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Only Love Can Hurt Like This
Author: Paige Toon
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Pub Date: April 25, 2023

Only Love Can Hurt Like This encompasses multiple images of love at its best and worst. This book reminded me of that country song that states, “I thank God for Unanswered Prayers,” because our lead protagonist Wren is escaping England after her fiancé calls off their wedding when he falls in love with someone else. It’s hard to understand a fiancée's change of heart so close to a wedding, especially when you have been together for a long time. So, Wren flies to her father’s Indiana farm to get a break from the heartache. Of course, her father left her mother when she was a very young girl because he fathered a child out of wedlock and divorced his family. Wren has always felt second best since her Dad left her behind and started a new life with a new little daughter. Wren is hoping that time with her Dad will give her some closure on unresolved hurt from that childhood event and a chance to know her half-sister a little better. She didn’t count on falling in love herself while in Indiana, but she meets the cautious and reserved Anders, who melts her internal defenses while remaining closed in and secretive. Ms. Toon tells a story of hard-earned love and how everyone, at some point, experiences a loss of hope. It is only the strongest who can recover and find happiness. Not a sexy romance but more a love story for me. A really sweet love story. #Fiction #chicklit #comtemporary #WomensFiction #AdultFiction #Overcoming #challenges #love #rejection future #hope #family #OnlyLoveCanHurtLikeThis @paigetoonauthor @netgalley @putnambooks
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I received a complimentary copy of this ARC. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to Putnam & Sons Books and the author for the opportunity to read this book. Pub. Date: April 25, 2023.
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Wow, what a novel! It was the book title that got me to request an advance reader copy of this novel by new-to-me author, Paige Toon, and while this novel got off to a very slow start, the title says it all, and it earned itself 5 stars from this reader.

Wren, the focus of this novel, has not had it easy. Her father left her mother for another woman whom he impregnated, when Wren was only 6 years old, and, after their divorce, her mother moved them back to her native England, and although she spends a couple of weeks here and there with her father, stepmother and half-sister, Bailey, she's always felt abandoned by her dad, and disliked by her stepmother. She's engaged to Scott, but he's the next one to abandon her for another woman, and, since she keeps running into him in her small English village, she takes a 2-week vacation at her father's farm in Indiana, spending some time with her dad and half-sister, Bailey, and that decision, and the people she meets when her two-week vacation morphs into an entire summer, is what propels this novel forward.

On her first night in Indiana, she and Bailey go to a local bar and gets totally smashed, and it's there she first sets eyes on two handsome brothers, Anders and Jonas, and it's Anders who really catches her eye, but who also seems closed off and elusive. Little by little, as the summer progresses, she and the two brothers, who live on a neighboring farm that adjoins her father's farm, become friends, and Wren finds herself deeply attracted to Anders, but he's incredibly closed off, doesn't like being touched, and when Wren is told that he lost his beloved wife, Laurie, more than 4 years ago, she begins to understand him--but does she really?

What follows is one of the most deeply moving, heartwrenching, emotional, and angst-laden reads I've come across in decades. These characters and the setting are so well-developed that I honestly felt as if I actually knew them, and that I was standing alongside them in the cornfields. While getting to know this cast of characters and what made them tick took up at least three-quarters of the novel, it was the last quarter that had me repeatedly reaching for my box of tissues. The writing was so heartfelt, so heartbreaking, and so intense that I was actually sobbing when the characters did.

To tell you more would ruin this novel for you, and so I'll just say that if you love romance, angst, well-fleshed out characters, deeply felt emotiion, and excellent storytelling, grab a copy of this novel, get comfortable, plan to lose some sleep, and keep your tissues handy. I simply cannot recommend this novel highly enough.

As stated, I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.

DNF at 50%

I had high hopes for this book after reading the summary & cover blurb, but it just didn’t hold my interest. I made it to the half way mark and nothing has happened. The characters didn’t pull me in and plot was far too slow moving for my taste.

L.A...."an unforgettable and heartbreaking love story with an earth shattering secret that asks is love worth risking everything for?"
When Wren suffers a breakup with her fiance, she packs up to find healing on her father's farm. With cornfields, fireflies and the clean air bringing peace to her heart, she also finds Anders.
Anders has suffered the loss of his wife and finds it hard to move on. Wren is perfect for him, but he knows if he falls in love there is a secret he is harboring that will change everything.
This is emotional, riveting and unable to put it down. Sometimes moving forward has consequences that make or break you. Find the tissues and continue with a heavy, shattering secret that will have you weighing so many ways this could go.
Excellent writing that will remind you of a CoHo or a JoJo read.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this copy in exchange for my honest review!

After her fiancé confesses he’s in love with someone else, Wren leaves London to spend time with her father and step-family on their farm in Indiana. There she meets Anders, who lost his wife four years ago, but hasn’t been able to let her go. So why has it been so hard for him to move on? And will Wren be able to convince him to?

Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m thrilled to be able to share my thoughts on this one!

A twisty romance set in a small town, this book gave me vibes of those I’ve read by CoHo mixed with Lucy Score. It’s devastatingly sad, but hopeful at the same time. Without giving away spoilers, a huge secret comes to light mid-way through that changes the direction of the story. I’ve read a few reviews saying the twist was predictable, but I for one did not see it coming 🤷🏻‍♀️


Though the romance between Anders and Wren is obviously the centerpiece, there is an added element of a sweet friendship between Wren, Jonas (Anders’ brother), Bailey (Wren’s step-sister) and Anders that I really enjoyed.

If you love a good romance novel, add this one to your growing list. It’s totally bingeable and was the first book to make me shed an actual tear in a V long time.

This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I was cheering for the couple the whole time, and all of the side characters. I was broken-hearted, but ultimately the ending was amazing. Super slow burn, character-driven, and perfection!

Wren has just been dealt a vicious blow - her fiance admitted he was in love with someone else. So, she decides to escape her London life and head to Indiana to spend the summer with her dad and step family. There she meets the neighbor boys, Jonas and Anders and quickly falls for Anders. But, he lost his wife a few years ago and can’t quite move on. Despite it all, she can’t help her feelings, and she is pretty confident Anders feels something for her, too.

This was a fun, easy romance that read quickly. There was a twist that took place in the last third of the book that I was surprised by and that took the book in a different, deeper direction. Some of it felt very convenient but I think that without the twist, this would be a more forgettable romance. With it, it made me much more invested in the story of Wren and Anders, though of course I knew where it would end up. With the twist, there were some really big, difficult themes that came through and the substance of that took this book up in rating for me.

On the con side, I felt like this was a book written by an English person on what they thought an American would act like - and a dated American version at that. Maybe this book is geared more toward people who don’t live in America? Either way a few of the sentences had me rolling my eyes a bit because of this.

But all in all, I enjoyed this one. I really liked the story of Wren and Anders and their summer relationship turned something more.

I loved this book!

It’s not that I don’t like contemporary romance, it’s just that I’m so picky about what I like so I can’t just say overall that I like the genre. Small common things can make me instantly dislike a book, especially when there’s nothing otherworldly or horrific to distract me, so I’m overly harsh about contemporary romance sometimes.

I found this book to be the perfect blend of everything I like. And the things I didn’t like didn’t last for long or become annoying to me. Wren felt a little like an outsider, but she wasn’t one to let miscommunication continue unchecked, so when something was brought up, she didn’t nod and say everything was fine. I appreciated that because nothing drives me crazier than an upset FMC who just refuses to do anything selfish, yet complains that no one is noticing her. Wren was great and the few things about her that I didn’t like or understand just made her seem all the more human.

I absolutely loved the characters in this. The sisters and brothers and parents all seemed like genuine people and not cardboard placements to make the plot work. I expected at least someone to feel flat and undeveloped, but even the characters we saw briefly, like Casey or even Scott, still seemed like we knew enough about them as people.

I did get emotional reading this and I stayed up entirely too late reading just so I could see how it ended. There was no way I could have gone to bed without knowing how it would turn out for the characters, especially Wren and Anders.

And props to a book for making me feel like the Midwest is enticing. I personally don’t like that setting and find nothing all that likable about farms or fields or small towns, but for Wren, I didn’t want her to leave because she found so much joy in being in Indiana. I sensed how free she felt and I couldn’t help but want to root for her to stay where she was happy and fulfilled.

I loved Anders as a character and the way him and Wren fell effortlessly into a friendship. They were so similar, simple in some ways and yet cerebral in others and I knew that’s what Wren was lacking from other people. She could really be herself with him and both of them were caring and put others before themselves in similar ways. I couldn’t have guessed how it would turn out or how everyone would grow and I loved the journey.

This is an absolutely must read. I have no idea how I’m gushing over an emotional love story set on a farm in Indiana, but here we are. I will definitely seek out books from the author!

This book had me in literal tears. I can only hope this becomes a movie someday. It feels like it belongs on the hallmark network. I couldn't put it down. The characters felt so real to me. I absolutely loved this book I didn't want it to end. I rarely give a book 5 stars. I have recommended this book to so many people including my bookclub. I know this will be one of my favorite books of 2023.

This is the first book by Paige Toon that I have read and I will definitely be reading more of her books!

The writing in this book felt so honest. Wren and Anders meet and have a connection, but they both have an enormous amount of baggage they are carrying with them. All of the characters in this book feel like they are written to have such depth and be so real. As a reader, the honesty and layers to the characters made me feel more connected to the story. Aside from the relationship between Wren and Anders, I loved reading about the friendships and familial relationships that change and evolve. I did not see the plot twist coming and definitely shed a few tears throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘋𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵: 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏'𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉."
(quoted from advanced reader copy)

Wow.

That was the first thing I said last night when I finished this book. I definitely was prepared for some of the turns and twists this story took - and some of the heaviness of the topics.

Not in a bad way - just unexpected.

I've decided to only give this 4 stars simply because, even though I loved the last 40% of it, it took me a little while to actually get into the book.

I won't give away any spoilers, but be prepared for some heartbreaking reveals and tough decisions!

Thank you Paige, @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse/@putnambooks for this advanced copy in exchange for this review!
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I truly have no one but myself to blame for staying up past midnight, CRYING over a book titled “Only Love Can Hurt Like This”. 😮‍💨

I was barely 2% in when I began fighting for my life! The prologue / first chapter set us up beautifully. Wren, by chance or fate, realizes that her fiancé is in love with someone else (no physical cheating is done in this book). She decides to nurse her broken heart on her father's farm in Indiana, far from her small town in Bury, UK where she's likely to run into her ex-fiancé and the woman he left her for. In a hilarious meet cute, she crosses paths and strikes up an unlikely friendship with Anders, the son of the family who owns the farm next door and a man who lost his wife in a tragic accident four years ago. There's undeniable chemistry and lingering looks between them, but Anders harboring a secret that's holding him back from a life he sees with Wren. Can Wren actually walk away from that life she also envisioned, or will her heart end up collateral once she discovers the truth.

It has definitely been a while since I read something as gut-wrenching as this. Whoever said this was a CoHo x Jojo Moyes book baby mash up was spot on. At its core, this is a love story. Besides the obvious romance between Wren/Anders, this book had so many complicated layers and facets that added to the story, instead of distract from it; like Wren's relationship with her "estranged" father, her step-mom, and her half sister Bailey. But then also Anders' relationship with his brother Jonas and dealing with his long-term grief.

Overall, I think I just really enjoyed Paige Toon's writing style. It was engaging and so easy to read, I found myself not being able to put this one down. It was definitely the definition of a slow-burn, in every aspect. I was anxiously waiting for the other shoe to drop and when it finally did... oof 🤕 Good news though (hopefully), this book did have one of the sweetest epilogues I've ever read. After going through this journey of a book being able to just be content at the end of it was a comfort I can't explain. I personally can't wait to see what Paige Toon writes next. 🫶🏼

Many thanks to Netgalley, Penguin (G.P Putnam's), and the author for the eARC!

The cover is completely reminiscent of a Colleen Hoover novel. Wren breaks up with her fiance, who is in love with someone else, and goes off to her father's farm in Indiana to heal. She meets Anders and this is where the story truly begins. But Anders is harboring a secret that could harm any relationship he wants with Wren. What a beautiful, yet extremely sad read this was. And while the pacing was on the slower side and the romance was a slower burn, the story was so much more than that. I really enjoyed watching the character growth with not only Wren, but all of the other characters too. I really felt for each & every one of them. And the big reveal closer to the end of story not only took me by surprise, but broke my heart for both Wren & Anders. Especially Anders. I look forward to reading more by Paige Toon, but next time I’ll remember to have my tissues handy.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for this e-arc.*

I could not stop reading this! Is it kind of emotionally manipulative and angsty? Yes. Do I care? No. Not at all.

The comparison I've seen from other reviews to Me Before You is fairly apt but I don't think it's as devastating. Wren and Anders are both healing from relationships that changed and ended unexpectedly. When they meet at Wren's parents' farm in Indiana, their chemistry is quickly evident but there are complicating factors. Not only did I enjoy the palpable chemistry between them, but the relationships between the other characters are enjoyable as well. This isn't just a romance, although that's definitely central, but also a story of family relationships healing. I also appreciated that these characters are not twenty-somethings with no baggage who don't know what they want out of life; instead they are mid-thirties, established in careers and self-aware. It was nice that you could see these two develop a friendship and not just act on pure attraction.

This was my first book by Paige Toon, but I will definitely be looking at her backlist now!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons for my ARC of Only Love Can Hurt Like This by Paige Toon. 🤍

This book wrecked me.. WRECKED me.. In the best way. I found it rather slow to start but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. The plot twist was mind blowing and took me absolutely by shock. When I say I had to pick my jaw up off the floor, I am not kidding. This is my first book by Paige Toon and certainly won’t be my last. I was up til 2 am finishing this book and I still find myself thinking about the main characters, Wren and Anders. I’m selfishly hoping Paige writes Jonas’s story as well because I would love to read it. Pub date is 04/25/2023, add this to your TBR then set your phone on DND and get cozy w this one. 🎉

“An earth-shattering secret. A life-changing love story.” Wren comes home to mend her broken heart and the last thing she’s looking for is another relationship. Anders is also healing from a broken heart. Even though they try to fight what they feel for each other, they can’t deny their feelings. I have the upmost respect for Anders and my heart ripped into pieces for him. The plot twist and secret made me love the characters even more. I have a major book hangover from this book. 5 stars without a second thought.

I dedicated a post on my bookstagram to this book, check it out here:
www.instagram.com/akersofpages

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/68909726-kellie-akers

This book took me so long to read because I just couldn’t get into it. Nothing was exciting or shocking.

Wren is a girl from the UK who moves her hometown after she finds out her fiancé is in love with another woman. She deals with repressed feelings and weird dynamics with her father and her stepmother, as well as her half sister and her husband. Enter Anders and Jonas the two farmers who happen to live next-door. Of course she falls for the one with who is holding a deep, dark secret, Anders, and it just did not shock me. I was like that’s it? That’s the secret? They fight and fight to not fall in love with each other but eventually they do. SHOCKER. Anders is put in a spot that he can not see a way out of… annoying. It wasn’t hard for me to make a decision 😂 and I chose Jonas😂 he had more of a striking personality than Anders.

I almost DNFd this one. I wish I did but Netgally and PenguinRandom House allowed me access to this book for an honest review…. And whoop! There it Is

“I didn’t know it was possible to love so fully and hurt so deeply at exactly the same time.” I had not previously read a Paige Toon book before but did I ever devour “Only Love Can Hurt Like This.” This slow-burn romance shattered my heart - think Colleen Hoover, Jojo Moynes and even a little Abby Jimenez.

When Wren’s fiancée falls in love with his colleague and calls off their wedding, she takes refuge far away from her UK home and comes to stay with her father, stepmother and half-sister on their farm in Indiana. As Wren is nursing her broken heart she meets Anders, the youngest son of the family next door, who tragically lost his wife four years earlier and has never fully recovered. These 2 broken souls are drawn to each other and a friendship quickly followed, but a secret from his past is making it hard for him to open his heart to someone new. I read it in one day - honestly couldn’t put it down.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read (devour) an advanced copy of this book.

The story begins when Wren discovers her fiance, Scott broke off their engagement because he is in love with someone else.

Wren then felt she needed to leave the UK so she flew to her father's and step mother's farm in Indiana. She also has a half sister name Bailey whose relations with her is estranged.

The plot was predictable and slow paced. Wren meets Anders whose has a mysterious past and eventually falls in love with him.

However, the character development and growth of relationships were my favorite part of the story.

There were times when Wren felt she wasn't good enough for Anders really felt relatable. Throughout the story I was rooting for Wren and Anders to find happiness together and move on with their past.

Thank you to Netgalley, and Penguin Publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I received this book as an ARC. I thought it was a heartfelt story and I enjoyed reading it. The story line was interesting and I wanted to know what was going to happen. I liked the characters. The main character battled some insecurity that I found frustrating. However, it is always difficult for me to see a female lead be challenged with insecurity. To be clear, I think it's a real issue, but when I the reader can see the reasons not to be insecure it can be tough. The build up of the romance for the main character was good. The actual physical moment between them was a little lacking. I did not see the plot twist in the story coming, but I think it added a lot to the book itself. Very interesting dynamic. You can see it from a lot of different sides. Overall, I think it is a heartfelt story and the perfect length. I would definitely recommend it!

This was my third book by Paige Toon, and unfortunately I think it was my least favorite so far. While I applaud Toon on highlighting the messiness of Anders' circumstances (and messy love is my favorite kind to read about), there was something that fell a bit flat in terms of the characters. I will say that I preferred the second half to the first half, and I support the way the ending unfolded, I just didn't feel the same level of investment in Wren and Anders as I have for other book couples. Still, Toon is undoubtedly a talented writer, and I look forward to checking out more of her work!