What do you think?
Rate this book
Only Mine: A Grumpy Single Dad Romance
I don't like surprises, especially when they come in the form of a soaked-through woman trespassing on my land and trying to escape a public scandal.
Since the death of my wife, I've kept my world locked down, including my emotions, my routines, and most of all, my daughter.
Ivy is bright, sensitive, and rarely opens up to anyone. I have no intention of letting a stranger stay on my land. But then Ivy appears behind me mid-confrontation and does something she smiles at Wrenley, asks if she's cold, and if she'd like to stay for dinner.
It’s the first time she’s shown interest in anyone in months.
I don't trust Wrenley. But Ivy does. And that’s enough to delay a hard no.
Now that Ivy’s asking for her, I'm trapped. I allow Wrenley to stay temporarily until I can figure out how to undo this mistake without fracturing Ivy’s fragile emotional stability.
But the mistake keeps deepening.
Wrenley keeps showing up. Reading to Ivy. Helping with dinner. Making space in my daughter’s world without trying to take it over.
When Ivy’s current nanny quits unexpectedly, against every instinct, I offer the job to Wrenley. Only until I find a replacement. But days stretch into weeks, and I can’t bring myself to end it. Ivy is blooming. Wrenley is steady.
And I'm losing the fight to keep her at a distance.
At night, I cook for her, except I start looking at her with a hunger that has nothing to do with the food. Wrenley returns the look with a need she refuses to acknowledge.
Until one night .... I do.
𝙊𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚, 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙚, 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝 … 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨.
Since the death of my wife, I've kept my world locked down, including my emotions, my routines, and most of all, my daughter.
Ivy is bright, sensitive, and rarely opens up to anyone. I have no intention of letting a stranger stay on my land. But then Ivy appears behind me mid-confrontation and does something she smiles at Wrenley, asks if she's cold, and if she'd like to stay for dinner.
It’s the first time she’s shown interest in anyone in months.
I don't trust Wrenley. But Ivy does. And that’s enough to delay a hard no.
Now that Ivy’s asking for her, I'm trapped. I allow Wrenley to stay temporarily until I can figure out how to undo this mistake without fracturing Ivy’s fragile emotional stability.
But the mistake keeps deepening.
Wrenley keeps showing up. Reading to Ivy. Helping with dinner. Making space in my daughter’s world without trying to take it over.
When Ivy’s current nanny quits unexpectedly, against every instinct, I offer the job to Wrenley. Only until I find a replacement. But days stretch into weeks, and I can’t bring myself to end it. Ivy is blooming. Wrenley is steady.
And I'm losing the fight to keep her at a distance.
At night, I cook for her, except I start looking at her with a hunger that has nothing to do with the food. Wrenley returns the look with a need she refuses to acknowledge.
Until one night .... I do.
𝙊𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚, 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙚, 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝 … 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2025
275 people are currently reading
423 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 - 30 of 97 reviews
October 21, 2025
So, this book had several things that I just could not get past and I was grumpy the whole time I was reading.
I found it misogynistic. I don’t know what the author intended, but I don’t like an asshole H who likes to play mind games with a traumatized and recovering woman. It’s not sexy or alpha or OTT fun, it’s emotional cruelty.
—————
So many spoilers: ‼️
🔪. Saint, the “grumpy” chef who is a widower and protective of his daughter, Ivy and their privacy. No issue with any of this, but he’s not grumpy. He’s an asshole and there’s a difference. He does not treat the FMC w respect and he pulls her close with one hand and then pushes her away over and over with mixed signals and gaslighting. I wanted him to be OTT protective and obsessed but not like this. He was emotionally abusive.
📲🤳 Wrenley, the beautiful social media influencer who is seeking calm and quiet escapes to quiet town and ends up living in Saints cottage (briefly). I liked the inclusion of her mental health struggles, but how about we actually get her therapy? It’s mentioned that she’s had it, but she still actively needs it. We learn that she had a traumatic experience where she was assaulted alone in her hotel room after being stalked by a follower. This is real trauma. She’s pulling her hair out literally, self harming and having panic attacks. Get help. She falls prey over and over again to the whims of Saint. She has no spine or backbone accessible to deal with him. It’s painful to read in my opinion.
🎨The daughter, Ivy. Cute 5 yr old. Dealing w her mother’s death and then kind of ignored by her father until he becomes wildly over protective. Loved her. Feisty, fun and creative. She started as a pivotal character and then was just kind of used whenever it seems helpful. Why couldn’t Wrenley still see her if Ivy loved her so much?? Ivy was described repeatedly as having nightmares and scared that Wrenley was dying and that she wouldn’t see her again. Like wtf? They live in the same town. How hard is this?
🫣OW - there is Ivy’s teacher, Erin, who is insanely annoying and who, Saint invites in to be her nanny when he inexplicably kicks out Wrenley. This woman wants him and is his child’s current teacher. What? No teacher in the world would sign up to be a nanny before and after school. I don’t care how much you want the broody dad. Also, she’s a terrible person who says mean things to Ivy and then eventually throws herself at Saint, naked. He kisses her back so we can realize that he doesn’t want anyone but Wrenley. 🙄 Ugh. Just no.
😡Third act breakup. As if the other back and forth wasn’t enough, Saint ends it bc a video clip of him - that he approved and agreed to - went viral and he worried about their privacy.
👥Dual POV. I forget the ending, but they’re still together, having exchanged “I love you’s”. The epilogue was less an epilogue and more a peek into the next installment. Which I won’t be reading.
In sum, this is not a healthy relationship. They all need therapy. I hope she leaves town and drives far far away.
I found it misogynistic. I don’t know what the author intended, but I don’t like an asshole H who likes to play mind games with a traumatized and recovering woman. It’s not sexy or alpha or OTT fun, it’s emotional cruelty.
—————
So many spoilers: ‼️
🔪. Saint, the “grumpy” chef who is a widower and protective of his daughter, Ivy and their privacy. No issue with any of this, but he’s not grumpy. He’s an asshole and there’s a difference. He does not treat the FMC w respect and he pulls her close with one hand and then pushes her away over and over with mixed signals and gaslighting. I wanted him to be OTT protective and obsessed but not like this. He was emotionally abusive.
📲🤳 Wrenley, the beautiful social media influencer who is seeking calm and quiet escapes to quiet town and ends up living in Saints cottage (briefly). I liked the inclusion of her mental health struggles, but how about we actually get her therapy? It’s mentioned that she’s had it, but she still actively needs it. We learn that she had a traumatic experience where she was assaulted alone in her hotel room after being stalked by a follower. This is real trauma. She’s pulling her hair out literally, self harming and having panic attacks. Get help. She falls prey over and over again to the whims of Saint. She has no spine or backbone accessible to deal with him. It’s painful to read in my opinion.
🎨The daughter, Ivy. Cute 5 yr old. Dealing w her mother’s death and then kind of ignored by her father until he becomes wildly over protective. Loved her. Feisty, fun and creative. She started as a pivotal character and then was just kind of used whenever it seems helpful. Why couldn’t Wrenley still see her if Ivy loved her so much?? Ivy was described repeatedly as having nightmares and scared that Wrenley was dying and that she wouldn’t see her again. Like wtf? They live in the same town. How hard is this?
🫣OW - there is Ivy’s teacher, Erin, who is insanely annoying and who, Saint invites in to be her nanny when he inexplicably kicks out Wrenley. This woman wants him and is his child’s current teacher. What? No teacher in the world would sign up to be a nanny before and after school. I don’t care how much you want the broody dad. Also, she’s a terrible person who says mean things to Ivy and then eventually throws herself at Saint, naked. He kisses her back so we can realize that he doesn’t want anyone but Wrenley. 🙄 Ugh. Just no.
😡Third act breakup. As if the other back and forth wasn’t enough, Saint ends it bc a video clip of him - that he approved and agreed to - went viral and he worried about their privacy.
