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Next Life #2
This Life and All the Rest
She thinks our story is over.
It’s just beginning.
Lennon Washington has been the star of every dream, every nightmare, since the day I lost her.
Since the moment I let my demons win, and she slipped through my fingers.
Her memory has haunted me.
Changed me.
Broken me and remade me.
And I’d all but given up on us.
Now tragedy has brought her back into my life.
My secrets are at her disposal,
Hers are unraveling quickly,
And every emotion we’ve tried to deny is returning with a vengeance.
But we’re not kids anymore.
We have changed drastically.
And with each new ache, I start to wonder,
Is there a place for us in this life,
Or will we have to try again in the next one?
***
This Life and All the Rest is the conclusion to the Next Life Duet.
It has a guaranteed HEA.
It is necessary to read book one, The Love of My Next Life , before reading this one.
It’s just beginning.
Lennon Washington has been the star of every dream, every nightmare, since the day I lost her.
Since the moment I let my demons win, and she slipped through my fingers.
Her memory has haunted me.
Changed me.
Broken me and remade me.
And I’d all but given up on us.
Now tragedy has brought her back into my life.
My secrets are at her disposal,
Hers are unraveling quickly,
And every emotion we’ve tried to deny is returning with a vengeance.
But we’re not kids anymore.
We have changed drastically.
And with each new ache, I start to wonder,
Is there a place for us in this life,
Or will we have to try again in the next one?
***
This Life and All the Rest is the conclusion to the Next Life Duet.
It has a guaranteed HEA.
It is necessary to read book one, The Love of My Next Life , before reading this one.
344 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2022
1710 people are currently reading
11084 people want to read
About the author
Brit Benson
19 books1,873 followersBrit Benson writes real, relatable romance novels. She likes outspoken, independent heroines, dirty-talking, love-struck heroes, and plots that get you right in the feels.
Brit would almost always rather be reading or writing. When she's not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she's getting lost in someone else's fictional world. When she's not doing that, she's probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods, sniffing candles and touching things she’ll never buy.
Brit would almost always rather be reading or writing. When she's not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she's getting lost in someone else's fictional world. When she's not doing that, she's probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods, sniffing candles and touching things she’ll never buy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,595 reviews
June 21, 2025
If you’re looking for a book where the entire plot is the miscommunication trope…. This is for you.
February 18, 2023
1.5 star
I must be tripping because wtf was this🤣 a fat mess.
1 star seems like a harsh rating, now that I think about it. But after reading so many phenomenal reviews, my expectations were sky high and they plummeted the more I kept forcing myself to finish.
➥ Didn't like the time jump and so many sudden changes that were brought with it.
➥ The back and forth got old since the last book. Actually, this was basically a repeat of the first part, but in a different font and with more needless melodrama. What was the point? idk.
➥ Lennon was annoying
➥ Reading this right after Saving 6 was a bad idea. Safe to say I'm up to my neck with druggy heroes💀 Everything felt like it was meant to be super deep, but failed to touch me in any meaningful way. I know this series got some characters everyone universally hates...aka Claire. But I fr did not give a single shit what that girl did😭 Bestie almost ruined EVERYONE'S LIFE and happiness and I'm sitting there like
Same with Sam. She is the antithesis of Claire, meaning everyone loves her, and I get it, the whole enemies to besties trope hits different, but this time I was blank. Nothing felt natural.
I must be tripping because wtf was this🤣 a fat mess.
1 star seems like a harsh rating, now that I think about it. But after reading so many phenomenal reviews, my expectations were sky high and they plummeted the more I kept forcing myself to finish.
➥ Didn't like the time jump and so many sudden changes that were brought with it.
➥ The back and forth got old since the last book. Actually, this was basically a repeat of the first part, but in a different font and with more needless melodrama. What was the point? idk.
➥ Lennon was annoying
➥ Reading this right after Saving 6 was a bad idea. Safe to say I'm up to my neck with druggy heroes💀 Everything felt like it was meant to be super deep, but failed to touch me in any meaningful way. I know this series got some characters everyone universally hates...aka Claire. But I fr did not give a single shit what that girl did😭 Bestie almost ruined EVERYONE'S LIFE and happiness and I'm sitting there like
Same with Sam. She is the antithesis of Claire, meaning everyone loves her, and I get it, the whole enemies to besties trope hits different, but this time I was blank. Nothing felt natural.
March 10, 2023
all this over a miscommunication?!?
they didn’t speak for four years, she moved away, cut off her family, dropped outta school, cut her hair, dyed her hair, changed her name, over a miscommunication.
her trying so hard to go by ‘capri’ was honestly so embarrassing.
they also have evie now so yay that was just what they needed to add more spice to the family dynamics!
the best part was seeing claire get her karma. lennon tore her ass up as she should!
i did like seeing the drawing and letter at the end of the book. that was a really nice touch. i just wish i cared more.
they didn’t speak for four years, she moved away, cut off her family, dropped outta school, cut her hair, dyed her hair, changed her name, over a miscommunication.
her trying so hard to go by ‘capri’ was honestly so embarrassing.
they also have evie now so yay that was just what they needed to add more spice to the family dynamics!
the best part was seeing claire get her karma. lennon tore her ass up as she should!
i did like seeing the drawing and letter at the end of the book. that was a really nice touch. i just wish i cared more.
