In Choose Me, RC Boldt brings us an unforgettable, heart-wrenching coming-of age romance…Wearing the nicest suit I own, I stand in the very back with a flask full of whiskey in my inner pocket. I put on a brave face as I watch her walk down the aisle.Because it’s too late.I refuse to be the bastard who makes her cry on her wedding day, but I’m dying to tell her what I’ve always known. She’s my … dying to tell her what I’ve always known. She’s my best friend, but she doesn’t realize she owns my f*cking heart and soul, too.
Each step down that aisle takes her farther away from me and brings her closer to him, forcing me to face the truth: I’ve fallen in love with someone who can’t be mine. If she’d just turn around, maybe she’d realize I love her more than he ever could.
I won’t ruin her perfect day, but my broken heart begs me to try and convince her.
Choose me.
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L-O-V-E-D this book!! If you love friends to lovers romance, this is a definite must read!!
Magnolia and Hollis meet as young children when Hollis and his parents move into the home behind Magnolia’s. Hollis and his father are building a treehouse when Magnolia comes over offering refreshments and asking to help. From there, the two become friends that will grow through the years. The story offers enough backstory of Hollis and Magnolia to get the full picture of their friendship over the years and the reasons why things have never progressed from friendship to more until now. Once Hollis makes his feelings known, what choice will Magnolia make for her future?
I loved these two and my heart broke for the things they both endured during their childhood and early adulthood. I don’t think I have ever cheered more for a couple to get their HEA as this one. I loved the roller coaster of emotions I experienced during this story and was sad when the story ended. This is definitely one I can picture as a movie on the big screen. Fantastic read that I highly recommend!
Hollister “Hollis” Barnes is at a crossroad as to what he wants and what he should do. Magnolia Barton blossoms in her friend’s presence. It was sweet to see how our main characters became to be so close growing up.
Sometimes authors can surprise you and I found that true here. I’ve read several of this author’s work. This was a great example of not trying to put a square peg into a round hole. It may not be the true meaning but you can’t expect that authors will always give you the same thing over and over again. Once I got started it was hard to put down because I didn’t know what was going to come around the next corner and I really wanted to find out. I liked the idea of a sad beginning that ends with a happy ending.
Our author has made characters that are very relatable. It’s a book that may have you thinking about what your childhood was like. It may even have you reminiscing about the friends you grew up with. Maybe even have you wanting to reconnect with some of them. With this couple it was sweet to see how they took care of each other. Did you have anyone that you connected in the same way with? Someone you could say anything to? What if?
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
My heart is so full after reading this book, I can’t stop smiling from ear to ear. Hollis and Magnolia’s story will stay with me for years to come. I loved the innocent friendship that they developed when they were young. When wealth and status didn’t matter, they were just two kids who knew they were destined to be best friends. I loved how over the years, their friendship continued to grow stronger and they had the utmost love for one another. It was beautiful to see their friendship withstand the test of time, even when outside forces were against them. I thoroughly enjoyed going on this journey with Hollis and Magnolia, as they tested the waters between friendship and something so much more. They fought hard to get their happy ending and without a doubt, choose each other each and every day.
There’s a new, swoony AF book boyfriend in town and his name is Hollis Barnes.
Yes.
Ma’am.
I loved this book so much! It’s full of sweetness and sexiness and angst and delicious romantic goodness, and plenty of southern charm.
I loved everything about this story, with the exception of a few characters – bless their hearts – they are the ones you love to hate. But Hollis and Magnolia? Their pure hearts and kind souls have stolen my heart. I absolutely adore them. Even surrounded by so much ugliness, they didn’t let it corrupt them. Wouldn’t allow it to affect their integrity. They made my heart so happy and put a smile on my face.
The love and connection and chemistry and passion between them made my heart go pitter patter. This was beautifully written and I never wanted to stop reading.
I seriously love this book.
Yeah, like that.
Q: Nothing more? an inner voice questions while I ignore the piercing anguish that follows.
Nothing More. Just friendship.
Because when it comes down to it, Hollis never did the one thing I’d hoped for him to do.
He never chose me.
I have long been a fan of RC Boldt’s storytelling and was so excited to see that she, in fact, had another release so quickly after With a Hitch. Of course, I am a sucker for hot, tatted up guys and the cover of Choose Me is perfection. Even if I didn’t love RC’s writing, the cover would have been appealing enough on its own for me to jump on the Choose Me train. And this coming of age romance had my heart aching and tears gathering in my eyes. I loved it fiercely.
