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What If #1
What If
For some people falling in love was a happy, glowing experience. For Briar Kelly and Arrow Donovan it was more like getting hit by a freight train.
Caring for one another was never an easy feat. They constantly fought to hold their feelings inside, not wanting to jeopardize their friendship. Then, Arrow left for the Marines, and everything changed. Briar was shattered. Arrow was hurt.
While Briar told herself she’d never let another man affect her in such a way, Arrow still remained in the forefront of her mind. For Arrow, his memories of Briar kept him alive in both of his near death experiences. When Arrow’s demons threatened to drag him under, Briar was there, pulling him from the darkness.
"What ifs" keep piling up while resentment and redemption battles continue; will Briar and Arrow be able to find their happily ever after, or will this be one war that Arrow can't win?
This is a standalone, contemporary romance. Due to language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
Caring for one another was never an easy feat. They constantly fought to hold their feelings inside, not wanting to jeopardize their friendship. Then, Arrow left for the Marines, and everything changed. Briar was shattered. Arrow was hurt.
While Briar told herself she’d never let another man affect her in such a way, Arrow still remained in the forefront of her mind. For Arrow, his memories of Briar kept him alive in both of his near death experiences. When Arrow’s demons threatened to drag him under, Briar was there, pulling him from the darkness.
"What ifs" keep piling up while resentment and redemption battles continue; will Briar and Arrow be able to find their happily ever after, or will this be one war that Arrow can't win?
This is a standalone, contemporary romance. Due to language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
May 5, 2014
Ohhhhh life ...
This book is a classic example of how LIFE HAPPENS and when life happens .... Shit happens and oh my god I needed these two to have their we are meant to be HEA ....
Bad. Like triple bad. My heart was being pulled in ten different directions. It was a great story of a friends to lovers given a second chance then a third chance. It was the required potpourri of angst and butterflies and drama to satisfy a hopeless romantic like me ❤️
Hearts have a way of finding their way home. The Arrow always will point you in the right direction ❤️
My Arrow ~ of course ~ sighhhhhh best visual ever
If you're in the mood for a budding high school love that survived
the friend zone, through to the war zone ,
past the ex-drama zone
Withstanding about 502 what ifs ......
to finally a heart soaring happily ever after .... This book is for you ! Enjoy ❤️
This book is a classic example of how LIFE HAPPENS and when life happens .... Shit happens and oh my god I needed these two to have their we are meant to be HEA ....
Bad. Like triple bad. My heart was being pulled in ten different directions. It was a great story of a friends to lovers given a second chance then a third chance. It was the required potpourri of angst and butterflies and drama to satisfy a hopeless romantic like me ❤️
Hearts have a way of finding their way home. The Arrow always will point you in the right direction ❤️
My Arrow ~ of course ~ sighhhhhh best visual ever
If you're in the mood for a budding high school love that survived
the friend zone, through to the war zone ,
past the ex-drama zone
Withstanding about 502 what ifs ......
to finally a heart soaring happily ever after .... This book is for you ! Enjoy ❤️
April 30, 2014
3.5**What if you two just had a talk to clear shit up** stars
What if....Briar never went to that party
What if.... Arrow never left that room
What if.... It was Briar he kissed and not Darcy
What if.... these two actually admitted their feelings
This book was full of What If's. I think this would really annoy a lot of readers, but for some reason I just dealt with it and kept reading. The book is told in alternating POV's of Briar and Arrow.
They meet at a party freshman year and connect just talking until Briar falls asleep. Waking up she finds Arrow kissing her bff Darcy in a party game. From that point on, Darcy and Arrow are together(all through highschool) and Briar never admits her feelings. Always taking a front row seat watching the boy she wants with her best friend. In the friend zone, both too afraid to say the words. Too afraid to destroy the friendship. Each POV hearing them want the other but never making the move.
Things change senior year, Arrow breaks up with Darcy, and he doesnt get the reaction he was hoping from Briar. Second admission, he signed up to go into the Marines after graduation..
" Looking back later, I'd realize the mistake wasn't acting on my feelings for Briar, it was not acting on them."
Arrow leaves, and the goodbye they share still has their feelings unresolved. They stay in touch, but Arrow has started seeing Lacey and it's too much for Briar. And Lacey is conniving.
" Now, it'll be us as best friends, separated by distance, and a what if that would never be answered"
The letters stop. The emails stop. The phone calls stop. A misunderstanding causes a huge gap. Both move on.
Arrow has no idea why Briar left him behind and decides to go with the girl that did stick around. By the way, I hated Lacey...just saying.
8 years later, two overseas tours later, two relationships later..they meet again. But Arrow is different this time. He finally wants to tell Briar how he feels, but it's too bad he hasnt told her the one thing she deserved to know about Lacey.
"We ripped back the bandages that simply covered our wounds and held them out to one another saying, "Here's what you did to me, and I want to know why. Each explanation applied the ointment that would eventually heal all the deep slices we slashed into each other."
Once Briar feels safe enough to let Arrow in, in comes bitch Lacey. And she's got a bomb to drop. Briar doesnt think she can handle any more. Ripped apart when they've just begun.
" And I'm tired of drowning, Arrow. I'm so tired of not being able to breathe"
Arrow has some fixing to do. Until he get's his shit straight he needs to back off. Briar goes running to the person who has always made her feel safe.
"If our past isn't anything else except a learning lesson, don't you think we should start talking to each other instead of assuming? That's what kept us apart before. We both made assumptions that ended up not being true"
Truth be told, this is back and forth, a bit of angst and a ton of indecision through most of the book. Instead of trusting each other, they keep it all bottled in and not only ruin their friendship, but hurt others in the process. In spite of it all, I guess I kinda enjoyed it. It kept me interested, kept me on my toes. I was hoping they could finally get a well deserved HEA, because throughout everything, throughout 10 years... they were in love.
"Sometimes love wasn't enough. Sometimes the massive earthquake of your past was so harmful that you could still feel the aftershocks years later. Arrow was my earthquake, my natural disaster. He was beautiful when calm and magnificent when he erupted, but he took me down in his explosive path"
What if....Briar never went to that party
What if.... Arrow never left that room
What if.... It was Briar he kissed and not Darcy
What if.... these two actually admitted their feelings
This book was full of What If's. I think this would really annoy a lot of readers, but for some reason I just dealt with it and kept reading. The book is told in alternating POV's of Briar and Arrow.
They meet at a party freshman year and connect just talking until Briar falls asleep. Waking up she finds Arrow kissing her bff Darcy in a party game. From that point on, Darcy and Arrow are together(all through highschool) and Briar never admits her feelings. Always taking a front row seat watching the boy she wants with her best friend. In the friend zone, both too afraid to say the words. Too afraid to destroy the friendship. Each POV hearing them want the other but never making the move.
Things change senior year, Arrow breaks up with Darcy, and he doesnt get the reaction he was hoping from Briar. Second admission, he signed up to go into the Marines after graduation..
" Looking back later, I'd realize the mistake wasn't acting on my feelings for Briar, it was not acting on them."
Arrow leaves, and the goodbye they share still has their feelings unresolved. They stay in touch, but Arrow has started seeing Lacey and it's too much for Briar. And Lacey is conniving.
" Now, it'll be us as best friends, separated by distance, and a what if that would never be answered"
The letters stop. The emails stop. The phone calls stop. A misunderstanding causes a huge gap. Both move on.
Arrow has no idea why Briar left him behind and decides to go with the girl that did stick around. By the way, I hated Lacey...just saying.
8 years later, two overseas tours later, two relationships later..they meet again. But Arrow is different this time. He finally wants to tell Briar how he feels, but it's too bad he hasnt told her the one thing she deserved to know about Lacey.
"We ripped back the bandages that simply covered our wounds and held them out to one another saying, "Here's what you did to me, and I want to know why. Each explanation applied the ointment that would eventually heal all the deep slices we slashed into each other."
Once Briar feels safe enough to let Arrow in, in comes bitch Lacey. And she's got a bomb to drop. Briar doesnt think she can handle any more. Ripped apart when they've just begun.
" And I'm tired of drowning, Arrow. I'm so tired of not being able to breathe"
Arrow has some fixing to do. Until he get's his shit straight he needs to back off. Briar goes running to the person who has always made her feel safe.
"If our past isn't anything else except a learning lesson, don't you think we should start talking to each other instead of assuming? That's what kept us apart before. We both made assumptions that ended up not being true"
Truth be told, this is back and forth, a bit of angst and a ton of indecision through most of the book. Instead of trusting each other, they keep it all bottled in and not only ruin their friendship, but hurt others in the process. In spite of it all, I guess I kinda enjoyed it. It kept me interested, kept me on my toes. I was hoping they could finally get a well deserved HEA, because throughout everything, throughout 10 years... they were in love.
"Sometimes love wasn't enough. Sometimes the massive earthquake of your past was so harmful that you could still feel the aftershocks years later. Arrow was my earthquake, my natural disaster. He was beautiful when calm and magnificent when he erupted, but he took me down in his explosive path"
January 25, 2015
What If is ON SALE FOR 99 CENTS RIGHT NOW!!!!
IT'S LIVE
http://www.amazon.com/What-If-Bayli-L...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-...
Here's an Excerpt
My new book What If just went LIVE yesterday but today is the actual "release day."