November 13, 2022
📚'🆃🅷🅸🆂 🅻🅸🅵🅴 🅰🅽🅳 🅰🅻🅻 🆃🅷🅴 🆁🅴🆂🆃'📚 Is the final full length romance book in 'Next Life' duet, by author Brit Benson. It picks up where the previous book left off. This book had been one I’d highly anticipated above all others, the first book wrecked me, and there I was hoping this book fixed me! Finally it arrived on my kindle app and I dove in head first, praying wholeheartedly that these two get their HEA they truly deserved!!
I went in prepared…🍷🍷🍷🍷
I knew going into this like the first book to heal, these characters had to hurt more, and that hurt burned. One persons reckless decision had a domino effect, it destroyed them completely like an earthquake leaving destruction in its wake. My heart and soul cracked along with these two characters.
The author didn’t hold back, she came in fighting, and her words resonated within me, everything she threw at me.
I felt…
There were light moments, dark moments, emotional moments, and everything in between.
These two weren’t whole without the other.
April 23, 2023
This is my fourth book this past week and my first five star read, so thank you, Brit Benson! Time after time, I read and love the first half of a duet only to be thoroughly disappointed with the conclusion. Thankfully, that wasn't the case here. This Life and All the Rest is just as fantastic as it's predecessor!
Macon and Lennon have come so far since the cliffhanger at the end of book one. They've both grown and changed as individuals and faced substantial hardships all while gaining respect and success along the way. The main difference between the two is while Lennon was trying to move on and put Macon behind her, Macon was trying to become the man he needed to be to be worthy of Lennon.
Macon put Lennon through a lot of shit in The Love of My Next Life, and she hasn't forgotten a second of it. She's trying her best to learn from her previous mistakes and resist Macon's pull, and I can't blame her for it one bit. As much as I wanted Lennon to fall into Macon's arms immediately and forget everything else, she had good reason to fight against that.
Thank God Macon more than redeemed himself in the end. He had me swooning all over the place, and I know I'm not alone! I honestly don't know how Lennon kept her vag to herself for as long as she did. Just sayin'.
I was glad to see I was wrong about some of the characters in this duet and sad to see I was right about one of them. I'm crossing my fingers that we get more stories from these characters in the future. Sam and Casper seem like an obvious choice to get a book next, but I'm wondering about Claire, too. Anytime an author slips in sympathy and reasoning for a character's horrible behavior at any point in a story, I always look for them to try to redeem said character at some point. In this case, it would be a enormous challenge, but that's also why I would read it. That being said, I can't stand the bitch. Lol
This Life and All the Rest is angsty, sexy, emotional, and full of drama. My heart ached for these characters, and it melted just the same. If you enjoyed the first half of Macon and Lennon's story, I have no doubt you'll love the finale.
New adult romance fans, this one's for you!
Macon and Lennon have come so far since the cliffhanger at the end of book one. They've both grown and changed as individuals and faced substantial hardships all while gaining respect and success along the way. The main difference between the two is while Lennon was trying to move on and put Macon behind her, Macon was trying to become the man he needed to be to be worthy of Lennon.
Macon put Lennon through a lot of shit in The Love of My Next Life, and she hasn't forgotten a second of it. She's trying her best to learn from her previous mistakes and resist Macon's pull, and I can't blame her for it one bit. As much as I wanted Lennon to fall into Macon's arms immediately and forget everything else, she had good reason to fight against that.
Thank God Macon more than redeemed himself in the end. He had me swooning all over the place, and I know I'm not alone! I honestly don't know how Lennon kept her vag to herself for as long as she did. Just sayin'.
I was glad to see I was wrong about some of the characters in this duet and sad to see I was right about one of them. I'm crossing my fingers that we get more stories from these characters in the future. Sam and Casper seem like an obvious choice to get a book next, but I'm wondering about Claire, too. Anytime an author slips in sympathy and reasoning for a character's horrible behavior at any point in a story, I always look for them to try to redeem said character at some point. In this case, it would be a enormous challenge, but that's also why I would read it. That being said, I can't stand the bitch. Lol
This Life and All the Rest is angsty, sexy, emotional, and full of drama. My heart ached for these characters, and it melted just the same. If you enjoyed the first half of Macon and Lennon's story, I have no doubt you'll love the finale.
New adult romance fans, this one's for you!
March 23, 2024
Devoured this duet today in one sitting. All the stars for Macon 💫
“𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝓁𝑜𝓃𝑒𝓁𝓎 𝒽𝓊𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒹𝑒𝓈𝒾𝓇𝑒! 𝒯𝑜 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓁𝒶𝓈𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝒻𝑜𝓇𝓉 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝓂𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝒶𝓃𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇'𝓈 𝒻𝒾𝓇𝑒.”
*¸.✬★*´´☽*ԑ̮̑ঙ¸.★*´´☽*¸.★*´´☽*ԑ̮̑ঙ¸.★*
“𝓘’𝓶 𝓪𝓷 𝓪𝓭𝓭𝓲𝓬𝓽, 𝓐𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓮𝓪. 𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓽𝓸 𝓭𝓸 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓼𝓶𝓪𝓵𝓵. 𝓘 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓼𝓮𝓵𝔂. 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓼𝓮𝓵𝔂. 𝓘 𝓬𝓻𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓼𝓮𝓵𝔂. 𝓕𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝓮, 𝓲𝓯 𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓪 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓽𝓱𝔂 𝓸𝓫𝓼𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷, 𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮.”
💙*¸.✬★*´´☽*ԑ̮̑ঙ¸.★*´´☽*¸.★*´´☽*ԑ̮̑ঙ¸.★*´ԑ̮̑ঙ¸.★*´´☽💙
“𝐼’𝓂 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝑔𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝒶𝓃 𝒶𝒹𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝒽𝑒’𝓈 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝑔𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝑔𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝑒𝓂𝓅𝓉𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃. 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝒹𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓉𝒽 𝓇𝓊𝒾𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝓎𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻 𝒻𝑜𝓇.”
`°¤,¸.•*´¯)☆:*´¨`**:.☆☆:*´¨`*:.☆(¯`*•.¸,¤°´
“𝚂𝚘, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢’𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚞𝚕, 𝚍𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚞𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐? “🦋
“𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝓁𝑜𝓃𝑒𝓁𝓎 𝒽𝓊𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒹𝑒𝓈𝒾𝓇𝑒! 𝒯𝑜 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓁𝒶𝓈𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝒻𝑜𝓇𝓉 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝓂𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝒶𝓃𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇'𝓈 𝒻𝒾𝓇𝑒.”
*¸.✬★*´´☽*ԑ̮̑ঙ¸.★*´´☽*¸.★*´´☽*ԑ̮̑ঙ¸.★*
“𝓘’𝓶 𝓪𝓷 𝓪𝓭𝓭𝓲𝓬𝓽, 𝓐𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓮𝓪. 𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓽𝓸 𝓭𝓸 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓼𝓶𝓪𝓵𝓵. 𝓘 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓼𝓮𝓵𝔂. 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓼𝓮𝓵𝔂. 𝓘 𝓬𝓻𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓼𝓮𝓵𝔂. 𝓕𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝓮, 𝓲𝓯 𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓪 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓽𝓱𝔂 𝓸𝓫𝓼𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷, 𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮.”
💙*¸.✬★*´´☽*ԑ̮̑ঙ¸.★*´´☽*¸.★*´´☽*ԑ̮̑ঙ¸.★*´ԑ̮̑ঙ¸.★*´´☽💙
“𝐼’𝓂 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝑔𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝒶𝓃 𝒶𝒹𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝒽𝑒’𝓈 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝑔𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝑔𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝑒𝓂𝓅𝓉𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃. 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝒹𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓉𝒽 𝓇𝓊𝒾𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝓎𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻 𝒻𝑜𝓇.”
`°¤,¸.•*´¯)☆:*´¨`**:.☆☆:*´¨`*:.☆(¯`*•.¸,¤°´
“𝚂𝚘, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢’𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚞𝚕, 𝚍𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚞𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐? “🦋
February 27, 2023
maconlennon my will to live fr 😍
“This life. The next life. Every life after that. I will love you in all of them, Lennon Capri. It doesn’t matter who you become or how you change. My soul will always belong to yours.”
December 8, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I devoured this duet in one day.
''Because I was homesick for you''
Safety warnings*:
- No cheating
- OM/OW drama (not like book 1)
- Mention of drug abuse
- Mention of self h*rm
- Mention of physical injury
- Taboo factor
- HEA
*Another warning but it's a spoiler and I'll put it in the spoiler review
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
4 years. That’s how long it was between Lennon being sent to London to when she gets that phone call at the end of book 1.
She currently lives in Paris and goes by her middle name Capri. She's a totally new person, she is pursuing art and gets commissions. She is promiscuous and no longer a doormat. She doesn't placate everyone and honestly good for her.
We find out that Claire called because Trent (Lennon's father) had a heart attack and is in the ICU. She flies back to Virginia admitting she barely comes home and last time she saw him was 10 months ago? She doesn't want to see Claire or Macon and boy do we find out why.
BUT FIRST
Macon's first POV chapter is him taking care of a baby. For a second I thought OMG he has a kid but then it's quickly revealed that it's his half-sister aka Lennon's half-sister as well and he was babysitting her while his mom is in the hospital with Trent.
Macon and Lennon have no spoken or seen each other for 4 years. Lennon never came back from London and Macon resents her for it. He thinks she abandoned him? While we readers remember HIM being the one who left her right after prom night. So, what is going on?
Lennon and Macon still obviously have a massive attraction, but hatred lies there too. She hates him because he was the reason she self-destructed, and he hates her because she gave up on him when he asked her not to.
Macon joined the Marines after Lennon left and was honorably discharged because he was in a helicopter accident where he injured his leg. He buys the rec center he use to volunteer and work for when he was in High School.
OW drama: It's just Lennon thinking Macon is sleeping with two women who are actually his therapist and the other is his physical therapist haha
OM drama: Lennon has a f*ck buddy who Macon hates and shows up to comfort Lennon about her father, but nothing ever happens after Lennon comes back to Virginia.
Two things:
1) We find out Macon has been celibate for 4 years (ever since that prom night)
2) Macon was the one who bought her painting for 12,000 dollars (the most expensive painting she ever sold)
There is a lot of unanswered questions around about what happened 4 years ago, why he left and why he never responded to her emails and oh boy is the reason good but also heartbreaking because you know someone played with their lives.
It's revealed that Macon after that night gets text messages from Chase (Sam's older brother) who also dealt drugs but also gave Macon the bad drugs he eventually ODs with. That night another girl who was at the party gets a hold of Macon's drugs and dies. Chase being an absolute devil informs the girls bf who the guy was who had the drugs and they threaten to either kill/r*pe Lennon and Claire. Macon feeling absolutely overwhelmed goes to Trent and begs him to get Lennon out of the country which prompts her immediate departure to London. Macon was upstairs while Lennon was begging to just say goodbye, but he never came down because he was beaten to a pulp by those guys, and he knew if she found out the real reason she would never leave.
After Lennon is sent away, he enters rehab to get sober. Once he is out of rehab and able to maintain sobriety for a month, he goes to London to find Lennon only to see her getting it on with a guy in an alley. This gets him to relapse and go back to rehab and eventually join the Marines.
*Spoiler Safety warning*
Why was Lennon in a alley with a guy? Well - after that prom night? She gets pregnant and ends up having a miscarriage* after her first trimester. Nobody knew but her aunt and Sam. She absolutely abandons herself and implodes. She self-harms and sleeps around, drinks and uses drugs to numb the pain.
WHY DID MACON NEVER TELL HER OR ANYONE ELSE ABOUT REHAB?
He did. He left her a letter in her suitcase so when she arrived in London she would see when she unpacks.
But there was no letter?
Right. Claire gets it out of the suitcase after Macon places it and never tells her or anyone about it being missing. Everyone believes Lennon knew he was in rehab and still chose to stay away and leave them all by staying back.
Claire gives Lennon that letter after the miscarriage is revealed and thats when Lennon finds out Macon NEVER left her - he went to be a better person and love her right. To love her the way she deserved. Their parents were never against their relationship.
I loved Sam and her absolute dedicated friendship to Lennon. I even loved it more because they never felt anger about their past and how they acted towards each other before Macon ODs in book one. They were TRUE best friends unlike Claire.
I really hated Claire and I am so happy she never got a redemption. She was engaged to Eric (the same Eric, Lennon dates in high school) and he even leaves her after finding out what she had done.
Even in the extended epilogue which takes place 7 years later she still isn't forgiven.
We find out Sam and Casper are a couple (Casper is a high school friend who never left Macon's side) and I actually hope we get their book one day?
I devoured this duet in one day.
''Because I was homesick for you''
Safety warnings*:
- No cheating
- OM/OW drama (not like book 1)
- Mention of drug abuse
- Mention of self h*rm
- Mention of physical injury
- Taboo factor
- HEA
*Another warning but it's a spoiler and I'll put it in the spoiler review
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
4 years. That’s how long it was between Lennon being sent to London to when she gets that phone call at the end of book 1.
She currently lives in Paris and goes by her middle name Capri. She's a totally new person, she is pursuing art and gets commissions. She is promiscuous and no longer a doormat. She doesn't placate everyone and honestly good for her.
We find out that Claire called because Trent (Lennon's father) had a heart attack and is in the ICU. She flies back to Virginia admitting she barely comes home and last time she saw him was 10 months ago? She doesn't want to see Claire or Macon and boy do we find out why.
BUT FIRST
Macon's first POV chapter is him taking care of a baby. For a second I thought OMG he has a kid but then it's quickly revealed that it's his half-sister aka Lennon's half-sister as well and he was babysitting her while his mom is in the hospital with Trent.
Macon and Lennon have no spoken or seen each other for 4 years. Lennon never came back from London and Macon resents her for it. He thinks she abandoned him? While we readers remember HIM being the one who left her right after prom night. So, what is going on?
Lennon and Macon still obviously have a massive attraction, but hatred lies there too. She hates him because he was the reason she self-destructed, and he hates her because she gave up on him when he asked her not to.
Macon joined the Marines after Lennon left and was honorably discharged because he was in a helicopter accident where he injured his leg. He buys the rec center he use to volunteer and work for when he was in High School.
OW drama: It's just Lennon thinking Macon is sleeping with two women who are actually his therapist and the other is his physical therapist haha
OM drama: Lennon has a f*ck buddy who Macon hates and shows up to comfort Lennon about her father, but nothing ever happens after Lennon comes back to Virginia.
Two things:
1) We find out Macon has been celibate for 4 years (ever since that prom night)
2) Macon was the one who bought her painting for 12,000 dollars (the most expensive painting she ever sold)
There is a lot of unanswered questions around about what happened 4 years ago, why he left and why he never responded to her emails and oh boy is the reason good but also heartbreaking because you know someone played with their lives.
It's revealed that Macon after that night gets text messages from Chase (Sam's older brother) who also dealt drugs but also gave Macon the bad drugs he eventually ODs with. That night another girl who was at the party gets a hold of Macon's drugs and dies. Chase being an absolute devil informs the girls bf who the guy was who had the drugs and they threaten to either kill/r*pe Lennon and Claire. Macon feeling absolutely overwhelmed goes to Trent and begs him to get Lennon out of the country which prompts her immediate departure to London. Macon was upstairs while Lennon was begging to just say goodbye, but he never came down because he was beaten to a pulp by those guys, and he knew if she found out the real reason she would never leave.
After Lennon is sent away, he enters rehab to get sober. Once he is out of rehab and able to maintain sobriety for a month, he goes to London to find Lennon only to see her getting it on with a guy in an alley. This gets him to relapse and go back to rehab and eventually join the Marines.
*Spoiler Safety warning*
Why was Lennon in a alley with a guy? Well - after that prom night? She gets pregnant and ends up having a miscarriage* after her first trimester. Nobody knew but her aunt and Sam. She absolutely abandons herself and implodes. She self-harms and sleeps around, drinks and uses drugs to numb the pain.
WHY DID MACON NEVER TELL HER OR ANYONE ELSE ABOUT REHAB?
He did. He left her a letter in her suitcase so when she arrived in London she would see when she unpacks.
But there was no letter?
Right. Claire gets it out of the suitcase after Macon places it and never tells her or anyone about it being missing. Everyone believes Lennon knew he was in rehab and still chose to stay away and leave them all by staying back.
