Did I just create an ‘angsty books’ shelf on my Goodreads for Paige Toon’s Only Love Can Hurt Like This? Yes, yes, I did.

Did I just add this book to my ‘top 10 favorite books’ shelf? Yes, yes, I did.

Only Love Can Hurt Like This… this book is a wild, powerful ride. The twists, the turns, the ups, the downs, the laughter, the tears… This book is everything all wrapped up in poetic prose that will make your heart & soul react in a visceral way that not all books can accomplish.

The tagline on the cover is ‘an earth-shattering secret, a life-changing love story’ and, holy cats does that downplay the emotional roller coaster of this story. Call it a warning if you must, but it’s also a reason to read. Because even though you start out reading a cute little story of Wren, a newly single British-American who flees England for the American Midwest and meets Anders and Jonas, a pair of handsome brothers, and you just know that romance is in the cards somewhere… you also know you’ve been promised earth-shattering secrets. (And if you’ve read reviews, you’ve also seen things like “heart-breaking” and “emotional damage era.”)

And it delivers in spades.

Just when you’re lulled into a sense of security, a sense of knowing who is in trouble and who to worry about… that’s when the twists pop up and throw you for the same look as Wren. It’s like you’re in the world with her, going through it all. And just like trying to get through the troubles of your own life and find a happy ending, knowing that you might have to alter the definition of ‘happy,’ that’s how this story goes.

And it is fantastic, even as it makes you question what you would do. Maybe because it’s a powerful enough story to make you question what you would do.

(trigger warnings, if you want them, for suicidal ideation, depression, drinking, complex moral/ethical dilemmas, cheating)

Thanks to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and the author for the chance to read this book in exchange for a review.

This book took me on an emotional ride I didn’t quite expect—but deeply appreciated. Paige Toon has a way of writing love and heartbreak that feels raw and real, like she understands all the quiet spaces grief and hope live in. The characters felt honest, and their struggles stayed with me. It’s not just a love story—it’s about timing, healing, and learning how to carry pain while still choosing joy. I found myself pausing to sit with certain moments because they were just that moving. If you’ve ever tried to make peace with the past while figuring out how to move forward, this one will hit home.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I enjoy stories like this, and this one did not disappoint! It's a fun, contemporary, easy read. Well suited for a beach/vacation read.

his is the kind of romance I truly enjoy, as it goes beyond surface-level love stories and dives into the complexities of falling in love. It often includes profound emotional moments that help me connect deeply with the characters. While I do appreciate light, fun romances too, I must admit I prefer stories that focus on struggles and deeper emotions because they feel more authentic to me.

This book does deliver on that emotional depth, but unfortunately, it doesn’t come into play until about the final 20% of the story. The build-up to the main reveal was dragged out way too long. If the pivotal moment at the end (without giving away spoilers) had occurred earlier, I think I would’ve enjoyed the book much more. Anders and Wren, the lead characters, needed more time to fully comprehend the situation, make thoughtful decisions, and process their emotions. Instead, the core of the story was introduced too late, leaving them little time to navigate the complexities realistically.

Some of the subplots, such as Wren’s sister’s odd detachment from her husband, Wren’s relationship with her dad and stepmom, the Airstream renovation, and Jonas’s numerous issues, felt either underdeveloped or completely unnecessary.

I didn’t dislike the book, but I wanted to love it far more than I did. The ending was its strongest point, but it needed to happen much earlier to truly enrich the story with greater emotional depth and realism.

Thank you, Putnam and NetGalley, for the complimentary e-ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

To recover from a breakup, Wren decides to visit her dad and his new family on their farm in Indiana. As she opens her heart to the people around her, she realizes she has missed some important parts of her life.

This story was deeply emotional - it explored relationships between step-siblings, step-parents, overcoming heartbreak, and learning to let new people in. I appreciated that almost every character had their own story and development. The book tackled many painful topics, making me reflect on how I would handle similar situations.

If you’re a fan of Rosie Walsh, pick this one up! The romance was well done, but the big mystery at the end fell flat for me. Would be a good one to bring to the pool/beach in the summer!

Only Love Can Hurt Like This by Paige Toon is a deeply emotional love story that perfectly balances heartache and hope. With beautifully flawed characters and a slow-burn romance that tugs at every heartstring, Toon delivers a narrative that’s as soul-stirring as it is unforgettable.

The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and Toon’s ability to capture raw emotion makes the love story feel authentic and deeply moving. Themes of love, loss, and healing are woven seamlessly into a plot that will leave you smiling one moment and tearing up the next.

5 stars — a breathtaking, emotional rollercoaster that lingers long after the final page. Perfect for fans of heartfelt romances that don’t shy away from life’s complexities.

Great but very emotionally draining. A book about love on many levels. I was enchanted with this book, I laughed and cried as it took me across the Atlantic into another world, where tornados twist and fireflies blink. Simply magical. I really enjoyed this love story and its characters. It’s the first time I’ve read Paige Toon and I’m sure I’ll pick up another one soon

Definitely gives CoHo vibes - dramatic and intense love between two people who are experiencing deep heartbreak, but for very different reasons.

If you need a dramatic romance, look no further - pick this book up ASAP.

Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a sweet and gut wrenching book!! This was my first by Paige Toon and certainly won’t be my last! The chemistry between Wren and Anders was spot on. They had real life problems that brought their characters so much life and relatability. This was such an emotional roller coaster and I can’t wait to read more!

You can not go wrong with any Paige Toon Novels! This was a beautifully written and heart wrenching. I loved every second of it! I will be adding every Paige Toon book to my TBR list! Loved this one!

A wonderful story about hope and new beginnings.
I wasn’t expecting the twist at all because it was a romance novel, not a thriller. 😁
It did work though and gave you a different view of Anders.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.
I have only read one book by this author before but my sister loves her so of course I wanted to get this book and read it.
I can‘t put my thoughts into words. It was great and I cried but it didn’t blow me away

Only Love Can Hurt Like This is a deeply emotional and tender love story that explores the complexity of heartache, healing, and second chances. Known for her skill in crafting relatable, heartfelt romances, Toon once again delivers a novel that will tug at readers' heartstrings while offering a layered and poignant exploration of grief, guilt, and the possibility of finding love in unexpected places.

One of the strongest aspects is Toon’s ability to portray the emotional depth of her characters. Wren and Anders are both flawed, and their personal struggles feel authentic and relatable. Wren’s battle to move forward from the betrayal she faced, and Anders’ grief over the loss of his wife, create a rich emotional backdrop for their love story. Toon handles these sensitive themes with grace, allowing the reader to fully empathize with their pain while rooting for their eventual happiness.

At its core, *Only Love Can Hurt Like This* is about healing, forgiveness, and the courage to open oneself to love after experiencing deep hurt. While the book delivers all the romantic tension and swoon-worthy moments readers expect from Toon’s novels, it also delves into the deeper layers of love, loss, and the way relationships can change and heal us.

This one was HEARTBREAKING. It was painstakingly good. I loved every page ! From the very first page I was captivated by this story. Full of love, grief and hope this book was beautifully written and will stick with me for a while!

I love stories like this, and it did not disappoint. It's a fun, emotional, contemporary read that was a great past time. The secret didn't seem as... secretive as it was, and it didn't seem like it was that big of a deal.

Very easy read that left me feeling good. The writing was lovely and the story is one many can relate to. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher! I truly enjoyed this one.

REVIEW: Only Love Can Hurt Like This

“My mother has always told me to trust my instincts. But it’s hard to trust your instincts when they’re breaking your heart.”
― Paige Toon, Only Love Can Hurt Like This

Paige Toon's Only Love Can Hurt Like This is a charming and engaging book that will resonate with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.

Toon's writing is both witty and insightful. It captures the raw emotions of heartbreak and the complexities of navigating life's challenges. The characters are relatable and well-developed, each with unique struggles and triumphs.

While the plot is sometimes predictable, the story is heartwarming and hopeful. Toon explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.

Only Love Can Hurt Like This is a delightful and heartwarming read that will leave you hopeful and inspired. It's a perfect choice for anyone looking for a light and engaging read that explores the complexities of love, loss, and finding your way.

Thank you, Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons, for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

Book Review:
Title: Only Love Can Hurt Like This
Author: Paige Toon
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars

Does everyone sing the song in their head when they see this book? Just me? Then it's stuck in my head all day!

Heartbreaking. Just shattered. Ugh, moral dilemmas vs. love just gets me every time. What would you do if you fell in love with someone who is harboring a tragic secret? A secret so big that it makes that person opposed to finding true love ever again? You could make this person so happy, and they would be for you, but they just can't get past this secret?
That is the story of Wren and Anders. Although you don't find out the secret until closer to the end, I greedily devoured this book to find out why Anders just couldn't give himself over to Wren. And that secret hurts. It hurts bad. It's truly heartbreaking. Ander is faced with a decision that he feels will break his integrity as a man and as a husband. Just read it. Have a few tissues ready.

Published: April 25th, 2023

Thank you, @netgalley and @putnambooks, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

this one hurt my soul. Paige toon is like the expert of books that shatter my heart. Loved it so so much.