I was wondering if you'd mind sharing the links? I really appreciate it but understand if you cant!
Here's some info if you would like to share anything!
“Do we have a problem?” Killian asked. I chuckled humorlessly. His eyes narrowed and chest puffed up. “If you want to talk to me, we can talk,” Killian began. “You can say whatever you want to say to me, but don’t talk about Briar like that.” He pushed his seat back, ready to stand and what? Fight me? Was he really planning on fighting me? He was big, but I was bigger. He looked furious, but I was beyond that. He wanted to defend Briars honor? Yeah, well, I wanted to keep her from making a mistake with a dickhead she didn’t even know. Why did she want to be with someone like him, when I’ve been there since day one?
Briar was tense in her seat. Each of her muscles pulled taut and ready to spring if Killian or I made a move towards one another.
“We met through my friend at work, Arrow,” Briar answered stiffly.
I took a small sip of my whiskey, knowing that it was affecting my actions and mouth but not willing to stop. I wanted my chest to stop hurting and my mind to move away from Briar.
“When?” I asked.
Killian looked over at Briar, smiling a shit-eating grin. “A little over a week ago,” he answered for her.
“So are you two dating now?” I pointed my glass at Killian and then Briar. My eyes never left hers.
Briar coughed. “Uhm, well… I wouldn’t…” she started to speak.
Killian interrupted her, “Yeah, we’re dating.” He didn’t bother looking at me. Instead he implored for Briar to look at him. She did. I bounced my sight between the two of them. Killian was looking at her quizzically. My guess was that he didn’t know if they were actually dating or not. The bastard was stating his claim on her, for the first time, right in front of me.
A petite, shy smile tugged at Briar’s lips, taking the ends and tipping them upwards just enough to tell us both that yes, she was okay with being exclusive with him. The whiskey became rotten in the depths of my stomach when Killian reached over and took Briar’s hand in his. He rubbed his thumb back and forth over her knuckles looking self-satisfied.
“Briar, can you grab me a beer?” I asked. I pushed my glass to the side. Briar looked at my nearly empty cup.
“You sure you should have another drink?” she asked, worry creasing the middle area between her brows.
“I’m sure,” I stated.
She shook her head, unconvinced, but stood up and went to the refrigerator. I leaned forward, my forearms lying flat on the wooden kitchen table. My hands were balled into tightly clenched fists, and my face was within a few inches of Killian’s.
“You know you’re dating my girl, right?” I asked, my jaw clenching tightly, my knuckles turning white from holding back my fists from meeting his nose.
The asshole didn’t look afraid though. He smiled at me with one of those smiles that widens your entire face and shows off every single one of your top and bottom teeth.
“Your girl, huh?” he laughed. “If she was your girl, I don’t think I’d be here right now. I don’t think she’d be holding my hand. I don’t think she would’ve told me that you were her best friend.” My glare must have echoed my fury, but he didn’t stop. “I think you’re confused man, so let me help you out…” Killian leaned forward in his chair, bringing us even closer. “She. Is. Not. Your girl. From what I’ve heard? She never has been. So, why don’t you back the fuck off,” he bit out the last words.
April 16, 2014
As I read What If, I would message Bayli and let her know exactly how I was feeling. Some of my messages went like "WTF" "OMG I HATE LACEY" "I'M ABOUT TO HAVE A HEART ATTACK" "OK I'M HAVING ANOTHER HEART ATTACK". This book got my attention from the very beginning and kept me intrigued the whole time. Bayli is an amazing writer and this book was perfection! The story between Arrow and Briar had it's up and downs and there were a lot of times I wanted to jump into my kindle and slap both of them! They were both so stubborn and focused on their friendship that they let so many years pass them by, and just when you thought they were finally getting somewhere there was a major twist in the story. But I think thats what made the story so good and different because you never wanted to put it down, I felt really connected to Briar and Arrow to the point that when the book was done I still wanted to know more about them. I really recommend this book not only because the story line was good and different but because the writing was amazing! :)
April 25, 2014
LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, I just became a Bayli Lane fan!
Great storyline, moved quickly, dual POV, loved Arrow Donovan, all alpha!
Only negative was the ending felt a little rushed, but then I saw on GR that she has a book coming out that's an extension of an epilogue for this book. Squeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am screaming that I highly recommend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, I just became a Bayli Lane fan!
Great storyline, moved quickly, dual POV, loved Arrow Donovan, all alpha!
Only negative was the ending felt a little rushed, but then I saw on GR that she has a book coming out that's an extension of an epilogue for this book. Squeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am screaming that I highly recommend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 26, 2014
What" and "If" are two words as non-threatening as words can be. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life.
This is the exact quote that comes to mind when I think about this book. I can't even fully express in words how much I loved his book. Its been such a long time since I've read a book in little under a day. But I did with this, and I thank Bayli For that.
I've been waiting for this book since reading the blub, I've been intrigued since, then seeing the cover made me want it even more, so when it went live, I immediately grabbed it and dived right in. And I'm so glad that I did. Bayli did such an amazing job with this book. Not only was is VERY well written, but you can connect with the characters very efficiently. Bayli has such an amazing talent and I'm so honored to know her, even if we don't really speak much. I feel like someday this girl is going to make it big. I'm so happy for her success.
Briar and Arrow met at a party when they were fifteen and from the very first word, there was a connection. You could feel it with each word. Their chemistry was undeniable.
Rather than instantly acting on their feelings, they take each other on such an emotional roller coaster ride. There were times in this book that I got so frustrated with both Characters that I literally wanted to just throw my phone against the wall, but I also knew that I NEEDED to know what happened so I kept going until the end, and I'm so glad that I did.
This book deserves Five stars and oh my so much more. Bayli is becoming one of my favorite authors, I loved Becoming More, and I loved What If just the same. Congratulations Bayli, keep up the good work. You're truly a star.
This is the exact quote that comes to mind when I think about this book. I can't even fully express in words how much I loved his book. Its been such a long time since I've read a book in little under a day. But I did with this, and I thank Bayli For that.
I've been waiting for this book since reading the blub, I've been intrigued since, then seeing the cover made me want it even more, so when it went live, I immediately grabbed it and dived right in. And I'm so glad that I did. Bayli did such an amazing job with this book. Not only was is VERY well written, but you can connect with the characters very efficiently. Bayli has such an amazing talent and I'm so honored to know her, even if we don't really speak much. I feel like someday this girl is going to make it big. I'm so happy for her success.
Briar and Arrow met at a party when they were fifteen and from the very first word, there was a connection. You could feel it with each word. Their chemistry was undeniable.
Rather than instantly acting on their feelings, they take each other on such an emotional roller coaster ride. There were times in this book that I got so frustrated with both Characters that I literally wanted to just throw my phone against the wall, but I also knew that I NEEDED to know what happened so I kept going until the end, and I'm so glad that I did.
This book deserves Five stars and oh my so much more. Bayli is becoming one of my favorite authors, I loved Becoming More, and I loved What If just the same. Congratulations Bayli, keep up the good work. You're truly a star.
April 16, 2014
Bayli Lane has done it again!! She pulled me in to this roller coaster of emotions and didn't let me go!! This story was just WOW! I laughed, and cried, and loved, and hated, and screamed. I started reading and literally did not/could not put this book down! I was pulled in from the first chapter. My heart broke for Briar, it broke for Arrow, and it even broke for Killian. Briar and Arrow were so frustrating at times and I wanted to smack them, why couldn't they just see! I loved the format of this book as well, I loved getting both main characters POV's. This was a fantastic read and it gets all 5 Stars from me!! I can't wait to see what Bayli gives us next!
April 16, 2014
I4 1/2 stars! f you do not like miscommunication between characters then do not read this book...there is all sorts of miscommunication going on! With that being said I don't mind that aspect in books as long as the writing and the likability of the characters holds my interest, and boy did this one ever...all night long! I could not put this one down!
April 27, 2014
Absolutely loved this book, it had me hooked from the very beginning!!
May 6, 2014
2.5 stars
August 13, 2014
What if the one you loved, loved you back but was to afraid to tell you? How long would you wait for destiny to bring you together?
Arrow and Briar had me going back to the days of young love. The days when we had that crush but were too afraid to tell that person how we felt. The fear of rejection. We have all been there.
Arrow, is the guy we fall for. Call it love at first sight, but once we start talking to him for a few hours we are doomed. Done. Stick a fork in us... we sense the mutual interest. We will be together. A few hours later, we see him, our future, with someone else. Did we miss the signs? Did we misunderstand?
The story starts off with our main characters Arrow and Briar in high school, the story develops from their. In order for the story to mature then we need to start from the beginning. I had no problem with that. Arrow is finally ready to tell Briar how he feels but he's a young man and delivers a blow to her before he can confess his true emotions. He takes that as, I must have read her wrong. Did I miss something? Is the feeling not mutual?
Our boy and girl eventually grow apart and start living separate lives. They lose contact with one another but that is all. They continue to think of each other to wonder what the other is doing. We watch Arrow and Briar live through real life events. The events help them grow. Help them realize what they want.
Ten years after meeting they finally get their chance.Their chance to finally tell each other everything that they have held back for the past decade. The words don't come easy the actions are difficult.
How does one react when the person you have loved, and wanted to for ten years finally admits what you thought and felt all along?
