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It's Only Love
Kiss me again. Give me a second chance to accept you instead of running…
Dennis
I’ve had a crush on Mike Tanner, my brother’s best friend, since I was twelve. It’s more than a crush. I love him. He’s the strong, silent type who would give you the shirt off his back. Mike has no idea how beautiful he is, both inside and out. Before I left for college, I took the chance to tell him how I felt. Then I made the mistake of kissing him. After that disastrous encounter, I tried to move on. Four years later, after graduating from college, I returned to Cannon Beach, a broken man. I don’t know how to put myself back together. Even worse, I’ve given up hope of ever having Mike as mine.
Mike
I haven’t been the same since Dad died in a tragic accident when I was eleven. Mom was grieving so much that I was unable to process my pain. I fell into Aaron, my best friend, and Dennis, his little brother. They kept me whole through it all. When Aaron left for college, it was just Dennis and me. He became more to me than Aaron ever did. Then one day, he kissed me out of the blue. I turned my back on him because I didn’t feel the same. However, years of trying to date and to find someone to share my life with have been a failure. I can’t connect with anyone, not like I do with Dennis. Now that he’s back, I realize he’s been my person all along. Will he give me a second chance, or is it too late?
🐚 Second Chances
🐚 Brother’s Best Friend
🐚 Small Town
🐚 Best Friends to Lovers
🐚 Hurt/Comfort
🐚 Demisexual MC
🐚 Pan Awakening
🐚 Past Trauma
🐚 Nature’s Healing Power
🐚 Opposites Attract
🐚 Mutual Pining
🐚 Slow Burn
CW: Death of a parent (off page), grief, abandonment, cheating (not MCs), betrayal, sexual assault from someone they trusted, underage drinking, drinking alcohol, car accident, explicit language, and sex.
Dennis
I’ve had a crush on Mike Tanner, my brother’s best friend, since I was twelve. It’s more than a crush. I love him. He’s the strong, silent type who would give you the shirt off his back. Mike has no idea how beautiful he is, both inside and out. Before I left for college, I took the chance to tell him how I felt. Then I made the mistake of kissing him. After that disastrous encounter, I tried to move on. Four years later, after graduating from college, I returned to Cannon Beach, a broken man. I don’t know how to put myself back together. Even worse, I’ve given up hope of ever having Mike as mine.
Mike
I haven’t been the same since Dad died in a tragic accident when I was eleven. Mom was grieving so much that I was unable to process my pain. I fell into Aaron, my best friend, and Dennis, his little brother. They kept me whole through it all. When Aaron left for college, it was just Dennis and me. He became more to me than Aaron ever did. Then one day, he kissed me out of the blue. I turned my back on him because I didn’t feel the same. However, years of trying to date and to find someone to share my life with have been a failure. I can’t connect with anyone, not like I do with Dennis. Now that he’s back, I realize he’s been my person all along. Will he give me a second chance, or is it too late?
🐚 Second Chances
🐚 Brother’s Best Friend
🐚 Small Town
🐚 Best Friends to Lovers
🐚 Hurt/Comfort
🐚 Demisexual MC
🐚 Pan Awakening
🐚 Past Trauma
🐚 Nature’s Healing Power
🐚 Opposites Attract
🐚 Mutual Pining
🐚 Slow Burn
CW: Death of a parent (off page), grief, abandonment, cheating (not MCs), betrayal, sexual assault from someone they trusted, underage drinking, drinking alcohol, car accident, explicit language, and sex.
403 pages, Paperback
Published July 19, 2025
70 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
July 23, 2025
Such a heartfelt story!
I loved both MCs from the beginning - it was a very good choice by authors to show their friendship from an early age 🩵 Younger sunshine Dennis and sweet baby Mike who was forced to be an adult since he was 13 really stole my heart.
This felt like coming-of-age story in some ways and I enjoyed that very much. It was beautiful to watch how Mike got all those questions and finally found his answers, meanwhile Dennis was always confident in his skin. They compliment each other very well and are truly two sides of a whole 🩵
Of course, there are hurt/comfort stuff that's just 💔, but it's not super angsty and is sorted out quite smoothly.
It's Only Love is a perfect summer read with extremely loveable characters. Enjoy!
I loved both MCs from the beginning - it was a very good choice by authors to show their friendship from an early age 🩵 Younger sunshine Dennis and sweet baby Mike who was forced to be an adult since he was 13 really stole my heart.
This felt like coming-of-age story in some ways and I enjoyed that very much. It was beautiful to watch how Mike got all those questions and finally found his answers, meanwhile Dennis was always confident in his skin. They compliment each other very well and are truly two sides of a whole 🩵
Of course, there are hurt/comfort stuff that's just 💔, but it's not super angsty and is sorted out quite smoothly.
It's Only Love is a perfect summer read with extremely loveable characters. Enjoy!
July 26, 2025
Reading this book actually felt like a hug or like being covered with a cozy blanket while drinking your favorite tea 💚
I fell in love with the tropes of this book and couldn't wait to start reading it. Mike and Dennis have been friends for a long time, and their lives have been intertwined since they were like teenagers.
But after one special moment, one of them starts to fall the the other one and things change ✨️
This author duo truly was amazing. Their writing style combined was extremely well made, and the characters were so authentic and real, I had so much fun reading this book. These MCs really know how to have a healthy relationship, and I love how they communicate 🥰
What a fantastic read.
I fell in love with the tropes of this book and couldn't wait to start reading it. Mike and Dennis have been friends for a long time, and their lives have been intertwined since they were like teenagers.
But after one special moment, one of them starts to fall the the other one and things change ✨️
This author duo truly was amazing. Their writing style combined was extremely well made, and the characters were so authentic and real, I had so much fun reading this book. These MCs really know how to have a healthy relationship, and I love how they communicate 🥰
What a fantastic read.
