The One I Stood Beside

Piper Rayne wrote such an enjoyable book with this one! I listened to the audiobook, and when I breezed through it-that's no exaggeration! I started it last night and finished less than 24 hours later!
I loved the love between these two, even when everyone knew how they felt about each other (except for them 🤣). The marriage of convenience // friends to lovers vibe worked so well with these two and I'm so pleased with the results!

The One I Stood Beside
Plain Daisy Ranch, Book 2
By: Piper Rayne
Narrated by: Troy Duran, Rose Dioro

I want to visit Plain Daisy Ranch! Just to hang out with those that live there would be a dream. This is the second book in the series and is Jude and Sadie's story. Best friends forever, the feelings they each harbor for each other are squelched down in the name of friendship. But when Sadie needs help saving her family ranch, it's Jude to the rescue. Why not get married and he can put up the collateral for her to keep it and start her new business? Sounds plausible, but selling it to the public, now that is another story. And what about their true feelings? Piper Rayne knows how to pull me in, and keep me rooting for the couple in their small town romances. I absolutely have fallen for Jude. He is the man! Warm, cuddly, attentive, and her biggest cheer leader, he could not be better suited! Sadie too is sweet and ambitious, just needs the chance not only to shine in her own right but with Jude too. I love this story and can't wait to visit the ranch again.

Troy Duran and Rose Dioro are one of my favorite teams and their narration of this one is impeccable. Duran delves right into Jude's personality and pulls out that warmth that feels like a hug when he narrates. Sadie is a strong woman, full of character, the perfect match for Jude and Dioro finds each nook and cranny to make her real. Love, love, love their chemistry too! This as a fun one!

Piper Rayne created something very special when they created this series, the “Plain Daisy Ranch” series and I am loving it and the Noughton family, the family who owns and runs it. Each book in the series features a different Noughton brother, and this second book is Jude’s story, a small town friends-to-lovers romance. Sadie grew up in the neighboring ranch and she and Jude became best friends at a young age and she was there for him when his mom died. When the Noughtons hear their ranch is in financial trouble, they discuss how they are going to help them save it. Sadly, the passing of her father changes everything, especially when she finds out he hid their financial woes from her. She is determined to save it and turn things around for it, but that turns out to be more difficult than she thought. Jude does not want her to lose the ranch either, and after considering several options, getting married would be the best solution. Can they pull it off and convince not only their families, but the gossiping town-folk that it is real? I thought these two were great together and for each other, also thought they were the only ones who did not see how real it was, but I guess that happens when you fight the feelings you have for each other for most of your life. This charming story captivated my attention and tugged at my heartstrings the entire time, and as always, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Piper Rayne, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride, escapism does not get any better than this and I am looking forward to my next visit to Plain Daisy Ranch.

🎧📚🎧 Rose Dioro and Troy Duran did a fabulous job bringing these characters to life, humanizing them, giving each a voice that was fitting and was believable in every role. Dioro nailed it as Sadie, grasping every aspect of her personality, from her positive demeanor to her determination. Duran was equally amazing as Jude, showcasing his personality perfectly. Both were just as fabulous performing the roles of the secondary characters too. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and have you feeling them all. These two are entertaining storytellers and their performance elevates this already wonderful story to another level. Thank you for another exceptional listen.