I received Only You by Marie Landry from the author herself and her team in exchange for an honest review! This was a really cute, funny and uplifting romance story with some Christmas cheer sprinkled in. Need a good heartwarming story for the holidays? This one’s for you.
{Synopsis from Goodreads}
Ivy’s new boss is sexy, Scottish…and comes with an expiration date.
When Ivy reluctantly takes a new part-time job, it’s a means to an end. Doing this favor for her pain-in-the-neck roommate means Ivy can have her apartment to herself again much sooner. The last thing she expects is Hugh—the hot Scot who just happens to be her new boss—asking her out on a date. And then another. And another.
Something about Hugh makes Ivy want to let her guard down and open up, which would be perfect if he wasn’t possibly returning to Scotland in a matter of weeks. But maybe that doesn’t matter. Maybe Ivy can learn to live in the moment and have a little fun, even if it means setting herself up for heartache later.
*****
Main character Ivy
This story is all from Ivy’s point of view. I generally liked her character and found her entertaining. We have a mutual love of books and reading so that’s a plus. I also appreciated that Landry mixed her personality with a good measure of doubts and confidences. There was a good balance of knowing herself but also opening herself up to new people and experiences
Slow burn romance.
The romance was a slow burn. Sometimes I like these and sometimes I don’t, it all comes down to the execution and I think Marie did a pretty good job of building up tension and releasing at the right moment. It was fairly satisfying 😉
Not just a romance story
This is a romance book focusing on…well, the romance but I also really loved all the friendships that blossomed or continued to grow throughout this story. There could have been potential for some catty jealous moments between the girls but I really liked that the story promoted healthy female friendships so this was really refreshing!
The story also touches on the importance of a career that is challenging and fulfilling but also something you’re happy to go to. I’m a firm believer in working a job that you enjoy so this really hit home for me and I was glad this aspect was included and was really happy with how things turned out for Ivy even if it was just a little too perfect but that’s okay with me!
My favourite side character
Can we please get a story on Celia? She’s the snarky yet quirky roommate that Ivy was forced upon her by her family. I enjoyed her as a side character in this story and how she derailed Ivy’s whole life. Wasn’t what happened to Ivy really because of Celia though? I hope to see more of her in the future!
Marie Landry, indie author
Just some quick info on Marie Landry; fellow Canadian (hey!), bookstagrammer (check out her Insta here!), 7 other stories published, Ravenclaw and she loves to travel!
Check out more from Marie’s blog –> here!
Overall Rating
****/5
Recommend?
If you love a good heartwarming romance with a touch of erotica that also focuses on empowering female friendships and the importance of a fulfilling career than this is definitely for you! I really enjoyed this story and it left me with a really good feeling when I was done. For those left wanting more, Marie Landry has also written a short story on Ivy’s best friend Bridget and David that is set before Only You called Mistletoe Kiss which I will most certainly be picking up!
Hope you enjoy Only You by Marie Landry and let me know what you think!
Happy Reading!
