*Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

“You make me want to be so gentle with you, Charlee.”

This was such a cute, cozy, and heartwarming read! Some of the tropes you can expect to find:

🐻Forced Proximity
🌲Only One Tent
🐻Second Chance
🌲Slow Burn
🐻Pen Pal to Love Letters
🌲Neurodivergent Rep
🐻Bisexual Rep

When I saw it was a second chance and a slow burn it made me nervous because the combo of those two tropes can make a plot drag at times, but that was not the case for this one!

It had the perfect amount of tension and pining that makes a slow burn worth it. And the pen pal letters that were weaved in did not take away from the present day at all. It added the perfect amount of context while helping move the slow burn along by giving you some spice along the way. Forget sexting, because these pen pal to love letters were GIVING🌶️🔥🥵

I loved both Charlee and Oliver right off the bat. Charlee is so spunky and feisty; a take no shit kind of gal. While some of that is just how she is, you got so see how it also acted like armor to protect the soft, hurt parts of herself. I loved seeing her slowly but surely let those softer parts of her show!

Oliver, my sweet, neurodivergent, cinnamon roll baby. As a neurodivergent person myself I always love seeing us represented in books, but I think this was the first time I saw the hypersensitivity that can come with neurodivergence represented so well. The heightened emotions, and struggling to identify these big feelings, and sensory overload are a difficult part of neurodivergence and I loved to see it written well and with care.

Oliver and Charlee have both lost so much, but that isn’t why they work. They naturally gravitated toward and appreciate each other for who the other person is, not for what they can do for them or out of need to be with someone. This is an interconnected standalone, but I am itching to read the other books in this series after reading this one!

CUTE !! I was hesitant to read her other books based on mixed reviews, but the premise of this one sounded too good to pass up. It was so real- unlike some other romances that may seem unrealistic this one offers what feels like a really authentic glimpse at a relationship. I’ll definitely be going back to read her other books

I fell in love with Elodie's writing last year when I read From Paris In Love, and this book captivated me just as much—I devoured it.

Charlee and Oliver are such amazing characters, and I just want to hug them. This book touched me in so many moments, and I think their story was beautifully written. They are definitely soulmates.

Thank you so much the publisher and NetGalley for sending me this ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

What a good book! I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. This is a first by this author but will not be my last! I read this in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down.

3.5
This was such a delightful and enjoyable book, perfect for fall vibes, which I absolutely loved. I really appreciated the alternating past and present chapters—they provided great insight into the relationship between the characters. I especially enjoyed the letters, though I did find them a bit cringy towards the end. Still, they didn't detract too much from the overall experience. The romance was sweet, but I was disappointed with how the story concluded. The resolution felt unsatisfying because it relied on miscommunication, which could have been easily avoided with one solid conversation early on. Despite this, it was still a cute read.

I am completely and utterly unable to accept any criticism in regard to this masterpiece. Oliver, you’re coming home with me. More thoughts to come if and when I ever get over this book.
...

UNBEARABLY YOURS by ELODIE COLLIARD
Rating: ∞⭐️

<u> <b> Read if you love: </b> </u>
💌 Pen pals
⛺️ Forced proximity (a LOT of it)
🐻 Small town
🌲 He takes care of her
🫶🏼 Found family
✌️ Second chance
🏕️ Only one tent and sleeping bag
📓 Journalists in the wild
🍰 Cinnamon roll MMC

