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תבחר בי
אני לבוש בחליפה הכי טובה שלי ועומד ממש מאחור עם בקבוקון ויסקי בכיס הפנימי של הז'קט. אני עוטה על פני ארשת של אומץ וצופה בה צועדת קדימה אליו.
כי זה מאוחר מדי.
אני לא מוכן להיות המניאק שיגרום לה לבכות ביום חתונתה, אבל אני מת לומר לה מה שתמיד ידעתי: שהיא החברה הכי טובה שלי, אבל אין לה מושג שגם הלב המזוין שלי וגם הנשמה שלי נמצאים בבעלותה.
כל צעד שהיא עושה מרחיק אותה ממני ומקרב אותה אליו. כל צעד כופה עלי להסתכל לאמת בעיניים: התאהבתי במישהי שלא יכולה להיות שלי. אם היא רק תסתובב אולי היא תבין שהוא לעולם לא יוכל לאהוב אותה כמו שאני אוהב אותה.
אני לא אהרוס את היום המושלם הזה, אבל לבי השבור מפציר בי לנסות לשכנע אותה:
תבחרי בי.
כי זה מאוחר מדי.
אני לא מוכן להיות המניאק שיגרום לה לבכות ביום חתונתה, אבל אני מת לומר לה מה שתמיד ידעתי: שהיא החברה הכי טובה שלי, אבל אין לה מושג שגם הלב המזוין שלי וגם הנשמה שלי נמצאים בבעלותה.
כל צעד שהיא עושה מרחיק אותה ממני ומקרב אותה אליו. כל צעד כופה עלי להסתכל לאמת בעיניים: התאהבתי במישהי שלא יכולה להיות שלי. אם היא רק תסתובב אולי היא תבין שהוא לעולם לא יוכל לאהוב אותה כמו שאני אוהב אותה.
אני לא אהרוס את היום המושלם הזה, אבל לבי השבור מפציר בי לנסות לשכנע אותה:
תבחרי בי.
344 pages, Unknown Binding
First published April 7, 2019
383 people are currently reading
1508 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Boldt
33 books1,920 followersRC Boldt is a USA Today bestselling author currently living in part of the Costa Rican jungle with the love of her life and her mini-me.
If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos or can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, she's your girl.
**PLEASE NOTE**
RC is not regularly active on Goodreads but if you're looking for updated release dates and book information, please check out her website at http://www.rcboldtbooks.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/rcboldtauthor
https://www.instagram.com/rcboldt
If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos or can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, she's your girl.
**PLEASE NOTE**
RC is not regularly active on Goodreads but if you're looking for updated release dates and book information, please check out her website at http://www.rcboldtbooks.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/rcboldtauthor
https://www.instagram.com/rcboldt
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
May 28, 2019
Ok here it is....
I have no hair left....
My nails are chewed off......
This author has the ability to stop everything around me, and make me glued to her books. Yet this one, I feel is a bit different than her previous ones. Not a bad thing, I absolutely adored it. Yes it drove me nuts with the angst, I literally lost my hair and my nails in the process of reading this book. Heck, I'm lucky I still have a kindle left with the banging it took.
From the start of this book, I was stolen into the world of Magnolia & Hollis. From small children to grown adults, we are taken on the journey of the most loyal friendship, a friendship that is above all else, fiercely loyal friends that will do anything and everything for each other, right???? Yet, who can communicate openly, who can say "hey I want this" or "I love you more than just my best friend" even as far as loving on each other in EVERY WAY. This story literally wrenched my heart, because its real life, in so many ways. It was simply amazing to watch these two characters grow, not just with each other, but personally. OF course there were circumstances that I hated, because, it made me bang my head, but it made the story that much better. And when it reaches a time where these two go their separate ways, my god, I just about stopped reading it because I was like "NOOOOOOOOOOOO".
What it comes down to, you love a lifetime story of two characters who love each other beyond measure, grow together, then grow apart, and then see each other and wonder, can we overcome the past, the differences, the changes? Can they really be what each other needs? Sometimes the truth sets you free. A good solid 4 star read for me!! So you love New adult, coming to age books, this is one you do not want to miss!!! Hold on for the ride though, but I promise, if you are like me, you will love the ending❤️
I have no hair left....
My nails are chewed off......
This author has the ability to stop everything around me, and make me glued to her books. Yet this one, I feel is a bit different than her previous ones. Not a bad thing, I absolutely adored it. Yes it drove me nuts with the angst, I literally lost my hair and my nails in the process of reading this book. Heck, I'm lucky I still have a kindle left with the banging it took.
From the start of this book, I was stolen into the world of Magnolia & Hollis. From small children to grown adults, we are taken on the journey of the most loyal friendship, a friendship that is above all else, fiercely loyal friends that will do anything and everything for each other, right???? Yet, who can communicate openly, who can say "hey I want this" or "I love you more than just my best friend" even as far as loving on each other in EVERY WAY. This story literally wrenched my heart, because its real life, in so many ways. It was simply amazing to watch these two characters grow, not just with each other, but personally. OF course there were circumstances that I hated, because, it made me bang my head, but it made the story that much better. And when it reaches a time where these two go their separate ways, my god, I just about stopped reading it because I was like "NOOOOOOOOOOOO".
What it comes down to, you love a lifetime story of two characters who love each other beyond measure, grow together, then grow apart, and then see each other and wonder, can we overcome the past, the differences, the changes? Can they really be what each other needs? Sometimes the truth sets you free. A good solid 4 star read for me!! So you love New adult, coming to age books, this is one you do not want to miss!!! Hold on for the ride though, but I promise, if you are like me, you will love the ending❤️
May 26, 2019
Not safe
There is a descriptive sex scene of the hero and other woman on prom night.
Hero was the heroine’s first kiss, but she wasn’t his.
Hero was the heroine’s first sexual partner, but she wasn’t his. He slept with one girl before....same girl from prom night.
The virgin heroine thing ruined the whole book...why did the heroine feel the need to save her virginity for the hero, but he didn’t feel the same until after he lost his.
Their sexual history wasn’t clear after their fallout. I’m not sure if either of them slept with other people after they “split up”.
