What do you think?
Rate this book
Only Isla: A beautiful story about family and love that will move you to tears, warm your heart, and leave you wanting more
Isla Munroe, a stalwart of sustainable British fashion, is grieving the sudden loss of her parents when she discovers a secret her mother has kept from her – she has a brother. Her excitement turns to horror when she learns he’s none other than Alex Rutherford of the Rutherford Group, whose empire includes global fast-fashion chain, Halo.
Isla is drawn into the family fold by her charming nieces, Em and Harri. Alex’s beautiful wife is something of an enigma, and while Isla can’t quite figure her out, the beginnings of a friendship blossom between them.
Alex appears to want a relationship with Isla, but they bang heads on almost every occasion, leaving her angry and uncertain of her future in the family. And then there’s the complication of Alex’s best friend, the lovely, big, charismatic Will. There are a thousand reasons why she shouldn’t, but Isla finds herself falling in love with him.
When events take a tragic turn, and Isla and Alex finally lock horns, she must decide if she wants to fight for her place in his family, or walk away for good.
Isla is drawn into the family fold by her charming nieces, Em and Harri. Alex’s beautiful wife is something of an enigma, and while Isla can’t quite figure her out, the beginnings of a friendship blossom between them.
Alex appears to want a relationship with Isla, but they bang heads on almost every occasion, leaving her angry and uncertain of her future in the family. And then there’s the complication of Alex’s best friend, the lovely, big, charismatic Will. There are a thousand reasons why she shouldn’t, but Isla finds herself falling in love with him.
When events take a tragic turn, and Isla and Alex finally lock horns, she must decide if she wants to fight for her place in his family, or walk away for good.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2024
24 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 6, 2024
I loved this book!
52 Book Club 2024 - Prompt #52 A book published in 2024
OK, so disclaimers - I do know the author, our kids went to school together and we were in the same book club. I know how much of a passion project this was and have seen her face light up whenever we asked how her novel was going. However, I wouldn't just say I love something if I didn't... I probably would have just updated my status to read and slunk away without rating or commenting!
Also, I'm not a big romance fan - I mean, they have a formula don't they, and I prefer not to know how things are going to end up. But I think this is where Only Isla is so great - yes it follows the formula so all the romance boxes are ticked, but there are so many other storylines going on around the romance plot. Secrets, huge life changes, grief, loneliness, work/life balance, travel, trust, and growth. Plus a cafe that I would really love to go to!
In my opinion though, the most important theme of the book was family - working through the tough times and facing problems together. There was a lot going on for the characters, but it was all connected together well and it didn't get confusing trying to keep up with what was happening.
All Bronnie's hard work has paid off and I 100% recommend reading Only Isla.
52 Book Club 2024 - Prompt #52 A book published in 2024
OK, so disclaimers - I do know the author, our kids went to school together and we were in the same book club. I know how much of a passion project this was and have seen her face light up whenever we asked how her novel was going. However, I wouldn't just say I love something if I didn't... I probably would have just updated my status to read and slunk away without rating or commenting!
Also, I'm not a big romance fan - I mean, they have a formula don't they, and I prefer not to know how things are going to end up. But I think this is where Only Isla is so great - yes it follows the formula so all the romance boxes are ticked, but there are so many other storylines going on around the romance plot. Secrets, huge life changes, grief, loneliness, work/life balance, travel, trust, and growth. Plus a cafe that I would really love to go to!
In my opinion though, the most important theme of the book was family - working through the tough times and facing problems together. There was a lot going on for the characters, but it was all connected together well and it didn't get confusing trying to keep up with what was happening.
All Bronnie's hard work has paid off and I 100% recommend reading Only Isla.
April 16, 2024
Another new author for me and I was not disappointed.
Bronnie Thomas writes in such an easy and fulfilling way. I was expecting the twists and turns the story took, but that just made it even more enjoyable. Each character has its own story which the author explores with ease and makes you feel you are part of the story.
This was a new experience for me as the subject matter in the story, of suddenly finding out you had family out there you knew nothing of, is my story too!! The story was extremely relatable.
Not your usual romance novel. You get lost in the family dynamics and just want to scoop them up and hug them all.
I loved everything about this novel. It was well written and believable. The characters were down to earth, even though Isla's new found family came from money they were ordinary people facing the same every day worries the rest of us face. I would love to hear more in the future about this lovely family and their day to day dilemmas!!
If you do nothing else this summer read this book. You won't be disappointed.
I received a copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only. Thank you.
Bronnie Thomas writes in such an easy and fulfilling way. I was expecting the twists and turns the story took, but that just made it even more enjoyable. Each character has its own story which the author explores with ease and makes you feel you are part of the story.
This was a new experience for me as the subject matter in the story, of suddenly finding out you had family out there you knew nothing of, is my story too!! The story was extremely relatable.
Not your usual romance novel. You get lost in the family dynamics and just want to scoop them up and hug them all.
I loved everything about this novel. It was well written and believable. The characters were down to earth, even though Isla's new found family came from money they were ordinary people facing the same every day worries the rest of us face. I would love to hear more in the future about this lovely family and their day to day dilemmas!!
If you do nothing else this summer read this book. You won't be disappointed.
I received a copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only. Thank you.
October 19, 2024
When I read about the author it was written ‘Bronnie Thomas writes stories about women and the challenges they face as they endeavour to find their place in the world’, and that’s exactly what this book showed
A year after the tragic death of Isla’s parents she discovered she had a brother, the only thing is Alex Rutherland is a man who goes against everything Isla stands for.
This book is a beautiful read, I loved Isla’s connection with her nieces Em and Harri, the connection with Will, Alex and his wife Lucy even though tense at times was tender and full of emotion.
I cried laughed and smiled which is always a sign of a good story.
I can’t wait to read more from @bronniethomas and thank you to the author and @lovebookstours for having me on the tour and for a copy of this wonderful ebook
#lbtcrew #bookstagram #freebookreview #freereview #lbtcontemporaryromance
A year after the tragic death of Isla’s parents she discovered she had a brother, the only thing is Alex Rutherland is a man who goes against everything Isla stands for.
This book is a beautiful read, I loved Isla’s connection with her nieces Em and Harri, the connection with Will, Alex and his wife Lucy even though tense at times was tender and full of emotion.
I cried laughed and smiled which is always a sign of a good story.
I can’t wait to read more from @bronniethomas and thank you to the author and @lovebookstours for having me on the tour and for a copy of this wonderful ebook
#lbtcrew #bookstagram #freebookreview #freereview #lbtcontemporaryromance
October 14, 2024
I loved this found family and romance story for our main character Isla who had lost her parents years before after a car accident. She finds a letter which has been hidden in her parents things and when she reads the contents she finds out she has a brother that her mother had given up for adoption at 16. We follow Isla as she navigates her feelings and integrating into the new family while her new brother and his family are going through a very hard time. I loved the characters which Bronnie Thomas has created and that she has put onto paper things that the reader can resonate with and believe the emotions that they are going through. I do however need more from this new family and to see where Isla's new love goes in the future.
October 14, 2024
This is a wonderful family drama with romantic overtones. I couldn't tell what was going to happen by the title, but I loved the cover art, and the blurb definitely got my attention.
I really loved the characters and their depths, I felt like I really knew them.
The author did not shy away from exploring tough themes, including parental death, adoption, suicide, and cancer. They were emotional but represented realistically and appropriately to the benefit of the story.
I didn't want to put this down and read it over the course of two sittings.
I've not read anything by this author before, but I will read more in the future.
This is a wonderful read that I'm sure many will enjoy.
I really loved the characters and their depths, I felt like I really knew them.
The author did not shy away from exploring tough themes, including parental death, adoption, suicide, and cancer. They were emotional but represented realistically and appropriately to the benefit of the story.
I didn't want to put this down and read it over the course of two sittings.
I've not read anything by this author before, but I will read more in the future.
This is a wonderful read that I'm sure many will enjoy.
July 5, 2024
Can I just say, I'm a sucker for the storyline of a long-lost sibling (or just person, lol). When her parents die, a gal finds out that she has a half-brother she never knew about? Sign me up. This was a super cute read with a lot of character development. I really liked the family relationship throughout this story—we've got two imperfect people trying to navigate the merging of their adult lives after finding out they're siblings. Definitely a fun read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 16, 2024
Oh my goodness what a read! I loved everything about this book. From the cover, to the characters, to the conversations, everything was en point. This is an emotional story and one that is so relatable. I was fully invested and I finished the whole book in one sitting, desperate to reach the end because I needed to know what happened but bereft when it was over. I hope there is going to r sequel. Or maybe a whole series. This can’t be the end of the story!
October 19, 2024
Recommend
Only Isla by Bronnie Thomas.
I did enjoy this book. I liked the cover and blurb of this book. The cover was gorgeous. This is the first book I've read by this author. I will be looking out for the next book. I loved this story. I loved the characters. Isla was my favourite. I read this in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. I'm really hoping there is another book or a series. I would recommend this book.
Only Isla by Bronnie Thomas.
I did enjoy this book. I liked the cover and blurb of this book. The cover was gorgeous. This is the first book I've read by this author. I will be looking out for the next book. I loved this story. I loved the characters. Isla was my favourite. I read this in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. I'm really hoping there is another book or a series. I would recommend this book.
October 21, 2024
I love a good romance book, because I love an HEA... Only Isla was so much more though ... The story was more family drama, and I loved how each character was written and added to the wholesome narration. All the characters and their circumstances were so very believable and relatable, and so likeable. I enjoyed reading this book, it was so heartwarming.
Also author, where is this Cafe? I want to read my book there...
Also author, where is this Cafe? I want to read my book there...
March 11, 2024
Her mother has kept a secret from her all her life and now they have died, the secret comes out. She has a brother and she knows she needs to find him. How will she get on? How will she get on with her brother? Will it all go well? See how it will go
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
March 20, 2024
Bronnie Thomas' debut novel, 'Only Isla' is a gem of a story.
The leading character's personality and values shone through as the main story line, with intrigue and romance playing supporting roles. I was transported back to familiar London scenes, and left wishing I knew 'what next' for the cast of characters.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
The leading character's personality and values shone through as the main story line, with intrigue and romance playing supporting roles. I was transported back to familiar London scenes, and left wishing I knew 'what next' for the cast of characters.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
April 1, 2024
Absolutely loved this book. It was my Easter holiday beach read that had me gripped from the first chapter. A perfect romance story that takes you on a journey of everything that life can throw at you - I laughed, cried and was heartwarmed the whole way through.
Can not wait to read more from this author.
Can not wait to read more from this author.
March 16, 2024
Received this from Book sirens thank you.
Not your usual expected love story, but well done and I enjoyed it.
Not your usual expected love story, but well done and I enjoyed it.
May 22, 2024
I thorouly enjoyed this book. With its excellent character development it was easy to feel for each of them. The story was interesting and I couldnt put the book down.
August 2, 2024
Excellent story about a woman who finds love with a family she didn't know she had.
August 10, 2024
page turner!
Sometimes it makes you laugh and others, cry. This is an inspiring story that really defines the grief of loss and the preciousness of love. The twists and turns build a lovely tension that makes it difficult to put the book down. Greatly enjoyed.
Sometimes it makes you laugh and others, cry. This is an inspiring story that really defines the grief of loss and the preciousness of love. The twists and turns build a lovely tension that makes it difficult to put the book down. Greatly enjoyed.
September 3, 2024
Really enjoyed my time within the pages of this book ! Great writing and storyline !
March 30, 2024
Fun romp, cute romance, cool aunt stealing the show vibes.
The story makes efforts to describe the frustration of siblings with different personalities and privileges reuniting, while clashing over personal ideals. I think they both have lots of individual work they need to do on themselves, but ultimately I loved how they both prioritized the welfare of the children.
I became super invested in the ups and downs of the plot. Though I wouldn't re-read, it's always a good sign when you want to stick it out until the end to see how everything lands.
I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story makes efforts to describe the frustration of siblings with different personalities and privileges reuniting, while clashing over personal ideals. I think they both have lots of individual work they need to do on themselves, but ultimately I loved how they both prioritized the welfare of the children.
I became super invested in the ups and downs of the plot. Though I wouldn't re-read, it's always a good sign when you want to stick it out until the end to see how everything lands.
I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 5, 2024
This is the first book that I've read by this author and I was instantly drawn to the cute front cover.
As you know, I never read the blurbs beforehand, so I wasn't really even sure what genre this was going to be - mystery, family drama or romance - so was pleasantly surprised as the story unfolded.
When we meet poor Isla, I really felt for her. Still grieving from the sudden loss of her parents, she's struggling to go through their belongings.
When she comes across a letter which states that she has a brother, she's initially excited, until she realises that she already knows Alex - and he's a rival in business!
There were lots of things in this story that felt so relatable and having really connected with Isla from the start, it was easy to get carried along on her emotional rollercoaster.
I'm not sure how I'd react to finding out I have another brother, but it was lovely to see this reaction from Isla at first.
The writing style was beautiful and really had me captivated from start to finish.
I loved the mix of genres with the addition of the romantic storyline which opened up the setting beyond just the family drama.
I really enjoyed this read and wonder whether we might see more from these characters in future books?
I'd love to see how things develop with this new family dynamic and to see where Isla's life goes from here.
As you know, I never read the blurbs beforehand, so I wasn't really even sure what genre this was going to be - mystery, family drama or romance - so was pleasantly surprised as the story unfolded.
When we meet poor Isla, I really felt for her. Still grieving from the sudden loss of her parents, she's struggling to go through their belongings.
When she comes across a letter which states that she has a brother, she's initially excited, until she realises that she already knows Alex - and he's a rival in business!
There were lots of things in this story that felt so relatable and having really connected with Isla from the start, it was easy to get carried along on her emotional rollercoaster.
I'm not sure how I'd react to finding out I have another brother, but it was lovely to see this reaction from Isla at first.
The writing style was beautiful and really had me captivated from start to finish.
I loved the mix of genres with the addition of the romantic storyline which opened up the setting beyond just the family drama.
I really enjoyed this read and wonder whether we might see more from these characters in future books?
I'd love to see how things develop with this new family dynamic and to see where Isla's life goes from here.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews