Only to Save You

Only in Seaside #6

by Shannon O'Connor

She walked into my life the moment I needed her most. On the cusp of a breakup, all I wanted was to be alone, until I met her. Suddenly, she’s all I can think about and I’m questioning everything I’ve known about myself. I didn’t believe in love at first sight until it happened to me. Now the cute barista is the only one on my mind and I’m not even sure if she likes women. The more I get to know her, the more smitten I am. So when she finally agrees to be mine it almost seems too good to be true. Add in a stalker ex boyfriend and a chance at true love, Only to Save You is a Contemporary romance with some suspense.
Trigger Mentions of domestic violence, stalking & abuse
Cinnamon Roll Hero (sin-a-mon roll he-ro): ( n ) a hero who is too sweet for this world…but will fight to the death for the people they care about
Join twenty of your favorite romance authors on our journey to prove that cinnamon rolls can still be steaming hot! These sweet, sexy heroes (and heroines!) are here to save the day, whether it’s rescuing their partner from the ghosts of their past or just showing them that they deserve to be loved, cherished, respected…and, of course, pleasured.

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, Adult, Lesbian

123 pages, Paperback

Published August 9, 2023

About the author

Shannon O’Connor is a twenty something, bisexual, self published poet of several books and counting. O’Connor enjoys life’s simple pleasures: coffee, reading, traveling, and spending time with her new baby. O’Connor is continuously working on new poetry projects, book reviews, and more, while also diving into motherhood. She loves supporting local indie authors & shops as much as possible.

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shans...

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lainey runs the Cinnamon Roll Saviors bakery started by her parents almost30 years ago. Carter has just started working at Rainy Day Tattoos. When the two meet Lainey has recently walked away from her abusive boyfriend Steve. Having moved from Portland, Carter is settling into the area. Their attraction is instant then shy flirting ensues.
The author builds the connection slowly with Lainey unsure about initial then deepening feelings. Plus her ex won't accept the breakup. A trip out of town cements the relationship. I knew drama lay ahead and wanted them to be happy.
In O'Connor style, OTSY has angst, heat, a wonderful supporting cast and a HEA. This is an easy. short, sweet but hot read.

[Lorraine Rusnack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lainey is trying to move forward after a bad break up and run her family's bakery. Carter is new in town and goes in for coffee only to lose her heart to the woman at the bakery. Lainey has never been attracted to a woman before but there is something captivating about Carter. They start off slow and build to a sweet and steamy relationship. After a bad encounter with Lainey's ex they are even stronger. Well written especially with the sensitive subject matter. The love comes through.

[ReadingwithCaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger warning: this book contains domestic abuse, violence and stalker issues.

Shannon O’Connor delivers again with a story that is both terrifying and sweet. I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Lainey is the owner of a bakery in a small town. She just left an abusive relationship but her ex doesn’t give up. When Carter steps into her shop there is an instant chemistry and connection. She is the first woman to turn Lainey’s head that way but is it a true connection or is she running towards her because of her abusive past?
Carter is new in town and works as a tattoo artist. She can’t help but be absolutely enamored by the cute woman who runs the bakery.

The abusive relationship Lainey has with her stalker ex is bone chilling. The way Carter cares for her is what she deserves and you can’t help but root for them. That being said, for me the story lacked a little in depth of the characters. The connection between the two women just seemed too easy.

All in all this is a nice read to get lost in for a couple hours.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It didn’t quite go the way I thought it would, but I found it very hot and enjoyable.

The way they met, how it bloomed, it gave me the feels. I certainly found it erotic.

Things weren’t as I thought they were going to be, but it made the book for me and that’s why I gave it 5 stars

I received an ARC copy of this and my review is left voluntarily

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was quite enjoyable. I particularly appreciated the chemistry between Lainey and Carter, as well as the character development they both underwent.

The plot was straightforward and well-written, although some elements did not resonate with my personal preferences. Overall, it was a commendable book that I would recommend, albeit with some reservations.