The story was good, but the descriptive sex scene and the virgin heroine just ruined it all that I could really appreciate the rest of the book.
There is a descriptive sex scene of the hero and other woman on prom night.
Hero was the heroine’s first kiss, but she wasn’t his.
Hero was the heroine’s first sexual partner, but she wasn’t his. He slept with one girl before....same girl from prom night.
The virgin heroine thing ruined the whole book...why did the heroine feel the need to save her virginity for the hero, but he didn’t feel the same until after he lost his.
Their sexual history wasn’t clear after their fallout. I’m not sure if either of them slept with other people after they “split up”.
The story was good, but the descriptive sex scene and the virgin heroine just ruined it all that I could really appreciate the rest of the book.
May 14, 2022
The book begins with a glimpse into the present - where Hollis is at his best friend's wedding, Magnolia, and his heart is broken because he is going to lose her to another man. 💔
📚 "Wearing the nicest suit I own, I stand in the very back with a flask full of whiskey in my inner pocket. I put on a brave face as I watch her walk down the aisle.
Because it’s too late.
I won’t ruin her perfect day, but my broken heart begs me to try and convince her.
Choose me." 📚
The story goes back to the past, where the two met when they were 8, when Hollis moved to a small town in Alabama that is divided between those who have money and those who do not. Magnolia grew up in a luxurious house where social status is the most important and Hollis lives on the other side of the fence. And yet, she decided he was going to be her best friend. 😍
Hollis is loyal with a huge heart, but his mother reminded him every day that he would never be good enough for Magnolia, until he began to believe it... Magnolia is a real southern girl who is expected to be the perfect daughter and please her parents, but despite the prejudices, their brave friendship grew from elementary school, all the way to adulthood. 💥
But as their childish feelings became more, they did not have the courage to expose them, until Hollis realized that his time is running out -
And maybe, just maybe... she will choose him. 😭🙏💔
📚 “You’re the one who needs to figure out if you’re good enough. Not for her. But for you. Until then, you’re no good to her.” 📚
This book made me laugh, cry, get upset and fall in love. Every page was pure magic!!! 💥
I do not think I ever hoped that characters would get the happy ending they deserved, like in this book. I found myself shaking my Kindle to make them see what they have right under their noses. 🙏😂
I loved the slow progress (which made the plot believable) until I almost forgot it was just a book. 😂
There were some things that felt illogical and annoyed me (their mothers) or were unnecessary to me (the intimate relationship with another described in great detail) and most of the book describes their childhood - but I still enjoyed myself. 😍
📚 "To be someone's first love is extraordinary, but to also be their last love is exquisitely magical." 📚
This is a story about friendship and self-search, but especially love - one that you can not live without, that if it is taken away from you - you will never be the same... 💔👑
My friend sent this clip after I finished the book and I felt like it was written especially for the book (or that the book was inspired by it... I don't know lol) 😂🤷♀️
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_IwE...
▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️
📖 ᖴOᒪᒪOᗯ ᗰE Oᑎ IᑎᔕTᗩGᖇᗩᗰ: https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...
📖 ᐯIᔕIT ᗰY ᗷᒪOG ᖴOᖇ ᗰOᖇE ᖇEᐯIEᗯᔕ: https://books-romance.com/
📖 GOOᗪᖇEᗩᗪᔕ: https://bit.ly/3acMRMP
💕 לקריאת הסקירה בעברית, כנסו לבלוג: https://books-romance.com/ 💕
nope-nope-nope
June 13, 2019SPOILERS
.
.
.
Will the virgin heroine trope die this year? Probably not, but a girl can dream.
Heros DO NOT deserve virginity as a reward/some type of commodity. If he doesnt have to preserve anything special for the heroine than neither should she.
Also for some reason the author put a detailed sex scene of the hero with another woman in the book which based on reviews sounded like it was completely unnecessary, why do we need a play by play of him losing his virginity as a contrast to him taking the heroines? So dumb 🙄
.
.
.
Will the virgin heroine trope die this year? Probably not, but a girl can dream.
Heros DO NOT deserve virginity as a reward/some type of commodity. If he doesnt have to preserve anything special for the heroine than neither should she.
Also for some reason the author put a detailed sex scene of the hero with another woman in the book which based on reviews sounded like it was completely unnecessary, why do we need a play by play of him losing his virginity as a contrast to him taking the heroines? So dumb 🙄
not-interested
May 29, 20192nd Update: another great honest review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I knew if we waited a little longer many truths would be revealed 🤣🤣🤣
UPDATE: There it is folks. The 1st honest review. Now I understand why the others were being so mysterious 🤔🤔🤔🤔.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I mean no disrespect but can these ARC reviews be more original or at least talk a little more specifically about the plot? Heart warming, emotional, great story, wonderful slow burn friends to lovers story etc etc etc. how boring
I just feel like not reading the books
I knew if we waited a little longer many truths would be revealed 🤣🤣🤣
UPDATE: There it is folks. The 1st honest review. Now I understand why the others were being so mysterious 🤔🤔🤔🤔.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I mean no disrespect but can these ARC reviews be more original or at least talk a little more specifically about the plot? Heart warming, emotional, great story, wonderful slow burn friends to lovers story etc etc etc. how boring
I just feel like not reading the books
hell-fucking-no
May 26, 2019Not safe descriptive sex with OW and another fucking virgin heroine
May 27, 2019
Super angsty second chance romance. Likable characters. My heart broke for them, and I was full saris with the HEA.
Beta read
Beta read
August 2, 2019
Release Date: May 21, 2019
Genre: Southern Romance. Friends to Lovers, Epic, 10+ years in the making
Choose Me by R.C. Boldt is an epic love story that beings when Hollis and Magnolia are only 8 years old and spans until they are in their mid 20's. This is a best friends to lovers romance filled with southern charm and manners. It's very sweet, somewhat emotional, and intense. R.C. Boldt told the story in a way where their most important childhood memories are at the forefront of the story and builds their journey from there. I appreciated the way she wrote it because we got to watch these two grow together from a young age.