This book had me turning pages, I needed to know what was going to happen what was Arrow doing. What was Briar up to. I went on a ride I won't soon forget. I laughed, I cried and dammit I wanted to hurt a bitch.
Bayli, has a beautiful writing style. Her words flowed and the story evolved. The reader grows with the characters. We felt the pain they were feeling and we shared in their joy. As a reader that's what I want. I want to feel the story. Grow with the characters. I don't want a short story that wraps up quickly.
I think I have a new 1-click author. I truly recommend WHAT IF.
Arrow and Briar had me going back to the days of young love. The days when we had that crush but were too afraid to tell that person how we felt. The fear of rejection. We have all been there.
Arrow, is the guy we fall for. Call it love at first sight, but once we start talking to him for a few hours we are doomed. Done. Stick a fork in us... we sense the mutual interest. We will be together. A few hours later, we see him, our future, with someone else. Did we miss the signs? Did we misunderstand?
The story starts off with our main characters Arrow and Briar in high school, the story develops from their. In order for the story to mature then we need to start from the beginning. I had no problem with that. Arrow is finally ready to tell Briar how he feels but he's a young man and delivers a blow to her before he can confess his true emotions. He takes that as, I must have read her wrong. Did I miss something? Is the feeling not mutual?
Our boy and girl eventually grow apart and start living separate lives. They lose contact with one another but that is all. They continue to think of each other to wonder what the other is doing. We watch Arrow and Briar live through real life events. The events help them grow. Help them realize what they want.
Ten years after meeting they finally get their chance.Their chance to finally tell each other everything that they have held back for the past decade. The words don't come easy the actions are difficult.
How does one react when the person you have loved, and wanted to for ten years finally admits what you thought and felt all along?
This book had me turning pages, I needed to know what was going to happen what was Arrow doing. What was Briar up to. I went on a ride I won't soon forget. I laughed, I cried and dammit I wanted to hurt a bitch.
Bayli, has a beautiful writing style. Her words flowed and the story evolved. The reader grows with the characters. We felt the pain they were feeling and we shared in their joy. As a reader that's what I want. I want to feel the story. Grow with the characters. I don't want a short story that wraps up quickly.
I think I have a new 1-click author. I truly recommend WHAT IF.
September 18, 2014
Let me start by saying that I absolutely adore Bayli Lane she is a phenomenal author and a beautiful person with a infectious smile. I had the pleasure of meeting her at the Cincy Author Event one of the best days of my life. I am now kicking myself in the butt for only buying a signed copy of Becoming More which I adored ….. ugh why didn’t I buy What If as well. Ok now that I got my gushing over Bayli and self loathing over a missed opportunity of owning a signed copy of this book out of the way lets get to my review of What If.
Where do I begin with this book it was so many things wrapped all in one. I went from complete frustrated at miscommunications and self doubt by both characters to head over heals in love with them only to go back to the frustration of their hard headedness. There was a point in this book that I wanted to jump through the pages bang their head together and lock them in a room. Then my prayers were answered and I was screaming YES, YES, YES THEY FINALLY GET IT THEY ARE MEANT OT BE. Only for yet another let down by this time I was in tears for them and didn’t understand why , why , why, after all this time couldn’t they just get their chance why are you torturing them Bayli that just not nice . I continued the up and down , forward and back story of Arrow and Briar to be led on a heartbreaking yet essential journey through heartbreak and healing. This just proving that in the end there will always be the What Ifs in life you will go through what ever journey fate puts in your path it will all be worth it if you end up where you were always meant to be.
There were so many amazing characters in this book. I loved some hated/liked some others they all serve a purpose in Arrow and Briar’s journey to the end.
Killian holds a special place in my heart you deserve the world and I hope you find it. Lacey I loathed you for so long until the end I’m glad you found your heart. Darcy you sweet free spirited girl I hope you find what your looking for but have a blast along the way.
Arrow and Briar you are two one of the most frustrating people in the world. If I could have reached through the pages and slapped some sense into you I would have. While your story was not always pretty it was yours and in the end you won.
Where do I begin with this book it was so many things wrapped all in one. I went from complete frustrated at miscommunications and self doubt by both characters to head over heals in love with them only to go back to the frustration of their hard headedness. There was a point in this book that I wanted to jump through the pages bang their head together and lock them in a room. Then my prayers were answered and I was screaming YES, YES, YES THEY FINALLY GET IT THEY ARE MEANT OT BE. Only for yet another let down by this time I was in tears for them and didn’t understand why , why , why, after all this time couldn’t they just get their chance why are you torturing them Bayli that just not nice . I continued the up and down , forward and back story of Arrow and Briar to be led on a heartbreaking yet essential journey through heartbreak and healing. This just proving that in the end there will always be the What Ifs in life you will go through what ever journey fate puts in your path it will all be worth it if you end up where you were always meant to be.
There were so many amazing characters in this book. I loved some hated/liked some others they all serve a purpose in Arrow and Briar’s journey to the end.
Killian holds a special place in my heart you deserve the world and I hope you find it. Lacey I loathed you for so long until the end I’m glad you found your heart. Darcy you sweet free spirited girl I hope you find what your looking for but have a blast along the way.
Arrow and Briar you are two one of the most frustrating people in the world. If I could have reached through the pages and slapped some sense into you I would have. While your story was not always pretty it was yours and in the end you won.
April 29, 2014
What if was one of the books that caught my attention right off the bat. Everyone has always had one of those circumstances where you've asked yourself "what if" and this book was just that. You have Briar and Arrow since teens wishing to be with one another but communication has lacked in their relationship, they're friends only zones. Arrow thought he could read Briar several times and even though he did, he didn't feel the deeper conncetion he always wished they'd had and neither did she. They struggled to be open to each other and tell the truth. Instead they'd assume what the other was feeling. You can feel their emotions and their actions revealing chapter by chapter and you just want to knock their heads together and force the kiss they both want. But then comes reality...you decide to somewhat give up on your wishes and go with what everyone else tells you to do....move on. So you try and try and move on to someone else but you always have that one person in the back of your mind where you constantly ask yourself, how are they? What are they doing right now? I wonder what they're doing in life. Are they thinking of me? Well, this story conveyed that image near perfectly. I saw pieces of my earlier life playing out in front of me. You're rooting and cheering for this couple to have a happy ending but at some point they ask themselves if its even possible with all the stuff they've gone through since they were teenagers. Can they forget the past? Can they move on to the future? Will fate do it's job? You must read this book to find out! You won't be disappointed at all! I rated this book 5 stars not only for how good the story line was but it was very well written and flowed just right. I love the two different points of view, getting the man's POV is always a great thing. Probably my best read so far of 2014. Great job Bayli!
June 30, 2014
First I would like to say after reading this book and hearing about Dear God from Avenged Sevenfold I had to google the song and was a bit misty eyed after reading the book when I was listening to the lyrics. Ok on with the book.
What If was a really great read. It is full of true love, tragedy, hurt, darkness, & passion. A story of two best friends that could not be together either for fear of losing their friendship or have other people in their lives. What If is exactly that what if I did this...what if I did that...and imagining what your life would be life just "What if". The place our World is now and how our soldiers are fighting for our Country really made this an emotional read. The whole time you are reading all you want is for the truth to set the two of these sad pained souls free.
Briar and Arrow met at 14 and were inseparable. They were best friends but secretly in love at the same time. Because of circumstances in there lives they never had the chance to be together or even know the feelings of the other. When they graduated high school Briar's life was changed forever. Arrow told her he joined the Marines. Briar was devastated and Arrow felt badly to be the one to hurt her but he knew he was not college material so he needed to do something with his life.
During their time apart their lives took them down other paths not what the two had fantasized about with each other, secretly of course. Arrow's life took a turn for the darkside during his time away from Briar and knew he needed to go back to North Carolina to find himself again. Can Briar help Arrow find his way back to his old self or will Briar's new life allow her to help him? She didn't wait for Arrow he chose his life and she had to live hers.
Reviewed for Hooked On Books
What If was a really great read. It is full of true love, tragedy, hurt, darkness, & passion. A story of two best friends that could not be together either for fear of losing their friendship or have other people in their lives. What If is exactly that what if I did this...what if I did that...and imagining what your life would be life just "What if". The place our World is now and how our soldiers are fighting for our Country really made this an emotional read. The whole time you are reading all you want is for the truth to set the two of these sad pained souls free.
Briar and Arrow met at 14 and were inseparable. They were best friends but secretly in love at the same time. Because of circumstances in there lives they never had the chance to be together or even know the feelings of the other. When they graduated high school Briar's life was changed forever. Arrow told her he joined the Marines. Briar was devastated and Arrow felt badly to be the one to hurt her but he knew he was not college material so he needed to do something with his life.
During their time apart their lives took them down other paths not what the two had fantasized about with each other, secretly of course. Arrow's life took a turn for the darkside during his time away from Briar and knew he needed to go back to North Carolina to find himself again. Can Briar help Arrow find his way back to his old self or will Briar's new life allow her to help him? She didn't wait for Arrow he chose his life and she had to live hers.
Reviewed for Hooked On Books
August 19, 2014
I truly loved everything about What If. What If was one of those books that captured me from the very first word. I could not put it down, not even for a second!