👥Dual POV. I forget the ending, but they’re still together, having exchanged “I love you’s”. The epilogue was less an epilogue and more a peek into the next installment. Which I won’t be reading.
In sum, this is not a healthy relationship. They all need therapy. I hope she leaves town and drives far far away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2025
This is my first SK Allison book. The tropes alone pulled me in and so glad I read it! I’m a sucker for a single dad, nanny/employee/employer book…I’m all in!.
SK is an incredible story teller. The story of Wrenley, Saint and Ivy will take you on an incredible journey of found family. Wrenley is running away from her past, trying to find a quiet place to hide out when she runs into Saint at his guest house. Saint just so happens to be looking for a nanny, but realizes Wrenley doesn’t necessarily tick all his boxes for his daughter Ivy. Soon, some of those lines start to blur between employee/employer. This arrangement happens to work for them and what unfolds is utterly heartbreaking and breathtaking all at once.
Wrenley is a social media influencer, putting her life on display until she finds that sometimes putting it all out there makes you vulnerable to others. Wrenley has trauma and struggles from certain triggers, all while trying to break through Saint’s walls who has built those walls pretty high, while also caring for his free spirited daughter, Ivy.
I found Wrenley and Saint to be beautifully tragic, each dealing with their own life trauma who find peace and solace in one another. They sealed the cracks they each had based on these traumas and what resonated was true healing. Part of this healing was Wrenley’s relationship with Saint’s daughter, Ivy. Ivy is a true free spirit, wise beyond her years and perfectly in tune with her grumpy dad’s moods. She too senses a change in her dad when Wrenley walks into their lives and just knows Wrenley makes them complete. But, what happens when the past catches up with them?
This story will break your heart in the best way possible. This story is about love, grace, forgiveness, peace and found family. I devoured this book and I’m making sure to read the first in the series!
SK is an incredible story teller. The story of Wrenley, Saint and Ivy will take you on an incredible journey of found family. Wrenley is running away from her past, trying to find a quiet place to hide out when she runs into Saint at his guest house. Saint just so happens to be looking for a nanny, but realizes Wrenley doesn’t necessarily tick all his boxes for his daughter Ivy. Soon, some of those lines start to blur between employee/employer. This arrangement happens to work for them and what unfolds is utterly heartbreaking and breathtaking all at once.
Wrenley is a social media influencer, putting her life on display until she finds that sometimes putting it all out there makes you vulnerable to others. Wrenley has trauma and struggles from certain triggers, all while trying to break through Saint’s walls who has built those walls pretty high, while also caring for his free spirited daughter, Ivy.
I found Wrenley and Saint to be beautifully tragic, each dealing with their own life trauma who find peace and solace in one another. They sealed the cracks they each had based on these traumas and what resonated was true healing. Part of this healing was Wrenley’s relationship with Saint’s daughter, Ivy. Ivy is a true free spirit, wise beyond her years and perfectly in tune with her grumpy dad’s moods. She too senses a change in her dad when Wrenley walks into their lives and just knows Wrenley makes them complete. But, what happens when the past catches up with them?
This story will break your heart in the best way possible. This story is about love, grace, forgiveness, peace and found family. I devoured this book and I’m making sure to read the first in the series!
October 3, 2025
This is single dad done right. 🙌 a grumpy, tattooed, broody chef who swore no one would ever stay for dinner… until Wrenley showed up and turned his world upside down. 🌸
Their chemistry is explosive 🔥, the banter addictive, and those emotional moments? 🥹 They cracked Saint wide open and had me swooning even harder. Watching him fall, little by little, was pure magic. ✨
This story is everything I love: small town charm, found family feels, grumpy/sunshine perfection, and an MMC you’ll never forget. 🖤
If you love:
👨🏻🍼Single dad romance
🍳 A tattooed, broody chef
🌞 Sunshine breaking through shadows
🏡 Small town + found family vibes
🔥 Opposites attract with serious sparks
Then you need Only Mine on your TBR.
Their chemistry is explosive 🔥, the banter addictive, and those emotional moments? 🥹 They cracked Saint wide open and had me swooning even harder. Watching him fall, little by little, was pure magic. ✨
This story is everything I love: small town charm, found family feels, grumpy/sunshine perfection, and an MMC you’ll never forget. 🖤
If you love:
👨🏻🍼Single dad romance
🍳 A tattooed, broody chef
🌞 Sunshine breaking through shadows
🏡 Small town + found family vibes
🔥 Opposites attract with serious sparks
Then you need Only Mine on your TBR.
Currently reading
October 2, 2025Available now!
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://geni.us/onlymine
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4m78gfC
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://geni.us/onlymine
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4m78gfC
October 13, 2025
Only Mine is a tense emotion journey of understanding, trust and courage. SK Allison is a new to me author and I revealed in this discovery! Allison’s writing balances angst, heartache and hope brilliantly mixing together to create the perfect environment for rich characters, believable situations and an emotional depth I love to see when engaging in a romance. Allison beautifully brings to life this romance about second chances, found family, and the willingness to grow and take a risk! I easily fell into this story, absorbed by the characters and their depth and emotionally invested as this romance. I am so excited to have discovered this new to me author who I have so quickly found a deliciously sensual escape with pure heart and emotion, and I can not wait to delve head first into Allison’s backlist and am excited to see the next installment in this series!
Only Mine is built on care and understanding, exploring the soul connection of a young girl and a woman who sees her and lets her dream, with a woman who is seeking a rest it from her public lifestyle, and a father who has been hiding from the world after letting his career get in the way of his family. All three members of this found family romance has broken hearts that need mending, and it finding each other they slowly start to heal. This romance is not a clean one, angst and emotion drive decisions and worries and fears lead to many misunderstandings and moments of uncertainty. But it’s the strength a a young girl’s trust and the love of a woman that lead this romance on the right path. Allison builds this delectable tension between Wrenley and Saint that sizzles under the surface and keeps them fighting this rich chemistry between each other. Watching Ivy fall fast and hard for Wrenley, and she falling back, is the strong foundation of trust that is needed to break Saint out of his protective and overbearing pattern of safety. This romance is not only the discover of new love but the rediscovery of one’s self, and I loved being on this journey!
I would so highly recommend this novel, go in with little knowledge and you will leave with a heart overfilled! I am already ready for the next in this series and am so delighted to have found a new author to add to my favorites list!
Thank you to Valentine PR for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Only Mine is built on care and understanding, exploring the soul connection of a young girl and a woman who sees her and lets her dream, with a woman who is seeking a rest it from her public lifestyle, and a father who has been hiding from the world after letting his career get in the way of his family. All three members of this found family romance has broken hearts that need mending, and it finding each other they slowly start to heal. This romance is not a clean one, angst and emotion drive decisions and worries and fears lead to many misunderstandings and moments of uncertainty. But it’s the strength a a young girl’s trust and the love of a woman that lead this romance on the right path. Allison builds this delectable tension between Wrenley and Saint that sizzles under the surface and keeps them fighting this rich chemistry between each other. Watching Ivy fall fast and hard for Wrenley, and she falling back, is the strong foundation of trust that is needed to break Saint out of his protective and overbearing pattern of safety. This romance is not only the discover of new love but the rediscovery of one’s self, and I loved being on this journey!
I would so highly recommend this novel, go in with little knowledge and you will leave with a heart overfilled! I am already ready for the next in this series and am so delighted to have found a new author to add to my favorites list!
Thank you to Valentine PR for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 28, 2025
5⭐️
Thank you so much Valentine PR and and author SK Allison for sending me the eARC of this book ✨
Oh my, those were so many emotions and I loved every second of it! You know I’m a sucker for a single dad trope book, so when I read the blurb of this book I was sold 🙂↔️ but then when I started reading I found this story was way more deeper than just a cute romance between a single dad and the woman who steals his heart with obviously the found family with the kid of the single dad.
