I knew I was in trouble from the moment I saw her raven curls cascading down her back, before I even saw her face. And I knew I was in trouble when I found myself repeatedly stepping in to stop the unthinkable from happening. She was a nerd and a firecracker. An old soul with a wild heart. Fearless and resilient. She turned my world upside down from the very first time I saw her, and now? Now I don’t know how I can ever let her go. The problem is, I know I’m no good for her. Girls like Emma Jennings don’t end up with guys like me. And guys like me never get the girl. Even still, she stole my heart, and it seems like there’s nothing I can do about it.
Emma
The first moment I laid eyes on Cameron Irby, I knew he was special. He was oh-so swoon-worthy—almost to a fault. He gave off this enigmatic air that intrigued me, like a moth to a freaking flame. He was always riding around on his Ducati with a perma-frown on his face, a storm always brewing in his eyes. I had no idea that he would wind up saving my life, let alone on multiple occasions. I had no idea that I would fall for him, and that when it happened, it would change my life as I knew it. And I had no idea that falling in love would be one of the best and worst feelings I would ever know. Loving someone makes you vulnerable. And when you end up at risk of losing the person you love, it winds up feeling like you’re at risk of losing everything.
Rayne Wells is a breakout wordsmith of Contemporary and New Adult romance. She dipped her toes into the water with her debut novel, The Nature of Time, which is the first in a series of interconnected standalones.
Rayne lives in on the East Coast with her daughter, way too many plants, and her eclectic music taste. She enjoys reading, drinking a stiff margarita, twirling around her living room with her mini-tornado, and of course, creating sweet & spicy content for her readers to enjoy.
"Loving someone makes you vulnerable. And when you end up at risk of losing the person you love, it winds up feeling like you’re at risk of losing everything."
I had the absolute pleasure of reading The Nature of Time ARC, given to me by Rayne Wells, in exchange for an honest review.
Never before has a book made me cry, and not just a little. No, no. These were hot, streaming tears. So, thank you, Rayne! I was so absorbed in this book that I read it from just before midnight until right before 2am! 😂 I could not get enough of these characters or the story, I needed to know how it ended! I was a bit on the edge and worried there for a bit, but I'm so happy it didn't go completely south!
I normally dislike insta-love, but I adore how it played out between Emma and Cam. Their relationship was very realistic and so damn adorable, I love how they interacted with one another both in private and with friends or family, which was very authentic and made me laugh for some of it. Their past traumas made them bond and help each other grow and help each other trust and connect. The spice level is just perfect! 🤌🏻 Chef kiss 💋
Thank you to Rayne Wells for letting me read your debut novel. It was amazing, and I'm looking forward to the next book!
The Nature of Time By Rayne Wells ✨ARC Book Review✨ Rating; 4.5/5
"Time is strange. It's fickle, yet unwavering. It's free, yet priceless. It's fleeting yet it's ever-present. You can spend it, but you can't keep it."
If you’re looking for a book with a little bit of suspense and sugar and spice I think you’ll like this book! Amazing read I loved the characters chemistry, the representation in the book, and I like that she shows that even if you’ve had lots of bad things happen to you that doesn’t define you. You should live your life the way you want without feeling guilty. I can’t believe that this is Rayne’s first novel, It amazing and so well written. Perfectly sets up for the next book! Loved the HEA and epilogue! Highly recommend!
Blurb; Cameron I knew I was in trouble from the moment I saw her raven curls cascading down her back, before I even saw her face. And I knew I was in trouble when I found myself repeatedly stepping in to stop the unthinkable from happening. She was a nerd and a firecracker. An old soul with a wild heart. Fearless and resilient. She turned my world upside down from the very first time I saw her, and now? Now I don’t know how I can ever let her go. The problem is, I know I’m no good for her. Girls like Emma Jennings don’t end up with guys like me. And guys like me never get the girl. Even still, she stole my heart, and it seems like there’s nothing I can do about it.
Emma The first moment I laid eyes on Cameron Irby, I knew he was special. He was oh-so swoon-worthy—almost to a fault. He gave off this enigmatic air that intrigued me, like a moth to a freaking flame. He was always riding around on his Ducati with a perma-frown on his face, a storm always brewing in his eyes. I had no idea that he would wind up saving my life, let alone on multiple occasions. I had no idea that I would fall for him, and that when it happened, it would change my life as I knew it. And I had no idea that falling in love would be one of the best and worst feelings I would ever know. Loving someone makes you vulnerable. And when you end up at risk of losing the person you love, it winds up feeling like you’re at risk of losing everything
book was pretty boring imo, i lost interest halfway through and was just skimming to finish. additionally, the execution feels a little choppy at times. overall, not for me.
I really enjoyed this book and didn’t want to put it down. I would never have thought it was a debut novel. The plot, the romance, the character development, the spice…it’s all done very well.
Set in North Carolina, this book follows Cameron, a seemingly bad boy with a sordid past, and Emma, a strong willed college student. They instantly have mutual attraction, and when Emma receives unwanted attention from someone, Cameron steps in to defend her. The two form a connection that slowly develops into more, helping both of them heal from their past, as well as helping them be stronger to deal with a threat looming over them.
Cameron is everything. He’s been through so much in his life and while he seems to be a bad boy because of his past, he is so sweet and fiercely loyal. He would do anything for the people he cares about. He struggles with his feelings for Emma because he doesn’t feel like he is good enough for her and she is relentless in her efforts to show him he is. Emma is so lovable. She’s funny, quirky, strong, and a bit nerdy. Both of them have been holding onto pain from the past and it took meeting each other to work through that. I really loved all of the characters (except you, Ash) and I feel like they were very well developed and I definitely wanted to read more about them all.
This book does deal with some potential triggering events, including attempted SA, abuse, and the death of a parent. It also references the song Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran (very appropriate honestly) and that occasionally makes me cry, so I’m including it. I always tell readers to check triggers, and while it wasn’t as graphic as some things I’ve read, I still think it’s worth mentioning. I do think one of my favorite things was just how psychopathic one character was written. It really showed so much of what is wrong with the systems meant to protect people (especially victims of SA) and how deranged some people’s thinking is when it comes to motive.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would 100% read another book by this author. I’ll definitely check out the next one when it releases.
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Oh my goodness, Cameron and Emma are the cutest and I loved their story. Cameron's the bad boy who doesn't believe he has what it takes to be loved or show love to someone as special as Emma. Emmas a sweetheart who is the most stubborn girl that shows Cam that it's okay to show feelings. I loved this book so much and the ending was even better. Emma faces some very hard obstacles but Cameron is always there to save her. Will they allow time to pass them by or will they allow themselves to show all their feelings and let each other in? I highly recommend this story, it has spice, and a happy ending, what more could you ask for!
I was pleasantly surprised by how well this book was written. I throughly enjoyed the story and definitely want to continue reading more about some of the character portrayed in the book.
The twin flame vibe between the MMC, Cam, and the FMC, Emma was so rewarding to read.
I truly love to immerse myself when reading and feel as though I’m right there with the characters and this journey is definitely one I’m glad to have taken.
Check trigger warnings for some of the scenes in here before you read but I would highly recommend this novel.
I loved the story. I loved how normal the characters were and how you could identify with them. I loved the supporting characters the character growth. Just about everything! I loved that there were more story than smexy times. I cant wait for the next book! Well done on a great story!
The Nature of Time By Rayne Wells ✨ARC Book Review✨ Rating; 4.5/5
"Time is strange. It's fickle, yet unwavering. It's free, yet priceless. It's fleeting yet it's ever-present. You can spend it, but you can't keep it."
If you’re looking for a book with a little bit of suspense and sugar and spice I think you’ll like this book! Amazing read I loved the characters chemistry, the representation in the book, and I like that she shows that even if you’ve had lots of bad things happen to you that doesn’t define you. You should live your life the way you want without feeling guilty. I can’t believe that this is Rayne’s first novel, It amazing and so well written. Perfectly sets up for the next book! Loved the HEA and epilogue! Highly recommend!
Blurb; Cameron I knew I was in trouble from the moment I saw her raven curls cascading down her back, before I even saw her face. And I knew I was in trouble when I found myself repeatedly stepping in to stop the unthinkable from happening. She was a nerd and a firecracker. An old soul with a wild heart. Fearless and resilient. She turned my world upside down from the very first time I saw her, and now? Now I don’t know how I can ever let her go. The problem is, I know I’m no good for her. Girls like Emma Jennings don’t end up with guys like me. And guys like me never get the girl. Even still, she stole my heart, and it seems like there’s nothing I can do about it.
Emma The first moment I laid eyes on Cameron Irby, I knew he was special. He was oh-so swoon-worthy—almost to a fault. He gave off this enigmatic air that intrigued me, like a moth to a freaking flame. He was always riding around on his Ducati with a perma-frown on his face, a storm always brewing in his eyes. I had no idea that he would wind up saving my life, let alone on multiple occasions. I had no idea that I would fall for him, and that when it happened, it would change my life as I knew it. And I had no idea that falling in love would be one of the best and worst feelings I would ever know. Loving someone makes you vulnerable. And when you end up at risk of losing the person you love, it winds up feeling like you’re at risk of losing everything.
“Nearly three percent of the ice in Antarctic glaciers is penguin urine.”
Cameron has a bad boy reputation in his town and goes full in to his persona - rides a motorcycle, wears a semi-permanent scowl, and has a history of assault from his teenage years. His whole world gets turned on it’s head one night when sweet-and-spicy Emma, a total stranger, decides to buy him a drink at a bar. These two have undeniable chemistry from the start but there is another guy who is also vying for Emma’s attention, whether she likes it or not.
I loved reading about this friends to lovers story that is filled with hilarious banter, overcoming trauma, family secrets, a stalker, and lots of blueberry waffles and random facts. The fact that this took place in Raleigh, NC and Pineville, NC drew me in a little more since I used to live outside Raleigh and currently live within an hour from Pineville. ☺️ This was a fantastic debut novel and I can’t wait to read the next one!
There are some trigger warnings for this book: child abuse, cancer, loss of parents, attempted sexual assault, and stalking.
I'm generally a thriller/mystery/fantasy/true crime/horror genre kinda gal, but I've definitely expanded my tastes after reading a few good romance novels over the past few weeks, very notably, The Nature of Time by Rayne Wells.
This book, told from two perspectives, follows the stories of Cameron and Emma. Having both experienced trauma and heartbreak in their lives, the two bond over what they have in common, all while sassing each other relentlessly 🥰
I loved everything about this book! The characters were so cheeky and adorable, much like my family is with each other in real life. I also loved the representation present in the book, as well as the reminder from the author that you have the power to choose your family.
I can't believe this is Rayne's first novel! She writes with the confidence and skill of someone who has been writing for most of their lives.
If you're a mood reader like I am, and you find yourself looking for something that has a little bit of suspense, sugar, and spice, I think you'll love this 🖤✨
LOVED this book! What a beautiful debut novel by Rayne Wells.
Cam is a man with a dark past. Abused throughout his childhood, he ended up behind bars for almost killing his abusive father. However, he truly is a fierce protector with a golden heart. Emma is all fire, strong and passionate and beautiful. She is determined to live the best life she can, despite her own trauma. I absolutely loved both of the main characters.
Cam and Emma have a chance meeting at a bar and Cam steps in to save Emma from harassment. Ash, a character with a known history of violence, begins harassing Emma, and there is tons of suspense as his character becomes worse and worse.
This is a beautiful story of love, connection, and overcoming trauma, with suspense woven throughout.
Highly, highly recommend this book and I'm so excited to read book 2 when it comes out 😍
"I guess timing is everything, yeah. Sometimes, timing isn't anything at all, too." Cam is book bf goals! This book by debut author Rayne wells is the perfect read for dipping your toes into romance for the first time. Timing is a funny thing. This couple shows you that timing means everything and sometimes you can’t over think it. I thought the message was great and it was a sweet story!
Motorcycle riding bad boy with a heart of gold? Yes please!
The journey of healing this couple takes together is beautiful!
Please check trigger warnings as there are some sensitive situations!
This was the first book that I read from this author I truly enjoyed how she brought two characters together and found a love story. Play trials and tribulations that both main characters had to go through to bring them selves together is what kept me turning Pages really enjoyed the book can’t wait to see what’s next