Hollis is definitely a swoon worthy male who will do anything to protect his sweet Magnolia. Both have issues within the family which make them who they are and and also adds to the emotional vulnerability to the characters. I feel like I totally understood both of them from beginning to end which is a hard feat now a days with romances books. There's usually either too much detail or too little but Boldt has JUST enough to make it perfect.
The only reason I gave this one 4 stars is because it honestly started a little slow for me. It took me a couple of chapters to get into the story. Other than this, I think this is one of the sweetest southern romances I have read in a long time. If all her books are like this you can bet I will be picking up the rest because it touched my heart!
Genre: Southern Romance. Friends to Lovers, Epic, 10+ years in the making
Choose Me by R.C. Boldt is an epic love story that beings when Hollis and Magnolia are only 8 years old and spans until they are in their mid 20's. This is a best friends to lovers romance filled with southern charm and manners. It's very sweet, somewhat emotional, and intense. R.C. Boldt told the story in a way where their most important childhood memories are at the forefront of the story and builds their journey from there. I appreciated the way she wrote it because we got to watch these two grow together from a young age.
Hollis is definitely a swoon worthy male who will do anything to protect his sweet Magnolia. Both have issues within the family which make them who they are and and also adds to the emotional vulnerability to the characters. I feel like I totally understood both of them from beginning to end which is a hard feat now a days with romances books. There's usually either too much detail or too little but Boldt has JUST enough to make it perfect.
The only reason I gave this one 4 stars is because it honestly started a little slow for me. It took me a couple of chapters to get into the story. Other than this, I think this is one of the sweetest southern romances I have read in a long time. If all her books are like this you can bet I will be picking up the rest because it touched my heart!
May 13, 2019
Finally!!!!!! Have you seen the music video for “Marry Me” by Thomas Rhett??? Well, I have and I have been saying.....someone needs to write a book.....wahoo!!!! RC did it!!!!!
Hollis and Magnolia.....two unlikely friends.....two families full of secrets.....but they still held fast with their friendship and love.
I adored Magnolia as a child and “watching” her grow into the strong, determined woman was such a joy!!! And Hollis.....oh my Hollis!!! He stood by his girl and would sacrifice anything for her....that is true love!!!!
Choose Me will be added to my bookshelf upon release and will be in good company with all of Ms. Boldt’s books that I own. This is a must read!
Hollis and Magnolia.....two unlikely friends.....two families full of secrets.....but they still held fast with their friendship and love.
I adored Magnolia as a child and “watching” her grow into the strong, determined woman was such a joy!!! And Hollis.....oh my Hollis!!! He stood by his girl and would sacrifice anything for her....that is true love!!!!
Choose Me will be added to my bookshelf upon release and will be in good company with all of Ms. Boldt’s books that I own. This is a must read!
May 16, 2019
I feel like Choose Me is unlike anything R.C. Boldt has ever written. It's a slow burn, but the burn is given to us in snapshots of time over the course of Hollis & Magnolia's lives. We meet them as children, and get immediately hooked on their sweet, innocent, fiercely loyal friendship. And from there, we are given the opportunity to fall in love (or maybe get our hearts broken) with this couple at every stage. We see them grow - together and apart. We see the hurtles that kept them apart, and the fierce loyalty they had for each other against all odds. It's heartwarming and heartbreaking and I am little bit stunned and a little bit blown away by how different and wonderful this story was.
I was tickled to get a cameo appearance from some of Ms. Boldt's other work, and one of my favorite things about this author is how her books all tie loosely together. You definitely do not have to have read any others to enjoy this one, but if you've read the others, you'll love how each book gives a nod to a character (or characters) from her back catalog and as a long time reader, that feels like a special treat.
In all? This was a touching and unique coming-of-age love story. Ms. Boldt kept me on the line until the very end and then delivered a happily ever after that left my heart overflowing and happy. Definitely recommend. ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
I was tickled to get a cameo appearance from some of Ms. Boldt's other work, and one of my favorite things about this author is how her books all tie loosely together. You definitely do not have to have read any others to enjoy this one, but if you've read the others, you'll love how each book gives a nod to a character (or characters) from her back catalog and as a long time reader, that feels like a special treat.
In all? This was a touching and unique coming-of-age love story. Ms. Boldt kept me on the line until the very end and then delivered a happily ever after that left my heart overflowing and happy. Definitely recommend. ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
May 25, 2019
I have so many mixed feelings about the book. I loved the parts that happened before the time Hollis read the letter and disliked some of the things that happened after that. The first part was great with one exception and the second part was rushed and made no sense to me. It basically ruined the romance that was building.
I hated that we read about Hollis losing his virginity to another woman. It was described and not just mentioned and I still wonder why we needed to know that. Or that he and his gf were going down on each other long before that. It ruins the romance and the whole "I am in love with you thing". Things got worse when I found out that Magnolia was still a virgin while she had a boyfriend for two years. We got to read about Hollis, but not hers even when she was with her fiance aka the man she loved. And we don't know if Hollis was regularly sleeping with other women once Magnolia got engaged or even before that which bugs me because it makes the whole sleeping with his gf situation seem even more out of place. Am I supposed to feel happy that he was feeling bad afterward?
Wanna know what was the thing that made me rate the book with 3 stars instead of 4 (-1 for the virginity scene)? The fact that as the story was reaching its end, I realized that Magnolia was not as in love with Hollis as he was with her. I hated her choices and I almost hated her on the way. I also hated that the man who was supposed to marry Magnolia had almost planned the perfect proposal and proved that he was worthy of her, while Hollis was still too stuck up on other things. As I am writing everything down I am coming to realize how disappointed I felt. There is a happy ending for everyone, but I am not feeling it, to a point where I am seriously considering dropping my rating to 2 stars. Maybe instead of focusing so heavily on the past, the story should have focused on what adult Magnolia and Hollis would do and how they were going to develop. The last 1/3 of the book was rushed in my opinion.
PS. I saw the excerpt used on the blog tour and it's from a late-ish point in the book, which proves my point that the last 1/3 was rushed and needed to expand more.
PSS. I saw some people ask, so I am will say that Hollis kept his feelings a secret from Magnolia because she friend zoned him eons ago.