Claire gives Lennon that letter after the miscarriage is revealed and thats when Lennon finds out Macon NEVER left her - he went to be a better person and love her right. To love her the way she deserved. Their parents were never against their relationship.
I loved Sam and her absolute dedicated friendship to Lennon. I even loved it more because they never felt anger about their past and how they acted towards each other before Macon ODs in book one. They were TRUE best friends unlike Claire.
I really hated Claire and I am so happy she never got a redemption. She was engaged to Eric (the same Eric, Lennon dates in high school) and he even leaves her after finding out what she had done.
Even in the extended epilogue which takes place 7 years later she still isn't forgiven.
We find out Sam and Casper are a couple (Casper is a high school friend who never left Macon's side) and I actually hope we get their book one day?
November 10, 2022
Brit Benson met my expectations and more with the conclusion to the Next Life Duet. Once I started I literally couldn’t stop. With how book 1 ended I was ready to go. I needed answers and more Lennon and Macon.
What I got in book 1 and got here too. Angst , messy and broken characters but now a lot has happened. It was obvious and I was excited. Ready to peel back the layers and discover not a new Lennon and Macon but more experienced by life and pain that has been thrown their way. It suited to see them matured and seeing them wanting a purpose for their life. I saw growth!
Their connection was undeniable and a constant whenever they were around one another. A delicious sizzling tension just waiting to explode and believe me it did.
This Life and all the Rest was a rollercoaster of emotions cause of course Lennon and Macon made mistakes but they also showed they’d learned from them. I was their biggest cheerleader.
This book and conclusion was so satisfying both storytelling wise and on an emotional level. I felt it all and Brit Benson delivered. BIG TIME! Don’t even get me started on the extended epilogue. Chef’s kiss!
* I received an arc from Wildfire Marketing PR for my honest opinion*
What I got in book 1 and got here too. Angst , messy and broken characters but now a lot has happened. It was obvious and I was excited. Ready to peel back the layers and discover not a new Lennon and Macon but more experienced by life and pain that has been thrown their way. It suited to see them matured and seeing them wanting a purpose for their life. I saw growth!
Their connection was undeniable and a constant whenever they were around one another. A delicious sizzling tension just waiting to explode and believe me it did.
This Life and all the Rest was a rollercoaster of emotions cause of course Lennon and Macon made mistakes but they also showed they’d learned from them. I was their biggest cheerleader.
This book and conclusion was so satisfying both storytelling wise and on an emotional level. I felt it all and Brit Benson delivered. BIG TIME! Don’t even get me started on the extended epilogue. Chef’s kiss!
* I received an arc from Wildfire Marketing PR for my honest opinion*
September 5, 2024
This series took my breath away.
What a love could do in this story is magic!
It’s worth reading.
What a love could do in this story is magic!
It’s worth reading.
July 28, 2024
Прочитала половину, зловила дуже сильне дежавю і решту книги пролистала, щоб таки підтвердити для себе, що я вже читала цю історію у Пенелопи Дуглас.
Also, тут використовується ненависний мною троп, який я мрію перестати зустрічати в ЛР або будь-де ще.
Also, тут використовується ненависний мною троп, який я мрію перестати зустрічати в ЛР або будь-де ще.
November 8, 2023
Not one single likeable character here
November 9, 2022
The best conclusion I could’ve ever hoped for
This was beautiful. I think I loved this more than the first and that says something considering the amount of emotions I felt towards it. Felt like the sour patch kids motto: first they’re sour, then they’re sweet. Fits the duet to a T lol.
I have so much respect towards Brit Benson for taking a trope that is highly contentious and disliked in the romance world (miscommunication) and elevating it to a whole other level. Actually, multiple levels. I could read about this trope any day if it was done as well as this.
We got everything we could’ve wanted from the first book answered. Nothing was drawn out just for the angst or to meet a word count. Scenes flowed from one to the next effortlessly and my heart felt full to bursting. When the truth came to light, the characters realized while it’s a highly emotional time, it’s best to finally get everything they’ve been hiding/haven’t said off their chest, as they’ve already had years apart, why waste more time. It’s such a breath of fresh air when characters act like adults. Oh, I LIVED for the fact that the antagonist wasn’t redeemed or forgiven by the MCs by the end of the duet (even by the extended epilogue). That made this book all the sweeter.
Macon has solidified himself as my favorite character in this duet. He was an absolute asshole in book 1 but you can see how those 4 years since everything happened has helped him grow up, mature, and become a man readers could respect. Lennon was not far behind, boy, her growth and maturity skyrocketed too. I loved this time away they had from each other. It gave them perspective. For my fellow friends, you’ll be happy to know about this tidbit of info which made me so happy as it’s practically unseen in romances (spoiler):
Macon said something near the end that I loved: “I’ve got a list of things that make me grateful for Paris, even if it meant I had to lose Lennon for a while. In Paris, she blossomed. She grew into her independence. She mastered the use of her voice.”
The fact that he acknowledged this even though it was painful for them both. ❤️🥺
The extended epilogue was utter perfection and I’m so glad it wasn’t rushed. I loved it so much. I loved this duet and now I’m sad it’s over.
This was beautiful. I think I loved this more than the first and that says something considering the amount of emotions I felt towards it. Felt like the sour patch kids motto: first they’re sour, then they’re sweet. Fits the duet to a T lol.
I have so much respect towards Brit Benson for taking a trope that is highly contentious and disliked in the romance world (miscommunication) and elevating it to a whole other level. Actually, multiple levels. I could read about this trope any day if it was done as well as this.
