One and Only Boxed Set

**ONLY YOU
Only You is Melanie Harlow’s next epic romance. I love her stories and writing so much that I didn’t even read the synopsis before I opened the book. It wasn’t necessary. I knew I would be addicted once I read the first page. I always am. If life didn’t get in the way it would have been read in one sitting. This story all started with a fire…

Nate was used to rescuing his neighbor across the hall. She locks herself out of her place so often that he has a spare key. He knows her screams when she is being attacked by a spider. Tonight it was a fire in her kitchen. He didn’t mind saving her. He was an alpha man after-all. Well…he thought he was until later that night when a baby was left on his doorstep with a note saying he was her daddy. Now, he needed Emme to rescue him. He never thought he would have to ask her how to change a diaper or make a bottle. He never wanted a baby. He never even wanted a wife. Fuck…he didn’t even do relationships. He was a divorce attorney. He didn’t need that shit in his life. He was fucked…

Emme never thought she would see the day that Nate lost control. Tonight it was happening and it was both shocking and beautiful. Nate in a suit is hot. Nate holding a baby is ten times sexier. She always thought her neighbor was handsome but he was a friend. One that had a new girl walking out of his place every Sunday morning. She never wanted to be one of those girls. She was a romantic. A wedding planner. She loved love. When she fell, she fell hard. Nate has teased her about it for years. Saying she lived in a fairytale world. Maybe she was but she wanted it all.

Nate needed her. He hated to admit that but he did. Emme was happy to help. She knew it was hard for Nate to admit his insecurities. He didn’t do feelings. They were friends who drank martinis and watched Bond flicks. They were now friends who changed diapers and took naps together. Emme knew she shouldn’t want Nate because he would only hurt her but seeing the different sides of this man made her swoon, laugh, and get all kinds of hot and bothered. And Nate wanted her. Bad. He missed her when she went home. He missed her laugh. He didn’t do relationships but with her, he might be willing to try. Maybe. He was so lost. He was losing himself. He hated losing control but his girls were worth it, right?

I absolutely loved this book. Nate is not a feelings type of man but his inner dialogue is a different story. I felt for him. Emme is seriously so damn sweet but she has a badass side too. I loved when it came out. She wasn’t taking Nate’s excuses. And Paisley, she is only two months old but she stole the show. So stinkin’ cute. She had these two wrapped around her tiny fingers. There probably wouldn’t be a Nate and Emme story without that little peanut. But, can Emme and Nate get on the same page when it comes to a future?

Overall…It was everything! It gave me all the feels. The characters are well-developed, funny, strong, beautiful, and real. They have their anxieties, insecurities, and flaws. I loved watching them grow. Their chemistry is hot. Their banter is fun. Their story is emotional. It is one of my favorite Melanie books!

Quotes:

“I set my fires in the bedroom, Calamity. And they’re never small.”

“I’m sorry. I was…in shock.” He stood up taller, thrust his chest out. “But I’m man enough to handle this, dammit. I’m all fucking man.”

Me: Can I bring you anything from the shop downstairs?
Nate: Yes. I’d like a case of Red Bull, 6 lines of cocaine, and a Pixie Stick.
Me: Will you settle for a doughnut?

**ONLY HIM
Only Him is the second book in the One and Only series by the extremely talented, Melanie Harlow. It can be read as a standalone novel but we did meet Maren in Only You, as Emme’s sister. The yoga-loving one if you read the book. I actually didn’t read the synopsis so I didn’t even know that about the book. I was so excited to figure out that it was a second chance story because those are one of my favorites!

Twelve years ago Dallas broke her heart by walking away without even a goodbye. Since then she tried to stop thinking about him. Nothing helped. Yoga. Meditating. Dating. Sex. He was her first love. Her first everything and nobody else had ever compared but he was gone. Until…he showed up on her doorstep with an apology. She wanted to slam the door in his face. She wanted to hate him for leaving the way he did. She never got closure. Was this the opportunity she needed all those years ago. One last goodbye then she could move on with her life.