I hated that we read about Hollis losing his virginity to another woman. It was described and not just mentioned and I still wonder why we needed to know that. Or that he and his gf were going down on each other long before that. It ruins the romance and the whole "I am in love with you thing". Things got worse when I found out that Magnolia was still a virgin while she had a boyfriend for two years. We got to read about Hollis, but not hers even when she was with her fiance aka the man she loved. And we don't know if Hollis was regularly sleeping with other women once Magnolia got engaged or even before that which bugs me because it makes the whole sleeping with his gf situation seem even more out of place. Am I supposed to feel happy that he was feeling bad afterward?
Wanna know what was the thing that made me rate the book with 3 stars instead of 4 (-1 for the virginity scene)? The fact that as the story was reaching its end, I realized that Magnolia was not as in love with Hollis as he was with her. I hated her choices and I almost hated her on the way. I also hated that the man who was supposed to marry Magnolia had almost planned the perfect proposal and proved that he was worthy of her, while Hollis was still too stuck up on other things. As I am writing everything down I am coming to realize how disappointed I felt. There is a happy ending for everyone, but I am not feeling it, to a point where I am seriously considering dropping my rating to 2 stars. Maybe instead of focusing so heavily on the past, the story should have focused on what adult Magnolia and Hollis would do and how they were going to develop. The last 1/3 of the book was rushed in my opinion.
PS. I saw the excerpt used on the blog tour and it's from a late-ish point in the book, which proves my point that the last 1/3 was rushed and needed to expand more.
PSS. I saw some people ask, so I am will say that Hollis kept his feelings a secret from Magnolia because she friend zoned him eons ago.
May 9, 2019
RC Boldt hits you with the feels from the first page and keeps the emotions on simmer for the whole book. Hollis and Magnolia are best friends. On the outside, they appear complete opposites. On the inside, they are a matching set. With horrible mothers that create crippling self doubt, they are each other's life boat in the storm. So many missed opportunities because neither feel worthy or have enough confidence to speak their hearts truth. My heart ached till the end for these two but burst with joy at the end.
May 19, 2019
***5 ‘Pop Rocks’ Stars***
Oh my heart!
No seriously
My heart is all kinds of hungover right now.
This book was emotionally draining while being absolutely fulfilling all at the same time
Hell.
My eyes did that leaking thing and we all know how I feel about that. (If you don’t, I’m NOT a fan because it will mess up my eye make up *smirk*)
But this book. Hollis and Magnolia just killed me, in the best of ways, but still…
Hollis and Magnolia. I adored these two from the start. They are both simply good people with huge hearts and golden souls. They are not perfect, not by a long shot, but they are real and it was easy to connect with them both and feel empathy for all that they dealt with in their lives and understand ~ while not always agreeing ~ the decisions they felt they needed to make.
As for their journey to their HEA. It was a journey and one I had a hard time putting down. I loved watching how they became friends and just how deeply the connection between them went and how simple it was. They really were two peas in a pod. But the frustration over their choices were real. My heart understood, even though it hurt for them, why they made the choices they did in regards to each other and knew that despite their connection that they weren’t ready for each other as more than just friends...yet..but then there was my head. You know that scene in the movie Happy Gilmore where Happy is yelling at the golf ball to go into the hole, into its home? Yeah, that was what the voice in my head was doing for the mass majority of the book. Yelling at them to just go home aka be with each other. It was exhausting, but thankfully the ending was perfect and the mind and heart are very happy and at peace.
This one may just go down as my fav book by the author. It had everything I could want in a best friends to lovers romance and more. It had the perfect balance of angst, humor, sweetness and smexyness and though there are a couple of issues that pop up that could be triggers for some, they were handled well and gave depth to the story. And as for the supporting cast of characters. They ran the gamut of me absolutely adoring some of them to wanting to gut a few with a spoon. There is one that I am hoping may get an HEA in the future because this one definitely deserves it and there was mention of one of my fav characters from another series in this one, which made my heart all kinds of happy.
So, if you love besties to lovers romances and experiencing the ups and downs of the journey, then this is a definite must read for you!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
Oh my heart!
No seriously
My heart is all kinds of hungover right now.
This book was emotionally draining while being absolutely fulfilling all at the same time
Hell.
My eyes did that leaking thing and we all know how I feel about that. (If you don’t, I’m NOT a fan because it will mess up my eye make up *smirk*)
But this book. Hollis and Magnolia just killed me, in the best of ways, but still…
Hollis and Magnolia. I adored these two from the start. They are both simply good people with huge hearts and golden souls. They are not perfect, not by a long shot, but they are real and it was easy to connect with them both and feel empathy for all that they dealt with in their lives and understand ~ while not always agreeing ~ the decisions they felt they needed to make.
As for their journey to their HEA. It was a journey and one I had a hard time putting down. I loved watching how they became friends and just how deeply the connection between them went and how simple it was. They really were two peas in a pod. But the frustration over their choices were real. My heart understood, even though it hurt for them, why they made the choices they did in regards to each other and knew that despite their connection that they weren’t ready for each other as more than just friends...yet..but then there was my head. You know that scene in the movie Happy Gilmore where Happy is yelling at the golf ball to go into the hole, into its home? Yeah, that was what the voice in my head was doing for the mass majority of the book. Yelling at them to just go home aka be with each other. It was exhausting, but thankfully the ending was perfect and the mind and heart are very happy and at peace.
This one may just go down as my fav book by the author. It had everything I could want in a best friends to lovers romance and more. It had the perfect balance of angst, humor, sweetness and smexyness and though there are a couple of issues that pop up that could be triggers for some, they were handled well and gave depth to the story. And as for the supporting cast of characters. They ran the gamut of me absolutely adoring some of them to wanting to gut a few with a spoon. There is one that I am hoping may get an HEA in the future because this one definitely deserves it and there was mention of one of my fav characters from another series in this one, which made my heart all kinds of happy.
So, if you love besties to lovers romances and experiencing the ups and downs of the journey, then this is a definite must read for you!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
September 23, 2023
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית ואנגלית, קישור לבלוג שלי -
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/תבחר...