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s not to love about Lainey and Carter! Lainey works at a bakery and Carter works at a tattoo shop. She is new to town. She’s got lots of tattoos and Lainey has none. Lainey is not only only going through a breakup, but her mom keeps trying to get her to go back to him. Lainey knows that is never going to happen after what he did to her. Carter steps into Lainey’s bakery one day and it seems there is an instant connection. Carter continues to stop by the bakery for some goodies just to get a glance at Lainey. She finally asks Lainey out. What do you think Lainey’s response will be? Is Lainey ready to move on, and is she ready to move on with a woman? Wait til you find out! These two definitely get along so well. Will a certain someone try to get between these two or is their bond too strong to break them apart? Get ready for this page turner you won’t want to put down.

[Heather Creeden · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5
🌶️ 4/5
🥵 5/5
Age range: 18+
Content Warnings: Domestic violence

Quotes:

- My dad had always told me it was important to open the door for a lady, and by God, is Lainey a lady.
- the way she is licking her spoon clean makes me jealous of a damn spoon.
- I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone do that for me before. Is that just a lesbian thing or do I just date people who make me open my own doors?
- Maybe I do like mint chocolate chip if it is coming off her lips.
- boobs are sort of cool.
- “I’m not going to break if you touch me,” I tease. “I just want to savor you,” she whispers against my lips.
- her tongue feels like heaven and I want to pray.
- “I want to be a taste tester for you.” She smiles mischievously.

Review:
I’ve not read a Shannon O’Connor book that I haven’t loved and this one great as well. This story is about Lainey and Carter who meet when Carter comes into the Cinnamon roll bakery that Lainey and her family own. Carter is very new to town and wants to get somethings for her new boss and peers. She’s and artist who tattoos her work on people though wasn’t feeling it at her previous studio though now is working in an all woman studio and really enjoying the change. When meeting Lainey there was something about her that Carter just couldn’t place, she would get these feeling that drew her to Lainey making it where she just had to stop in and get a coffee and cinnamon roll. Lainey on the other hand is just getting out of a very rough relationship with Steve who hit her and is now being very aggressive with wanting to get back together. Lainey has only told her best friend what happened with Steve so her parents are a little confused as to why suddenly they are broken up. When Lainey first sees Carter she too gets all these feeling that she never felt before and isn’t sure about especially since she’s only ever dated men. Though when Carter finally asks her out she decides to go for it and it’s like her eyes are now open to a whole new world. Though Steve is still lurking around and demanding they get back together even with force, Lainey doesn’t want to mess up things with Carter by going into what happened with Steve but she has to when he comes around again to force her to get back with him. This story is so relatable to women and the LGBTQ+ community that I feel it would be a great read for many.

Tropes & Vibes:
- LGBTQ+
- Rom-Com
- Girl meets girl and falls in love

[McKenzie Dew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only to Save You by Shannon O’Connor
✨ARC Book Review✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Releasing 8/18

⭐️ FF Romances
⭐️ Instant Attraction
⭐️ Stalker/ Abusive Ex
⭐️ Bi Curiosity
⭐️ Tattoo Artist FMC
⭐️ Bakery Owner FMC
⭐️ Shirt and Spicy
⭐️ HEA


Lainey just broke up with her abusive boyfriend and is now one the receiving end of harassment. Carter just moved to Seaside after getting a job as a tattoo artist. Eventually she walks into the bakery Lainey owns after hearing about if from her employers/ employees. Sparks fly right away and Carter keeps coming back to see Lainey.