I loved Briar's character from the beginning. She was your normal teenage girl. Secretly she's always loved her best friend Arrow. They met at a party when they were younger. Briar found herself in a bad situation, and Arrow was there to save the day. Ever since their first encounter, they were inseparable. Briar was always with Arrow, and Arrow always with Briar.
I really liked how Bayli did the dual point of views. Both characters had some type of feeling toward the other, both not knowing what the other was thinking.
What If is an amazingly beautiful story of learning to not second guess yourself. Both Arrow and Briar feared that they weren't good enough for the other, therefore missing out on a life they could have shared together, as more than just friends.
Bayli, you did a fabulous job with this book. I felt so attached to all of the characters. My heart felt both happy and broken at times. I love your writing style, and cant wait for more!
What If is a must read. I always love a good romance, and What If was exactly that. A beautiful, heartfelt, sad, loving story.
What If is a well deserved 5 star read!
Bayli, you have a forever fan in me!
<3 JMAC
I loved Briar's character from the beginning. She was your normal teenage girl. Secretly she's always loved her best friend Arrow. They met at a party when they were younger. Briar found herself in a bad situation, and Arrow was there to save the day. Ever since their first encounter, they were inseparable. Briar was always with Arrow, and Arrow always with Briar.
I really liked how Bayli did the dual point of views. Both characters had some type of feeling toward the other, both not knowing what the other was thinking.
What If is an amazingly beautiful story of learning to not second guess yourself. Both Arrow and Briar feared that they weren't good enough for the other, therefore missing out on a life they could have shared together, as more than just friends.
Bayli, you did a fabulous job with this book. I felt so attached to all of the characters. My heart felt both happy and broken at times. I love your writing style, and cant wait for more!
What If is a must read. I always love a good romance, and What If was exactly that. A beautiful, heartfelt, sad, loving story.
What If is a well deserved 5 star read!
Bayli, you have a forever fan in me!
<3 JMAC
July 16, 2014
This is the first book from Bayli that I've read and from this point on I will read everything she puts out. I loved "What If".
Arrow is amazing and Briar is incredible. They've known one another most of their lives...as friends. No matter how strong their feelings may be toward the other, it's just never been the right time for more. Reading the struggles they both faced I wanted to jump into the book, shove them in '7 minutes of heaven', and let them get their groove on.
Do they come to terms with the love they feel or do they move on with their lives apart and always wonder...What If?
Get this book now, you won't regret it :)
Favorite lines...
"There comes a point when every feeling is a bad one, like when you fall asleep because your eyes can't stand to leak out one more tear, or when you're no longer living but instead simply existing.
"His familiar whiskey eyes made me drunk when I looked into them."
"Arrow was my earthquake, my natural disaster."
"I had to believe that even though we lost this round. Briar and I would ultimately be victorious."
"I'm flailing here, begging for someone to jump in to save me, to lift me out of the water so I can finally breathe."
"You've always been the possibility, the what if, that kept me from giving up."
Arrow is amazing and Briar is incredible. They've known one another most of their lives...as friends. No matter how strong their feelings may be toward the other, it's just never been the right time for more. Reading the struggles they both faced I wanted to jump into the book, shove them in '7 minutes of heaven', and let them get their groove on.
Do they come to terms with the love they feel or do they move on with their lives apart and always wonder...What If?
Get this book now, you won't regret it :)
Favorite lines...
"There comes a point when every feeling is a bad one, like when you fall asleep because your eyes can't stand to leak out one more tear, or when you're no longer living but instead simply existing.
"His familiar whiskey eyes made me drunk when I looked into them."
"Arrow was my earthquake, my natural disaster."
"I had to believe that even though we lost this round. Briar and I would ultimately be victorious."
"I'm flailing here, begging for someone to jump in to save me, to lift me out of the water so I can finally breathe."
"You've always been the possibility, the what if, that kept me from giving up."
July 9, 2017
Best friends always just out of reach in this second chance romance
I hadn't read anything from this author before but I really enjoyed this book. I loved the military aspect and the best friends afraid to be more drama. There was a lot of moments where I felt one or the other character should have fessed up to their feelings but obviously that would have made for a different book. I would have liked to see a few more chapters once everything came together (yes it's a HEA) and maybe some more love scenes :)
I hadn't read anything from this author before but I really enjoyed this book. I loved the military aspect and the best friends afraid to be more drama. There was a lot of moments where I felt one or the other character should have fessed up to their feelings but obviously that would have made for a different book. I would have liked to see a few more chapters once everything came together (yes it's a HEA) and maybe some more love scenes :)
August 23, 2014
LOVED this book! I was able to connect with the characters instantly, and the emotions they evoked in me were all over the place! Their pain, sadness, heartache...I felt it all! And at times I wanted to shake Briar and Arrow and make them open their eyes and see what they had right in front of them! But I will say, I was very happy with the way this book ended, and I can't wait to read more from Bayli Lane. She's a wonderful writer and always has a way of drawing me in with her words.
January 2, 2015
What an amazing book. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster. I could feel what Arrow and Briar were feeling. I read this in one sitting. I could not put it down. make sure you have a box of tissues ready. You will need them.This is by far on e of my most favorite. And I will be re-reading this again and again and again.. Way to go Bayli. Awesome book...
September 12, 2014
Loved this book so much! Arrow Donovan is such a sweetheart! Love him!
July 8, 2014
There are multiple ways someone can break you. If you felt affection or love for that particular person, there were even more ways for them to have that control. You were inadvertently giving that someone the knife and widening your arms, gesturing to your heart, and saying, “It’s yours. Do with it what you want: break it, shatter it, hold it, caress it, handle it with tenderness, but please, please love it.”
This book is amazing. A-MAZ-ING. It made me feel. It made my chest hurt. It made me cry and it made me weep from all of the pain. In your adult life, there will be a time when you look back into your younger life, at something that happened to you or an opportunity missed or a decision that you made or was made for you, and think, "That was it. That was the moment that the course of my life changed. That was my fork in the road of my life that took me in a different direction.... I wonder how different my life could be, if only I had done this one little thing differently." I know mine, and it still breaks my heart. I would do anything to have that time back to change the outcome because it's impact changed who I was supposed to be.
The characters Briar and Arrow are not perfect. They both made mistakes. There were words not spoken, feelings not shared or acted upon, fears not revealed.
I wanted to kiss her, to taste the ruby of her lips, to know that she felt the same way for me as I had for her since day one. But that wasn’t an option. She didn’t love me in that way.
Briar and Arrow meet at a party when they are 14 years old and become very fast friends. Arrow knew that there was something special about Briar and felt that if he acted on his feelings, her would just end up ruining it so he makes the decision to just be her friend because he would rather have her as a friend than not have her at all, but that ends up being the biggest mistake of his life.
Darcy and I started dating that night. It shoved me deeper into Briar’s life. We were forced into seeing each other nearly every day since she was Darcy’s best friend. Normally, I wouldn’t complain about spending time with Briar because I wanted to be with Briar as much as possible. But being around Briar when I was supposed to only be thinking about Darcy in the ways I was thinking of Briar was really damn hard.
Looking back later, I’d realize the mistake wasn’t acting on my feelings for Briar; it was not acting on them.
They were in love with each other and both continued to refuse to act on their feelings. After Arrow leaves for the military there is a series of miscommunications and misunderstandings that damages their friendship, their hearts and their lives that results in unhappiness for both of them.
I wiped my face and made a silent promise to stop living in the past and to start living in the present. I would never let another person have the kind of hold on me that Arrow did. I would never allow another human being to embed themselves into my soul because healing a broken heart was hard enough… healing the soul was impossible. How can you heal something that no longer belongs to you?
This book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It was heartbreaking and beautiful. I loved the way it was written in both Briar and Arrow's POVs. It starts out when they are young teenagers and ends when they are adults. It was a beautiful ending and I know that this story will stay with me for a while.
I am rating it with 5 seriously huge stars and it has been added to my favorites list and my top 14 of 2014 list!
This book is amazing. A-MAZ-ING. It made me feel. It made my chest hurt. It made me cry and it made me weep from all of the pain. In your adult life, there will be a time when you look back into your younger life, at something that happened to you or an opportunity missed or a decision that you made or was made for you, and think, "That was it. That was the moment that the course of my life changed. That was my fork in the road of my life that took me in a different direction.... I wonder how different my life could be, if only I had done this one little thing differently." I know mine, and it still breaks my heart. I would do anything to have that time back to change the outcome because it's impact changed who I was supposed to be.
The characters Briar and Arrow are not perfect. They both made mistakes. There were words not spoken, feelings not shared or acted upon, fears not revealed.
I wanted to kiss her, to taste the ruby of her lips, to know that she felt the same way for me as I had for her since day one. But that wasn’t an option. She didn’t love me in that way.
Briar and Arrow meet at a party when they are 14 years old and become very fast friends. Arrow knew that there was something special about Briar and felt that if he acted on his feelings, her would just end up ruining it so he makes the decision to just be her friend because he would rather have her as a friend than not have her at all, but that ends up being the biggest mistake of his life.
Darcy and I started dating that night. It shoved me deeper into Briar’s life. We were forced into seeing each other nearly every day since she was Darcy’s best friend. Normally, I wouldn’t complain about spending time with Briar because I wanted to be with Briar as much as possible. But being around Briar when I was supposed to only be thinking about Darcy in the ways I was thinking of Briar was really damn hard.
Looking back later, I’d realize the mistake wasn’t acting on my feelings for Briar; it was not acting on them.
They were in love with each other and both continued to refuse to act on their feelings. After Arrow leaves for the military there is a series of miscommunications and misunderstandings that damages their friendship, their hearts and their lives that results in unhappiness for both of them.
I wiped my face and made a silent promise to stop living in the past and to start living in the present. I would never let another person have the kind of hold on me that Arrow did. I would never allow another human being to embed themselves into my soul because healing a broken heart was hard enough… healing the soul was impossible. How can you heal something that no longer belongs to you?
This book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It was heartbreaking and beautiful. I loved the way it was written in both Briar and Arrow's POVs. It starts out when they are young teenagers and ends when they are adults. It was a beautiful ending and I know that this story will stay with me for a while.
I am rating it with 5 seriously huge stars and it has been added to my favorites list and my top 14 of 2014 list!
November 26, 2014
There are no what if’s for me… Huge 5 star read for me!
I was so giddy to read another novel by Bayli Lane! Her debut novel Becoming More knocked the socks off of me so when I saw What If in the works, I was salivating until the day I was able to read it! Just that title alone I was like… awh man…. This one is going to be a doozy! Just those two little words “What If” bring so much uncertainty to my mind. Everybody has what if’s in their lives that make you think, what if this would have happened, or what if I did this instead. But when it comes to Arrow and Briar, it seems like their entire life was one what if after another!!!!!!! I never rooted so much for a couple to make things right and it just seemed like at every turn, fate had other things in store from them. It’s a heartbreaking love story that will pull at your emotions and probably have you yelling a few times at your ereader! Ms. Lane has a way of just immersing you into the story making you feel like you are part of these characters lives. It’s frustrating, it’s heartbreaking, there lots of angst but I loved every second of it! This is a complete story told in both main characters POV.
What If is the story of Arrow and Briar and how many what if’s they have over a span of decades! Yes decades! In high school, Briar was content in being the best friend to Arrow as it was better than not having him in her life at all. Even though it may have been painful to see him with her best friend Darcy. As young adults, misunderstandings or maybe fate step in. Arrow joins the military and rekindles a relationship with the girl he lost his virginity to. Briar realizes that looks happy and doesn’t want to interfere with his relationship with Lacey. She knows their past history together and makes a decision to let Arrow go and move on. Gawh…. So heartbreaking!!!!!!!!
“I would never let another person have a kind of hold on me that Arrow did. I would never allow another human being to embed themselves into my soul because healing a broken heart was hard enough… healing the soul was impossible. How can you heal something that no longer belongs to you?” –Briar
“I’d try like hell to never let anyone know how ruined I felt knowing Briar would no longer be a part of my life. But the scars she left inside of me would forever exist, not for anyone else to see, but for me to feel.” –Arrow
Both of them move on, both of them marry other people and go through the motions of life apart. But when Arrow does a tour of Afghanistan and is terribly injured things go from bad to worse. For years, Briar has been able to block out thoughts of Arrow but finding out his was injured brings those old wounds in her heart to the surface. For Arrow, he finds solace in drugs and alcohol. Spiraling out of control, he realizes the thing he must do to go home.
What happens when he comes face to face with Briar again? Is it too late for them to find a chance at love? Has too much time passed? Can those old feelings stay down and buried or will they erupt? Arrow and Briar’s story is not an easy road, so many obstacles are in their way can they make it through stronger or will it be just too much? All will be answered when you check out What If…
“The cuts in my heart felt deeper than ever before, raw. That’s what happens when you finally give yourself to someone fully, finally thinking that your lives were going to tangle into one.”- Briar
I was so giddy to read another novel by Bayli Lane! Her debut novel Becoming More knocked the socks off of me so when I saw What If in the works, I was salivating until the day I was able to read it! Just that title alone I was like… awh man…. This one is going to be a doozy! Just those two little words “What If” bring so much uncertainty to my mind. Everybody has what if’s in their lives that make you think, what if this would have happened, or what if I did this instead. But when it comes to Arrow and Briar, it seems like their entire life was one what if after another!!!!!!! I never rooted so much for a couple to make things right and it just seemed like at every turn, fate had other things in store from them. It’s a heartbreaking love story that will pull at your emotions and probably have you yelling a few times at your ereader! Ms. Lane has a way of just immersing you into the story making you feel like you are part of these characters lives. It’s frustrating, it’s heartbreaking, there lots of angst but I loved every second of it! This is a complete story told in both main characters POV.
What If is the story of Arrow and Briar and how many what if’s they have over a span of decades! Yes decades! In high school, Briar was content in being the best friend to Arrow as it was better than not having him in her life at all. Even though it may have been painful to see him with her best friend Darcy. As young adults, misunderstandings or maybe fate step in. Arrow joins the military and rekindles a relationship with the girl he lost his virginity to. Briar realizes that looks happy and doesn’t want to interfere with his relationship with Lacey. She knows their past history together and makes a decision to let Arrow go and move on. Gawh…. So heartbreaking!!!!!!!!
“I would never let another person have a kind of hold on me that Arrow did. I would never allow another human being to embed themselves into my soul because healing a broken heart was hard enough… healing the soul was impossible. How can you heal something that no longer belongs to you?” –Briar
“I’d try like hell to never let anyone know how ruined I felt knowing Briar would no longer be a part of my life. But the scars she left inside of me would forever exist, not for anyone else to see, but for me to feel.” –Arrow
Both of them move on, both of them marry other people and go through the motions of life apart. But when Arrow does a tour of Afghanistan and is terribly injured things go from bad to worse. For years, Briar has been able to block out thoughts of Arrow but finding out his was injured brings those old wounds in her heart to the surface. For Arrow, he finds solace in drugs and alcohol. Spiraling out of control, he realizes the thing he must do to go home.
What happens when he comes face to face with Briar again? Is it too late for them to find a chance at love? Has too much time passed? Can those old feelings stay down and buried or will they erupt? Arrow and Briar’s story is not an easy road, so many obstacles are in their way can they make it through stronger or will it be just too much? All will be answered when you check out What If…
“The cuts in my heart felt deeper than ever before, raw. That’s what happens when you finally give yourself to someone fully, finally thinking that your lives were going to tangle into one.”- Briar
July 1, 2014
There are no what if’s for me… Huge 5 star read for me!
I was so giddy to read another novel by Bayli Lane! Her debut novel Becoming More knocked the socks off of me so when I saw What If in the works, I was salivating until the day I was able to read it! Just that title alone I was like… awh man…. This one is going to be a doozy! Just those two little words “What If” brings so much uncertainty to my mind. Everybody has what if’s in their lives that make you think, what if this would have happened, or what if I did this instead. But when it comes to Arrow and Briar, it seems like their entire life was one what if after another!!!!!!! I never rooted so much for a couple to make things right and it just seemed like at every turn, fate had other things in store from them. It’s a heartbreaking love story that will pull at your emotions and probably have you yelling a few times at your ereader! Ms Lane has a way of just immersing you into the story making you feel like you are part of these characters lives. It’s frustrating, it’s heartbreaking, there lots of angst but I loved every second of it! This is a complete story told in both main characters POV.
What If is the story of Arrow and Briar and how many what if’s they have over a span of decades! Yes decades! In high school, Briar was content in being the best friend to Arrow as it was better than not having him in her life at all. Even though it may have been painful to see him with her best friend Darcy. As young adults, misunderstandings or maybe fate step in. Arrow joins the military and rekindles a relationship with the girl he lost his virginity to. Briar realizes that looks happy and doesn’t want to interfere with his relationship with Lacey. She knows their past history together and makes a decision to let Arrow go and move on. Gawh…. So heartbreaking!!!!!!!!
“I would never let another person have a kind of hold on me that Arrow did. I would never allow another human being to embed themselves into my soul because healing a broken heart was hard enough… healing the soul was impossible. How can you heal something that no longer belongs to you?” –Briar
“I’d try like hell to never let anyone know how ruined I felt knowing Briar would no longer be a part of my life. But the scars she left inside of me would forever exist, not for anyone else to see, but for me to feel.” –Arrow
Both of them move on, both of them marry other people and go through the motions of life apart. But when Arrow does a tour of Afghanistan and is terribly injured things go from bad to worse. For years, Briar has been able to block out thoughts of Arrow but finding out his was injured brings those old wounds in her heart to the surface. For Arrow, he finds solace in drugs and alcohol. Spiraling out of control, he realizes the thing he must do to go home.
What happens when he comes face to face with Briar again? Is it too late for them to find a chance at love? Has too much time passed? Can those old feelings stay down and buried or will they erupt? Arrow and Briar’s story is not an easy road, so many obstacles are in their way can they make it through stronger or will it be just too much? All will be answered when you check out What If…
“The cuts in my heart felt deeper than ever before, raw. That’s what happens when you finally give yourself to someone fully, finally thinking that your lives were going to tangle into one.”- Briar
I was so giddy to read another novel by Bayli Lane! Her debut novel Becoming More knocked the socks off of me so when I saw What If in the works, I was salivating until the day I was able to read it! Just that title alone I was like… awh man…. This one is going to be a doozy! Just those two little words “What If” brings so much uncertainty to my mind. Everybody has what if’s in their lives that make you think, what if this would have happened, or what if I did this instead. But when it comes to Arrow and Briar, it seems like their entire life was one what if after another!!!!!!! I never rooted so much for a couple to make things right and it just seemed like at every turn, fate had other things in store from them. It’s a heartbreaking love story that will pull at your emotions and probably have you yelling a few times at your ereader! Ms Lane has a way of just immersing you into the story making you feel like you are part of these characters lives. It’s frustrating, it’s heartbreaking, there lots of angst but I loved every second of it! This is a complete story told in both main characters POV.
What If is the story of Arrow and Briar and how many what if’s they have over a span of decades! Yes decades! In high school, Briar was content in being the best friend to Arrow as it was better than not having him in her life at all. Even though it may have been painful to see him with her best friend Darcy. As young adults, misunderstandings or maybe fate step in. Arrow joins the military and rekindles a relationship with the girl he lost his virginity to. Briar realizes that looks happy and doesn’t want to interfere with his relationship with Lacey. She knows their past history together and makes a decision to let Arrow go and move on. Gawh…. So heartbreaking!!!!!!!!
“I would never let another person have a kind of hold on me that Arrow did. I would never allow another human being to embed themselves into my soul because healing a broken heart was hard enough… healing the soul was impossible. How can you heal something that no longer belongs to you?” –Briar
“I’d try like hell to never let anyone know how ruined I felt knowing Briar would no longer be a part of my life. But the scars she left inside of me would forever exist, not for anyone else to see, but for me to feel.” –Arrow
Both of them move on, both of them marry other people and go through the motions of life apart. But when Arrow does a tour of Afghanistan and is terribly injured things go from bad to worse. For years, Briar has been able to block out thoughts of Arrow but finding out his was injured brings those old wounds in her heart to the surface. For Arrow, he finds solace in drugs and alcohol. Spiraling out of control, he realizes the thing he must do to go home.
What happens when he comes face to face with Briar again? Is it too late for them to find a chance at love? Has too much time passed? Can those old feelings stay down and buried or will they erupt? Arrow and Briar’s story is not an easy road, so many obstacles are in their way can they make it through stronger or will it be just too much? All will be answered when you check out What If…
“The cuts in my heart felt deeper than ever before, raw. That’s what happens when you finally give yourself to someone fully, finally thinking that your lives were going to tangle into one.”- Briar
July 14, 2014
***I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
“He smiled, I smiled. And that’s when I knew: I was a goner.”
“What If” is a sweet, but a frustrating story about Briar Kelly and Arrow Donovan two people whose road to true love was so not smooth sailing, and I have to say the title fitted it perfectly.
The storyline, which I won't say much about as I feel the synopsis give you all you need to know is told from dual POV which I love. Briar and Arrow are two characters that I couldn’t help, but love, they were sweet, had such a lovely bond, and the chemistry was there from the first time they met.
Their journey to finding HEA was heartbreaking, and heartwarming, so much happens between these two over the years, and many times my heart went out to them for some of the things they went through, but at the same time I want to shake them, slap them because of the unnecessary hurt, heartache and pain they caused each other, but I knew at the heart of it they loved each other.
What If was an enjoyable emotional read, it has that soul mate, thing happens for a reason feeling. It wasn’t short of angst and drama, and once I started it I really didn’t what to stop, as I became invested in Briar and Arrow and their story. I was rooting for them, hoping that after all that had happened, what they went through together, and apart over the years that they would finally get the HEA that they so rightly deserved
This is Bayli Lane's second novel, and having read and liked her first, I have to say I enjoy this one more. The book was very well written, and the characters are well developed and Bayli writes in such away I can’t help but feel all Briar and Arrow’s emotions from the happy one to the sad one. I have to say I love the “Dear God” song I have added that to my playlist.
I enjoyed the ending, I like how things worked out for Briar and Arrow, but I did feel it was a little rushed. So I was pleased to see on Goodreads that Bayli has written an extension of the epilogue for this book. I’m looking forward to reading that one and the rest of the books that she has planned for the ‘What if’ series.
If you’re looking for an emotional, angst-filled book that is full of what ifs then this one is for you and should be add it to your TBR list.
Favorite quotes:
“I was looking at the person who was supposed to be there every time I woke up, and every time I went to sleep”
“The scars she left inside of me would forever exist, not for anyone else to see, but for me to feel”
“The strings threading out hearts together were being pulled to tightly that I could feel the struggles and strain of the hold trying to snap”
“You can’t sit in the path of a deadly storm coming your way, and expect to make it out unscathed”
If you had to pick one single person to spend every day with, every hour, every minute, every dammed second with for the rest of your life, who would you choose?”
“Looking back later, I'd realize the mistake wasn't acting on my feelings for Briar, it was not acting on them."
“I'm tired of drowning, Arrow. I'm so tired of not being able to breathe"
“He smiled, I smiled. And that’s when I knew: I was a goner.”
“What If” is a sweet, but a frustrating story about Briar Kelly and Arrow Donovan two people whose road to true love was so not smooth sailing, and I have to say the title fitted it perfectly.
The storyline, which I won't say much about as I feel the synopsis give you all you need to know is told from dual POV which I love. Briar and Arrow are two characters that I couldn’t help, but love, they were sweet, had such a lovely bond, and the chemistry was there from the first time they met.
Their journey to finding HEA was heartbreaking, and heartwarming, so much happens between these two over the years, and many times my heart went out to them for some of the things they went through, but at the same time I want to shake them, slap them because of the unnecessary hurt, heartache and pain they caused each other, but I knew at the heart of it they loved each other.
What If was an enjoyable emotional read, it has that soul mate, thing happens for a reason feeling. It wasn’t short of angst and drama, and once I started it I really didn’t what to stop, as I became invested in Briar and Arrow and their story. I was rooting for them, hoping that after all that had happened, what they went through together, and apart over the years that they would finally get the HEA that they so rightly deserved
This is Bayli Lane's second novel, and having read and liked her first, I have to say I enjoy this one more. The book was very well written, and the characters are well developed and Bayli writes in such away I can’t help but feel all Briar and Arrow’s emotions from the happy one to the sad one. I have to say I love the “Dear God” song I have added that to my playlist.
I enjoyed the ending, I like how things worked out for Briar and Arrow, but I did feel it was a little rushed. So I was pleased to see on Goodreads that Bayli has written an extension of the epilogue for this book. I’m looking forward to reading that one and the rest of the books that she has planned for the ‘What if’ series.
If you’re looking for an emotional, angst-filled book that is full of what ifs then this one is for you and should be add it to your TBR list.
Favorite quotes:
“I was looking at the person who was supposed to be there every time I woke up, and every time I went to sleep”
“The scars she left inside of me would forever exist, not for anyone else to see, but for me to feel”
“The strings threading out hearts together were being pulled to tightly that I could feel the struggles and strain of the hold trying to snap”
“You can’t sit in the path of a deadly storm coming your way, and expect to make it out unscathed”
If you had to pick one single person to spend every day with, every hour, every minute, every dammed second with for the rest of your life, who would you choose?”
“Looking back later, I'd realize the mistake wasn't acting on my feelings for Briar, it was not acting on them."
“I'm tired of drowning, Arrow. I'm so tired of not being able to breathe"
July 8, 2014
What If by Bayli Lane
5 of 5 Stars
I absolutely fell in love with Arrow Donovan over the course of What If. It wasn't an instant love because he made all of the mistakes that a young man is prone to make when he's finding his purpose and learning what makes him happy. Arrow knew from the time he was 14 that he wanted to be with Briar Kelly but things don't always work out as planned. During a late-night game of truth or dare, Briar catches Arrow in a compromising position with her best friend, Darcy. And so the heartache ensues...
Though it was always quite obvious that there was more than mere friendship sparkling between the two, they didn't manage to come together as couple. Fresh out of high school, Arrow left for basic training and to begin his life as a Marine. But not before allowing Briar to catch a glimpse of those feelings that stayed hidden all those years. Holding on is difficult, especially when the person you love is dedicated to someone else. Briar's world is shattered when she witnesses an intimate moment between Arrow and his girlfriend, Lacey, and she gives up hope that Arrow will ever be hers. My heart ached throughout the course of Briar's struggles because her pain was so palpable and it seeped out of my Kindle to wrap around me like a dark and dreary blanket. A beautiful blanket, but dreary nonetheless.
Little did Briar know, but Arrow's soul was just as shattered as her own over what seemed to be the loss of a secret love. A deployment and a couple of near death experiences later, Arrow renews his fight to claim Briar as his own and he returns to South Carolina to make things right with the only woman who ever truly owned his heart. I think that was the point where I began to fall for Arrow. He is one of the most persistent BBFs I have ever encountered!!! Regardless of what Briar said, he didn't give up on them. He continued pestering her until she bent to his will because he knew that, deep down, she wanted him just as badly as he wanted her. Of course life is never a bed of roses, and their tale is no different. We all wish that the past would stay in the past and refrain from rearing its ugly head at the least opportune moments. However, in this case, it helps to prove to these two that their love is indeed strong enough to weather even the toughest storm.
Throughout the course of the nearly nine years over which the book spans, the turns and twists were never what I expected. I was constantly having to stop myself from looking ahead to see which way the plot would go. Sometimes I got the warm and fuzzy happiness that comes with true love and other times I was crushed because my characters were suffering from some serious emotional trauma!!! The ability to get inside the minds of the characters is an awesome feat for an author and Lane has done a wonderful job of allowing us into the minds of Arrow and Briar to feel their elation as well as their heartache.
*Complimentary copy received in exchange for an honest review.*
Meagan, My Secret Book Spot
5 of 5 Stars
I absolutely fell in love with Arrow Donovan over the course of What If. It wasn't an instant love because he made all of the mistakes that a young man is prone to make when he's finding his purpose and learning what makes him happy. Arrow knew from the time he was 14 that he wanted to be with Briar Kelly but things don't always work out as planned. During a late-night game of truth or dare, Briar catches Arrow in a compromising position with her best friend, Darcy. And so the heartache ensues...
Though it was always quite obvious that there was more than mere friendship sparkling between the two, they didn't manage to come together as couple. Fresh out of high school, Arrow left for basic training and to begin his life as a Marine. But not before allowing Briar to catch a glimpse of those feelings that stayed hidden all those years. Holding on is difficult, especially when the person you love is dedicated to someone else. Briar's world is shattered when she witnesses an intimate moment between Arrow and his girlfriend, Lacey, and she gives up hope that Arrow will ever be hers. My heart ached throughout the course of Briar's struggles because her pain was so palpable and it seeped out of my Kindle to wrap around me like a dark and dreary blanket. A beautiful blanket, but dreary nonetheless.
Little did Briar know, but Arrow's soul was just as shattered as her own over what seemed to be the loss of a secret love. A deployment and a couple of near death experiences later, Arrow renews his fight to claim Briar as his own and he returns to South Carolina to make things right with the only woman who ever truly owned his heart. I think that was the point where I began to fall for Arrow. He is one of the most persistent BBFs I have ever encountered!!! Regardless of what Briar said, he didn't give up on them. He continued pestering her until she bent to his will because he knew that, deep down, she wanted him just as badly as he wanted her. Of course life is never a bed of roses, and their tale is no different. We all wish that the past would stay in the past and refrain from rearing its ugly head at the least opportune moments. However, in this case, it helps to prove to these two that their love is indeed strong enough to weather even the toughest storm.
Throughout the course of the nearly nine years over which the book spans, the turns and twists were never what I expected. I was constantly having to stop myself from looking ahead to see which way the plot would go. Sometimes I got the warm and fuzzy happiness that comes with true love and other times I was crushed because my characters were suffering from some serious emotional trauma!!! The ability to get inside the minds of the characters is an awesome feat for an author and Lane has done a wonderful job of allowing us into the minds of Arrow and Briar to feel their elation as well as their heartache.
*Complimentary copy received in exchange for an honest review.*
Meagan, My Secret Book Spot
July 2, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://www.multitaskingmommas.com/201...
If you like watching Latin and Asian telenovelas, then What If is the book for you. Don't get me wrong, Bayli Lane did a wonderful job with writing this book but it's one of those whose plot would have been solved in a minute if either hero or heroine had asked just one simple question. "Can I kiss you?" would have been on top of my list.
This is a prime example of what can go wrong when there are misunderstandings or miscommunications in a relationship, no matter what type of relationship it is. Teens meet for the first time and while they can talk about anything, boy assumes something about girl and romance goes pffft. Then they are in the friendzone and friendship goes pffft. They try to go on with their lives but are still heavily emotionally invested in each other so it's not a clean break.
Arrow is alternately a man I admire and love to hate. He assumes too much (to Briar's detriment) and doesn't do enough to show Briar that he cares for her more than she thinks. And how is she supposed to know that when he's making out with another girl as soon as he's done with the last one? It takes him almost dying to figure out he should be fighting for a relationship his heart wants more than anything. But you can't stake a claim on what's not yours anymore!
Briar, to her credit, is the best friend any guy could have. While she wants more from her best friend Arrow, there is never a perfect situation to let him know. She suffers through two serious relationships but is always there for him when he's in pain. She doesn't want to assume anything more though, since Arrow never showed her any deeper feelings, and kept their relationship strictly platonic until she decided she couldn't take it anymore - and left.
The angst in this novel is so palpable that it's real. While I normally don't go for books with this level of emotional fear, I had to finish this story. It's not because I had to review it; no, it's because I became invested in the characters and needed to know how they ended up. It's written so beautifully Briar and Arrow became real. While most of the time I wanted to smack them upside their heads, I also rooted for them to get over all the trauma and finally get together. Were they determined enough or not?
One character I want to know more about is Killian, Briar's ex. It's not usual for me to root for an ex, but this is one beautiful man who, in an alternate universe, would have been more perfect for her than Arrow. But I can't argue with the author's choice so I simply have to wait for book 2 to find out what happens to him.
What If could seriously be made into a soap, and in my opinion, Bayli Lane would make a great scriptwriter. She's managed to change my outlook on books with this topic which means, to me, she is one terrific writer!
If you like watching Latin and Asian telenovelas, then What If is the book for you. Don't get me wrong, Bayli Lane did a wonderful job with writing this book but it's one of those whose plot would have been solved in a minute if either hero or heroine had asked just one simple question. "Can I kiss you?" would have been on top of my list.
This is a prime example of what can go wrong when there are misunderstandings or miscommunications in a relationship, no matter what type of relationship it is. Teens meet for the first time and while they can talk about anything, boy assumes something about girl and romance goes pffft. Then they are in the friendzone and friendship goes pffft. They try to go on with their lives but are still heavily emotionally invested in each other so it's not a clean break.
Arrow is alternately a man I admire and love to hate. He assumes too much (to Briar's detriment) and doesn't do enough to show Briar that he cares for her more than she thinks. And how is she supposed to know that when he's making out with another girl as soon as he's done with the last one? It takes him almost dying to figure out he should be fighting for a relationship his heart wants more than anything. But you can't stake a claim on what's not yours anymore!
Briar, to her credit, is the best friend any guy could have. While she wants more from her best friend Arrow, there is never a perfect situation to let him know. She suffers through two serious relationships but is always there for him when he's in pain. She doesn't want to assume anything more though, since Arrow never showed her any deeper feelings, and kept their relationship strictly platonic until she decided she couldn't take it anymore - and left.
The angst in this novel is so palpable that it's real. While I normally don't go for books with this level of emotional fear, I had to finish this story. It's not because I had to review it; no, it's because I became invested in the characters and needed to know how they ended up. It's written so beautifully Briar and Arrow became real. While most of the time I wanted to smack them upside their heads, I also rooted for them to get over all the trauma and finally get together. Were they determined enough or not?
One character I want to know more about is Killian, Briar's ex. It's not usual for me to root for an ex, but this is one beautiful man who, in an alternate universe, would have been more perfect for her than Arrow. But I can't argue with the author's choice so I simply have to wait for book 2 to find out what happens to him.
What If could seriously be made into a soap, and in my opinion, Bayli Lane would make a great scriptwriter. She's managed to change my outlook on books with this topic which means, to me, she is one terrific writer!
April 24, 2014
Briar and Arrow met when they were fifteen. When Arrow stopped another guy from hurting Briar. That was the first time that Arrow saved Briar. Half an hour later was the first time he shattered her heart.
Briar was convinced from the very first second of his love for Arrow, but when you find a person like him - someone who completes you, calms you and can makse you laugh until you can not continue emitting any sound- you don't risk everything confessing your love, especially when he started dating your best friend just half an hour after meeting him.
Arrow loves Briar, but overall he loves their friendship. And as much as he wants to be with her, he can not risk losing her confessing his love, so he self-convinced that she would never love him, and moved on.
Years pass, pain increases, circumstances change, but love... Love remains. Hidden inside of them. Eating them from inside. As they go on with their lives... but together? o separately? .
I LOVE this book. To the point of getting out of the hole in which I lived the last months (Note: Love-anguish Stories are not as nice when you live them in first person in the real world) and write a review, because I need to tell the world how great this book is.
Firstly; the novel is very distressing. But this anxiety is what attracts,catches you, and you can't stop reading until the anxiety passes because you think "this can NOT be."
But at the same time it's refreshing and very very easy to read. It's not hard or tired to read something so full of emotions and angst because( spoiler -> ) there aren't any bad irreparable things that touch you and annoy you and spoil the whole book.
Not everything is angst and pain and suffering, but there are also plenty of parts when you think "phewww", and relieve all the tension you've been through, and let me tell you it's all worth just to get there .
The book is full of passion , and action, and love. ALWAYS on every page something different is happening , giving an unexpected twist, it forces you to read everything flip with a heavy heart . It is a current , refreshing and with a very extensive range of emotions novel. Incredible. Perfect.
Briar was convinced from the very first second of his love for Arrow, but when you find a person like him - someone who completes you, calms you and can makse you laugh until you can not continue emitting any sound- you don't risk everything confessing your love, especially when he started dating your best friend just half an hour after meeting him.
Arrow loves Briar, but overall he loves their friendship. And as much as he wants to be with her, he can not risk losing her confessing his love, so he self-convinced that she would never love him, and moved on.
Years pass, pain increases, circumstances change, but love... Love remains. Hidden inside of them. Eating them from inside. As they go on with their lives... but together? o separately? .
I LOVE this book. To the point of getting out of the hole in which I lived the last months (Note: Love-anguish Stories are not as nice when you live them in first person in the real world) and write a review, because I need to tell the world how great this book is.
