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The Ones Left Behind
When Jolie lost her sister, she never thought she would smile again. It was hard enough to go on, let alone think about being happy. But then a stranger walks into the support group her parents force her to go to, and for the first time, in a long time, someone makes her want to know more about them.
Elijah’s been drowning in guilt since his best friend died. Not thinking the support group will actually help but not knowing where else to go, he walks into the room and silently takes a seat. When he looks at the woman a few seats down, something in her eyes makes him think maybe she’s the one person who can truly understand him.
They build a bond through their grief, but then very different emotions begin to come into play. Can they heal from their losses enough to discover what they could have together? Or are the scars caused by the ones who left them behind too deep?
TW: Both of the main characters have recently had a loved one commit suicide. This book deals heavily with this subject, as well as mental illness. The suicide does not take place on page, but is described.
Elijah’s been drowning in guilt since his best friend died. Not thinking the support group will actually help but not knowing where else to go, he walks into the room and silently takes a seat. When he looks at the woman a few seats down, something in her eyes makes him think maybe she’s the one person who can truly understand him.
They build a bond through their grief, but then very different emotions begin to come into play. Can they heal from their losses enough to discover what they could have together? Or are the scars caused by the ones who left them behind too deep?
TW: Both of the main characters have recently had a loved one commit suicide. This book deals heavily with this subject, as well as mental illness. The suicide does not take place on page, but is described.
- GenresSlow BurnContemporary
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
1 person is currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Ari Reavis
17 books164 followersAri Reavis is a wife and mother of seven. Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, she enjoys staying in, devouring books and watching movies. Her kids are running around, her husband is trying to show her martial arts moves, and she's trying to write. Her day in a nutshell.
She publishes contemporary and fantasy romance. Her books, while filled with love, also deal with issues that affect many, from trauma and abuse, to mental illness and discrimination. With each book, she writes from the heart, because she feels that’s the way to capture the hearts of readers.
Connect with her on twitter @authorarireavis
On instagram @authorarireavis
On facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AriReavisAuthor
And on her website https://arireavis.com
She publishes contemporary and fantasy romance. Her books, while filled with love, also deal with issues that affect many, from trauma and abuse, to mental illness and discrimination. With each book, she writes from the heart, because she feels that’s the way to capture the hearts of readers.
Connect with her on twitter @authorarireavis
On instagram @authorarireavis
On facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AriReavisAuthor
And on her website https://arireavis.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 30, 2022
I've pretty much moved out of my contemporary romance phase, but there's something about the way this author writes that keeps making me come back!
I don't know how she made something that should have been incredibly sad into something that was incredibly sweet, but that's exactly what she did.
When you lose someone, especially in the ways that both Elijah and Jolie lost someone, how do you ever get past it? Through it? How does one accept that there will never be answers to their many questions and move on?
The Ones Left Behind told me there's no one answer on how to move through grief. It's different for all of us and not everyone will understand how you feel. And that's okay. Your feelings are valid and if you're really lucky, like Elijah and Jolie were, you'll find someone special who'll truly get it. Who'll stand by you through any and everything. Who will love you through the good and the bad, the happy and the sad.
So while this story could have been heartbreaking, it had too many happy and uplifting moments to really get me down. It was full of hope and honesty and when it feels so real, it's impossible not to love it!
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat - 4 out of 5 / several hot and descriptive scenes
Find more on the blog
I don't know how she made something that should have been incredibly sad into something that was incredibly sweet, but that's exactly what she did.
When you lose someone, especially in the ways that both Elijah and Jolie lost someone, how do you ever get past it? Through it? How does one accept that there will never be answers to their many questions and move on?
The Ones Left Behind told me there's no one answer on how to move through grief. It's different for all of us and not everyone will understand how you feel. And that's okay. Your feelings are valid and if you're really lucky, like Elijah and Jolie were, you'll find someone special who'll truly get it. Who'll stand by you through any and everything. Who will love you through the good and the bad, the happy and the sad.
So while this story could have been heartbreaking, it had too many happy and uplifting moments to really get me down. It was full of hope and honesty and when it feels so real, it's impossible not to love it!
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat - 4 out of 5 / several hot and descriptive scenes
Find more on the blog
August 4, 2023
***Read Trigger Warnings before reading this book***
You know a book is going to be good when it grips you from the very first page. Like me,
I’m sure your not a stranger to loss. Losing someone feels like the world is ending and your just looking for ways to heal from that loss. Sometimes you find solace in the unlikely of places. A connection through similar losses. Finding love in the unlikely of places. Real love is the one you don’t see coming.