We got everything we could’ve wanted from the first book answered. Nothing was drawn out just for the angst or to meet a word count. Scenes flowed from one to the next effortlessly and my heart felt full to bursting. When the truth came to light, the characters realized while it’s a highly emotional time, it’s best to finally get everything they’ve been hiding/haven’t said off their chest, as they’ve already had years apart, why waste more time. It’s such a breath of fresh air when characters act like adults. Oh, I LIVED for the fact that the antagonist wasn’t redeemed or forgiven by the MCs by the end of the duet (even by the extended epilogue). That made this book all the sweeter.
Macon has solidified himself as my favorite character in this duet. He was an absolute asshole in book 1 but you can see how those 4 years since everything happened has helped him grow up, mature, and become a man readers could respect. Lennon was not far behind, boy, her growth and maturity skyrocketed too. I loved this time away they had from each other. It gave them perspective. For my fellow friends, you’ll be happy to know about this tidbit of info which made me so happy as it’s practically unseen in romances (spoiler):
Macon said something near the end that I loved: “I’ve got a list of things that make me grateful for Paris, even if it meant I had to lose Lennon for a while. In Paris, she blossomed. She grew into her independence. She mastered the use of her voice.”
The fact that he acknowledged this even though it was painful for them both. ❤️🥺
The extended epilogue was utter perfection and I’m so glad it wasn’t rushed. I loved it so much. I loved this duet and now I’m sad it’s over.
January 9, 2024
5 ⭐
After reading the two books it's official I'm an emotional mess 🤧
“I’m an addict, Astraea. I don’t know how to do anything small. I feel intensely. I want intensely. I crave intensely. For me, if it’s not a healthy obsession, it’s not love.”
There’s that word again. Love.
“Because I was homesick for
you. Because the only decision I’ve ever made in this life that I’m sure of
was being selfish for you.”
There’s so much damage between us. So many secrets and broken
promises. I should tell her we can wait. I should reassure her and prove to
her I’m a better man now.
But in moments like this, I’m not sure I am.
I’m always going to be an addict, and she’s always going to be my
greatest temptation. The only addiction worth ruining myself for.
We had to be apart before we could be stronger together.
She’s still my Lennon. I’m still her Macon. We’re at
our truest when we’re together.
“This life. The next life. Every life after that. I will love you in all of
them, Lennon Capri. It doesn’t matter who you become or how you change.
My soul will always belong to yours.”
________
If they won't end up being together I'll sue 😡
After reading the two books it's official I'm an emotional mess 🤧
“I’m an addict, Astraea. I don’t know how to do anything small. I feel intensely. I want intensely. I crave intensely. For me, if it’s not a healthy obsession, it’s not love.”
There’s that word again. Love.
“Because I was homesick for
you. Because the only decision I’ve ever made in this life that I’m sure of
was being selfish for you.”
There’s so much damage between us. So many secrets and broken
promises. I should tell her we can wait. I should reassure her and prove to
her I’m a better man now.
But in moments like this, I’m not sure I am.
I’m always going to be an addict, and she’s always going to be my
greatest temptation. The only addiction worth ruining myself for.
We had to be apart before we could be stronger together.
She’s still my Lennon. I’m still her Macon. We’re at
our truest when we’re together.
“This life. The next life. Every life after that. I will love you in all of
them, Lennon Capri. It doesn’t matter who you become or how you change.
My soul will always belong to yours.”
________
If they won't end up being together I'll sue 😡
August 22, 2024
I’m too old to pull all nighters reading a duet about highschoolers, I’m tired. But this was so addictive I couldn’t just put it down and go to bed, and it was worth the sleepless night.
OTT drama, angst and chemistry, you’re in for a treat.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be off to parent my kids as lazily as I can.
OTT drama, angst and chemistry, you’re in for a treat.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be off to parent my kids as lazily as I can.
June 6, 2024
3 Stars
Quick Opinion: This was the end of the duet and I felt like it was just alright. It was full of miscommunication (which already isn't my favorite) and then when they finally communicated, it was the end of the book. And then! I needed to sign up for a newsletter to get an extended epilogue! While I was greatly tempted because I had invested in these characters by reading two books for this, I didn't because I had already invested by reading two books! Nowhere near enough closure. Their conflict was resolved at the very end and there were so many unanswered questions. I also wanted to shake both mcs to just talk to one another! I would call this a HFN ending . I didn't hate it, but I'm definitely in the minority because I didn't love it. I might read the 3rd book because it's about side characters, but only if I know I get a HEA for them...
Safety: I would call this Safe with exception depending on your personal preferences. **BIG SPOILERS**
Quick Opinion: This was the end of the duet and I felt like it was just alright. It was full of miscommunication (which already isn't my favorite) and then when they finally communicated, it was the end of the book. And then! I needed to sign up for a newsletter to get an extended epilogue! While I was greatly tempted because I had invested in these characters by reading two books for this, I didn't because I had already invested by reading two books! Nowhere near enough closure. Their conflict was resolved at the very end and there were so many unanswered questions. I also wanted to shake both mcs to just talk to one another! I would call this a HFN ending . I didn't hate it, but I'm definitely in the minority because I didn't love it. I might read the 3rd book because it's about side characters, but only if I know I get a HEA for them...
