Title: Only Love Can Hurt Like This
Author: Paige Toon
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Only Love Can Hurt Like This" by Paige Toon

My Sentiments:

'Only Love Can Hurt Like This' was a good read if the child has gone through a divorce or even with a step-parent, as it was for Wren. The story was inspiring as it went through issues with family, the farm, love, grief, the airstream, twists, turns, and, let's not leave out, the well-developed characters. The story will also give one a 'heartbreaking' story before the end.

Thank you, NetGalley, for eARC in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Having adored Someone I Used To Know, I was delighted with the opportunity to read Only Love Can Hurt Like This, Paige Toon’s latest contemporary romance novel.

When Wren Elmont’s fiancé confesses he has developed feelings for his assistant and ends their relationship, she’s desperate to escape their small English village. She hopes a few weeks staying at her father’s farm in Southern Indiana will help mend her bruised heart, but when Wren unexpectedly falls in love with the boy next door, Anders, she fears her heart will be irrevocably broken.

Only Love Can Hurt Like This is a romance that tugs at the heartstrings, stirring plenty of emotion as the likeable leads, Wren and Anders, develop a friendship with an obvious undercurrent of romantic interest that seems doomed to be unrequited.

Wren can’t control the way Anders makes her feel. She tries to distract herself with a project - refurbishing a dilapidated vintage Airstream she names Bambi, and involves herself in the running of the farm. She minimises her physical reactions to him and attempts to convince herself their friendship is enough, but it’s a futile task.

Anders tries to be clear with Wren that friendship is all he has to offer, but he is clearly torn. His reticence seems to stem from grief, and guilt, involving the loss of his wife, but it’s been more than four years and everyone believes it’s time he moved on, however it’s more complicated for Anders than expected.

There is plenty of angst, suppressed desire, and ‘almost’ moments between the couple that feeds into the romantic tension. Heartbreak wars with happiness as Wren and Anders navigate the obstacles in their path to love.

Lest you think this novel is all about their relationship, Toon touches on some serious issues, most notably depression, which plagues Anders older brother, Jonas. Anders’ concern for Jonas explains why he is spending so much time at the farm when he is employed elsewhere as a race car engineer. Addiction is raised when the brothers admit their father was an alcoholic during their youth, possibly as a result of his own unacknowledged depression. Toon also explores the complicated dynamics of families, particularly when divorce results in both physical and emotional distance between a parent and child.

Heartfelt and poignant, Only Love Can Hurt Like This is a touching romance novel. And I love an epilogue that confirms a happy ever after. ( )

Only Love Can Hurt Like This, and this book hurts in such a good way. The family dynamic of the story was so realistic to me. I love a slow burn romance and this one was heart wrenchingly perfect. This is one of my favorite reads so far this year.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for this ARC. ( )

The beginning is excellent. Wren’s transition to America and life on two different farms in a small town is interesting. The friendships she develops upon arrival are heartwarming. The twist in the book is breathtaking. However, the story seems to go on far too long. At first I didn’t want to stop reading and then I didn’t want to keep reading but fortunately the book crescendoed in a gorgeous way at the end. 3.5 stars

Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the opportunity to read this ARC. ( )