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/תבחר...
May 30, 2019
From the time they were eight years old, Hollis and Magnolia have been best friends sharing the best and worst life has to offer. One from a prominent southern family -- the other not so rich from a broken and messed up family. One thing for sure -- I loved Mr. Jay -- he was what a real father should be. And who could ask for a better hero than Hollis? The boy stole my heart! The man was irresistible.
The angst runs deeply through this couple's story. By the time I reached the end, I was worn out and my heart in pieces. Thank Goodness the author provided some happy personal moments that made for a perfect happily ever after in all the right ways.
The angst runs deeply through this couple's story. By the time I reached the end, I was worn out and my heart in pieces. Thank Goodness the author provided some happy personal moments that made for a perfect happily ever after in all the right ways.
May 28, 2019
Great day in the mornin', but I didn't ever think I would finish this blazin' book!!!
Now that it's over, I can say it was enjoyable but, HOLY CRAP did it seem to take forever. I kind of wish I had read a few reviews beforehand although now that I think about it, if I HAD, I might never have started it so I think my "going in blind" approach was best.
Pretty standard friends to lovers fair however this one has TONS of backstory with us being introduced to the main characters Hollis and Magnolia (I love those names btw) on the first day they meet when they are eight years old. Don't get me wrong, I like a little backstory as it makes me fall in love right along with the hero and heroine but this one had a little bit much for my liking. Also, be warned, if you don't like a SLOW BURN, you may want to skip this one.
Despite this book's tendency to drag a little, I did like the story and I the author's writing style (new author for me) HOWEVER, there were a few things I found a little hard to swallow:
1. Why did it take these two SO LONG to realize how they felt? I know you're saying "Well duh, there wouldn't have been much of a story if they'd realized they loved one another at 18, graduated, and gotten married. That isn't my issue. I just find it a little unbelievable that two people could be as close as Hollis and Magnolia were and not at least have an INKLING that the feelings between them may be more than just platonic. And it didn't even seem to be one of those "I feel things but I can't act on them because I don't want to ruin our friendship" type of scenarios--these two TRULY didn't seem to realize they loved one another until
2. And this may be a bit of a spoiler but
3. Did they BOTH have to have such shitty parents? Actually What a royal douche bag! And don't even get me started on Magnolia's mama. That woman needed a comeuppance a la The Help--would have loved at least one poop-pie eating type scene for this horribly unlikable character. Just one!
Now that I've gotten my grievances out of the way, this book DID do a lot of things RIGHT:
1. Though it did seem to happen at a snail's pace, I appreciated that the love between H and h was a gradual thing. There didn't seem to be a moment one morning where either of them woke up suddenly and said "Holy crap, I'm in love with my BFF!", the feelings developed over time from shared memories and experiences.
2. Also despite the slow burn, when Hollis and Magnolia DID finally get together, that scene was H-O-T-T (the extra T 'cuz WOW)!
3. Finally (and again this may be a tiny bit spoilerish)
Overall, the things I found problematic were what kept this book from earning 5 stars for me however, the things I enjoyed are what bumped it up from a 3 to 4 star rating. It was an enjoyable read and I am sure I will read more from this author.
Now that it's over, I can say it was enjoyable but, HOLY CRAP did it seem to take forever. I kind of wish I had read a few reviews beforehand although now that I think about it, if I HAD, I might never have started it so I think my "going in blind" approach was best.
Pretty standard friends to lovers fair however this one has TONS of backstory with us being introduced to the main characters Hollis and Magnolia (I love those names btw) on the first day they meet when they are eight years old. Don't get me wrong, I like a little backstory as it makes me fall in love right along with the hero and heroine but this one had a little bit much for my liking. Also, be warned, if you don't like a SLOW BURN, you may want to skip this one.
Despite this book's tendency to drag a little, I did like the story and I the author's writing style (new author for me) HOWEVER, there were a few things I found a little hard to swallow:
1. Why did it take these two SO LONG to realize how they felt? I know you're saying "Well duh, there wouldn't have been much of a story if they'd realized they loved one another at 18, graduated, and gotten married. That isn't my issue. I just find it a little unbelievable that two people could be as close as Hollis and Magnolia were and not at least have an INKLING that the feelings between them may be more than just platonic. And it didn't even seem to be one of those "I feel things but I can't act on them because I don't want to ruin our friendship" type of scenarios--these two TRULY didn't seem to realize they loved one another until
2. And this may be a bit of a spoiler but
3. Did they BOTH have to have such shitty parents? Actually What a royal douche bag! And don't even get me started on Magnolia's mama. That woman needed a comeuppance a la The Help--would have loved at least one poop-pie eating type scene for this horribly unlikable character. Just one!
Now that I've gotten my grievances out of the way, this book DID do a lot of things RIGHT:
1. Though it did seem to happen at a snail's pace, I appreciated that the love between H and h was a gradual thing. There didn't seem to be a moment one morning where either of them woke up suddenly and said "Holy crap, I'm in love with my BFF!", the feelings developed over time from shared memories and experiences.
2. Also despite the slow burn, when Hollis and Magnolia DID finally get together, that scene was H-O-T-T (the extra T 'cuz WOW)!
3. Finally (and again this may be a tiny bit spoilerish)
Overall, the things I found problematic were what kept this book from earning 5 stars for me however, the things I enjoyed are what bumped it up from a 3 to 4 star rating. It was an enjoyable read and I am sure I will read more from this author.
May 22, 2019
R.C. Boldt has a way of sucking you into her work and Choose Me is a perfect example of how her stories grip you from the start to the end. Without a doubt, Choose Me is another fabulous read from R.C. Boldt.
From the very first page, I was sucked into this story. As soon as I started reading, I found I could not put the book down. I was lost, gone, hooked, and the rest of the world ceased to exist. I had to devour the story, and I did so in no time at all. I was in love with the characters and events, desperate to see how everything came together, and happily lost myself to all that played out.
It’s a story filled with plenty, one that hooks you on multiple levels. The friendship and the love, the drama and the unknowns, the questions and the answers; even when things play out the way you expect them to, you find yourself in love with reading the specifics and finally seeing how the characters response.
It’s a beautiful story in the way only R.C. Boldt can make a story beautiful, and I cannot recommend this one enough. I loved it, I was touched by it, and I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time to come.
Without a doubt, R.C. Boldt has given us another winner.
From the very first page, I was sucked into this story. As soon as I started reading, I found I could not put the book down. I was lost, gone, hooked, and the rest of the world ceased to exist. I had to devour the story, and I did so in no time at all. I was in love with the characters and events, desperate to see how everything came together, and happily lost myself to all that played out.
It’s a story filled with plenty, one that hooks you on multiple levels. The friendship and the love, the drama and the unknowns, the questions and the answers; even when things play out the way you expect them to, you find yourself in love with reading the specifics and finally seeing how the characters response.
It’s a beautiful story in the way only R.C. Boldt can make a story beautiful, and I cannot recommend this one enough. I loved it, I was touched by it, and I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time to come.
Without a doubt, R.C. Boldt has given us another winner.
June 3, 2019
4 yes ma’am and “but not like that” stars!
This book made me smile and fall in love with two beautiful souls co-existing in a world determined to tear them down. There was something endearing about this book. There were so many moments that tugged at your heartstrings and made you root for them not just as a couple but as individual people.
What’s really special about these two was their progression and growth over the years from 8 years old into adulthood. The strong friendship, loyalty and respect between Magnolia and Hollis was just beautiful and I loved that they were so protective of each other. And there was so much love, deep fierce love, best friend love, that was so apparent that I wished they would have acted on it without a concern of ruining their friendship or what people thought.
They made hard decisions and real life decisions that makes sense but breaks your heart. It’s a bit angsty but not over the top countered with sweet and funny moments between the two and other secondary characters. The southern voice added a lot relatability and candid honesty with lines like this cracking me up: “You reckon he’d help me get rid of my virginity too?”
Magnolia is just the sweetest. I just loved her and want to bottle her up. I want to bottle up Hollis and Grant too. They are just as precious. Go read this one. It will make you happy.
This book made me smile and fall in love with two beautiful souls co-existing in a world determined to tear them down. There was something endearing about this book. There were so many moments that tugged at your heartstrings and made you root for them not just as a couple but as individual people.
What’s really special about these two was their progression and growth over the years from 8 years old into adulthood. The strong friendship, loyalty and respect between Magnolia and Hollis was just beautiful and I loved that they were so protective of each other. And there was so much love, deep fierce love, best friend love, that was so apparent that I wished they would have acted on it without a concern of ruining their friendship or what people thought.
They made hard decisions and real life decisions that makes sense but breaks your heart. It’s a bit angsty but not over the top countered with sweet and funny moments between the two and other secondary characters. The southern voice added a lot relatability and candid honesty with lines like this cracking me up: “You reckon he’d help me get rid of my virginity too?”
Magnolia is just the sweetest. I just loved her and want to bottle her up. I want to bottle up Hollis and Grant too. They are just as precious. Go read this one. It will make you happy.
May 30, 2019
Lovely story!!!
May 21, 2019
Magnolia and Hollis are best friends. Very unlikely match since the beginning. She comes from wealth, status, all the above while Hollis has a good life but definitely not up to par with the status like Magnolia's grown up with. Magnolia grew up with a really tough to please mother. She needed to present herself a certain way, be around certain people and Hollis is definitely not on the list of people to hang out with. It was really tough sometimes to listen to her mother.
These two have been there for each other from the beginning. They love each other but never really crossed that line. Hollis knows they need to sorta spend time apart because there is going to be a time where she would meet someone and he would need to give her space to grow those relationships. While he's battling his feelings for her, he thinks he's not good enough for her, it was pretty heartbreaking reading these two not putting their hearts all out there.
I loved this story, I am a big RC Boldt fan, she writes such amazing, detailed, sweet, steamy stories. I loved both hero and heroine. I seriously am hoping Grant gets a book, I need him to get his HEA! Grab this book for some sweet childhood best friends moments, kisses that mean everything, best friends who are the loves of each others lives who mean the WORLD to each other.
These two have been there for each other from the beginning. They love each other but never really crossed that line. Hollis knows they need to sorta spend time apart because there is going to be a time where she would meet someone and he would need to give her space to grow those relationships. While he's battling his feelings for her, he thinks he's not good enough for her, it was pretty heartbreaking reading these two not putting their hearts all out there.
I loved this story, I am a big RC Boldt fan, she writes such amazing, detailed, sweet, steamy stories. I loved both hero and heroine. I seriously am hoping Grant gets a book, I need him to get his HEA! Grab this book for some sweet childhood best friends moments, kisses that mean everything, best friends who are the loves of each others lives who mean the WORLD to each other.
December 12, 2022
4.5 ⭐ בעיקר בגלל שהסוף לא היה ממש אמין. מצד שני, אם הסופרת לא הייתה בוחרת בסוף כזה עם קתרזיס מושלם כזה, אז הספר היה מקבל בקושי כוכב אחד...
רומן רומנטי מקסים, מתוק, צובט לב, מאלה שמשאירים אותך בסופו עם דמעה קטנה בקצה העין וחיוך קטן ומרוצה.
הספר מתחיל מהסוף: הוליס נמצא בחתונה של מגנוליה והוא שבור לב. הוא אוהב אותה. הוא רוצה שהיא תבחר בו. אבל הוא אוהב אותה מספיק כדי לא להרוס לה את יום החתונה בחשיפת רגשותיו כלפיה. מיד אח"כ הספר חוזר אחורה ליום שבו מגנוליה והוליס נפגשו כשהם בני 8. כל פרק או שניים הספר קופץ בזמן וחושף בפנינו את מערכת היחסים בין מגנוליה להוליס, ואת הדרך שעברו מחברי ילדות לידידות עמוקה ואז לתשוקה סוערת ואהבה.
יש קצת דרמות מיותרות בספר, אבל בסך הכל - ספר נהדר. מעולה לקריאת חורף כשמכורבלים בשמיכה מול תנור.
