Member Reviews

I almost forgot I had read this one, and when I went back through my notes remembered that I didn't like it very much. I love a good Colleen Hoover novel, and it felt like this author really wanted to pull that type of book off. In my opinion, it didn't really work.
There were twists, romance, and some thriller vibes, but overall not enough to sustain my enjoyment.
I finished it and loved the ending, so that was a plus.

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I initially thought that this was going to be a beautiful story of two people coming together during their different tragedies in their romantic life. The book was interesting until I read the plot twist. I have read books before that have a love story while the spouse of the one character is in a vegetable state and honestly, I don’t really think that’s okay because it’s still cheating.

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Thank you to netgalley for an advance read copy of this book. I loved it. Its the story about a woman who goes from the UK to the US to lick her wounds and ends up growing so much personally. It's a love story - both romantic and familial. It is well written and even made me cry (which rarely happens with a book).

The only reason it wasn't a 5 star read for me was the epilogue kinda jumped all over the place.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a light easy read that tugs at your emotions.

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This was such a good book. It was sad in parts and I laughed in parts. I would definitely recommend this book.

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Paige Toon knows how to get you in the fucking feels. This book is about love, family, obligations, grief, expectations, moving on and second chances. I love a romance that also kicks me down and makes me cry.

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Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Group!

Wren has loved, and she has lost... in more than one way. When she meets Anders, she soon finds that he, too, has loved and lost. Can this mutual experience bring these two together? Or does the commonality bring forth too much conflict between their hearts and their minds?

Only Love Can Hurt Like This is a deep dive into all the different possible relationships and the unique type of love that comes from each one as well as the hurt and the understanding. Paige Toon is able to establish such strength and character growth within multiple characters in a quick, fast-paced read that leaves you laughing, crying, and going through all the emotions. This is a simple read that leaves you feeling anything but simple emotions.

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This book was not for me. I appreciate the publishers and netgalley giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

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Wow this story was absolutely beautiful. I HIGHLY recommend. I have seen great reviews for this author and I can finally say I understand them. Definitely more of an emotional read (I cried but what else is new), but a beautiful story. I truly cannot describe how much I loved this and how much I recommend you pick it up!

Thank you for allowing me to read and review this story. The review has been added to goodreads, storygraph, amzon and barnes & noble.

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This was a cute story and I enjoyed reading it. While I don’t think I was intended audience, it was nice and I do think that a lot of people would enjoy this book. I will try a different book by this author in the future.

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I was hoooooked until the 75% mark and then it started to feel a little too predictable and flat. I think the story needed more mystery since we knew we were gearing up for the “reveal” at the end. I did like it and thought the romance story was solid enough. I think this by the pool/beach this summer would be enjoyable.

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I wanted to like this book, but the writing style turned me off so quickly that I couldn't even force myself to read the whole thing.

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I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Wren looks across the way and sees her fiancé. He is talking to his co-worker and Wren feels it in her soul something is going on. Shortly after thereafter, he confirms what she suspects and devastates Wren by ending their engagement. Wren leaves the UK and goes to the US to spend some time with her dad to nurse her hurt.

At the farm next door to her dad's farm, Anders is back at the family farm, helping out even though he has a full time job in Indianapolis.

Wren and Anders cross paths, literally in a field, after a night out at the bar. Anders gets Wren home safely and there are feelings on both sides. However, Wren is unaware of a secret that Anders is keeping from her. Will it completely keep them apart?

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This is really a 3.5 chairs. The story is really good, but it just moved very, very slow. I do like to know the characters before they fall in love, but this took most of the book to get to know everyone before anything happened. I almost gave up on it - I am very glad I didn't. There was a twist, I did not see coming.

Only hearing from Anders ( One chapter ) at the end of the book seemed out of place when the rest of the book was from Wren's point of view. The ending had me on the fence. Part of me liked it, but a part of me felt it came out of nowhere. Can't say too much more without giving things away.

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I just could not get into this book at all. I tried several times after putting it down for a few days but it just wasn't a book that I could enjoy.

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Unfortunately this one didn’t hit the mark for me. I didn’t connect to any of the characters and it was a struggle to keep picking up to read.

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"Only Love Can Hurt Like This" by Paige Toon is an emotionally charged and beautifully written contemporary romance that explores the complexities of love, loss, and second chances. From the moment I met protagonist Phoebe Henderson, a talented journalist grappling with the aftermath of a devastating breakup, I was immediately drawn into her world. Toon's writing is poignant and evocative, capturing the raw emotions of heartbreak and longing with honesty and depth. As Phoebe embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing, I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. The chemistry between Phoebe and her charming ex-boyfriend, Oliver, is palpable, and their rekindled romance is both passionate and bittersweet. Toon expertly navigates themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of love, creating a story that is as heartwarming as it is heart-wrenching. "Only Love Can Hurt Like This" is a captivating read that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved and lost. Whether you're a fan of emotional dramas or simply looking for a compelling love story, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression. Toon's storytelling is as captivating as it is cathartic, and I can't wait to see what she writes next.

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This book had me from the first sentence until the end. It's my first Paige Toon novel but it won't be my last. I don't think I'd compare it to Colleen Hoover as some have, because I'm not a Hoover fan. This novel was phenomenal in my opinion. It contains twists and heartbreak, of course, romance and family drama. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for the ARC!

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Only Love Can Hurt Like This is another page-turner from the author. I crawl into each new release and completely lose myself amongst her characters.

Wren and Anders are another couple being added to my Paige Toon favorites. Reading their love story unfolding amongst the pages brought those warm and fuzzy feelings to the surface with every scene.

In Paige Toon fashion when it comes to her motorsports vibes and past character mentions we were treated with the best as Anders being a race engineer and our very own Formal 1 World Champion Luis Castro got a mention.

Reading Paige Toon feels like coming home and wrapping myself up in a big comfort blanket. In every book the characters are likable and you go in fully expecting to have your heart broken but completely put together again before turning the last page.

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Someone said the UK Coleen Hoover and I totally agree! A heart gripping story about how messy and hard love can be. The book was sort of a slow burn for me but loved the characters and everyone can find someone to relate to. My first Paige Toon book and cant wait to read more! Thank you netgalley for the ARC!

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#OnlyLoveCanHurtLikeThis #PaigeToon #NetGalley



Oh my what a heart wrenching book!
I simply couldn't put the book down. Wren goes home to her father and his farm for the summer after she discovers her fiance loves another, not her. She is heartbroken. She meets Anders who has a heartbreaking n secret of his own.

All of the characters felt so real and the plot did too.
I felt the gamut of emotions. So many tears were shed and A few times I had to put the book aside until I composed myself to continue on.


Such a beautiful powerful story.

Thank you Net Galley the author and publisher

4 stars highly recommended

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