How Elijah and Jolie met isn’t a start to a fairytale it’s real, raw, and unexpected. They both blame themselves in some way because of how their loved ones were taken from them. They found a way to heal with each other which makes this story is so beautiful.
To know your not alone when your world is dark, you find the light in someone you least expect. If you need a story that is both healing and eye opening,this is the book for you.
Happy Reading!
You know a book is going to be good when it grips you from the very first page. Like me,
I’m sure your not a stranger to loss. Losing someone feels like the world is ending and your just looking for ways to heal from that loss. Sometimes you find solace in the unlikely of places. A connection through similar losses. Finding love in the unlikely of places. Real love is the one you don’t see coming.
How Elijah and Jolie met isn’t a start to a fairytale it’s real, raw, and unexpected. They both blame themselves in some way because of how their loved ones were taken from them. They found a way to heal with each other which makes this story is so beautiful.
To know your not alone when your world is dark, you find the light in someone you least expect. If you need a story that is both healing and eye opening,this is the book for you.
Happy Reading!
July 3, 2022
I knew going into this story that a large part of the plot would be suicide, but I never thought I would have my heartstrings tugged quite to this extent. The author has a gift for hitting the hard parts in a way that feels entirely too real but following it up with soothing dialogue and witty banter from the characters that keep the storyline moving so you don't dwell. It's a fluid storyline full of grief, laughter, memories, and the importance of support.
Elijah and Jolie have lost someone close to them, so they go to grief meetings for people who have lost loved ones to suicide. It is a friendship that begins out of similar grief and necessity but turns into a relationship of love and support. They were there for each other when those in their support system were not. Elijah's grandmother was an excellent addition to the great cast of characters; her sassy attitude and sense of humor added some fun to the story. I'm glad Elijah and Jolie found each other and were able to support one another.
This story has grief and romance, spice, and the characters' growth. It does a great job of showing how grief is different for different people, and all versions are valid forms. I immensely enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Elijah and Jolie have lost someone close to them, so they go to grief meetings for people who have lost loved ones to suicide. It is a friendship that begins out of similar grief and necessity but turns into a relationship of love and support. They were there for each other when those in their support system were not. Elijah's grandmother was an excellent addition to the great cast of characters; her sassy attitude and sense of humor added some fun to the story. I'm glad Elijah and Jolie found each other and were able to support one another.
This story has grief and romance, spice, and the characters' growth. It does a great job of showing how grief is different for different people, and all versions are valid forms. I immensely enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2022
This was the first book that I’ve read by this author though I have 3 other books by her. I was completely hooked. From the very first page, or letters I should say. I can’t wait to read the other 3’books I have. I do have to say Ari did an amazing job writing the emotions, anger, healing and everything in between in this book. The characters were so relatable, in a heartbreaking way to anyone who has experienced a loss in their life. Please check the trigger warnings, this book talks about two suicides, mental illness among others.
Jolie and Elijah have. It’s recently lost someone close to them. Jolie lost her sister Callie and Elijah lost his best friend Ben. They met at a grief counseling meeting and quickly found a confidant in each other, someone they could talk to without judgement who understands what they’re going through and feeling. Their relationship starts shortly afterwards. But with the stress of Julie’s parents controlling everything she does and Ben’s family not accepting how he died, will Elijah and Jolie truly be able to form a lasting relationship or is it a mask for the trauma they’ve endured. I will have to say I absolutely fell in love with Elijah’s grandma Louise. She was definitely the light and words of wisdom both Jolie and Elijah needed.
This book has it all. Pain, grief, anger, emotions , twists, denial, acceptance, forgiveness, moving forward, tears, love, family, happiness, trauma, healing and heartache. I can’t wait to read more from Ari.
Jolie and Elijah have. It’s recently lost someone close to them. Jolie lost her sister Callie and Elijah lost his best friend Ben. They met at a grief counseling meeting and quickly found a confidant in each other, someone they could talk to without judgement who understands what they’re going through and feeling. Their relationship starts shortly afterwards. But with the stress of Julie’s parents controlling everything she does and Ben’s family not accepting how he died, will Elijah and Jolie truly be able to form a lasting relationship or is it a mask for the trauma they’ve endured. I will have to say I absolutely fell in love with Elijah’s grandma Louise. She was definitely the light and words of wisdom both Jolie and Elijah needed.
This book has it all. Pain, grief, anger, emotions , twists, denial, acceptance, forgiveness, moving forward, tears, love, family, happiness, trauma, healing and heartache. I can’t wait to read more from Ari.
September 26, 2022
First a warning: Suicide is a prominent topic in this book.
Two late teen/twenty-something people meet at a suicide support group. Yes, there was physical attraction from the start but what I enjoyed most was the way each of their personalities & outlook on life seemed to be a balm for each other. When one struggled with the guilt & suffering of their lost loved one, the other was there to put everything in perspective because they've been experiencing the same guilt, the same what-ifs.
I walked into this thinking the entire book would be a sad & depressing depiction of the grieving process & instead I received a rather uplifting & hopeful story. There isn't a standard playbook for grief, no sure way to find your way back from such a loss & we have two separate families with two different & unexpected losses that cope in the only way they know how.
One might not think it was wise to begin a romantic relationship in the way this couple did or because of the circumstances that brought them together. But it worked.
The author's words left me feeling hopeful, joyous & excited for the future of this "meant to be" couple.
Two late teen/twenty-something people meet at a suicide support group. Yes, there was physical attraction from the start but what I enjoyed most was the way each of their personalities & outlook on life seemed to be a balm for each other. When one struggled with the guilt & suffering of their lost loved one, the other was there to put everything in perspective because they've been experiencing the same guilt, the same what-ifs.
I walked into this thinking the entire book would be a sad & depressing depiction of the grieving process & instead I received a rather uplifting & hopeful story. There isn't a standard playbook for grief, no sure way to find your way back from such a loss & we have two separate families with two different & unexpected losses that cope in the only way they know how.
One might not think it was wise to begin a romantic relationship in the way this couple did or because of the circumstances that brought them together. But it worked.
The author's words left me feeling hopeful, joyous & excited for the future of this "meant to be" couple.
August 17, 2022
This is my first time reading anything by this author and im so mad at myself for not knowing Ari before this read. I'm lost for words and how to process what I just finished reading. I was immediately drawn in by first sentence. Trigger warnings are to be taken serious. This book deals with raw emotional and physical damage by triggering situations. I dont want to use the word but it's definitely a heavy subject. I cant explain the emotional heartbreaking read ive just finished. The journey Ben and Callie are on will leave you emotional destroyed and happily rooting for salvation for both of them. It's definitely got great chemistry and steam but the story this tells deeply impacts you from the start. Its a great read and I am definitely adding more books by Ari to my TBR..
August 21, 2022
This book!! I knew what it was going to revolve around but didn't expect it to be so raw!
The emotions that Elijah and Jolies story make you feel in sharing their trauma is deep.
I think their story is beautifully written and absolutely worth reading! ❤️
❤️ The Bookish Girls Team
The emotions that Elijah and Jolies story make you feel in sharing their trauma is deep.
I think their story is beautifully written and absolutely worth reading! ❤️
❤️ The Bookish Girls Team
August 7, 2022
Elijah & Jolie had an emotional read. Good characters. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
September 10, 2022
emotional
This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions that was hard to come down. Losing someone so close to you is hard. Not having an outlet to turn to or feel safe to turn to is even harder. I loved how this author made it real life problems. With the mom believing and changing. With the family brushing of the depression. I lived in a house like that growing up. A family that didn’t hug or say I love you. A family where you cried too much your were a sissy not someone seeking help.
This was my first book by this author and I can’t wait to read more.
This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions that was hard to come down. Losing someone so close to you is hard. Not having an outlet to turn to or feel safe to turn to is even harder. I loved how this author made it real life problems. With the mom believing and changing. With the family brushing of the depression. I lived in a house like that growing up. A family that didn’t hug or say I love you. A family where you cried too much your were a sissy not someone seeking help.
This was my first book by this author and I can’t wait to read more.
July 9, 2022
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.
The Ones Left Behind is an emotional new adult contemporary romance about two people grieving over the loss of loved ones to suicide. Jolie has lost her sister and Elijah his best friend. They meet in a support group and connect immediately. They find not only comfort in each other but attraction and chemistry. As they get to know each other, they fall deeper into each other but will have to fight for their relationship.