July 25, 2025
4.25⭐️
3.5🌶️
Y’all, This Book Was Such An Amazing Beautiful Read. Mike And Dennis Were Just So Wholesome And So Beautiful Together And Separately Like There Romance Felt So Perfect To Me And So Real I Just Loved Them So Much. Also Let Me Tell You Dennis’s Family, One Of The Best Family’s I’ve Seen In A Book Like I Am Just In Love With Them So Much. And Mikes Mom, She Was So Beautifully Flawed Yet Such An Amazing And Beautiful Soul Like I Just Loved Her So Much. This Book Also Felt So Peaceful While I Was Reading It Because It Gives Such An Amazing Summer Beach Vibe, The Perfect Book To Read In The Summer. So Definitely Don’t Miss This Book On Release Date Y’all And Make Sure To Read It In August If You Can Because It’s The Perfect Cozy Yet Heartfelt Beautiful Book To Read During The End Of Summer. I HIGHLY Recommend This Book Y’all. For Anyone Who Loves Real, Raw Romances, This One Is The Perfect One. Courtney, I Love You So Much And You Absolutely Killed It As Always. Ae Jensen, For This Being My First Book By You I NEED To Read More From You ASAP Cause I Need More!!!😂 But July 31st Y’all Do Nit Miss This Book It’s So Beautiful 💕🫶
Thank You @courtneywdixon & @aejensen For The Arc I Appreciate You Guys So Much🫶💕
3.5🌶️
Y’all, This Book Was Such An Amazing Beautiful Read. Mike And Dennis Were Just So Wholesome And So Beautiful Together And Separately Like There Romance Felt So Perfect To Me And So Real I Just Loved Them So Much. Also Let Me Tell You Dennis’s Family, One Of The Best Family’s I’ve Seen In A Book Like I Am Just In Love With Them So Much. And Mikes Mom, She Was So Beautifully Flawed Yet Such An Amazing And Beautiful Soul Like I Just Loved Her So Much. This Book Also Felt So Peaceful While I Was Reading It Because It Gives Such An Amazing Summer Beach Vibe, The Perfect Book To Read In The Summer. So Definitely Don’t Miss This Book On Release Date Y’all And Make Sure To Read It In August If You Can Because It’s The Perfect Cozy Yet Heartfelt Beautiful Book To Read During The End Of Summer. I HIGHLY Recommend This Book Y’all. For Anyone Who Loves Real, Raw Romances, This One Is The Perfect One. Courtney, I Love You So Much And You Absolutely Killed It As Always. Ae Jensen, For This Being My First Book By You I NEED To Read More From You ASAP Cause I Need More!!!😂 But July 31st Y’all Do Nit Miss This Book It’s So Beautiful 💕🫶
Thank You @courtneywdixon & @aejensen For The Arc I Appreciate You Guys So Much🫶💕
August 11, 2025
This is exactly what I’ve come to love from both of these authors a gentle quiet love story. Two perfectly imperfect people who are perfect for each other. Sure Den pines for Mike for years, but it’s still a gentle acceptance of that Mike isn’t ready or Mike might never be ready and that’s ok. Den just wants him in anyway he can have him. If it’s as friends that’s ok, if it’s as lovers that’s even better, but he just wants him. It takes Mike a bit to realize that it’s always been Den who lights him up, who makes him feel safe, who fills his boring life with so much joy even if from a far. They are so sweet it’s exactly what my little heart needed. I loved reading Courtney and Anja together their styles blended seamlessly together I was so surprised at who wrote who! Just give this one a try, if your heart needs a break and you want to read the most gentle babies falling in love.
July 26, 2025
****No Spoilers****
Well... I signed up for this ARC, but when it arrived in my inbox, I decided, 'I think I'll go into this blind.' So I did. I didn't reread the blurb or trigger warnings. (ONLY because I don't have any. If you have triggers, please do not do that for ANY book.)
After completing the book, I returned to read the blurb, and I only have one thing to say about that:
It wasn't enough.
This book is so much more than it seems. Is it the cute and heart-warming second chance romance it claims to be? Absolutely. One-hundred percent.
What it doesn't mention are all the moments between that. The longing, the grief, the overthinking, the real world experiences.
It's so incredibly deep. The characters are vivid and charismatic. They're strong-willed and determined. Most of all, they think they're broken and unfixable, just like so many people actually feel. And just like the characters in this book, we just have to find that place and those pieces of the puzzle that make sense for us.
This story wasn't just words on a page. It was a love letter for people who can relate to Den and Mike. It was a healing journey for the minds that struggle and need that little flare of hope lighting up the night sky. It was a life raft on a sinking ship. It was that one candle flaring to life in the darkest of nights. It was a mixture of real life, real loss, real passion, and real love all wrapped into one book. One incredible, soul-shattering, heart-warming story.
I won't forget it. It's that simple.
(The books listed ahead are only for comparison in terms of MY feelings. As far as I know, they are not related to this book, nor represented by the authors of THIS book. I just hope that others who enjoyed the books I've listed may decide that this book is worth reading because of their prior interests.)
For those who read other M/M books, I feel like It's Only Love would be a great book to pick up if you also enjoyed these other works of art:
Head Above Water by CE Ricci
Antidote by Shae Ruby
Arrows Through Archer by Nash Summers
To Catch A Firefly by Emmy Sanders
Again, the books I listed are in no way related to this one, nor am I affiliated with any of these authors, their publishers, or the books themselves. The content of the books ARE NOT the same. I'm just throwing the vibes of this book out there by using other books that I gave me a similar feeling.
These two authors created something beautiful and, in my opinion, valuable. I look forward to future collaborations between these two, and I'm hopeful that there's a future story with at least one of the characters in this book. (I hope you hear me, Courtney, and A.E !) The two of you... just, yes. Yes, yes, yes. I will be here for every drop. Sign me up.
(Also, I will never again hear It's Only Love by Aquilo and not think of Den and Mike. Perfect song choice.)
In my opinion, this is a must-read. For so many reasons. So many beautiful, realistic, painful, yet hopeful reasons.
Well... I signed up for this ARC, but when it arrived in my inbox, I decided, 'I think I'll go into this blind.' So I did. I didn't reread the blurb or trigger warnings. (ONLY because I don't have any. If you have triggers, please do not do that for ANY book.)
After completing the book, I returned to read the blurb, and I only have one thing to say about that:
It wasn't enough.
This book is so much more than it seems. Is it the cute and heart-warming second chance romance it claims to be? Absolutely. One-hundred percent.
