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shevantyr's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
dulcinea's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Child death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Mental illness and Grief
jenz_dbb's review against another edition
5.0
If ever there was a single dad book to read, this one is it. I completely melted over Nate and every reaction that he had when his 2 month old infant daughter is dropped unexpectedly at his door step. I mean, there were a rainbow of emotions with him settling down and embracing fatherhood. I enjoyed every bit of Nate and Emme's relationship, starting with their friendship and progressing into more. It was sexy, honest and full of emotion. It's always fascinating to see the backstory of the characters and where they've come from and Nate's was profound. There was a push and pull between what Nate wants and what he thinks he can provide and it left me turning the pages.
tales_of_a_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Nate and Emme have lived across the hall from each other for years, but have only been friends. Nate is always there to save Emme, whether it be from locking herself out of her apartment to other stuff. Nate is not into relationships, especially being a divorce lawyer, whereas Emme wants the happily ever after. Both are fine with their friendship until a baby turns up on Nate's door. Nate has no clue what to do with a baby, but lucky for him his neighbor across the hall used to babysit. Learning how to be a dad is a lot of work, but it also brings up thoughts about why he's never really let anyone in. Watching Emme with his daughter and spending time with her Nate has to figure out what he wants in his life. Does he want Emme as more than just a friend? Now seeing Nate with a baby, Emme sees a softer side of Nate and with the underlying attraction that has always been there can she stay away?
This was a great book written in dual point of view that shows how they both are handling the news of Nate's daughter and the attraction between the two. Nate's fears aren't going to go away instantaneously and Emme needs to work on some things too. I enjoyed this book better than the third one in the series because it wasn't as insta-love and had to laugh at Stella because I knew what was going to happen when she got her story. Overall, this was a great book and I will have to read the second one in the series soon.
This was a great book written in dual point of view that shows how they both are handling the news of Nate's daughter and the attraction between the two. Nate's fears aren't going to go away instantaneously and Emme needs to work on some things too. I enjoyed this book better than the third one in the series because it wasn't as insta-love and had to laugh at Stella because I knew what was going to happen when she got her story. Overall, this was a great book and I will have to read the second one in the series soon.
bibliophilechloe's review against another edition
5.0
"Only you. Always you."
That quote right there is epic and everything!
I fell in love with Melaine's work when I stumbled across Some Sort of Happy and it was the best stumble EVER!
Only You is the story of Emme and Nate, neighbors and fabulous friends, at first and then so much more!
Emme is the epitome of what every girl wants to be! She is independent, she is fierce in her beliefs and wants what she wants and doesn't apologize for it! She is also whimsical and fun. She has had a string of bad luck in relationships but is holding out for her true love and when she finds it, she is patient, forgiving and strong when she needs to be!
Nate, oh Nate... Because of his past, he is fierce in his beliefs too and all comes crashing down when he finds out he is a father! Melanie really nails his parenting trials and tribulations with humor and reality! One of my favorite quotes is "...Yes, I'd like a case of Red Bull, 6 lines of cocaine, and a Pixie Stick." It's hysterical and if you are a parent, you know you have said some sort of version of this! It is spot on!
I enjoyed seeing past characters from Melanie's books having a part in Emme & Nates story too. It was like a bit of a reunion with friends and it was good to see what everybody has been up to!
This book is another stellar addition to Melanie's work! Do yourself a favor and read this and all of her past work! Thank you for your words and stories Melanie! Please don't ever stop writing!
That quote right there is epic and everything!
I fell in love with Melaine's work when I stumbled across Some Sort of Happy and it was the best stumble EVER!
Only You is the story of Emme and Nate, neighbors and fabulous friends, at first and then so much more!
Emme is the epitome of what every girl wants to be! She is independent, she is fierce in her beliefs and wants what she wants and doesn't apologize for it! She is also whimsical and fun. She has had a string of bad luck in relationships but is holding out for her true love and when she finds it, she is patient, forgiving and strong when she needs to be!
Nate, oh Nate... Because of his past, he is fierce in his beliefs too and all comes crashing down when he finds out he is a father! Melanie really nails his parenting trials and tribulations with humor and reality! One of my favorite quotes is "...Yes, I'd like a case of Red Bull, 6 lines of cocaine, and a Pixie Stick." It's hysterical and if you are a parent, you know you have said some sort of version of this! It is spot on!
I enjoyed seeing past characters from Melanie's books having a part in Emme & Nates story too. It was like a bit of a reunion with friends and it was good to see what everybody has been up to!