This book was heavy with grief, talk of those lost to suicide, and some negative people in each of Jolie and Elijah's lives. All of those things could have made this book miserable to read. Instead, the good things in Jolie and Elijah's lives lifted them and the story up. They had support in Elijah's awesome grandmother. They had success in work and school. They had a connection and love for each other that gave them the support they needed to not forget but to move on from the tragedy of losing someone. The hope overshadowed the grief and anger in this book and made this romance something special. If you like emotional romances and can handle the topic of losing loved ones to suicide, I recommend this book.
CW: grief, suicide (of loved ones not one page but repeatedly talked about)
You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
The Ones Left Behind is an emotional new adult contemporary romance about two people grieving over the loss of loved ones to suicide. Jolie has lost her sister and Elijah his best friend. They meet in a support group and connect immediately. They find not only comfort in each other but attraction and chemistry. As they get to know each other, they fall deeper into each other but will have to fight for their relationship.
This book was heavy with grief, talk of those lost to suicide, and some negative people in each of Jolie and Elijah's lives. All of those things could have made this book miserable to read. Instead, the good things in Jolie and Elijah's lives lifted them and the story up. They had support in Elijah's awesome grandmother. They had success in work and school. They had a connection and love for each other that gave them the support they needed to not forget but to move on from the tragedy of losing someone. The hope overshadowed the grief and anger in this book and made this romance something special. If you like emotional romances and can handle the topic of losing loved ones to suicide, I recommend this book.
CW: grief, suicide (of loved ones not one page but repeatedly talked about)
You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
July 5, 2022
I love the books by Ari Reavis is a great author and her writing style and stories will always keep you hooked from start to finish. Similarly in this story Jolie and Elijah both deal with a great loss of her sister and Elijah's struggle with the death of her best friend. They get to know each other at a rock group where she has to go because her parents forced her to. This is an emotional story about grieving losing someone and how to deal with it. Together they go through the emotional and sad journey to heal together. Ari Reavis has written an emotional story that is also close to reality, which she did perfectly. This book is definitely recommended!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
July 3, 2022
Jolie has just lost her sister, and while struggling to cope her parents force her to attend a support group to help her. Elijah is consumed by guilt over his best friend’s death, and he and Jolie bond and support each other over their grief. This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster, and has healing, loss, grief, humor, witty banter, friendships, family, romance, support, and love, which leads to a heartwrenching story which pulls at the heartstrings throughout. I look forward to reading more form this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2022
I went into this book knowing it would pull at my heartstrings, what I was not really prepared for was how uplifting it was. Elijah and Jolie both lost someone close to them by suicide. I have been leaning more towards dark romance lately but there is something about what Ari Reavis does that keeps me coming back for more. I love how despite the tragic way Elijah and Jolie are brought together they both support each other in ways they were not getting from their immediate support system. Everyone grieves in their own way and in their own time, this book really cemented that fact. Yes, it is sad but it is also really happy in parts, this book really made me feel a lot of different emotions.
July 1, 2022
The Ones Left Behind by Ari Reavis is a good, and enjoyable healing steamy coming of age romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story will show you there's no one answer on how to move through grief. That it is different for everyone and that not everyone will understand how you feel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2022
Elijah and Jolie meet when they attend a support group for suicide grief counseling. The author brings strong characters and an emotional storyline. She brings all the feels as she takes them on their journey of healing and finding peace as they help one another. The scenes are painted perfectly and the story flows fluidly. It's a heart wrenching story with a HEA. Loved and recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
July 3, 2022
A good story touching the grieving process of the ' Ones left behind' who are dealing and trying to process what has happened. Elijah and Jolie meet at a support group and start supporting each other through this process of the mind.
A good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2022
The subject matter is heavy and it has touched my life but only as a bystander. It’s hard to know what to say or do so I couldn’t imagine how I would cope if I was in the thick of it all. My heart broke for Elijah and Jolie but they found each other and it made their bond even stronger.
February 14, 2025
Something tragic brought love
I just recently lost my sibling and it’s hard. The author is truly gifted because she targeted on some emotions I was struggling with or I felt guilty for having them. I will admit love is the greatest gift of all
I just recently lost my sibling and it’s hard. The author is truly gifted because she targeted on some emotions I was struggling with or I felt guilty for having them. I will admit love is the greatest gift of all
Want to Read
May 14, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/14/2023)! 🎁
September 3, 2022
I enjoyed this book. It was more emotional than I anticipated. A beautiful story of love and healing after losing a loved one to suicide.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews