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Rambler Battalion #1
Where You Go
alternate cover edition of ASIN B07H9P3QVP
When Alex Moore leaves New York in search of a slower pace, her life is turned upside down at the sight of her oldest friend and first love Luke Waterford. In Nashville, Alex is shocked by their instant attraction and the sense of home she feels with a man she hasn’t seen in ten years. Luke’s time in the Army has made him even more beautiful, even more interesting, even more appealing than ever. But the more they’re together, the more Alex fears she’ll have to sacrifice everything she thought she wanted.
When Alex Moore leaves New York in search of a slower pace, her life is turned upside down at the sight of her oldest friend and first love Luke Waterford. In Nashville, Alex is shocked by their instant attraction and the sense of home she feels with a man she hasn’t seen in ten years. Luke’s time in the Army has made him even more beautiful, even more interesting, even more appealing than ever. But the more they’re together, the more Alex fears she’ll have to sacrifice everything she thought she wanted.
296 pages, ebook
First published October 2, 2018
622 people are currently reading
704 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
July 25, 2020
Enjoyed it.
The book was about a real military romance. Alex still loves the man of her dreams and she slowly comes to realize the compromises that she has to make for a military man. The slow realization and her love for Luke was beautifully etched and brought out. Alex was such a fun character and her personality was what made the entire relationship tick. Luke and Alex actually seemed perfect for each other. Lovely read.
The book was about a real military romance. Alex still loves the man of her dreams and she slowly comes to realize the compromises that she has to make for a military man. The slow realization and her love for Luke was beautifully etched and brought out. Alex was such a fun character and her personality was what made the entire relationship tick. Luke and Alex actually seemed perfect for each other. Lovely read.
April 3, 2022
I like how this author writes her characters. The interactions between them is great! The story line is good too. The movement of the book needs a little help and they spent too much time misunderstanding them. I enjoyed this love story tho! I enjoy that she adds so much chemistry but keeps it out of the bedroom.
December 10, 2019
Loved this book!!!
November 2, 2018
The author's ability to make me feel the tension in the main character, and smell and taste the food she prepared gave me great pleasure as I read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was sad when it came to an end. Doesn't that say it all? I look forward to the author's continued writings.
June 3, 2020
I love the plot and story of best friends to lovers. I also enjoyed how it was a clean romance!
May 6, 2021
MCs did not communicate honestly. Willing to try this author again.
June 7, 2022
Likeable characters and an ok story. Frustrated that most of the conflict stemmed from poor communication between them. Got exhausting.
February 10, 2024
All the food puns, star wars references, Italian language, and Luke, oh my! I think that's my new kryptonite book name. This book had me hooked from the first chapter and all the way through.
February 6, 2019
Review originally posted on my blog at Beyond Bookish
I received a free copy of this ebook for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own! :D
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I was lucky to receive this beauty from Claire Cain, the author! I have never read an adult romance centered around the military or with a military hero or heroine! I had been looking to broaden my horizons within contemporary romance so it was meant to be!
Firstly, the friends to lovers trope really worked for me! Alex and Luke really feel long lost friends. While not exactly childhood sweethearts, the author did a great job of creating a back story of friendship that never felt manufactured and immensely genuine throughout. I found this especially well done when they go out to dinner together after they meet up at the beginning of the novel. Their interactions never felt rote to me and really not showcased their familiarity and even amongst the awkwardness of their long term separation.
A small note here: I really enjoyed the snippets of Alex’s Italian heritage and any description of food either at the restaurant or even when she cooks food made super hungry!
While the romance between this characters is great I actually found the background that created the conflict to be even more interesting. Alex is a very independent person and constantly struggles throughout the novel to balance her budding relationship with Luke (and his military career) and her own career and personal ambitions and desires. One of my favorite scenes is when Alex meets the other military wives in Luke’s battalion at a fancy dinner he is required to attend. The ladies are very bright and spunky and definitely not only created a light heartiness to this scene but also the deeper issues of what it means to love someone the issues that can ensue from joining the military way of life. As someone who is not familiar this kind of issue I still thought it was handled well within the story and also encompassed many universal truths about relationships in general.