Wrenley’s back story made my heart broke for her, I was sobbing when I read about what happened to her that made her want to run away and hide until she could find herself again, until she could heal and find the happiness and peace she was craving so much! My heart broke a little more when I read what she did to cope with her own pain and trauma and I just wanted to hug her and telling her she’s so friggin brave and worthy and amazing 😭❤️🩹
And then Saint, my heart also broke for him, for his lose and how scared he was about losing his little girl Ivy and how guilty he felt about his wife’s death, how he just built tons and tons of walls around his heart to protect himself and Ivy, until he met Wrenley, and oh my god how I loved reading the both of them helping each other to heal, she helped him to smile again, to feel happy again, she reminded him how it felt to be alive and seen, and he helped to feel safe again, made her feel seen and worthy and of course I loved Ivy 😭 that girl stole my heart from the second she was there smiling to Wrenley ❤️🩹she suffered a lot too and Wrenley was there to help her and make her smile and laugh again and actually I think I loved how they healed each other a little bit more 🥹❤️🩹
This book was the first one I read by the author but won’t be the last for sure ✨
Thank you so much Valentine PR and and author SK Allison for sending me the eARC of this book ✨
Oh my, those were so many emotions and I loved every second of it! You know I’m a sucker for a single dad trope book, so when I read the blurb of this book I was sold 🙂↔️ but then when I started reading I found this story was way more deeper than just a cute romance between a single dad and the woman who steals his heart with obviously the found family with the kid of the single dad.
Wrenley’s back story made my heart broke for her, I was sobbing when I read about what happened to her that made her want to run away and hide until she could find herself again, until she could heal and find the happiness and peace she was craving so much! My heart broke a little more when I read what she did to cope with her own pain and trauma and I just wanted to hug her and telling her she’s so friggin brave and worthy and amazing 😭❤️🩹
And then Saint, my heart also broke for him, for his lose and how scared he was about losing his little girl Ivy and how guilty he felt about his wife’s death, how he just built tons and tons of walls around his heart to protect himself and Ivy, until he met Wrenley, and oh my god how I loved reading the both of them helping each other to heal, she helped him to smile again, to feel happy again, she reminded him how it felt to be alive and seen, and he helped to feel safe again, made her feel seen and worthy and of course I loved Ivy 😭 that girl stole my heart from the second she was there smiling to Wrenley ❤️🩹she suffered a lot too and Wrenley was there to help her and make her smile and laugh again and actually I think I loved how they healed each other a little bit more 🥹❤️🩹
This book was the first one I read by the author but won’t be the last for sure ✨
October 2, 2025
e-ARC Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨!!!!
Wow, this was my very first book by S.K. Allison and, honestly, the very first thing that caught my attention was the cover. I mean… that handsome man, with those somewhat blank eyes and all those tattoos, completely got me, and I thought: “I definitely need to request an ARC of this one.” And, truth be told, I kind of regret it.
Still, huge thanks to the author and Valentine PR for allowing me to read this advanced copy. It turned out to be the most unexpected read I’ve had in the last three weeks.
Now, let’s get into the review. We meet our heroine, who comes from a very complicated background, and our hero, who is a grumpy single-dad chef. At first glance, the story seems simple enough: she moves to a small town, he’s this moody father, and she ends up at his guesthouse in a very random way — because, honestly, he didn’t even know she was coming.
With that setup, you’d expect the usual push-and-pull romance vibe, but the book is actually much more than that. It’s intense. As you keep reading, you realize the themes get heavier, and that’s why I say this book is so unexpected.
It’s romantic as hell, spicy as hell, but at the same time deeply serious. Some parts honestly left me speechless. There were moments — especially things he said — that made me feel sad, but I also understood them.
I don’t want to spoil anything (I’ll save that for after finishing the whole story), but I can say this: it’s a book that dives into mental health in a raw and honest way. And I loved it.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, though I definitely need to catch up on the previous story first.
Wow, this was my very first book by S.K. Allison and, honestly, the very first thing that caught my attention was the cover. I mean… that handsome man, with those somewhat blank eyes and all those tattoos, completely got me, and I thought: “I definitely need to request an ARC of this one.” And, truth be told, I kind of regret it.
Still, huge thanks to the author and Valentine PR for allowing me to read this advanced copy. It turned out to be the most unexpected read I’ve had in the last three weeks.
Now, let’s get into the review. We meet our heroine, who comes from a very complicated background, and our hero, who is a grumpy single-dad chef. At first glance, the story seems simple enough: she moves to a small town, he’s this moody father, and she ends up at his guesthouse in a very random way — because, honestly, he didn’t even know she was coming.
With that setup, you’d expect the usual push-and-pull romance vibe, but the book is actually much more than that. It’s intense. As you keep reading, you realize the themes get heavier, and that’s why I say this book is so unexpected.
It’s romantic as hell, spicy as hell, but at the same time deeply serious. Some parts honestly left me speechless. There were moments — especially things he said — that made me feel sad, but I also understood them.
I don’t want to spoil anything (I’ll save that for after finishing the whole story), but I can say this: it’s a book that dives into mental health in a raw and honest way. And I loved it.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, though I definitely need to catch up on the previous story first.
October 6, 2025
ARC Review: Thank you to SK Allison and Valentine PR for sending me an advanced copy of only mine.
I liked this book. It started a little slow for my taste. Around the halfway mark, I really got into the story.
Wrenley is a social media influencer who has fled to the small town of Falcon Haven after her very real meltdown on social media following a traumatic event. She winds up staying in the guest house of a grumpy, reclusive Michelin-star chef who is also running from something. I felt like Wrenley’s mental health struggles were written realistically. Wrenley’s character isn’t written as if she’s perfect or has her life together. I think the character also showed the very real, ugly side of social media influencing.
Saint is the reclusive single dad chef/ restaurant owner. He’s found refuge in Falcon Haven after a difficult loss. He has routines for Ivy, his daughter, that he sticks to. Wrenley enters his life and disrupts his routine. His daughter, who is a free-spirited, artistic kindergartener who doesn’t let people get close, becomes attached to Wrenley right away. The temporary nanny becomes so much more than that to Saint and Ivy. They both heal each other. I loved the author’s descriptions of Saint cooking and the inner workings of the restaurant.
I liked this book. It started a little slow for my taste. Around the halfway mark, I really got into the story.
Wrenley is a social media influencer who has fled to the small town of Falcon Haven after her very real meltdown on social media following a traumatic event. She winds up staying in the guest house of a grumpy, reclusive Michelin-star chef who is also running from something. I felt like Wrenley’s mental health struggles were written realistically. Wrenley’s character isn’t written as if she’s perfect or has her life together. I think the character also showed the very real, ugly side of social media influencing.
Saint is the reclusive single dad chef/ restaurant owner. He’s found refuge in Falcon Haven after a difficult loss. He has routines for Ivy, his daughter, that he sticks to. Wrenley enters his life and disrupts his routine. His daughter, who is a free-spirited, artistic kindergartener who doesn’t let people get close, becomes attached to Wrenley right away. The temporary nanny becomes so much more than that to Saint and Ivy. They both heal each other. I loved the author’s descriptions of Saint cooking and the inner workings of the restaurant.
October 2, 2025
Thank you Valentine PR and Author SK Allison for sending me an eARC of Only Mine💗
This book made me feel so many emotions. Wrenley is an influencer that is trying to escape from the spotlight due to a very traumatic situation. She ends up in the guesthouse of the single dad and grumpy chef, Saint. Saint runs a very successful restaurant in a small town and is running out of options for a nanny for his very energetic daughter, Ivy.
The reasoning for Wrenley escaping the spotlight absolutely shattered me (trying to keep this spoiler free🥲). It’s a traumatic experience that could happen to anyone in the influencer world.
Saint also has a tragic story, which led to him escaping to the small town as a single dad.
Ivy is my favorite 5 year old, who picks up on all the adult social cues and is just a ball of fun throughout the book! 💗
If you are looking for single dad, small town, grumpy/sunshine, and age gap, PICK THIS UP! 😍
This book made me feel so many emotions. Wrenley is an influencer that is trying to escape from the spotlight due to a very traumatic situation. She ends up in the guesthouse of the single dad and grumpy chef, Saint. Saint runs a very successful restaurant in a small town and is running out of options for a nanny for his very energetic daughter, Ivy.
The reasoning for Wrenley escaping the spotlight absolutely shattered me (trying to keep this spoiler free🥲). It’s a traumatic experience that could happen to anyone in the influencer world.
Saint also has a tragic story, which led to him escaping to the small town as a single dad.
Ivy is my favorite 5 year old, who picks up on all the adult social cues and is just a ball of fun throughout the book! 💗
If you are looking for single dad, small town, grumpy/sunshine, and age gap, PICK THIS UP! 😍
September 27, 2025
I loved every second of this book. Wrenley was strong and broken at the same time, trying to stand up again, and I respected her so much. Saint was grumpy, private, with so many walls, but also soft when it came to Ivy and that side made him unforgettable. Ivy was pure sunshine, and she gave so much heart to the story. The connection between them all felt raw and beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking and sometimes full of hope. SK Allison’s writing kept me hooked, I read so fast because I didn’t want to stop, and by the end I was crying and smiling together. This was one of those reads that left me full, and happy. Thank you so much to the author and Valentine PR for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
September 24, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This was a beautiful, heartbreaking story about two people with their own traumas, finding ways to overcome it and feel like themselves again but better, lighter, happier, because of each other and the love they found together. Their chemistry was unmatched!! The emotions, the spice, the humour, so good! So well written and engaging!
This was a beautiful, heartbreaking story about two people with their own traumas, finding ways to overcome it and feel like themselves again but better, lighter, happier, because of each other and the love they found together. Their chemistry was unmatched!! The emotions, the spice, the humour, so good! So well written and engaging!
October 1, 2025
4.5 only because we don’t get to decide 2 times wren wasn’t “worth it”. I’m still a little salty about that BUT in all this was fantastic, our single chef daddy of a very amazing 5 year old. Our young influencer wren who had a lot of trauma moving to a small city. The fire, the chemistry. Mmmmm yes, give me 10 more
Romes story is going to be FIRE
Romes story is going to be FIRE
October 13, 2025
I enjoyed this book it had enough push/pull and angst thrown in to keep my attention
I will say there will a scene after their break up towards the end that a lot of people won't like. It didn't necessarily bother me but I did feel it was unnecessary and it didn't add anything to the story.
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
I will say there will a scene after their break up towards the end that a lot of people won't like. It didn't necessarily bother me but I did feel it was unnecessary and it didn't add anything to the story.
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2025
Amazon
Wrenley's come to this small town to escape and lay low. She doesn't want to live her life in the public eye, on social media, right now, because look what happened last time. Then she meets her new landlord, Saint (Bernard Toussaint) and he definitely wasn't expecting her, nor does he appear to want her here. Except he sorta needs her, if only because his adorable daughter has bonded with her and Saint needs her to be Ivy's temporary nanny. Living in the small, welcoming town just might be her saving grace, and Saint and Ivy may end up being the family she didn't know she needed.
Saint and Wrenley are so broken, but I loved that they came together and helped to heal each other and themselves. With the help of the most special little girl, and some true friends, they finally overcame the last obstacle in their bumpy journey to love. It wasn't an easy path they took, what with the walls he put up after his wife passed, and the most horrific experience Wrenley had with one of her followers, but I loved every word, even the painful ones, of them falling in love.
ARC provided by Valentine PR for an honest review.
Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.
Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Bookbub | StoryGraph | Linktree
October 2, 2025
ARC review. I absolutely adored this book! This is a new to me author and I ate this book up. I truly couldn't put it down and I look forward to reading other books from this author. Only Mine is about Saint, our MMC, his adorable five year old daughter Ivy, and Wren, our FMC. Saint is a widower and a chef at a small but critically acclaimed restaurant in small town Falcon Haven. Saint used to be a famous hot shot chef who worked in France, but once his wife died, he decided to remove himself and his daughter from the spotlight and moved to small town USA for a quiet life. Wren is a social media influencer who gained her own level of fame. She had millions of followers on social media and while she loved her work, she encountered an ugly side to fame in the form of a violent stalker. She survived the incident and the stalker was imprisoned for assault, but the incident left Wren feeling vulnerable, anxious, and unsure if she'll ever feel comfortable on social media again. She decides she needs to get away for a bit and after speaking with a fellow influencer friend of hers (who happens to be Saint's former sister-in-law), she heads to Falcon Haven. After a hilarious "meet-cute" with Saint in his guest house, Wren ends up serving as a temporary nanny to Ivy. Saint finds it very difficult to trust anyone with Ivy. The loss of his wife has left him closed off with a need to control all aspects of his life. Wren, on the other hand is light, and color, and spontaneous. Despite their differences, these two connect. Ivy falls in love with Wren and the scenes with the two of them are just wonderful. Ivy hasn't really had anyone that sees her. She's a little free spirit just like Wren. She loves color and art and randomness unlike her dad who is all about structure. Wren sees Ivy and in her interactions with Ivy, Saint begins to open his heart and his world to Wren's light. There are some set backs, as Saint has to grapple with Wren's profession which puts her in the public eye (a place he has avoided and feels like he must avoid to give his daughter the best life he can). But in the end, love prevails. I really loved the romance and the emotion in this book. I thought the scenes that explained Wren's anxiety, and some things she did to herself to deal with her anxiety, were incredibly written and incredibly relatable as someone who has some similar issues. I definitely shed a few tears, the emotion in this book was spot on. And of course, the HEA was well fought for and beautifully done. Loved this book and would highly recommend it.
September 28, 2025
4.5⭐️
Thank you to Valentine PR and SK Allison for the e-ARC copy to read and review! All opinions are my own!
I was immediately drawn to this book by the tropes alone. Single dad, small town, nanny…the list goes on. Add in the combined stories of their individual traumas and you’ve got one emotionally touching book on your hands.
We meet Wrenley, a social media influencer looking to escape after a harrowing experience and thanks to her friend Celeste, she has a guest house in a small town that seems to be the perfect recipe for healing. That is until the broody owner of said guest house comes barrelling in. Saint is the brooding single dad of Ivy, a spunky and uber artistic little girl. He has strict rules in place, including no women. He’s a bit of a recluse himself and he doesn’t want Wrenley and her flightiness anywhere near him or his daughter. That is until he realizes they’re more alike than he knew, and he can’t stop thinking about her even when he shouldn’t.
This story really pulled on my heart strings. Both Wrenley and Saint have been through so much and even when they weren’t aware of each other’s struggles, their compassion for each other and overall awareness was so well done. I absolutely adored Ivy, she was so fun and her commentary had me cackling. But oh my gosh my heart broke whenever she had to go through tough things, change can be so hard.
I think the best part of this book for me was the overall tension between Wrenley and Saint. Sure, the sweet moments were great but when both of them were falling apart without even touching the other? That was hot af. Extremely well written and really helped build the connection between those two.
Truly such a great story, with heartfelt moments, comedic relief, and overall good happy feelings. Will for sure be checking out the rest of Allison’s work!
Thank you to Valentine PR and SK Allison for the e-ARC copy to read and review! All opinions are my own!
I was immediately drawn to this book by the tropes alone. Single dad, small town, nanny…the list goes on. Add in the combined stories of their individual traumas and you’ve got one emotionally touching book on your hands.
We meet Wrenley, a social media influencer looking to escape after a harrowing experience and thanks to her friend Celeste, she has a guest house in a small town that seems to be the perfect recipe for healing. That is until the broody owner of said guest house comes barrelling in. Saint is the brooding single dad of Ivy, a spunky and uber artistic little girl. He has strict rules in place, including no women. He’s a bit of a recluse himself and he doesn’t want Wrenley and her flightiness anywhere near him or his daughter. That is until he realizes they’re more alike than he knew, and he can’t stop thinking about her even when he shouldn’t.
This story really pulled on my heart strings. Both Wrenley and Saint have been through so much and even when they weren’t aware of each other’s struggles, their compassion for each other and overall awareness was so well done. I absolutely adored Ivy, she was so fun and her commentary had me cackling. But oh my gosh my heart broke whenever she had to go through tough things, change can be so hard.
I think the best part of this book for me was the overall tension between Wrenley and Saint. Sure, the sweet moments were great but when both of them were falling apart without even touching the other? That was hot af. Extremely well written and really helped build the connection between those two.
Truly such a great story, with heartfelt moments, comedic relief, and overall good happy feelings. Will for sure be checking out the rest of Allison’s work!
September 20, 2025
Both of our MCs are a little broken. Saint lost his wife 3 years ago and was left to raise his young daughter on his own. Being a famous chef made the tragic death of his wife especially hard, the media is relentless and wanted a story on the greiving widow. not knowing what else to do, he moves to the small town of Falcon Haven to take over his father’s restaurant.
Wrenley has been influencing for years, making a name for herself by being authentic to her everyday struggles. but posting yourself online gives people a sense of entitlement to your life. After an obsessed fan breaks into her hotel room, she can’t fathom putting herself out there online anymore. Needing to get away. she settles for staying in a friend’s guest house in Falcon Haven.
That guest house actually belongs to Saint (her friend’s brother in law) and even though he doesn’t want her there, he can’t seem to make her leave. Especially when his daughter is laughing for the first time in years.. and he’s actually feeling something other than numb
Being with Saint gives Wrenley the confidence to start posting again. But when an innocent cooking video with Saint goes viral, the fame he tried so desperately to leave behind to give his daughter a better life comes calling.. can he be with Wrenley and still protect his daughter? or will he be forced to give her up?
-single dad x nanny
-grumpy x sunshine
-billionaire
-age gap
-small town
-love after loss (he’s a widow)
-michelin star chef MMC
-influencer FMC
*there’s a bit of OW drama, not someone he was involved with at all but his daughters teacher is a bit obsessed with him and tries very hard to make that known*
Wrenley has been influencing for years, making a name for herself by being authentic to her everyday struggles. but posting yourself online gives people a sense of entitlement to your life. After an obsessed fan breaks into her hotel room, she can’t fathom putting herself out there online anymore. Needing to get away. she settles for staying in a friend’s guest house in Falcon Haven.
That guest house actually belongs to Saint (her friend’s brother in law) and even though he doesn’t want her there, he can’t seem to make her leave. Especially when his daughter is laughing for the first time in years.. and he’s actually feeling something other than numb
Being with Saint gives Wrenley the confidence to start posting again. But when an innocent cooking video with Saint goes viral, the fame he tried so desperately to leave behind to give his daughter a better life comes calling.. can he be with Wrenley and still protect his daughter? or will he be forced to give her up?
-single dad x nanny
-grumpy x sunshine
-billionaire
-age gap
-small town
-love after loss (he’s a widow)
-michelin star chef MMC
-influencer FMC
*there’s a bit of OW drama, not someone he was involved with at all but his daughters teacher is a bit obsessed with him and tries very hard to make that known*
October 5, 2025
Title: Only Mine (Falcon Haven Series)
Author: SK Allison
Hero/Heroine: Saint & Wrenley
What to Expect: Small Town, Single Dad, Widower, Age Gap, Influencer FMC, Chef MMC, Mental Health Representation, Grumpy x Sunshine,
tw/cw: self harm due to severe anxiety, mention of stalking and attempted assault, death of a loved one,
✨ 3rd act break up: yes
✨ heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is my first book by this author and I can definitely say it won’t be the last. Man, does she know how to write a grumpy hero with superior knife skills (not in the serial killer way just FYI). Saint was one of those heroes where one moment you want to punch him in the dick, and the next you want to climb him like a tree, there’s no middle ground. And to be fair, I kinda liked it.
Wrenley has arrived in Falcon Haven to escape the pressures of her job. When she meets Saint, she didn’t expect for his grumpy arse and adorable little girl to change her life. Wrenley as a character was so real and relatable; her struggles with her mental health, though heartbreaking to read at times, added real depth to her character.
Saint’s protective and caring nature was another great aspect of the story. Though you could tell he was constantly fighting against his feelings for Wrenley, he also wanted to make her feel safe and like she had someone to turn to.
There were some great supporting characters in this book, and I can’t wait to read their stories (Stone and Noa, I’m looking at you).
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
Author: SK Allison
Hero/Heroine: Saint & Wrenley
What to Expect: Small Town, Single Dad, Widower, Age Gap, Influencer FMC, Chef MMC, Mental Health Representation, Grumpy x Sunshine,
tw/cw: self harm due to severe anxiety, mention of stalking and attempted assault, death of a loved one,
✨ 3rd act break up: yes
✨ heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is my first book by this author and I can definitely say it won’t be the last. Man, does she know how to write a grumpy hero with superior knife skills (not in the serial killer way just FYI). Saint was one of those heroes where one moment you want to punch him in the dick, and the next you want to climb him like a tree, there’s no middle ground. And to be fair, I kinda liked it.
Wrenley has arrived in Falcon Haven to escape the pressures of her job. When she meets Saint, she didn’t expect for his grumpy arse and adorable little girl to change her life. Wrenley as a character was so real and relatable; her struggles with her mental health, though heartbreaking to read at times, added real depth to her character.
Saint’s protective and caring nature was another great aspect of the story. Though you could tell he was constantly fighting against his feelings for Wrenley, he also wanted to make her feel safe and like she had someone to turn to.
There were some great supporting characters in this book, and I can’t wait to read their stories (Stone and Noa, I’m looking at you).
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
October 9, 2025
My heart cannot handle any more stress right now. In the past couple hours I’ve binged this, I’ve laughed so hard my stomach hurt, read some kickass smut, and cried so much my eyes are red. I’m so emotionally attached to these characters, and this plot broke me into a million tiny little pieces before slowly putting me back together. This book was an unforgettable experience, I’m still kicking and screaming on the inside as I’m writing this. This plot was pretty damn intricate, although at its centre it’s about two completely different people who fall in love and break up over and over because of trauma and insecurities. I know that sounds bad, but I promise this book is so good. I'm not usually big on the fmc being a nanny, but it worked out here. I am however, such a sucker for the single dad trope, he’s literally the sweetest parent despite being a grumpy asshole to everyone else, and he’s basically a hot tatted chef with a Gordon Ramsey persona. But I’d let him call me an idiot sandwich everyday. I also love the video of him making food! His hand! I can just picture that super hot video of him making carbonara, it’s basically hand porn. Is he a bit of a coward? Yes, but he’s got his kid Ivy to give him a little push. I loved Wrenley! She was real, she was chaotic, she smiled for others and broke down in silence all alone. And I just got that, she’s relatable to me and to lots of people in the world, and that’s what I loved about her. I had the time of my life reading this, and by that I mean crying my ass off in the middle of the night, the best kind of feeling. DO READ THIS! Some triggers though so I would caution however for me this is definitely a 5/5
September 25, 2025
I don’t know how to write this review. Firstly I loved the story, no doubt about it. Single hot chef dad, of course, sign me up! Wrenley and Ivy totally loved them.
On the other hand, I was so annoyed with Ivy. I wanted to tell her to just walk away from her job! If it's causing you so much stress and drama, then just walk away… Anyway…
Wrenley has been having a terrible time lately with her job. So, she just packs up and moves to a friend’s cottage. But the cottage was on the property of a grump of a guy.
Saint lost his wife in a car accident. Now he is raising his daughter on his own. He is also a chef with his own restaurant. Meeting Wrenley was not in his plan at all. And he was doing anything to get her off his property. But when his daughter meets her, she is instantly attached. And he will do anything for his daughter. Maybe Ivy being in their lives is not just a good thing for his daughter, but maybe a good thing for him as well… But nothing lasts forever and being in their won bubble doesn’t last very long, when a video of him cooking goes viral and it seems his private life is going up in flames…
The story was so good. Wrenley, my heart was just so sore for her. What she went through was just so terrible and the fallout was not good either. So meeting Ivy and Saint, especially Ivy, I think just gave her something else to focus on. Wrenley was good for Saint, making him come back to life and just living, instead of just existing…
Loved the story and loved the characters, and so looking forward to Rome’s story 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
On the other hand, I was so annoyed with Ivy. I wanted to tell her to just walk away from her job! If it's causing you so much stress and drama, then just walk away… Anyway…
Wrenley has been having a terrible time lately with her job. So, she just packs up and moves to a friend’s cottage. But the cottage was on the property of a grump of a guy.
Saint lost his wife in a car accident. Now he is raising his daughter on his own. He is also a chef with his own restaurant. Meeting Wrenley was not in his plan at all. And he was doing anything to get her off his property. But when his daughter meets her, she is instantly attached. And he will do anything for his daughter. Maybe Ivy being in their lives is not just a good thing for his daughter, but maybe a good thing for him as well… But nothing lasts forever and being in their won bubble doesn’t last very long, when a video of him cooking goes viral and it seems his private life is going up in flames…
The story was so good. Wrenley, my heart was just so sore for her. What she went through was just so terrible and the fallout was not good either. So meeting Ivy and Saint, especially Ivy, I think just gave her something else to focus on. Wrenley was good for Saint, making him come back to life and just living, instead of just existing…
Loved the story and loved the characters, and so looking forward to Rome’s story 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
September 22, 2025
This was my first SK Allison book, and I am so glad I picked it up! I absolutely fell in love with Wrenley, Saint, and Ivy such a beautifully crafted found family. Wrenley, running from her past as a social media influencer, finds herself in Falcon Haven and in the care of Saint, a grieving single dad trying to protect his daughter and himself. The way their paths cross and the slow, emotional unfolding of their connection had me completely hooked. Both Wrenley and Saint are broken in different ways, and watching them find solace, trust, and love in each other was utterly breathtaking. Ivy, with her free spirit and perceptive nature, just added so much heart and warmth to the story she felt like the glue that made this little family whole.
I loved the growth of both main characters as they navigated trauma, grief, and learning to trust again. The story is heartbreaking at times, but it’s also full of hope, forgiveness, and healing. While I wasn’t personally invested in the influencer side of Wrenley’s life, I could see how it added conflict and tension, especially in contrast to Saint’s desire for privacy. Overall, this book made me feel so many emotions and I can’t wait to read more from SK Allison, starting with Rome’s story next. This is a truly beautiful, emotional romance about love, grace, and the power of found family.
I loved the growth of both main characters as they navigated trauma, grief, and learning to trust again. The story is heartbreaking at times, but it’s also full of hope, forgiveness, and healing. While I wasn’t personally invested in the influencer side of Wrenley’s life, I could see how it added conflict and tension, especially in contrast to Saint’s desire for privacy. Overall, this book made me feel so many emotions and I can’t wait to read more from SK Allison, starting with Rome’s story next. This is a truly beautiful, emotional romance about love, grace, and the power of found family.
October 2, 2025
This is my first ever SK Allison read and I had no idea what I was missing out on!
I'll be honest, the tropes totally drew me in because age gap, bad boy x good girl, grumpy x sunshine, and so many others had me hooked. They're right up my alley so it felt like a safe bet I'd like it. And boy did I ever!
Saint, Wrenley, and Ivy (Saint's daughter) are all emotionally developed characters - you can't help but feel their whole range of emotions. And trust me, there's a lot of emotion here. Saint is trying his best to protect himself and Ivy after his wife's death. Wrenley has her own pain and trauma that she's working through as best she can. When they all enter each other's lives, none of it is expected yet it's the best thing to happen to them all. It's so achingly heartbreaking in some scenes.
Despite the heartstrings being pulled, there are also very sweet scenes with Ivy, Wrenley, and Saint as they grow beyond the pain together. Saint and Wrenley's relationship has the chemistry and the banter. Hands down, they're one of my favorite couples of 2025!
Beautifully written and now I need to read all of SK Allison's backlist.
🤎 Single Dad
🤎 Grumpy x Sunshine
🤎 Age Gap
🤎 Angsty
🤎 Bad Boy x Good Girl
🤎 Billionaire
🤎 Small Town
🤎 Boss x Employee
🤎 Nanny
🤎 Found Family
🤎 Opposites Attract
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for the gifted copy!
I'll be honest, the tropes totally drew me in because age gap, bad boy x good girl, grumpy x sunshine, and so many others had me hooked. They're right up my alley so it felt like a safe bet I'd like it. And boy did I ever!
Saint, Wrenley, and Ivy (Saint's daughter) are all emotionally developed characters - you can't help but feel their whole range of emotions. And trust me, there's a lot of emotion here. Saint is trying his best to protect himself and Ivy after his wife's death. Wrenley has her own pain and trauma that she's working through as best she can. When they all enter each other's lives, none of it is expected yet it's the best thing to happen to them all. It's so achingly heartbreaking in some scenes.
Despite the heartstrings being pulled, there are also very sweet scenes with Ivy, Wrenley, and Saint as they grow beyond the pain together. Saint and Wrenley's relationship has the chemistry and the banter. Hands down, they're one of my favorite couples of 2025!
Beautifully written and now I need to read all of SK Allison's backlist.
🤎 Single Dad
🤎 Grumpy x Sunshine
🤎 Age Gap
🤎 Angsty
🤎 Bad Boy x Good Girl
🤎 Billionaire
🤎 Small Town
🤎 Boss x Employee
🤎 Nanny
🤎 Found Family
🤎 Opposites Attract
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for the gifted copy!
dnf-nfn
October 8, 2025I was struggling with this book, and at 35% I decided to DNF this book because I couldn't force myself even further.
The blurb and the tropes were so good and that was why I signed up for the ARC, but I think the story delivery was not my cup of tea. I usually super fine with instalove and instant attraction between MCs, but in this book, it was giving me an irk. Saint, the broody slash cold hearted hero, was suddenly felt something toward Wrenly, the tortured heroine. He was so closed off after his wife died in car accident, but less than 3 days after he met Wrenly, he hot-kissed her. It didn’t ring a right bell for me. And to make it even worse, he let her nanny-ed his daughter even though he knew nothing about her. I know this is fiction, but I couldn't reasoning myself to accept those nonsense.
I really curious with what happened to Wrenly. I guess she has some mental health issues from past trauma that (might) made her do self harm. But I really don't care because I assumed, at 35% of the book, she about to do something stupid because the unnecessary OW drama created by Saint. I am not in the position to enjoy book(s) with dramas. Hence, I DNF this book. I may give this book another chance, but not now and not in the nearest future.
Nevertheless, thank you to SK Allison, Ketley Allison, and Valentine PR for the ARC.
The blurb and the tropes were so good and that was why I signed up for the ARC, but I think the story delivery was not my cup of tea. I usually super fine with instalove and instant attraction between MCs, but in this book, it was giving me an irk. Saint, the broody slash cold hearted hero, was suddenly felt something toward Wrenly, the tortured heroine. He was so closed off after his wife died in car accident, but less than 3 days after he met Wrenly, he hot-kissed her. It didn’t ring a right bell for me. And to make it even worse, he let her nanny-ed his daughter even though he knew nothing about her. I know this is fiction, but I couldn't reasoning myself to accept those nonsense.
I really curious with what happened to Wrenly. I guess she has some mental health issues from past trauma that (might) made her do self harm. But I really don't care because I assumed, at 35% of the book, she about to do something stupid because the unnecessary OW drama created by Saint. I am not in the position to enjoy book(s) with dramas. Hence, I DNF this book. I may give this book another chance, but not now and not in the nearest future.
Nevertheless, thank you to SK Allison, Ketley Allison, and Valentine PR for the ARC.
October 20, 2025
This is the first I have read by S.K. Allison and wow so much chemistry, secrets filled with a passion no one saw coming. Have to say something about Saint just pulled me in right away and little Ivy was just a sweetheart. I loved how protective Saint is yet in many ways he is still learning along the way. Seeing him interact with little Ivy just melted my heart and oh my god when it came to Wrenley instant fireworks everywhere. It's not just Saint we see struggling in life but Wrenley is coming to grips with her own traumas and boy does this girl need all the hugs in the world. Knowing what she went through and fighting to get her life back together was really tough but had to happen in a way. Now S.K. Allison did her parts really well in a way that you would root for Wrenley till the end. We see who she used to be and the Wrenley who she wants to be now even if it means opening her heart again. Have to say this is definitely an author you have to check out and in a way there is actually a first book that somewhats goes with this one but can be read a stand alone. It has all the great feels you look for in a book love, friendship, tortured hearts and a bond that can't be broken between two loves.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
September 20, 2025
ARC Review: Only Mine by S.K. Allison
Wrenley Morgan needed a place to hide and rest for a few days. A friend suggested Falcon Haven, a secluded spot where she could stay—though the owner had no idea she was coming. And he wasn’t just anyone: he’s a brooding, overprotective father to a beautiful five-year-old girl.
Their first meeting was… tense. But when he needs a nanny, he offers Wrenley a deal: stay rent-free for two weeks and care for Ivy. Sounds simple, right? Wrong. Between intense attraction, a little girl who quickly attaches to her, and old wounds that haven’t healed, things get complicated fast. Can two broken pieces find a way to mend each other?
This story is spicy, heartfelt, angsty, and utterly entertaining—a combination that had me hooked from the very first pages. The characters are amazing and wonderfully different: he’s the gloom, she’s the sunshine, and little Ivy is adorable, smart, and full of life. The family dynamic is beautiful, especially how Wrenley connects with Ivy.
My favorite moments were at the ranch—especially the unexpected twists that kept me turning pages.
Tropes: Single parent, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity.
If you love spicy romance with a touch of angst, Only Mine is definitely for you. ❤️
Wrenley Morgan needed a place to hide and rest for a few days. A friend suggested Falcon Haven, a secluded spot where she could stay—though the owner had no idea she was coming. And he wasn’t just anyone: he’s a brooding, overprotective father to a beautiful five-year-old girl.
Their first meeting was… tense. But when he needs a nanny, he offers Wrenley a deal: stay rent-free for two weeks and care for Ivy. Sounds simple, right? Wrong. Between intense attraction, a little girl who quickly attaches to her, and old wounds that haven’t healed, things get complicated fast. Can two broken pieces find a way to mend each other?
This story is spicy, heartfelt, angsty, and utterly entertaining—a combination that had me hooked from the very first pages. The characters are amazing and wonderfully different: he’s the gloom, she’s the sunshine, and little Ivy is adorable, smart, and full of life. The family dynamic is beautiful, especially how Wrenley connects with Ivy.
My favorite moments were at the ranch—especially the unexpected twists that kept me turning pages.
Tropes: Single parent, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity.
If you love spicy romance with a touch of angst, Only Mine is definitely for you. ❤️
October 2, 2025
From the minute she drives down the long driveway to the eerie looking mansion, it set the mood for me and I loved it.
Wrenley needing a break from her life and the trauma that happened to her, through a devious (not in a bad way) friend, she finds herself the nanny for a grumpy, grumpy chef and his “too smart for her own good” 5 year old.
Saint, loves his privacy, immensely, and his daughter, Ivy, even more. What he doesn’t love is a stranger showing up at his home and sending bolts of electricity through him, igniting feelings he had no intention of ever using again.
A man of so few words, cooking and food, it’s his love language, his way of communicating, and extremely sexy.
The chemistry oozing off them made my belly flutter.
𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙩.
Even with all the chemistry, their relationship was gradual and genuine. The “a-ha” moments for him were almost comical because everyone but him could see it, including his 5 yr old.
Scene stealer and best side character- Ivy.
I love that little girl so much. She is so smart, creative, observant, logical, precocious and knows what love looks like.
𝙄𝙫𝙮 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚. 𝙎𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙙𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨.
𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙪𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙫𝙚-𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧-𝙤𝙡𝙙?
Only Mine, had so much love, trauma’s both MC’s were dealing with, healing and the cutest 5 yr old that “parent trapped” them from their love for her.
Wrenley needing a break from her life and the trauma that happened to her, through a devious (not in a bad way) friend, she finds herself the nanny for a grumpy, grumpy chef and his “too smart for her own good” 5 year old.
Saint, loves his privacy, immensely, and his daughter, Ivy, even more. What he doesn’t love is a stranger showing up at his home and sending bolts of electricity through him, igniting feelings he had no intention of ever using again.
A man of so few words, cooking and food, it’s his love language, his way of communicating, and extremely sexy.
The chemistry oozing off them made my belly flutter.
𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙩.
Even with all the chemistry, their relationship was gradual and genuine. The “a-ha” moments for him were almost comical because everyone but him could see it, including his 5 yr old.
Scene stealer and best side character- Ivy.
I love that little girl so much. She is so smart, creative, observant, logical, precocious and knows what love looks like.
𝙄𝙫𝙮 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚. 𝙎𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙙𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨.
𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙪𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙫𝙚-𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧-𝙤𝙡𝙙?
Only Mine, had so much love, trauma’s both MC’s were dealing with, healing and the cutest 5 yr old that “parent trapped” them from their love for her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Only Mine follows Wrenley, who’s running from her past and hoping to find solace in a quiet small town. Instead, she is met with Saint—a grumpy, tattooed chef and widowed single dad to the sharp, hilarious Ivy. Saint keeps his world small to protect himself and his daughter, but when Ivy unexpectedly bonds with Wrenley (after scaring off countless nannies before her), Saint impulsively offers her the job. What unfolds is a heartwarming yet spicy romance that blurs professional boundaries and grows into a true found-family story.
I really enjoyed the characters—especially the dynamic between Wrenley and Ivy, which was just as endearing as the tension between Wrenley and Saint. Ivy was the showstopper for me, she was so emotionally intelligent for such a little girl. The story had all the small-town romance vibes but with a darker, edgier twist that set it apart.
The writing itself felt a bit stilted at times. The storyline was beautiful and the characters easy to root for, but there were elements of the storytelling that left me wanting more depth. Still, I had a great time reading and I think readers who enjoy found family, single dad romances, and small-town settings will find a lot to love here.
Thank you to Valentine PR & SK Allison for this ARC.
Only Mine follows Wrenley, who’s running from her past and hoping to find solace in a quiet small town. Instead, she is met with Saint—a grumpy, tattooed chef and widowed single dad to the sharp, hilarious Ivy. Saint keeps his world small to protect himself and his daughter, but when Ivy unexpectedly bonds with Wrenley (after scaring off countless nannies before her), Saint impulsively offers her the job. What unfolds is a heartwarming yet spicy romance that blurs professional boundaries and grows into a true found-family story.
I really enjoyed the characters—especially the dynamic between Wrenley and Ivy, which was just as endearing as the tension between Wrenley and Saint. Ivy was the showstopper for me, she was so emotionally intelligent for such a little girl. The story had all the small-town romance vibes but with a darker, edgier twist that set it apart.
The writing itself felt a bit stilted at times. The storyline was beautiful and the characters easy to root for, but there were elements of the storytelling that left me wanting more depth. Still, I had a great time reading and I think readers who enjoy found family, single dad romances, and small-town settings will find a lot to love here.
Thank you to Valentine PR & SK Allison for this ARC.
October 6, 2025
This was one of my favorite books this year! This story was jam packed with spice, a swoon worthy man who can cook, a woman finding herself again, and a redemption story full of love and family. I could not stop reading!
Good lord, I need a man like Saint in my life! He’s not only a hot chef who knows what to do in the kitchen but he’s sinfully dirty when it comes to Wrenley. This man is in control and takes without apology. The cooking scenes were so sexy and sensual that I felt like I was intruding. These two together were pure fire and boy did it not quit. Hot chef, tattoos, a single dad, and a filthy mouth - holy moly! Those tender moments where he put all his feelings on the line with Wrenley were heartbreakingly beautiful. Everything about Saint was utter perfection.
Wrenley fought hard for the lifestyle she has even enduring trauma that she never should have experienced. When she meets Saint, her whole entire world turns upside down. From the beginning, their smoldering gazes, lingering touches, and filthy flirting were intense. You knew this two were going to be hot hot hot together! Wrenley loves Saint’s daughter without question. Her and Ivy had a bond like no other which was beautiful to watch. I loved everything about this book!
Good lord, I need a man like Saint in my life! He’s not only a hot chef who knows what to do in the kitchen but he’s sinfully dirty when it comes to Wrenley. This man is in control and takes without apology. The cooking scenes were so sexy and sensual that I felt like I was intruding. These two together were pure fire and boy did it not quit. Hot chef, tattoos, a single dad, and a filthy mouth - holy moly! Those tender moments where he put all his feelings on the line with Wrenley were heartbreakingly beautiful. Everything about Saint was utter perfection.
Wrenley fought hard for the lifestyle she has even enduring trauma that she never should have experienced. When she meets Saint, her whole entire world turns upside down. From the beginning, their smoldering gazes, lingering touches, and filthy flirting were intense. You knew this two were going to be hot hot hot together! Wrenley loves Saint’s daughter without question. Her and Ivy had a bond like no other which was beautiful to watch. I loved everything about this book!
October 13, 2025
4.5⭐️
Oh my Chef Daddy!
Wrenley just needed a place to run to, to hide from the world but also from herself, and let’s just say she did not expect to end up on Saint’s property… and neither did he. Planning, rules, and absolute control are the only ways our Chef knows how to protect what matters most to him: his daughter. And our FMC? She doesn’t exactly fit into that perfect plan. Yet the three of them together might be exactly what they need.
I loved this book. I wasn’t familiar with the term “Chef Daddy,” but now? I’m hooked. Saint had everything I love in a fictional man: grumpy, hurt, bad boy with a dirty mouth, and a single dad. Honestly, it was like the author knew exactly the kind of man I needed and delivered him on a silver platter. And Wrenley, her character arc was so satisfying. Watching her grow happier and more confident was beautiful, and her interactions with Saint in the beginning were absolutely hilarious. I couldn’t stop laughing at the jabs they threw at each other. I also have to mention Ivy, she was the most adorable human being!
And without giving away spoilers, the redemption arc in the third act was delightful. The longing, the emotional punch, the way it all came together, pure perfection.
"Yours if you want it." - Saint
I’m not exaggerating when I say: go read this book. If you love a single dad with a dirty mouth, a grumpy but protective MMC, a sunshine FMC with a hint of mystery in her past, all wrapped up in a cozy small-town setting, this one’s for you!
🍱 Single Dad x Nanny
🍱 Chef Daddy
🍱 Grumpy x Sunshine (because of course!!)
🍱 Second Book in an Interconnected Standalone Series
🍱 Dual POV
*ARC provided through ValentinePR*
Oh my Chef Daddy!
Wrenley just needed a place to run to, to hide from the world but also from herself, and let’s just say she did not expect to end up on Saint’s property… and neither did he. Planning, rules, and absolute control are the only ways our Chef knows how to protect what matters most to him: his daughter. And our FMC? She doesn’t exactly fit into that perfect plan. Yet the three of them together might be exactly what they need.
I loved this book. I wasn’t familiar with the term “Chef Daddy,” but now? I’m hooked. Saint had everything I love in a fictional man: grumpy, hurt, bad boy with a dirty mouth, and a single dad. Honestly, it was like the author knew exactly the kind of man I needed and delivered him on a silver platter. And Wrenley, her character arc was so satisfying. Watching her grow happier and more confident was beautiful, and her interactions with Saint in the beginning were absolutely hilarious. I couldn’t stop laughing at the jabs they threw at each other. I also have to mention Ivy, she was the most adorable human being!
And without giving away spoilers, the redemption arc in the third act was delightful. The longing, the emotional punch, the way it all came together, pure perfection.
"Yours if you want it." - Saint
I’m not exaggerating when I say: go read this book. If you love a single dad with a dirty mouth, a grumpy but protective MMC, a sunshine FMC with a hint of mystery in her past, all wrapped up in a cozy small-town setting, this one’s for you!
🍱 Single Dad x Nanny
🍱 Chef Daddy
🍱 Grumpy x Sunshine (because of course!!)
🍱 Second Book in an Interconnected Standalone Series
🍱 Dual POV
*ARC provided through ValentinePR*
October 3, 2025
ARC review only mine by
-Forced proximity
-Widowed single dad
-Nanny
-Age gap
-Grumpy x sunshine
OMFG guys this book was pure perfection, I ATE it up honestly so so so good. 💓❣️💚
The story follows Wrenley and Saint and Wrenley goes onto Saints property and he thinks that she is breaking in but she has been told to stay by a friend which is Saints sister-in-law, from there she builds a connection with Saint’s daughter and then starts nanny for him
Saint is coming off past trauma due to his wife dying when their daughter was quite young and Wrenley also has a bit of mental health concerns due to the industry that she works and she’s just dealing with those problems
Overtime they do build up the sexual chemistry from there the story just really ramps up and you just see the connection of these have 💕
My God saint is pure perfection. He is hotter speaks French and a chef. What more could you want 😂
This is one of the best grumpy sunshine I’ve read in a very very long time. It was pure perfection 💕💕
Thank you to skallisonauthor and valentine_pr_ for an arc copy of this book. This is out now so honestly, I recommend everyone to read it is phenomenal 💕💕 run don’t walk and download this one 😂
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️
-Forced proximity
-Widowed single dad
-Nanny
-Age gap
-Grumpy x sunshine
OMFG guys this book was pure perfection, I ATE it up honestly so so so good. 💓❣️💚
The story follows Wrenley and Saint and Wrenley goes onto Saints property and he thinks that she is breaking in but she has been told to stay by a friend which is Saints sister-in-law, from there she builds a connection with Saint’s daughter and then starts nanny for him
Saint is coming off past trauma due to his wife dying when their daughter was quite young and Wrenley also has a bit of mental health concerns due to the industry that she works and she’s just dealing with those problems
Overtime they do build up the sexual chemistry from there the story just really ramps up and you just see the connection of these have 💕
My God saint is pure perfection. He is hotter speaks French and a chef. What more could you want 😂
This is one of the best grumpy sunshine I’ve read in a very very long time. It was pure perfection 💕💕
Thank you to skallisonauthor and valentine_pr_ for an arc copy of this book. This is out now so honestly, I recommend everyone to read it is phenomenal 💕💕 run don’t walk and download this one 😂
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews