The One I Left Behind

Piper Rayne

May 2024 · Plain Daisy Ranch Book 1 · Piper Rayne, Inc.

About this ebook

It’s the classic story—boy goes off into the world to fulfill his dreams and leaves the girl behind.

Not every boy returns home, and I wish Ben Noughton wouldn’t have come back to our small ranching town at all after he retired from playing professional football.

I figure it’s a quick layover for him. He always wanted out of this town and off his family’s ranch. I just have to bide my time until he turns his back on all of us again.

Then he takes on the coaching position for the high school football team and starts milling around too much, bulldozing the protective walls I’ve built around myself. But he goes too far when he takes my son under his wing to help him be the best player he can be. Leaving me to protect not only my own heart but my son’s too.

Because I promised myself a long time ago that I’d never be the girl in the rearview mirror again.

Ratings and reviews

The One I Left Behind is a multi-trope romance. Gillian and Ben were very likeable, I wanted to hate Ben so bad but I just couldn't. I liked how Ben included Clayton in everything, great bonding. This book made think of my own experiences, Gillian's experience was better. I don't think Piper Rayne can make a bad book, just my opinion.

Ben comes back home after retiring from his pro career. Gillian is the one he left behind now a single mom after a rebound with someone else. There is some hurt and resentment between Ben and Gill, but he makes his intentions known he wants another chance. I loved her relationship with son and Ben’s relationship with his family. His brother Emmett and his friend Brooks had me chuckling. It’s a good story with some drama, comedy, guilt, and forgiveness.

I absolutely love this new series written by Piper Rayne. I read the prequel, One Last Summer, where I became invested in the characters. I was surprised by the direction the author duo took this story. It was heartbreaking and heartwarming rolled together. Ben and Gillian lost so much time together. I liked that there wasn't an overabundance of drama, but the perfect amount, especially from Clayton! Love that boy! I found myself smiling and laughing, but tearing up as well. I'm looking forward to Jude and Sadie's story next!!!

About the author

Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling author duo. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have "Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle" (okay...you caught us, that's our tagline). A little about us... We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We're both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We're both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.