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It's Always Been You #3
Unbearably Yours
A year of heartfelt letters. A chance encounter gone awry. Five years apart for a shot at redemption.
Charlee lives her life by one single rule: don't dredge up the past. That's why she loses herself in her work as a journalist: always on the move, always heading for the next adventure. So when the Wild Planet offices in Toronto are on the brink of closure, she jumps at the chance to save the place by helping shoot a documentary in British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest. Until she realizes who she'll be working with.
For Oliver Reynolds, there's nothing like the peace and quiet of nature. That's why working for Wild Planet is a perfect fit. In the small touristic town of Pine Falls, he has everything he needs. Well, almost. If only he could buy back the family’s restaurant he lost five years ago. When his boss offers him a hefty raise to guide a Wild Planet crew filming a documentary in the area, Oliver doesn't think twice. At least, not until he finds out who he'll be spending those two weeks with.
A twist of fate forces these two estranged souls to collaborate on the project and put their grudges and wounds aside for the time being. Too much is riding on the documentary's success for either Charlee or Oliver to delve into the past that led them to stop writing to each other. But will they succeed in working together and pretending the past never happened? As time goes on, neither can shake their lingering bond, but Charlee still doesn't know why Oliver never showed up for the date they set five years ago. But getting her answer means ripping open old wounds. Will she be brave enough to face her demons?
Embark on Oliver and Charlee’s thrilling journey deep into the heart of the majestic Great Bear Rainforest and explore its enchanting wonders alongside them. And who knows, perhaps they'll uncover more than they bargained for.
'Unbearably Yours' is a steamy small-town romance that delves into the realms of second chances, forced proximity, the solace of a chosen family, and the unshakable bonds that can be forged in a lifetime.
Charlee lives her life by one single rule: don't dredge up the past. That's why she loses herself in her work as a journalist: always on the move, always heading for the next adventure. So when the Wild Planet offices in Toronto are on the brink of closure, she jumps at the chance to save the place by helping shoot a documentary in British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest. Until she realizes who she'll be working with.
For Oliver Reynolds, there's nothing like the peace and quiet of nature. That's why working for Wild Planet is a perfect fit. In the small touristic town of Pine Falls, he has everything he needs. Well, almost. If only he could buy back the family’s restaurant he lost five years ago. When his boss offers him a hefty raise to guide a Wild Planet crew filming a documentary in the area, Oliver doesn't think twice. At least, not until he finds out who he'll be spending those two weeks with.
A twist of fate forces these two estranged souls to collaborate on the project and put their grudges and wounds aside for the time being. Too much is riding on the documentary's success for either Charlee or Oliver to delve into the past that led them to stop writing to each other. But will they succeed in working together and pretending the past never happened? As time goes on, neither can shake their lingering bond, but Charlee still doesn't know why Oliver never showed up for the date they set five years ago. But getting her answer means ripping open old wounds. Will she be brave enough to face her demons?
Embark on Oliver and Charlee’s thrilling journey deep into the heart of the majestic Great Bear Rainforest and explore its enchanting wonders alongside them. And who knows, perhaps they'll uncover more than they bargained for.
'Unbearably Yours' is a steamy small-town romance that delves into the realms of second chances, forced proximity, the solace of a chosen family, and the unshakable bonds that can be forged in a lifetime.
391 pages, Paperback
Published September 3, 2024
71 people are currently reading
3420 people want to read
About the author
Elodie Colliard
4 books321 followersElodie Colliard is a Canadian and French romance author. She currently lives in Montreal with her two very needy cats and her romance-worthy partner.
An avid reader (and dreamer) since childhood, she never gets tired of watching people fall in love. After all, she's a Cancer through and through, and emotions are her specialty.
When she’s not immersed in reading or working her other full-time job in politics, you can find Elodie crocheting, cuddling with her cats or behind her keyboard, creating the heartfelt, empowering love stories everyone can dream of.
An avid reader (and dreamer) since childhood, she never gets tired of watching people fall in love. After all, she's a Cancer through and through, and emotions are her specialty.
When she’s not immersed in reading or working her other full-time job in politics, you can find Elodie crocheting, cuddling with her cats or behind her keyboard, creating the heartfelt, empowering love stories everyone can dream of.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
dnf
September 30, 2024DNF @22% This just isn't holding my interest at all.
For those that have read this series - can I read this one as a standalone? Loving the fall vibes but not really interested in the other two.
The fall vibes are vibing 😩 hoping it's a cozy romance 🍂🍁💋🧡
The fall vibes are vibing 😩 hoping it's a cozy romance 🍂🍁💋🧡
July 24, 2024
4.5 stars
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.
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?
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.
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.
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
———
obsessed with the cover 🍂🎃
”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
———
obsessed with the cover 🍂🎃
September 18, 2024
ˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・“𝓘𝓯 𝓘 𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓸𝓯 𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓶 𝓼𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓮𝓻𝓼, 𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓬𝓸𝔃𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓭𝓾𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓯𝓪𝓵𝓵.”・❥・ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
🍁18/09/24
➸4.75 stars💫
OH. MY. GOD. That's what I told myself when I finished this book a week ago. Can I tell you how much I enjoyed and loved reading this book?! 😍🧡 This book came to me as a soothing balm to my soul, when I was in some of the toughest times of my life, and didn't feel like reading anything for weeks. I OWE THIS BOOK A LOT BECAUSE IT MADE ME SLITHER BACK TO MY READING HOME AGAIN 🥺💘
Now as always, here comes the exciting part of the review, so without further ado, let's meet our fabulous ✨characters✨:
💌Charlee Fletcher~ aka Char, a renowned Toronto-based Wild Planet journalist, is suddenly thrust by her manager into the world of Pine Falls, a place where her pen pal resides, and was the reason for her heartbreak years ago and why she has been running without staying at a place all her life for the past 5 years 💔. Wild Planet is partnering with Movie Night Live to film a docuseries on the Great Bear Rainforest. She will be the reporter to lead the docuseries and has to stay there for two weeks, and amidst all of this, she never imagined she would meet her pen pal for the first time.
💌Oliver Reynolds~ aka Oli, a BC-based Wild Planet reporter, a cute golden retriever nerd, and is very hypersensitive 🧸. I saw myself more within him, a character that's close to my heart. He was broken because of whatever happened five years ago. And then he meets Charlee for the first time, his pen pal from years ago and the only love of his life. He couldn't bring himself to explain why they had never met, and why he abruptly disappeared from her life. And now he is stuck with her for two weeks, and he will do anything now to make her stay in his life this time💞.
What I loved about this book was, it has short chapters🤩. It wasn't dragging at all, and I didn't have the pressure to push through it. I was infact flying through the chapters🥰. And the cherry on top were the heartfelt letters shared between them years ago🥺💌. It was beautiful to see how their friendship bloomed into something more all those years ago💖.
Read if you like 💌:
🍂 Pen pals
🍂 Secret Identities
🍂 Forced Proximity
🍂 One tent/sleeping bag/room/house
🍂 Second Chance
🍂 Small Town Romance
🍂 Wildlife Enthusiasts
🍂 Found Family
🍂 Neurodivergent Cinnamonroll MMC
🍂 Fall Vibes
🍂 Short Chapters
Thankyou to Netgalley, the Author and Victory Editing for this wonderful ARC!!🥰💖
𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓯𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓺𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼 💌:
ˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀・❥・ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
🍁12/09/24
ok, this was a cute cozy fall read!!🥰💖 RTC soon🤭
🍁03/09/24
I'm back from my vacation and what's better than reading books in your comfort zone?🤭 Starting the fall with this ARC I got awhile back!😍 Just hoping this delivers because the letters are giving romaniris🤞🏻💕 I can't wait to catch up with everyone here, missed y'all so much <3🥺💞
🍁18/09/24
➸4.75 stars💫
OH. MY. GOD. That's what I told myself when I finished this book a week ago. Can I tell you how much I enjoyed and loved reading this book?! 😍🧡 This book came to me as a soothing balm to my soul, when I was in some of the toughest times of my life, and didn't feel like reading anything for weeks. I OWE THIS BOOK A LOT BECAUSE IT MADE ME SLITHER BACK TO MY READING HOME AGAIN 🥺💘
Now as always, here comes the exciting part of the review, so without further ado, let's meet our fabulous ✨characters✨:
“I was chasing after the person I was when I had you. I was chasing the happiness I knew with you.”
💌Charlee Fletcher~ aka Char, a renowned Toronto-based Wild Planet journalist, is suddenly thrust by her manager into the world of Pine Falls, a place where her pen pal resides, and was the reason for her heartbreak years ago and why she has been running without staying at a place all her life for the past 5 years 💔. Wild Planet is partnering with Movie Night Live to film a docuseries on the Great Bear Rainforest. She will be the reporter to lead the docuseries and has to stay there for two weeks, and amidst all of this, she never imagined she would meet her pen pal for the first time.
“I will never make you do anything you don't want to.”
💌Oliver Reynolds~ aka Oli, a BC-based Wild Planet reporter, a cute golden retriever nerd, and is very hypersensitive 🧸. I saw myself more within him, a character that's close to my heart. He was broken because of whatever happened five years ago. And then he meets Charlee for the first time, his pen pal from years ago and the only love of his life. He couldn't bring himself to explain why they had never met, and why he abruptly disappeared from her life. And now he is stuck with her for two weeks, and he will do anything now to make her stay in his life this time💞.
“Some very annoying part of me is glad that our paths crossed.”
What I loved about this book was, it has short chapters🤩. It wasn't dragging at all, and I didn't have the pressure to push through it. I was infact flying through the chapters🥰. And the cherry on top were the heartfelt letters shared between them years ago🥺💌. It was beautiful to see how their friendship bloomed into something more all those years ago💖.
Read if you like 💌:
🍂 Pen pals
🍂 Secret Identities
🍂 Forced Proximity
🍂 One tent/sleeping bag/room/house
🍂 Second Chance
🍂 Small Town Romance
🍂 Wildlife Enthusiasts
🍂 Found Family
🍂 Neurodivergent Cinnamonroll MMC
🍂 Fall Vibes
🍂 Short Chapters
Thankyou to Netgalley, the Author and Victory Editing for this wonderful ARC!!🥰💖
𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓯𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓺𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼 💌:
“I remember you know. Everything. Every little thing you told me, I remember. Even if I don't want to.”
“Talking to you again brings me back to a place in my life where I was at my happiest. And where I also had my toughest moments.”
“It's okay, Charlee. I think we've had enough forced proximity for one day, don't you?”
“You always look gorgeous, especially when you don't even try.”
“It’s easy for a place to feel like home when you’re with the right people.”
“You know, your eyes are the color of where I love to be the most.”
“I had enough in me for both of us.”
“I don't need to run anymore. I've found you. I'm exactly where I want to be.”
ˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀・❥・ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
🍁12/09/24
ok, this was a cute cozy fall read!!🥰💖 RTC soon🤭
🍁03/09/24
I'm back from my vacation and what's better than reading books in your comfort zone?🤭 Starting the fall with this ARC I got awhile back!😍 Just hoping this delivers because the letters are giving romaniris🤞🏻💕 I can't wait to catch up with everyone here, missed y'all so much <3🥺💞
September 3, 2024
🎊HAPPY PUBLICATION DATE TO THIS AMAZING OF A BOOK!!! 🎊
I cannot wait to re-read this series in the future.
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*
4.5 out of 5 stars!
'Unbearable Yours' follows two main characters who one day during their collage year become pen pals and start developing feelings towards one another through their words. Finding and understanding themselves more through their exchange of letters and giving feedbacks of each other’s articles, and of course finding comfort in each other.
The longing that they have for each other will make the readers swoon.
If you know me, you know that I'm the kind of the reader who loves short chapters, and this book had that. Not just only it had short chapters, but it was very fast paced as well.
Some tropes that are included in this book:
♥️ Pen pals
♥️ Sharing one tent/lodge/house. So basically forced proximity 🤭
♥️ Wildlife enthusiasts
♥️ Pining for each other over the years
♥️ Secret identities
♥️ Supportive siblings
♥️ Likeable side characters
♥️ Neurodivergent MMC
♥️ Bi FMC
♥️ Second chance romance
If you're looking for cute and quick romance books that also follows siblings and how they find become better versions of themselves again through finding their soulmates and having supportive surroundings. Then I highly recommend to read 'It's Always Been You' companion novels!
_________________________________
YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!! I OPENED MY EYES IN THE VERY EARLY OF THIS MORNING TO SEE THAT I RECEIVED AN ARC FOR ONE OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED READS OF THIS YEAR!!!!!
I'm so invested in this series, I cannot wait to dive into this one!
_________________________________
A year of heartfelt letters. A chance encounter gone awry. Five years apart for a shot at redemption.
I’m so excited for Charlee’s book!
I cannot wait to re-read this series in the future.
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*
4.5 out of 5 stars!
“You know, your eyes are the color of where I love to be the most.”
“Where is that?”
“The forest. When I look at you, it feels like I’m here. Everything goes quiet; I breathe easier. I lose myself in those green eyes until I forget where I am. And then you smile, or you say something sassy, and I snap back into the present. Every time I look at you, you whisk me away to my favorite place. It’s you. You’re where I live to be the most.”
'Unbearable Yours' follows two main characters who one day during their collage year become pen pals and start developing feelings towards one another through their words. Finding and understanding themselves more through their exchange of letters and giving feedbacks of each other’s articles, and of course finding comfort in each other.
The longing that they have for each other will make the readers swoon.
If you know me, you know that I'm the kind of the reader who loves short chapters, and this book had that. Not just only it had short chapters, but it was very fast paced as well.
Some tropes that are included in this book:
♥️ Pen pals
♥️ Sharing one tent/lodge/house. So basically forced proximity 🤭
♥️ Wildlife enthusiasts
♥️ Pining for each other over the years
♥️ Secret identities
♥️ Supportive siblings
♥️ Likeable side characters
♥️ Neurodivergent MMC
♥️ Bi FMC
♥️ Second chance romance
If you're looking for cute and quick romance books that also follows siblings and how they find become better versions of themselves again through finding their soulmates and having supportive surroundings. Then I highly recommend to read 'It's Always Been You' companion novels!
_________________________________
YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!! I OPENED MY EYES IN THE VERY EARLY OF THIS MORNING TO SEE THAT I RECEIVED AN ARC FOR ONE OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED READS OF THIS YEAR!!!!!
I'm so invested in this series, I cannot wait to dive into this one!
_________________________________
A year of heartfelt letters. A chance encounter gone awry. Five years apart for a shot at redemption.
I’m so excited for Charlee’s book!
August 20, 2024
: ̗̀➛ 4 stars
I feel like I read this book at the exact right time. It delivered a beautiful, comforting story that filled my heart with warmth. Charlee and Oliver will linger in my thoughts for a long time.
The romance in this book was delicately woven throughout the narrative, seamlessly blending with the letters that served as a powerful reflection of Charlee and Oliver's relationship. I especially loved how their previous connection was explored, laying a rich groundwork for their rekindled romance. The pacing of the present-day chapters felt intentional, allowing the characters to slowly navigate their new relationship after a tumultuous five-year separation. Their love story is a poignant exploration of second chances, forgiveness, and the enduring power of true love, culminating in a well-deserved happily ever after.
What really stood out to me was how both characters yearn for the friendship they once shared. Oliver tries to respect Charlee’s boundaries, while Charlee fiercely guards her heart, and their efforts to reconnect are so tender and heartfelt. They are both hurting for different reasons, angry for different reasons, and trying desperately not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
I appreciated the gentle tone of this story—how it showed both characters fitting into their own worlds before coming together. The entire book had an autumnal, cozy feel, like wrapping up in a warm blanket with a mug of hot chocolate.
The only downside for me was that it included one of my least favorite tropes, and the plot was a bit predictable. But even with that, I still had an amazing time reading it and would gladly give it 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
“It’s easy for a place to feel like home when you’re with the right people.”
I feel like I read this book at the exact right time. It delivered a beautiful, comforting story that filled my heart with warmth. Charlee and Oliver will linger in my thoughts for a long time.
The romance in this book was delicately woven throughout the narrative, seamlessly blending with the letters that served as a powerful reflection of Charlee and Oliver's relationship. I especially loved how their previous connection was explored, laying a rich groundwork for their rekindled romance. The pacing of the present-day chapters felt intentional, allowing the characters to slowly navigate their new relationship after a tumultuous five-year separation. Their love story is a poignant exploration of second chances, forgiveness, and the enduring power of true love, culminating in a well-deserved happily ever after.
What really stood out to me was how both characters yearn for the friendship they once shared. Oliver tries to respect Charlee’s boundaries, while Charlee fiercely guards her heart, and their efforts to reconnect are so tender and heartfelt. They are both hurting for different reasons, angry for different reasons, and trying desperately not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
I appreciated the gentle tone of this story—how it showed both characters fitting into their own worlds before coming together. The entire book had an autumnal, cozy feel, like wrapping up in a warm blanket with a mug of hot chocolate.
The only downside for me was that it included one of my least favorite tropes, and the plot was a bit predictable. But even with that, I still had an amazing time reading it and would gladly give it 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
September 25, 2024
As a lover of second chance romances, this book exceeded all my expectations. The chemistry between Charlee and Oliver is palpable, and their story is adorably chaotic. What makes this novel stand out is how the characters get to know each other through letters, creating a deep connection before meeting face-to-face years later.
When fate brings them together to work side by side, the tension is immediate. Charlee harbors resentment towards Oliver for stopping his letters, which adds a fascinating layer of conflict to their reunion. Watching them navigate this complicated situation and rebuild their friendship is simply captivating.
The author does an exceptional job using two timelines, allowing us to thoroughly understand the characters and their evolution. It's fascinating to see how the personalities they projected in their letters contrast and complement who they are in the present.
This story reaffirms my love for the second chance trope, demonstrating that when executed masterfully, it can lead to a truly satisfying and emotional read.
The dual timeline approach brilliantly showcases the characters' growth, allowing readers to fall in love with both their past and present selves. The way the author weaves together the nostalgia of their letter-writing days with the complexity of their current relationship creates a rich, multilayered narrative that kept me engrossed from start to finish.
This novel is a perfect example of why I'm drawn to second chance romances. It beautifully captures the idea that true connections can withstand the test of time and that sometimes, the right person at the wrong time can become the right person at the right time. It's a heartwarming reminder that love, when given another chance, can be even stronger and more meaningful than before.
When fate brings them together to work side by side, the tension is immediate. Charlee harbors resentment towards Oliver for stopping his letters, which adds a fascinating layer of conflict to their reunion. Watching them navigate this complicated situation and rebuild their friendship is simply captivating.
The author does an exceptional job using two timelines, allowing us to thoroughly understand the characters and their evolution. It's fascinating to see how the personalities they projected in their letters contrast and complement who they are in the present.
This story reaffirms my love for the second chance trope, demonstrating that when executed masterfully, it can lead to a truly satisfying and emotional read.
The dual timeline approach brilliantly showcases the characters' growth, allowing readers to fall in love with both their past and present selves. The way the author weaves together the nostalgia of their letter-writing days with the complexity of their current relationship creates a rich, multilayered narrative that kept me engrossed from start to finish.
This novel is a perfect example of why I'm drawn to second chance romances. It beautifully captures the idea that true connections can withstand the test of time and that sometimes, the right person at the wrong time can become the right person at the right time. It's a heartwarming reminder that love, when given another chance, can be even stronger and more meaningful than before.
August 23, 2024
“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.”
✧𓈒⋆ 5 stars 𓈒⋆✧
when i say that was the best arc i read so far i'm not even exaggerating! this was everything i wanted from the romance book and even more! honestly, if you're looking for something cozy and sweet, for somethings beautiful and a bit heartbreaking, for somethings so real and vulnerable — this book is your choice. it was such a wholesome read, i finished it in one sitting just because i couldn't put this book down as the story kept unraveling before my eyes and i was so hooked with everything that was going on there.
fair warning, this is the third book in the series of interconnected standalones, and it's the first book out of the series that i read. and you know what? i really want to read the first two books now as i fell in love with the characters from those books! it's not necessary to read first two books before reading this one as i was able to understand everything without previous background, which is really an amazing thing when it comes to interconnected standalones! i'm absolutely planning to read first two books soon still, because the way elodie colliard wrote this story left me wanting to read more of her works!
first things first, i absolutely loved both main characters — charlee and oliver. they were so wholesome and felt incredibly real, like old friends whom i haven't seen for a very long time. from the very first scene charlee was introduced she had me laughing so hard because of the funny comedic way her introduction happened! and oli? can i just say that he's the sweetest male main character? i loved how their story took unpredictable twists and turns, how it kept me wanting to know more, how their chemistry was basically radiating through this book and i was so obsessed with them! also, the feeling of coziness and warmth this book brought? it's a perfect read for this period between summer and fall with the setting from this book.
the plot itself kept me intrigued as i really wanted to know what went down five years ago and if the characters would be able to move on from whatever happened between them. i loved how the main conflict was handled and resolved, it felt organic for the plot and characters and i even enjoyed that kind of miscommunication between them. again, it was organic and the miscommunication was unavoidable here, but it all paid out, in no way that miscommunication annoyed me.
“It’s easy for a place to feel like home when you’re with the right people.”
✧𓈒⋆ charlee fletcher 𓈒⋆✧
from the very first moment i fell in love with charlee, her quirks and wits. she was an amazing female main character, it's definitely impossible not to love her. she is smart, funny, so captivating, but at the same time she felt so girl-next-door-ish that i really felt like i knew her! she had complexity and sometimes my heart was honestly breaking for her because of her backstory and how life treated her. that feisty side of charlee, her intelligence and her ability to stand her ground really impressed me!
“Being gifted comes with a lot of wondering moments. Most people I’ve talked to about this often laugh me off with “Well, how awful it must be to be good at everything you do and have a higher IQ,” but they don’t know what it truly means. They dismiss it as not being an issue, not being “neurodiverse enough,” because if your biggest problem is that you’re smart, then is it a problem at all? My neurodiversity comes with hypersensitivity, and both physical touch and words of affirmation help me understand another person’s feelings and help me confirm that I have the right read on them. I tend to overanalyze everything, and without the proper signs, I get easily lost in my endless questioning. But if you show me exactly what it is you’re feeling, what you feel for me, my mind quiets, and I am more at ease. As simple as that.”
✧𓈒⋆ oliver reynolds 𓈒⋆✧
oli oli oli! he's a golden retriever, soft boy, vulnerable sweet soul. i wasn't aware of neurodivergence and this book [and oliver's character specifically] educated me on the matter. it's really amazing when we learn new things through the books, so this one was a totally pleasant surprise for me.
oliver is really an amazing male main character who made me giggle and kick my legs with his charming personality and beautiful words. his soul is literally something else, and he himself is a definition of down bad. his story was so carefully crafted as it broke my heart and then mended it back.
“You know, your eyes are the color of where I love to be the most.”
“Where is that?”
“The forest. When I look at you, it feels like I’m there. Everything goes quiet; I breathe easier. I lose myself in those green eyes until I forget where I am. And then you smile, or you say something sassy, and I snap back into the present. Every time I look at you, you whisk me away to my favorite place. It’s you. You’re where I love to be the most.”
✧𓈒⋆ charlee & oliver 𓈒⋆✧
the romance between charlee and oli was so cute! it definitely was swoon-worthy, so emotional and heartwarming [even with a little bit heartbreak]. their letters were something else entirely, i feel like getting to know them through those letters and seeing how similar they are in the way they see the world, how their life goals intertwine, how strong and alluring their bond is — the complexity of this story with dual timeline really played its part here. i feel like their love is so pure, but at the same time so intense. the chemistry and tension in the first half of this book really pulled a number on me as i was desperately craving for more. some scenes in which they were opening up to each other made me feel like an intruder as their connection was so vulnerable and soft in those little moments, which once again proves that chemistry in this book was so electrifying and tangible.
“I think you could literally talk to me about anything, and I would gladly read you. You never bore me. I mean it. You’re the highlight of my week, honestly. I wish I could talk to you every day. Sometimes, I see something that makes me think of you (like the amazing burger I had last week—god, you’d have loved it), and I find myself reaching for my phone to text you and remember that I don’t even have your number.”
i feel like this book found me when i needed it most, it's like it answered to my calling and presented me with this beautiful cozy story that warmed my heart. charlee and oliver will stay with me for a while and i feel like i'll definitely be rereading this book this fall just to feel those emotions again!
thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for giving me the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review
September 22, 2024
“Every time I look at you, you whisk me away to my favorite place. It’s you. You’re where I love to be the most.”
This was such a cute and cozy read! Perfect for fall! 🍂🫶🏼✨
This was such a cute and cozy read! Perfect for fall! 🍂🫶🏼✨
October 8, 2024
This book was such an enjoyable read! Pine Falls, with its gorgeous mountains and lakes, totally made me want to pack my bags and move there. Plus, the focus on nature and conservation just added to the magic of Charlee and Oliver’s romance.
Charlee is so sweet and super passionate about her job as a wildlife journalist. When things got tense with Oliver, instead of running away, she actually listened to him, which made me love her even more!
And then there’s Oliver... wow. He’s seriously top-tier book boyfriend material! He’s been through so much but stayed such a kind, thoughtful guy. His letters to Charlee were absolutely beautiful, and I loved how their relationship grow from words on a page to real life. Plus, the fact that he’s sensitive made him so lovable and easy to root for.
Oh, and the steam? SO worth the wait. It’s a slow burn, but the pacing kept me hooked, and I promise you won’t be disappointed when things heat up!
All in all, this is another gem from Elodie—romance, great characters, a dreamy small town, and a love for the great outdoors!
Read this if you like:
🌲 Second Chance
🌲 Letter Exchange
🌲 Forced Proximity
🌲 Small Town Romance
🚨🚨 TW: Death of loved ones (cancer and smoke inhalation)
Charlee is so sweet and super passionate about her job as a wildlife journalist. When things got tense with Oliver, instead of running away, she actually listened to him, which made me love her even more!
And then there’s Oliver... wow. He’s seriously top-tier book boyfriend material! He’s been through so much but stayed such a kind, thoughtful guy. His letters to Charlee were absolutely beautiful, and I loved how their relationship grow from words on a page to real life. Plus, the fact that he’s sensitive made him so lovable and easy to root for.
Oh, and the steam? SO worth the wait. It’s a slow burn, but the pacing kept me hooked, and I promise you won’t be disappointed when things heat up!
All in all, this is another gem from Elodie—romance, great characters, a dreamy small town, and a love for the great outdoors!
Read this if you like:
🌲 Second Chance
🌲 Letter Exchange
🌲 Forced Proximity
🌲 Small Town Romance
🚨🚨 TW: Death of loved ones (cancer and smoke inhalation)
September 3, 2024
Writing this book was a very personal experience that not only made me grow as a writer, but also challenged me to look inside myself and explore things I'd never had the courage to do before. It's been quite healing.
There's a little bit of me in Charlee and a lot of me in Oliver. His hypersensitivity is mine, and although I haven't gone through all the steps to get an official diagnosis, my therapist has strongly encouraged me to get tested for giftedness.
There are many stigmas around hypersensitivity and the personality traits that come with it. I’ve been called “hypocrite,” “fake,” and accused of having ulterior motives every time I’ve been “more” and did “too much” than what’s socially acceptable. It hurt for a long time and often made me question my actions.
But writing this book was the balm to my heart I didn't know I needed, and it made me realize that as long as I know what's really in my heart, I'll be okay.
I hope you go into this book with gentleness, not only for Charlee and Oliver but also for yourself. And for my hypersensitive tribe, I hope this book makes you realize that there's nothing wrong with feeling everything harder. Far from it. You are the best there is on this earth.
There's a little bit of me in Charlee and a lot of me in Oliver. His hypersensitivity is mine, and although I haven't gone through all the steps to get an official diagnosis, my therapist has strongly encouraged me to get tested for giftedness.
There are many stigmas around hypersensitivity and the personality traits that come with it. I’ve been called “hypocrite,” “fake,” and accused of having ulterior motives every time I’ve been “more” and did “too much” than what’s socially acceptable. It hurt for a long time and often made me question my actions.
But writing this book was the balm to my heart I didn't know I needed, and it made me realize that as long as I know what's really in my heart, I'll be okay.
I hope you go into this book with gentleness, not only for Charlee and Oliver but also for yourself. And for my hypersensitive tribe, I hope this book makes you realize that there's nothing wrong with feeling everything harder. Far from it. You are the best there is on this earth.
August 5, 2024
This book had me cackling and hooked from the first page the FMC Charlee is so funny and direct I feel like we’d be besties scratch that we are besties. The MMC Oliver is my dream man scratch is my man (delulu is the solulu).
This book is a second chance romance between Charles and Oliver who connect through heartfelt letters. When a chance to encounter goes wrong. Five years later there’s a chance for redemption and force proximity. You follow Oliver and Charlie’s journey deep in the Great Bear Rainforest.
Here were my thoughts while reading the book:
* This book describes the online dating scene a little too well 😩 it’s hard out here.
* We love Canadian characters and setting I feel seen 🇨🇦
* I’m eating these letters up this book makes me want to write letters to people, my man better write me letters
* We loveee force proximity I eat it up every time
* Elodie describes two people writing to each so beautifully I can feel the love through the pages I feel so giddy 🥺
* The way Oliver describes Charlee has me all flustered my heart going pitta patta 🫶🏾
* I UNWELL 😭 is all I gotta say Ouff
* This book is heartfelt and heartwarming at the same time
* This book had me feeling my feelings
* OLIVER HAS MY HEART ♥️
* Charlee is boss ass woman who stands her ground and is a confident journalist
* Oliver is a caring teddy bear with a sexy protective and caring side he’s my dream man.
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is my love letter to Elodie,
You have created a master piece my love. This book had me delulu for yet again another fictional man. This book had me giddy, sad and in love. This book had me wanting to go camping and I hate bugs and i’m a scaredy cat so it says a lot. I need the next book stat so type way babe i’ll be waiting. In the meantime, i’ll be reading book 2. I loved book 1 the last encore and this book.
Sincerely,
Suonnah
This book is a second chance romance between Charles and Oliver who connect through heartfelt letters. When a chance to encounter goes wrong. Five years later there’s a chance for redemption and force proximity. You follow Oliver and Charlie’s journey deep in the Great Bear Rainforest.
Here were my thoughts while reading the book:
* This book describes the online dating scene a little too well 😩 it’s hard out here.
* We love Canadian characters and setting I feel seen 🇨🇦
* I’m eating these letters up this book makes me want to write letters to people, my man better write me letters
* We loveee force proximity I eat it up every time
* Elodie describes two people writing to each so beautifully I can feel the love through the pages I feel so giddy 🥺
* The way Oliver describes Charlee has me all flustered my heart going pitta patta 🫶🏾
* I UNWELL 😭 is all I gotta say Ouff
* This book is heartfelt and heartwarming at the same time
* This book had me feeling my feelings
* OLIVER HAS MY HEART ♥️
* Charlee is boss ass woman who stands her ground and is a confident journalist
* Oliver is a caring teddy bear with a sexy protective and caring side he’s my dream man.
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is my love letter to Elodie,
You have created a master piece my love. This book had me delulu for yet again another fictional man. This book had me giddy, sad and in love. This book had me wanting to go camping and I hate bugs and i’m a scaredy cat so it says a lot. I need the next book stat so type way babe i’ll be waiting. In the meantime, i’ll be reading book 2. I loved book 1 the last encore and this book.
Sincerely,
Suonnah
January 9, 2025
I read Elodie Colliard's debut novel, The Last Encore, when it was first published and found myself a tad underwhelmed. I set the book aside, as well as the author, and decided that for the moment, I had read my fill. But when I saw the cover and heard the premise of Unbearably Yours, I was immediately roped back in. And overall, I'm really glad I gave this author's writing another chance. I found this book much more compelling than the first in the series. I absolutely adore the premise and the setting. I also found the pacing and writing as a whole to be much more mature. Granted, I still had some problems here and there. Sometimes the pining felt a little over the top, and I know it's nitpicking, but coming from an English major who writes and titles a lot of essays, I hated all the journal article titles in this book. But otherwise, I thought this story was really sweet and a super cozy read. I definitely recommend picking it up, even if you haven't read the rest of the series.
August 21, 2024
I am a sucker for a Canadian-set romance. While this one didn't have as many Canadianisms (Old Dutch boxed chips, for example), it had more of the stunning nature and wildlife found in British Columbia.
Overall, this was a lighthearted and fluffy read with the angst and drama centered around the time-jumps and letter-writing component. Why did they stop talking? Why didn't they meet up as planned? This is the primary relationship conflict and focuses heavily on the delay of information. If you are looking for an easy-reading romance with neurodivergence representation (primarily hypersensitivity and giftedness), then give this book a go.
The remainder of this review will focus on some of the aspects I didn't enjoy as much, and may be considered spoilers. CONTINUE AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Thank you to Victory Editing, NetGalley, and Elodie Colliard for a digital advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Overall, this was a lighthearted and fluffy read with the angst and drama centered around the time-jumps and letter-writing component. Why did they stop talking? Why didn't they meet up as planned? This is the primary relationship conflict and focuses heavily on the delay of information. If you are looking for an easy-reading romance with neurodivergence representation (primarily hypersensitivity and giftedness), then give this book a go.
The remainder of this review will focus on some of the aspects I didn't enjoy as much, and may be considered spoilers. CONTINUE AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Thank you to Victory Editing, NetGalley, and Elodie Colliard for a digital advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 28, 2024
I just finished Unbearably Yours by Elodie Colliard, and wow, what a cozy ride from start to finish. It’s one of those books that wraps you up in a warm blanket and keeps your heart content the whole way through. The story itself is so beautiful and comforting that it left me feeling like I'd just sipped on my favorite cup of tea - green, of course.
The romance in this book is delicately woven, threading through the narrative in a way that feels natural and heartfelt. I loved how the letters Charlee and Oliver exchanged reflected their evolving relationship. Those letters were such a powerful glimpse into their hearts, showing us their hopes and fears.
What really struck me, though, was the way both Charlee and Oliver longed to rekindle the friendship they once had. Oliver is careful, respecting Charlee’s boundaries, while Charlee is fiercely protective of herself. Their attempts to reconnect were so tender and raw, filled with this deep yearning and vulnerability... They’re both hurting and angry for different reasons and seeing them struggle not to repeat past mistakes was incredibly moving.
Now, fair warning—this is actually the third book in a series of interconnected standalones, and it’s the first one I picked up. But you know what? I didn’t feel lost at all, which is pretty impressive. That said, I’m going back to read the other two because I’ve fallen in love with these characters, and I want to see more of them!
Speaking of the characters, they’re beautifully written. I especially appreciated Oliver’s neurodivergent and hypersensitivity representation—it added an extra layer to his character that made him feel so real and relatable. Also, he's a bear, you'll get it.
If I had one tiny gripe, it would be that I wished the book were longer. I would’ve loved to see more of Charlee and Oliver’s lives separately before they reconnected. It just seemed a bit odd in today’s world that they didn’t reach out to each other sooner, so following them solo for a while would’ve given more insight into what held them back.
All in all, this is a lovely second-chance romance set in a small town. It’s a heartwarming read that I highly recommend.
Thank you so much to Victory Editing Co-Op and Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The romance in this book is delicately woven, threading through the narrative in a way that feels natural and heartfelt. I loved how the letters Charlee and Oliver exchanged reflected their evolving relationship. Those letters were such a powerful glimpse into their hearts, showing us their hopes and fears.
What really struck me, though, was the way both Charlee and Oliver longed to rekindle the friendship they once had. Oliver is careful, respecting Charlee’s boundaries, while Charlee is fiercely protective of herself. Their attempts to reconnect were so tender and raw, filled with this deep yearning and vulnerability... They’re both hurting and angry for different reasons and seeing them struggle not to repeat past mistakes was incredibly moving.
Now, fair warning—this is actually the third book in a series of interconnected standalones, and it’s the first one I picked up. But you know what? I didn’t feel lost at all, which is pretty impressive. That said, I’m going back to read the other two because I’ve fallen in love with these characters, and I want to see more of them!
Speaking of the characters, they’re beautifully written. I especially appreciated Oliver’s neurodivergent and hypersensitivity representation—it added an extra layer to his character that made him feel so real and relatable. Also, he's a bear, you'll get it.
If I had one tiny gripe, it would be that I wished the book were longer. I would’ve loved to see more of Charlee and Oliver’s lives separately before they reconnected. It just seemed a bit odd in today’s world that they didn’t reach out to each other sooner, so following them solo for a while would’ve given more insight into what held them back.
All in all, this is a lovely second-chance romance set in a small town. It’s a heartwarming read that I highly recommend.
Thank you so much to Victory Editing Co-Op and Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2024
ARE YOU KIDDING ME.
My favorite book of 2024 HANDS DOWN.
This book was a masterpiece. I don’t think I’ve ever had a book completely captivate me the way this one did. I fell in love with Charlee and Oliver separately from the very beginning. And seeing their relationship blossom together was just the cherry on top. They overcame so much heartache and misunderstanding to be better together in the end.
This book will be a top 5 favorite of mine forever. - I just know it 🧡
My favorite book of 2024 HANDS DOWN.
This book was a masterpiece. I don’t think I’ve ever had a book completely captivate me the way this one did. I fell in love with Charlee and Oliver separately from the very beginning. And seeing their relationship blossom together was just the cherry on top. They overcame so much heartache and misunderstanding to be better together in the end.
This book will be a top 5 favorite of mine forever. - I just know it 🧡
September 12, 2024
cute lil book
August 21, 2024
This was an easy five stars 🥹
I couldn’t get enough of Charlee and Oliver 🫶 I’m a sucker for second chance romances. I absolutely adored reading the letters Charlee and Oliver wrote each other, and seeing how their relationship blossomed. The letters are interspersed between the present-day chapters, and they brought everything full circle.
These characters are so beautifully written, with so much depth and past experiences that shaped them. There is great neurodivergent x hypersensitivity rep with Oliver & he’s the perfect cinnamon roll MMC 🥹 Charlee is an adventurous queen who perfectly complements Oliver 🫶 it was funny watching them fight their feelings for each other because they never stood a chance 🧡
🏕️ strangers to friends to lovers
🏕️ second chance
🏕️ pen pals ✍️
🏕️ forced proximity
🏕️ only one tent + sleeping bag
🏕️ small town
Someone please take me to Pine Falls, BC 🏕️🐻🌲 it sounds like a DREAM
UNBEARABLY YOURS is a deeply romantic & heartwarming love story.
I couldn’t get enough of Charlee and Oliver 🫶 I’m a sucker for second chance romances. I absolutely adored reading the letters Charlee and Oliver wrote each other, and seeing how their relationship blossomed. The letters are interspersed between the present-day chapters, and they brought everything full circle.
These characters are so beautifully written, with so much depth and past experiences that shaped them. There is great neurodivergent x hypersensitivity rep with Oliver & he’s the perfect cinnamon roll MMC 🥹 Charlee is an adventurous queen who perfectly complements Oliver 🫶 it was funny watching them fight their feelings for each other because they never stood a chance 🧡
🏕️ strangers to friends to lovers
🏕️ second chance
🏕️ pen pals ✍️
🏕️ forced proximity
🏕️ only one tent + sleeping bag
🏕️ small town
Someone please take me to Pine Falls, BC 🏕️🐻🌲 it sounds like a DREAM
UNBEARABLY YOURS is a deeply romantic & heartwarming love story.
September 3, 2024
A beautiful and moving second chance, dual POV, forced proximity slow burn romance between two former pen pals who fall for one another while exchanging letters only to get torn apart by a series of unfortunate events.
Five years ago journalists Charlee and Oliver were supposed to finally meet but Oliver never showed and and Charlee was left heartbroken. Now thanks to a work assignment the two are forced to spend a week together as they film a documentary in the remote wilderness near Oliver's hometown of Pine Falls, BC.
I loved the neurodiversity rep and the inclusion of the letters in this story, we really get to see how Oli and Charlee become friends and fall in love. The way they have to work to forgive what happened in the past and take a chance on love again in the present was perfect and I especially enjoyed Oliver's found family/friend group and the cameos from the other couples in this series!
I hope we get more Pine Falls stories in the future, particularly one featuring Oli's best friend, Lola!! Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for an early digital ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. This Leni Kauffman cover is stunning and just might be my favorite ever of hers!! I can't recommend this book enough, it's the perfect book to set off the Fall season!
⚠️CW: death of loved ones, death of a parent from cancer
Five years ago journalists Charlee and Oliver were supposed to finally meet but Oliver never showed and and Charlee was left heartbroken. Now thanks to a work assignment the two are forced to spend a week together as they film a documentary in the remote wilderness near Oliver's hometown of Pine Falls, BC.
I loved the neurodiversity rep and the inclusion of the letters in this story, we really get to see how Oli and Charlee become friends and fall in love. The way they have to work to forgive what happened in the past and take a chance on love again in the present was perfect and I especially enjoyed Oliver's found family/friend group and the cameos from the other couples in this series!
I hope we get more Pine Falls stories in the future, particularly one featuring Oli's best friend, Lola!! Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for an early digital ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. This Leni Kauffman cover is stunning and just might be my favorite ever of hers!! I can't recommend this book enough, it's the perfect book to set off the Fall season!
⚠️CW: death of loved ones, death of a parent from cancer
September 4, 2024
Unbearably Yours is a heartwarming and poignant tale that captures the magic of connection, the pain of misunderstandings, and the beauty of second chances. In this beautifully crafted narrative, we follow Charlie and Oliver, two kindred spirits who meet as penpals in college and develop an emotionally charged relationship through letters before fate intervenes, leaving them at a crossroads when Oliver fails to show up for their long-awaited meeting.
Set against the backdrop of a docuseries project five years after their initial heartbreak, the story deftly intertwines themes of growth, missed opportunities, and the obligation of vulnerability in love. As Charlie and Oliver navigate their professional collaboration, the tension of their past lingers just beneath the surface, creating an irresistible push-and-pull that compels readers to root for their reunion.
One of the strengths of Unbearably Yours is how it portrays the complexities of hypersensitivity and emotional awareness in relationships. Both characters grapple with their own fears and insecurities, and the author does an excellent job of illustrating how these dynamics manifest within their forced proximity. The representation of hypersensitivity is authentic and relatable, making for a thoughtful exploration of how individual experiences shape our connections with others.
The theme of chosen family resonates deeply in this story, as Charlie and Oliver surround themselves with a supportive cast of characters who enrich their journey. This adds warmth to the narrative, allowing readers to see the profound impacts of friendship and love in all its forms.
In conclusion, Unbearably Yours offers a tender exploration of love, longing, and the complexities of human connection. It's a story that reminds us that sometimes, the most meaningful relationships are those that stand the test of time and circumstance. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet romance or a deep dive into emotional growth, this novel delivers on all fronts, leaving readers with a heart full of joy and a smile that lasts long after the final page.
Set against the backdrop of a docuseries project five years after their initial heartbreak, the story deftly intertwines themes of growth, missed opportunities, and the obligation of vulnerability in love. As Charlie and Oliver navigate their professional collaboration, the tension of their past lingers just beneath the surface, creating an irresistible push-and-pull that compels readers to root for their reunion.
One of the strengths of Unbearably Yours is how it portrays the complexities of hypersensitivity and emotional awareness in relationships. Both characters grapple with their own fears and insecurities, and the author does an excellent job of illustrating how these dynamics manifest within their forced proximity. The representation of hypersensitivity is authentic and relatable, making for a thoughtful exploration of how individual experiences shape our connections with others.
The theme of chosen family resonates deeply in this story, as Charlie and Oliver surround themselves with a supportive cast of characters who enrich their journey. This adds warmth to the narrative, allowing readers to see the profound impacts of friendship and love in all its forms.
In conclusion, Unbearably Yours offers a tender exploration of love, longing, and the complexities of human connection. It's a story that reminds us that sometimes, the most meaningful relationships are those that stand the test of time and circumstance. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet romance or a deep dive into emotional growth, this novel delivers on all fronts, leaving readers with a heart full of joy and a smile that lasts long after the final page.
July 23, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I am a mood reader and it is really hard for me to read something simply because it’s out, and the second this book appeared on my kindle I dropped everything and started reading.
neurodivergent mmc
bisexual fmc (mentioned on page)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
oliver and charlee were college pen pals who wrote letters to each other for a degree program. they quickly became friends, exchanging little jokes and details about their lives, but that snowballed until they were a little more than friends. they arranged to meet each other but when oliver never showed up, they lost contact and after 5 years they are seeing each other for the first time to work on a documentary.
“every time I look at you, you whisk me away to my favorite place. it’s you. you’re where I love to be the most.” the man just cadillac says things like this and expects me not to fall in love???
this book was so sweet, the characters were well developed, the plot kept me reading until almost 3am. and most importantly, it made me want to fall in love and find my soulmate. elodie colliard you have found a forever fan with me. can’t wait for the release.
neurodivergent mmc
bisexual fmc (mentioned on page)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
oliver and charlee were college pen pals who wrote letters to each other for a degree program. they quickly became friends, exchanging little jokes and details about their lives, but that snowballed until they were a little more than friends. they arranged to meet each other but when oliver never showed up, they lost contact and after 5 years they are seeing each other for the first time to work on a documentary.
“every time I look at you, you whisk me away to my favorite place. it’s you. you’re where I love to be the most.” the man just cadillac says things like this and expects me not to fall in love???
this book was so sweet, the characters were well developed, the plot kept me reading until almost 3am. and most importantly, it made me want to fall in love and find my soulmate. elodie colliard you have found a forever fan with me. can’t wait for the release.
October 20, 2024
4.5 but rounding up for GR’s. This book was so good. This will definitely be a reread for me.
August 27, 2024
This was such a cute, cozy and heartwarming read with all nature and characters are like comfort people.
Tropes: second chance romance, Letters exchange, soulmates, cinnamon roll mmc, forced proximity, one bed(tent), camping. Spice:🌶️🌶️
I really loved how it started with them exchanging letters and grew a relationship. Its comforting to read this book.
Oliver is such a green forest and a NERD 🤌🏻🎀💗, Charlee is the exact opposite to him but perfect for each other. I loved how they cared for each even with all the past looming around .
But i felt they should have talked way before about what happened 5 years ago, not wait until it reached 80% of the book. Miscommunication doesn’t bode well with me.
Overall it was a good cozy read.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me the ARC for this book.
Tropes: second chance romance, Letters exchange, soulmates, cinnamon roll mmc, forced proximity, one bed(tent), camping. Spice:🌶️🌶️
I really loved how it started with them exchanging letters and grew a relationship. Its comforting to read this book.
Oliver is such a green forest and a NERD 🤌🏻🎀💗, Charlee is the exact opposite to him but perfect for each other. I loved how they cared for each even with all the past looming around .
But i felt they should have talked way before about what happened 5 years ago, not wait until it reached 80% of the book. Miscommunication doesn’t bode well with me.
Overall it was a good cozy read.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me the ARC for this book.
September 3, 2024
4.5⭐️
"I choose you every time, sweetheart. You over everything else. Forever and always."
It will definitely be in my top 10 of favorite books of the year, mainly because the characters fall in love through letters and I find it super romantic, the two main characters created a connection that goes beyond the pages, and it is very interesting how you can come to love someone without even having seen them in person.
Reading both the letters they sent each other 5 years ago, as well as Oli's and Charlee's POV, makes you connect more with the story and not stop reading it, although there comes a point where you want the book to not end because of how good it makes you feel and how much you want to know more about all the characters.
The forced proximity was perfect, it gave me all the tension I wanted and made me wait patiently for the right moment for Oli and Charlee's kiss.
I loved Oli as well as Charlee, they have different personalities but, in some way, the fit together, they make each other better. And of course, i will love to have an Oli in my life, he´s such a good man, i appreciated that he waited for Charlee to open up again to him, and how much he cared for her.
I haven´t read the other books of this series, but i will do it for sure because i really enjoyed the writing style of the author.
Thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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"Te elijo a ti cada vez, cariño. A ti sobre todo lo demás. Por siempre y para siempre."
Sin duda estará en mi top 10 de libros favoritos del año, principalmente porque los personajes se enamoran a través de cartas y me parece súper romántico, los dos personajes principales crearon una conexión que va más allá de las páginas, y es muy interesante cómo puedes llegar a amar a alguien sin siquiera haberlo visto en persona.
Leer tanto las cartas que se enviaron hace 5 años, como el POV de Oli y Charlee, te hace conectar más con la historia y no dejar de leerla, aunque llega un punto en el que quieres que el libro no termine por lo bien que te hace sentir y lo mucho que quieres saber más sobre todos los personajes.
La proximidad forzada fue perfecta, me dio toda la tensión que quería y me hizo esperar pacientemente el momento adecuado para el beso de Oli y Charlee.
Amé tanto a Oli como a Charlee, tienen personalidades diferentes pero, de alguna manera encajan, se hacen mejores mutuamente. Y por supuesto, me encantaría tener un Oli en mi vida, es un hombre tan bueno, aprecio que haya esperado a que Charlee se abriera de nuevo con él, y lo mucho que se preocupaba por ella.
No he leído los otros libros de esta serie, pero lo haré sí o sí porque disfruté mucho el estilo de escritura de la autora.
Gracias a Netgalley y Victory Editing por el ARC a cambio de una reseña honesta.
"I choose you every time, sweetheart. You over everything else. Forever and always."
