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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Melanie has not let us down the story of Stella and Ryan will leave you speechless with a book hangover and a new book heroine Grams. The chemistry between this couple is off the charts, while the book addresses very difficult but relatable social issues the romance is scorching hot. While reading this book I laughed, cried, loved, hated, hoped and cried happy tears. Definitely a five star read I’ll never forget and will reread. A perfect story to complete the sister’s stories Only You, Only Him.
Only Love by Melanie Harlow is book three in her One and Only series. Every book is about another couple and can easily be read as standalones.
The previous bopoks are Only You and Only Him.
Only Love tells Ryan and Stella’s story. Stella is the last of the three sisters who has to find her HEA and not for lack of trying. She’s a 33 year old therapist, a grown woman, who get in the sights of her meddling grandmother. She thinks her neighbor’s just the perfect match for her Stella.
Ryan Woods is a ex-Marine, now groundskeeper and handyman, and neighbor of a meddling senior. He has issues and skeletons in his closet. He likes his solitude, but in secret he longs for someone for his own.
Anyway, he meets Stella and both have crazy chemistry. But PTSD is no joke and sometimes love isn’t enough.
Only Love is a romance novel with twists and turns, extremely well written with great characters. A slow burn. I was captivated from the start and read the book in one sitting, I had to know what happens to the characters. All in all a great read and I give 4,5 stars.
What happens when a closed off ex-marine with a haunted past and a therapist looking for love meet by accident? Will they fall for each other or not see they soulmate staring back at them?
When an elderly but meddlesome grandmother is added to the mix, there’s sure to be some shenanigans going on and not all under the covers either.
Stella is tricked into visiting her Grams for a few days and meets the grumpiest, surliest man she’s ever come across. But something in his eyes draws her to him.
Ryan came to this small town to escape the gossip mill in his own hometown, he wasn’t looking for a hookup, nevermind a forever girl, but from the second he laid eyes of Stella, he knew that’s what she was. He doesn’t do love or commitment or relationship.
Stella has never had a one night stand or a fling but she’s willing to try something new if it means spending time with this surly, but sexy veteran.
And if Grams gets her way, this fling is going to end with a Happy Ever After.
This story was as wonderful as the characters turned out to be, especially Ryan, he really grew into the man Stella needed, without changing who he was. I really loved this book and can’t recommend it highly enough.
4.5 stars for – Only Love – book three in the One and Only series by Melanie Harlow. This book can be read as a stand-alone but the series is about a sassy yet loving trio of sisters who meet their happily ever after when the least expect it.
Stella is the last one of her sister’s still single and assumes her long term boyfriend will be proposing any time now. The last thing she ever thought would happen was getting dumped at her birthday dinner. Now totally single she is getting fixed up by her Grams with the “cute boy next door” who moved in. Stella refuses to sink to that much of a low but has no choice when her grandmother says she needs her help. Lord save her from her family.
Ryan is new to life as a civilian and can’t quite find his way now that he is no longer a marine. He has trouble relating to the life he now leads nor does he really want to go back to the one he had before. Stella is a breath of fresh air and the chemistry between them burns white hot. Giving in to the need to be with her seems like the only thing to do and hopefully neither one of them end up getting burned in the end.
I love Melanie’s writing and rejoice every time she announces a new book. This entire series has been one of my favorites and can’t wait for everyone to fall in love with it too.
With each book this series gets better! I love how with each book you see the other characters make an appearance. I have to say I love grams, she’s a trip and loves her granddaughters fiercely.
Stella in a therapist and the oldest of three sisters. She likes to play it safe and doesn’t take a chance in the romance department for herself. When it comes to relationships she plays it safe. She never thought her boyfriend was going to break up with her.
Stella ends up at her grams house to help her out and make sure she’s ok. She wasn’t expecting the boy next door at all. He is a former marine having a hard time adjusting to civilian life. Ryan keeps to himself and helps grams out with things around the yard and house. Grams is on a mission to play matchmaker and knows they would be good together. The chemistry between Ryan and Stella is undeniable.
I really enjoyed this book and all the characters. Melanie Harlow has a way with words and always delivers! I highly recommend this series.
Oh, did I love this book! This is the third and final book of the One and Only series, but can be read as a standalone. We are finally getting Stella’s story and it did not disappoint. Stella has been the level headed one out of the three sisters in all the books, so when she gets help from her sneaky 92, almost 93, year old grandmother in regards to her love life, you know it’s going to be good!
Stella and Ryan had such a good story that I didn’t want it to end. There is some serious chemistry between them from the start. Seeing Ryan navigate a relationship was so good after returning to civilian life since leaving the Marines. Watching Stella “not” therapist her own relation is just as good.
Stella and Ryan’s story might be the favorite of mine in this entire series, I think it might have to do with Grams help, but she helped make their story unique and perfect for them.
I am so glad we finally got a story on Stella. I loved her since I was introduced to her in Only You as the logical, career focused therapist sister. I knew there had to be more to her. And now we have the story! She is in a relationship that isn’t much of one. As soon as I heard about the boring bee keeper I hoped for more for Stella. And Melanie Harlow did not disappoint! A hot marine…heck yes! Ryan is a tortured soul. I just wanted to wrap him in my arms myself. But I am glad he had Stella to do that. And he also showed Stella there wasn’t anything wrong with her. She was lovable. Of course at first both of them are stand offish. They both have their own insecurities. That’s where the hilarious meddling grandmother of Stella comes in. Ryan is her neighbor and she knows he is the man for Stella. I loved her. She had me laughing out loud many times. And she wasn’t wrong! But it’s up to Ryan and Stella not to let their chances at happiness go by and accept it.
I highly suggest this book to all romance fans. You will fall hard and fast for these characters and their story. I know I did. I finished the book in a day. I couldn’t put it down!
Stella and Ryan are such great characters. Both are so vulnerable and deciding what they want from life yet their chemistry was sizzling.
Stella was in a relationship didn’t care much about. She didn’t know what she wanted so she stayed.Ryan is re-adjusting to civilian life after discharged from the armed forces. These two haven’t had the best track record but develop a solid friendship. It’s smart, sexy and sweet!
I loved this final installment for the series
Talk about a series bouncing back just in time for it to close out! I loved the start to Melanie Harlow’s One and Only series, but as much as I loved the male main character in book two, it did falter. And now we’ve got the series ender, and what’s not to love about Only Love?! This had Harlow’s patented brand of lighthearted humor with just a pinch of angst, but I have to admit that what I felt made it stand out as much as it did to me was one particular elderly supporting character who had a penchant for stealing scenes and, in the process, she stole my ol’ heart too.
As frustrating as Ryan could get at times, I honestly loved seeing how he developed as a main character. He had issues, but he had a good heart, one that he thought he kept hidden but it was clear to everyone whose lives he touched in his simple but well-meaning ways. There were moments that his chemistry with Stella seemed a bit forced, but by the time these two got to their happily-ever-after, I was a believer. And let’s not forget Grams, who truly was the driving force in this story. Never underestimate the wisdom of our elders! Only Love garners 4.5 stars.
This was such a cute and sweet 4.5 stars read! The tortured marine, Ryan Woods is a complicated man that has demons that continue to haunt him. Torn of wanted to be one his own until Grams granddaughter, Stella Devine comes into the picture. Never would he have guess that this beautiful woman broken in her own way would capture his attention.
Stella’s birthday was one where she was anticipating something big but not in the way she had pictured it. It left her humiliated and questioning her love life and the guys she seems to always pick.
Ryan and Stella story is filled with a chemistry that was tempting from both sides. The want and itch for more; however, the hesitation holds them back thanks to their past. To risk getting their heart broken; the ability to be someone they can be where some of the constant concerns on their story.
Cue in Grams to find many ways for them to encounter and get to know each other better. She was the perfect bonus to the story with her many antics and sayings on how to land a significant other. You cannot help but constantly LOL!
Melanie Harlow does it again with words! This one will have you feeling and giddy throughout the read and curious for more at each turn. This is my favorite book in the series.
I can’t say enough wonderful things about this book! I felt like I was riding the roller coaster that was Stella and Ryan’s relationship. There were times I wanted to knock some sense into both of them, but what would a Melanie Harlow book be without a little drama. Oh, and I can’t forget Grams! She is a feisty lady who will have you laughing out loud.
I absolutely love Melanie Harlow’s books. So amazing loved every second. Love the story and writing. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
“He could break my heart if I let him. And I was fairly certain I’d let him.”
What a breathtaking romance! Only Love is a beautiful brand-new standalone romance in Melanie Harlow’s One and Only series and I can’t stop thinking about it! It has a tortured hero, a shy but compassionate heroine, and a nosey Grams who will stop at nothing to get these two together. With all three POV’s, this love story is full of heart, hilarity, hope, and love. It’s a gorgeous read that will have your stomach full of butterflies and your heart full of happiness. There’s nothing quite like a Melanie Harlow Romance to make you fell all gooey inside.
Stella, Ryan, and yes, even Grams will absolutely steal your heart! This former Marine may be able to flip a switch and turn off his ability to feel, but when it comes to the woman next door, nothing can diminish or numb the spark that she brings out in him. Between their scorching hot connection and their undeniable chemistry, Grams can meddle all she wants, but it was fate that ultimately brought these two together. This was truly a fairytale-worthy romance from one of my all time favorite authors in the genre!
This book blew every single one of my expectations out of the water!!
I have been impatiently waiting for Stella’s story because every time she made an appearance in her sisters books, I was just so intrigued by her and “Buzz”!!
Stella was expecting a proposal on her Birthday, but of course life had other plans for her! When things go totally upside down, and she finds herself single, her meddling grandma decides to get involved and fix things herself. And boy am I glad she did! Her parts had me cracking up.
Ryan is a tortured soul. He has his demons that he really isn’t sure he’ll ever be ready to face. But Stella is just the person for him to battle them head on.
Stella is patient and accepting of all of the things that Ryan has been through and is the exact balm he needs in his life. I couldn’t put this book down.
I truly adore Melanie Harlow and the fact that she is a fellow Michigan girl is just icing on the cake.
Cannot wait to see what she has up her sleeve next for us!
Stella and Ryan were adorable! When Stella goes to visit her grandma she meets her stand offish neighbor Ryan and quickly falls for him. Ryan tried to keep Stella at arms length at first but quickly realized he couldn’t. I love how Melanie Harlow writes romances. This book was sweet and sexy and there was a bit of humor thrown in from crazy grams! Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
This was an okay read for me. It took me a while to finish this one, I just couldn’t get into it. Ryan and Stella were okay together, but their relationship got a little tedious after a while. They’d get close, Ryan would be a jerk and push her away, and then apologize and Stella would take him back. While I understand that Ryan had issues, he refused to acknowledge those issues. I liked the secondary characters. Gram was unapologetic for her behavior, even if she was a little too pushy sometimes. I liked Stella’s sisters, they were a good support group for her to have. The ending was super sweet, and I enjoyed it.
I voluntarliy reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
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~~ 4 “MAGIC PIE” STARS! ~~
Melanie Harlow is one of my GO TO AUTHORS for swoony romance with oodles of heart-tugging feels and lava hot sexy times, and she surely lived up to her legendary rep with ONLY LOVE! This is the third and final book in the One and Only series, featuring three love-challenged sisters, and while I highly recommend you read the first two installments, this totally works as a standalone!
This is a SPOILER-FREE review, but in a nutshell this passionate, heartwarming and POWERFULLY EMOTIONAL romance between a moody broody former marine suffering from PTSD and the sweet and sensible therapist who illuminates the dark corners of his world is FANFREAKINGTASTIC! Oh, and the icing on the cake? We have one adorably meddling Grams who gives this beleaguered duo a real run for their money! If that ain’t the recipe for a wildly addictive page-turner, then I don’t know what is!
There is nothing that sets my heart aflutter more than a strong, stoic hero with an achingly bereft soul who is in dire need of a woman’s healing touch. And omfg did Ryan Woods do it for me! He is not only big, well-built and ruggedly gorgeous with gentlemanly manners and a chivalrous streak, but he is a reclusive former soldier who’s so numb inside I wanted to give him my own dose of TLC. But alas, our heroine, Stella Devine, has that ground covered pretty well I must say. She gives this gruff, gentle-hearted lone wolf, who is struggling with “moral injuries” from his military service, a reason to FEEL again. And as Ryan’s self-erected walls slowly but surely come tumbling down, this beautiful, caring and effervescent woman gives him boundless reasons to fight his way back OUT OF THE DARKNESS AND INTO THE LIGHT!
