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Oakwood Bay #3
If Only You Knew: A Novel
In the highly anticipated final installment of the Oakwood Bay series—“packed with sizzling tension, heat, and sweet, swoon-worthy moments” (Peyton Corinne, USA TODAY bestselling author)—childhood best friends Parker and Summer agree to matchmake each other, to disastrous results, all while fighting the fact that they’ve been each other’s soulmate all along.
Summer Prescott and Parker Woods have been best friends since they were three years old. Now thirty, neither of them feels like they have a good handle on adulthood. While their friends are coupled up and thriving, they’re struggling through career crises and disastrous dates, and frequenting the same old bars and surf spots they’ve been going to for years—until, on a whim, Summer decides to hand over her love life to Parker. After all, who better to help find her soulmate than the person who knows her best?
But when the date Parker introduces her to goes from husband material to dead end in one publicly humiliating swoop, Summer is so devastated that she breaks up with both men. And she decides to embrace a fresh start away from home by entering a surf competition that’ll have her chasing waves around the world.
Parker soon realizes the troubling truth—he’s spent nearly thirty years by Summer’s side and has only just realized that he’s in love with her. Now he’s on a mission to win back not just her trust but her heart, before she slips away for good.
Summer Prescott and Parker Woods have been best friends since they were three years old. Now thirty, neither of them feels like they have a good handle on adulthood. While their friends are coupled up and thriving, they’re struggling through career crises and disastrous dates, and frequenting the same old bars and surf spots they’ve been going to for years—until, on a whim, Summer decides to hand over her love life to Parker. After all, who better to help find her soulmate than the person who knows her best?
But when the date Parker introduces her to goes from husband material to dead end in one publicly humiliating swoop, Summer is so devastated that she breaks up with both men. And she decides to embrace a fresh start away from home by entering a surf competition that’ll have her chasing waves around the world.
Parker soon realizes the troubling truth—he’s spent nearly thirty years by Summer’s side and has only just realized that he’s in love with her. Now he’s on a mission to win back not just her trust but her heart, before she slips away for good.
Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2026
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December 14, 2025
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 2.75/5
I had mixed opinions. I'm not the biggest friends to lovers fan, so that's the biggest reason I might not have enjoyed this as much. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it at all, because I definitely still had a fun time with it.
Summer's dad was a piece of work...and if I'm being honest, he definitely falls into asshole territory. I get having younger children, but is he seriously that busy that he cannot even properly respond to his oldest daughter? Like not even a text or a call on a weekly basis to simply catch up? That's not an unreasonable expectation, especially because Summer is always the one that has to reach out to him.
I liked how she got "closure" with that relationship to a degree, however, I kind of expected a confrontation or something. I wanted to know why her father behaved the way he did because there's no way a father would behave that way with someone he claims to love.
Personally the second book has to be my favorite of this series and I loved to see the cameos of everyone from the previous two books in this one. It makes me so happy when everyone in the books is happy.
Overall, this was a good series and I did enjoy all three books.
Thank you to Ellie K. Wilde, Atria Books and NetGalley for this arc!
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pre-read: can't believe I got the arc for this. The first two books have been good, especially the second one, so I'm hoping this one is too.
I had mixed opinions. I'm not the biggest friends to lovers fan, so that's the biggest reason I might not have enjoyed this as much. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it at all, because I definitely still had a fun time with it.
Summer's dad was a piece of work...and if I'm being honest, he definitely falls into asshole territory. I get having younger children, but is he seriously that busy that he cannot even properly respond to his oldest daughter? Like not even a text or a call on a weekly basis to simply catch up? That's not an unreasonable expectation, especially because Summer is always the one that has to reach out to him.
I liked how she got "closure" with that relationship to a degree, however, I kind of expected a confrontation or something. I wanted to know why her father behaved the way he did because there's no way a father would behave that way with someone he claims to love.
Personally the second book has to be my favorite of this series and I loved to see the cameos of everyone from the previous two books in this one. It makes me so happy when everyone in the books is happy.
Overall, this was a good series and I did enjoy all three books.
Thank you to Ellie K. Wilde, Atria Books and NetGalley for this arc!
-------
pre-read: can't believe I got the arc for this. The first two books have been good, especially the second one, so I'm hoping this one is too.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒅. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒔. 𝑾𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆—” 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉, 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒎 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒘𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍. “𝑭𝒖𝒄𝒌.”
FRIENDS TO LOVERS CHOKEHOLD WORTHY ‼️ I will be honest and say this isn’t my favorite trope because it’s always a hit or miss for me, but this one hit home so, so good 🥹✨
The author truly said let me just bring these two besties that are obviously in love with each other and give you a filled tension book that has you at the edge of your seat each page :) MISSION SUCCESSFUL
Summer Prescott just wants to be loved, and even though she always puts her entire heart into everything, she always gets her heart broken, and that BROKE ME OKAY 😭💔 Summer is such a likable character throughout the book. I just want to give her a blanket and a warm hug 🫶 I loved seeing her open up little by little about her desires, her past, and her speaking up about what SHE WANTS ✨ That definitely includes her storming into Parker’s apartment that one time iykyk lol 😏🔥
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒋𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒚 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒓. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒓. 𝑴𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑰 𝒑𝒖𝒔𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒑 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔. “𝑩𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒎𝒆.”
Meanwhile, we have Parker Woods, and omg I love how it hits him like a truck how in love he is with her 💘 Not only that, but everything he does to make her realize that they are made for each other had me melting 🫠 I also loved how open he is when talking about sensual topics that, let’s be real, a lot of guys in modern society find a bit taboo. It was so refreshing to read and obviously hot 🥵
“𝒀𝒐𝒖, 𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒕𝒕, 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒏.”
This is clearly a five star read for me ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ because we got the best friends to lovers tension, the banter was hilarious and flirtatious, we had the one bed, and do not even get me started on the “what do you mean I being in love with her/him” moments 😭💘 It was utter perfection.
I read all three books in the series, and I can say that by far this one takes first place 🏆💖
tropes
🧡 sports romance
🧡 friends to lovers
🧡 there's only one bed
🧡 he falls first and HARD
Thank you Atria Books and Netgalley for my eARC
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ❀*･ first read of 2026 obviously is an arc lol cheers to everyone into this amazing new year
FRIENDS TO LOVERS CHOKEHOLD WORTHY ‼️ I will be honest and say this isn’t my favorite trope because it’s always a hit or miss for me, but this one hit home so, so good 🥹✨
The author truly said let me just bring these two besties that are obviously in love with each other and give you a filled tension book that has you at the edge of your seat each page :) MISSION SUCCESSFUL
Summer Prescott just wants to be loved, and even though she always puts her entire heart into everything, she always gets her heart broken, and that BROKE ME OKAY 😭💔 Summer is such a likable character throughout the book. I just want to give her a blanket and a warm hug 🫶 I loved seeing her open up little by little about her desires, her past, and her speaking up about what SHE WANTS ✨ That definitely includes her storming into Parker’s apartment that one time iykyk lol 😏🔥
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒋𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒚 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒓. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒓. 𝑴𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑰 𝒑𝒖𝒔𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒑 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔. “𝑩𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒎𝒆.”
Meanwhile, we have Parker Woods, and omg I love how it hits him like a truck how in love he is with her 💘 Not only that, but everything he does to make her realize that they are made for each other had me melting 🫠 I also loved how open he is when talking about sensual topics that, let’s be real, a lot of guys in modern society find a bit taboo. It was so refreshing to read and obviously hot 🥵
“𝒀𝒐𝒖, 𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒕𝒕, 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒏.”
This is clearly a five star read for me ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ because we got the best friends to lovers tension, the banter was hilarious and flirtatious, we had the one bed, and do not even get me started on the “what do you mean I being in love with her/him” moments 😭💘 It was utter perfection.
I read all three books in the series, and I can say that by far this one takes first place 🏆💖
tropes
🧡 sports romance
🧡 friends to lovers
🧡 there's only one bed
🧡 he falls first and HARD
Thank you Atria Books and Netgalley for my eARC
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ❀*･ first read of 2026 obviously is an arc lol cheers to everyone into this amazing new year
did-not-finish
February 25, 2026*ೃ༄ DNF @ 21%
I officially dislike the friends-to-lovers trope.
Now, I don’t hate it. I’ve read some really good books that included the friends-to-lovers trope, but the books I’ve read recently with the trope have only frustrated me. I’m not swooning. I’m not giggling or kicking my feet. I’m genuinely aggravated at the characters and want to chuck my device out the window because not only are the characters' emotions being tossed around like a rag doll, but mine are, too, and I honestly don’t appreciate that. 😅
As I was reading this book, there was this ball of frustration in my chest. Granted, I could have been hangry, but it always showed up whenever I started to read. I honestly do not care about what happens to the characters because all of their problems could have been prevented simply by communicating. And I know the book is not for me when I feel immediate relief when I shelve the book as dnf and side that progress bar all the way to the end. I usually don’t feel that way when I don’t finish a book, and I make a promise to myself that I’ll come back to the book some day in the future, but there are times when I don’t want to. And this is one of them.
I do, however, feel like I would have related to Parker because he seemed to be dealing with depression or despair with life, and sir, I feel that. I totally understood his feelings and thoughts about not wanting to get out of bed and wondering if anything he’s doing is actually worth it because I’ve thought those thoughts and felt those feelings. Still do. But I hope he got the help he needed because I’m not reading the book again to find out. 😂
But don’t let my review scare you away from reading it. There are SO many positive reviews for this, so I definitely recommend reading those. This book just wasn’t for me unfortunately, which is a shame because I was so stoked to read it. 😭
˗ˏˋ ´ˎ˗ Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. This book is now available! ˗ˏˋ ´ˎ˗
I officially dislike the friends-to-lovers trope.
Now, I don’t hate it. I’ve read some really good books that included the friends-to-lovers trope, but the books I’ve read recently with the trope have only frustrated me. I’m not swooning. I’m not giggling or kicking my feet. I’m genuinely aggravated at the characters and want to chuck my device out the window because not only are the characters' emotions being tossed around like a rag doll, but mine are, too, and I honestly don’t appreciate that. 😅
As I was reading this book, there was this ball of frustration in my chest. Granted, I could have been hangry, but it always showed up whenever I started to read. I honestly do not care about what happens to the characters because all of their problems could have been prevented simply by communicating. And I know the book is not for me when I feel immediate relief when I shelve the book as dnf and side that progress bar all the way to the end. I usually don’t feel that way when I don’t finish a book, and I make a promise to myself that I’ll come back to the book some day in the future, but there are times when I don’t want to. And this is one of them.
I do, however, feel like I would have related to Parker because he seemed to be dealing with depression or despair with life, and sir, I feel that. I totally understood his feelings and thoughts about not wanting to get out of bed and wondering if anything he’s doing is actually worth it because I’ve thought those thoughts and felt those feelings. Still do. But I hope he got the help he needed because I’m not reading the book again to find out. 😂
But don’t let my review scare you away from reading it. There are SO many positive reviews for this, so I definitely recommend reading those. This book just wasn’t for me unfortunately, which is a shame because I was so stoked to read it. 😭
˗ˏˋ ´ˎ˗ Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. This book is now available! ˗ˏˋ ´ˎ˗
November 9, 2025
i absolutely love and will always appreciate authors who give their characters depth beyond the romance. i really enjoyed summer’s storyline, especially the theme of being brave and chasing your dreams, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. parker’s relationship with river was also just the sweetest. the only part that didn’t quite work for me was the heavy spice, but aside from that the romance really delivered!
overall, this was such a great friends to lovers story and the epilogue tied everything together perfectly 💛
ⓘ thank you to netgalley and atria books for the arc!
overall, this was such a great friends to lovers story and the epilogue tied everything together perfectly 💛
ⓘ thank you to netgalley and atria books for the arc!
February 10, 2026
"Summer, the things I want with you ..." I stroke my thumb over her cheek, wishing I could do so much more than that. "If only you knew."
I finished this book and just kind of sat there for a minute staring at nothing, like my brain and my heart both needed time to catch up. You know when a story doesn’t just end—but drops you off somewhere emotionally and drives away without you? That was me. 😭😭 Jaw on the floor. Mildly unwell. Fully attached.
I think I’ve officially accepted that friends-to-lovers might be my forever trope now, 🙂↕️🤚🏼because you’re telling me it took nearly three decades of subconscious pining, buried feelings, and emotional muscle memory for them to realize they were each other’s person the entire time? I will never recover from that kind of slow-burn destiny. 😭😭
Summer absolutely wrecked me in ways I didn’t expect. Learning more about her past and her family situation put this ache behind her optimism that made her kindness feel so earned. 🥹 She chooses warmth anyway. She chooses hope anyway. I was furious on her behalf more than once—especially with the parental betrayal thread (I actually hate her dad😝😑). Watching her slowly come back to herself, particularly through surfing, felt like watching someone breathe color back into their own life. 😌
And Parker. I don’t even know where to start with him. From the beginning there is this steady devotion in the way he moves around her—the kind that hides itself as normal. Part of me kept thinking there is no way she doesn’t see this, but then again, he didn’t fully see it himself. 😭😭 That somehow made it better and more honest. His emotional realization hurt in the best way. That dawning panic when you realize the person who has always been there is actually the person. His regret, his determination, the way his world tilted when things broke between them all landed hard. 🤭🤭
Their falling out physically pained me. I was stressed. I was so sad. And I will admit… (the only part of the book I didn’t like) I got irritated with Summer for how long she held onto her anger. I understood it emotionally, but I still wanted to sit her down and say, “You know this man would never intentionally hurt you.” AND DENNY?! LOL 😀🤚🏼 Zero grace. If fictional characters could catch consequences, I would volunteer to deliver them personally. The urge to reach into the book and punch him in the face was oh so very real. 🫠🫠
The emotional tension once Parker stops suppressing his feelings is ridiculous in the best way. The banter shifts. The awareness shifts. Every look and joke and accidental touch suddenly has voltage. 🥵 They know everything about each other—habits, history, weaknesses—and yet this new romantic layer makes it all feel risky and electric. That contrast is delicious. 🤌🏼🤌🏼
And the spice??? Goodness 😭 It went from slow burn to immediate switch flipped. No gentle easing in, no soft transition, just suddenly we are there and it is intense. It felt like all that buried tension finally kicked the door open. Seeing the hidden side of Parker’s desires after him being presenting as the steady, sweet, dependable guy for so long? 😧🤚🏼 I was stunned in the best way. That contrast hit hard and made every scene twice as electric. I did not see it coming, and I ate it up. (If you’re a fan of dirty talk… you won’t be disappointed 😭)
One of my favorite parts was how consistently Parker builds Summer back up after she has been worn down by other people’s voices and expectations. He speaks life into her without trying to reshape her. His support is loud, intentional, and unwavering—he makes sure she hears it, believes it, and feels it. 🥹🫶🏼 It felt healing to read. And his own growth??? 👏🏼 🙌🏼 It’s just as satisfying. He starts reaching for more because he wants to be right for her, then realizes he needs to do it for himself too.
This book feels like emotional payoff in its purest form. It’s about timing, fear, emotional courage, and the terrifying risk of changing a relationship that already means everything. It was a story about love, longing, and growth. Everything about it… “worth getting out of bed for.” (iykyk) 💛💛💛
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
”I’d known then, without a doubt, that Summer Prescott is my soulmate.”
“And then she looks for me, probably out of habit, but it's enough to cast a spotlight of warmth on me. I'd known I was cold without her, but it takes her looking at me to know just how frigid I've been.”
“l've never known jealousy like this. It claws at me, nearly gutting me of my sanity, and for a wild moment I truly consider shoving my own sister out of the way to have that smile all to myself.”
“I am absolutely, unequivocally, categorically in love with my best friend.”
“It's so addicting, watching him watch me.”
"Summer, love, if you think there's even a second of the day when I'm not obsessing over you to a near-debilitating degree, then you're not paying attention at all."
“I am in love with you. Be here. Be across the world. Love me. Hate me. I don't care. You are what I want. You are where I belong. I'll keep crawling back to you, no matter where you go."
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
🏄🏼♀️ friends → lovers
🏄🏼♀️ childhood best friends
🏄🏼♀️ he fell first
🏄🏼♀️ emotional healing
🏄🏼♀️ only one bed (in one scene)
🏄🏼♀️ forced proximity
🏄🏼♀️ dual POV
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Atria Books, and Ellie K Wilde for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
spice rating:【 🔥🔥🔥 】
swearing: yes
⸻⸻⸻
・❥・⁀➷ pre-read
“childhood best friends Parker and Summer agree to matchmake each other, to disastrous results, all while fighting the fact that they've been each other's soulmate all along”
IM SAT. this sounds SO GOOD and i’ve been in such a friends to lovers trope mood (ESPECIALLY CHILDHOOD BESTIES)
🤭🤞🏼i lovedddd the book prior to this one so my hopes are pretty high
I finished this book and just kind of sat there for a minute staring at nothing, like my brain and my heart both needed time to catch up. You know when a story doesn’t just end—but drops you off somewhere emotionally and drives away without you? That was me. 😭😭 Jaw on the floor. Mildly unwell. Fully attached.
I think I’ve officially accepted that friends-to-lovers might be my forever trope now, 🙂↕️🤚🏼because you’re telling me it took nearly three decades of subconscious pining, buried feelings, and emotional muscle memory for them to realize they were each other’s person the entire time? I will never recover from that kind of slow-burn destiny. 😭😭
Summer absolutely wrecked me in ways I didn’t expect. Learning more about her past and her family situation put this ache behind her optimism that made her kindness feel so earned. 🥹 She chooses warmth anyway. She chooses hope anyway. I was furious on her behalf more than once—especially with the parental betrayal thread (I actually hate her dad😝😑). Watching her slowly come back to herself, particularly through surfing, felt like watching someone breathe color back into their own life. 😌
And Parker. I don’t even know where to start with him. From the beginning there is this steady devotion in the way he moves around her—the kind that hides itself as normal. Part of me kept thinking there is no way she doesn’t see this, but then again, he didn’t fully see it himself. 😭😭 That somehow made it better and more honest. His emotional realization hurt in the best way. That dawning panic when you realize the person who has always been there is actually the person. His regret, his determination, the way his world tilted when things broke between them all landed hard. 🤭🤭
Their falling out physically pained me. I was stressed. I was so sad. And I will admit… (the only part of the book I didn’t like) I got irritated with Summer for how long she held onto her anger. I understood it emotionally, but I still wanted to sit her down and say, “You know this man would never intentionally hurt you.” AND DENNY?! LOL 😀🤚🏼 Zero grace. If fictional characters could catch consequences, I would volunteer to deliver them personally. The urge to reach into the book and punch him in the face was oh so very real. 🫠🫠
The emotional tension once Parker stops suppressing his feelings is ridiculous in the best way. The banter shifts. The awareness shifts. Every look and joke and accidental touch suddenly has voltage. 🥵 They know everything about each other—habits, history, weaknesses—and yet this new romantic layer makes it all feel risky and electric. That contrast is delicious. 🤌🏼🤌🏼
And the spice??? Goodness 😭 It went from slow burn to immediate switch flipped. No gentle easing in, no soft transition, just suddenly we are there and it is intense. It felt like all that buried tension finally kicked the door open. Seeing the hidden side of Parker’s desires after him being presenting as the steady, sweet, dependable guy for so long? 😧🤚🏼 I was stunned in the best way. That contrast hit hard and made every scene twice as electric. I did not see it coming, and I ate it up. (If you’re a fan of dirty talk… you won’t be disappointed 😭)
One of my favorite parts was how consistently Parker builds Summer back up after she has been worn down by other people’s voices and expectations. He speaks life into her without trying to reshape her. His support is loud, intentional, and unwavering—he makes sure she hears it, believes it, and feels it. 🥹🫶🏼 It felt healing to read. And his own growth??? 👏🏼 🙌🏼 It’s just as satisfying. He starts reaching for more because he wants to be right for her, then realizes he needs to do it for himself too.
This book feels like emotional payoff in its purest form. It’s about timing, fear, emotional courage, and the terrifying risk of changing a relationship that already means everything. It was a story about love, longing, and growth. Everything about it… “worth getting out of bed for.” (iykyk) 💛💛💛
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
”I’d known then, without a doubt, that Summer Prescott is my soulmate.”
“And then she looks for me, probably out of habit, but it's enough to cast a spotlight of warmth on me. I'd known I was cold without her, but it takes her looking at me to know just how frigid I've been.”
“l've never known jealousy like this. It claws at me, nearly gutting me of my sanity, and for a wild moment I truly consider shoving my own sister out of the way to have that smile all to myself.”
“I am absolutely, unequivocally, categorically in love with my best friend.”
“It's so addicting, watching him watch me.”
"Summer, love, if you think there's even a second of the day when I'm not obsessing over you to a near-debilitating degree, then you're not paying attention at all."
“I am in love with you. Be here. Be across the world. Love me. Hate me. I don't care. You are what I want. You are where I belong. I'll keep crawling back to you, no matter where you go."
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
🏄🏼♀️ friends → lovers
🏄🏼♀️ childhood best friends
🏄🏼♀️ he fell first
🏄🏼♀️ emotional healing
🏄🏼♀️ only one bed (in one scene)
🏄🏼♀️ forced proximity
🏄🏼♀️ dual POV
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Atria Books, and Ellie K Wilde for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
spice rating:【 🔥🔥🔥 】
swearing: yes
⸻⸻⸻
・❥・⁀➷ pre-read
“childhood best friends Parker and Summer agree to matchmake each other, to disastrous results, all while fighting the fact that they've been each other's soulmate all along”
IM SAT. this sounds SO GOOD and i’ve been in such a friends to lovers trope mood (ESPECIALLY CHILDHOOD BESTIES)
🤭🤞🏼i lovedddd the book prior to this one so my hopes are pretty high
Read
February 12, 2026the most perfect childhood best friends to lovers romance i've ever read filled with SO many giggles and tears.
ellie's writing is just so fun and refreshing, the most beach read to exist. it's literally the middle of winter where i live so this was very fun and enjoyable !!!
FULL review to come, but if you love the friends to lovers trope, mmcs who are freaking obsessed and very much down bad, and spicy romcoms check this out february 17th!!
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
this series holds such a special place in my heart after i had the lovely chance to br the trad version of book 1 a year ago 🥹🩵 ever since then ive received an arc of book 2 and have been counting down the days for summer & parker's book 🤭 our oblivious childhood best friends and a mmc who's obsessed 🙂↕️ reading with my bsf annie <3
thank you simon and schuster canada & atria for an arc!!
↪ started feb 10
↪ finished feb 11
release date: feb 17
ellie's writing is just so fun and refreshing, the most beach read to exist. it's literally the middle of winter where i live so this was very fun and enjoyable !!!
FULL review to come, but if you love the friends to lovers trope, mmcs who are freaking obsessed and very much down bad, and spicy romcoms check this out february 17th!!
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
this series holds such a special place in my heart after i had the lovely chance to br the trad version of book 1 a year ago 🥹🩵 ever since then ive received an arc of book 2 and have been counting down the days for summer & parker's book 🤭 our oblivious childhood best friends and a mmc who's obsessed 🙂↕️ reading with my bsf annie <3
thank you simon and schuster canada & atria for an arc!!
↪ started feb 10
↪ finished feb 11
release date: feb 17
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Happy Release Day!!
This was...okay.
The writing was good and there were a lot of enjoyable moments, but this didn't really feel natural. It seemed like these two were together to check the box of best friends to lovers.
Parker's Aha Moment was kind of strange and then they just danced around the idea of beginning together for a good portion of the book without ever communicating about it.
All this to say the ending was actually pretty good and have to give respect where it's due for the non breakup ending, but Parker carried that on his back soooo.
And Summer...was not really mature enough for me. She came across very young many times throughout this book and so that also brought it down for me.
So just...okay.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
This was...okay.
The writing was good and there were a lot of enjoyable moments, but this didn't really feel natural. It seemed like these two were together to check the box of best friends to lovers.
Parker's Aha Moment was kind of strange and then they just danced around the idea of beginning together for a good portion of the book without ever communicating about it.
All this to say the ending was actually pretty good and have to give respect where it's due for the non breakup ending, but Parker carried that on his back soooo.
And Summer...was not really mature enough for me. She came across very young many times throughout this book and so that also brought it down for me.
So just...okay.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
October 17, 2025
Marvelous! If You Only Knew is brimming with tension, sharp writing, and irresistible charm. Ellie K. Wilde has crafted a friends-to-lovers romance that is as captivating as it is unforgettable.
December 19, 2025
5 ⭐♾️
Thank you endlessly to Atria and Ellie K. Wilde for the e-arc of If Only You Knew in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
It's an end to an era, and incredible era at that, and if I'm honest, I don't know what to do with myself now that the Oakwood Bay series has come to an end. I without a doubt am convinced Ellie saved the best couple for last, because if I thought Zac and Brooks were the King of yearning, I was sorely mistaken when Parker entered the chat!! Mr Parker "bondage kink" Woods took a man obsessed and has it so bad for his best friend to a whole new level of angst and yearning!
Sometimes for me, best friends to lovers can be a hit and miss, because I'm always like why couldn't you just talked this through, but the way Ellie approached Parker and Summer's love was unconventional and authentic; Parker literally had a light bulb, realisation that how he was towards Summer was because he was in love with her. It very much idiots to lovers, because how they were, and I loved it. These characters have so much depth and that really shone through Parker and Summer's friendship. Gosh, I will defend these helplessly in love idiots with every last breath in me!
My heart broke multiple times for Summer and the relationship with her dad; the countless times she would reach out, or tell him about what was going on, and he barely even gave her the time of day because he was busy with his other family, god that hurt. But Summer had the love of her friends, who became her family, and Parker. Even Parker's unconventional parents were there for her.
Of course, this wouldn't be a signature book of Mrs Wilde without the jaw dropping spice; I don't know how she manages to make it better, hot, and kinkier, but SHE DID, and I LOVED IT!!! I almost felt like I was intruding between them, they were so hot together.
I have laughed and I have cried with these unforgettable characters and they will always be so dear to my heart. Thank you Ellie for sharing your world with us, it's been an absolute honour being able to champion your work, shout about your craft from the top of my lungs, and I cannot wait for what is next for you!
tropes
childhood best friends to lovers
only one bed
he falls first
found family
small town
only one bed
Pre read: June 2025: MR BONDAGE KINK PARKER, allegedly delivers 12 orgasms Woods; I’m going to be so feral by the time this book releases. no because, i’m not joking when i say i need this book like i need air. i don’t think anyone actually understands how feral i am for them. the crumbs that were in Only Between Us, were like crack! mrs ellie k. wilde has saved the best couple for last and i fear of the woman i will become when i get to read about Parker and Summer!!
Thank you endlessly to Atria and Ellie K. Wilde for the e-arc of If Only You Knew in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
It's an end to an era, and incredible era at that, and if I'm honest, I don't know what to do with myself now that the Oakwood Bay series has come to an end. I without a doubt am convinced Ellie saved the best couple for last, because if I thought Zac and Brooks were the King of yearning, I was sorely mistaken when Parker entered the chat!! Mr Parker "bondage kink" Woods took a man obsessed and has it so bad for his best friend to a whole new level of angst and yearning!
Sometimes for me, best friends to lovers can be a hit and miss, because I'm always like why couldn't you just talked this through, but the way Ellie approached Parker and Summer's love was unconventional and authentic; Parker literally had a light bulb, realisation that how he was towards Summer was because he was in love with her. It very much idiots to lovers, because how they were, and I loved it. These characters have so much depth and that really shone through Parker and Summer's friendship. Gosh, I will defend these helplessly in love idiots with every last breath in me!
My heart broke multiple times for Summer and the relationship with her dad; the countless times she would reach out, or tell him about what was going on, and he barely even gave her the time of day because he was busy with his other family, god that hurt. But Summer had the love of her friends, who became her family, and Parker. Even Parker's unconventional parents were there for her.
Of course, this wouldn't be a signature book of Mrs Wilde without the jaw dropping spice; I don't know how she manages to make it better, hot, and kinkier, but SHE DID, and I LOVED IT!!! I almost felt like I was intruding between them, they were so hot together.
I have laughed and I have cried with these unforgettable characters and they will always be so dear to my heart. Thank you Ellie for sharing your world with us, it's been an absolute honour being able to champion your work, shout about your craft from the top of my lungs, and I cannot wait for what is next for you!
tropes
childhood best friends to lovers
only one bed
he falls first
found family
small town
only one bed
Pre read: June 2025: MR BONDAGE KINK PARKER, allegedly delivers 12 orgasms Woods; I’m going to be so feral by the time this book releases. no because, i’m not joking when i say i need this book like i need air. i don’t think anyone actually understands how feral i am for them. the crumbs that were in Only Between Us, were like crack! mrs ellie k. wilde has saved the best couple for last and i fear of the woman i will become when i get to read about Parker and Summer!!
Want to read
February 5, 2026ARC received! Thank you, Atria!
I loved the 1st-book in this series, and now definitely need to binge the rest of the series. I have a feeling they're going to be just as fun and spicy as the 1st!
I loved the 1st-book in this series, and now definitely need to binge the rest of the series. I have a feeling they're going to be just as fun and spicy as the 1st!
Read
February 24, 2026SELF NOTE —
Safety (from skimming before I commit)
⚠️‼️can only post self note by marking read, did not read, will fix when I do⚠️‼️
✅looks low angst, didn’t see owd or manwhore
-seems MMC (as of late) hasn’t been dating; no current manwhore/flirty vibes
-MCs agree to set each other up on blind date, FMC genuinely excited ab who she picked for him & to meet her date. When she mentions this to MMC he had completely forgotten about date (and didn’t want to go, only agreed as to not let FMC down). MCs have their date in the same restaurant & MMC isn’t really interested (he wasn’t in mood for it, he’s like “she’s cute I guess but [then states how FMC is what he wants]” & keeps looking at FMC). Nothing happens with MMC x date. He doesn’t flirt etc. He does see FMC having great time w/ date.
-mentioned by FMC since then she tried to set him up on 5 more dates (all of which failed), we don’t see them. it’s basically showing MMC not into it.
-think (based on previous books) both MCs used to hook up/flirt with ppl a lot, those vibes not here from MMC (from what I could tell), FMC a little (dating, kissing)
So….seems to be safe-ish. Nothing angsty like I was expecting (aka MCs whoring around half the book - and having to read ab it)
Safety (from skimming before I commit)
⚠️‼️can only post self note by marking read, did not read, will fix when I do⚠️‼️
✅looks low angst, didn’t see owd or manwhore
-seems MMC (as of late) hasn’t been dating; no current manwhore/flirty vibes
-MCs agree to set each other up on blind date, FMC genuinely excited ab who she picked for him & to meet her date. When she mentions this to MMC he had completely forgotten about date (and didn’t want to go, only agreed as to not let FMC down). MCs have their date in the same restaurant & MMC isn’t really interested (he wasn’t in mood for it, he’s like “she’s cute I guess but [then states how FMC is what he wants]” & keeps looking at FMC). Nothing happens with MMC x date. He doesn’t flirt etc. He does see FMC having great time w/ date.
-mentioned by FMC since then she tried to set him up on 5 more dates (all of which failed), we don’t see them. it’s basically showing MMC not into it.
-think (based on previous books) both MCs used to hook up/flirt with ppl a lot, those vibes not here from MMC (from what I could tell), FMC a little (dating, kissing)
So….seems to be safe-ish. Nothing angsty like I was expecting (aka MCs whoring around half the book - and having to read ab it)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Atria Books and Ellie K. Wilde for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I was so excited to get the ARC of this book because I loved the other two books in this series! I've been looking forward to Parker and Summer's HEA since the first book and Ellie K Wilde did not disappoint.
Summer is looking for the love of her life, so she enlists her best friend of 27 years to find her the man of her dreams. Parker is grappling with a looming milestone birthday, so he agrees to Summer's plan for them to find each other dates.
Summer's first date for Parker doesn't go well. Neither does the second or third. But Parker's first date for Summer goes very well and she starts a relationship with surfer dude Denny.
Her relationship with Denny ends with a scandal, which becomes front page gossip in their small community. Summer is so mad that she cuts Parker off. This is when Parker realizes he can't live without Summer and maybe his platonic feelings aren't so platonic after all. I absolutely loved the scene where his friends convince him that his feelings for Summer are more than friendly. Hilarious!
This book was a great ending to the Oakwood Bay series. It was funny, sexy, swoonworthy and had great character development and depth. I can't wait to read Ellie K. Wilde's next series... and the one after that and the one after that.
*Best friends turned lovers
*Small town
*Close-knit friends
*FMC estranged family
*FMC surfer
*MMC milestone birthday (30)
*Open door 4/5 🌶
I was so excited to get the ARC of this book because I loved the other two books in this series! I've been looking forward to Parker and Summer's HEA since the first book and Ellie K Wilde did not disappoint.
Summer is looking for the love of her life, so she enlists her best friend of 27 years to find her the man of her dreams. Parker is grappling with a looming milestone birthday, so he agrees to Summer's plan for them to find each other dates.
Summer's first date for Parker doesn't go well. Neither does the second or third. But Parker's first date for Summer goes very well and she starts a relationship with surfer dude Denny.
Her relationship with Denny ends with a scandal, which becomes front page gossip in their small community. Summer is so mad that she cuts Parker off. This is when Parker realizes he can't live without Summer and maybe his platonic feelings aren't so platonic after all. I absolutely loved the scene where his friends convince him that his feelings for Summer are more than friendly. Hilarious!
This book was a great ending to the Oakwood Bay series. It was funny, sexy, swoonworthy and had great character development and depth. I can't wait to read Ellie K. Wilde's next series... and the one after that and the one after that.
*Best friends turned lovers
*Small town
*Close-knit friends
*FMC estranged family
*FMC surfer
*MMC milestone birthday (30)
*Open door 4/5 🌶
December 31, 2025
Thank you to Atria & Netgalley for the ARC!
If Only You Knew by Ellie K. Wilde was a highly anticipated read for me and it did not disappoint! I love being back in Oakwood Bay, but add on it being Parker & Summer's love story? Whew!!! If you love the childhood best friends to lovers trope, this one is for you!!!
I adore Summer & Parker's characters so much and have from the moment I met them. Both are so well-written and carry so much depth & relatability. Summer is a witty, determined, loyal & kind female lead. Her struggles with her insecurities, her relationship with her parents, and all her fears made me want to give her a big hug. Parker is the most charming, witty, sweet & loyal man out there. A walking green flag, if you will. His struggles with his mental health, feeling lost with his career & life goals, was so relatable!!! I love them both so much & getting to see both of them grow throughout the story was so beautiful!
Summer & Parker's relationship is so beautiful, from top to bottom. Lifelong best friends who truly understand & get each other in a way no one else ever could. Two people who would do quite literally anything for each other. Seeing them both realize that they're in love with each other was such a lovely experience. The chemistry, tension, & longing that existed within each page was delectable. The french braids & Hawaiian shirts?? I'll cry just thinking about it. The spice? OH MY! I love them so much & they are a true soulmates situation!!
As I said, if you love childhood (best) friends to lovers, you will love this one. Add on the small town, found family, surfer fmc x trainer, he falls first & is obsessed!!!
If Only You Knew by Ellie K. Wilde was a highly anticipated read for me and it did not disappoint! I love being back in Oakwood Bay, but add on it being Parker & Summer's love story? Whew!!! If you love the childhood best friends to lovers trope, this one is for you!!!
I adore Summer & Parker's characters so much and have from the moment I met them. Both are so well-written and carry so much depth & relatability. Summer is a witty, determined, loyal & kind female lead. Her struggles with her insecurities, her relationship with her parents, and all her fears made me want to give her a big hug. Parker is the most charming, witty, sweet & loyal man out there. A walking green flag, if you will. His struggles with his mental health, feeling lost with his career & life goals, was so relatable!!! I love them both so much & getting to see both of them grow throughout the story was so beautiful!
Summer & Parker's relationship is so beautiful, from top to bottom. Lifelong best friends who truly understand & get each other in a way no one else ever could. Two people who would do quite literally anything for each other. Seeing them both realize that they're in love with each other was such a lovely experience. The chemistry, tension, & longing that existed within each page was delectable. The french braids & Hawaiian shirts?? I'll cry just thinking about it. The spice? OH MY! I love them so much & they are a true soulmates situation!!
As I said, if you love childhood (best) friends to lovers, you will love this one. Add on the small town, found family, surfer fmc x trainer, he falls first & is obsessed!!!
February 20, 2026
I loved this trilogy. I love this small town and these characters. I am not a huge fan of friends to lovers, but I loved these characters since the first book. I was so happy to see all the friend group throughout the book. I’m so happy that these books were sent to me because I loved all three. Thanks to Atria Books for an arc of this book and NetGalley for the e-arc.
February 13, 2026
PARKER <3
I love this series so much.
things to know:
- childhood best friends
- set up each other on a blind date - gone wrong
- he’s down bad
- she’s in denial over her feelings for him (daddy issues)
- found family
- only one bed
Really enjoyed this one. Summer is very very different from me & I found myself rolling my eyes at her multiple times but no FMC is perfect!!!
I love this series so much.
things to know:
- childhood best friends
- set up each other on a blind date - gone wrong
- he’s down bad
- she’s in denial over her feelings for him (daddy issues)
- found family
- only one bed
Really enjoyed this one. Summer is very very different from me & I found myself rolling my eyes at her multiple times but no FMC is perfect!!!
October 27, 2025
Firstly, I am very grateful to have been granted an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley; however, that will not affect my honest review.
Best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and she did not disappoint. This book was filled with flirty banter, sizzling chemistry, and hilarious epiphanies as well as some heartbreaking moments. I would highly recommend this book. Personally, I’m am looking forward to reading more by Ellie K. Wilde.
Best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and she did not disappoint. This book was filled with flirty banter, sizzling chemistry, and hilarious epiphanies as well as some heartbreaking moments. I would highly recommend this book. Personally, I’m am looking forward to reading more by Ellie K. Wilde.
February 17, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
When I see friends to lovers I tend to veer away.
But the way it was done here was good.
These two were platonic friends for 27 years!
And the progression and turn just made sense.
We actually saw they were friends and then coming together in the aha was like duh.
Also Summer, loved her being a surfer (on top of a sports physical therapist)
Strings of bad dates
Spunky sunshine girl
Parker, the golden retriever, sports physical therapist
The Hawaiian shirts…
The bondage rumored guy
Sneaking around
Siblings friend
Friend group
Small town
Arc review ✨
When I see friends to lovers I tend to veer away.
But the way it was done here was good.
These two were platonic friends for 27 years!
And the progression and turn just made sense.
We actually saw they were friends and then coming together in the aha was like duh.
Also Summer, loved her being a surfer (on top of a sports physical therapist)
Strings of bad dates
Spunky sunshine girl
Parker, the golden retriever, sports physical therapist
The Hawaiian shirts…
The bondage rumored guy
Sneaking around
Siblings friend
Friend group
Small town
Arc review ✨
February 23, 2026
This was a wonderful way to end this series! We had been getting hints of Parker and Summer throughout the series, and I always found myself wondering if there was more between them. Watching these two realize that they did in fact have feelings for each other was really fun. I especially LOVED that Parker fell hard and then fast. After he realized what his feelings were, he was a determined man. He was going to do anything to get Summer to let him in and fall for him too. And then we had Summer who had SUCH horrible experiences with men. All she wanted was someone to love her genuinely. Part of the reason this wasn't a full 5 stars for me was that I got a little annoyed with her reaction to Parker after it was revealed that he had miscalculated someone he set her up with. I felt like she was a little petty towards him through that situation. At the same time, watching her open to him and realize he loved her for real and that he would do anything for her and trusting that was very satisfying. He treated her like she deserved. He supported her. He made her feel wonderful.
Summer has had a pretty rough dating life. She has felt in a weird place for a while. Like kind of stuck. She loves her job, and she loves her friends. She just wants someone to love her. So after another bad date, her and Parker decide to set each other up with someone. The guy that Parker introduces her is wonderful. He makes her laugh. He makes her dinner. He puts her needs first. So imagine her surprise when it all blows up, and she finds out that Parker wasn't honest in how he knew this person. Summer hits rock bottom. It's like her younger years all over again when the town looked at her differently. When they were judging her hard. And then she is now questioning everything between her and Parker. How could he do that to her? But she misses him. And he seems to be going through something too. So after a while she gives him another chance. She also decides that she is going to make some life changes. She is going to go for her dream- getting on the surf circuit. Going pro with surfing. Parker offers to help train her. And the more time they spend together the more Summer finds herself wondering what if. Like what if her and Parker were ever something? Why does he keep touching her more than before? Is he flirting with her now? This can't end well, but she doesn't want to fight it. She feels safe with him. She wants to explore things with him. This is all so exciting. But she has been keeping a secret from Parker and all of her friends. One that could destry this thing they are doing this. This thing she realizes that has become her everything.
Parker has been in a weird spot for a while. His baseline has changed, and he finds himself more in his head than before. He finds that the only thing that can bring him out of his funk is his best friend Summer. His best friend who is determined to find a husband. His best friend who he completely forgot asked him to set her up with someone. So Parker improvises and after a beat of happiness with Summer, everything comes crashing down hard. Summer pulls away. Parker makes some heavy life choices. Something has to change. And when it finally does, Parker can't believe it took him this long to figure it out. It being that he is completely and totally in love with his best friend. She makes everything better. He would do anything for her. And now that he knows this he is determined to be her dream man. To be the man she deserves. So of course he offers to help get her trained up for the surf competition. Of course he offers to spend more time with her because he wants her to see how good they could be together. Slowly but surely, she gives him signs that she is interested. And Parker goes for it. They are so so good together. He has never felt this way about anyone. He wants it to be them forever. He just hopes she is on the same page.
Friends to lovers is alway so fun because reading the inner dialogue where they are questioning lingering touches or long looks makes me want them to make a move THAT MUCH MORE haha. As much as I don't love angst, this kind of angst isn't toxic. It's energizing. I wanted to keep reading to see who would make the first move. The slow burn in this made it that much more delicious when things FINALLY came together. Can I also say that OMG Parker dirty talk in the bedroom- Ellie you outdid yourself with that. I would definitely recommend this book and this series if you are looking for something light hearted with big feelings and watching people meet their people! I can't wait to see where Ellie takes us next!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
Summer has had a pretty rough dating life. She has felt in a weird place for a while. Like kind of stuck. She loves her job, and she loves her friends. She just wants someone to love her. So after another bad date, her and Parker decide to set each other up with someone. The guy that Parker introduces her is wonderful. He makes her laugh. He makes her dinner. He puts her needs first. So imagine her surprise when it all blows up, and she finds out that Parker wasn't honest in how he knew this person. Summer hits rock bottom. It's like her younger years all over again when the town looked at her differently. When they were judging her hard. And then she is now questioning everything between her and Parker. How could he do that to her? But she misses him. And he seems to be going through something too. So after a while she gives him another chance. She also decides that she is going to make some life changes. She is going to go for her dream- getting on the surf circuit. Going pro with surfing. Parker offers to help train her. And the more time they spend together the more Summer finds herself wondering what if. Like what if her and Parker were ever something? Why does he keep touching her more than before? Is he flirting with her now? This can't end well, but she doesn't want to fight it. She feels safe with him. She wants to explore things with him. This is all so exciting. But she has been keeping a secret from Parker and all of her friends. One that could destry this thing they are doing this. This thing she realizes that has become her everything.
Parker has been in a weird spot for a while. His baseline has changed, and he finds himself more in his head than before. He finds that the only thing that can bring him out of his funk is his best friend Summer. His best friend who is determined to find a husband. His best friend who he completely forgot asked him to set her up with someone. So Parker improvises and after a beat of happiness with Summer, everything comes crashing down hard. Summer pulls away. Parker makes some heavy life choices. Something has to change. And when it finally does, Parker can't believe it took him this long to figure it out. It being that he is completely and totally in love with his best friend. She makes everything better. He would do anything for her. And now that he knows this he is determined to be her dream man. To be the man she deserves. So of course he offers to help get her trained up for the surf competition. Of course he offers to spend more time with her because he wants her to see how good they could be together. Slowly but surely, she gives him signs that she is interested. And Parker goes for it. They are so so good together. He has never felt this way about anyone. He wants it to be them forever. He just hopes she is on the same page.
Friends to lovers is alway so fun because reading the inner dialogue where they are questioning lingering touches or long looks makes me want them to make a move THAT MUCH MORE haha. As much as I don't love angst, this kind of angst isn't toxic. It's energizing. I wanted to keep reading to see who would make the first move. The slow burn in this made it that much more delicious when things FINALLY came together. Can I also say that OMG Parker dirty talk in the bedroom- Ellie you outdid yourself with that. I would definitely recommend this book and this series if you are looking for something light hearted with big feelings and watching people meet their people! I can't wait to see where Ellie takes us next!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
Read
February 5, 2026This book had my whole heart. Friends to lovers will always get me, but childhood best friends + unrequited love + it’s always been you? I was done for.
Parker and Summer felt so real. Messy, stuck, and loving each other in all the quiet ways before either of them was brave enough to admit it. The longing, the years of almosts, the things left unsaid… it hurt so good. Watching Parker realize his feelings and Summer finally choose herself was emotional in the best way.
This story is about timing, growth, and the kind of love that waits patiently in the background until both people are ready. Tender, angsty, and incredibly swoony.
If you love friends to lovers, mutual pining, and slow-burn payoff, this one is an absolute must-read. 💛📖
Parker and Summer felt so real. Messy, stuck, and loving each other in all the quiet ways before either of them was brave enough to admit it. The longing, the years of almosts, the things left unsaid… it hurt so good. Watching Parker realize his feelings and Summer finally choose herself was emotional in the best way.
This story is about timing, growth, and the kind of love that waits patiently in the background until both people are ready. Tender, angsty, and incredibly swoony.
If you love friends to lovers, mutual pining, and slow-burn payoff, this one is an absolute must-read. 💛📖
January 25, 2026
I was a bit let down by this one. The constant friends-to-lovers circling became frustrating…I wanted to scream at them to just talk about their feelings already. On top of that, there wasn’t much banter, which made the slow pacing feel even more drawn out than it needed to be.
That said, the ending did a nice job of wrapping up the series in a neat little bow, which I appreciated.
That said, the ending did a nice job of wrapping up the series in a neat little bow, which I appreciated.
January 7, 2026
Ugh. I just love Ellie K Wildes writing. The way she hooks you and keeps you wanting to keep reading the next chapter. The sexual tension that just keeps growing. I loved this whole series and this just made it even better! Parker is just so wholesome and I love the way everything progressed with him and Summer. A must read!
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for a copy of this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for a copy of this ARC.
November 3, 2025
I LOVEEEEE CHILDHOOD FRIENDS TO LOVERS & this one does it SOOOOO GOOOOOD!!!!
parker is SUCH A GREEN FLAG & has such golden retriever energy 😭😭😭😭 while also simultaneously being hot af 😳 the mouth on this man will make a nun blush & i ATE IT UPPPP. anyway, i also loved summer she’s such a breath of fresh air i stg. all my girl wanted was to be loved 😭 relatable tbh. i definitely recommend yall please read this series it was so good!! every book was a hit
thank you to the publisher for providing this book for review via netgalley. all opinions are my own <3
parker is SUCH A GREEN FLAG & has such golden retriever energy 😭😭😭😭 while also simultaneously being hot af 😳 the mouth on this man will make a nun blush & i ATE IT UPPPP. anyway, i also loved summer she’s such a breath of fresh air i stg. all my girl wanted was to be loved 😭 relatable tbh. i definitely recommend yall please read this series it was so good!! every book was a hit
thank you to the publisher for providing this book for review via netgalley. all opinions are my own <3
October 24, 2025
Gosh, 5 big delicious juicy beautiful stars to the end of an amazing series. I am devastated to say goodbye to oakwood bay but this was the perfect send off. This is likely my new favorite in the series!!
There is SO MUCH depth to these characters that I hadn’t seen at all in the first two books. They seemed like two loving, kind best friends but there was so much more underneath it brought me to tears. Parker messes up big time and sets up Summer for heartbreak. Even worse, he doesn’t know how in love he is until he’s lost her trust. Summer is a heartbroken, loveable person who just wants people to stay. She has one constant, which is Parker, and him hurting her really changes how she views herself and her future.
Their love runs so deep, it’s sweet and devastating. (Their spice and chemistry is also off the charts!!) The yearning, as always, was positively diabolical and it made me want to rip my heart out of my chest. Parker’s journey to become summer’s dream man??? I had to be sedated.
There is just so much I love about this book, I can’t wait for the audiobook to release and reread it. Thank you Atria for the ARC!
There is SO MUCH depth to these characters that I hadn’t seen at all in the first two books. They seemed like two loving, kind best friends but there was so much more underneath it brought me to tears. Parker messes up big time and sets up Summer for heartbreak. Even worse, he doesn’t know how in love he is until he’s lost her trust. Summer is a heartbroken, loveable person who just wants people to stay. She has one constant, which is Parker, and him hurting her really changes how she views herself and her future.
Their love runs so deep, it’s sweet and devastating. (Their spice and chemistry is also off the charts!!) The yearning, as always, was positively diabolical and it made me want to rip my heart out of my chest. Parker’s journey to become summer’s dream man??? I had to be sedated.
There is just so much I love about this book, I can’t wait for the audiobook to release and reread it. Thank you Atria for the ARC!
December 30, 2025
4/5 Stars
Summer and Parker have been best-friends since they were toddlers. Summer has the brilliant idea to be each other’s match maker. What sounded like a good idea causes a rift in their friendship like never before.
If Only You Knew is a small town romance. The pacing was solid, and the story easy to follow. I enjoyed the world building of the book. Since I didn’t read the previous books in the series, I will say I didn’t connect with their friends who already had their own stories.
At the start of the story I was supporting Summer on her decisions. Parker had let her down, and she had the right to be upset. Things slowly started to switch for me. Summer had a lot going on in her head. I could understand the reasoning behind the choices she was making. This book had a surprising amount of spice in it. From the jump the main characters were mentally undressing each other.
A warm thanks to Atria Books, Ellie K. Wilde, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Summer and Parker have been best-friends since they were toddlers. Summer has the brilliant idea to be each other’s match maker. What sounded like a good idea causes a rift in their friendship like never before.
If Only You Knew is a small town romance. The pacing was solid, and the story easy to follow. I enjoyed the world building of the book. Since I didn’t read the previous books in the series, I will say I didn’t connect with their friends who already had their own stories.
At the start of the story I was supporting Summer on her decisions. Parker had let her down, and she had the right to be upset. Things slowly started to switch for me. Summer had a lot going on in her head. I could understand the reasoning behind the choices she was making. This book had a surprising amount of spice in it. From the jump the main characters were mentally undressing each other.
A warm thanks to Atria Books, Ellie K. Wilde, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Read
January 19, 2026“We were always going to be magic.”
Summer and Parker are the perfect finale in the Oakwood Bay series. Readers have seen snippets of their friendship in the first two books, but this one really makes it explode in the best way possible.
—
this and that:
♡ competitive surfer (her) x physical trainer (him)
♡ dual pov
♡ found family
♡ friends-to-lovers
♡ he falls first
♡ it was always you
♡ one bed
♡ open door spice
♡ secret hookups
♡ small town
triggers:
☞ infidelity
☞ toxic parental relationships
—
thank you to Atria for the gifted copy!
—
♡ read my reviews for books in the series:
Only In Your Dreams (book one)
Only Between Us (book two)
If Only You Knew (book three)
—
♡ find me on Instagram!
Summer and Parker are the perfect finale in the Oakwood Bay series. Readers have seen snippets of their friendship in the first two books, but this one really makes it explode in the best way possible.
—
this and that:
♡ competitive surfer (her) x physical trainer (him)
♡ dual pov
♡ found family
♡ friends-to-lovers
♡ he falls first
♡ it was always you
♡ one bed
♡ open door spice
♡ secret hookups
♡ small town
triggers:
☞ infidelity
☞ toxic parental relationships
—
thank you to Atria for the gifted copy!
—
♡ read my reviews for books in the series:
Only In Your Dreams (book one)
Only Between Us (book two)
If Only You Knew (book three)
—
♡ find me on Instagram!
October 14, 2025
Ahhhhhh, this book was totally worth the wait, it was so sweet and also very spicy. I've been looking forward to Parker and Summer's story, and it did not disappoint. I may be biased since friends to lovers is my favorite trope, but I absolutely loved the friendship between Parker and Summer. This story was just really sweet, their friendship, their realizations, their struggles, and their road to realizing their feelings for each other. Summer's relationship with her parents really heartbreaking to read and I really wanted to give her a hug. Oh, Parker, you sweet man. Where do I even start with this MMC? Parker was sweet, attentive, unknowingly driven, adoring, and just overall so swoony. The spicy scenes were great, and this story made me so happy. :)
Only In Your Dreams - 3 stars
Only Between Us - 4 stars
*Childhood friends to lovers
*Small town
*Physical therapy/Surfing
Format: ebook
Thank you so much NetGalley, Ellie Wilde, and Atria Books for the ARC!
Only In Your Dreams - 3 stars
Only Between Us - 4 stars
*Childhood friends to lovers
*Small town
*Physical therapy/Surfing
Format: ebook
Thank you so much NetGalley, Ellie Wilde, and Atria Books for the ARC!
October 18, 2025
Book Review
If Only You Knew by Ellie KWilde
Genre: Romance
Publisher : @simonandschuster
Publishes: Feb 17 2026
Oakwood Bay series
What Its Got
✅ Cameos from Melody, Zac, Brooks,Siena and Noah
✅ childhood friends to Lovers
✅ Surfing
✅ kinda Mid life crisis - turning 30
✅ an FMC who is certified people pleaser longing for a partner in life she can rely on
✅ an MMC who is a completely oblivious lovestruck fool
✅ small town vibes (Oakwood)
✅ friends as family
Thoughts
This was such a slow burn 🔥 Talk about edging…. Throw in some play kink play and DAMN!! Parker is charming and I adored his friendship with Summer- he is soo supportive and present! I enjoyed the tension between these two as they figured out whats been in front of them the whole time . Each struggles in their own way between work issues, personal challenges, and self doubt but together- they find their way and their happily ever after.
Thanks to @netgalley and @simonandschusterca for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
If Only You Knew by Ellie KWilde
Genre: Romance
Publisher : @simonandschuster
Publishes: Feb 17 2026
Oakwood Bay series
What Its Got
✅ Cameos from Melody, Zac, Brooks,Siena and Noah
✅ childhood friends to Lovers
✅ Surfing
✅ kinda Mid life crisis - turning 30
✅ an FMC who is certified people pleaser longing for a partner in life she can rely on
✅ an MMC who is a completely oblivious lovestruck fool
✅ small town vibes (Oakwood)
✅ friends as family
Thoughts
This was such a slow burn 🔥 Talk about edging…. Throw in some play kink play and DAMN!! Parker is charming and I adored his friendship with Summer- he is soo supportive and present! I enjoyed the tension between these two as they figured out whats been in front of them the whole time . Each struggles in their own way between work issues, personal challenges, and self doubt but together- they find their way and their happily ever after.
Thanks to @netgalley and @simonandschusterca for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
February 17, 2026
If Only You Knew – Ellie K. Wilde
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4)
ARC Review
EN
I’m usually not the biggest fan of friends to lovers, but this one really worked for me. I loved the two previous books in the series, and this one was just as good. It definitely takes Parker a long time to realize he’s completely gone for Summer but once it finally clicks? He’s fully all in, no hesitation, no looking back. And honestly… that payoff was worth the wait.
FR
Je ne suis normalement pas une grande fan du trope friends to lovers, mais celui-ci m’a vraiment convaincue. J’ai adoré les deux tomes précédents, et celui-ci ne fait pas exception. Ça aura pris énormément de temps avant que Parker réalise qu’il est fou amoureux de Summer, mais une fois qu’il le comprend… il est all in. Et cette prise de conscience tardive rend le tout encore plus satisfaisant.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4)
ARC Review
EN
I’m usually not the biggest fan of friends to lovers, but this one really worked for me. I loved the two previous books in the series, and this one was just as good. It definitely takes Parker a long time to realize he’s completely gone for Summer but once it finally clicks? He’s fully all in, no hesitation, no looking back. And honestly… that payoff was worth the wait.
FR
Je ne suis normalement pas une grande fan du trope friends to lovers, mais celui-ci m’a vraiment convaincue. J’ai adoré les deux tomes précédents, et celui-ci ne fait pas exception. Ça aura pris énormément de temps avant que Parker réalise qu’il est fou amoureux de Summer, mais une fois qu’il le comprend… il est all in. Et cette prise de conscience tardive rend le tout encore plus satisfaisant.
February 19, 2026
Fantastic. Give me 14 of them
October 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. The longtime best friends to lovers angle was so well done, and the chemistry felt real. Both characters had so much heart, and their banter made me smile more than once. The small-town setting was cozy without feeling cheesy, and the story had a nice balance between sweet and emotional.
It didn’t hit quite the 5-star mark for me because a few parts felt a bit predictable, but honestly, I didn’t mind much. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling when you close it. A lovely, feel-good read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
It didn’t hit quite the 5-star mark for me because a few parts felt a bit predictable, but honestly, I didn’t mind much. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling when you close it. A lovely, feel-good read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
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