The One I Left Behind

Plain Daisy Ranch, Book 1

By: Piper Rayne

Narrated by: CJ Bloom, Robert Hatchet

It's the classic storyboy 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.

©2024 Piper Rayne Inc. (P)2024 Piper Rayne Inc.

Oh what a 3.5 star forgiving read

This was a heart warming love story about 2nd chances. Our H, Ben goes off to college, breaking out of their small town promising our h, Gillian he’d never let her go.
Obviously that’s not what happened. The story is full of love and way too much forgiveness without enough groveling in my opinion but to each his own.
The narrators were top tier and 2 of my favs so Robert Hatchet & CJ Bloom really took the story to the next level.
All in all a perfectly sweet wholesome romance that left a soft smile on my face. I’m pretty sure I’ll read the rest to see what happens with the other completely lovable characters introduced in 1st two books!

muy bueno

Ademas de que es una historia muy buena e interesante que se lee super rapido y del cual logras conectar con los personajes ame la narración. Los narradores hicieron un muy buen trabajo con su interpretación. me encanto.

Loved the story, but rushed ending

I thought I skipped a few chapters at the end with how abruptly it wrapped up. It felt like it could’ve been tied together a little more seamlessly. I did love the story and the lack of a 3act fallout was nice. Can’t wait to read the rest.

Absolutely LOVED these narrators and this second chance love story.

This second chance story is a must listen. Or a must read. After 14 years apart, childhood sweethearts Ben and Gillian reunite when Ben retires from professional football and returns to their small town. But it’s a struggle. I loved Gillian’s strength to not get her heart broken again. Her determination to protect her heart is refreshing. Ben has to work hard to get her back.

The narrators are so perfect for this story I was addicted immediately. Loved Ben and his commitment to get his girl back. Loved Gillian, the single mom who always looks out for her son. And herself. And Clayton is such a great 16 year old adding to the found family dynamic.

Looking forward to the next book in this series for sure!

Book & Audio Review

Im a sucker for a good second chance single mom romance and this one hit the mark. I loved Ben and the fact he never fell out of love with Gillian. I loved Clayton’s relationship with his mom. This book also gave me some good found family vibes. The audiobook also DELIVERED. It was dual narration but also the male narrated his parts in the female chapters and vice versa. Again ill say CJ bloom is one of my absolute favorite female narrators and this is my first by Robert Hatchet and he play the part of Ben so well! Excited to continue this series!