Melanie Harlow should truly be COMMENDED for her sensitive and compelling depiction of this combat war veteran who struggles to reacclimate to civilian life after his deployment. Sob! Ryan keeps his hurt and despair, guilt and self-loathing locked up so tight inside your soul BLEEDS for him. But amid all the pain and grief and uber intense mood swings, there is a radiant beacon of hope and the sweet promise of love. And when he finally finds a way to move past his heartache, and come to a place of peace and acceptance, it made my own heart SOAR!!!
Now onto Stella….
There is just something about Ms. Harlow’s heroines that always make me smile. They are so sweet and quirky, and refreshingly down to earth, with flaws and neurosis and aching vulnerabilities that make them incredibly relatable. They truly are the PERFECT bffs! As is the case with Stella, “the shy, analytical bookworm” who has always played it safe all her life, which has NOT worked out for her. At all. I mean there’s nothing much more humiliating than getting dumped on your birthday, right? Yikes. But yay, it’s Grams to the rescue! And ultimately with some not so gentle prodding from the spry old matchmaker, she finally crawls out of her comfort zone and takes the greatest chance of all. On love! But can her heart endure more crushing disappointment after all she’s been through?
Not only does this author’s vibrant, breezy writing flow seamlessly, her dialogue sparkles and pops, the feels are OFF THE CHARTS, and the chemistry between the MCs? To. Die. For. I love how Ryan and Stella initially try to fight their irresistible attraction but of course it cannot be contained! And once these two hit the sheets and get swept up in the throes of their torrid passion, YOU WILL FEEL THE BURN!
As with all of this author’s romances there are a ton of ups and downs, plenty of palpable push-pull and oodles of smoldering sexy times to keep us breathlessly flipping the pages. And yup, the characters (especially our moody AF hero) are often too stubborn for their own good. But it’s all part of the amazingly beautiful and deeply complex journey these two soulmates embark on, and as Stella and Ryan struggle to overcome their emotional hurdles, I guarantee that your heart will be SO invested from start to finish.
And the best news is that even when these two are out of sorts, we have Stella’s sly, 92-year-old Grams to push them in the right direction. I flipping loved this character so, so much! The author’s decision to add a third POV from this sweetly devious ole dame’s perspective was PURE GENIUS!!It infused the story with a plethora of warmth and wit and feel-good humor that just made me all giddy! Ruth is truly instrumental in bringing our reluctant lovebirds together and her hilarious romance advice and scrumptious magic pies were a TRUE HIGHLIGHT!! And as it turns out,, the old proverb that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” sure proved true in this story!
I don’t want to say much more about this book because this is a story you MUST savor firsthand. But ONLY LOVE truly ticked off all my boxes in regard to what I love about contemporary romance. I laughed and cried. Sighed and Swooned. Got my heart smashed to bits. And course, at long last, basked in pure and utter bliss!
BOTTOM LINE:
ONLY LOVE is another precious gem from Melanie Harlow! It touched my heart, tickled my funny bone, and reinforced my belief that the healing power of love– combined with some good old-fashioned comfort food–should never, EVER be underestimated!
Highly recommend!
5 stars
I adored everything about Only Love, what a special book this was! There are two other books in the One and Only series but I was able to enjoy Only Love (immensely) without having read either of them (yet!)
I love when an author does their homework and does justice to the battle our returning servicemen and women go through. Melanie Harlow took inspiration from an incredible (and highly recommendable) book about the moral injury our defenders of freedom often go through when writing about Ryan’s character. She gives truly extraordinary insight into some of the struggles of our soldiers, without painting them all with the same PTSD brush. Aside from immensely enjoyable characters and a great second chance love story, I truly believe this book could start conversations and change lives.
AnnMarie – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Only Love is another sweet, sassy, easy but emotional read from Melanie Harlow.
Stella, a therapist, and Ryan, a Marine veteran, are wonderfully flawed characters that I enjoyed watching develop and grow, laugh and love. I LOVED Grams, loved her little chapters in her pov. She was such a hoot and a wonderful addition to the story. This is a wonderful addition to the Only Series and would love to see more!
Only Love is the third book in the One and Only series. Each book can be read as a stand alone.
The story of Ryan and Stella has all the feels. With just the right amount of angst and sexiness, you will find a tender and heartwarming story. Ryan and Stella, struggling in their own lives, are thrown together by a grams with magic on her mind. This is a book you will not want to miss!