It will definitely be in my top 10 of favorite books of the year, mainly because the characters fall in love through letters and I find it super romantic, the two main characters created a connection that goes beyond the pages, and it is very interesting how you can come to love someone without even having seen them in person.
Reading both the letters they sent each other 5 years ago, as well as Oli's and Charlee's POV, makes you connect more with the story and not stop reading it, although there comes a point where you want the book to not end because of how good it makes you feel and how much you want to know more about all the characters.
The forced proximity was perfect, it gave me all the tension I wanted and made me wait patiently for the right moment for Oli and Charlee's kiss.
I loved Oli as well as Charlee, they have different personalities but, in some way, the fit together, they make each other better. And of course, i will love to have an Oli in my life, he´s such a good man, i appreciated that he waited for Charlee to open up again to him, and how much he cared for her.
I haven´t read the other books of this series, but i will do it for sure because i really enjoyed the writing style of the author.
Thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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"Te elijo a ti cada vez, cariño. A ti sobre todo lo demás. Por siempre y para siempre."
Sin duda estará en mi top 10 de libros favoritos del año, principalmente porque los personajes se enamoran a través de cartas y me parece súper romántico, los dos personajes principales crearon una conexión que va más allá de las páginas, y es muy interesante cómo puedes llegar a amar a alguien sin siquiera haberlo visto en persona.
Leer tanto las cartas que se enviaron hace 5 años, como el POV de Oli y Charlee, te hace conectar más con la historia y no dejar de leerla, aunque llega un punto en el que quieres que el libro no termine por lo bien que te hace sentir y lo mucho que quieres saber más sobre todos los personajes.
La proximidad forzada fue perfecta, me dio toda la tensión que quería y me hizo esperar pacientemente el momento adecuado para el beso de Oli y Charlee.
Amé tanto a Oli como a Charlee, tienen personalidades diferentes pero, de alguna manera encajan, se hacen mejores mutuamente. Y por supuesto, me encantaría tener un Oli en mi vida, es un hombre tan bueno, aprecio que haya esperado a que Charlee se abriera de nuevo con él, y lo mucho que se preocupaba por ella.
No he leído los otros libros de esta serie, pero lo haré sí o sí porque disfruté mucho el estilo de escritura de la autora.
Gracias a Netgalley y Victory Editing por el ARC a cambio de una reseña honesta.
July 27, 2024
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!
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!
July 25, 2024
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.
August 10, 2024
This was sweet. And what a gorgeous cover by Leni Kauffman!
I didn't know this was the third book in the same universe, so I wasn't familiar with previous characters, but I still enjoyed this book. (And I might have to go back and read the others!) UNBEARABLY YOURS has gorgeous autumnal, woodsy vibes and a touching second-chance, forced proximity love story.
The dual-POV narration alternates between Charlee and Oliver, who both work at Wild Planet in different places and met as pen pals in university. We get epistolary elements from their past, as they connect anonymously and eventually fall in love through their correspondence.
When they get paired up on a documentary project in the Great Bear Rainforest, they must confront their past and work together to reach their goals -- and each other.
This had all the elements I love in a romance, including a hot, quiet, emotionally mature MMC, but I wasn't totally invested in his and Charlee's relationship, simply because their 0 to 100 romance in their letters felt rushed and underdeveloped to me. The letters were there to establish their backstory, but I'm not sure it fleshed it out enough for me to believe in -- and root for -- their eventual reunion. I couldn't understand why Charlee was *that* upset at Oliver for missing their haphazard meeting when they didn't even exchange numbers or even know each other with any depth. Their via-letter sexting felt so premature and odd.
Plus, when Charlee's orgasm is described "my clit like a simmering volcano on the verge of an eruption," and words like "perky" and "engorged" were used, I kind of got the ick.
(Plus, them saying things like "Not like I wouldn't like to get you pregnant"/"not that I wouldn't like to carry your babies" weirded me out???)
The development of the romance is what I had the most issue with, but I know that those who enjoyed the previous two in the series will likely enjoy this next installment!
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. UNBEARABLY YOURS is out 9/3.
I didn't know this was the third book in the same universe, so I wasn't familiar with previous characters, but I still enjoyed this book. (And I might have to go back and read the others!) UNBEARABLY YOURS has gorgeous autumnal, woodsy vibes and a touching second-chance, forced proximity love story.
The dual-POV narration alternates between Charlee and Oliver, who both work at Wild Planet in different places and met as pen pals in university. We get epistolary elements from their past, as they connect anonymously and eventually fall in love through their correspondence.
When they get paired up on a documentary project in the Great Bear Rainforest, they must confront their past and work together to reach their goals -- and each other.
This had all the elements I love in a romance, including a hot, quiet, emotionally mature MMC, but I wasn't totally invested in his and Charlee's relationship, simply because their 0 to 100 romance in their letters felt rushed and underdeveloped to me. The letters were there to establish their backstory, but I'm not sure it fleshed it out enough for me to believe in -- and root for -- their eventual reunion. I couldn't understand why Charlee was *that* upset at Oliver for missing their haphazard meeting when they didn't even exchange numbers or even know each other with any depth. Their via-letter sexting felt so premature and odd.
Plus, when Charlee's orgasm is described "my clit like a simmering volcano on the verge of an eruption," and words like "perky" and "engorged" were used, I kind of got the ick.
(Plus, them saying things like "Not like I wouldn't like to get you pregnant"/"not that I wouldn't like to carry your babies" weirded me out???)
The development of the romance is what I had the most issue with, but I know that those who enjoyed the previous two in the series will likely enjoy this next installment!
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. UNBEARABLY YOURS is out 9/3.
August 11, 2024
Immediate 5 🌟 for this one. It was dreamy, moody, full of human pain but also hope, love and joy.
Everything was so well balanced and flowed like a dream. I couldn’t put it down and had to force myself to read slower at times to really feel and enjoy every page because I wanted to know what had happened.
I loved the dual timeline and dual pov. Charlee and Oliver had such chemistry and I couldn’t help but root for their HEA. Not to mention how cute and lovely this cover is, but don’t let it fool you. It’s so well rounded and has 🌶️ too.
I loved the ending and the epilogue was beautiful. I would love to see an extended epilogue with Char and Oli in the future.
Definitely add this one to your TBR, if you love second chance and letter correspondence.
Everything was so well balanced and flowed like a dream. I couldn’t put it down and had to force myself to read slower at times to really feel and enjoy every page because I wanted to know what had happened.
I loved the dual timeline and dual pov. Charlee and Oliver had such chemistry and I couldn’t help but root for their HEA. Not to mention how cute and lovely this cover is, but don’t let it fool you. It’s so well rounded and has 🌶️ too.
I loved the ending and the epilogue was beautiful. I would love to see an extended epilogue with Char and Oli in the future.
Definitely add this one to your TBR, if you love second chance and letter correspondence.
September 2, 2024
*Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Unbearably Yours is out September 3rd!*
“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!
“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!
August 31, 2024
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.
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.
September 12, 2024
the miscommunication trope and I are sworn enemies. our mutual hatred is known across all of the galaxies.
✧ DNF 40%, you're telling me these two cringy idiots fell head over heels in love over only 12 letters exchanged for a class assignment? bffr
✧ DNF 40%, you're telling me these two cringy idiots fell head over heels in love over only 12 letters exchanged for a class assignment? bffr
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