This is my first Paige Toon novel and it won’t be my last. I was impressed with how the author was able to build reader connections to the characters that grew stronger throughout the chapters.

The title clues you in that this book will explore the pain that can sometimes go hand in hand with love; however, the emotional journey that Wren and Anders travel together is absolutely gut wrenching.

This is my first time read a Paige Toon book and won’t be the last! I was instantly pulled into this story and felt like the insecurities that Wren faced hit so close to home for me as well. Though reading how Wren cycled through her feeling made me rethink my own with family. I’ve not read another book that pulled me in and connected so well. Then you have Anders story and all the surprises within it which is something I don’t think a lot of people think about unless we are in his shoes and living his story. I would recommend this book over and over again. Well done!

Romance novels are not my usual genre but I was intrigued by the book description. I found it to be a sweet and easy read. It was predictable but I enjoyed it.

It certainly is, "an earth-shattering secret. A life-changing love story". This is my first book that I have read from Paige Toon. The story captured my attention and I lost track of time. It was the build up, the secret, and what happens next. An amazing story, that sure did surprise me. I will be reading more of Paige Toon's books.
I received an ARC from G.P. Putnam's Sons through NetGalley.

What a wonderfully surprising and thoughtful read from Paige Toon who is a new author to me but not for long! I will definitely be reading more from her in the future -- she has a new fan! I love Ms. Toon's writing style -- the description and narrative put me right in the middle of that farm in Indiana. I could smell the hay and the rain when it stormed and I felt every emotional step these characters took on their journey. Anders and Wren, Jonas, Bailey & Casey, their parents -- each and every character was thoroughly well-developed. This was a heartbreaking, intensely emotional read for me. I'm not going to reveal much about the story line because I don't want to ruin it for anyone else who picks up this book like I did not knowing what I was in for. But be warned -- be prepared to set aside some time because you won't want to put it down! Family dynamics, friendships, heartbreaks, romance and some really surprising twists make this a 5-star read for me and one that will stay with me for a while. I'm very grateful to have been given an opportunity to read an early copy of this book for NetGalley.

This book. It kept me turning the pages until the wee hours of the morning. And then it kept me thinking about Anders and Wren long after I should have been asleep. While somewhat predictable, there were many moments where it could have taken a turn in a different direction, so it definitely kept me on my toes.

But what was so striking to me about this book was the authors descriptions of events. I felt as if i was truly on the farm, smelling the peaches, sitting by the lake and shooting pool at Dirk's. The way that she described the electricity between Wren and Anders made me feel like I was there, watching the stolen glances and falling deep into Ander's eyes.

This book is a must read and I will now be delving deep into Toon's book archive for more.

I feel like the outlier on this one. I thought it was just okay, This book was way too slow for my liking.

The beginning starts off great and you are really attaching to the characters then it just drags to where I check to see how far I am into the book before anything good starts to happen, and I am at 76%. I get that some people love a slow burn, I just don't. So, I can see why so many people love this book and I am so happy they do. Also, for me I think because I waited so long for Wren and Ander's to get their selves together that I lost interest in them. I actually think that Jonas and Bailey had more chemistry that these two had.

The twist... just didn't seem believable to me. No one mentioned it before 300 pages of the story?

I would definitely try another book from this author.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

This story from an author I have never read before is one of those writers that can tell a story that stops your world. Clear a day when you buy this book because it seriously is one you will not stop reading until you turn the last page.

Toon tells the story from one end of the spectrum to another; heart-wrenching pain from secrets and hurts, then soaring love that fills the reader with joy. It is an addicting read!

Only Love Can Hurt Like This is a book that is more of an experience than anything else. It’s simple in its plot yet complex in its heartfelt emotions. The character development of Wren and Anders is amazing.

Since this is the first book I’ve read by this author, I have nothing to compare it to, but I do know that this will not be the only book I’ve read by this author. This is definitely a story you will want to read again and again. Deeply emotional and so damn good. What a romance!

Only Love Can Hurt Like This by Paige Toon is a delightful romance novel. This is the first book that I have read by Paige Toon but it won’t be my last. This story is not just a romance novel. It is about the love been siblings, parents and their children.

Wren leaves England and returns to the Country of her birth for a vacation. I use the word vacation loosely. She is going to see her father after she discovers her fiancé is in love with someone else. Heartbroken, Wren is hoping that a change of scenery will help her sort out her broken heart. When she arrives she begins to forge a friendship with her half-sister and her step mother as well as re-establishing a relationship with her Dad. Wren and her sister make friends with a couple of local, handsome, brothers.

The characters were well developed, likeable and mysterious. The setting is very well done as you can see the barn, smell the hay and walk into the house. The twists in the plot kept my attention especially near the end. I loved the epiloge, it was just the cherry on top.

I would like to thank Paige Toon, Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Anders and Wren should never have met. Wren is an architect from the UK; Anders is a racing engineer based in Indianapolis. As each seeks to recover from an emotional blow, fate sees fit to bring them together.

When Wren’s fiancé leaves her for another woman, she needs to get away from the familiar. She decides to head to the states, to visit the father she hasn’t seen in some time. She hopes spending the summer at his farm in Indiana will help her clear her head and heal her broken heart.

Having lost his wife in a tragic accident four years ago, Anders has been unable to move forward. Spending time on the family farm helping his brother brings him some of the peace he needs. Until the night he meets Wren.

For the first time since his wife’s accident someone has broken through Anders’ shell. Yet even as Wren tries to get closer, Anders does his best to keep a distance. He’s torn between the memories of his wife and his growing feelings for Wren. Because Anders is hiding a secret. He knows that if he shares it he could lose what he’s finding with Wren. But keeping the secret isn’t an option.

Wren is struggling to figure out why she wasn’t enough for her fiancé, why she wasn’t enough for the father who left her and her mother and why she doesn’t seem to be enough for Anders. But spending time with her father and the half sister she never really knew opens Wren’s eyes to things she’s been missing. As she evaluates her life she begins to gain the confidence she’s been lacking.

Overall, this book has more angst than I usually enjoy in the stories I read, but after the first few chapters, it was that same angst that pulled me farther into the story. The author does a great job of flushing out her characters, letting their vulnerabilities show through and making them relatable. I enjoyed watching Wren come into her own, as she discovered the person she could be. The strength she found let her be the support Anders’ needed to open up, to share his secret and to move beyond his tragedy. This story invoked a myriad of feelings, from frustration and anxiety to warmth and humor making the tears, both sad and happy ones, that it brought to my eyes were well worth it. This is a wonderful story of tragedy and healing that shouldn’t be missed.

This story starts with a heartbreak. Not only a heartbreak, but her former fiancé lives in the neighborhood in England and she frequently runs into him and his new girlfriend. Her mother suggests a change of scenery. She works remotely and decides to have an extended visit with her father, stepmother and stepsister in Indiana. Her father is a farmer in a small town rural area. Her stepsister and husband live in the town. Next door, another farmer and his wife live, and their 2 sons are a distraction.
This really is a book about growth and relationships. Her relationship with her father, stepmother, stepsister and others is a focal point of this book. The author does a great job in conveying emotion. Should she return to her old life in England, or stay in America where she has found new love.
I really enjoyed this book. Many secrets, personal and family, are discovered in this book. Don't miss this very enjoyable book!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley and the publisher.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it sucks you in from the beginning and is well written. I didn't care for the plot twist, it made me think less of a lot of the characters and made the struggles leading up to it irrevelant (No spoilers). That being said, it was an enjoyable read and I stayed up late to finish it. 3.5/5 stars.
Thanks to Paige Toon, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC!

4.5 🌟

Thank you so much to netgalley for providing me access to Only Love Can Hurt Like This in exchange of an honest review.

This book was stunning from the vibrant cover of the book & intriguing characters to the hypnotizing storyline.

The story draws you in from the first chapter and doesn’t let you go until the very end.

I always enjoy a book that brings about a situation that encourages you to ponder outside of your own situations and this book did just that. It touches on very emotional topics such as divorce, death, complicated familial relationships, love and moving on with life.

This book will stir conversations in your own mind and most likely, with those around you (at least it did for me).

I absolutely adored all the characters and could have see this continuing on as a series (fingers crossed).

𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘏𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘓𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 is an emotional, poignant story of when a girl, who's been left two too many times, decides to fly to her father's homeland and takes a chance on the man next door as they both heal and let go of their burdens.

- ~ -

I read the author's interview at the end and it was evident she's very wise and that reflects in her stories as well. The way she presents the characters with flaws, kindness and everything it really sets you upto feel a story rather than simply read.

Wren has been through some rough times as well as Anders. They're both grieving: one that never was and the other that never will be again. It's definitely a slow burn but it's worth it.

I liked Wren as a narrator. She's got issues to work through but she's really strong and kind to be able to love with her heart open the way she did (no spoilers but you'll understand if you choose to read).

The whole story was set in a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. It had emphasis on friendships and relationships that was well developed. I particularly loved Wren and Jonas's friendship.

An amazing story overall, one that'll stick to me for a long time.

- ~ -

4.03 / 5✩

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘗𝘶𝘵𝘯𝘢𝘮 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. This was an enjoyable read. The plot and the character development was very good. The writer left me enthralled and invested in the relationships and rooting for each person right till the end.

* I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All thoughts are my own.

Given the title of this book, it’s pretty easy to tell it’s not light and fluffy. Wren leaves the UK to visit the US for the summer after she and her fiancée split. She meets Anders, the sort-of neighbor, after coming home from the bar. Wren and Anders have each gone through relationships that they’re mourning, but in separate ways. This is a romance, but not in the most typical way. It’s a real slow burn and most of the focus really isn’t on romance until the end.

Would recommend.

This is the first book I have read by Paige Toon, but it will not be the last. Only Love Can Hurt Like This is not just a romance; it is also about the love between siblings and between parents and children. It was a very enjoyable story with a satisfying ending. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC,

Wow, my heart, though healed in the end, still hurts. While this, I believe, is labeled as a romance, there isn't a lot of swoony fun stuff that romances are made of. There is, however, piles of angst and sad/impossible situations. I feel emotionally wrung out right now, but in a good way. For those of you who enjoy having your heart beat up, dive on in!!!

This book!!! I loved it so much!! I didn’t want to love it, but the mystery with Anders kept pulling me in and wanting to discover more.

A romance story that is mesmerizing and so sweet. I became completely consumed by Anders and Wren’s story along with Wren’s and Bailey’s.

Thank you so much this opportunity NetGalley, penguin and author to read this arc.

This was such a good slow-burn romance! I couldn't put this book down from the beginning. It is an emotional roller-coaster but in such a good way. I rooted for Wren and Anders, I loved the dynamics with the characters and enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more by this author!