Lainey had her sexual awakening with Carter, having never been with a woman before. She starts of really shy and awkward but turns into a devil in the sheets. 😈

If your looking for a quick and spicy ff read then this book is for you! I loved how protective Carter is of Lainey and how much they love each other!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lainey works at a bakery, and has just gotten out of an abusive relationship that she's never going back to despite the fact that her mother won't get off her case about doing so. I wanted to slap her mother silly to be honest as she should have never been pressuring her daughter about that. Carter is new to town after getting a new job as a tattoo artist, and from the moment she came face to face with Lainey, the sparks were flying and there was a connection. However, Lainey has never been with a woman so it's a bit complicated but the author gave it a very realistic feel in my opinion. Of course not everyone is happy about what is developing between these girls so will outside forces break them apart?! Only to Save You was a fast paced story with a kicker of Seaside healing that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[SiSi ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute, spicy read!
I was glad she was the type to not go back to an abusive ex, definitely the right call. He was an awful person.
I like how she became so open with everything being new to her.
They say opposites attract and I believe it with the way these 2 characters were different from each other but made the perfect couple. It was a fast paced read, to be expected with a novella so things did move quickly but it makes sense when it's the one. The spice added into it all made for a better read, to see how she made it all seem so easy. I'm always pleased with any FF romance by this author.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much. Even though it is a quick, short read it still had lots of spicy moments and a great story line. I simply adored Lainey and Carter and I loved how their relationship came to be although the subject of abuse was the main reason Lainey dumped her ex. A new experience for Lainey having only previously been with men but when Carter entered her life she soon questioned her feelings. I am a huge fan of Shannon O’Connor and I love how well she handles delicate subjects. This is a book I definitely recommend.

I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Brittmeetsbook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only To Save You

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Lainey the co owner of her coffee shop that she shares with her parents is fresh out of a relationship and isn’t looking for anything more until a pretty girl who’s new to town comes into her coffee shop!

Carter needing something new applies a females only tattoo shop in a little town that has a big heart! Thinking of doing something nice for the ladies she works with she stops by Lainey’s coffee shop and it’s all fireworks!

I’m glad both girls found each other when they needed someone to lean on!
I sweet short read with amazing characters.

[Pluto Lunaris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this one! I wanted to fight Steve, but I absolutely adore Lainey and Carter. These characters were very well written, and I loved the dynamics going on. I also very much enjoyed the variety to the ~spice~. I think that while this book touches on a heavier topic, it was handled well. I also really liked that while like sexuality discoveries were a part of it, coming out wasn't this huge deal. The characters just flowed with it. I do think it could have been a bit longer, but things were wrapped up nicely. It's a quick read that I for sure recommend.

[Athena Starr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredibly well written short,sweet, Sapphic romance Novel. I was so proud of the MFC Lainey for leaving her abusive relationship and being strong enough to not going back.The spice level in this one was absolutely delicious 😋. Lainey and Carter have such a steamy instant attraction to each other it made me blush and giggle quite often throughout the book.I will definitely recommend this book to others!I want to say thank you to Shannon for my ARC to read and review. always please check the TW



Read this if you like:
- Opposites Attract
- instant attraction
- wLw

[Kim Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the Cinnamon Roll Saviors series and is just as sweet and hot as a cinnamon roll just out of the oven. It does deal with domestic violence, stalking , and assault, so there may be some triggers. The chemistry between Carter and Lainey is steamy. I really enjoyed this book and I believe you will too.  
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[ZUI-NOAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW

Tropes
FF
Push pull
hurt comfort

Spice
4/5

This book hit me in the right feels because of the push and pull shannon put into it, I was fully dissolved into this beautiful story and the plot, pace , the chemistry between them was over the top fab and so great. I was in awe that how beautiful the whole thing was written. The topics which are sensitive are done so well and I have truly become a Shannon fan.

Thank you Shannon for this arc

[KS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy F/F read!

Wow -this one heats up the screen and does not disappoint in that respect.

Carter is a bit of a loner and a new tattoo artist in town when she meets Lainey who is the bakery owner next door and is recovering from escaping an abusive relationship.

These two are fire when Lainey finally gives into the unexpected connection.

It's a shorter read, but the steamy scenes make this one a page turner.

I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.

