Death never simply settles for the life it claims. It’s greedy.It stole all of our lives that night and while it put my husband in the ground, it left my four children and me behind. After an ugly year of grief, something had to change. My sister suggested open spaces, big skies and fresh air in the heart of Wyoming. We settled into our shared estate the best we could until I met my new neighbor. we could until I met my new neighbor.
Arrogant, bossy and rude; Reid was easily the worst person I’d ever met. I’d decided to write him off entirely until I realized he was the only local horse instructor.I’d heard that if I could get my kids onto a horse, they’d start to heal. Desperation had me creating an alliance with him.
Envy had me craving the connection he had with them.
Distracted by the newness of our situation, I missed how close his demons danced to my ghosts. While I was ignorantly letting him take my heart, it was too late to realize . . .He’d already stolen it once before.
This is a standalone romance novel.
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Layla gave herself one year to grieve the death of her husband and the story starts on the first day after that one year anniversary.
With four children to raise, she works to find the strength within to be the mother her children need. Never planning to meet someone new, she struggles with her feelings that continue to grow stronger everyday for her neighbour Reid.
He is amazing with her children, helping out wherever he can with them and her. He makes it clear how he feels about her but is respectful enough to not rush or push anything on her that she’s not ready for.
The chemistry and buildup to Layla and Reid’s relationship was sweet and steamy.
I loved how infatuated Reid was with Layla and in turn her to him.
Reid is so understanding towards Layla as she works through the guilt of her feelings towards him while still loving her late husband.
He too has suffered loss but the book reveals all his past hurt and demons ever so slowly that you cannot resist reading on.
I’m so happy I came across this book by chance!
It made me laugh, cry and smile as it was so full of pain, loss, hope and love.
Beautifully written from start to finish, The story did not shy away from each characters journey of grief and mourning while moving forward in life.
The Rest of Me was everything I have come to expect from Ashley and more! It of course had high intensity, swoon worthy romance, but it was so much more than that. The intensity of Layla’s grief and her drive and fight for her children really hit home for me. This book slayed me and in true Ashley fashion stitched my heart back together. I cannot wait for Tennessee Truths, because Ashley’s books only get better each time!
Ashley Munoz
“I was frozen, torn between the lust filling my veins and the pain slicing through my soul.”
This heartbreaking story was my introduction to new-to-me author Ashley Munoz. And what a story it was. That synopsis is a doozy, right? Who could resist that? I was too intrigued to pass it up, and now that I’ve turned the last page my head is still spinning with everything that happened.
What better place for a widow with four kids to grieve and heal than in Wyoming? Gorgeous scenery and a fresh start in a new home away from so many memories. Time to rest and relax before trying to begin again. She wants to just wallow in her pain, but her children are depending on her and they deserve more than she’s been giving them of late. So, she’s gonna get ahold of an instructor to teach her kids to ride and take care of the horses she bought them. It seemed like a great idea… until she met him.
He’s been gone for years, but when he arrives back home it’s the same. Well, except for the beautiful woman and her kids that moved in next door while he was gone. They’re the last thing he needs in his life, but he can’t not help when they have nobody else, can he? Especially when the littlest one gets right in his face and makes him smile for the first time in forever. If he’s not careful those kids might ruin his bad reputation with their mother. He didn’t make a very good first, or second impression.
Two people beyond broken who seem to be drawn to each other. Both holding on to their pain and loss. “—a past he didn’t like to talk about, but I wasn’t one to pry, especially when I had an entire vault lying in my heart with no key.”
The author did a number on my brain. I was just expecting a sweet—cowboy meets a widow and calls her darlin’—and they live happily-ever-after. Nope, that’s not what happens. I can’t give you details. Let’s just say I’ve perfected my WTF face. It took me a while to pick my jaw up off the floor once I was finally introduced to his demons. They’ve both lost so much, are they willing to try again with the shattered pieces left behind?
This is my first book by Ashley Munoz and it won’t be my last! This book was soooooo good! I could not put it down. I went into this book knowing nothing! It was such a beautiful story! It gave me all the feels. The way it is written you feel like you are right there with Lyla, her kids and Reid. I also loved how the kids were incorporated into this story and had a voice too. Too often kids are just there in the background and not a big part of the story. I didn’t want this one to end! I would absolutely recommend this book.
