I was expecting a proposal on my birthday, and I got dumped instead.How could I have been so clueless?Grams knew exactly how to distract me.The gorgeous former Marine next door who’s been helping her with yard work clearly needs a little therapy. Who better to call than her newly single therapist granddaughter?She even fakes dementia to get me to visit, and now that I’m here she’s doing … that I’m here she’s doing everything in her power to throw us together.
Not that I’m complaining. Ryan is the sexiest man I’ve ever met–I mean the full package, from the chiseled jaw to the massive shoulders to the rippling abs. (And yes, his package is full, and he knows exactly how to deliver it.) He makes me want to get out of my head and follow my heart. He makes me want to take chances I never thought I’d take.
He also makes me want to take my clothes off. A lot.
But he’s moody and challenging–one minute he’s an open book, and the next he’s completely closed off. He holds me like he’ll never let go, but insists he wants to be alone.
Some wounds are so deep, only love can heal them.
How can I convince him to let me try?
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What a great story this was. I was sold on it with the blurb. The story itself was a 5 star perfection.
Stella is having the worst luck with men. When a meddling grandmother makes it her mission to bring 2 lost souls together they stand no chance. Ryan is living the life of a loner and wants nothing to do with a women like Stella. Of course he stands no chance.
I loved everything about this story that consumed my entire being. A storyline that was addicting and captivating. Amazing characters that were perfectly created. Grams was an amazing asset.
It can be read as a standalone. Told in a multiple POV with an HEA. This is the third book in the One and Only series. Rest assured they can all be read as standalone. I highly recommend this story.
Melanie Harlow seems to have some sort of magic when it comes to her writing. Seamlessly blending laugh out loud hilarity with deeply moving emotions that will have you shedding tears, all while stealing your heart with wonderfully steamy romance! Only Love captured me right away and kept me hooked until the end. I adored how Ryan and Stella’s story captured both the lighthearted and heavier aspects of not only falling in love, but also of life in general.
Having both sides of the coin brought their story to life in a way that is truly captivating. Both Ryan and Stella were perfectly imperfect. Each having their own personal demons even if they were drastically different. Ryan living shut off from emotion and Stella while not shut off, definitely being afraid of any real chemistry. But nothing could hold back the immediate sparks between these two, especially not with a meddling grams and her delicious food getting involved.
I am on a major book hangover!!! Only Love is my 110% favorite book written by Melanie Harlow! Stella and Ryan were off the charts hot! I was astounded with the story and the twists we come across. I loved everything from the book cover to the characters.
Only Love will grip your heart and have you on an emotional high. I was left with happiness and all the feels. I can never get enough of Melanie’s books. The plot was on point! I can never get enough. I will say this….Every book that Melanie writes is a favorite! Only Love will have you swooning to the moon and back!
4.5 Stars. This is my favorite book of the series. Ryan and Stella were great and Grams definitely tried to steal the show!! I loved how they both had certain things to work through within themselves, and yet they were able to really be there for each other (most of the time). I really liked the setting where Grams and Ryan lived and the introduction to some of the characters from the vineyard and I’m now very excited for that future series as well. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.
This was an okay read for me. It took me a few days to actual finish it because I couldn’t get into it.
Stella was the typethat played everything safe and wasn’t the risk taker. She’s shy and in her head a lot when it comes to intimate situations. But that’s because guys in her past where ridiculously insensitive. Ryan is closed off to the world and doesn’t want any close connections with anyone.
I did however enjoy the ending it was very sweet.
Melanie Harlow introduces us to a pretty fantastic Hot Hero, even if he is one who needs to sort out of his mess before he can prove himself worthy of our heroine.
Ryan is a former Marine now living in a small coastal Michigan town, and he keeps himself walled off to any relationship other than those friendships previously established. For instance, his sprightly neighbor, Grams, has him provide the occasional minor household maintenance, but he keeps it at that. He reveals nothing.
When Stella comes to town to visit her Grams (for reasons that are delightfully humorous), Ryan feels an attraction. But he refuses to let it go further than that. Fortunately, Grams knows the way(s) to a man’s heart and puts her scheming to good effect. She knows what you know: Ryan and Stella belong together.