Firstly; the novel is very distressing. But this anxiety is what attracts,catches you, and you can't stop reading until the anxiety passes because you think "this can NOT be."
But at the same time it's refreshing and very very easy to read. It's not hard or tired to read something so full of emotions and angst because( spoiler -> ) there aren't any bad irreparable things that touch you and annoy you and spoil the whole book.
Not everything is angst and pain and suffering, but there are also plenty of parts when you think "phewww", and relieve all the tension you've been through, and let me tell you it's all worth just to get there .
The book is full of passion , and action, and love. ALWAYS on every page something different is happening , giving an unexpected twist, it forces you to read everything flip with a heavy heart . It is a current , refreshing and with a very extensive range of emotions novel. Incredible. Perfect.
August 26, 2014
I love Bayli Lane. As a HUGE fan of Becoming More (her first novel) I could not wait to get my hands on What If and see what she had in store for her readers. Let me tell you this story has made a lasting impression on me, and that is exactly what I want a book to do when I am finished with it. I love this story! Even before reading the first page, I knew it was going to be different. A book about the choices we make, the paths we take, and how different our lives might have been if only we’d gone down a different road; I could not wait to get started!
What If is the story of Briar and Arrow, two teenagers who meet, flirt and ultimately settle into the best friend zone, rather than following their true feelings. As years pass, life takes them down different roads. Yet in the back of their minds, they are often wondering what would’ve happened if only they’d done things differently from the beginning. That’s where the “What If” comes into play. And this is what made this book so special to me and made me just fall in love.
What If pulled at my heartstrings, and that’s what I love about it. The whole “what if” thought process is so intense and got my heart pumping as they realized all that could’ve been. I could feel the pain and anguish of both Briar and Arrow every time they thought back to their first encounter and what they might’ve said or done differently. There is so much emotion in this story; Bayli Lane has a beautiful writing style that allows the reader to feel as though they are right there alongside the characters. It’s an emotional rollercoaster with happiness, sadness, love, lust, anger, hurt and joy. It pretty much covers them all. I love Arrow and I love Briar, although at times I wanted to smack some sense into her, and I cried for what each of them had to go through, whether physically or emotionally, to get to their HEA.
Bayli Lane has a truly beautiful love story here and one that you do not want to miss. Thank you Bayli for bringing Arrow and Briar to life and for telling their story. I am a fan of your work for life and cannot wait for more!
What If is the story of Briar and Arrow, two teenagers who meet, flirt and ultimately settle into the best friend zone, rather than following their true feelings. As years pass, life takes them down different roads. Yet in the back of their minds, they are often wondering what would’ve happened if only they’d done things differently from the beginning. That’s where the “What If” comes into play. And this is what made this book so special to me and made me just fall in love.
What If pulled at my heartstrings, and that’s what I love about it. The whole “what if” thought process is so intense and got my heart pumping as they realized all that could’ve been. I could feel the pain and anguish of both Briar and Arrow every time they thought back to their first encounter and what they might’ve said or done differently. There is so much emotion in this story; Bayli Lane has a beautiful writing style that allows the reader to feel as though they are right there alongside the characters. It’s an emotional rollercoaster with happiness, sadness, love, lust, anger, hurt and joy. It pretty much covers them all. I love Arrow and I love Briar, although at times I wanted to smack some sense into her, and I cried for what each of them had to go through, whether physically or emotionally, to get to their HEA.
Bayli Lane has a truly beautiful love story here and one that you do not want to miss. Thank you Bayli for bringing Arrow and Briar to life and for telling their story. I am a fan of your work for life and cannot wait for more!
April 15, 2014
Solid 3.5 stars.
This is a hard one to review. The writing was beautiful. Bayli has a way of grabbing your attention and not letting it go until you finish. If I was rating this solely on writing style it would easily be 5 stars. Unfortunately the characters and the way the story played out detracted a bit from the book for me.
First, the main characters were frustrating for me. I understood that at the beginning they were early teenagers so I expected the immaturity level. However, even 10 years later they still didn't seem to behave like adults. There was still unreasonable jealousy, fits of rage, and childish reactions coming from both the H and h.
Second, it took FOREVER for the story to really start progressing. The first half of the book felt like repetitive thought processes and scenarios. It was the same situation with different scenery. Then it SLOWLY started to move in a direction other than circles.
Last, and this is purely a personal opinion and may not be shared with many others, but I really dislike when the main problem of a story could be solved by simple communication. Miscommunication shouldn't be the cause of a decade long problem of unrequited love. That may just be me though.
I know it may seem like I have a lot of negative things to say but in all honesty, the writing talent alone was enough for me to finish the book within a day and look into her other books. All in all, this is a tough one to sum up. Clearly I liked it enough to finish but I was in no way blown away by the story itself. I will read more of her books based on her writing style but I will fervently pray to the book gods that I can somehow relate to at least one of the characters and not want to strangle them all for their stupidity.
Every story isn't meant for every reader. Just like no two people ever read the same book. What I hated, others may love and vice versa. Give it a shot, her writing is beautiful and will evoke some emotions from you no matter what.
This is a hard one to review. The writing was beautiful. Bayli has a way of grabbing your attention and not letting it go until you finish. If I was rating this solely on writing style it would easily be 5 stars. Unfortunately the characters and the way the story played out detracted a bit from the book for me.
First, the main characters were frustrating for me. I understood that at the beginning they were early teenagers so I expected the immaturity level. However, even 10 years later they still didn't seem to behave like adults. There was still unreasonable jealousy, fits of rage, and childish reactions coming from both the H and h.
Second, it took FOREVER for the story to really start progressing. The first half of the book felt like repetitive thought processes and scenarios. It was the same situation with different scenery. Then it SLOWLY started to move in a direction other than circles.
Last, and this is purely a personal opinion and may not be shared with many others, but I really dislike when the main problem of a story could be solved by simple communication. Miscommunication shouldn't be the cause of a decade long problem of unrequited love. That may just be me though.
I know it may seem like I have a lot of negative things to say but in all honesty, the writing talent alone was enough for me to finish the book within a day and look into her other books. All in all, this is a tough one to sum up. Clearly I liked it enough to finish but I was in no way blown away by the story itself. I will read more of her books based on her writing style but I will fervently pray to the book gods that I can somehow relate to at least one of the characters and not want to strangle them all for their stupidity.
Every story isn't meant for every reader. Just like no two people ever read the same book. What I hated, others may love and vice versa. Give it a shot, her writing is beautiful and will evoke some emotions from you no matter what.
May 19, 2014
What" and "If" are two words as non-threatening as words can be. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life.
This comes to mind when I think about this book. I can't even fully express in words how much I loved his book. Its been such a long time since I've read a book in little under a day. But I did with this, and I thank Bayli For that.
I've been waiting for this book since reading the blub, I've been intrigued since, then seeing the cover made me want it even more, so when it went live, I immediately grabbed it and dived right in. And I'm so glad that I did. Bayli did such an amazing job with this book. Not only was is VERY well written, but you can connect with the characters very efficiently. Bayli has such an amazing talent and I'm so honored to know her, even if we don't really speak much. I feel like someday this girl is going to make it big. I'm so happy for her success.
Briar and Arrow met at a party when they were fifteen and from the very first word, there was a connection. You could feel it with each word. Their chemistry was undeniable.
Rather than instantly acting on their feelings, they take each other on such an emotional roller coaster ride. There were times in this book that I got so frustrated with both Characters that I literally wanted to just throw my phone against the wall, but I also knew that I NEEDED to know what happened so I kept going until the end, and I'm so glad that I did.
I was right there with Briar and Arrow. I felt every heartache that they endured. This definitely wasn't your typical love story, it wasn't all rainbows and butterflies. There was pain and broken hearts and a lot of it. And it prooved one of the biggest sayings in life, always be honest with how you feel. You never know what might happen. This wasn't a fairytale but its what made it all the more amazing.
Don't miss out, buy it now. :) You won't regret it.
This comes to mind when I think about this book. I can't even fully express in words how much I loved his book. Its been such a long time since I've read a book in little under a day. But I did with this, and I thank Bayli For that.
I've been waiting for this book since reading the blub, I've been intrigued since, then seeing the cover made me want it even more, so when it went live, I immediately grabbed it and dived right in. And I'm so glad that I did. Bayli did such an amazing job with this book. Not only was is VERY well written, but you can connect with the characters very efficiently. Bayli has such an amazing talent and I'm so honored to know her, even if we don't really speak much. I feel like someday this girl is going to make it big. I'm so happy for her success.
Briar and Arrow met at a party when they were fifteen and from the very first word, there was a connection. You could feel it with each word. Their chemistry was undeniable.
Rather than instantly acting on their feelings, they take each other on such an emotional roller coaster ride. There were times in this book that I got so frustrated with both Characters that I literally wanted to just throw my phone against the wall, but I also knew that I NEEDED to know what happened so I kept going until the end, and I'm so glad that I did.
I was right there with Briar and Arrow. I felt every heartache that they endured. This definitely wasn't your typical love story, it wasn't all rainbows and butterflies. There was pain and broken hearts and a lot of it. And it prooved one of the biggest sayings in life, always be honest with how you feel. You never know what might happen. This wasn't a fairytale but its what made it all the more amazing.
Don't miss out, buy it now. :) You won't regret it.
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