One thing for sure about the new one by Ashley Munoz is she has a way of bringing second chances to life in a magical way. We have a single mother of three trying to learn to live again after the death of her husband and a man who is trying his hard to well letting go of the past. The connection these two have is unique yet in a way they need each other only they can understand. Loved that Ashley Munoz didn’t just write about these two but we see the kids learning to cope without their father, seeing them move on. This was a really good book and so glad it was my first to read from her, loved it.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
Oh, this book took me on a journey of emotions! Ashley brought it all with this one. I loved it so much! And we please just stop and stare at the cover? I still think it’s one of the best of the year I’ve seen. Simply GORGEOUS!! The Rest of Me was sweet and sexy and sad and so perfect. From each of the kids to the horses and the relationship that grew, Ashley wrote everything so wonderfully.
This book blew me away on so many levels! This book had so many emotions that didn’t let me put it down once I started it. Reid, alone, broke my heart on so many levels. Choices, in your darkest time, had so many long reaching repercussions on someone who, in my opinion, was reeling from having their world rocked. Layla is just trying to get herself and her children through a tragic time in their life. It is gut wrenching, but Ashley Munoz handles it with class and grace.
Pick up this book – this is a MUST READ!
This story is something that was amazingly beautiful and written starting from a tragic place. The depth and emotions in this read pulled on all my heart strings and had me living this story along with the characters. This author did an incredible job shredding my heart and having me crying along and then rebuilding my emotions and filled me with so much hope
Highly recommend this read!!!
The alarm clock had me hooked. I felt every emotion with that one part. The things this woman endured. Th author absolutely tugs at every heart string you have with the background Layla has, I could’ve cried. The author truly has an emotional, heart wrenching story on her hands! It is one that will stay with you for a long time!!
The author hAs totally made me a follower of all of her books. She has sheer talent for writing and it oozes with every word on page. I have an emotional read that created some emotions in me I haven’t had for a while. Such an amazing, obsessive read that ANY romance reader will love!!!
Layla and Reid have quite the tale of sorrow and heartache. They find each other and it is a tale that shows you second chances exist and regardless of what you have to go through, everyone deserves true love. I absolutely loved the humor, adoration, and all around sweetness and steaminess that these characters have. An amazing 5 star read!!
This is my first Ashley Munoz Book. She is a phenomenal writer who has me hooked from the very beginning of Reid and Layla’s story.
The Rest of Me had me in all the feels. It had me swooning, crying and laughing out loud. It broke me as I felt for Layla. The tragic loss she and her children endured is heartbreaking. Layla’s sadness and loneliness she desperately tries to hide from everyone will have you feeling so much heartache. Reid was a broken man with a broken past and you can’t help be drawn to his heartache. The relationship he formed with his Layla and her kids was so sweet. He had the patience of a saint. I just fell in love with his character.
The Rest of Me was such a beautiful story. I couldn’t get enough of it. It’s such an emotional book that will have you on a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish. Ashley knocked it out of the park with Reid and Layla’s journey.
5 Amazing, heartbreakingly beautiful stars for The Rest of Me!
This book tore my heart in two and then stitched it back together with one of the most unique and beautiful love stories I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Reid is one of the most sincere, swoon worthy, broken but redeemable heroes I’ve read to date. About 80% in, I started to realize what was happening and that this book was going to make me ugly cry and I couldn’t stop reading because I had to know what happened! I had to know if Reid and Layla were going to be okay. If you’re looking for something deep and touching, something that will heal the broken parts of your soul, pick this book up and don’t put it down until you’ve read the last page!
4.5 Stars
This is such a beautiful book that you shouldn’t miss out on. It’s full of hope and healing. Layla and her four children are trying to find their new normal and move on, but easier said then done. My heart goes out to that family. They had me tearing up throughout the book. Boy is Reid delicious hero material. He’s trying to heal himself, but he is a healing and guiding light for this little family. They in turn are helping Reid without even knowing it. This book will hit you in the heart. It’s an an emotional story, but one that will make your heart feel good. The epilogue is worth everything. I’m so glad there is one because boy did it warm my heart. It’s just the perfect way for this book to conclude. I can’t recommend this one enough. You will laugh, cry, and smile your way through it.