התרגום מצויין. הכריכה גרועה.
רומן רומנטי מקסים, מתוק, צובט לב, מאלה שמשאירים אותך בסופו עם דמעה קטנה בקצה העין וחיוך קטן ומרוצה.
הספר מתחיל מהסוף: הוליס נמצא בחתונה של מגנוליה והוא שבור לב. הוא אוהב אותה. הוא רוצה שהיא תבחר בו. אבל הוא אוהב אותה מספיק כדי לא להרוס לה את יום החתונה בחשיפת רגשותיו כלפיה. מיד אח"כ הספר חוזר אחורה ליום שבו מגנוליה והוליס נפגשו כשהם בני 8. כל פרק או שניים הספר קופץ בזמן וחושף בפנינו את מערכת היחסים בין מגנוליה להוליס, ואת הדרך שעברו מחברי ילדות לידידות עמוקה ואז לתשוקה סוערת ואהבה.
יש קצת דרמות מיותרות בספר, אבל בסך הכל - ספר נהדר. מעולה לקריאת חורף כשמכורבלים בשמיכה מול תנור.
התרגום מצויין. הכריכה גרועה.
October 25, 2019
It’s very hard to find a good one. So now I base them on my feels. And this was so sweet. I got teary eye and quite emotional with this one. And nowadays that’s not easy with books I’ve been reading, I tend to get bored and skip a lot or just don’t even bother. But I wanted to read this one all the way thru.
I didn’t like that he does end up being her stepbrother in the end, Those I don’t like like. 😝 but again can’t have them being 100%.
I didn’t like that he does end up being her stepbrother in the end, Those I don’t like like. 😝 but again can’t have them being 100%.
May 24, 2019
There really are no words adequate enough to review this book. Because when I think of a best friends to lovers story this book embodies that and then some. After reading this book, there is just no better way to write a story like this then the way Ms. Boldt did. To not only get the present but the past. To see Magnolia and Hollis’ entire life and friendship. This is one of my favorite genres and Ms. Boldt blew me away. This book is and always will be one of my top reads ever. Hands down, no questions asked. It’s perfection in a nut shell!
May 22, 2019
Loved it.
May 23, 2019
Oh wow.
RC Boldt is quickly proving that she is one of the greatest indie romance writers of this generation.
I'm pretty sure I inhaled this book. Boldt has a habit of creating heroes I fall hard for, heart and soul, and it's the little details that count here—pop rocks and tin cans, anybody?
Structurally and emotionally, this was perfection combined with excellent writing. It's a slow-burn romance rooted in a beautiful friendship with super hot and believable love scenes and some true emotion added in the mix.
Utterly brilliant.
RC Boldt is quickly proving that she is one of the greatest indie romance writers of this generation.
I'm pretty sure I inhaled this book. Boldt has a habit of creating heroes I fall hard for, heart and soul, and it's the little details that count here—pop rocks and tin cans, anybody?
Structurally and emotionally, this was perfection combined with excellent writing. It's a slow-burn romance rooted in a beautiful friendship with super hot and believable love scenes and some true emotion added in the mix.
Utterly brilliant.
February 1, 2023
הוליס ומגנוליה הם חברים טובים מגיל 8, למרות שהמשפחות של שניהם אינן מעודדות את הקשר, החברות הטובה שורדת, גם כשהם יוצאים עם אנשים אחרים. אבל עם הזמן, השניים מבינים שיש עוד רגשות ביניהם מעבר לחברות טובה וידידות... במה יבחרו?
רומן רומנטי מאוד חמוד, קצת קיטשי ויש פרטים מיותרים בעלילה, אבל היה נחמד בשביל להעביר את הזמן בנעימים.
רומן רומנטי מאוד חמוד, קצת קיטשי ויש פרטים מיותרים בעלילה, אבל היה נחמד בשביל להעביר את הזמן בנעימים.
March 31, 2020
Two souls, brought together by circumstances, perhaps fate, as children. Their pure hearts see past the exterior to the inner beauty.
RC Boldt opened my heart with Choose Me. At times she opened it to see kindness and beauty and at other times she ripped it apart. Choose Me is an amazing friends-to-lovers story. An amazing story of acceptance, understanding, and true love. It was an escape for me during a time of chaos in the world. The slow burn was painful at times but so worth it when the sizzle turned to a blazing fire. The slow burn set the stage for the beautiful friendship turned passionate relationship between Hollis and Magnolia.
It is sad how society can raise invisible walls to seep into the deepest parts of our souls and make us believe their lies, make us believe we aren't worthy and that some people are better off without us in their lives.
Hollis is and always has been a kind and giving person. In everything he does, he is always respectful, uplifting, and supportive of the people around him. He isn't always loved or appreciated, yet he perseveres and stays true to himself. He is the man every parent should want for their daughter.
Magnolia is from the better side of the tracks and her parents intend to keep her there. Growing up is hard enough but trying to do it with grace when you ate never good enough makes it even tougher.
Hollis and Magnolia formed a bond that lasted a lifetime. They let it bloom slowly, cautiously testing the waters through puberty. As they start to see deeper into the eyes of their childhood best friend, feelings change and decisions have to be made. Decisions that will change the course of their lives forever.
Choose Me is an uplifting story of two souls overcoming the binds of society and finally learning to not worry about pleasing everybody else, about finally choosing love above all else. Books receive a 5-star rating from me whenever they evoke all the feels. Every emotion possible was wrung from me during this story. The happiness was real as well as my tears. The slow burn was tough but really made the story so much better in the end. RC Boldt knew what she was doing when she was developing these characters and their precious bond.
RC Boldt opened my heart with Choose Me. At times she opened it to see kindness and beauty and at other times she ripped it apart. Choose Me is an amazing friends-to-lovers story. An amazing story of acceptance, understanding, and true love. It was an escape for me during a time of chaos in the world. The slow burn was painful at times but so worth it when the sizzle turned to a blazing fire. The slow burn set the stage for the beautiful friendship turned passionate relationship between Hollis and Magnolia.
It is sad how society can raise invisible walls to seep into the deepest parts of our souls and make us believe their lies, make us believe we aren't worthy and that some people are better off without us in their lives.