Q: “I love you…”
“But not like that. ;)”
I read Choose Me in one sitting. Truly, I couldn’t have put it down if I wanted to. As I read the story that’s written linearly and follows Hollis and Magnolia from their youth on, I grew incredibly anxious for the best friends to become lovers, to love one another “like that.” Choose Me is written in dual POV and getting the inside scoop of the pairs evolving feelings made this one story I was intensely invested in. Traditionally, coming of age romances are probably my least favorite trope in the romance genre. However, I would read instructions if RC Boldt wrote them, so there wasn’t a chance in hell I was missing this book. It’s sweet, sexy, and angsty the way you’d expect with unrequited love. Also, it’s the most delicious slow burn build up for the pair to finnaaallllllly became intimate with one another. Reader watch the characters fall in love with one another from a young age and never believing the other sees them as more than just their best friend, they hold little hope for any type of relationship beyond friendship. The story is incredibly beautiful, and I can’t tell you how much I recommend this one! The pace is a little slower, more reflected of a small-town romance (which this also qualifies as) but the flow is perfect.
Q: I wish I had the courage to ask her to choose me.
If you’ve never read RC Boldt before, Choose Me would be a great place to start. It’s a standalone with references to past books in RC’s catalog, however, a complete newbie wouldn’t be missing anything by reading the references to these books. I can’t imagine anyone not loving this story that’s a fan of romance, coming of age romances, friends to lovers, or small-town romances. 5 STARS!
Q: The young boy I once knew who took it upon himself to protect me from anyone who hurt my feelings has turned into a man who’s still hyper aware and always looking out for me. Always protecting me. Even if it’s from himself.
“Love you, Hollis.”
The arm I have around her tightens a fraction, and I realize for the first time the words won’t come. The sound of her steady, even breathing is a welcome relief, letting me off the hook. Because no way in hell can I say, “But not like that.” Not this time. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to say it again.”
A charming little girl who is treated like a mini adult by her mother. Always behave, be an example, not embarrass the family, are mantras that Magnolia knows well, living in a house where appearances and social status are most important. A cheerful and energetic boy, who finds in his father a great companion of adventures. And a tree house that will bring the two together.
Living side-by-side, Magnolia and Hollis are separated by an invisible line of prejudice on their lawns. She is from a wealthy family, with a political stepfather and a trophy wife mother, who only cares about her daughter’s appearance, even if she has to deny her childhood and make mean comments. He, the son of an ordinary worker, poor by the standards of the neighborhood where they live, and who despite his father’s love, suffers at the hand of a cruel and disinterested mother.
A chance encounter will start a beautiful friendship over the years, and no matter how hard their mothers try to stop this contact, they bravely endure trials. The two understand, respect, complete and love each other. And pure childish feelings are turning into something stronger and overwhelming as they grow, but neither of them has the courage to reveal those feelings.
Life follows, tragedies occur, secrets are revealed, they distance themselves and each one goes on with their life. And Magnolia is about to get married. But with the wrong man, according to Hollis. Will both have a chance to clarify the past and admit that they love each other? Or is this love greater than life doomed to fail?
This book has one of the best developments I have ever had the opportunity to encounter. The progression of the characters is brilliant, you can follow all phases of life of the two, all doubts, yearnings, sorrows, fears. Everything that makes them human is very well presented. My desire when finish reading was to embrace the book and never let go again. I loved everything about it. The narrative, the characters, the dialogues, the child versions of this two are extremely cute, have the right amount of drama, secrets, questioning.
This is a reading that must be savored, without haste, observing every detail and embarking on the journey. Magnolia and Hollis have a beautiful history. And they tell it majestically.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
Choose Me by RC Boldt was a beautifully written story of friendship, love, heartbreak and second chances. The author gave us a story we felt deep in our hearts and the feels will overwhelm you. The story of Hollis and Magnolia will fascinate you from start to finish.
Hollis and Magnolia have been the best of friends for years. They care for each other deeply and you could feel it in every word of their story. We get to see them grow up and go through so much together and apart. Magnolia was smart, beautiful and a strong woman. Hollis just stole my heart. He was caring, devoted and would do anything for her. You know from the blurb their journey was not an easy one, but it will be one that will captivate you. Choose Me by RC Boldt was sweet, emotional and touching. I was consumed by the characters and their story.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Hollis and Magnolia are the best of friends and have been for years!
The book is about the choices we make and missed opportunities. Just when we think we’ve lost what we’ve always wanted sometimes life gives you a second chance.
The slow lead up makes this book amazing.
I’ve not read a tremendous amount of RC books but I’ve read enough to know that she creates great characters who have depth and they draw us in from the moment we read about them. We route for their success and cry for them when things don’t go their way. Our heart breaks and gets angry, we are happy and then shocked. It’s an amazing ride every time.
I adore this authors work and this is another fantastic book that I couldn’t put down. I literally stayed up until I’d finished it. The story and the characters grabbed ahold of me and I honestly didn’t want this book to end.
RC Boldt has this uncanny talent of been able to write a character so well that you can’t help but become attached to them. The characters in Choose Me aren’t any different. Hollis and Magnolia have been best friends since the day they met as kids. From the outside they’re complete opposites but that doesn’t stop them forming a solid friendship. They soon become each other’s escape and they knew that the other always had their back. I loved these two. They’re just genuinely good, kind people and because of that I was really invested in the outcome of their story. Hollis is an absolute sweetheart. I didn’t think it was possible to love a fictional man so much but he won me over within a few sentences. Magnolia is very easy to relate and empathise with. Her mum gives her a hard time, knocking her confidence and it’s her friendship with Hollis that boosts her back up. These two have such a strong connection. I was so desperate for these two to get their hea.
I can’t recommend this book enough. I’m a sucker for a friends to possibly more romance and especially one that’s so well written and with such likeable characters as Choose Me. RC Boldt has done it again with this amazing, emotional, angsty read. My only complaint is that it had to end.
Hollis and Magnolia are from two different worlds. Magnolia doesn’t care about the things her mom does but growing up in the South from a prominent family she doesn’t have much choice. The story of Hollis and Magnolia will draw you in right from the start. This is a different type of book for the author and I wasn’t really sure what to expect but she did a wonderful job. The story starts with Hollis and Magnolia as adults and then goes back to when they met. This reader was expecting only a brief time of them as kids but that is not what happens. This is the story of them coming of age. There were several twists and surprises in the story as it isn’t always as one would think it would go. It is an easy read in that you won’t be able to put the book down so you will be able to finish it quickly. There are the laughs, tears, and of course angst involved that just add to the story. I am looking forward to more from this author.
5.5 angsty stars!
I prefer angsty, slow-burn romance stories any day of the week, and twice on Sunday! This is why Choose Me, a beautifully written emotional, friends-to-lovers romance spanning nearly two decades, is going on my #TopReads2019 list. It begins with a painful prologue that gives us a glimpse of Hollis and Magnolia’s story. Be prepared to laugh and cry, sometimes without even turning the page, as they go from children, teenagers and finally adults. And what a journey! I was a little skeptical, since I’m not usually a fan of NA or YA, but this story needed to explain their history, so we could understand their present. There are horrible and painful secrets revealed before it’s all said and done, and my heart ached and eyes leaked more than a few times. I heart this story, hard!
“Always go after what you want. Go after your passion. The one thing—or person—you can’t live without.”
Hollis Barnes was eight when they moved to Fairhope, Alabama, a small town that was clearly divided between the have and have-nots, and his family was the latter. Hollis met Magnolia soon after moving in, her house was directly behind his and that fence could have been metaphorical train tracks, the other side of the street was glaringly obvious. Hollis and his dad were building a tree house when she offered them sweet tea, to cool their thirst and welcome them. She was an only child and lonely. When Mr. Barnes invited her to join them, she immediately decided they were going to be friends. And despite her mother looking down on Hollis, she made it perfectly clear she thought he was beneath them, Magnolia kept her word. Years and years later, they remained friends. Until they became strangers.
“But Magnolia never makes me feel inferior. When she looks up at me, I feel like I belong. She almost makes me believe I’m good enough.”
Magnolia Barton grew up as the privileged stepdaughter of Senator Barton. Her mother was a true Southern belle and she wanted Magnolia to grow up prim and proper, they both insisted she needed to be a good example for others. Due to the gap between her teeth, she was ridiculed by her classmates, but Hollis made it clear he would defend her, as friend should. And he kept his word. Until the day he left Fairhope and Magnolia behind.
“When someone who owns your heart and soul leaves, you’re left to repair the wreckage. To somehow make due with a heart that’s never again whole. One that’s weaker and more vulnerable than before. And the portion of your heart that’s left never stops yearning for its missing piece.”
The fly in the ointment to their friendship was both their mothers. Magnolia’s kept trying to limit the time she spent with Hollis. And his was just hostile to Magnolia, for no obvious reason. Or so they thought.
“You’re the one who needs to figure out if you’re good enough. Not for her. But for you. Until then, you’re no good to her.”
Hollis made the painful decision to leave Magnolia, and he had his reasons why. They kept in touch with short text messages, nothing like the long, intimate conversations they used to have. Almost as if they had become friendly strangers. And now, years later, Hollis wonders if there’s a chance she’d see him as more than a friend, if it’s not too late. He knew he’d been the one to make that divide. Maybe he could now repair it, and this time she’d choose him.
“With each message—my stupid way of testing the waters—she never reciprocates. At least not the way I stupidly hoped. At best, we’re friends, and I need to come to terms that I’ve lost my chance.”
I have been a fan of RC Boldt from the start. This book took me a little bit to get into. Once I got into the story I enjoyed it. (I will say I enjoyed the older Hollis and Magnolia vs the kid versions).
Hollis and Magnolia have been friends from the start. Even as they grow up they have been there for each other despite their mothers trying to keep them apart. When feelings start to develop will it be worth it to risk a friendship that has lasted years? Will they see what was there all along?
I loved it! Sweet and emotional. Great characters. I always love RC’s work. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
RC Boldt just did it again with this beautiful and heartfelt coming of age story.
Hollis and Magnolia meet at a young age and become fast friends despite their social differences and her mother’s disapproval, but there’s so much more to this story.
The slow burn and the range of feelings, everything the characters have to go through and the almost impossibility of them getting their HEA makes this story one of a kind in my opinion. Choose Me is THAT book and you don’t want to miss the ride
Choose Me is RC Boldt at her absolute best. The story of Hollis and Magnolia is one of friendship, understanding and a love like no other. Hollis and Magnolia, life long friends from different sides of the tracks, sucked me into their story and I could not put the book down until I knew how it ended. This beautiful story was just so full of emotion, I fell in love with everything about it. Choose Me is a story that will stick with you for a long time to come. RC Boldt has truly created a work of art in Choose Me. I highly recommend it.
5 “Always Like That” Stars
I have to admit this book is way different than I thought it would be and I am way more than okay with that. We see Hollis and Magnolia meet as children and become the most loyal best of friends. We see them as they begin to mature, graduate high school, start and graduate college. They couldn’t be from anymore different backgrounds if they tried, but they both share horrible mothers who fill them with self doubt. My heart broke, as well as soared, watching these two grow in every way possible. The struggles they endure for the sake of their friendship, the experiences, the missed opportunities at finding themselves becoming more, and finally getting that happily ever after. Boldt’s writing is fantastic and I loved this story from the first page until the last.
Angela – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Choose Me is a powerful book. RC Boldt’s words will stick with me forever. I will clearly put this on my “to be read again and again” list. The emotions that she takes you through when you follow the lives of Hollister and Magnolia from their first meeting at eight years old until adulthood. Best friends but from wrong sides of the fence. Hollister moved into the wrong house on the wrong street even though his yard backed up to Magnolia’s. They become best friends while searching for acceptance from family and society. The only true place that either one is happy is when they are with each other but sadly outside forces are against them from the beginning and they choose to be friends for ever more and nothing further. This story is truly an adventure of the heart that will keep you glued to the pages and then yearning to return to the beginning once you have reached the end!
Choose Me is a powerful book. RC Boldt’s words will stick with me forever. I will clearly put this on my “to be read again and again” list. The emotions that she takes you through when you follow the lives of Hollister and Magnolia from their first meeting at eight years old until adulthood. Best friends but from wrong sides of the fence. Hollister moved into the wrong house on the wrong street even though his yard backed up to Magnolia’s. They become best friends while searching for acceptance from family and society. The only true place that either one is happy is when they are with each other but sadly outside forces are against them from the beginning and they choose to be friends for ever more and nothing further. This story is truly an adventure of the heart that will keep you glued to the pages and then yearning to return to the beginning once you have reached the end!
Oh my lanta!! RC Boldt killed it y’all!! I am completely smitten with Hollis. His insecurities have just touched my heart. Magnolia is his best friend and always has been. They are more than just friends though; they are the other halves to the other. They both know it. They are both too scared and dance around it. Hollis is there for Magnolia unlike anyone has ever been there for her. He loves her and she knows he’s always beside her.
I loved the friendship between two people from vastly different lifestyles. I loved that these two didn’t let other relationships pull them apart especially during those high school days when so many conflicting emotions come at us. I adored how they both just knew what the other needed and did it. RC Boldt layered in some secrets and lies with a bitter mom and a snobby, upper class mom that thinks she’s too good for those lowly blue collar families. Her writing was superb… it’s hard to believe some might have been dictated to a husband or a machine. This story was delicious and has some of the sexiest and HOTTEST scenes I have ever read… like EVER. READ!!! I legit wiggled in my seat reading some parts of this book.
I loved the way we started at present day and went all through their lives and friendship. We got to see all the important milestones and a few major heartbreaks. We got to see them fight and make up… but they were always there for each other. Really, RC Boldt was brilliant in keeping my attached to this story. I was so invested after just that first chapter. The writing was vivid and clear, fun and angsty… some of her best writing yet!
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
BRAVO! R.C. Boldt, BRAVO! Choose Me is a totally captivating book with everything you could want in a really, really great read. Brilliant writing, outstanding characters and a storyline with every one of the feels that you could ever want.
I will admit that I am somewhat biased as this book was set in the town I live near and work in, so I could totally related to all the things Fairhope in this book. Also, I’m a huge Auburn fan so to read about the characters going off to college there was pretty sweet.
Magnolia and Hollis were destined to be an HEA and reading their story brought to life through Ms. Boldt’s incredible writing was amazing.