<b> ‘Unbearably Yours’ is a beautifully poignant and heartfelt journey of two souls finding their way back to each other.</b> Elodie Colliard captures readers with her breathtaking vivid portrayal of British Columbia, while also weaving in powerful discussions on sexism in the workplace, neurodiversity, cancer, death, forgiveness, love, and the hard-won journey of personal growth. This book will wrap you up in its warmth and refuse to ever let go.
<i> <blockquote> "It’s as if you were etched into my soul, into my bones. I’ve know for years that you were mine and I yours. Soulmates. That’s what we are.”</blockquote> </i>
I’ve been a long-time reader of Elodie’s books. ‘The Last Encore’ is the first indie book I read and loved, making Elo the reason I unwaveringly support indie authors as much as I do on my page. As a result, TLE will always have a special place in my heart. That said, ‘Unbearably Yours’ is just…truly incredible. <b> I have never been more proud of an author than I am of Elodie now. </b> I love seeing all of the wonderful reviews that this book is receiving from first-time Elo readers and how it’s motivating them to read her first time books which are equally as incredible.
<i> <blockquote> "I choose you every time, sweetheart. You over everything else. Forever and always.” </blockquote> </I>
Never have I believed two characters are more made for each other than Oliver is for Charlee and vice versa. It is clear from the beginning of their in-person meeting that, despite their anger and confusion, these two still deeply love one another. Oliver is respectful, kind, and fiercely protective toward Charlee. While she protects her boundaries and emotions, Charlee shows Oliver the same respect, while also recognizing that her love for him is stronger than her anger. The understanding and forgiveness that these two eventually show one another is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
<i> <blockquote> "I’m yours, sweetheart. Mind, body, and soul.”</blockquote> </I>
<u> <b> Some mini-thoughts: </b> </u>
📸 I absolutely loved the friendship between Charlee and Emma
🔥 “I don’t usually mind nail marks, but a bit softer please”
🖕🏻This one is specifically for you Trevor. I sentence you to roll a boulder up a hill like Sisyphus. Sounds like a fitting punishment to me.
🦶Why couldn’t my sprained ankle heal as fast as Charlee’s???😭
🥰 *Kicks feet, *sobs, *kicks feet, *sobs, *laughs, *kicks feet, *sobs, *throws kindle at the wall
📷 The photos at the end…I CRIED. SOBBED like a BABY
❤️ OLIVER WHY AREN’T YOU REAL??? CAN I USE MY GENIE WISH TO BRING YOU TO LIFE???
✏️ *Puts down highlighter, *picks highlighter back up, *puts highlight down, *picks highlight back up
📪 EMILIE!!!! YOU SILLY OLD…uh meanie…

<u> <b> A list of SOME of my favorite quotes: </b> </u>
<I> “You’re . . . my Charlee. And boy, do you take up space in my mind.” </I>

<I>"My beautiful Charlie.”</I>

<I> "It’s him, my body seems to say. It’s always been him.”</I>

<I> "‘I’m right here, sweetheart,’ he says into my skin. ‘I’ll aways be right here next to you.’”</I>

<I>"‘That’s my girl.’”</I>

<I> "‘You’re my favorite book, and reading you is ridiculously easy.’”

<I>" Every time I look at you, you wish me away to my favorite place. It’s you. You’re where I love to be the most.”</I>

<I>"I love you so much, Oliver. I’ve never been so sure of anything else in my life.”</I>


<I>"You’re such a good girl, Charlie. Such a good girl.”</I>

<I>"‘My perfect girl,’ he whispers again and again into the crook of my neck, like a prayer to a higher power…”</I>

<I>"Sometimes, I wake up in the middle of the night and find him asleep next to me, softly breathing, and wonder what I did right in a past life to deserve a second chance at loving this man — and to have my love returned tenfold.”</I>

<I>"I haven’t been able to forget a single thing about you, Charlee."</I>

<I>"I am drawn to you in a deeper, more meaningful way than I’ve ever been drawn to anyone. You make me feel seen and valued and cherished. All this without ever having touched me or laid eyes on me.”</I>

<I>"I gave you my trust. I gave you my heart. I gave you my soul.”</I>

<I> “I was chasing after the person I was when I had you. I was chasing the happiness I knew with you."</I>
...

I’m sure there’s more I could say about this book, but I’ll cap it here. Read it, don’t read it. Just know if you chose the latter, you might find me in a corner crying. And you wouldn’t want to do that to me, would you?🥹 No? Good choice😌

Thank you Elodie for the advance copy and for trusting me to review your baby early. I will be *impatiently* waiting for whatever comes next;)

I love a romance with love letters, especially ones as introspective and beautiful as these.

This was warm and well written. The characters were strong and distinctive, not often you see that when you have a romance with love letters, very often it's hard to tell the difference between them.

My only complaint, and it's a little petty, is that I am completely done with Leni Kaufman covers. They all have the same smirking expression and I'm so bored with it.

Romance lovers in search for a cozy Fall read, this book was made for you!

What can I say, except that I absolutely adored Charlee and Oliver's story? I'm a sucker for the second-chance trope, and Elodie absolutely delivered here. Not only that, but she used it in such a unique way, I was bound to love it. Some might even say that it's not an actual second chance, because they never met, only exchanged letters for a year and fell in love through each other's words. But I find that even more beautiful. Theirs is a bond that so strong and unique, and I think it's one of the reasons I loved their story this much.

Anf if this bond is still here after 5 years, a lot of things have changed. Both Charlee and Oliver have changed over the years, and their forced proximity will force them to relearn the other.

I couldn't get enough of Charlee and Oliver's story. It's so heartwarming and sweet, and once I got to know them, I couldn't put my book down.
Not only that, but there's something about Elodie's writing that I absolutely love. So it's no surprise that I read Unbearably Yours so fast! I almost regret it lol, I should have taken my time with this book.

My only issue with Unbearably Yours was with the chole one chapter/one letter thing. I do understand that it was essential to understand the characters and their bond, but I did find it weird for the pace. Maybe it would have been better to keep a part of the letters, but also discover the characters in their day-to-day life at the time? Anyways, it's purely a me-problem, so don't let that stop you from reading this book!

Also, can we talk about Charlee being bisexual and Oliver being neurodivergent?? We love good representation in this house!

Unbearably Yours was an amazing read. It's the last book in this series, and it felt bittersweet to say goodbye to all these characters (whom I loved to see one last time).
Two years ago I got to read an ARC of The Last Encore, so it feels like I've come full circle today. It's making me really emotional lol

Anyway, please read this gem 🧡 (and the other two in the trilogy, if you haven't already!)

Pen pals turned into something more... except when they were suppose to meet up in person things go wrong and now years later they meet each other again and are faced with old feelings as well as old wounds as they question whether or not they can fix what went wrong the first time. Charlee and Oliver were pen pals, who wrote each other throughout the years and fell in love, they shared secrets, opened up their hearts, and comforted one another. When their letters turn romantic and they agree to meet up in person, Oliver leaves Charlee waiting for him at the airport and never explains why or contacts her again. Charlee now works as a journalist, traveling from one story to the next, chasing something she just doesn't know what. When her next story has her assignment has her working on a documentary with her job on the line, the last thing she expects is to be collaborating with Oliver of all people. Oliver is determined to buy back his family's restaurant that he lost five years ago and when his bosses offer him a huge raise in order for him to help with a new documentary team coming he doesn't even think twice about saying yes. To Oliver's great surprise he comes face to face with the woman he left behind and still haunts his every thought, the one woman who he is still very much in love with and determined to win back... but that means explaining to her why he never came all those years ago. Charlee acts like she doesn't want to know and that she's just here to get the job done... but spending two weeks with the one man who broke her heart who is just as caring and sweet as she remembers has her struggling to resist falling for him. Can Oliver explain to Charlee what really happened and can she open her heart up to the man who broke it all those years ago? This was a cozy second chance romance filled with love letters, wilderness, and sweet romance. Getting to see Charlee and Oliver fall in love throughout their letters was a great way to see their relationship and to see how in love they were with one another. It's a sweet read and one I'd definitely recommend for fans of second chance romances.

Release Date: September 3,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

📖: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🥵: 🌶️🌶️/5

Unbearably Yours follows the story of Charlee Fletcher, a wildlife reporter always on the move looking for the next adventure, and Oliver, her college penpal.

This was such a moving and emotional story. The letters between Charlee and Oli were such a beautiful way to show how they initial penpal relationship blossomed into so much more. The dual timeline aspect of the story brought a lot of tension as it builds towards the reveal of why their relationship broke down, and how they can move forward together.

Oli and Charlee were both complex characters with a lot of depth. The depiction of Oli as gifted, with heightened sensitivity, was really fascinating. I love seeing MMCs who aren't scared of feeling their emotions, even if they don't always get it right.

I enjoyed the secondary characters, and will definitely be reading their stories at some point!!

Overall, a really enjoyable read, and a great new author discovered!

⭐ 4.5

For someone who doesn't like the second chance trope, I really liked this book. I loved Charlee and Oliver and I thought their story was the cutest (a little chaotic) but cute. Now, they DID NOT know each other since they kept in touch through letters but there came a time when they stopped doing so, some time later (years) they meet again because they have to work together and when Charlee finds out who Oliver is (who she resents for stopping writing letters) and that they have to work together, everything becomes a little chaotic.

Although I liked the trope here, what I liked the most is seeing how they become friends again, yes, they have their problems (more her than him) but you see how little by little they go back to being like before, how they found that the personalities they thought they were when they wrote letters to each other were more than wonderful.

Without a doubt, the author did a great job in giving us the two timelines to understand the characters better. Oliver is definitely a character that I loved. I loved his personality and even though he knew he had done wrong, he just wanted to do right for Charlee and Charlee is one of those protagonists that you love from the first moment; the secondary characters were a beautiful thing that flowed beautifully with the story.

This is my first book by this author and I will read the others right now because I definitely loved her way of writing.

📌I received an e-arc through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Impeccable fall nature vibes - this book switches between letters and current day romance for a "one-that-got-away" story as we wind back to figuring out what happened and why they stopped speaking. I think where this book falls short for me is the letters - they did feel like monumental glimpses into our couple's love story, but I didn't feel like I felt them falling in love through the letters, if that makes sense, which is sort of the primary point? This was also a book that was relatively slow to start and featured a decent amount of yearning.

If you're in the mood for a yearning, fall nature vibes book - this might be the one for you.

Guys, it’s no secret I’m a sucker for letter writing. And this one… oooohhhh 🤌🏼…

📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Unbearably Yours by Elodie Colliard

📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: It’s Always Been You character series. Book 3.

📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book ARC on Kindle. Courtesy of Netgalley.

📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Contemporary romance

📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Second chance, forced proximity, love letters, PNW vibes.

📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Charlee is a wild, free heart who loves her job as an environmental journalist. To save her failing organization, she agrees to a docuseries that has her pairing up with another journalist - Oliver - who she doesn’t know is the pen pal she fell in love with years ago.

🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Came for the cover, stayed for the fall PNW vibes and the love letters.

Oliver and Charlee’s story felt like the breath of fresh air they were always enjoying in the PNW. The setting was a perfect first read of fall, but the connection between the two characters jumped off the backdrop so well.

I loved the then-and-now storytelling, and the way all of the events of Charlee and Oliver came full circle at the end. I was pleasantly surprised at the spice. And the cameos by characters from other books (I haven’t read them) were so intriguing I want to pick up the rest of the series.

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶

𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.

4 stars

As per usual with Elodie's book, this was another sweet and fuzzy and so beautifully written romance.
I adored Charlee and Olie. Their love story was so sweet and something everyone wants in a relationship... A partner that supports you and loves you inconditionally.
I felt so much for Oliver. The things he went through and the fact he remained a good person... wonderful guy. Top tier book boyfriend material.
Charlee was fantastic, and I loved her even more when the moment for the big reveal happened. I love that she listened!!! That she didn't storm away but actually listened to what Ollie had to say.
The side characters were fun to read, and I love when towns are another character in the story, too.
The steam was fantastic 👌
Overall, another wonderful book by Elodie C.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Unbearably Yours is a breathtaking second-chance romance that takes readers on a wild journey through the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest—and the tangled wilderness of past regrets and unspoken feelings.
Charlee and Oliver's story is as captivating as the stunning landscape that surrounds them. Charlee, a journalist with a knack for running from her past, and Oliver, a nature-loving guide haunted by his own regrets, are forced to work together on a documentary that could make or break both their careers. The twist? They haven’t spoken in five years, not since Oliver mysteriously bailed on the date that could have changed everything.
The author brilliantly weaves tension and unresolved longing into every scene, making the forced proximity trope feel fresh and oh-so-compelling. The chemistry between Charlee and Oliver is electric, crackling like a campfire under the stars, but it’s their shared history and the emotional stakes that really set this book apart. The backdrop of the majestic rainforest only heightens the sense of adventure and discovery, both in their surroundings and within themselves.
What makes this book truly shine is how it balances the thrill of rediscovered love with the poignant exploration of missed opportunities and the courage it takes to confront old wounds. Charlee and Oliver’s journey is as much about finding each other again as it is about finding themselves—and realizing that some bonds, no matter how strained, are simply unbreakable.
If you love small-town romance with a dash of adventure, heartfelt characters, and a story that feels as immersive as the forest it’s set in, Unbearably Yours is a must-read. Get ready to lose yourself in Charlee and Oliver’s world—you won't want to come back!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Unbearably Yours

Rating: 4⭐️

Read if you like:
🍂 pen pals
🍂 2nd chance
🍂 double timeline/time jumps
🍂 environmentalists
🍂 extroverted girl x introverted guy

I found this to be was a pretty enjoyable romance book, with a focus on wilderness and nature that definitely added to the story. As for the characters i really liked them both individually: Charlee, our fmc, exudes confidence and never backs away from a challenge, i loved her resoluteness in all aspects of her life, while Oliver is a total sweetheart, a bit awkward and an amazing neurodivergent rep.
There were really sweet (and spicy!) moments between them but something in their romance seemed to be lacking, especially in their letters, i feel like they fell for each other too soon considering that they hadn’t even met in person at the time! Besides this, i also loved the secondary characters, besides Miles&Riley and Avary&Josh (the main couples of the first 2 books in the series!) that we got to see again, i really enjoy reading about Oliver and Lola’s friendship!

Thank you to the author Elodie Colliard, netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-Op for a free earc. All opinions are my own🥰

Thank you Elodie and NetGalley for the e-arc!

Charlee and Oliver started has pen pals in college. It was fun to read their letters and see how their friendship (and more) evolved. Their letters are intertwined with current events, where they have surprisingly been paired up as guide & host for a documentary.

Elodie is a great writer. If I would have connected with the characters more, this could have been a 5 star read for me. I wanted to love Charlee & Oliver’s story, but it fell flat. I couldn’t buy that their love crumbled so easily the first time, and neither of them did anything about it until a chance encounter years later. However I loved Oliver’s friend group and Charlee’s relationship with her sister. Their outside connections shined brighter than the two of them together.

This book may have not been a hit for me, but that wouldn’t stop me from reading other books by this author.

This was such a cute and sweet book with also some elements of heartbreak thrown in. Honestly, it was nearly the perfect combination of everything that I have looked for in a romance book, but at times it was a bit slow. It is the third book in a series of interconnected standalone books, so I will definitely be looking into reading the rest.

I loved the idea of the two characters being pen pals and connecting that way to show how they got to know each other and become friends before becoming more. The only downside to this was when they stopped connecting through letters, it lead to a miscommunication/no communication trope, which I am not a fan of, although I understand why the communication stopped at that time, but I still stand by the fact that they could have reconnected a lot sooner than they actually did if they were that close....

Thank you to Elodie Colliard, Victory Editing, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.

Unbearably Yours is the final book in Elodie Colliard’s It’s Always Been You trilogy, and it is her best book yet!

I loved everything about this story! Pine Falls is such a picturesque small town, I felt like I was there. The mountains and lake were described so beautifully and it was such a great way to connect with Charlee and Oliver’s passion for nature and conservation.

Charlee is so sweet and passionate. She gives everything to her job as a wildlife journalist and I love that so much about her. Reading her letters to Oliver really helped me understand why she made the decisions she made.

Oliver might just be the sweetest book boyfriend ever! His letters were so beautiful, and I love how their relationship grew, first in the letters, then in person. I saw a lot of me in both of them, but especially in Oliver and his hypersensitivity.

This book is a SLOW BURN, but it also didn’t feel like a slow burn, because the action moves fairly quickly. Once the spice hits, it really hits. I promise, you will not be disappointed.

Thank you Elodie and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this via gifted eARC. All thoughts are my own and honest. Unbearably Yours releases September 3.

Unbearably Yours started out strong and then just kind of fizzled for me near the end. I was hoping to enjoy this one more than I did. While I absolutely loved the BC setting of this story. I could not connect with either of the main characters and the quick forgiveness after not having spoken or written to each other for 5 years just did not seem believable. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a honest review.