Dallas had to see her. It was time for him to tell her he was sorry for being a selfish seventeen year old. He thought he was doing the right thing. That she was better off without him. He was a troublemaker without a real future. She was good girl with a great one. He still feels that way but he needs to do this. Just see her one last time and then go back to Portland. To still think about her. To still love her from afar. He never stopped but he knows he has to walk away again. But can he after seeing her in person? After spending time with her. After having the time of his life with the only woman he ever loved.

Will Dallas and Maren get their second chance?

I loved this couple! They are not perfect. They have their insecurities about love, life, and worth. It adds to their story. They make them more real to me. I felt for Dallas. I loved his stubborn ass. I felt for Maren too. She needed to find her balance. I wanted to hug her more than a few times. Together, you could feel their connection and passion. It’s both beautiful and heartbreaking.

Overall…it’s a beautiful story about second chances, love, and family. It made me laugh, cry, think, and get hot and bothered. It was an amazing combo. I am looking forward to the next book!

Quotes:

“I probably should have called you first.”
“You probably should have called me twelve years ago.”

“That night did not end well for me.” “I can only imagine.”
“But I promise, you will not end up in handcuffs tonight.” He grinned delightedly and leaned closer to whisper in my ear. “Unless, of course, you’d enjoy that.”

“We all make mistakes. We’re all human. What sets one man apart from the next is what happens afterward.”

**ONLY LOVE
Only Love is the third book in the One and Only series by one of my favorite authors, Melanie Harlow. It can be read as standalone but I do recommend the previous books to fall in love with her younger sisters’ stories.

Stella is the sensible sister. The therapist. The safe one. The quiet one. She didn’t take risks. Especially when it came to men and her future. She thought she found the man she would marry. There was never a spark but he was safe. He would make a reliable husband and father. And on her birthday, she thought he was going to propose. Well, he didn’t. He dumps her. On her birthday. In a restaurant he was late to. She was shocked but not broken. She didn’t want to put herself out there again but her Gram has other plans.

Ryan liked being alone. He went to work. He had a beer once in awhile with his friend Mack. He helped his cute little old lady of a neighbor with things around the house. She paid in cookies. What bachelor could say no to that? Asshole ones. He was planning doing just that when Mrs. Gardner told him that her granddaughter Stella was coming to visit. He had never met her but when he saw her picture, he was already in trouble. She was beautiful and after first laying eyes on her the first day she was in town. He knew he needed to stay away.

Ryan and Stella’s relationship is adorable, complicated, sexy, and emotional. It was all of those things from the very beginning. He intrigued her. She made him feel. Feel things he was scared to feel and he wasn’t afraid of anything. Not until her. They wanted each other, that was obvious from the start even Gram knew he would be good between the feathers as she liked to call it. Stella never felt that was a reason to be with someone. She never felt that type of want before. Not until him. He might have been quiet and tense but he put her at ease. For the first time, she could relax and let go when it came to sex. And she made him feel safe outside of the sex. She listened. Never judged. He was a former Marine who could turn off his feelings. Just like that. Could she handle the silences? The inner turmoil? The hot and cold?

Aw! I loved these two. I also loved Gram! That little sneak. I might just have to make an apple pie soon and think about her. Anyway, Ryan and Stella. They made me laugh, cry, and get hot and bothered. I definitely felt their chemistry between them. I also felt their sweetness, courage, and love.

Overall…I loved it! The characters. The story. The pies. Everything. I am excited for what Melanie has coming up next! Oh man, I am excited. You will be too!!

Quotes:

Never underestimate a granny on a mission. Especially the matchmaking kind.

“I’m not the man in your dreams.”
“Prove it,” I whispered.

“You’re crazy.”
“That’s debatable. But I’ve seen grooms look at their brides with less awe and affection than he looked at you with tonight.”
“I think he was looking at the meatloaf.”