This book is another stellar addition to Melanie's work! Do yourself a favor and read this and all of her past work! Thank you for your words and stories Melanie! Please don't ever stop writing!
chaosgremlin24's review against another edition
5.0
What do you get when you have a wedding planner, confirmed bachelor and a baby? You get a giggle and swoon worthy story that keeps you on your toes! The banter between Nate and Emme was hilarious but their slow burn sizzle between them was hot! When the barriers are crossed, there was no going back, no matter how much these two fight it. Nate really grows in this story. I loved how he went from the freaking out man to the caring and protective lover and father. There is such an amazing flow in this story as well. Emme keeps him on his toes but these two have their ups and downs.
Overall, this was a really amazing read. You have a huge range of emotions and you have some epic character development. I found I could not put this book down and devoured it in one sitting. If you love some surprise baby stories, this is a perfect one to snag!
Overall, this was a really amazing read. You have a huge range of emotions and you have some epic character development. I found I could not put this book down and devoured it in one sitting. If you love some surprise baby stories, this is a perfect one to snag!
sarahluvsromance_1201's review against another edition
4.0
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW ***
4 ALWAYS YOU CROWNS
Melanie Harlow always has that right balance of a super sweet romance and steamy scenes. Her heroes words make swoon and the their skills in sheets heat me up, and Only You is the perfect combination of all the above.
Nate is a typical playboy bachelor when we meet him. He has no plans to settle down. He hides his emotions at all costs, keeping a barrier around his heart. That is until he is forced to bring it down. When he does, he has no choice but to recognize how he feels for his neighbor Emme; however, he is a man who runs from his feelings. It is interesting to see this weaker side of a hero and to see him finally be forced to confront them. He is a romance hero, so he does grow & evolve, finally acknowledging his hangups and choosing to move beyond, which is really what makes him swoon-worthy in the end.
Emme suffers from what most women suffer from, the ideal man created by movies and romance novels. She wants it all. The romance, the partner for life, and as a result she tends to fall fast and get hurt a lot. This aspect of her character makes her relatable because we have either been there or know someone who has been there. She walks into her relationship with Nate with her eyes open. With him, she begins to evolve as well and not explode with emotion at every turn, but she also stands up for herself when he messes up. Those are the moments I like her best.
The story line isn’t really what I was expecting but I enjoyed it. The person who brings them together is also the impetus that tears them apart. Paisley makes him question his life and what he does with it. She makes him uncomfortable in his old life and long for his new one. She brings down his walls, which makes him better and fearful. So much of the story revolves around her and the feelings she conjures up in the hero, making the story more about him then Emme, and I liked the bit of role reversal. As always, Melanie Harlow provides a wonderful HEA that hits the mark on the what romance readers always want.
Sweet and steamy, Melanie Harlow’s Only You is another wonderful read. Filled with old and new characters to love and a romance that warms the heart, it as another book to be on your TBR.
___________
ARC received in exchange for an honest
4 ALWAYS YOU CROWNS
Melanie Harlow always has that right balance of a super sweet romance and steamy scenes. Her heroes words make swoon and the their skills in sheets heat me up, and Only You is the perfect combination of all the above.
Nate is a typical playboy bachelor when we meet him. He has no plans to settle down. He hides his emotions at all costs, keeping a barrier around his heart. That is until he is forced to bring it down. When he does, he has no choice but to recognize how he feels for his neighbor Emme; however, he is a man who runs from his feelings. It is interesting to see this weaker side of a hero and to see him finally be forced to confront them. He is a romance hero, so he does grow & evolve, finally acknowledging his hangups and choosing to move beyond, which is really what makes him swoon-worthy in the end.
Emme suffers from what most women suffer from, the ideal man created by movies and romance novels. She wants it all. The romance, the partner for life, and as a result she tends to fall fast and get hurt a lot. This aspect of her character makes her relatable because we have either been there or know someone who has been there. She walks into her relationship with Nate with her eyes open. With him, she begins to evolve as well and not explode with emotion at every turn, but she also stands up for herself when he messes up. Those are the moments I like her best.
The story line isn’t really what I was expecting but I enjoyed it. The person who brings them together is also the impetus that tears them apart. Paisley makes him question his life and what he does with it. She makes him uncomfortable in his old life and long for his new one. She brings down his walls, which makes him better and fearful. So much of the story revolves around her and the feelings she conjures up in the hero, making the story more about him then Emme, and I liked the bit of role reversal. As always, Melanie Harlow provides a wonderful HEA that hits the mark on the what romance readers always want.
Sweet and steamy, Melanie Harlow’s Only You is another wonderful read. Filled with old and new characters to love and a romance that warms the heart, it as another book to be on your TBR.
___________
ARC received in exchange for an honest
amybosica's review against another edition
4.0
“I was lost to it, a world that was only the two of us. To the sound of his breath and the smell of his skin and the throb of his body inside me. To the fiery stars begins my eyes, to the heat coming off our bodies. To the notion that finally, finally, I was the one in his arms. I was the one he wanted. I was the one he adored.”
“Why did lightning strike for some people and not for others? Why did some of us pick the wrong people over and over again, others got it right the first time? Why were we told as kids to listen to our hearts when things like geography or timing or luck seemed to matter so much more? What did our hearts know, anyway?”
“I did love her. God helped me, I loved her and wanted her and needed her. She was mine, she was mine–that’s what I needed to prove. Her body answered to mine, her heart answered to mine, her soul answered to mine. We were together. We were one. We were inextricable.”
Nate is the quintessential playboy. He’s successful, good looking and never has a problem finding a woman to warm his bed. Emme is the girl next door. She lives for romance and is always hoping that the man she is dating will turn out to be the one. She wants it all: love, romance, the perfect husband and eventually children. Life always has a funny way of working out and making you want things you never expected. Nate and Emme are about to be put to the test in ways neither one of them could ever dream of….
Only You is a sweet and swoon worthy second chance romance with Melanie Harlow’s signature humor and alpha goodness. This story pulled me in from page one and I quickly got lost in the friendship that Emme and Nate shared. Their banter was easy and effortless. You could tell that there was an underlying attraction, but neither one of them would ever do anything about it.
I loved seeing Nate’s life get turned upside down when Paisley was left on his doorstep. He was so adorably clueless and was a total riot as he learned the ropes of parenthood. As a mom, I could totally understand some of his fears and frustrations. Being a parent isn’t easy and I couldn’t imagine having a baby dropped into your life when you had no time or idea that it was going to happen. Nate was incredibly lucky to have Emme there to help him out. She gave him the confidence he needed, the encouragement that he could do this, the knowledge that he was going to screw up, but that it would be ok.
As Nate navigates his way through parenthood, he learns more about himself. He finally starts to grow up and see the perks of wanting more. Nate’s road to happily ever after wasn’t an easy one. He had a lot of fears when it came to love, but when the right person comes along, anything is possible.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read for me and one that I easily devoured in just a single sitting. Only You is a terrific romance. It is a story about going with the flow. About knowing when to step up and handle responsibilities. A story about leaning on others and facing your fears. It is a story of love and knowing when to forgive.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
“Why did lightning strike for some people and not for others? Why did some of us pick the wrong people over and over again, others got it right the first time? Why were we told as kids to listen to our hearts when things like geography or timing or luck seemed to matter so much more? What did our hearts know, anyway?”
“I did love her. God helped me, I loved her and wanted her and needed her. She was mine, she was mine–that’s what I needed to prove. Her body answered to mine, her heart answered to mine, her soul answered to mine. We were together. We were one. We were inextricable.”
Nate is the quintessential playboy. He’s successful, good looking and never has a problem finding a woman to warm his bed. Emme is the girl next door. She lives for romance and is always hoping that the man she is dating will turn out to be the one. She wants it all: love, romance, the perfect husband and eventually children. Life always has a funny way of working out and making you want things you never expected. Nate and Emme are about to be put to the test in ways neither one of them could ever dream of….
Only You is a sweet and swoon worthy second chance romance with Melanie Harlow’s signature humor and alpha goodness. This story pulled me in from page one and I quickly got lost in the friendship that Emme and Nate shared. Their banter was easy and effortless. You could tell that there was an underlying attraction, but neither one of them would ever do anything about it.
I loved seeing Nate’s life get turned upside down when Paisley was left on his doorstep. He was so adorably clueless and was a total riot as he learned the ropes of parenthood. As a mom, I could totally understand some of his fears and frustrations. Being a parent isn’t easy and I couldn’t imagine having a baby dropped into your life when you had no time or idea that it was going to happen. Nate was incredibly lucky to have Emme there to help him out. She gave him the confidence he needed, the encouragement that he could do this, the knowledge that he was going to screw up, but that it would be ok.
As Nate navigates his way through parenthood, he learns more about himself. He finally starts to grow up and see the perks of wanting more. Nate’s road to happily ever after wasn’t an easy one. He had a lot of fears when it came to love, but when the right person comes along, anything is possible.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read for me and one that I easily devoured in just a single sitting. Only You is a terrific romance. It is a story about going with the flow. About knowing when to step up and handle responsibilities. A story about leaning on others and facing your fears. It is a story of love and knowing when to forgive.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*