The One I Left Behind

Piper Rayne

May 2024 · Plain Daisy Ranch Book 1 · Piper Rayne Incorporated · Narrated by Robert Hatchet and CJ Bloom

About this audiobook

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

Ben & Gillian’s story=😍. From a heartbroken girl forced to grow up without the love of her life to the country boy of dreams come to true in the big city without his one true love. I was completely consumed watching these two learn to trust & love again. I adored seeing Clayton protective of his mom & finding a common ground with Ben. Their relationship was special. And the side characters! Robert Hatchet & CJ Bloom brought these characters to life, drew me in & kept me desperate for more.

The story was narrated by CJ Bloom and Robert Hatchet. This duo made me fall in love with them and this couple yet once again. Great characterizations, and emotions portrayed. This small town, slow burn second chance,single mom romance was so sweet with a twist of slight angst. 14 years have passed and the dashing and handsome Ben is back in town after retiring from the NFL. One thing that hasn’t changed is the instant spark, attraction and banter between these two.

The One I Left Behind is a second chance, small town romance. It was a sweet and short read. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. The narrators were easy to listen to, and I understood them very well. Having read the prequel, I had insight into Ben and Gillian's relationship. If you haven't read the prequel, I think you'll find their backstory a little lacking. Well, actually, it still felt a little bit lacking because their breakup story was underdeveloped. I find the other characters adorable. I can't wait for their stories. I hope it doesn't stop with Ben and his brothers.