Safety: I would call this Safe with exception depending on your personal preferences. **BIG SPOILERS**
May 30, 2023
4.75 stars ☆ THAT ONE FUCKING CHAPTER BROOO. I NEVER CRIED THAT HARD CAUSE WTFFFF. Whenever Macon and Lennon are sad, I’m sad too 😭 (which is a lot so I’ve been crying throughout the whole book) I’m “literally” not prepared that this book would cause me so much pain 💔
UGH I LOVE THEM SO MUCH
UGH I LOVE THEM SO MUCH
April 24, 2024
this duet was everything i needed!! i wanted something angsty and this was perfect. it's such a hard fought happy ending but the journey to get there was so needed. their love story was worth all the pain and character development and longing omg. i'm not always in the mood for a "right person, wrong time" type of story, but sometimes it just calls to me and it hits right in the feels and this was definitely one of those!!! i couldn't have loved it more, and i 10000% recommend next time you're in the mood for some angst and a happy ending that doesn't come easily but is so so worth it.
February 10, 2023
you know how there are some books that make you feel something that's out of this world? you can't describe it to anyone - you just know that it makes you feel your soul, makes you feel whole, makes you experience all those emotions that were buried deep down, makes you feel as if you'll never be the same again?
this book to me is that feeling and it will be always
“This life. The next life. Every life after that. I will love you in all of them, Lennon Capri. It doesn’t matter who you become or how you change. My soul will always belong to yours.” <3
this book to me is that feeling and it will be always
“This life. The next life. Every life after that. I will love you in all of them, Lennon Capri. It doesn’t matter who you become or how you change. My soul will always belong to yours.” <3
November 30, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ not as good as the first one, but a nice finish to the duet.
There was no way I wasn’t diving straight into the second after the cliffhanger in the first book 😩
I loved the back and forth, angst, push and pull between Lennon and Macon in TLOMNL, but it started to wear thin in this one, primarily bc and I hate to say it…. MISCOMMUNICATION 😩
I hate it. The worst trope in existence. You’ve got no plot with miscommunication. If Lennon and Macon had just had a conversation in the beginning rather than settling with their assumptions and what others had told them, this book would have been halved.
I hate the whole ‘you didn’t reply to my emails, she said you never wanted to speak to me again’. It’s just not good enough IMO.
BUT credit where credit is due, this book is written so well, better than its predecessor! Lennon and Macon are super fleshed out, believable people with a beautiful story ❤️
I binged it in 24 hours, I’ve binged the duet in 48 and I’d definitely recommend 🥰
There was no way I wasn’t diving straight into the second after the cliffhanger in the first book 😩
I loved the back and forth, angst, push and pull between Lennon and Macon in TLOMNL, but it started to wear thin in this one, primarily bc and I hate to say it…. MISCOMMUNICATION 😩
I hate it. The worst trope in existence. You’ve got no plot with miscommunication. If Lennon and Macon had just had a conversation in the beginning rather than settling with their assumptions and what others had told them, this book would have been halved.
I hate the whole ‘you didn’t reply to my emails, she said you never wanted to speak to me again’. It’s just not good enough IMO.
BUT credit where credit is due, this book is written so well, better than its predecessor! Lennon and Macon are super fleshed out, believable people with a beautiful story ❤️
I binged it in 24 hours, I’ve binged the duet in 48 and I’d definitely recommend 🥰
February 7, 2024
The emotion in this omg 🥹🥹
I was not prepared for the tears but wow, this was beautiful. I loved this even more than the first one. The growth between the two was unreal & I was soooo happy to see Macon and Lennon finally get their HEA.
I definitely recommend this as an audiobook, it is a duet and done so so well!
✨second chance
✨step siblings
✨forbidden
**mental health, addiction, grief/ loss
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was not prepared for the tears but wow, this was beautiful. I loved this even more than the first one. The growth between the two was unreal & I was soooo happy to see Macon and Lennon finally get their HEA.
I definitely recommend this as an audiobook, it is a duet and done so so well!
✨second chance
✨step siblings
✨forbidden
**mental health, addiction, grief/ loss
🌶️🌶️🌶️
November 15, 2022
Lennon and Macon better than me fr because I would not have forgiven those skanks (CLAIRE, Trent, and Andrea) for basically fucking up 4 years for them.
Sure, the main couple contributed to the whole mess, but their FAMILY really saw them struggling and didn’t try harder to help idc
But basically this entire book is an ode to the Miscommunication trope, so if that pisses you off, boy- you’re gonna have a blast (of pain, irritation, anger). Benson woke up one day and thought “What happens if they just never had the chance to communicate and they were surrounded by a shitty family?”
TW// for self-harm, miscarriage, drugging
Sure, the main couple contributed to the whole mess, but their FAMILY really saw them struggling and didn’t try harder to help idc
But basically this entire book is an ode to the Miscommunication trope, so if that pisses you off, boy- you’re gonna have a blast (of pain, irritation, anger). Benson woke up one day and thought “What happens if they just never had the chance to communicate and they were surrounded by a shitty family?”
TW// for self-harm, miscarriage, drugging
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2022
What a ride this was and I loved every minute of it! I thought high school Macon was hot all broody and dark, damaged soul, BUT grown up Macon all domesticated with his shit together was sexy as hell! He was so sweet with Evie I loved how comfortable he was taking care of her. These characters did a 180 in this book and I loved the growth they went thru. Their journey wasn't an easy one but they got their perfect ending. Loved this duet and highly recommend for all the angst & heartache lovers!
