Title: The Guy on the Left
Author: Kate Stewart
First published December 6, 2019
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.31
Overview
One night changed everything. A night of secrets between a teacher and a student.
I wasn’t her student, but that night impacted my life in unimaginable ways. No one knows the real me, the life I’ve lived, or the struggles I’ve faced.
But everyone on TGU campus thinks they know who I am – The Guy on the Left. I’ve never corrected them until now.
The clock is ticking down, and I’m facing one of the biggest challenges of my life. Inside, I’m just Troy, a man who has made mistakes but is determined to make things right.
For the sake of my son, I’ll find the strength to face my past and win back the trust of those I love. Redemption is within reach, and I won’t let anything stop me, even if it means taking my eye off the ball.
Editoral Review
The Guy on the Left by Kate Stewart is a captivating contemporary romance novel that was first published on December 6, 2019. Stewart is an accomplished author with several popular books to her name, and this latest effort brings together the best of her writing skills to create a vivid and immersive experience for readers of the genre.
The book explores themes of friendship, love, forgiveness, and growth, making it the perfect addition to any romance lover’s collection. The book follows the life of Laney McMann, a young woman who is going through a difficult time after breaking up with her long-term boyfriend.
She seeks solace in her friends, particularly the guy on the left, whom she has always been attracted to but never pursued. As their friendship blossoms, Laney realizes that she has feelings for him beyond friendship, and the two embark on a journey of self-discovery and passion.
The book’s setting is modern-day America, which adds an element of familiarity to the story, and the conflicts that arise are relatable to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Stewart has a unique writing style that is both captivating and engaging, drawing readers into the intricate details of the characters’ lives.
Her character development is nuanced, and each protagonist is given a distinct voice and personality that makes them feel real and authentic. The pacing of the novel is perfect, with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
The novel’s structure is well thought-out, with each scene expertly crafted to move the story forward and keep readers invested. One of the book’s strengths is how it addresses common modern-day issues, such as toxic relationships, abuse, and forgiveness.
These themes are explored in-depth, and Stewart’s writing style allows readers to empathize with the characters’ struggles and celebrate their triumphs. Additionally, the novel’s historical and cultural significance is limited, and this allows it to relate to current events and issues in a way that is refreshing and engaging.
Despite its many strengths, The Guy on the Left is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the romance elements of the novel to be clichd or predictable.
Additionally, a few scenes in the book feel rushed, and some of the dialogue falls flat. However, these flaws are minor and do not detract from the overall quality of the book.
Overall, The Guy on the Left is a must-read for any lover of contemporary romance novels. Its engaging prose, well-developed characters, and relatable themes make it a standout in the genre.
Fans of Kate Stewart’s previous works will not be disappointed, and newcomers to her writing will be in for a treat. Based on these strengths, I would give The Guy on the Left a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with the only drawback being its occasional tendency towards clichd romantic elements.