What it doesn't mention are all the moments between that. The longing, the grief, the overthinking, the real world experiences.
It's so incredibly deep. The characters are vivid and charismatic. They're strong-willed and determined. Most of all, they think they're broken and unfixable, just like so many people actually feel. And just like the characters in this book, we just have to find that place and those pieces of the puzzle that make sense for us.
This story wasn't just words on a page. It was a love letter for people who can relate to Den and Mike. It was a healing journey for the minds that struggle and need that little flare of hope lighting up the night sky. It was a life raft on a sinking ship. It was that one candle flaring to life in the darkest of nights. It was a mixture of real life, real loss, real passion, and real love all wrapped into one book. One incredible, soul-shattering, heart-warming story.
I won't forget it. It's that simple.
(The books listed ahead are only for comparison in terms of MY feelings. As far as I know, they are not related to this book, nor represented by the authors of THIS book. I just hope that others who enjoyed the books I've listed may decide that this book is worth reading because of their prior interests.)
For those who read other M/M books, I feel like It's Only Love would be a great book to pick up if you also enjoyed these other works of art:
Head Above Water by CE Ricci
Antidote by Shae Ruby
Arrows Through Archer by Nash Summers
To Catch A Firefly by Emmy Sanders
Again, the books I listed are in no way related to this one, nor am I affiliated with any of these authors, their publishers, or the books themselves. The content of the books ARE NOT the same. I'm just throwing the vibes of this book out there by using other books that I gave me a similar feeling.
These two authors created something beautiful and, in my opinion, valuable. I look forward to future collaborations between these two, and I'm hopeful that there's a future story with at least one of the characters in this book. (I hope you hear me, Courtney, and A.E !) The two of you... just, yes. Yes, yes, yes. I will be here for every drop. Sign me up.
(Also, I will never again hear It's Only Love by Aquilo and not think of Den and Mike. Perfect song choice.)
In my opinion, this is a must-read. For so many reasons. So many beautiful, realistic, painful, yet hopeful reasons.
August 4, 2025
⭐ 4,50
🌶️ 3,25
What a beautiful book!! I loved every bit of it.
Mike and Dennis are the sweetest thing ever. They are gentle, understanding, with undeniable chemistry and the kind of emotional support that warms your soul.
It’s my first book by A.E. Jensen, but just like all of Courtney’s books, the health rep is handled with so much love, care and respect.
Trauma, loss, second chances… it’s all woven together with such tenderness. Watching the characters grow over the years, their unbreakable friendship, the cozy setting (can someone take me to Cannon Beach, please?), and that slow-burning love that gets stronger with time… it fills your chest with warmth.
Oh, and Willow. THAT DOG. I’m in love 😍
The ending is so sweet it leaves you with a huge smile and a heart full of sunshine. It’s warm, gentle and just so wholesome.
For me, it’s become a true comfort read. One I’ll come back to whenever I need something adorable and uplifting.
That said, it also tackles heavy topics, so please check the TWs.
But honestly, I can’t recommend it enough. 🫶
🌶️ 3,25
What a beautiful book!! I loved every bit of it.
Mike and Dennis are the sweetest thing ever. They are gentle, understanding, with undeniable chemistry and the kind of emotional support that warms your soul.
It’s my first book by A.E. Jensen, but just like all of Courtney’s books, the health rep is handled with so much love, care and respect.
Trauma, loss, second chances… it’s all woven together with such tenderness. Watching the characters grow over the years, their unbreakable friendship, the cozy setting (can someone take me to Cannon Beach, please?), and that slow-burning love that gets stronger with time… it fills your chest with warmth.
Oh, and Willow. THAT DOG. I’m in love 😍
The ending is so sweet it leaves you with a huge smile and a heart full of sunshine. It’s warm, gentle and just so wholesome.
For me, it’s become a true comfort read. One I’ll come back to whenever I need something adorable and uplifting.
That said, it also tackles heavy topics, so please check the TWs.
But honestly, I can’t recommend it enough. 🫶
July 29, 2025
I feel like I waited years for this book, and honestly, the anticipation nearly did me in. But It’s Only Love was so worth the wait. It lived up to every bit of the hype and then some. Mike and Dennis were everything I hoped for and more.
I absolutely adore both of these authors, and it was such a joy to see how beautifully their voices blended in this story. The writing was tender, heartfelt, and so full of emotion. I laughed, I cried, and then cried some more.
As for the emotional devastation delivered in chapters 6, 16, and 26 (yes... three times)? Yeah, one author definitely left their mark there. If you know, you know. 😅
All kidding aside, the truth is, this story was beautiful.
Mike and Dennis were so sweet, soft, and tender. Childhood friends to best friends to lovers, their bond was unshakeable, even through years of unspoken feelings and missed chances. The shared history between them, their beachside memories, the one night that changed everything, it felt like watching love bloom in real time. You could actually feel it!
Dennis loved Mike for years silently, patiently, wholeheartedly. even when it was
one-sided, he never stopped showing up. Never stopped hoping.
Their story is a slow burn, emotional, and is absolutely drenched in longing. And when they finally get their chance? It’s raw and real and so, so satisfying.
They fought hard for each other. They loved even harder. And in the end, they got the happily ever after they’d been quietly chasing all along.
This book made me cry, made me swoon, and made me believe in love that’s worth the wait. 💙
Excellent story!!
I absolutely adore both of these authors, and it was such a joy to see how beautifully their voices blended in this story. The writing was tender, heartfelt, and so full of emotion. I laughed, I cried, and then cried some more.
As for the emotional devastation delivered in chapters 6, 16, and 26 (yes... three times)? Yeah, one author definitely left their mark there. If you know, you know. 😅
All kidding aside, the truth is, this story was beautiful.
Mike and Dennis were so sweet, soft, and tender. Childhood friends to best friends to lovers, their bond was unshakeable, even through years of unspoken feelings and missed chances. The shared history between them, their beachside memories, the one night that changed everything, it felt like watching love bloom in real time. You could actually feel it!
Dennis loved Mike for years silently, patiently, wholeheartedly. even when it was
one-sided, he never stopped showing up. Never stopped hoping.
Their story is a slow burn, emotional, and is absolutely drenched in longing. And when they finally get their chance? It’s raw and real and so, so satisfying.
They fought hard for each other. They loved even harder. And in the end, they got the happily ever after they’d been quietly chasing all along.
This book made me cry, made me swoon, and made me believe in love that’s worth the wait. 💙
Excellent story!!
August 19, 2025
“You like me, Mike Tanner,” he singsongs, a teasing glimmer in his eyes. “You like me-like me.” “Shhh,” I breathe. Tugging him toward me, I maul his face against my chest, and he laughs into my T-shirt, pretending to struggle in my hold.I read a lot of collabs but none are as evident in their distinct voices of each character as this book. I found Den extremely immature, relationship-wise, and the writing style of his chapters very simplistic. On the other hand I adored Mike with all my heart.
This was a super sweet low-angst F2L with no CW (for me at least). I mostly enjoyed it, wasn't wowed by it, but it kept me interested enough to finish (even though it felt a bit long).
August 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This isn’t just a love story it's something deeper. Something that slowly builds in the background of shared history, quiet longing, and all the things left unsaid.
If you know me, you know I live for best friends to lovers with that perfect sprinkle of mutual pining and this story nailed it. The emotions were soft but strong, messy but real. The authors did such a great job showing the shift in their feelings, the tenderness of growing into love.
Mike and Dennis from childhood grief to teenage hesitation and into the messiness of adult love, their journey was the slowest burn and the most rewarding. It simmered over years, full of glances, silent moments, and the kind of aching closeness that makes your chest feel tight.
Dennis was impossible not to love. Gentle, brave, and endlessly patient and Mike, with all his careful walls and unspoken hurt, broke me and the way he saw Dennis, finally and fully, hit me right in the heart.
This book felt like a warm hug, the kind you didn’t know you needed. The kind that stays.
And the ending? Absolutely perfect. I finished the book and just sat there, smiling and a little teary.
This isn’t just a love story it's something deeper. Something that slowly builds in the background of shared history, quiet longing, and all the things left unsaid.
If you know me, you know I live for best friends to lovers with that perfect sprinkle of mutual pining and this story nailed it. The emotions were soft but strong, messy but real. The authors did such a great job showing the shift in their feelings, the tenderness of growing into love.
Mike and Dennis from childhood grief to teenage hesitation and into the messiness of adult love, their journey was the slowest burn and the most rewarding. It simmered over years, full of glances, silent moments, and the kind of aching closeness that makes your chest feel tight.
Dennis was impossible not to love. Gentle, brave, and endlessly patient and Mike, with all his careful walls and unspoken hurt, broke me and the way he saw Dennis, finally and fully, hit me right in the heart.
This book felt like a warm hug, the kind you didn’t know you needed. The kind that stays.
And the ending? Absolutely perfect. I finished the book and just sat there, smiling and a little teary.
Read
August 21, 2025Cute and heartfelt.
I love how Mike was unapologetically himself. He just went with the fact that Dennis was it for him. I loved seeing the friendship play out first.
I felt that it dragged a little in certain areas and by 85% I was ready for it to be done. Not really in a bad way, but I felt most was resolved by this point. I think 20% could have been shaved off and we'd still feel thd impactful relationship and love in this story 💓
I love how Mike was unapologetically himself. He just went with the fact that Dennis was it for him. I loved seeing the friendship play out first.
I felt that it dragged a little in certain areas and by 85% I was ready for it to be done. Not really in a bad way, but I felt most was resolved by this point. I think 20% could have been shaved off and we'd still feel thd impactful relationship and love in this story 💓
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2025
This was such an amazing book!
I was hooked right from the start, seeing Mike and Dennis goof around as kids was so cute and adorable, then the grief Mike had to deal with at such an early age… I was in love from chapter one.
Dennis was this cute guy that fell for Mike and he fell hard. First crush and forever his dream man. Mike just needed to catch up and even though it takes years, it’s all worth it in the end.
Their strong friendship remains firm even after Mike rejects Dennis, and that’s what makes their story so damn perfect.
There’s so much tenderness. Hurt/comfort and all the feels. From their true first kiss to their first time… I was swooning all over the place and giggling along with them.
I loved seeing them get their HEA in the end, so well deserved.
I was hooked right from the start, seeing Mike and Dennis goof around as kids was so cute and adorable, then the grief Mike had to deal with at such an early age… I was in love from chapter one.
Dennis was this cute guy that fell for Mike and he fell hard. First crush and forever his dream man. Mike just needed to catch up and even though it takes years, it’s all worth it in the end.
Their strong friendship remains firm even after Mike rejects Dennis, and that’s what makes their story so damn perfect.
There’s so much tenderness. Hurt/comfort and all the feels. From their true first kiss to their first time… I was swooning all over the place and giggling along with them.
I loved seeing them get their HEA in the end, so well deserved.
August 2, 2025
4 stars
Heartwarming, low angst love story.
Dennis and Mike have known each other their whole lives: Mike is actually Aaron's (Dennis' big brother) best friend and he's close to his family.
When tragedy hits Mike, he finds comfort in all of them, especially in Dennis, who seems to always get him.
When Aaron leaves for college, Mike and Dennis have the chance to build their own friendship: they share hikes, quiet evenings, a lot of time outside. They're very different, Dennis is very easygoing and extrovert while Mike is less talkative and more reserved.
Mike didn't really get the chance to be an immature teenager, free form responsibilities, because he worked several jobs to help his mother: she went through a hard time after losing her husband and she relied on Mike a lot.
Dennis' feelings for Mike go beyond friendship, but Mike is not emotionally available and he hasn't figured himself out yet. So when Den makes his move, Mike rejects him.
Luckily their friendship survives and they go on with their lives, one working with a landscaping company, the other going to college, but they remain very close.
When Dennis comes back, it's time for Mike to sort his feelings out and try to win Dennis back.
I liked how the authors handled Mike's sexual awakening, all his confusing feelings, the new sensations and the insecurities. I also liked Dennis' uncertainty towards a new relationship and I found very credible that he was blaming himself for what happened the last days of college.
Their journey toward happiness has not been easy, but their bond was stronger that the difficulties and they could overcome all the challenges together.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
The sex scenes were good but too long.
I have conflicted feelings toward Mike's mother: while I understand that she isolated herself because of the grief, I didn't like that she hadn't had a real conversation with Mike about his pain from losing his dad in over a decade. Maybe Mike would have been able to handle his fears caused by the trauma better, if his mother had supported him.
I'm very interested in Wes, Dennis' friend, and I'd love if the authors would decide to give him his own story.
I received an ARC of this book from the authors and this is my honest review.
Heartwarming, low angst love story.
Dennis and Mike have known each other their whole lives: Mike is actually Aaron's (Dennis' big brother) best friend and he's close to his family.
When tragedy hits Mike, he finds comfort in all of them, especially in Dennis, who seems to always get him.
When Aaron leaves for college, Mike and Dennis have the chance to build their own friendship: they share hikes, quiet evenings, a lot of time outside. They're very different, Dennis is very easygoing and extrovert while Mike is less talkative and more reserved.
Mike didn't really get the chance to be an immature teenager, free form responsibilities, because he worked several jobs to help his mother: she went through a hard time after losing her husband and she relied on Mike a lot.
Dennis' feelings for Mike go beyond friendship, but Mike is not emotionally available and he hasn't figured himself out yet. So when Den makes his move, Mike rejects him.
Luckily their friendship survives and they go on with their lives, one working with a landscaping company, the other going to college, but they remain very close.
When Dennis comes back, it's time for Mike to sort his feelings out and try to win Dennis back.
I liked how the authors handled Mike's sexual awakening, all his confusing feelings, the new sensations and the insecurities. I also liked Dennis' uncertainty towards a new relationship and I found very credible that he was blaming himself for what happened the last days of college.
Their journey toward happiness has not been easy, but their bond was stronger that the difficulties and they could overcome all the challenges together.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
The sex scenes were good but too long.
I have conflicted feelings toward Mike's mother: while I understand that she isolated herself because of the grief, I didn't like that she hadn't had a real conversation with Mike about his pain from losing his dad in over a decade. Maybe Mike would have been able to handle his fears caused by the trauma better, if his mother had supported him.
I'm very interested in Wes, Dennis' friend, and I'd love if the authors would decide to give him his own story.
I received an ARC of this book from the authors and this is my honest review.
August 17, 2025
So this is going to be one of those really hard ones to review, because parts of it I really adored, and parts of it made me almost want to give up on it. I did end up finishing it, though, but I'm not sure if I would recommend it to anyone, but I also wouldn't tell someone who wants to read it not to, because it wasn't bad, just... not really my thing, I guess?
Let's start with the characters. They were... childish, in a way. But also absolutely adorable. For quite a few chapters, even after their ages had been stated, I felt like Dennis talked like an 8 year old, but then he grew up, and while he still felt a lot younger than he should have, I cared about him a lot and my heart broke for him so many times through the book. He was so sweet and so madly in love and ugh, he deserves the absolute best.
Mike I didn't care much for, actually. His story should have been much sadder, but I didn't feel like we got to actually know him and his pain enough to really feel it. I liked him because Dennis liked him, but overall he didn't have a lot of personality.
The story itself? Cute. Sweet in that long time crush kind of way. Some parts were a bit dragged out, and I have to say I got a bit annoyed with how after the guys had finally admitted they liked each other literally all they could think about was each others dicks. Like. Constantly. There is spice and then there is... this. Some scenes were good, some were not, but the not being able to think about anything else got tiring pretty damn fast. It was a bit like since the first part went on for so long, the authors then wanted to simply fill the rest of it with as much spice as they could, which I don't care much for.
But, with that said, there were still some plot left to discover and when he wasn't busy being horny Dennis was still the sweetest ever. He deserves the world. Is Mike the world? Eh. Maybe. To Dennis, he certainly was.
The ending was a bit too much for me, Mike building a whole house pretty much by himself in a year and all, but overall it was sweet. The happily ever after they both deserved. And Willow was absolutely adorable. 10/10 good girl energy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for free. All opinions are my own.
Let's start with the characters. They were... childish, in a way. But also absolutely adorable. For quite a few chapters, even after their ages had been stated, I felt like Dennis talked like an 8 year old, but then he grew up, and while he still felt a lot younger than he should have, I cared about him a lot and my heart broke for him so many times through the book. He was so sweet and so madly in love and ugh, he deserves the absolute best.
Mike I didn't care much for, actually. His story should have been much sadder, but I didn't feel like we got to actually know him and his pain enough to really feel it. I liked him because Dennis liked him, but overall he didn't have a lot of personality.
The story itself? Cute. Sweet in that long time crush kind of way. Some parts were a bit dragged out, and I have to say I got a bit annoyed with how after the guys had finally admitted they liked each other literally all they could think about was each others dicks. Like. Constantly. There is spice and then there is... this. Some scenes were good, some were not, but the not being able to think about anything else got tiring pretty damn fast. It was a bit like since the first part went on for so long, the authors then wanted to simply fill the rest of it with as much spice as they could, which I don't care much for.
But, with that said, there were still some plot left to discover and when he wasn't busy being horny Dennis was still the sweetest ever. He deserves the world. Is Mike the world? Eh. Maybe. To Dennis, he certainly was.
The ending was a bit too much for me, Mike building a whole house pretty much by himself in a year and all, but overall it was sweet. The happily ever after they both deserved. And Willow was absolutely adorable. 10/10 good girl energy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for free. All opinions are my own.
July 26, 2025
When your best friend turns into the love of your life….
The story starts with some look backs over the last 8 years and oh boy! I started crying right after the first few pages when my heart broke for poor Mike after he lost his dad at the age of 13…
„… in heaven where Dad is, and I’m stuck down here, in this life that no longer feels like mine; it belongs to someone else.“
It’s very sad… Mike is grieving and tries his best to go on with his life although all the missed opportunities for his family took a lot of strength out of him. His best friend Aaron and his little brother Dennis are constantly there for him over all the years until both of them left for college - Mike staying behind living a simple life working as a landscaper. They all stayed in touch until Dennis finally comes back home.
Dennis is such a innocent sweet soul who loves Mike since he is 12, he is very open, joyful, loves the sea and the wildlife and is constantly chatting about all the things that interests and excites him … you will instantly like him!
This best friend to lovers story - well I didn’t know that I‘m such an goner for that kind of genre - is full of romantic moments, stolen glances, major pining and longing over the years, stolen looks, casual innocent touches, hot kisses and finally some good old make out sessions.
Dennis and Mike are soulmates - you know you stay together for the rest of your life when you finally find your person and that all consuming love for each other that nothing is able to diminish.
In the end it‘s only LOVE!
I was Swoon!!! 5 stars⭐️
The story starts with some look backs over the last 8 years and oh boy! I started crying right after the first few pages when my heart broke for poor Mike after he lost his dad at the age of 13…
„… in heaven where Dad is, and I’m stuck down here, in this life that no longer feels like mine; it belongs to someone else.“
It’s very sad… Mike is grieving and tries his best to go on with his life although all the missed opportunities for his family took a lot of strength out of him. His best friend Aaron and his little brother Dennis are constantly there for him over all the years until both of them left for college - Mike staying behind living a simple life working as a landscaper. They all stayed in touch until Dennis finally comes back home.
Dennis is such a innocent sweet soul who loves Mike since he is 12, he is very open, joyful, loves the sea and the wildlife and is constantly chatting about all the things that interests and excites him … you will instantly like him!
This best friend to lovers story - well I didn’t know that I‘m such an goner for that kind of genre - is full of romantic moments, stolen glances, major pining and longing over the years, stolen looks, casual innocent touches, hot kisses and finally some good old make out sessions.
Dennis and Mike are soulmates - you know you stay together for the rest of your life when you finally find your person and that all consuming love for each other that nothing is able to diminish.
In the end it‘s only LOVE!
I was Swoon!!! 5 stars⭐️
August 4, 2025
sweet
This book, was everything I freaking needed and more. First I just want to ask the authors have we met? Do you know my life? Cause oh man is this very very similar to my life. Thank you for writing a better mom though, mine never really came out the room and she has never acknowledged the harm she caused by staying in that room leaving me the older sibling to take care of her siblings. Same age as Mike. And yay for Demi rep. I love that he didn’t put a label on it. Cause can you? I’m Demi and I don’t know if I would have loved a different gender. I have always loved my partner.
This was such a sweet book. A book of healing, a book of love, a book of forever. They are so cute together. I loved the their communication. The spice was fun and happy and loving. I just need Diversity! Can we pretty please have a POC love for our ladies man Wes. Cause ooooo weee I could see that!
For future:
Dual POV
Relation before spice hello Demi rep!
No cheating/sharing
No om/ow
Switch
Give me some diversity
This book, was everything I freaking needed and more. First I just want to ask the authors have we met? Do you know my life? Cause oh man is this very very similar to my life. Thank you for writing a better mom though, mine never really came out the room and she has never acknowledged the harm she caused by staying in that room leaving me the older sibling to take care of her siblings. Same age as Mike. And yay for Demi rep. I love that he didn’t put a label on it. Cause can you? I’m Demi and I don’t know if I would have loved a different gender. I have always loved my partner.
This was such a sweet book. A book of healing, a book of love, a book of forever. They are so cute together. I loved the their communication. The spice was fun and happy and loving. I just need Diversity! Can we pretty please have a POC love for our ladies man Wes. Cause ooooo weee I could see that!
For future:
Dual POV
Relation before spice hello Demi rep!
No cheating/sharing
No om/ow
Switch
Give me some diversity
August 7, 2025
This is an incredibly sweet story with two people who compliment each other so well, much like the two authors do. I can’t wait to see what other stories they’ll give us together. Dennis and Mike’s journey from friends to more began in childhood, with Dennis being the kid-brother of Mike’s best friend, Aaron. Dennis has been in love with Mike all along but Mike doesn’t feel the same.Dennis becomes Mike’s best friend when Aaron goes away to college and they manage to stay friends when Dennis goes away too (though they sure don’t keep each other in the know about what they are doing in their lives very well). But things are very different between them when Dennis comes home after graduation. Dennis is different, from some recent traumas, but so is Mike. I found myself smiling fondly a lot, sometimes in a sad way, mostly in a “that was so sweet” way. It was heartbreaking at times and beautiful throughout. I loved the way the two of them were there for each other, with some hurt comfort, lots of comfort. Fairly low on the angst, Huge on the heart. Definitely recommend this beautiful book. Please bring us more of your magic, authors!
(I hope to one day expand on this review, but my mental capacity lately is just not allowing for it. Apologies to the authors of the books I’ve been reading. )
(I hope to one day expand on this review, but my mental capacity lately is just not allowing for it. Apologies to the authors of the books I’ve been reading. )
July 28, 2025
This wasn’t just a friends to lovers, brother’s best friend romance. This was a lifetime...stitched together with love and loss, pain and hope, and every breath in between.
Mike and Dennis stole my entire heart. Their connection — spanning years, from grief filled childhoods to hesitant adolescence, into the weight of adult love, was the slowest of burns. The kind that simmers for a decade, building through glances, unsaid words, and those sacred moments that feel like the world stands still just for them.
Dennis...sweet, bold, endlessly loving Dennis.
I wanted to reach into the pages and hug him. His quiet strength, his unwavering heart, and his deep love for Mike made me cry more than once. And Mike? Broken, careful, but full of such depth. It was impossible not to fall for him. Watching him see Dennis, truly see him, was everything. Their story is laced with tenderness & tension, comfort & confusion, but it’s always, always love.
And that ending? Pure. Fucking. Perfection. The kind that lingers long after the last page.
It’s beautiful. It’s brave. It’s only love…but oh, what a love it is.
Mike and Dennis stole my entire heart. Their connection — spanning years, from grief filled childhoods to hesitant adolescence, into the weight of adult love, was the slowest of burns. The kind that simmers for a decade, building through glances, unsaid words, and those sacred moments that feel like the world stands still just for them.
Dennis...sweet, bold, endlessly loving Dennis.
I wanted to reach into the pages and hug him. His quiet strength, his unwavering heart, and his deep love for Mike made me cry more than once. And Mike? Broken, careful, but full of such depth. It was impossible not to fall for him. Watching him see Dennis, truly see him, was everything. Their story is laced with tenderness & tension, comfort & confusion, but it’s always, always love.
And that ending? Pure. Fucking. Perfection. The kind that lingers long after the last page.
It’s beautiful. It’s brave. It’s only love…but oh, what a love it is.
July 23, 2025
Arc Review
Mike Tanner’s world is turned upside down in a heartbeat. While at school, he is called into the principal’s office, aged eleven, to be told his Dad has died. The one person he needs is his Mom, but she is devastated and cannot cope. Mike leans on his best friend Aaron and his family, including his younger brother Dennis.
Dennis Holbrook has been in love with his brother’s best friend since he realised he likes boys. Not wanting to upset any relationship between Mike and his brother, he keeps his feelings hidden.
Before Den goes to college he plucks up the courage to kiss Mike, not being reciprocated, he leaves and tries to forget.
While at college Den gets his first real boyfriend and falls for him. Den is hurt by the two people he trusted most at college (please read trigger warnings). After graduation Den gets his dream job back at home in Cannon Beach.
With years passing between that kiss and now, Mike has never had a fulfilling relationship. Never feeling attracted to anyone, he goes through the motions when it comes to women.
With Den being back his feelings towards him change, and he starts to develop feelings never felt before. He understands he wants Den. Can they love each other without upsetting anyone?
This is the first co-write from A E Jensen and Courtney W Dixon, and I hope it is not the last. The way the authors bounce off each other is beautiful to read. The writing flows effortlessly, add with all the descriptions, I want to visit Cannon Beach.
The childhood friends love each other fiercely and are very protective. I love Mike’s demi-sexuality, and his attraction to Den, it is sublime.
I love both authors and their individual writing styles, I think I know who wrote which character.
Both Mike and Den are perfection in my mind.
Mike Tanner’s world is turned upside down in a heartbeat. While at school, he is called into the principal’s office, aged eleven, to be told his Dad has died. The one person he needs is his Mom, but she is devastated and cannot cope. Mike leans on his best friend Aaron and his family, including his younger brother Dennis.
Dennis Holbrook has been in love with his brother’s best friend since he realised he likes boys. Not wanting to upset any relationship between Mike and his brother, he keeps his feelings hidden.
Before Den goes to college he plucks up the courage to kiss Mike, not being reciprocated, he leaves and tries to forget.
While at college Den gets his first real boyfriend and falls for him. Den is hurt by the two people he trusted most at college (please read trigger warnings). After graduation Den gets his dream job back at home in Cannon Beach.
With years passing between that kiss and now, Mike has never had a fulfilling relationship. Never feeling attracted to anyone, he goes through the motions when it comes to women.
With Den being back his feelings towards him change, and he starts to develop feelings never felt before. He understands he wants Den. Can they love each other without upsetting anyone?
This is the first co-write from A E Jensen and Courtney W Dixon, and I hope it is not the last. The way the authors bounce off each other is beautiful to read. The writing flows effortlessly, add with all the descriptions, I want to visit Cannon Beach.
The childhood friends love each other fiercely and are very protective. I love Mike’s demi-sexuality, and his attraction to Den, it is sublime.
I love both authors and their individual writing styles, I think I know who wrote which character.
Both Mike and Den are perfection in my mind.
July 30, 2025
This story was incredibly sweet and heartwarming!
There’s absolutely no unnecessary drama here, which was such a refreshing change. Instead, you'll find genuine moments of long-term pining, profound love, beautiful friendships, supportive families, and some truly wonderful scenery.
Reading this book felt like watching your favorite summer feel-good movie on a cozy, rainy day—fluffy, warm, and comforting. 💕💕
Mike and Dennis are simply adorable. Their journey from childhood into their mid-twenties perfectly captures how a true friendship can beautifully blossom into something deeper, despite a few bumps along the way.
Highly recommended if you're looking for something wholesome and uplifting!
There’s absolutely no unnecessary drama here, which was such a refreshing change. Instead, you'll find genuine moments of long-term pining, profound love, beautiful friendships, supportive families, and some truly wonderful scenery.
Reading this book felt like watching your favorite summer feel-good movie on a cozy, rainy day—fluffy, warm, and comforting. 💕💕
Mike and Dennis are simply adorable. Their journey from childhood into their mid-twenties perfectly captures how a true friendship can beautifully blossom into something deeper, despite a few bumps along the way.
Highly recommended if you're looking for something wholesome and uplifting!
July 27, 2025
I loved it. 🥰 The way Dennis love Mike from a young age is so beautiful. I love me a brothers best friend trope 😉 Dennis has the most pure soul. The way he loves hard about everything in his life. Dennis heart is so big. The poor guy goes through so much turmoil to get his happiness.
Mike has also gone through so much. Losing his dad at such a young age has affected him in so many ways. But he had his best friend Aaron and his baby brother Dennis aka squirt to help him get through everything. I love Mike's journey to discovering who he is. They have both gone through so much to be together.
I cant wait for everyone to read about these 2.
Mike has also gone through so much. Losing his dad at such a young age has affected him in so many ways. But he had his best friend Aaron and his baby brother Dennis aka squirt to help him get through everything. I love Mike's journey to discovering who he is. They have both gone through so much to be together.
I cant wait for everyone to read about these 2.
August 5, 2025
Review of It’s Only Love by A.E. Jensen & Courtney W. Dixon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book melted me from the inside out. Dennis and Mike are literal angel babies and I will be protecting them with my entire soul, thanks.
I don’t usually gravitate toward best friends to lovers—normally I’m more of an enemies to lovers girl, but wow… I devoured this. Their friendship already felt so warm and genuine, so watching it slowly (and then all at once) shift into something romantic was everything I didn’t know I needed. And Mike? Sweet, resilient, precious Mike—he went through so much so young, and the emotional depth of his arc absolutely wrecked me. But Dennis’s family? Rockstars. Every single one of them. The way they loved Mike, protected him, supported him—it wasn’t just acceptance, it was home.
There were so many swoon-worthy moments, but the first kiss?? The one Mike initiated after Dennis got hurt?? Literal butterflies. That whole scene had me in my feelings. It might’ve been obvious to everyone else that they were meant to be, but watching Mike come to terms with it all, especially after everything he’d survived—it hit deep. It was giving Taylor Swift energy:
“Pauses, then says / You're my best friend / And you knew what it was / He is in love.”
The overall vibe was flirty, soft, cozy, and real. It’s one of those stories that wraps around your heart like a weighted blanket and refuses to let go. I can’t wait to read more from both authors.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book melted me from the inside out. Dennis and Mike are literal angel babies and I will be protecting them with my entire soul, thanks.
I don’t usually gravitate toward best friends to lovers—normally I’m more of an enemies to lovers girl, but wow… I devoured this. Their friendship already felt so warm and genuine, so watching it slowly (and then all at once) shift into something romantic was everything I didn’t know I needed. And Mike? Sweet, resilient, precious Mike—he went through so much so young, and the emotional depth of his arc absolutely wrecked me. But Dennis’s family? Rockstars. Every single one of them. The way they loved Mike, protected him, supported him—it wasn’t just acceptance, it was home.
There were so many swoon-worthy moments, but the first kiss?? The one Mike initiated after Dennis got hurt?? Literal butterflies. That whole scene had me in my feelings. It might’ve been obvious to everyone else that they were meant to be, but watching Mike come to terms with it all, especially after everything he’d survived—it hit deep. It was giving Taylor Swift energy:
“Pauses, then says / You're my best friend / And you knew what it was / He is in love.”
The overall vibe was flirty, soft, cozy, and real. It’s one of those stories that wraps around your heart like a weighted blanket and refuses to let go. I can’t wait to read more from both authors.
August 8, 2025
This book was everything I didn’t know I needed—and more. I absolutely loved it. It’s a beautiful, heartfelt story filled with longing, years of unrequited love, enduring friendship, grief from loss, and the magic of second chances. From the very first pages, the authors make it impossible not to fall in love with both main characters. At its heart, this is a story of self-discovery and a love that was worth every moment of the wait.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 3, 2025
So Sweet
I loved Mike and Dennis!! Childhood friends to lovers is my favorite trope and this book is exactly why! They are so sweet and supportive, there for each other through everything. They also have wonderful families and friends to support them and nudge them when they need it. I really appreciated how nature played such a big role in this story.
I loved Mike and Dennis!! Childhood friends to lovers is my favorite trope and this book is exactly why! They are so sweet and supportive, there for each other through everything. They also have wonderful families and friends to support them and nudge them when they need it. I really appreciated how nature played such a big role in this story.
August 9, 2025
Best Friends Brother
Dennis has loved Mike since the day he stopped him from falling when he was 12. Such a lovely story of young unrequited love that takes them away from each other until they both realise they are meant to be together.
Dennis has loved Mike since the day he stopped him from falling when he was 12. Such a lovely story of young unrequited love that takes them away from each other until they both realise they are meant to be together.
August 13, 2025
I loved Dennis and Mike! They built such a strong foundation and were so good together. Mike had it rough but Dennis was always there. The chemistry was good and it was well written.
December 19, 2025
sweet but took too long once they declared. 2nd half character growth/obstacles were not so satisfying. Kept using accidents to further the plot.
I liked the characters. 3.6
I liked the characters. 3.6
August 2, 2025
My heart broke for Mike and all the heartache he had to go through in his childhood. Then what Denny had to go through in college made me upset for him. I’m glad these 2 found their way to each other and get their HEA. Such a cute story and I loved it!
July 28, 2025
It’s Only Love… such a simple and yet powerful title.
I kinda figured going into this story, that it would be an emotional read. And it was… all from swoon, laughing, teary eyed and heart ache.
Mike is just such a fantastic character 💛 How my heart ached along side with him, I loved how the author wrote his journey to love and how he learned about himself and how he grew. He’s calm, and collected, but definitely with layers 💛
Dennis is the best friend’s little brother. Bubbly and easygoing, knows what he wants and is a perfect match for Mike. Mike just has to figure himself out first 💛
The pacing, storyline and side characters are wonderful!
Small town romance with supportive friends and neighbours 💛
I kinda figured going into this story, that it would be an emotional read. And it was… all from swoon, laughing, teary eyed and heart ache.
Mike is just such a fantastic character 💛 How my heart ached along side with him, I loved how the author wrote his journey to love and how he learned about himself and how he grew. He’s calm, and collected, but definitely with layers 💛
Dennis is the best friend’s little brother. Bubbly and easygoing, knows what he wants and is a perfect match for Mike. Mike just has to figure himself out first 💛
The pacing, storyline and side characters are wonderful!
Small town romance with supportive friends and neighbours 💛
August 6, 2025
ok
This was just okay. It didn’t have as much substance as I was hoping it would. Overall it isn’t over a 3.
This was just okay. It didn’t have as much substance as I was hoping it would. Overall it isn’t over a 3.
August 5, 2025
I loved this so much! It was beautifully written, emotional, romantic and sweet. It was great to see Dennis and Mike throughout their childhood, see how their friendship was built. It was great to see that part of their history, to see what came before. I loved their connection and their friendship so much!
I loved the pining, but most of all I loved their open communication, there was no guessing, they talked about their wants and expectations. Their love was sweet and deep, but also their bond was very strong. It was a joy to see them move past friendship and have that love they both thought would never be in their future. I loved how they were each others best friends, but also how they were always there for each other.
This was a huge joy to read, I was giddy while reading this and I was so invested in their story.
If you love best friends to lovers with a side of second chance then this is the book for you. You'll be swooning and enjoying Dennis and Mike's story so much!
I loved the pining, but most of all I loved their open communication, there was no guessing, they talked about their wants and expectations. Their love was sweet and deep, but also their bond was very strong. It was a joy to see them move past friendship and have that love they both thought would never be in their future. I loved how they were each others best friends, but also how they were always there for each other.
This was a huge joy to read, I was giddy while reading this and I was so invested in their story.
If you love best friends to lovers with a side of second chance then this is the book for you. You'll be swooning and enjoying Dennis and Mike's story so much!
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