January 21, 2023
4.25 -⭐️
October 10, 2024
Beautiful, gorgeous, incredible and heartbreaking. Such a worthwhile read, this is probably one of my favourite book duets of the year
And fuck Claire !!!!!!!!!
And fuck Claire !!!!!!!!!
November 27, 2022
It was real, loud, & erotic!!! It pieced me back together perfectly after book one left me in shambles. Brit Benson has done it again. This was more than good, it was a phenomenal ending to Macon & Lennon’s HEA.
January 19, 2024
Once I started this series, I could not put it down. It consumed me. The friendships were so complex. The betrayals and secrets. The tension and chemistry was top tear. I’ll think about this series often. I rarely rate anything 5 stars. I adored this series!
July 26, 2024
a hot chaotic mess what in the fuck was i reading
March 24, 2025
♾️ My first thought is how can I erase my memory so so I can immediately reread this again. Macon and Lennon 🥹 I truly loved this duet. Book 2 was filled with so much angst, longing, heartache, growth, healing, secrets and betrayals.
I love where Brit took Macon’s character- this man is everything. He is going to forever be a favorite book boyfriend of mine. So broken and misunderstood with the biggest heart.
Lennon- I loved her in book one and loved her character growth in book 2. My poor girl went through so much & I just wanted to hug her so many times, same with Macon honestly.
I’m not gonna say much on side characters to avoid spoilers but 2 of them I wanna hug and I can’t wait for their story, one of them I actually wanna throat punch bc how could you. Real PTSD from high school friendships.
Brits writing continued to impress me in this story, drama was well thought through and added to the story, spice was good, and it just was perfect in my opinion lol. I loved the art element so much, it was just beautiful.
Some of my favorite quotes:
The problem is my craving for Lennon has always been more powerful than any of the others. Drugs, liquor, sex, pain. They’ve always been temporary fixes to curb my need for her. They’re crutches to fall back on when I can’t have the one thing my body desires.
“This life. The next life. Every life after that. I will love you in all of them, Lennon Capri. It doesn’t matter who you become or how you change. My soul will always belong to yours.”
“Is it weird,” she says slowly, “if I say I’m not surprised? That you’d hurt yourself protecting someone else?”😩
Second chance
It’s always been you
Step siblings
Drama and angst
♾️/5
2🌶️
I love where Brit took Macon’s character- this man is everything. He is going to forever be a favorite book boyfriend of mine. So broken and misunderstood with the biggest heart.
Lennon- I loved her in book one and loved her character growth in book 2. My poor girl went through so much & I just wanted to hug her so many times, same with Macon honestly.
I’m not gonna say much on side characters to avoid spoilers but 2 of them I wanna hug and I can’t wait for their story, one of them I actually wanna throat punch bc how could you. Real PTSD from high school friendships.
Brits writing continued to impress me in this story, drama was well thought through and added to the story, spice was good, and it just was perfect in my opinion lol. I loved the art element so much, it was just beautiful.
Some of my favorite quotes:
The problem is my craving for Lennon has always been more powerful than any of the others. Drugs, liquor, sex, pain. They’ve always been temporary fixes to curb my need for her. They’re crutches to fall back on when I can’t have the one thing my body desires.
“This life. The next life. Every life after that. I will love you in all of them, Lennon Capri. It doesn’t matter who you become or how you change. My soul will always belong to yours.”
“Is it weird,” she says slowly, “if I say I’m not surprised? That you’d hurt yourself protecting someone else?”😩
Second chance
It’s always been you
Step siblings
Drama and angst
♾️/5
2🌶️
January 7, 2025
୧ ‧₊˚ 2.5 ⭐️
*possible spoilers ahead* 💌
꒰ "This life. The next life. Every life after that. I will love you in all of them, Lennon Capri. It doesn't matter who you become or how you change. My soul will always belong to yours." -pg 301 ₊˚⊹ ꒱
➸ even though I didn’t enjoy this a whole lot I still liked it a bit better than book one (what was that 😶😶)
I’m not a huge fan of any of the characters and I didn’t really connect to any of them?! I don’t get why this had to have the step siblings trope..like what was the reason??
and not to mention the whole miscommunication and them not talking for four years…
꒰ "I never gave up on us," he breathes out. "Even after you did, I didn't. Because you belong with me, Lennon Capri. You always have and you always will." -pg 198 ꒱
overall thoughts ‧₊˚✩ :
I’ve had these books on my tbr for quite a few months and It didn’t live up to my expectations, and I didn’t enjoy the step siblings trope in this. I probably wouldn’t recommend this to anyone. 😗😗
. . . . .
*possible spoilers ahead* 💌
꒰ "This life. The next life. Every life after that. I will love you in all of them, Lennon Capri. It doesn't matter who you become or how you change. My soul will always belong to yours." -pg 301 ₊˚⊹ ꒱
➸ even though I didn’t enjoy this a whole lot I still liked it a bit better than book one (what was that 😶😶)
I’m not a huge fan of any of the characters and I didn’t really connect to any of them?! I don’t get why this had to have the step siblings trope..like what was the reason??
and not to mention the whole miscommunication and them not talking for four years…
꒰ "I never gave up on us," he breathes out. "Even after you did, I didn't. Because you belong with me, Lennon Capri. You always have and you always will." -pg 198 ꒱
overall thoughts ‧₊˚✩ :
I’ve had these books on my tbr for quite a few months and It didn’t live up to my expectations, and I didn’t enjoy the step siblings trope in this. I probably wouldn’t recommend this to anyone. 😗😗
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