He was my first crush, my first kiss, my first everything.But I’m not a lovesick teenager anymore, and I’d never let that cocky troublemaker break my heart again.So when he shows up out of the blue asking me to have dinner with him “for old time’s sake,” I say I will. After all, it’s been twelve years, and I’m stronger and smarter than I was back then. Except…he still does something to me. He’s … something to me. He’s got those eyes that make me weak, those hands that drive me wild, and a body I can’t resist—especially once I see the tattoos. It doesn’t take long for our trip down memory lane to go from sweet to sizzling.
We’re just as good together as we were back then—better, even—and I’m willing to give the only man I’ve ever loved another chance.
But he’s got to tell me the truth.
* * *
All I wanted was to see her again. Tell her I’m sorry. Make her smile.
Okay, that’s a lie. I wanted to do more than that—a lot more. But I know she’s better off without me, and I promised myself I’d behave.
Except I’ve never been much good at keeping promises…or my hands to myself when I’m around her.
I can make her laugh, I can make her cry, I can make her body surrender to mine in ways that neither of us could have imagined back then. I can—and I do—love her more than she’ll ever know.
But I can’t tell her the real reason why I’m here.
And I can’t stay.
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Thinking of young love can haunt you with feelings of what could have been or the strong desire to forget all of the drama that came from yester years. As high school sweethearts, Maren and Dallas were quite the couple. Dallas was the class clown that definitely didn’t lack for unique antics that were memorable and entertaining. What Maren remembers about him most is the way Dallas left without ever saying ‘goodbye’, and didn’t provide closure on their young love.
Time has passed, and Maren often wonders if she is constantly comparing her dating prospects to Dallas. With a broken heart that hasn’t quite mended, Maren wonders if she will ever love as deeply as she did so long ago. Now Dallas finds himself back in the town that use to be his home. The need to make amends with Maren hits Dallas harder than one could anticipate.
Leaving Portland to return to his childhood home is like stepping back in time. Dallas finds himself unable to quench his desire for Maren now that they are back where it all began. While 12 years may have passed, the chemistry between these two is as strong as it was so long ago. Can this be the start of a second chance for the couple? With secrets, insecurities, and a tainted past haunting them….is the relationship doomed before it can even be rekindled?
Only Him is a second chance romance that will leave Maren and Dallas reliving their past. A catalyst of a shattered heart, this chance at a rekindled love will be riddled with secrets. Melanie Harlow gives her fans a chance to follow this love story through the years, and revisit some famous characters. A sweet and satisfying romance that any romance enthusiast will enjoy.
Oh, wow! Second chances are my favorite. Dallas and Maren were high school sweethearts. Their love story ends abruptly. They had that good girl/bad boy combination and it was intense. Years later, the regret of a broken heart was weighing Dallas down. This book had all the feels. I loved the banter and chemistry between these too.
4 Now, Then, Always And Only Yours Stars!
Maren Devine is a beautiful, single 29 yr. old woman living in Detroit. She was a ballet dancer who now owns & runs a successful yoga studio. She has two amazing sisters she adores, but no special someone in her life. It’s been a while since she’s been in a relationship, and she often wonders if it’s because nobody measures up to her high school sweetheart Dallas Shepherd. He loved her so intensely and completely, and then suddenly vanished from her life. She was left with a broken heart that never fully healed. She hopes one day she will finally be over him, and then he shows up out of the blue with apologies and a dinner invitation.
Dallas Shepherd was always known to be impulsive & rebellious as a teen. His relationship with his family is complicated. His senior year of high school he kept getting into trouble, and was sent away. He was 17 when he left the only girl he’d ever loved without a goodbye. He never quit thinking about her, and leaving her remained his biggest regret. He’s now 30, and a tattoo artist in Portland. His life is suddenly in turmoil, and he feels he needs to see Maren. They have unfinished business and he can’t stay away any longer.
Dallas & Maren haven’t seen each other in 12 years, but it’s almost like no time has passed. Being together felt easy & right, but Maren was scared if she let Dallas back into her heart he might hurt her all over again. As they reconnect she quickly learns she still can’t resist him. He’s even more gorgeous than before, and their chemistry is still sizzling hot. They begin to wonder if this could be another chance for them. When their together they feel alive, but the timing is bad. Is there hope for this couple, or will secrets, insecurities, trust, and broken promises derail their second chance at love?
I really enjoyed this second chance romance about first loves, new beginnings, and taking chances. Only You is book 2 in the One and Only series, but can be read as a standalone. This was my first book by Melanie Harlow, and I can’t wait to read more of her books. Emme & Stella’s stories will be next on my MH list! :))
Can you hear my heart screaming? This book made me so happy, so sad and swooned me so hard. Everything about this book was perfection. Melanie Harlow brought to the table a difficult subject, handled it with care and appropriateness, and wrapped it in a storyline about two individuals who were made for each other. Maren and Dallas are two amazing characters that wiggled their way into my heart and setup camp. I couldn’t help but me emotionally invested in these two from the very first page. And even though their story is not a lighthearted one, there are plenty of uplifting and sweet moments, coupled by some insanely SEXY moments that will have you checking to ensure your eyebrows weren’t singed off while reading.
Their chemistry is unstoppable and seductive. I was entranced and addicted to their story. I needed their HEA. I needed just MORE of them. And I got it all. This is one of those books that really struck a chord with me and had me mesmerized. I would HIGHLY suggest everyone to take a chance on it, because it’s more than worth the time to emotional investment.
Happy Reading!
Only Him is an emotional second chance love story between Dallas and Maren. Dallas shows back on Maren’s doorstep after twelve years when he is facing a life altering decision and needs to see if she can forgive him for the big mistake he made in the past. They both find that the connection they had years ago still is just as strong, but Dallas doesn’t think he can drag her into his uncertain future. Maren knows that has been Only Him, but will he finally give her the chance to show him?
I highly recommend you take the time to enjoy Dallas and Maren’s journey.
This book took my heart through the wringer, twisted up, shredded it and somehow it came out so much better. Dallas just took a hold of my heart. So many times I wanted to reach in and hold him. Maren was a great person to compliment him. She gave him what no one else did. He was just too stubborn to see it but I’m so glad the got their HEA.
This is the story of Maren Devine and Dallas Shepherd. They were together while in HS, but he left her without saying goodbye and she’s never quite recovered from that heartache.
Fast forward 12 years and Dallas will come knocking, asking to be forgiven which will unleash a fresh wave of feelings and it will be up to Dallas to change his old ways or break Maren’s heart all over again.
Honestly put, second chance romance will ever be the same for me. Not only is the story heartbreaking, but the depth of the characters and their personal struggles also made a dent.
I really liked this book. Everything from the storyline, the writing and the characters to their heartbreak and flaws made for a great love story. Ms. Harlow has an amazing talent to turn the most unlikely situations into stories that will make us fall in love with the most obnoxious, stubborn characters and Only Him doesn’t disappoint.
I can’t wait to read about the next Devine sister!
Enjoyed reading this book
I wasn’t ready for this beautiful second chance romance. I enjoyed but my heart suffered every chapter I was starting to understand what was happening.
Maren and Dallas were the opposite. While they were dating in High School, Maren was the good girl with a bright future while Dallas was the “bad” boy with no future (at least that was what they made him believe), but they were so good for each other. Being Dallas so reckless, his family took him away and had no chance to do the right thing for Maren.
A few years later, Maren can’t forget that boy from High School but she is decided to let it go; until Dallas decides it’s time for leave the things clear, Maren wants to close this chapter of her life.
They, deep down, knew they were playing with fire, just a moment together, and they knew this can’t be over. But Dallas has secrets that he is not willing to share, even if it breaks his heart and the heart of the only girl he has ever loved.
Forgive once is hard, but twice, it’s something to reconsider, is it all the heartbreak worth? Will it happen again? But Maren has in her to forgive and live in the present, all the opposite for Dallas, that only thinks in the future.
I understood Dallas ’ to be with Maren, and understood Maren’s position, both wanting to be able to make the decision for themselves but thinking about the other.
I enjoyed reading about all their story and knowing more about Emme and Nate, can’t wait to read more of these couples and get to know Stella’s story. Melanie doesn’t disappoint with a good heartwarming love story.
Wowwowwowwowwow. This story. Had me feeling all kinds of emotions. I’m a sucker for second chance first love kinds of stories and this one totally hit the mark for me. Maren and Dallas are perfect together. After being separated at the height of their young relationship, Dallas decides to pay Maren a visit to apologize after years of no communication. I couldn’t get enough of these two. I loved everything about them. They are so sweet on each other. There is a secret that he is keeping from her that is a big deal (not a spoiler, it’s in the blurb) but I found myself so emotional over all of it. Tears were actually flowing, almost to an ugly cry. I love stories that make me feel like that and this one … Just perfection.
Only Him is an incredibly sweet and sexy second-chance romance. Melanie Harlow is wonderful at intricately weaving the complexities of being a beautifully flawed human and being in love. Dallas reunites with Maren to face a regret he’s held onto for years, and they both find that the passion they have for each other has not waned. However, deep-seated hurts and fears cause them to grapple with themselves and one another, trying to figure out how much of a chance they want to take on life and love. The struggle is honest, if not aggravating in the best of ways, which is what always makes for a satisfying read for me.
Ok so this is a second-chance romance and although I did love the main characters and the story line their was just some things that was just lacking or rushed for me that kept me from giving this book a 5 Star. Because let’s face it I love Melanie’s writing it is exceptional!!! Dallas and Maren was high school sweethearts and he was sent away but instead of telling her the truth he just left. I understand why he showed back up after 12 years but I didn’t understand how quickly she forgave him. Dallas has some secrets he is hiding from Maren and Maren his still holding herself back. Will he trust her with his secret or will he make the same mistakes all over again? This story will have you crying and pulling at your heartstrings. Overall I really enjoyed this story and do recommend it! It was very hard to review this book. So I hope I did help. – By Tina
4 Is It Too Late for Their Second Chance Stars!!!
Maren and Dallas were high school sweethearts and polar opposites in their family dynamics and how they carried themselves in every way possible. She was a sweet, innocent and beautiful girl and he’s the high school bad boy…but their connection eclipsed all of that….until the day he disappeared without saying goodbye!
Fast forward twelve years and Maren is teaching yoga and living the best life she can while being plagued with a dream that she just can’t make heads or tails of while Dallas is living on the left coast and dealing with some life changing decisions…and what’s a guy to do when figuring out what to do with his life…go visit the love of his life that he left behind hoping she’ll give him another chance no matter how brief it may be.
This book is beautifully written and captivated me from the very beginning. I could feel their bittersweet feelings for each other when they first see each other. It’s clear there are still feelings there, but, if this is just a short visit to apologize for the pain he caused her, is it wise to go any further than a “friends” night out? While it may not be smart, I was thrilled with how Dallas went about apologizing to Maren, making her see how she’s the most important person in his life still.
The chemistry between these two is palpable. Coming off the pages of kindle so much so that I had to fan myself! But there’s something laying right under the surface and Dallas has to decide what he’s going to do….does he tell Maren his secret? Does he keep it to himself and leave her again thinking he’s not good enough for her? Does he have the strength to walk away from the only woman he’s ever loved?
We get all these answers in this story that is so much more than a second chance at love. It’s a story about how love can heal you, making you feel ten feet tall and able to conquer ANY obstacle put in front of you. I cried, I laughed, I swooned and breathed in all the love Maren and Dallas have for each other and my soul is a happier place now because of the beauty and grace of this Melanie Harlow book!!!
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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ~~4 SWOONY SECOND CHANCE STARS! ~~
“We’ll rewrite history, give ourselves a different ending this time….”
Melanie Harlow once again melted my heart in her angsty second chance romance, ONLY YOU, featuring two high school sweethearts who reunite after years apart and have one last shot at forever!
THE STORY:
For the most part, Maren Devine, a beautiful former ballet dancer turned yoga instructor has a fulfilling life. She has a close-knit relationship wither two sisters, Emme and Stella, and a thriving career. But there is one aching void in her heart—and his name is Dallas Shepherd. The broody rebel vanished from her life without a word 12 years earlier and as hard as she’d tried to move on she’s never gotten over him. Then one day he shows up out of the blue, rocking her entire world. He’s only passing through town, but asks for her forgiveness… and a chance to make up to her! Dare she give it to him at the risk of another broken heart?
And although Dallas cherishes Maren more than his next breath, the hunky tattoo artist knows time is not on their side. For he is harboring a dark secret that could permanently tear them asunder! Does their red hot passionate reunion have an expiration date, or can this still crazy in love duo beat the odds and finally have the future they always dreamed of?
MY MUSINGS:
I always get swept away when reading a MH romance, and this fun, flirty, breath-stealing tale is no exception! ONLY HIM is the second standalone romance in this author’s One and Only trilogy about three sisters searching for forever love!
I fell hard for BOTH these characters. Dallas is a total dreamboat! This dark haired, gorgeously tatted, reformed bad boy definitely has a moody side but he’s also roguishly charming and insanely sexy, with an irreverent, sarcastic wit, fun, devil-may-care attitude, and a swoon-worthy romantic streak. I loved him to pieces…even when I wanted to THROTTLE him for being stubborn fool!
And Maren sure keeps him on his toes! This earthy beauty is quite a character! She’s quirky and endearingly sweet, kind-hearted and fiercely loyal, and I got a kick out of all of her “woo-woo” New Age rituals!
However, as awesome as they are individually, the MCs are even more adorable as a couple! These two have sparkling chemistry, an easy, charming rapport, and just fall back in sync with each other so perfectly! I really felt the deep affection and pent up love between them down to my core. And sighhhh… the sexy times are OH SO DELICIOUS! This author sure knows how to pen sizzling hot interludes that rile you up, and Dallas and Maren’s action between the sheets action was beyond titillating!
But love and mischief and wickedly wanton bedroom romps aside, there is much in the way of their HEA—long festering hurts, broken trust, devastating secrets and misguided chivalry…so prepare for a BUMPY ride!
All in all, I enjoyed ONLY HIM—it made me laugh and cry, sigh and swoon, and I truly got #allthefeels! That said, it was not my absolute favorite of this author’s books, because as much as I was irresistibly pulled into this story, it never quite reached that epic scale like many of MH’s other romances.
And here are my reasons why….
First, I REALLY LOVED the first half of the book as we watched these former flames reconnect and fall blissfully in love again, but at the 60% mark the romance kind of fizzled. The way the drama played out after that drove me a bit bonkers, and their separation seemed pointlessly drawn out. In all honesty, considering the emotionally wrenching dilemmas that were thrust upon this duo, I was expecting more of an all-consuming “us against the world” kind of read where they stick through each other through thick and thin. But when the rug was yanked out from under them, Dallas and Maren retreated to their own corners to deal with their issues and are too caught up in their personal hang-ups and hurt feelings to fight for each other the way I’d hoped.
And as much as I ADORED Dallas and truly empathized with what he was facing, I got really fed up with his pessimistic, self-pitying attitude in the second part of the book. I also did not like how he lied to Maren about what was really going on with him, and then to make matters worse, how he selfishly shut her out once she discovered his big secret. Ultimately, his obstinate male pride and desire to play the martyr to protect himself—and the woman he loved–had a negative ripple effect, not only causing him to trample needlessly on Maren’s fragile heart but also preventing him from accepting the love and comfort and support of the one person who cared for him most in the world.
And while I felt really bad for his difficult upbringing and how his “judgy” family always made him feel inadequate, I thought the way he lashed out at them and callously blew off their concerns for his well being seemed a bit petulant for a 30 year old man!!
Those grievances aside, I truly was 100% INVESTED in the outcome of story and once Marin and Dallas finally came back together, and Dallas dealt with his problems head on and let his loved ones in, I was OVER THE MOON thrilled! And, as always, the HEA made my eyes flood with happy tears!
BOTTOM LINE:
ONLY HIM is a sexy, poignant and ultimately uplifting tale of second chances, new beginnings and true love triumphing against all odds!
I think Melanie is now one of my favorites authors. I love the way she writes her characters and how she develops them. I’ll definitely check out her previous releases.
One of my weakness is a second chance romance novel and this was excellently written. You could feel their chemistry since the start and you were rooting for them until the end.
One plus was to see a bit more of Nate and Emme. I’ll love them forever.
A great and enjoyable reading.
OMG! This book tugged on my heart strings and I fell in love with Maren and Dallas. Only Him is a second chance romance that is sure to melt your hearts. Melanie Harlow never fails to amaze me with her beautiful writing and expert storytelling.
I really loved Maren and her outlook on life despite how much she was struggling with a recurring nightmare that was making her life hell. But she was always positive and relied on her Buddhist way of life. It was also great t see her lean on her sisters for support and for family time an girl talk. That’s of the things I really love about these books. The close bond these three sisters have. So when Maren’s first and only love from high school shows up on her doorstep to apologize for leaving her years ago without a goodbye, she is floored.
Dallas Shepard is an amazing character. I fell in love with his character right away. He is struggling with so many insecurities and pain that it broke my heart. He feels like he’s never been and never will be good enough for anything. The main one being the love of Maren and the approval and acceptance from his parents and his brother. When he intends to stop to see Maren in order to apologize to get closure, things don’t exactly go as planned. It’s clear right away that Dallas and Maren are meant for each other. The spark they share reignites upon eye contact. The raw feelings these two share is so beautiful. Maren is the shining light Dallas needs if only he’ll reach and out take her.But Dallas is hiding something from Maren.
Only Him is a lot more emotions than I was expecting, but I loved every minute of it. Dallas and Maren’s chemistry is like muscle memory for them. They fit together so well its as if they never spent any time apart. But Dallas is tortured and he must works things out in his head to find his way to the only person who has ever loved and accepted him for him. This was such a beautiful book that I really loved.
4 Stars for – Only Him – book two in the One and Only series by Melanie Harlow. This can be read as a complete stand-alone but the H/h from book one does make a few appearances in this one.
Maren Devine is the youngest of her three siblings. Owning a yoga studio and practicing meditation she firmly believes that your aura says a lot about your wellbeing. Having a recurring nightmare keeping her from a good night’s sleep doesn’t sit well with her so she is trying to reevaluate what could be bothering her. The most logical conclusion is forcing her to face something she never thought she’d deal with again.
Dallas Shepherd was forced to move away from those he loves during high school and chose to stay away which was on the other side of the country due to other circumstances. Now more than a decade has passed and Dallas decides to pay a visit to the “one who got away” in his home town of Detroit as he makes his way towards Boston where his brother lives. Seeing his first love after so many years stirs up all those old feelings again and he never expected to even see her again let alone so much more.
This was a beautiful story of what happens when you get that second chance at love. Healing, forgiveness and hope play a big part in Dallas and Maren’s story with just enough angst / heartache to kept you guessing plus lots of sexy too this is definitely one I recommend!
Sweet, sexy and heart wrenching second chance romance by Melanie Harlow!
Only Him is the most emotional book I’ve read by Melanie. I laughed, I cried and I swooned so hard over these characters. When the past meets the present Maren and Dallas pick up right where they left off 12 years prior. For Maren, Dallas is the one that broke her heart and never gave an explanation.
Dallas feels unworthy of her love and thinks she deserves better then what he can give her. But his time is running out and he wants to make things right before it’s too late.
Melanie writing is so beautiful in this book. And she tells an amazing story! I really enjoyed this book!
Another hit from Melanie Harlow.
Maren Devine has a past. A past that includes Dallas Sheppard.
Dallas Sheppard walked out of Maren Devine’s life twelve years ago and never looked back.
But guilt and a lack of closure can be tough on one’s heart. And when Dallas shows up in Maren’s life again, sparks fly.
This is a second chance romance you don’t want to miss.
Maren will have you searching your soul for something more.
Dallas will have you ready to fall in love all over again.
It was wonderful