I really appreciate what this story taught me and I really enjoyed seeing the Alex and Luke’s relationship unfold. If you enjoy friends to lovers romances, strong story telling within a military setting than I would definitely pick this one up!
I received a free copy of this ebook for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own! :D
-------
I was lucky to receive this beauty from Claire Cain, the author! I have never read an adult romance centered around the military or with a military hero or heroine! I had been looking to broaden my horizons within contemporary romance so it was meant to be!
Firstly, the friends to lovers trope really worked for me! Alex and Luke really feel long lost friends. While not exactly childhood sweethearts, the author did a great job of creating a back story of friendship that never felt manufactured and immensely genuine throughout. I found this especially well done when they go out to dinner together after they meet up at the beginning of the novel. Their interactions never felt rote to me and really not showcased their familiarity and even amongst the awkwardness of their long term separation.
A small note here: I really enjoyed the snippets of Alex’s Italian heritage and any description of food either at the restaurant or even when she cooks food made super hungry!
While the romance between this characters is great I actually found the background that created the conflict to be even more interesting. Alex is a very independent person and constantly struggles throughout the novel to balance her budding relationship with Luke (and his military career) and her own career and personal ambitions and desires. One of my favorite scenes is when Alex meets the other military wives in Luke’s battalion at a fancy dinner he is required to attend. The ladies are very bright and spunky and definitely not only created a light heartiness to this scene but also the deeper issues of what it means to love someone the issues that can ensue from joining the military way of life. As someone who is not familiar this kind of issue I still thought it was handled well within the story and also encompassed many universal truths about relationships in general.
I really appreciate what this story taught me and I really enjoyed seeing the Alex and Luke’s relationship unfold. If you enjoy friends to lovers romances, strong story telling within a military setting than I would definitely pick this one up!
August 14, 2020
I've had this book in my Kindle library for a while now so I thought I'd dive into it. I believe this is also my first read from the author.
First off, I really liked the cover. It is just very sophisticated and it ties really well with the storyline, especially the Army angle of it. I love the color choices and the lady's dress resembles the dress that our protagonist, Alex, wears in one of the scenes.
That being said, the whole story was just so so for me. Alex and Luke are childhood friends. Even when they were teenagers they already had feelings for each other. But then there were things that happened to Luke's family members that made him rethink about pursuing Alex. So they both graduate high school and moved on with their lives. Then on one faithful visit back to their hometown, they got reconnected and then they both found out that they will be in the same vicinity for their jobs (Nashville area) so they continue to communicate. And that's basically where the bulk of the story stays.
I only gave this a 3-star because I didn't quite like all of the internal drama that both main characters goes through. I can understand all of the uncertainties that a new relationship holds but they've known each other for a such a long time that I'm still surprised that they do this "assumption" thing with one another that causes conflict and misunderstandings. Plus they're grown ups. Shouldn't they at least talk to each other before assuming the worse of each other? You would think, but then again, I think that's part of the conflict ensued by the writer so there's a plot. I just think it's a lame excuse to create drama. I wish they were more relatable in the sense that their angst is actually warranted.
I did like the glimpse of Army life though. It was pretty interesting to note about all of the formalities and traditions that you get in the military. I would love to see some of those ceremonies.
Anyways, this book was ok. The romantic tension was there but the emotional plot was just a little too weak for me.
First off, I really liked the cover. It is just very sophisticated and it ties really well with the storyline, especially the Army angle of it. I love the color choices and the lady's dress resembles the dress that our protagonist, Alex, wears in one of the scenes.
That being said, the whole story was just so so for me. Alex and Luke are childhood friends. Even when they were teenagers they already had feelings for each other. But then there were things that happened to Luke's family members that made him rethink about pursuing Alex. So they both graduate high school and moved on with their lives. Then on one faithful visit back to their hometown, they got reconnected and then they both found out that they will be in the same vicinity for their jobs (Nashville area) so they continue to communicate. And that's basically where the bulk of the story stays.
I only gave this a 3-star because I didn't quite like all of the internal drama that both main characters goes through. I can understand all of the uncertainties that a new relationship holds but they've known each other for a such a long time that I'm still surprised that they do this "assumption" thing with one another that causes conflict and misunderstandings. Plus they're grown ups. Shouldn't they at least talk to each other before assuming the worse of each other? You would think, but then again, I think that's part of the conflict ensued by the writer so there's a plot. I just think it's a lame excuse to create drama. I wish they were more relatable in the sense that their angst is actually warranted.
I did like the glimpse of Army life though. It was pretty interesting to note about all of the formalities and traditions that you get in the military. I would love to see some of those ceremonies.
Anyways, this book was ok. The romantic tension was there but the emotional plot was just a little too weak for me.
October 4, 2018
From the very beginning, Alex made me laugh out loud with her fun personality! Her story touches on so many of the highs and lows that military spouses face when they are first introduced to military life: the joy of being a part of something great, the terrible realization that you’ll have to give up so much, and the torn feelings of anger/guilt/frustration/regret about putting their job above your own. These are really difficult things to grapple with, and while everyone has their own unique situations, the overall theme is the same, and this story captures that beautifully. This is one woman’s struggle, but any military wife that reads it will know her joys and struggles intimately. I had a lot of “me too!” moments in the story where I was reminded of the situations and memories of my own personal rite of passage into military life. This could also be a fun read for someone dating a soldier and not sure yet whether they want to go all in. Overall, this is a very fun, entertaining read with a sweet love story that will keep you turning pages just to see what will happen next!
October 5, 2018
This book was gripping from the beginning all the way through to the end. I think what I loved most about it was how real Alex is. Her funny self dialogue had me laughing out loud as I read it, and the exciting happenings had me exclaiming “Whattttt!!!” In the middle of reading silence! (It’s true, ask my husband! Ha!). I love that even though this is a romance book, it isn’t just a mushy, happy fairy tail. There is wrestling with real life messy issues that are always intertwined with love and life, but especially in the military world. I totally identified with the characters as they make assumptions and decisions from those assumptions. I found myself rooting for them at every turn of their budding relationship, trying to read faster so I could to see how they work through their issues! Thank you Claire for the easy, fun, laugh inducing, tear evoking story. It’s so nice to see some real life in the made-up novel world!! I so enjoyed this book and can not wait to read more! 12/10 would recommend to a friend! Ha!
October 25, 2018
Romance
I loved this book! I don't normally read romance novels, but I'm glad I read this one. Actually, I am a sappy romantic and also an Army veteran who grew up in an Army family! Much of this spoke to me and tapped into my life. Thanks, Claire for giving me such a sweet, tortured story. Life could be so much better if we could read minds...well, maybe not all minds!
I loved this book! I don't normally read romance novels, but I'm glad I read this one. Actually, I am a sappy romantic and also an Army veteran who grew up in an Army family! Much of this spoke to me and tapped into my life. Thanks, Claire for giving me such a sweet, tortured story. Life could be so much better if we could read minds...well, maybe not all minds!
July 27, 2024
I have read a few books by Ms. Cain, and this book left me conflicted at the end. I loved her writing style of rom-com, the characters, the storyline, but the ending not so much. There are a few things throughout the story that seem to jump out repeatedly. It was the love these two characters had for one another. It showed in every way they looked at one another, the way they wanted to tell each other the truth about their feelings, and their small touches that led to kisses.
Let's see how easy it might be for two friends since birth can make a relationship work if they love one another. Here’s the thing how accomplished could Luke be? He can’t be as indecisive with every single word that comes out of his mouth when he is off base. Right? Luke gave her so many mixed signals it wasn't funny. Starting from their first date back in their hometown. Making the very quirky Alex all the more awkward. Which at times made it unimaginable to believe that they were best friends who grew up together.
However, like at the Army Ball, they are on the same page for the most part. They were perfect together and seemed to appear perfect. Yet neither would commit to the other first. Ms. Cain’s writing made you see what they were seeing, which was great. You felt their elation and hurt but also their anger and frustration. The anxiety they both share and the possibility of being rejected by the other. Alex had always been very goal-oriented, and she always knew Luke was discontented, but she didn't know why. But seeing Luke kissing him and going on the date with him. Gave her that inner peace she had been looking for, but he still seemed unsure of himself of her, or even of them.
However, he wants to jump the gun to a passion-filled relationship. Where she gives a private part of herself, and that doesn't sit well with her. This is where we are taken along their funny, yet so very awkward, and sometimes painfilled journey to their adult romantic relationship. But where is the follow-through? The HEA? As flakey as this couple had been, what happened? Yup, unsettled ending for me. I hope the next book gives a glimpse of them and doesn't end similarly.
Let's see how easy it might be for two friends since birth can make a relationship work if they love one another. Here’s the thing how accomplished could Luke be? He can’t be as indecisive with every single word that comes out of his mouth when he is off base. Right? Luke gave her so many mixed signals it wasn't funny. Starting from their first date back in their hometown. Making the very quirky Alex all the more awkward. Which at times made it unimaginable to believe that they were best friends who grew up together.
However, like at the Army Ball, they are on the same page for the most part. They were perfect together and seemed to appear perfect. Yet neither would commit to the other first. Ms. Cain’s writing made you see what they were seeing, which was great. You felt their elation and hurt but also their anger and frustration. The anxiety they both share and the possibility of being rejected by the other. Alex had always been very goal-oriented, and she always knew Luke was discontented, but she didn't know why. But seeing Luke kissing him and going on the date with him. Gave her that inner peace she had been looking for, but he still seemed unsure of himself of her, or even of them.
However, he wants to jump the gun to a passion-filled relationship. Where she gives a private part of herself, and that doesn't sit well with her. This is where we are taken along their funny, yet so very awkward, and sometimes painfilled journey to their adult romantic relationship. But where is the follow-through? The HEA? As flakey as this couple had been, what happened? Yup, unsettled ending for me. I hope the next book gives a glimpse of them and doesn't end similarly.
May 23, 2025
Not totally great...
It's a good book, for the most part. But there is a glaring issue.
Multiple times, he reacts to things that happen in a way that is a major red flag. He freezes her out, doesn't communicate, leaving her feeling punished by his silence. And while it does turn out that he wasn't intending to punish her the last time it happens, that doesn't change the week or more where she felt like he was. And when they finally have a real talk about things, there's no acknowledgment of how his (repeated) decision to shut down hurt her, nor any apologies given or commitment to do better in the future.
It's not all on him. She does a fair bit of waffling herself. But a lot of her indecision stems entirely from his mixed signals. Granted, books need conflict, but if she were someone I knew in real life, I wouldn't want her to be with someone so incapable of real communication.
It's a good book, for the most part. But there is a glaring issue.
Multiple times, he reacts to things that happen in a way that is a major red flag. He freezes her out, doesn't communicate, leaving her feeling punished by his silence. And while it does turn out that he wasn't intending to punish her the last time it happens, that doesn't change the week or more where she felt like he was. And when they finally have a real talk about things, there's no acknowledgment of how his (repeated) decision to shut down hurt her, nor any apologies given or commitment to do better in the future.
It's not all on him. She does a fair bit of waffling herself. But a lot of her indecision stems entirely from his mixed signals. Granted, books need conflict, but if she were someone I knew in real life, I wouldn't want her to be with someone so incapable of real communication.
November 17, 2024
What would you sacrifice?
Love, it doesn't have conditions, or at the very least it should not. But the truth is, it does have condition sometimes when you marry somebody that has a different job. Fixing the problems. They seem impossible this book shares of a love story, while at the same time showing you what you may have to compromise for it. That may seem unfair and you may have a different opinion. But for me, that's what this book taught me. You should read it and find out what it teaches you may have a different outcome about it. That's the beauty of reading you may get a different aspect. Enjoy!
Love, it doesn't have conditions, or at the very least it should not. But the truth is, it does have condition sometimes when you marry somebody that has a different job. Fixing the problems. They seem impossible this book shares of a love story, while at the same time showing you what you may have to compromise for it. That may seem unfair and you may have a different opinion. But for me, that's what this book taught me. You should read it and find out what it teaches you may have a different outcome about it. That's the beauty of reading you may get a different aspect. Enjoy!
April 8, 2025
Harsh rating I know. I think the chemistry in this book made me uncomfortable and it was so hard to get through. For example, they had a ball and she had a dress with a low back and he got so weird about it. I already un downloaded the book so I can’t get the exact wording. A lot of their encounters lacked angst and to me felt weird, like they were high schoolers instead of full adults.
I think if you’re thinking about dating in the military this might be a good intro book. It shows some of the adversities, but not enough. They got together and that’s great, but it didn’t show them going through a deployment or some of the really hard stuff. She’s just hoping their love is enough, which in my experience it isn’t. Another thing you need is communication and trust and they don’t have that. It would have been so easy for Luke to tell her he was getting a special award so she knew to show up, but he didn’t and then acted like a child when she wanted to apologize. I would have blocked him if I didn’t get a text back for days if I was dating someone. Also interrupting someone when they talk once is cute, this man did it way too often.
Maybe since I’ve already been immersed in military life I’m jaded, and I hope this small author keeps writing since I think these kinds of books that don’t romanticize this life are very much needed. I just couldn’t click with this one.
I think if you’re thinking about dating in the military this might be a good intro book. It shows some of the adversities, but not enough. They got together and that’s great, but it didn’t show them going through a deployment or some of the really hard stuff. She’s just hoping their love is enough, which in my experience it isn’t. Another thing you need is communication and trust and they don’t have that. It would have been so easy for Luke to tell her he was getting a special award so she knew to show up, but he didn’t and then acted like a child when she wanted to apologize. I would have blocked him if I didn’t get a text back for days if I was dating someone. Also interrupting someone when they talk once is cute, this man did it way too often.
Maybe since I’ve already been immersed in military life I’m jaded, and I hope this small author keeps writing since I think these kinds of books that don’t romanticize this life are very much needed. I just couldn’t click with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2022
new-to-me author I can’t wait to binge
Excellent military romance, more focused on daily life and Alex’s counting the cost before committing to Luke. Loved their chemistry and how realistic her internal struggle was. Plus, I adore friends to lovers.
While there’s no sex, readers of typical clean romance may not be expecting the amount of language in the book. Didn’t bother me, as it fit the characters, but may surprise others. I’m looking forward to more of the author’s books!
Excellent military romance, more focused on daily life and Alex’s counting the cost before committing to Luke. Loved their chemistry and how realistic her internal struggle was. Plus, I adore friends to lovers.
While there’s no sex, readers of typical clean romance may not be expecting the amount of language in the book. Didn’t bother me, as it fit the characters, but may surprise others. I’m looking forward to more of the author’s books!
January 20, 2022
Great clean romance
The story was great. It was interesting as Luke and Alexandria miss communicate through there high school years, then don't see each other for ten years. As they finally build a relationship, one instance of her not being there for him sets him up to break off the relationship. Fortunately she is able to push through and communicate her true feelings for him.
The story was great. It was interesting as Luke and Alexandria miss communicate through there high school years, then don't see each other for ten years. As they finally build a relationship, one instance of her not being there for him sets him up to break off the relationship. Fortunately she is able to push through and communicate her true feelings for him.
July 2, 2022
This is only the second time I've written a review less than 5 stars.....and this is really well written. Nice friends to lovers story arc....... interesting peek into military life ( being Canadian and having no recent association with Canadian armed forces, this setting was quite alien).......but it definitely taught me that I have no taste for Sweet Romance. Sex is a part of committed adult relationship life; it feels weird to pretend this story wouldn't be enriched by crossing those lines.
March 7, 2025
It had potential to start, but then it just was so boring and so frustrating. If they would have just communicated! I mean what the holy heck!?!? Why can’t they just talk to each other!!??
Do not recommend. And the end isn’t even great. It’s a pretty shitty ending all things considered since I hung in through the boring descriptions of Alex’s office, and her annoying stupid freakouts, I deserve more closure in their HEA. All you get is a, hey let’s go to Italy after Christmas. Seriously!?
Do not recommend. And the end isn’t even great. It’s a pretty shitty ending all things considered since I hung in through the boring descriptions of Alex’s office, and her annoying stupid freakouts, I deserve more closure in their HEA. All you get is a, hey let’s go to Italy after Christmas. Seriously!?
May 7, 2025
3.5* While I did enjoy this book and like the main characters, there were too many moments where a simple conversation could have progressed their relationship. Instead, they both spent a lot of time assuming they already knew what the other person was thinking, which got frustrating. But I'll definitely be picking up the second book, as I really appreciate the overall believable romance, good set-up, and closed-door aspect.
January 30, 2021
Communication.
This book might be a love story of second chances but COMMUNICATION was what these two needed to work on. Claire did an amazing job depicting struggles with the life of a soldier and his significant other. What each has to give up and what each gets if they just communicate and trust.
This book might be a love story of second chances but COMMUNICATION was what these two needed to work on. Claire did an amazing job depicting struggles with the life of a soldier and his significant other. What each has to give up and what each gets if they just communicate and trust.
July 5, 2022
ebook
They’ve been friends since birth. In high school they weren’t as close, then he joined the Army. Almost 10 years later they are both home and they fall back into an easy relationship. But it becomes rocky when each develops feeling beyond friendship but hides it from the other
They’ve been friends since birth. In high school they weren’t as close, then he joined the Army. Almost 10 years later they are both home and they fall back into an easy relationship. But it becomes rocky when each develops feeling beyond friendship but hides it from the other
August 22, 2022
I loved the plot and the best friends to lovers story. It is also a clean romance which I prefer. I did get a little annoyed at the two main characters as they would keep things to themselves and assume the worst about each other, but liked how they finally talked things out and were honest with each other. There are a lot of interesting characters in the story too.
July 29, 2024
Lovely.
The story was engrossing, liked the slow pace of the relationship. However, the lack of communication and Alex’s endless anxiety, was a bit much after more than half the book. I thought things were going to ‘quiet down’. That didn’t happen. Wanted more to the end of the story, too.
Rated: 3.5 stars.
The story was engrossing, liked the slow pace of the relationship. However, the lack of communication and Alex’s endless anxiety, was a bit much after more than half the book. I thought things were going to ‘quiet down’. That didn’t happen. Wanted more to the end of the story, too.
Rated: 3.5 stars.
November 2, 2024
Great Book
I really liked this book and didn't want to put it down. I loved their friendship and their back story. I felt connected to them. I love how it was real life with lots of miscommunication and assumptions, just like in real life. It wasn't all fairytale. I was left with wanting more of their story. But I did enjoy the book and would recommend it.
I really liked this book and didn't want to put it down. I loved their friendship and their back story. I felt connected to them. I love how it was real life with lots of miscommunication and assumptions, just like in real life. It wasn't all fairytale. I was left with wanting more of their story. But I did enjoy the book and would recommend it.
January 13, 2025
This book was... realistic.
I always whine about make-it-realistic. I DID NOT LIKE THE REALISM. T_T
So... I am marking this story as not-for-me.
I need a character arc. The arc here was they compromised a little bit towards the end... like the bare minimum.
+1 star: creating infuriating characters
+1 star: I know people like this who stop maturing in high school
I always whine about make-it-realistic. I DID NOT LIKE THE REALISM. T_T
So... I am marking this story as not-for-me.
I need a character arc. The arc here was they compromised a little bit towards the end... like the bare minimum.
+1 star: creating infuriating characters
+1 star: I know people like this who stop maturing in high school
February 25, 2025
It was cool to finally read this one! I have read most of Cain’s books but I haven't had the chance to read this one yet. I ended up enjoying it. I thought that Alex was fun, Luke was confusing at times but I think that was because we didn’t get his perspective. It was sweet to read about Alex and Luke connecting and finally admitting their feelings for each other.
April 4, 2025
Loved it!
It took Luke long enough. Sometimes people are blind to what’s in front of them, or maybe they’re just too scared to be let down. Alex and Luke have been friends and in love for so long that it took a while for them to get in sync with their feelings. So much tension and such a page turner!
It took Luke long enough. Sometimes people are blind to what’s in front of them, or maybe they’re just too scared to be let down. Alex and Luke have been friends and in love for so long that it took a while for them to get in sync with their feelings. So much tension and such a page turner!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews