You know a book series is a good one when its final chapter leaves you satisfied but, at the same time, you wish the series would never end. Unbearably Yours (book 3 in the It's Always Been You series) is the perfect example!
Here's what I absolutely loved about this masterpiece:
🧡 Charlee (the FMC): she is adventurous, brave, feisty, true, and vulnerable. She is a badass, and I wish I was more like her.
🧡 Oliver (the MMC): he is sensitive, sweet, caring, honest. He is an open book, incapable of deceiving. He won't just make it in the list of your favorite book boyfriends. No sir! He will overthrow all the others! You've been warned!
🧡 The romance: Oliver and Charlee have such a strong connection right from the start of their story! Seriously, I felt it at page one when they had exchanged only one letter and I swear I already needed them to be together always and forever! Plus, according to me, this book contains the most beautiful declaration of love of all time! (I am not going to spoil it for you. Just read the book and then we can talk about it.)
🧡 The spice: The constant pull between Oliver and Charlee is so well written! I'm telling you... this is the BEST!SLOW!BURN!EVER! And once it burns... it burns so good!
🧡 The dual timeline and the suspence. The mistery behind the reason why Oliver and Charlee didn’t get the chance to meet in person in the past got me hanging on the edge of my seat. The rhythm of the story, the narrative style... it all got me hooked to the page.
🧡 The cameos from all the other characters of the series are so sweet!
🧡 The delicacy that Elodie used in writing about mantal health, loss, grief, gender equality, and nature conservation.

Elodie Colliard wrote a heartfelt story that has the power to make you dream, think, feel seen and at peace, and stand a little taller. Elodie usually thanks her readers in the acknowledgements of her books. But I think readers should be thanking her for giving them such precious books! So, thank you, Elodie!

I am seriuously debating with myself trying to figure out if I think this might be Elodie's best work yet. And, given how much I love her previous work, this is saying a lot!
What I know for sure is that this series' characters will always be part of me. Truth be told, if it were up to me, I wouldn't let this series end before every secondary character has had their own book (Emile the evil postman included)!

If you are in need of a cozy, sweet, dual timeline romance with characters you’ll love and root for, this one is for you!

I absolutely loved the dual timeline between the past and present, and the use of the letters were a perfect way to break up the story! I enjoyed seeing how their relationship progressed through these letters, and how this then affected them when they met. The letters provided a prior bond, which was sweet to see as they rekindled their relationship.

This story was very well written, was easy to understand and I couldn’t put it down! The small town setting was so nice, and I loved the wildlife aspect that was mixed in. A special shout out to the Scotland trip at the beginning 😊

I would totally recommend this one to friends!

this was a lovely, tender, fun story! I loved Oliver & Charlee’s relationship—. how it developed as college kids through letters and in the current time having their second chance at being with one another. i love letters in romance books, and using them as the flashback points was so clever and special to read in this story. Oliver is the sweetest, tenderest, most loving character; his dedication to Charlee and all the people he loves is the most special thing. And Charlee is such a firecracker of a character, I loved seeing her come out of her protective shell and believe in love again with her soulmate! the side characters were also so fun to read, I hope this story gets a sequel and we can meet them all again. I also appreciated the little nod to Love, And Other Words, a similar story and favorite of mine!!!

thank you for the arc :))))

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC of this book.
I was first attracted to the cover, a cosy campfire setting? Yes please.
This book was a delight to read, Oliver and Charlee were really likeable characters who I was routing for the whole time.
I flew through this book desperate to discover why their plans to meet didn't happen. I was expecting to dislike Oliver as a result, but if anything, my heart broke for him.
I felt Charlee's rudeness was a bit unnecessary in places, she seemed desperate to run away rather than ask for the answers she wanted over the last few years.
Overall, a cosy read, perfect for autumn, I think this book is going to be huge.

Charlee and Oliver started out as pen-pals through a writing program which lasted about a year. They frequently exchanged letters which became deeper and deeper and grew into a love connection and a plan to meet up. Which didn’t happen. Five years later they end up working on the same project – unexpectantly.

This was such a beautifully written romance. I absolutely recommend this read. Slow paced which suited the book and its characters very well. Second chance romance, forced proximity with a cinnamon roll hero. I loved this one!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read this. All opinions expressed are my own.

4.5 stars

This is the sort of book where you can really get immersed in the characters' world. I think I fell a little bit in love with Pine Falls, as well as Oliver and Charlee. And despite this being book three of a series, I never felt like I was missing context - only that I was probably missing out on some fab stories, something which I'm keen to rectify by doubling back to read the author's other books now.

This is the second epistolary second-chance romance I've read in as many weeks, and apparently it's my jam because I really enjoyed the way that the pair's past exchanges were gradually rolled out, revealing more about the characters' history and motivations and also resonating with the current narrative. I really felt Charlee's lingering devastation at how things played out, and while at times I wanted her to have the conversation, ask Oliver the question, I also understood her reticence not to go back there. And equally, my heart hurt for stoic, sensitive Oliver (possibly my new fave book boyfriend), being in the impossible position of needing to get on with the job and secure his dreams whilst also aching to set things straight with the one who got away. So while the reason for the lack of communication can feel a little contrived, I was happy enough to suspend my disbelief and be swept along with Charlee and Oliver's gradual reconciliation and burgeoning romance. And when they recapture the tenderness and depth of their original connection, it's pretty magical.

I also really enjoyed the supporting cast - particuarly Oliver's friends - and am hopeful that Matt and co. might get their own HEA in a return to Pine Falls at some point!

Angsty, sweet and tender, Unbearably Yours is the perfect cosy autumnal read <3

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC of Unbearably Yours in exchange for an honest and independent review.

While I’m coming into the It’s Always Been You series at book 3, I am first off grateful that I didn’t need to have read the first two in order to fall completely head over heels in love with this book, but secondly, I am beyond upset that I haven’t heard about this series until just now. I swear, I don’t live under rock either! I will be getting my hands on the first two the moment I’m done with this review because this cozy fall romance has wormed into way into my top 2024 reads and I’m not ready for it to end!

Charlee is a traveling journalist forever on the run researching environmental stories for her publisher, Wild Planet, whose office in Toronto, CA is on the brink of closure. In a last ditch effort to save the team, Charlee accepts an assignment that sends her to British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest for a two week trek in search of the elusive spirit bear that calls only this region hone. While the reward of accepting this assignment is huge, Charlee will quickly realize it may not be worth it when she comes face to face with her heartbreaking past.

Enter Oliver Reynolds, Charlee’s pen pal heartbreak she’s been running from for the last five years. Oliver’s place of peace is nature and all of the solitude it brings. Oliver has been working hard to get this life back on track after losing everything he held dear five years ago. When Wild Planet offers him enough money to guide a team filming a documentary in the area that would allow him to buy his grandparents restaurant back, Oliver jumps at the opportunity. This opportunity changes everything for him and things finally start looking up, that is until Oliver comes face to face with one of the things he lost five years ago and his biggest regret.

In this forced proximity steamy romance, Oliver and Charlee are forced to address what happened five years ago, when Oliver ghosted Charlee at the airport after they agreed to meet in person following a year long pen pal relationship. Can I just say, I loved how the author takes us back through Charlee and Oliver’s love story through their historical letters to each other. It’s adorable to be able to watch their relationship grow and strengthen through time. Fast forward five years, and Oliver is finally seeing the love of his life in the flesh and guiding her and her team through the BC rainforest. Rightfully so, Charlee is pissed and has her walls sky high, which Oliver seeks to dismantle one by one and finally open up about what kept him from the airport that day five years ago.

The chemistry between these too is palpable and their obvious attraction and history together springs off the page. Oliver quickly becomes one of my favorite book boyfriends in that every move he makes is so sincere and thoughtful. He doesn’t say anything without pouring every emotion he has into it because he’s bound to get it right this time. This slow build of sexual tension throughout the book is just perfection. I loved every minute of it. Now excuse me while I go hunt down books one and two because Elodie has me hooked on her writing and I need more! Absolute chef’s kiss for Oliver and Charlee’s love story! Three cheers for this Indie author and I encourage you to go out and support her works. They are phenomenal!

ARC Book Review: *Unbearably Yours* by Elodie Colliard

Rating: ★★★★★

Elodie Colliard's *Unbearably Yours* is a mesmerizing third installment in the *It's Always Been You* series, blending heartfelt emotion, breathtaking scenery, and the powerful theme of second chances into a compelling romance.

Charlee, a dedicated journalist who avoids confronting her past, finds herself in a challenging situation when she's tasked with saving her Toronto-based Wild Planet office by participating in a documentary project in British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest. The catch? She must work alongside Oliver Reynolds, a man she has a tumultuous history with, and whom she hasn't seen in five years.

Oliver, a nature lover content with his peaceful life in Pine Falls, is driven by a desire to reclaim his family's lost restaurant. When offered a substantial raise to guide the Wild Planet crew, he reluctantly agrees, only to discover that his co-worker will be Charlee, the woman he once shared a deep connection with.

The story beautifully captures the tension and unresolved feelings between Charlee and Oliver as they navigate their forced proximity. Colliard skillfully portrays their journey, both personal and professional, amidst the stunning backdrop of the Great Bear Rainforest. The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions of nature, enhancing the romantic and adventurous elements of the plot.

*Unbearably Yours* masterfully explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the courage to face one's past. Charlee and Oliver's chemistry is palpable, and their gradual reconnection is both steamy and heartwarming. The story also delves into the solace found in a chosen family, emphasizing the importance of support and understanding.

Colliard's writing is engaging and emotionally resonant, making *Unbearably Yours* a captivating read from start to finish. Fans of second chance romances, small-town settings, and stories of personal growth will find themselves thoroughly enchanted by Charlee and Oliver's tale.

Thank you, NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, for the opportunity to read and review this enchanting and evocative novel. *Unbearably Yours* is a testament to the enduring power of love and the beauty of rediscovering what truly matters.

4.5 ⭐
2🌶️
Tropes: Forced proximity, second chance, flashbacks, cinnamon roll MMC, small town, found family.


Ugh this book was so good! Unbearably Yours is the story of Charlee and Oliver. They met 5 years ago when they became anonymous penpals for one of their journalism classes. What started as an assignment to let an unknown stranger on the other side of the country critique their writing turned into love as they wrote back and forth over the course of a year…only for Oliver to shatter her heart.


Fast forward to the present. Charlee is working as a wildlife reporter who gets sent on assignment to a tropical rainforest to narrate a documentary about the area and with the hopes of seeing the elusive Spirit Bear. Except the guide and safety expert for the team is Oliver, who she hasn’t spoken to in 5 years after he stood her up at their first meeting.


The pacing of the book is great, and I loved the characters- Charlee is a laid back animal lover and Oliver is a quiet and nerdy woodworker hoping to buy back his grandparents' restaurant. It had the perfect amount of pining and tension for my angsty little heart too. Love this book!!


Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the chance to read this arc in exchange for my honest opinion. All views expressed are my own.

I really liked the concept of this book—long lost pen pals is such a cute idea. I think I got a little lost with all the flashbacks to their letters. Nothing about them suggested romance to me, so I was confused about how they were so impacted by each other? Love the idea but it just missed the mark for me.

OMG! This book, guys i can’t 🥹 i stopped reading my other book to read this and literally finished it within two days! It’s a nice easy ready, small town steamy romance but with more depth. The way Elodie writes is just so gripping and from the first page i was invested 🙏🏼 i love the little extra details in the chapters between Charlee and Oliver ( when you read it you’ll know what im talking about) and how much character development and background it gave. The fact that is was set in Canada as opposed to the usual New York scene i really enjoyed and all the supporting character except a certain someone… Overall 5/5 stars, loved it and Oliver is low key a new book boyfriend of mine 👀🥰✨

3.25 Stars! 🌟

This is my FAVOURITE Elodie Colliard book. I finished it within a day. Thank you to NetGalley, Victory editing and Elodie for the opportunity to read this book ahead of release.

Oliver and Charlee are so cute and the dual timeline had an interesting twist in this book. The past was told in letters to each other, was such a cool plot device that I haven’t really ever experienced before. As it not only was a way to showcase the past, but it tied into this theme of Oliver and Charlee being pen pans for years, living across the country from each other where slowly but surely they start to fall in love with each other. The letters / emails that they had sent back and forth gave us the reader a lot of information about them as characters in an individualistic way but then also now in which they would inevitably grow to be together as a pairing in the future. There is even a moment where Oliver pens a letter to Charlee and inside the letter he had crafted a necklace with a special pendant for her which was one of the sweetest things ever especially considering they hadn’t met IRL then. Also one of the standout parts of many of the letters is Charlee at one point mentions that she is pushed to go out on a date by her mom… and she tells Oliver this to which she also admits it went horrible in her eyes. Only for him to write back saying “is it awful that i wished your date went bad…?” Cause at this point they are both feeling as much as they possibly can for one another without meeting yet. It was just so so cute, and it give me slight Wildfire by Hannah Grace vibes with having the whole outdoorsy vibes with campfires and s’mores… sneaking into cabins etc.

This book truly centred more on Oliver and Charlee’s emotional connection to your penpal friend turned eventual lover than that lots of spice. Don’t get me wrong when the spice was happening… it was good. I think it is Elodie’s spiciest book of her 3 in this series. I would give it a solid 2 🌶️ peppers. Like on the level of Elise Silver.

If you like:
Friends to lovers
NO 3rd act break up
He takes care of her when she is sick
Romance via Letters
Dual timeline
Small town romance
Cinnamon roll hero…

I would definitely read more of Elodie Colliard in the future and I wish we could get more of Oliver and Charlee.. as they are my favourite couple of hers now.

🌈 Small Town Romance
🌈 Second Chance Romance
🌈 Pen Pals
🌈 Forced proximity
🌈 Slow burn

🌶🌶🌶🌶/ 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

This is the first book by this author I have read, although I have heard a lot about the previous books in this series. I'll have to go back and read the others - I think it would have provided some context to this book, although I don't think it's essential.

Charlee and Oliver fall in love with each other through letters before they have ever met in person. But something stops Oliver from meeting Charlee when she comes to see him and the resulting heartbreak resonates throughout the next 5 years. When it turns out the two of them have to work together on a documentary, they both have to put their past behind them. But forgetting what they meant to each other becomes more and more difficult when they realise they never fell out of love.

This is a swoony story that pulls on the heartstrings. I think both Charlee and Oliver are easy to connect with but Oliver's combination of super hot wilderness man and cinnamon roll is especially potent.

I loved the way they find their way back to each other, although the circumstances under which they form their connection is a little implausible in this digital world. It's well-written romance fiction so I just went with it!

The other characters in the story were really interesting and if there's more in this series I would love to see what happens with Lola.

I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Elodie and her team for the e-arc!

Just finished it and I am in tears! What a beautiful story of soulmates, family, and the magic we call love. Charlee and Oliver have one of the most stunning connections I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Their chemistry leaps off the page, creating a romance that feels both timeless and unique.

Elodie has woven a wonderful story of love, loss, and family (blood or otherwise). Her storytelling ability is nothing short of enchanting, capturing the essence of what it means to truly connect with another person on a soulful level. The narrative gracefully explores the complexities of relationships, highlighting how love can heal and transform even the deepest wounds.

The supporting characters add richness to the story, each contributing to the overall theme of family and the sense of belonging. Whether related by blood or forged through friendship, the bonds depicted in this book are beautifully authentic and moving.

I cannot wait for all the praises this book will get once it releases. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page, reminding us all of the power of love and the importance of cherishing those we hold dear. This book is a must-read for anyone who believes in the magic of connection and the resilience of the human heart. Prepare to be swept away!!

4.5 stars

”you shine, and I’m mesmerized every time.


If you're seeking a cozy read that perfectly blends a breathtaking setting, endearing characters, and a heartwarming love story, then this is the book for you.

”we all have our demons and reasons for not wanting to dredge up the past, but this might just be one of those times when it’s worth experiencing the pain and reliving the unhappy memories, if only for the chance to rewrite parts of them.”


Charlee and Oliver maintained a pen pal relationship for over a year, exchanging meticulous and introspective letters that revealed their deepest thoughts and desires. & with each passing exchange they fell irremediably in love with one another. five years after their last correspondence, they are unexpectedly reunited, compelled to collaborate on a project. however, their reunion is shadowed with hurt and grief, leaving them to confront the lingering emotions of their past... or perhaps something more?

”I was chasing after the person I was when I had you. I was chasing the happiness I knew with you.”


Charlee, the female protagonist, was an incarnation of the black cat character, and I found myself captivated by her. life hadn't always been kind to her, and she was a beautifully complex individual with a multitude of flaws. however, these imperfections were dexterously woven together to create a tapestry of stunning vulnerability, rendering her all the more relatable and human.

”i gave you my trust. I gave you my heart. I gave you my soul.”


Oliver was, in essence, a charming nerd. I adored how his character was skillfully painted to be compassionate, altruistic, and gentle. his kind heart and charmy nature made him impossible not to love. he seemed to bear the weight of the world on his shoulders, and when I finally learned his full story, it was devastating. the depth of his struggles and hardships only added to my affection for him.

”soulmates. that’s what we are.”


the romance was beautifully intertwined throughout the narrative, perfectly harmonizing with the letters that served as a poignant reflection of the characters' relationship development. I particularly appreciated the insight into their prior bond, which provided a rich foundation for their rekindled romance. the present chapters unfolded at a deliberate pace, with the protagonists taking their time to navigate their new relationship and attempt to communicate after the tumultuous five-year hiatus. their love story was a moving exploration of second chances, forgiveness, and the power of true love. all in all, they deservedly earned their happily ever after.

many thanks to the author & netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Overall a cute, cozy romance that made me wish I lived in British Columbia, curled up by the fire with a warm sweater while toasting marshmallows.

Charlee and Oliver “met” in college as pen pals, exchanging letters over the course of a year and slowly forming a connection that turned into something more. Things don’t go as planned when they intend to meet up, and our story picks up 5 years after they have fallen out of touch. The two are paired together for a documentary that forces them to work together, and both are in agony to have to see each other again. Cue the tension, angst, and longing!

Unbearably Yours had all the components of a great romance, but the pacing fell short to me. Majority of the book is spent wondering why these two didn’t work out the first time, and they do not have a conversation about it until about 80% in, and I guess I am not patient enough to wait that long. This could definitely be a personal thing for me, as I am not usually a fan of a miscommunication. Just wanted them to talk to each other!

Read if you love:
💌second chance romance
💌slow burn
💌forced proximity
💌cinnamon roll hero
💌he takes care of her when she’s hurt
💌must cuddle to stay warm
💌no third act breakup

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the eArc in exchange for an honest review!

This book was an absolute pleasure to read. I cried, I laughed, I got hot & bothered, everything you want in a perfect read. I knew I was going to love it when I read the first sentence of the first chapter. Elodie’s writing is absolutely beautiful and she does an astounding job at describing setting, characters and everything in between.

My favorite tropes of the book
Second chance
Forced proximity
Small town romance
Only one “bed”

I LOVE the letters. I loved the dual timelines as we got to see how the characters changed and grew over the years! I think it was such an original way to learn more about their characters, their personalities and feelings. The way both characters poured their emotions into the letters made me emotional myself and I loved every bit of it.

Oliver was genuinely the perfect book boyfriend. He is sweet, caring, a little nerdy and a lover of books, plus he's described as a “Canadian version of Sam Claflin”, I was absolutely sold. Charlee's character was fascinating and I loved her attitude of not taking shit from men. She was an absolute joy to read about.

Both Charlee and Oliver had a lot of depth to them and were extremely loveable. Their chemistry wasn't lacking and the forced proximity had me all twisted and wanting more. I often found myself relating to both characters but particularly Oliver. As someone who feels emotions very strongly, it was lovely to see it portrayed in a way that wasn't shameful. Elodie’s portrayal of hypersensitivity is very well done and full of kindness.

Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for letting me read this before it’s been published.

This review will also be puublished on Instagram under the username @reading.at.dusk!

A sweet and steamy story of 2 pen pals that were supposed to meet after a year long of writing each other just to find out that it didn’t go as planned.

5 years pass and little did they know they would be paired up to go on a project for their jobs.

Perfect way to rekindle their love for each other.

Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing for the honor to read this before it’s been published.

the letters and the second chance combo made for a beautiful book. elodie's writing is so sweet and beautiful. I was rooting for them all the way through and I adored this book.

Echos of "An Affair to Remember" and "You've Got Mail" weave through this emotional rollercoaster of love lost and found, found family, and finding your real home. Lots of feels and of course a HEA, but you know that.