Hollis is and always has been a kind and giving person. In everything he does, he is always respectful, uplifting, and supportive of the people around him. He isn't always loved or appreciated, yet he perseveres and stays true to himself. He is the man every parent should want for their daughter.
Magnolia is from the better side of the tracks and her parents intend to keep her there. Growing up is hard enough but trying to do it with grace when you ate never good enough makes it even tougher.
Hollis and Magnolia formed a bond that lasted a lifetime. They let it bloom slowly, cautiously testing the waters through puberty. As they start to see deeper into the eyes of their childhood best friend, feelings change and decisions have to be made. Decisions that will change the course of their lives forever.
Choose Me is an uplifting story of two souls overcoming the binds of society and finally learning to not worry about pleasing everybody else, about finally choosing love above all else. Books receive a 5-star rating from me whenever they evoke all the feels. Every emotion possible was wrung from me during this story. The happiness was real as well as my tears. The slow burn was tough but really made the story so much better in the end. RC Boldt knew what she was doing when she was developing these characters and their precious bond.
May 25, 2019
Choose Me was one of those epic love stories to me. It sucked me in, had me fully invested and had me reading well into the early hours of the morning. Unputdownable is how I would describe this book.
The two characters in this book, their story, their lives found a way into my heart. And even as I type this, in my head I am picturing certain imagery. Them as children, them as teenagers, them as adults. I'm picturing certain scenes, glances, hugs, kisses that were meant to be nothing but FELT LIKE EVERYTHING !!!!!!
Hollis and Magnolia's story is incredibly heartwrenching while at the same time extremely sweet and I adored these two. This book is definitely a slow burn one that sees the relationship between Hollis and Magnolia blossom into an incredible friendship. It starts off with a glimpse of Hollis at Magnolia's wedding and its clear that he loves her more then just his best friend. We then travel back to where it all begins and it's one of those stories that sucked me in. I loved seeing their relationship, they were there for each other through everything.
In fact the more I think about this book the more I love it.
You know how when you read a book and "watch" their lives unfold, you see them meet. You see them grow. You watch them have their first "moment", you "watch" their feelings grow and more importantly you "FEEL" those feelings as if you are one of them. And then when you are done reading, you might sit down as I am doing now to either tell others about it or to write your review and as you think about the book you "FEEL" all over again. That's this book for me right now.
An amazing read that I couldn't put down.
The two characters in this book, their story, their lives found a way into my heart. And even as I type this, in my head I am picturing certain imagery. Them as children, them as teenagers, them as adults. I'm picturing certain scenes, glances, hugs, kisses that were meant to be nothing but FELT LIKE EVERYTHING !!!!!!
Hollis and Magnolia's story is incredibly heartwrenching while at the same time extremely sweet and I adored these two. This book is definitely a slow burn one that sees the relationship between Hollis and Magnolia blossom into an incredible friendship. It starts off with a glimpse of Hollis at Magnolia's wedding and its clear that he loves her more then just his best friend. We then travel back to where it all begins and it's one of those stories that sucked me in. I loved seeing their relationship, they were there for each other through everything.
In fact the more I think about this book the more I love it.
You know how when you read a book and "watch" their lives unfold, you see them meet. You see them grow. You watch them have their first "moment", you "watch" their feelings grow and more importantly you "FEEL" those feelings as if you are one of them. And then when you are done reading, you might sit down as I am doing now to either tell others about it or to write your review and as you think about the book you "FEEL" all over again. That's this book for me right now.
An amazing read that I couldn't put down.
June 13, 2019
I've read my fair share of friends to lovers romance, but Choose Me was something else.
Rich girl meets poor boy and they soon become best friends. Against all odds they keep going strong, but eventually they have to answer themselves questions they are afraid of. It's not only hard for them to figure out their feelings for each other, but life keeps throwing curveballs at them that you don't see coming.
Sorry for being vague, but it's a complicated slow burn story, wouldn't want to give anything away.
I feel the need to mention how I have to agree with others when I say I hated that Hollis was her first everything, yet Magnolia wasn't his. Indeed, we even had to read all about it too. I also didn't agree with either of their choices towards the end, but oh well.
So while I had my problems with this book, it's also wonderfully written, detail-oriented and just plain beautiful. My heart was aching for them to just finally be together.
Rich girl meets poor boy and they soon become best friends. Against all odds they keep going strong, but eventually they have to answer themselves questions they are afraid of. It's not only hard for them to figure out their feelings for each other, but life keeps throwing curveballs at them that you don't see coming.
Sorry for being vague, but it's a complicated slow burn story, wouldn't want to give anything away.
I feel the need to mention how I have to agree with others when I say I hated that Hollis was her first everything, yet Magnolia wasn't his. Indeed, we even had to read all about it too. I also didn't agree with either of their choices towards the end, but oh well.
So while I had my problems with this book, it's also wonderfully written, detail-oriented and just plain beautiful. My heart was aching for them to just finally be together.
May 20, 2019
I think I've just finished my favorite book of the year (so far, but it might be hard to top!).
If slow burn romance is your jam, Choose Me is going to blow you away. You'll get all melty and swoony as you fall in love with Hollis and Magnolia.
This story spans nearly 2 decades and is told with such reverence and emotion, my heart is still pitter pattering in my chest at warp speed. This author does friends-to-lovers, slow burn, angsty romance so dang good. Whew.
I gave up much needed sleep because the fate of these characters was in peril. I needed to know how it all turned out and if my heart would be whole again.
Ms. Boldt, you completely outdid yourself with this story. Bravo!
If slow burn romance is your jam, Choose Me is going to blow you away. You'll get all melty and swoony as you fall in love with Hollis and Magnolia.
This story spans nearly 2 decades and is told with such reverence and emotion, my heart is still pitter pattering in my chest at warp speed. This author does friends-to-lovers, slow burn, angsty romance so dang good. Whew.
I gave up much needed sleep because the fate of these characters was in peril. I needed to know how it all turned out and if my heart would be whole again.
Ms. Boldt, you completely outdid yourself with this story. Bravo!
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