This is a romantic comedy of the sort you’ve come to expect from Melanie Harlow. You have your tortured Hot Hero (although Ryan does not suffer from PTSD, he definitely suffers from “I’ve seen things you can’t begin to fathom”) and your plucky Heroine, and you have pushes and pulls toward and away from romance. You also have some pretty fantastic sexy times. Ryan may have been in the desert for several tours, but that doesn’t mean he’s lost a step when it comes to rocking the headboard.
I liked this book. It’s occasionally fun, occasionally heartwarming, occasionally scorching hot, and occasionally emotional. Ryan is a solid hero, and Stella is someone you would want as a friend. And then there are those sexy times, which are pretty fabulous.
A heartwarming look at how love conquers all.
Stella and Ryan have stolen my heart. I adore these two together. While they may have had a little, ok a huge push from Grams, their chemistry could not be denied. Melanie Harlow has created characters that you love, in a world filled with uncertainty, you find warmth, heart, and humor. The former marine and the therapist may have had pasts, but together, their future is strong.
I laughed at Gram’s antics, loved catching up with previous couples, but mostly I loved seeing Ryan grow and Stella’s compassion. Don’t miss this compelling couple!
“You changed my life … But you did it by letting me be who I already was.”
Only Love has the perfect recipe for a great contemporary romance: passion, humor, gripping emotions, and great characters. Stella and Ryan are real, kind, compassionate, patient and forgiving. And the humor added from Grams is the best! I can’t wait for more of her in MH’s new upcoming series.
“Never underestimate a granny on a mission. Especially the matchmaking kind.”
•Being vulnerable is the bravest thing you can be with someone.• This is what encompasses Only Love. Two people having gone through situations in their lives that have left them unsure of themselves, of what could be. One not wanting their perceived shortcomings to dictate their life, while the other not being entirely there yet.
The journey to let go is what makes Only Love so palpable and relatable. Stella, while strong in her own right, has been dealt a raw deal in love that has left her a bit thin-skinned. Her ability to push forward and maintain kindness made me admire her so much. Her will to not always be cynical no matter how unlucky in love she was left me hopeful. She knew when to push and when to leave be.
That didn’t always sit well with Ryan, however. That is, the pushing part. Being a former Marine who was also scarred by love’s rash ways, he was in a difficult headspace all together. His unmatched heart of gold along with his virility, made him a magnet for Stella. Unfortunately, he knew how his life would play out; and being diverted from that plan was not in the cards for him. Keeping to himself was part of his strategy, but leave it to Stella and her grandmother’s wylie ways…….
I was so excited to read Stella’s story and Melanie Harlow did not disappoint. Her stories always manage to whisk me away and touch every fiber of my being. Her characters are so full of depth and enticingly complex. Stella and Ryan are not any different. Harlow manages to engross me in this story and did not let up one bit. This story includes real-life, significant story lines and situations that many cower to. Including them made the story that much more tangible.
Melanie Harlow is a complete genius! Having Gram’s point of view added to this story lends for interesting anecdotes and undeniable humor. It was a definitely a unique spin on a book, for me. I welcomed it and even ended up loving it.
Only Love is an AMAZING read!
4.5 Stars!
Stella Devine is a therapist living in Detroit. She’s the oldest of three sisters, and is the shy, analytical one. Her sisters have both found love, but Stella has always preferred to play it safe when it comes to dating. She doesn’t do meaningless flings, and most of her relationships have been lacking a spark. When her latest boyfriend breaks up with her out of the blue, she is completely blindsided.
Her Grams calls and wants her to come stay with her and run a few errands, and Stella decides she could definitely use a distraction. She heads to her Grams for a few days to visit. While there she’s introduced to the boy next door who has been helping Grams with her yard work. This boy is not what she was expecting. He’s all man, and a gorgeous, former Marine. It’s soon very clear Grams is trying to play matchmaker, and set her up with her sexy neighbor.
Ryan Woods is struggling to adjust to civilian life after being in the military. He’s moved to a small town for a fresh start. He doesn’t care about having friends or a social life. He wanted to be somewhere where he’s not expected to be anything he isn’t. He didn’t want to interact much with people, and wanted to go somewhere he didn’t know anyone where he could be left alone. The last few years of his life had been difficult, and left him with some rough edges. He was just trying to do regular life, and found peace in solitude. Then he meets his neighbors granddaughter Stella. She’s beautiful, kind, and there’s just something about her. A light he wanted to be near. He tries to keep his distance, but fails miserably. The chemistry between them is too strong, and eventually they stop fighting it. They share a connection beyond the physical, with no expectations, but when real feelings develop will they step out of their comfort zone and try for more?
This is a fantastic story about two lonely people who needed one another desperately, and the healing power of love. One standoffish, silent type who is closed off from feeling emotion, and one who is ready to open up and come out of her shell. Together it’s almost effortless, and they are vulnerable as they experience something new and beautiful. This book is also seriously sensual and hot! Lol, Stella gets her groove back! ;)) Stella is in a funk before meeting Ryan. Her love life goes from boring to on fire intense pleasure and uncontrollable desire. This delicious man ignites her heart, body and soul, and makes her feel alive. I adored Grams so much! She was absolutely hilarious! I can’t wait for Mack’s book up next!
4.5 I just love Melanie’s words. This book was just so sincere and real. All of her books have real subjects that most don’t like to talk about.
Grams was just perfect. Her wit and what she would say were great.
I loved Stella and Ryan together. They complimented each other so well. I love broken characters, because it shows their vulnerability, and they prove that they are strong. I can’t wait to read more about Cloverleigh Farms!
Such a beautiful story! I loved this sweet and easy read and I really loved the connection between Ryan and Stella
We met Stella in Only You, she is the oldest of the Devine sisters. I was curious about her because she seemed to be cold and boring if you compared her with her sisters and kind of weird because of her relationship with Buzz but with this book I discovered Stella has so many layers and definitely is an interesting character to read about.
Ryan is an ex-marine. He is having a hard time trying to be a civilian again and the war definitely messed up with his head. For all the things he did during his time serving he feels unworthy and thinks that to his turn off his feelings is the best decision, he doesn’t want to feel or be attached to anything or anyone. Until he meets Stella.
It’s such a beautiful thing to see how this characters evolve, how they fall in love and how they heal each other.
Let’s not forget about Grams. BEST. CHARACTER. EVER. I mean she is the best. Sweet, hilarious & a matchmaker in the process.
Every time I read one of Melanie’s books, it makes me want to try to find that kind of love and fairytale for myself. So thanks Melanie for making me believe in true love
Note to readers: you can’t live without reading this book so go buy it as soon as you can!
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
Stella has never really been overly confident when it comes to men and love, it’s always been something that she has been a little naive about too, and she has always thought that sparks weren’t important. Which is probably how she managed to spend the last year of her life dedicated to a man that didn’t hold all she offered him dear. He had her wholeheartedly believing that a ring was coming in the very near future, not a broken heart for her birthday. Her sisters tried to warn her that he was a dud, but in situations like these it’s almost easier to believe that they are wrong, and learn the hard truth for yourself… and she does, and it stings more than she’d care to admit.
When her grandma catches wind that the “dud” is out of the picture, she decides to enact a little plan to teach her single granddaughter what love is all about, sparks and all. Grandma has the perfect candidate for Stella, but getting her to go along with the plan is a “no-go”, so she decides trickery is the best way to get her on the right path. The path that leads her to the doorstep of her grandma’s hunky new neighbor, Ryan. But grandma will have to do some work on that front too, because if she has learned anything about her new neighbor, it is that he isn’t to receptive to company, especially of the female sort. But that is something the meddling old granny thinks she can handle too…she is certain they are a match made in heaven and she is determined to get them together. These two won’t know what hit’em when grandma works her magic on them!
From the very first page Only Love will pull you in and have you mesmerized with it’s heartfelt words, and perfectly drawn characters, it’s a winner on all fronts! I loved making a return visit to this series, and meeting this couple, and of course the meddling matchmaking grandma! This wonderfully crafted story made me smile and laugh, swoon and blush, and it put a good squeeze on my heart too. Definitely one of my favorites from this author to date, can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Only Love by Melanie Harlow was so good! I loved it! I loved loved Ryan and Stella. Stella might be my favorite of the sisters. Ryan and Stella’s connection and chemistry was amazing. I loved their passion and steamy scenes. They were perfect together! Grams was hilarious, I loved her! Definitely recommend this series!
Only Love was a great heartfelt story. Ryan and Stella were wonderful characters. Their connection was strong and they brought out the best in each other. I loved reading about them together. They had the best sweet and passionate moments. I enjoy seeing them progress through their relationship. Would they be able to hammer out the baggage and see that it was meant to be? Only time will tell. It was fast, intense, and heartwarming. Grams was the best! She brought out the fun in the story and I loved reading her POV. I enjoyed this story from start to finish-I devoured it in one sitting. A beautiful read filled with love, fun, and passion.
4.5 Cupid pie stars
Only Love is the third standalone romance in the One and Only series. It’s about a former Marine trying to start over, a shy therapist who just got dumped by an overly boring guy, and a nosey grandma who has the best scheming and matchmaking skills. It was sweet. It was heartwarming. It was downright swoon-worthy.
Out of the Devine sisters, Stella was the quiet, calculating one. She found it hard to get comfortable around men and she didn’t fully see her beauty nor her potential. She thought she only deserved to settle with a man like Walter (aka Buzz), when in reality, she deserves someone so much more. Someone who could make her happy and love every single inch of her—just like what her younger sisters found with their beaus.
“The bravest thing you can do is trust another person, and let them see the real you.”
Ryan Woods may have a huge heart and the best intentions, but he was quiet and kept to himself to the point that he was almost standoffish. Almost. But as Grams’ neighbor, he was getting lured more and more out of his shell. It’s just in his nature to lend a helping hand, however he can, and with Grams being alone and too old to do some of the work around her house, Ryan had to endure being around her. And he didn’t have any problem with that. Except, Grams’ granddaughter, who happened to be visiting, was the most beautiful woman he’s ever laid eyes on. And Ryan was instantly drawn to her like a moth to a flame.
“I don’t pretend to understand God. I’ve seen too much for that. But someone must have been looking out for me. Someone must have known I had a reason all along. And that reason was you.”
This ex-Marine might’ve tried everything in him to ignore his attraction and set aside his feelings towards the eldest Devine sister, but right off the bat, their connection was just undeniable. The chemistry that bloomed between them crackled through the air and you can just feel the intensity of it deep in your gut. Grams might’ve planned and set everything up, but it was these two’s hearts who truly called to one another.
I think Emme and Nate’s book, Only You, still remains as my favorite in the One and Only series, but Stella and Ryan’s tale certainly comes a close second. Especially with Grams in the mix, this book deserves one helluva boost. I must say, I’m crazy excited for the upcoming spin off series too! Mack’s story just needs to be told and I can’t wait to devour it.
Only Love by Melanie Harlow a five-star read that you will want to be brave for. This is the third novel in the One and Only series and each story tells us a different sister and this one may just be my favourite as Grams gets much more meddling in this one. I loved how we mainly hear the story told from the perspective of the two main characters Stella and Ryan and they both have such a story to tell. Ryan’s is dark and compelling and will break your heart, but it will also show you that sometimes from the darkest places the brightest lights can come. Stella was such a great character, she was one that always had me wanting to know more about her and Buzz and finding out about her and what made her buzz gave me more chuckles than I can admit to. Interspaced between their words we hear from Grams herself who reminds me of my Nanna a little bit in the best way possible. Overall this was such a funny and series and will make you sob your heart out, but it will also be a story that will put the biggest of smiles on your face.
Only Love is the third and final book in the of the One and Only Series from Melanie Harlow. She is fast becoming a favorite author of mine.
Stella is the eldest of the Devine sisters she is insecure but a very strong heroine one that we have already met in the previous books, one that loves her sisters dearly. She had a boyfriend and their relationship was rather odd, so I’m wasn’t surprised that the opening scene he proceeds to dump her on her birthday no less!!
Oh, I am going to love this story just based on first chapter!
Stella drops everything after receiving a call from her Grams saying she is having health issues and needs to go to the Dr. She does this even though she really thinks Grams is feeding her a line and nothing is really wrong. Little does she know Grams has a plan to play matchmaker and fix her up with the “boy” next door.
The “boy” next door is Ryan a former Marine who is trying to stumble thru life being a civilian. A tortured alpha male, but one that has such a good heart helping Grams all the time and wanting nothing in return.
As soon as Ryan and Stella meet the chemistry and connections is so obvious. They fight it of course they are both broken and don’t think they deserve the good that life has to offer.
Wow what a meddler Grams was but, in the end, she got the job done!
Love every single thing about this story, sweet and heartwarming along with Grams brand of humor! This book had a serious under tone tackling real-life issues, but it was light hearted with Grams and her trickery and all the sisters enriched the story! Loved Ryan’s friend Mack can’t wait for his story next year with the new series I love single Dad stories!
Few of my favorite quotes:
“Hi. I brought you some muscles. I mean some abs. I mean some chicken!”
“He seemed a bit dull, like he wouldn’t be too good in the feathers.”
“You know. On the mattress. Between the sheets.”
“And I don’t want to settle. Ryan might not have been the one, but that’s how I want to feel about someone. Head over heels. I want to get flustered and dizzy and feel like I can’t get close enough to him, no matter how hard I try. I want that undefinable thing that happens when you look at the person you desire. And I want good sex.”
The bravest thing you can do is trust another person and let them see the real you.
Clear your calendars ladies because you’re going to want to spend all day with Ryan Woods once you meet him! Strong & resilient, quiet & broody, über sexy & super sweet, but wounded…you can’t help but to instantly fall for Ryan. It was fate that he and Stella met; she helped break down his walls, helped him to process his grief, heal, and learn to feel again.
And oh boy did he feel! From the moment he saw her, Ryan was drawn to Stella Devine, unlike any other woman before her. The switch that was so easy for him to turn his feelings on and off with became a little faulty after he met her. With each interaction it worked less and less, until eventually, he couldn’t shut it off and he was consumed by her.
Their passion was unlike anything Stella had ever experienced before and it, of course, scared her. I love that she decided that the love & passion she had with Ryan were all so worth it and left her comfort zone behind…she just had to wait a bit for Ryan to catch up. Melanie Harlow delivers another beautiful story of acceptance and redemption filled with all the hallmarks her fans have come to love and a mischievous match-making Grams, to boot!
What a fantastically written book and I loved it so much!! Only Love is book three in the One and Only Series and can be read as a standalone. Ryan and Stella’s story is delightful and has the perfect combination of heartwarming, sweet and hilarious moments.
I admired Stella’s character as she was a beautiful, intelligent and independent woman with a kind heart and a wonderful spirit. She has a thriving career as a psychologist and an amazing relationship with her sisters, Emme and Maren. Although Stella’s a strong woman, she doesn’t view herself that way and she lacks confidence. And understandably so. For goodness sakes the poor woman thought she was getting engaged on her birthday and was dumped instead! Ryan was a former marine who was plagued by demons from the past. He was also the strong silent type who was stubborn and set in his ways. Part of his struggles included him feeling he wasn’t good enough to be loved or love someone. His attraction to Stella was immediate and vice versa. Stella saw the best in him and it was in her nature to want to help him. When Ryan opened up, he was so sweet and romantic. They were perfect together, so easy to love and they truly brought out the best in each other. Ryan and Stella’s connection was deep, their chemistry was off the charts, their sexy times were scorching and really burned up the pages.
One of my favorite characters in Only Love hands down was Stella’s grandmother aka Grams. She was absolutely everything!! Her matchmaking skills were on point and I could not get enough of her hysterical and laugh out loud antics.
I love that Ms. Harlow always writes the most romantic epilogues and this one was no exception. It was the perfect ending. Only Love is a definite must read!!