Casey and his mature ways and loving attitude. He was perfect for Lily! Lily had lost much of herself during her marriage and she struggled with finally doing something for her and allowing herself to be truly happy.

"Casey fills in the missing elements I’ve dearly craved over the years. I don’t know if I’ve ever had this much chemistry with my husband, even. It’s a heartbreaking thought. So, yes, after much contemplation, I decide I want to see him again; to respond to him a bit more to see if this –whatever –goes anywhere."

The realness of these characters kept me engaged in the story. Although I do not avoid love triangles, 'The Reason' is not that kind of story so don't let the synopsis scare you away. The book is sexy and romantic and has just the perfect amount of angst. I enjoyed Lily's journey and look forward to the author's next book.

"Why me, Casey?” His frown is instantaneous.

“Why not you, Lily?”
Profile Image for Autumn.
908 reviews10 followers
January 22, 2019
Lily Turner longs for a very different kind of love than what she shares with her husband - the kind that ignites your body and your soul. Somehow, she and Mark lost that spark or perhaps they never even had it. All that is left is more of a friendship than a marriage. And they both agree that they deserve so much more.

Now they are trying to separate their lives with as much care as they can for the sake of their two children. Everything is going exactly as they planned. Life is moving on. Lily should be happy but all she can feel is lost. Until she sees Casey smile.

I suddenly stand with a thought, walking to my laptop situated on the built-in desk. Taking a seat in the chair, one leg tucked under the other, I research the tolerance of older women dating younger men. Is it such a stigma, these days?
I shut the lid before the browser retrieves any information. How do I even know Casey is on the same page?
Maybe I’m only kidding myself.


Casey Dunlap is mysteriously drawn to the woman who comes into the café almost every night. She’s unassuming, beautiful and just a little bit sad. The chemistry between them grows stronger with each stolen moment. There’s nothing he wants more than to make her his own but fate has other plans.

So when a tragic accident brings Lily back into his life, Casey is going to fight to prove to her that age is only a number when you finally find forever love.

Staring into his whiskey-colored eyes, I place my hands on his cheeks. “You are so magnificent,” I whisper. “Why me, Casey?”
His frown is instantaneous. “Why not you, Lily?” He shrugs as he moves me further up his legs, his stomach now nestled tightly into the apex of my thighs. “I can’t explain it, really. I was drawn to you immediately – more than physically.” He wiggles his brows playfully. “You have a beautiful soul.”
I smile at his compliment. “How do you know?”
“Because I can feel it.”
And when his mouth closes on mine, I know what he means.
I can feel his, too.


The Reason is simply an unforgettable reading experience! In her poignant prose, Stacy fashions a modern love story in all of its pain and glory.

Lily and Casey light up the pages with such a sweet longing that it’s actually palpable. And despite the blatant ageism and injustice that they encounter, they still find a way to stand strong – together.

Their story is completely honest and even frustrating at times. It’s perfectly imperfect. Just the way love should be…
Profile Image for Amy.
1,292 reviews34 followers
January 7, 2019
Great rainy day or beach day read.

MILF?
Cougar?

Not words I would use to describe Lily Turner. She is just a woman, closing in on 40, with 2 kids, an ex, and another chance of love!

The fizzle is out of her marriage, Lily and her BFF, Mark are trying to figure out the next step in their now ending relationship. They've set some ground rules for themselves so that nothing is a surprise to the other one. It's tough juggling a life, 2 kids, work, and everything else that is tossed at you. Lily finds love at the deli counter with a younger man, Casey. When tragedy strikes Lily & her family, Casey is there to sweep up the pieces and keep her smiling. Is Lily ready for more? Does she want to introduce him to her kids? Is she ashame of the younger man who makes her happy? So many questions that Lily needs to vet out of her life. What is holding her back from loving?

Casey is enchanted with Lily on sight! She is gorgeous. Yes, she is older, but who cares!? Not him. It's a slow dance between the two. Casual chat leads to coffee, leads to understanding, leads to backing off. It's only when Casey sees Lily after a year and her marriage is over that he pursues her relentlessly. He won't take NO for an answer. A BBQ turns into a roller coaster for the new couple, causing problems when Lily won't talk to Casey. He senses she is holding him at arm's length. Why? Is she ashamed of his age? Is she ashamed of him? Why can't she just let him in? He loves her, she loves him, let him in!

Thank you to Ms. Wray for reaching out to me. I love this book. I love Casey and his wisdom, his maturity, and his understanding. I kept waiting for him to chase her more, but he takes the adult approach and lets her think. There is no denying Casey's love for Lily. Yet I do understand Lily's hesitation with her children. She is too worried about what other people think. Who cares that he is younger! He is legal, has a job, and is hot for you! GO!

The writing is fast paced, the story, the characters will all capture you and pull you along in their story. You will get wrapped up in the love. Even Mark's love for Lily. He might not love her like a wife anymore, but he loves her because she is the mother to his kids. I even like Mark's new girlfriend Ellen! I like them all, even Oz! LOL

Profile Image for Leila.
168 reviews
February 1, 2019
The Reason was such a lovely read. And for anyone out there uncertain if this will be your cup of tea. I think like myself; you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Lily and her husband have to come to terms that their marriage is over.

Wanting to make their separation as amicable as possible for them and their children, but due to unexpected circumstances, they end up having to put this on hold. Although they are still living together, they are living separate lives except for co-parenting.

When Lily first meets Casey over the counter where he works, at first it’s a smile here or an acknowledgment there.

But he manages to get her heart pumping, and she feels things not even her husband Mark was able to evoke.

Casey doesn’t just stroke her ego, they have a connection, but when he finds out she’s still married even though they are separated, he decides to back off completely.

It’s only by chance they meet again and ignite something they never had the opportunity to before.

Yes, there is an age gap, but love doesn’t have an agenda. You love who you love. We see the trials and tribulations of how Lily and Casey ultimately try to make their relationship work, how they found each other not once but twice.

There was no sordid love affair or cheating in Lily’s marriage. Lily and her husband tried to make the separation as easy as possible for themselves and their children.

I’m glad I was offered this as an Advanced Readers copy, having only read one of her other books, I know I’ll be reading more.
Profile Image for Sacha Fortuné.
Author 5 books71 followers
September 18, 2021

Sacha's Book Reviews Blog

I accepted a review copy with NO time on my hands to read, and figured I'd get around to it in a couple of weeks... but then I started browsing the first few pages and found myself caught up in the story. (There went my plans for the day!)

The Pros & Cons
This was an easy one-sit read with fast-paced writing -- sometimes a little TOO fast, which was the only reason I docked a star. It seemed like some parts zipped by so quickly that the reader learns in past tense but didn't get a chance to experience it. I love stories like this, and I could feel the POTENTIAL to get me 100% emotionally involved, so these "passive" moments became its only drawback... as I wanted more!

When the couple finally gets together, the pace seems to shift drastically, and takes you along for the ride. The relationship feels real (all of the relationships, actually), and it's touching and emotional. The steamy scenes are tastefully written, which I appreciate thoroughly as it manages the delicate balance before tipping off into the deep end of "gratuitous" as so often happens when writing about older/younger couples.

One more thing (nothing lacking re: the writer or the story; just my own thoughts!): Given Casey's *swoon-worthy* involvement with her kids and the couple's age disparity, I'm surprised the topic never came up about any plans to have kids of his own. But hey, maybe their story isn't done yet, or maybe we can just imagine they'll figure that part out in time.

Conclusion
Anyway, all in all this was a good women's fiction story, tastefully done and well written. Totally worth chucking all your plans for the day!

___________
This review also appears on my blog. Visit to read more of my reviews: Sacha's Book Reviews Blog

Also be sure to check out Sacha's Must Read Recommendations

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Profile Image for Books Laid Bare.
2,275 reviews37 followers
January 22, 2019
Wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I flipped over the cover of my kindle and started this read but I must admit that by the time I was half an hour in I didn’t want to put it down. I quickly became engrossed and my husband quickly understood that getting me to move anytime soon was a nonstarter – this was a one sitting read and I thank my lucky stars that I had the time to switch off the outside world and immerse myself in what proved to be a fabulous read.

I thought the author handled the characters with an encouraging sensitivity although I have to admit that there were times where I was left a little bemused by some of the situations, or perhaps that isn’t doing the story justice, it was more the fact that I think the author was so keen to get to the good stuff that some of the background info was almost glossed over. But in the scheme of things I can’t say it distracted me too much if anything it forced me to slow down and look at the details carefully.

The age difference didn’t mean anything to me, there may have been 15 years between the characters and Lily may have been the older of the two but there was a soul-deep connection that held the pair of them and me hostage to their journey.
I get that some may find the fact that Casey was similar in age to one of her children off putting but I would encourage you to put that aside and give this pair a chance to change your mind, they certainly brought a smile to my face, with their tastefully written beautiful relationship.
A first from this author for me and it won’t be the last, I’m a convert, a great read
Profile Image for Favourite Book Corner.
811 reviews9 followers
January 27, 2019
5* Love is Love Stars

I get so excited when I discover a new Author and finish the book deliriously happy.

The Reason by Stacy M. Wary was released on 26th January and I saw this book on Maryse's Book Blog. When I clicked on the link and saw the cover, I was immediately drawn to read the blurb accompanying this gorgeous cover.

This is a beautifully written love story between Lily who is just about to turn 40 and Casey who is 15 years younger than her. Together they have to navigate their feelings with obstacles that are placed in front of them. When Lily met Casey she was in the process of getting divorced with two teenage children. Lily is conscious of the age difference between them and her children accepting this.

The story of Lily and Casey is so heartfelt and tender. It will pull at your heartstrings and have you routing for them all the way.

The characters in the book are so real and likeable. You will be caught up in this wonderful story and will not want it to end.

I loved this book and I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
Profile Image for Cecily Bonney.
1,049 reviews5 followers
January 17, 2019
I absolutely loved this read. It was so real and it was full if emotion.

Lily and Mark have been together and married for a long time. They have two beautiful children(Charlie and Joshua) and they fell out of love.

Unfortunately it happens to the best of us and we just have to keep pushing forward.

I love Lily! I mean there was a part in this book where she made me so angry and I just wanted to share some sense into her....but her kids did that for me.

Again this book is so real and once you read it you will know exactly what I am talking about.

Then there is Casey who happens to be 15 years younger than Lily. But age is just a number.

Let me tell you...I got a crush on Casey! Ugh...he was telling Charlie jokes while she was in the hospital..XOXOX

Loved this book!!!
Profile Image for Sharon.
4,152 reviews31 followers
February 21, 2019
What a wonderful way to be introduced to a new author (for me at least)! This is a romance between an older woman and a younger man, that in and of itself is wonderful to read as there don’t seem to be many books like this. These are ordinary people, they have ordinary feelings, problems, experiences and issues to go along with their romance. It’s a really nice romance story with lovely characters who have great chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Holly.
2,900 reviews
February 25, 2019
Do you need a reason to fall in love?
The book is sexy and romantic. Have some angst to it.
The realness of these characters kept me really engaged in the story.
Maybe not typical storyline as this kind of relationship is not very talk about. Why not? Older man and younger woman is perfect but not older woman and younger man. Yes,he was fifteen years younger . Just remember saying “it just the number”..
I enjoyed their journey to happiness .
More book from this author,definitely yes.
Love the cover!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for VMChick.
92 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2019
This is such a great read! I just loved the development of Lily and Casey's relationship and how it affects all of the other relationships in Lily's life. This book has a great supporting cast of characters and lots of good twists and turns that catch you off guard. The journey that Lily goes on throughout this story brought me so much joy - this is a really terrific novel. I was sad to see it end, and will hold out hope that maybe we will meet the characters again in a future novel.
Profile Image for Heather.S.
1,189 reviews11 followers
February 4, 2019
I saw this book randomly on Facebook and then found it again later on amazon and thank god!
All I can say is this - if me and my husband divorce please let us be like Lily and Mark! I almost wish they just worked it out with each other. But then I fell for Ellen and Casey so that changes everything. Some times I found myself a little bored being stuck in Lily’s head but overall between the tears, happiness and sexy times I did thoroughly enjoy this book.
31 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2020
*Won a copy in a giveaway from the author*

Great fast read, within a day for me. Relatable characters.

Lily leads a great life, beautiful family, but she's missing the spark from her marriage. She meets a younger man and suddenly feelings arise that she forget she had. Trouble is she gets too caught up in the age gap and there are no fairy tale cliches in this story.

A very real story of choices and consequences. How easy it can be to get caught up in what others think. Beautifully written.
Profile Image for Virginia Lee.
2,492 reviews34 followers
February 3, 2019
This was a story about a second chance of love. We see the sparks between Casey and Lily build up. This story does hit on the age gap you can feel the draw in to the book with the jokes, laughter and some sorrow. this story will draw you in with the character and if looking for love story book then this is the one
611 reviews15 followers
April 29, 2020
This book is about love between a woman and a fifteen year younger man. It was a good book with a realistic plot and characters. I was disappointed the love story was the main story line with little else to the book. I could have done without the descriptive sex scenes that added nothing to the story. I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Ellen.
51 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2019
This book is AMAZING! Fantastic storyline Stacy M. Wray.

This book is real, it's relatable, honest and overall fantastic. I read this one over a 12 hour period, I couldn't put it down.

This is my first Stacy M. Wray book but I'm pleased to say it won't be my last!

Love it! Love it! Love it!
4,012 reviews34 followers
February 10, 2019
The book is a good romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is a good second chance at love read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,637 reviews
February 14, 2019
"Why me, Casey?” His frown is instantaneous. 
“Why not you, Lily?”
I loved the way the author gave this characters life and how it came into fruition at the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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