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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I absolutely loved this story! It was funny, sexy, heartbreaking and heartwarming. We met Stella in the first book, where she was defending her safe, and sexless relationship with Buzz (Walter). I knew Stella’s story would be awesome and it definitely did not disappoint! Stella was reeling after Walter broke up with her on her birthday. When her Grandmother convinces Stella that she is sick and needs her help, Stella races to be with her. Little did she know that her Gram’s had plans for her and the sexy, ex-marine living next door. Ryan is a tortured, wounded warrior who has closed himself off after his tragic tour in Afghanistan. Stella has played it safe her whole life, afraid to break the rules. They both are so much alike, and they are exactly what they both need, to help each other heal. Add in a 90 year old granny, who doesn’t have time waste, who is shamelessly meddling in their lives, they never stood a chance! There were so many hilarious moments that made me laugh out loud. The poignant moments were so heartfelt and authentic and added a depth that kept me turning the pages. I was so moved by the way Harlow addressed the heartbreaking struggles of veterans with empathy and honesty. She expertly weaves a story that makes you feel so many emotions and makes you beg for more. This story is the perfect blend of humor, heartbreak, charm, and steam. It had me laughing and crying and everything in between. This beautiful story is the perfect conclusion to the One and Only series and is a must read!
It’s been several days since I finished reading Only Love and I doubt that I’ll be able to adequately describe just how much I adored this beautiful story.
Have you ever felt invisible? As if no one see you or knows you? Really knows you and your real hopes and dreams? That somehow you’re inadequate when compared to those around you? That somehow you’re less? Less pretty? Less smart? Less nice? Less fun? Less desirable? Less real? That’s just how Stella felt until she met Ryan. And Ryan really sees her. Gets her. And suddenly, Stella is no longer feeling less she’s feeling everything she never thought she’d feel. And she’ll do just about anything to help Ryan feel again too!
But Ryan’s not quite ready to admit to feelings. He’s turned off his emotions because emotions and feelings hurt—a lot. He’s battle worn from his years in combat, and just wants to live a quiet, emotionless life. Until Stella. And then suddenly all those feelings Ryan’s kept behind lock and key aren’t quite as secured as he thought. He’s feeling all right, and how he deals with those feelings will either make or break the romance developing between himself and Stella.
There are so many layers to Ryan and Stella’s personalities. Stella’s felt like she’s lived in her sister’s shadows. And she’s made very safe choices since getting her heart broken in college. And Ryan’s just trying to get through his days. He’s found solitude working landscaping jobs and working to bury his survivor’s guilt. Ryan and Stella are so perfect for each other, though. Neither one has opened up completely to anyone else about their feelings deep inside. That they just need to trust that the other one has them—holds their heart and loves them just as they are.
From the very first words, I was completely enamored by Stella and Ryan and their romance. As they took baby steps to establish their relationship, I couldn’t help but root for them to put their insecurities behind and just try. Try to love. Try to make it all work. Try to trust. And try to keep a prying Grams and her interference at bay too.
Only Love is a fantastic ending to this One and Only series. It’s a story of love, hope, faith and forgiveness—even if just forgiving yourself. It’s a story about life—and truly living your life and all that goes along with it. Hands down, this is one of my favorite books by this author! ~ 5 “apple crumble pie magic” stars
Oh my heart I loved this story, so beautiful and packs a lot of feelings. Stella and Ryan are the perfect match both suffer in their own way and help each other like no one can down to their very soul and theirs no turning back when you have met the one and everything just falls into place and the road is not easy as they try to accept what is happening. I adored Grams she was awesome and so cool in all her scheming,along with the closeness of the sisters. This will truly touch your heart in the most beautiful way, as Stella and Ryan find their way.
Birthdays are supposed to be filled with smiles and laughter. Yet – someone forgot to tell that to Stella. What was supposed to be a night that Stella thought would lead to an engagement turned into a breakup that the eldest Devine sister didn’t see coming. After a year spent with the man that Stella thought would be proposing, the realization that love wasn’t ever in the equation left Stella hollow on the inside. The notion that love wasn’t in the cards quickly seeped into Stella’s mind.
Down on her luck, Stella is not really feeling like jumping back into the action. Then her grandmother calls and asks for a little visit. What Stella doesn’t realize is that her grandmother has an ulterior motive, one that involves introducing Stella to her neighbor. Ryan is an ex-Marine who is not exactly embracing his life outside of the confines of service to his country. A bitterness exists that intrigues Stella’s grandmother, and inspires her to do a little match making.
After a little intervention on Grandma’s part, Stella is shocked to realize just how attracted to Ryan she actually is. The only problem is Ryan is determined that he doesn’t deserve to be happy. A little intervention from Stella’s grandmother and tips on dating may give this couple the ‘push’ needed to overcome their fears. Will Stella decide Ryan is worth the trouble after he made it abundantly clear that a relationship just isn’t in the cards?
Where do I start? I wasn’t sure what this latest book in the One and Only series was going to give us. What I uncovered was a hilarious book about the eldest Devine sister and her quest for a ‘happily ever after’. Nothing could have prepared me for the humorous times that unfolded courtesy of Stella’s grandmother. This grandmother was a lady full of wisdom and knowledge about how the younger generation could use some old fashioned techniques for dating.
Stella and Ryan have both dealt with rocky romances in the past. It has defined the way they look at romance, and it certainly isn’t a road that you would expect. Both are reluctant to look towards a future, which causes the duo to miss out on moments that otherwise would show promise in a relationship. What transpires is a novel full of wit that will leave you giggling as you follow the journey of Stella on her quest for romance.
Ryan and Stella’s story is the perfect mix of swoon and angst with a little bit of Grams thrown in for good measure
I can always count on Melanie Harlow to give me a raw, beautiful story!
I’m so in love with this book. Let’s start with Ryan…my beautiful, sweet, slightly bruised Ryan. He tries really hard to make you not like him in the beginning. He’s the strong and silent type, often brooding, and prefers to keep to himself. And he’s the first to tell you he can be kind of a jerk sometimes. But with the bad comes the good – he’s passionate, funny, has the sweetest heart, and possesses the insane ability to set both your heart and body on fire.
Stella is sort of stuck in a rut. She’s set a very safe life for herself, but what she really wants is to color outside the lines. She’d never seek out change, but when the opportunity presents itself she just might be willing to take a chance. She’s funny and sweet, and has so much love to give.
Throw in a quirky and fun meddling grandmother and you’ve got a beautiful love story with both heartbreaking moments and light-hearted fun. This one packs ALL the feels and will have you binge-reading your heart out.
Be Brave
I always know going into any Melanie Harlow book that I am going to love the characters and feel all the feels. Only Love was a bit of a roller coaster of emotions, but the journey was so very worth it.
I absolutely adored Stella and Ryan as characters. Stella was open, caring, accepting and desperately deserving of love and some passion. Ryan was a complex character who tried to close himself off from others, but was so worth it if you took the time to peel back the layers. Stella and Ryan seemed to be two halves of a whole, and I couldn’t read this story and not want to root for them.
Grams!!! What can I say? She added a whole other piece to this story. She was both comical and a wee bit of trouble. I enjoyed every moment of Ryan and Stella’s story!!!
Oh man. I’ve loved this whole series and this installment was no different! I was so happy to see Stella find someone worth her love and Ryan was a swoon worthy hero, for sure. The addition of Grams brought light and happiness and was absolutely perfect!
This maybe one of my favorite of Melanie Harlow’s yet. It was heartfelt yet swoony and sexy too. I adored Stella and Ryan they felt so realistic and genuine. Stella was relatable in her feelings about being left behind and wanting the safe choice. Her initial hurt from the fallout of the broken relationship but it had silver lining she didn’t know yet. Ryan was closed himself off after his service and things he that happened, understandably and he needed a warm hug and lots of pie. I was so engrossed in this book it just flew by and I wanted more.
It’s the wounded ones that need all the TLC even if they push you away. Ryan did that lots of isolation and keeping things to himself. Stella was perfect for him in that she listens and in her quiet way appeals to him, her compassion and heart is part of her inner beauty He relaxes her and is patient with her which is sweet in his way. It’s hard for him to let go of his old hurts and Stella helped by listening.
Grams was awesome and such a cute addition to the story. She’s quite a matchmaker and so sneaky. She brought two lonely people together and they got their happy ending. I was delighted to see Ryan and Stella and their interactions were not always light but it felt genuine. I don’t think it was insta even if it developed faster they connected easily and got past the initial stuff.
I’m sad this is the last book for this series but there’s a spinoff to come so that’s great.
I loved Only Love. It was sweet, sexy and heartwarming. I don’t know how this author does it but she always manages within the first few pages to have me emotionally invested in the characters and story. I loved going on this journey with Stella and Ryan, as well as catching up with past couples and Grams who was utterly charming. I have loved every book in this series and look forward to what’s to come next. I’m so very excited for it. I highly recommend this book and series.
Copy provided by author
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.
A grandmother playing matchmaker?! Priceless!!! Ryan and Stella had issues from previous relationships. Insecurities, heartaches, loss, etc everything you can think of you’ll find it in this beautiful, emotional but yet hilarious love story.
Stella was a professional career woman that was missing something from her life. Ryan was an ex Marine battling his demons. Well more like his demons weren’t letting him live his life. Ryan was Stella’s grandmother neighbor and helped her out with her yard work and fixing anything she needed. She befriended the quiet neighbor and thought he’d perfect for her granddaughter. How she introduced them was hilarious. The things she came up with will have you laughing out loud thru out the entire story.
Ryan and Stella had their own issues. It wasn’t instalove but it was instant attraction. Then little by little . All this time they battled different issues that were close to my heart. It was tough reading how Ryan was battling these issues. Stella was a god send and she tried her best. I’m glad there was barely any drama and the things Grams made Ryan do priceless, .
I can’t wait for what’s next. These sisters are still very funny and I enjoyed seeing their updates.
4.5 Stars!
Only Love is the third book in the One and Only Series and it follows the story of Stella and Ryan. From the moment I jumped into Only Love, I was hooked. We first meet Stella who thinks her boyfriend is going to propose to her, but instead ends up getting dumped. Instead of letting that get her down, she goes to visit her Grams who knows just how to distract her. Yes, Grams maybe old, but she’s got plenty up her sleeves and can’t wait to get Stella to fall for the boy next door….However, capturing Ryan’s interest isn’t going to be easy. Sure he likes Stella, but his baggage and wounds run deep. Ryan isn’t really the trusting type, but when Grams & Stella come in to his life, he’s got no choice but to sit back and enjoy the ride….
Only Love captivated my attention from the very first page. I was completely hooked and could not wait for more. Stella & Ryan were such a terrific match. Stella understood Ryan in ways that no one ever had. She didn’t want to change him or try to make him better. She just wanted to give him love and a place to feel safe. And Stella….Stella had the biggest and I mean biggest heart. She just wanted a love and happiness like her sisters found. But, she was afraid to give someone her heart for fear that it would be totally demolished. Together, these two had a lot of demons to work through. Ryan more so than Stella. But, the pull these two had was just incredible. You just knew that they could be amazing together if they would just give in. If they could both be brave when it counts and if Ryan could open himself up to something more. I absolutely loved their push and pull even if Ryan made me crazy sometimes. I found myself totally swept up in Ryan and Stella’s story and wild horses could not stop me from putting it down.
Not only were Ryan & Stella amazing, but we must and I mean must mention Grams. After all, she totally stole the show. She made laugh so much and I just loved her scheming ways. I couldn’t wait to see what this little old lady had up her sleeves next. She was a riot in the best possible way and her heart was totally in the right place.
Only Love was a terrific story from beginning to end. I fell in love with Stella and Ryan instantly and could not wait to see just how their story was going to play out. Yes, their story had a lot of ups and downs, but I loved every single moment of their amazing ride. I laughed. I teared up. I swooned and got frustrated. It was everything a second chance romance should be. From learning to fall in love and feel, to opening not just heart, but your mind as well. To not letting fear run your life and being brave when it counts. This story gave me all the feels and then some.
Melanie Harlow has once again delivered a powerful and emotional story that I know I won’t be forgetting any time soon. Only Love was the perfect story to end this amazing series. I loved how all the stories came together at the end and getting to see all those familiar faces one last time. We also got introduced to a new character to whom I hope we’ll see more from in the future.
All in all, Only Love was a wonderful story to spend my day getting lost in.
Melanie Harlow has once again written a book that will go on my list of favorites. Only Love features complicated, relatable characters and a story that isn’t cut and dry. Both Stella and Ryan are broken in their own ways, but they each possess the ability to put the other back together. Their chemistry is amazing, and they really are an amazing fit. The storyline involves some post-combat PTSD, and the author wrote about it with passion. Even though the subject matter is heavy at times, we get tons of comedic relief from the amazing Grams.
Heartstrings will be tugged, swoons will be had, and laughter will ensue with a one-click of this book.
Only Love is the perfect example of why Melanie Harlow is one of very favorite authors. It’s full of everything I love about her stories- heart, humor, and heat. Plus so many feels! Ryan and Stella’s love story will have you believing in second chances and happily ever afters.
Stella is practical. She likes practical. Practical is safe.
Ryan likes being left alone. If he feels nothing, then he doesn’t have to deal with it.
When Stella’s Grams gets involved, these two experience so much more than they ever thought possible.
This book blew me away! I loved every single moment. I was completely drawn in by the characters’ journey. Beautifully written! You will laugh at Grams and her crazy antics. Your heart will break for Ryan and Stella. But you will fall so deeply in love with this couple that you won’t want to stop reading! Simply stunning! 5 easy stars!
Oh I am so glad for Stella to get her happy ever after! In previous books, my heart hurt for her and her passionless relationship. It sounded so unfun, and with the sisters she has, she deserves all the wow as well. Enter Grams to save the day. I kind of want her recipe book. I totally believe the way to a man’s heart is his stomach and want to wow my hubby with her food! Oh, the guy? Yeah, he’s pretty special. Apparently Ryan is so hot it makes all the sisters sit up and take notice. He has a tough shell to break through, good thing Stella is professional at people-ing. They both are just real with one another. And HOT, the love scenes in this one are freakin phenomenal. I cried near the end, and Grams offered lightness to the story. You can read this on it’s own if you haven’t read the others. Man, I love a good Melanie love story, there’s no feeling like it!
I was so excited to read Stella’s story! You got hints of her in the other two books in this series, and you just knew that “Buzz” wasn’t right for her. But she felt safe with him, she felt comfortable.
Enter meddling Grams and viola! You get Stella’s perfect story!
Stella believes she thrives with the mundane. She thinks she is happy until she she gets shown that she isn’t. A quick trip to help Grams and that’s where the magic happens.
Ryan, oh my me…. This character is so complicated, so tragically broken. As someone who has intimate knowledge of the ravages of deployment and soldiers returning home, I really empathized with Ryan. He has to fake it until he makes it and that seems to be working for him until he meets Stella.
Their chemistry is amazing. Their struggles are oh so real. I applauded Stella’s strength even though she had vulnerabilities of her own she was dealing with. I agonized over Ryan’s belief system and wanted to hug him even harder.
This is a beautiful story, with laughs, tears and a fantastic ending. I loved this whole series and this was just the cherry on top of a decadent slice of pie!
Well done Ms. Harlow, well done!
OMG!!! Only Love was the most amazing finish to a fantastic series. No one does wounded heroes like Melanie Harlow. Ahhh! This book brought back all the feels and emotions I felt when I read my favorite story from this author – After We Fall – with Jack Valentini. That story touched my soul and honestly I’ve had the same feeling about Only Love the minute I met Ryan. There was something about his tough and hard exterior and warm hearted vulnerability that just rang all my swoony bells.
When careful Stella Devine decides to break her habit of dating her safe and boring usual and take a risk and jump headfirst into a sexual fling she could never have expected her grandmother’s sexy and moody neighbor, Ryan to shake up her life and what she thought she always wanted. What follows is a loving and heartwarming portrayal of taking chances to let love in and be loved in return.
Gah!! This story was legit magical. I had my heart in my throat the whole time. Ryan’s PTSD, survivor’s guilt and pain was so heartbreaking to see. Harlow depicted his struggle beautifully as I could only sit with tears in my eyes as he shut his feelings down as a protective defense mechanism to ensure that he would not feel the flood of emotions he felt as a combat veteran. I loved seeing how Stella helped open him up to life and how they both had to take a chance on trusting someone to love them as they were.
This story was beautifully written and a testament to the idea that love, trust and hope are intertwined with one another. I can honestly say this was one of the best books this author has written. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Apparently this is part of a series (I really need to start paying more attention) although it definitely can be read as a stand-alone. I didn’t feel like I’d missed out on anything by not reading the previous books.
Stella thought her boyfriend was going to propose to her on her birthday. Instead he dumped her. Shocked and hurt, she wants to lick her wounds but her grandmother has other ideas. I adored Stella grandmother. She is prepared to do whatever she has to do get what she wants and has no qualms at all about using the old and ill card. Guilting Stella into coming for a visit is the first step of grams’ plan and when it works and Stella sees Grams’ sexy neighbour, the therapist in Stella can see the pain and turmoil that Ryan is suffering.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved both main characters and the story had me engrossed. Both characters are dealing with their own issues, Ryan’s ability to turn off his feelings as a coping mechanism from his time in the military broke my heart and I couldn’t help but sympathise with Stella. She’s got her own insecurities to deal with and she knows she’s going to have to work on them if she wants to find her own hea.
Only Love is a great story and I can’t wait for more from this author.