[Reese · Rating 4 out of 5]

If cinnamon rolls were spicy and had tattoos, you'd find them here.

Compared to Shannon's other stories, I thought this one might have a little more depth because of the plot, but overall it was worth the read. Nice amount of smut. The love seemed kind of rushed, but that could be due to the novel being on the shorter side. I'd recommend checking out any of Shannon O'Connor's works; Only For Convenience is still my all-time favorite read by her and Lucky To Be Yours coming in second.

[Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book from Ms O’Connor. It has a good storyline, interesting, romantic with some suspense and drama thrown in.

Lainey runs a coffee shop and as soon as Carter sees her she falls in love. Lainey is a bit more cautious as she is still getting over her controlling boyfriend and is not sure if she is up for a relationship with Carter. This book is well written, as you would expect from Ms O’Connor. Would recommend.

[Lotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a light book, that also had some heavy topics in them (read the tw before reading). I liked it and I liked the way the characters developped over time.
I liked how little fuz there was made about the fact that Lainey was attracted to a woman for the first time. Of course she questioned herself, but it wasn't a huge deal, for her and for those around her.
In the end it could have had a bit more plot, but apart from that, I really liked this book.

[Michelle Romero · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Exceptionally well-written"

"an absolute delight"

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

For the first time in her life Lainey finds herself attracted to a woman. This throws her into a spin that she is unable to comprehend. Carter finds Lainey attractive but does not want to be anyone's experiment. This is a cute story of self discovery and "first" love. Recommend for a quick light hearted read.

[Erika wickwire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first novel from this author and also my first sapphic romance. This was short and sweet, a quick read. The spicy scenes made up a lot of the book which was fine, and they were pretty hot. Something that annoyed me was the constant stuttering through the book, it seems like everyone stuttered at least once.

[Jennifer Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyable

I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into with reading a FF story but I found that I really liked it and the couple were genuine and even the extended family was supportive and entertaining

[sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

Another beautiful book. I really enjoyed this series. This book was short but sweet and, as per the last three, would recommend to all. I'm definitely looking forward to the next series.

[Mama That Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book SO fast. I’m in love with Lainey and Carter! Their relationship is too sweet and I love how it came together. Shannon and FF romances are quickly becoming my favorite thing to read!!

[Sey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely in first few paragraphs & like the writing style. More to come!
The language is for a 18+ audience and there are steamy scenes.
Overall a great love story!

[Leila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hello darkness my old friend.
And by darkness I mean insta love. 😪

But it was so cuuuuttteee. 🥰

And the spice 🫡💞

[Jessica Rush · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
💉☕️🩼🐕👩🏼‍🤝‍👩🏻

A short and spicy novella featuring a lesbian tattoo artist and bisexual(?) Cinnamon Roll bakery owner.

Lots to unpack in such a short read, but it's definitely action packed from page one.

Lainey, having just broke up with her abusive boyfriend is on the receiving end of harressment. Carter, having just moved to Seaside walks into her bakery after hearing about it from her employee. Sparks fly straight away and Carter keeps coming back just to see Lainey.

Lainey had her sexual awakening with Carter, having never been with a woman before. She starts off shy and awkward but turns out to be a devil in the sheets ;)

This book is very spicy. Carter is very protective of Lainey and they love each other dearly.

Another great sapphic novella from Shannon.

Thanks Shannon for the copy of the ebook. This review is left voluntarily.

[Annmarie Kuyath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only To Save You by Shannon O'Connor is part of the Cinnamon Roll Saviors series.  It's a quick read and has some great spicy parts. It also deal with domestic violence, assault, and  stalking , and assault, so may have triggers for some readers.
 
Carter and Lainey's relationship is hot! I enjoyed reading about their chemistry. O'Connor has a way of making a book spicy, while having a great story line and well developed characters. I'll definitely be reading more of her books!

[Maih · Rating 1 out of 5]

moments like these make me wish the neuralyzer existed