If Only

Family By Choice #2

by Robin Nadler

Can one moment in a life truly define it? Is it possible to move beyond that defining moment and create something meaningful? What if that moment is so horrifying it can’t be overcome, just survived? How do you learn to live again after your life is torn apart and all you knew to be real and true wasn’t? You ask yourself the questions we all wonder. If only I had done something different. If only I was more careful. If only I could have stopped it. Barbara Rose had it all. She was beautiful, independent and famous, all at 18. She performed for thousands of people and had the world at her fingertips. She was trusting and charitable and those things invited something she could never have imagined. When she was abducted after a concert, her whole life changed. Barbara Rose was gone and Brittany Anthony emerged. Tommy Williams was a regular 18-year-old boy. He had a pesky younger sister and parents who loved each other. He and his best friend were in their first year of college and life was going to be great. He was ready to get started and finally live. The night he was at the bar celebrating the end of his first semester finals, he received a call that would shatter his life and throw his ideas about the future into a tailspin. Suddenly, the future he was waiting to live wasn’t a guarantee. If only is a story of triumph and hope. It teaches us all that existing is not the same as living, and sometimes, we really do deserve more. Brittany and Tommy learn that who they are as individuals is nothing compared to what they can be together, but when Tommy finds out who Brittany really is, is throws both of them into a fight for survival.

Genres: Romance, M F Romance, Survival, Fiction

Unknown Binding

First published December 21, 2011

Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I think it was a very touching story of love and loss and how the characters overcome. It played out like a storyline from a soap opera like General Hospital, I guess because all of the characters are doctors who all end up saving each other in some way or another and there is A LOT of drama as the characters find it hard to deal with their situations, past and present. I enjoyed reading the book and was surprised that it was so hard to put down, with it being so big I thought I would find parts boring, but that was not the case. One thing that got old was how many times the characters "ran their hand through their hair", but I guess the author was trying to show the frustration of the situation they were working through. I loved the relationships of all 3 couples involved in the storyline and the encouragement they gave to each other, sometimes I felt that some areas were a little over the top mushy/corny because they had to keep repeating how much they meant to each other, but that is just my opinion. All of that being said, I would read more from this author as she does keep the storyline interesting.
*I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway*

[Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grabs your attention from the very first page and doesn't let loose till the last page. An awesome story of love and family that knows no bounds. A mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat. The story line and characters were fantastic, the research indepth to the degree that you will learn medical terms and facts, but not so much that you get lost. Would love to read the next book in the series.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book .... borrowed from a friend last year, hope to have my own copy ... will appreciated if I get it.

[Janet]

We have all asked this question time and time again. Would love to read the authors take on this!

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of a fairly long series, a series which I have been wanting to make a start on for some time.

The story continues with characters Stephanie/Jack and Brittany/Tommy, although in this book 2 we get to know Brittany much more as she didn’t have a major part to play in book 1. It was an enjoyable story from start to finish, flowed a bit like a soap, non-stop which is not a bad thing, means the story is fast paced with plenty of action and drama, not to mention a fair few sex scenes. I did think that the sex scenes were a little OTT in places, just too much of it to the point that I scrim read past some of those scenes. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for love, sex and romance but when the story is addictively good, you just want to get on with the story so as to find out what will happen next.

Part of the story focuses on HIV, as one of the characters sadly has it, and although it might be upsetting for some readers, I actually found it insightful and I actually learnt something about said disease. One thing I’ll say about this author, is she is not afraid to deal with real life issues in her book, some of which are quite emotional at times, and no I’m not just on about the HIV storyline. There were plenty of other emotional storylines throughout but plenty of happy joyful ones too.

Also in book 2 we get more introduced to characters Julie and Bill who I believe will have more of a bigger part to play in book 3 to this series, but it was very nice to start getting to know them in this book.

I will definitely be continuing with the series, although will probably take a break in between each book with other authors books.

[Veronica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book for free from the Goodreads giveaway program. I read both this pre-published version and the digital NOOK copy. However, the NOOK versions listed it as Book 1, which is incorrect.

I liked that it continued right after the storyline of book one, but I didn't like that it focused more on Jack and Stephanie. I was thinking this would focus more on Brittany and Tommy's story.

Also, I didn't like that Brittany was referred to as "the red head" ALOT! It was overdone.

And I didn't like how it ended. It was a lot of filler after so much well-written action. I liked that this book was more action pack but I didn't like all the filler. I also didn't like how this novel focused more on Stephanie and Jack than Brittany and Tommy.

2 out of 5 Stars

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brittany has been to hell and back more than once. This was a good story with some great characters. At times I felt like some of the conversations were repetitive and I found myself skipping over them. I would have liked a little more of the drama with the stalker. It seems like it ended just as it began.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heart wrenching tale

I chose this as 5 stars because although it takes you through so many emotions the ones that stand out are love and loss. This book takes you on a journey of true love one that just doesn't come to you but one that has to be earned and worked for. This is a great read and will rip you apart before putting you back together stronger and more resilient.
A great read from this Author.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in the Family by Choice series and what a story it kept me turning pages. I felt like I was there watching Dr. Brittany Anthony and Pediatric Surgeon Tommy Williams' story and seeing everything they go through.

[evieo17 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. I felt for Brittany. I did feel that the story was slow here and there.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things happened in Tommy and .britainy life that has left them

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Only is an incredibly moving and emotional tale of love and overcoming tragic events. It is a very long book for a romance – nearly 700 pages – but the story remained interesting throughout. Not many authors would be able to write such a long romance novel without the story becoming boring but Robin Nadler has managed it.

The book follows Tommy and Brittany who both have tragic pasts but together can find the strength to put the past behind them and look forwards to the future. I loved watching these two characters fall in love as it felt so real and believable. They had all the ups and down that any couple would have but also a few that were unique to their situation. I also loved this book due to the way it dealt with someone who was abducted and raped in their past. I felt like the writer described exactly how someone in that situation would feel.

As well as the main story there is also a focus on the best friends of the two main characters who have some issues of their own to deal with. This added depth to the story as well as giving the reader an alternate perspective to the story.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a believable romance that deals with issues much deeper than the shallow disagreements often found in romance novels. I do want to point out that the characters are in their early 30’s in this book; the story takes place 12 years after the events mentioned in the blurb.

*I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review*

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a First Reads book. I was at first apprehensive about the size of the book (695 pages), probably the longest I have read since high school. But I flew through it in just 2 days. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it held my attention. It was extremely uplifting while being very suspenseful the entire time. It was completely enjoyable and a very good book. It really showed how the power of love can work if it's real.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story! Tommy & Brittany falling in love...fighting many obstacles along the way, but never giving up even at times when that might have seemed so easy to do. They fought for each other, fought with each other, and through it all were there when their family, Julie and Bill and their baby boy, and Jack, Stephanie, and Baby Sabrina, and of course, their "baby", Tramp, needed them. Now, on to Book 3!

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very well written with great characters. Definately held my attention. An emotional roller-coaster, more than what I normally read. If love with all its complexities and family are your thing, you must read this.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and have chosen to review it. This was a really emotional read you get to see all that the characters had gone through. It just made me feel for them to see all the things that they’ve gone through and that they can come on the other side of it.

[Paul Townley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story.

[Gabrielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't bother.

[Craig · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't waste your time...

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second in a series. I gave it a shot to see if it would be better than the first and won't be reading the next one. Way too much drama and unrealistic things for me.