Layla knows the time has come for her to come back to her life. It’s been a year since her husband’s accident, and she’s let things slide. So today’s the day that she will slowly start putting away her grief, putting her children first, and trying to move on. And then something happens when she meets her new neighbor. Her new, gorgeous neighbor, whose kindness shines from him as he starts teaching her children how to care for their horses. Will he be Layla’s second chance at a great love? Will she and her kids be Reid’s redemption?
Damn…this story has me feeling all kinds of stuff right now. I’m not even ashamed to admit I shed a few tears when everything went down. I won’t spoil, but I will say that the big reveal, while perhaps not a complete surprise, has such a huge emotional impact that I almost couldn’t stand it. I loved everything about this beautiful story of love, and grief, and healing, and redemption, and I know I’ll remember it for a long, long time.
ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE!!
I loved this book. Ashley knows how to pull you in and not be able to put her books down.
I felt so many emotions while reading. I’m not a cryer but darn it! I cried! But I also laughed and fell in love with the characters.
I 100% recommend reading.
I will read every single book that Ashley writes!!
This book destroyed me from chapter 1!So many times my heart would break only for her to stitch it right back together.Moving on from the death of a spouse has got to be tough but she plays out in detail just how painful it can really be with the tears,the guilt.But you can’t fight love and she proves it with Reid and Laylas beautiful,enchanting,heart warming story..I mean holy shnaps!!Talk about intense chemistry!!I am head over heels for Reid.Does he come in size merci?!My fiance will understandLayla has got to be the sweetest,most caring female character I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.Love love loved it!Ashley you are a phenomenon!…are you even human?..are you an alien because this book was out of this world!(yeah i know cheesy but it really was)
I loved this book so much, I wasn’t ready for it to end! My heart hurt for both Kayla and Reid. Layla’s struggles were so relatable, I found myself imagining being in her shoes and just cried along with her. I adored her kids and couldn’t get enough of them and their antics. I also loved every “silver lining” along the way as Layla and Reid healed from their losses, learned to forgive and fell for each other. I just know I’m going to be thinking about this book for a long time to come, can we say book hangover??
An amazing second chance story, that will leave you breathless.
This book grips your heart, and engages your soul.
Beautifully written, every emotions just pours out of each page..
…left me speechless ~wtmo
She wasn’t ready for love and I wasn’t ready to lose her.”
This is a great read from the very begging to the end!
A widow that struggles with her pain and a man carrying a thousand battles!
Ashley has this power to make you love the characters she creates because they feel real and totally unique!
Reid and Layla’s love story is absolutely everything that I love! Beautiful and healing! It was emotional and heartwarming! The chemistry between them was charming and so realistic, I loved every scene between them. And the kids were the cutest!
I loved the setting this book took place in.. and the horses!
I laughed and cried a few tears, or a lot with the beautiful epilogue. The family concept was something I enjoyed with every chapter I read.
Can’t wait for the world to read this book!
Another amazing Ashely’s book that goes to the 2019 top reads!
Let me just start out by saying that Ashley has totally taken all of my emotions with this book and twisted them in 5,000 different ways!
My heart breaks for Layla and her family. I couldn’t imagine being put in her situation and trying to figure out the next steps! I love her for her strength and willpower to push through every day even when she doesn’t feel like she can.
Reid coming into her life was so unexpected because obviously she was nowhere near looking for someone that she would remotely have a connection with… but lemme tell you their connection is THROUGH THE ROOF!!!!
The amount of care this man shows just melts my heart and I truly can say I love me some Reid! You will too I just know it.
Lastly i will stress this book brings ALL THE FEELS, laughing, crying, anger, fun… this was just all around a book that will grab you and leave you satisfied!!!
Without a doubt 5 stars!!!
#YouWantThis #SecondChanceRomance
What a sweet, touching story about tragedy, hope, love, and second chances.
Layla and Reid have a strong physical attraction but they both have a past that interferes with their relationship.
I recommend this romantic love story.