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It's Only Love
It’s only love until . . .
There’s a dating pact with a Valentine’s Day deadline.
I’ve dedicated my entire adult life to serving a greater purpose. From my years in the Air Force to building my family’s prosthetics company into a multi-billion-dollar powerhouse. Discipline, service, and ambition have always guided me. But love? That’s never been part of the plan.
Dating only complicates things. As far as I’m concerned, Cupid can keep his arrows.
But according to an outdated company bylaw my grandfather refuses to change, I can’t inherit the business unless I’m married. And apparently, being “married to the job” doesn’t count.
When my best friend Libby gets her heart broken yet again, I blindly propose an idea to fix both our problems. I’ll find someone who actually deserves her, and she’ll find me a wife in name only. No feelings. No drama. Simple. Or at least, it should be.
Except Libby doesn’t do anything halfway, especially not matters of the heart. She’s on a mission to prove true love is worth the effort and starts pushing me into one ridiculous meet-and-greet after another.
All I want is to secure the future of my company. But I have the growing suspicion one of Cupid’s glittery arrows is aiming right at me. And with my luck, I doubt I’ll see it coming until it strikes.
***
It’s Only Love is a small town, closed-door contemporary romance with grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, steamy kisses, strained parental relationships, and no profanity.
There’s a dating pact with a Valentine’s Day deadline.
I’ve dedicated my entire adult life to serving a greater purpose. From my years in the Air Force to building my family’s prosthetics company into a multi-billion-dollar powerhouse. Discipline, service, and ambition have always guided me. But love? That’s never been part of the plan.
Dating only complicates things. As far as I’m concerned, Cupid can keep his arrows.
But according to an outdated company bylaw my grandfather refuses to change, I can’t inherit the business unless I’m married. And apparently, being “married to the job” doesn’t count.
When my best friend Libby gets her heart broken yet again, I blindly propose an idea to fix both our problems. I’ll find someone who actually deserves her, and she’ll find me a wife in name only. No feelings. No drama. Simple. Or at least, it should be.
Except Libby doesn’t do anything halfway, especially not matters of the heart. She’s on a mission to prove true love is worth the effort and starts pushing me into one ridiculous meet-and-greet after another.
All I want is to secure the future of my company. But I have the growing suspicion one of Cupid’s glittery arrows is aiming right at me. And with my luck, I doubt I’ll see it coming until it strikes.
***
It’s Only Love is a small town, closed-door contemporary romance with grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, steamy kisses, strained parental relationships, and no profanity.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2025
About the author
Alexandra Grace
13 books204 followersAlexandra Grace started writing emotional poetry as a teenager but publishing a novel that made readers feel was her ultimate dream. It wasn't until her 40s that Alexandra fulfilled that dream, and she had so much fun, her debut novel evolved into a series. She likes to combine her respect for military service men and women with her heartfelt approach to storytelling. All her novels are heartwarming, sweet and steamy stories that give healing veteran heroes the happy ever after they deserve.
Alexandra lives in Virginia with her family and is a proud full-time public servant for a local government. She enjoys reading, binge watching action TV series with her husband, and being her kids' biggest cheerleader.
"Alexandra Grace captures her readers' attention along with their heart through her unique approach to storytelling. Jackson is a true her worth rooting for, an instant book boyfriend...I haven't read a story like this in a long time." ~ Ellison Lane, Author
Alexandra lives in Virginia with her family and is a proud full-time public servant for a local government. She enjoys reading, binge watching action TV series with her husband, and being her kids' biggest cheerleader.
"Alexandra Grace captures her readers' attention along with their heart through her unique approach to storytelling. Jackson is a true her worth rooting for, an instant book boyfriend...I haven't read a story like this in a long time." ~ Ellison Lane, Author
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 9, 2026
ARC Book Review
It’s Only Love
A Novella Written By Alexandra Grace
Fiction - Romance
Published December 2025
165 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a sweet Valentine’s Day novella. This is a closed door romance with two best friends finally finding true love with each other.
Archer and Libby have been friends since childhood. Now in their thirties, they take part in a dating project to find a mate for each other. She’s looking for love. He needs a wife to inherit the family business. They soon come to see that who they are each looking for is each other. With that revelation comes fear, confusion, and caution.
Make room for this book on your TBR list for Valentine’s Day.
“Receiving her passion freely and finding her want me back with the same urgency means everything to me.”
It’s Only Love
A Novella Written By Alexandra Grace
Fiction - Romance
Published December 2025
165 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a sweet Valentine’s Day novella. This is a closed door romance with two best friends finally finding true love with each other.
Archer and Libby have been friends since childhood. Now in their thirties, they take part in a dating project to find a mate for each other. She’s looking for love. He needs a wife to inherit the family business. They soon come to see that who they are each looking for is each other. With that revelation comes fear, confusion, and caution.
Make room for this book on your TBR list for Valentine’s Day.
“Receiving her passion freely and finding her want me back with the same urgency means everything to me.”
February 6, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
what a sweet novella! this was just the thing for a quick valentine’s themed read 🩷🥰 i really enjoyed getting to see these two characters fall in love, and to be such a short book it left me feeling light and happy at the end, which is always the best feeling. it was a bit cheesy and has that hallmark feel, but sometimes i eat that up lol.
there were a few steamier kisses in chapter 11, so keep that in mind. it still definitely fell under the category of no spice/closed door though.
i really enjoyed this one and i’m glad to have found another closed door romance author!
what a sweet novella! this was just the thing for a quick valentine’s themed read 🩷🥰 i really enjoyed getting to see these two characters fall in love, and to be such a short book it left me feeling light and happy at the end, which is always the best feeling. it was a bit cheesy and has that hallmark feel, but sometimes i eat that up lol.
there were a few steamier kisses in chapter 11, so keep that in mind. it still definitely fell under the category of no spice/closed door though.
i really enjoyed this one and i’m glad to have found another closed door romance author!
February 12, 2026
It's Only Love is a fantastic short clean romance that is the perfect valentines romance I didn't know I needed! I think this book was written well. I absolutely loved the characters and the growth they all had. If you are looking for a short read that will have you rooting for the MC's then I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR!
January 14, 2026
Libby wears her heart on her sleeve ,she has her heart broken umpteen times . But still she does believe in love . The purest kind ,of heart soul and mind. She falls and keeps falling even when her relationships keep failing. She can’t take the hint ,thinks that there has to be someone out there especially for her. She’s on a mission ,a Valentine mission to prove that Cupid exists. Now her best friend Archer ( yep as in Cupid 💘 maybe?) he’s a different animal altogether and thinks how stupid this is…He’s all for being there for his mate and that’s how he’s roped into a speed date thing . “ “I’m lonely, Lib.”“I know. That’s why we’re doing this.” . …I absolutely adores this book from start to finish ,my interest did not diminish one iota ,the banter from the start , immediately captured my heart and it all aflutter. Closed door steamy kisses ? Yes please ,and this cute storyline sure does tease the senses . Well that’s the consensus I’ve heard from the grapevine of love . And these two ? Their love is good enough for Cupids bow and arrow the long short and the narrow of it . This storytelling is compelling and exquisite .Alexandra Grace and her writing style brings a great big smile to my face . Awesome read indeed.
January 9, 2026
Book Review: 💕It’s Only Love by Alexandra Grace💕
Sweet, heartfelt, and impossible not to fall for.
If you love a well-done friends-to-lovers romance with emotional depth, slow realization, and a Valentine’s twist, It’s Only Love is an absolute treat.
Archer is the definition of disciplined and driven—an Air Force veteran turned powerhouse CEO who has spent his entire adult life focused on service, responsibility, and securing his family’s legacy. Love has never factored into his carefully structured world. Libby, his best friend, is his emotional opposite: warm, hopeful, and a true believer in love, even after heartbreak has tested her faith more than once.
When an outdated company bylaw forces Archer to marry in order to inherit the business, and Libby is once again nursing a broken heart, they strike what seems like a logical, no-strings-attached deal. A dating pact. A Valentine’s Day deadline. No feelings allowed. Except… feelings have a funny way of sneaking in when two people already know each other better than anyone else.
What makes Archer and Libby’s story shine is the emotional authenticity. Their friendship feels lived-in and genuine, which makes the romantic tension that much sweeter. Watching Archer slowly unravel, questioning his rules, his plans, and his belief that love is a distraction, is incredibly satisfying. Libby’s determination to prove that love is worth the risk adds a beautiful layer of sunshine to Archer’s grumpy resolve.
Despite being a novella, the story never feels rushed. Alexandra Grace packs in forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine energy, steamy closed-door kisses, and heartfelt moments that linger long after the final page. The small-town setting and low-drama, profanity-free romance make it a cozy yet emotionally rich read.
It’s Only Love is charming, tender, and deeply satisfying. It’s a reminder that sometimes the love you’re searching for has been right beside you all along. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time you’re craving a feel-good romance with heart. 💕📖
Sweet, heartfelt, and impossible not to fall for.
If you love a well-done friends-to-lovers romance with emotional depth, slow realization, and a Valentine’s twist, It’s Only Love is an absolute treat.
Archer is the definition of disciplined and driven—an Air Force veteran turned powerhouse CEO who has spent his entire adult life focused on service, responsibility, and securing his family’s legacy. Love has never factored into his carefully structured world. Libby, his best friend, is his emotional opposite: warm, hopeful, and a true believer in love, even after heartbreak has tested her faith more than once.
When an outdated company bylaw forces Archer to marry in order to inherit the business, and Libby is once again nursing a broken heart, they strike what seems like a logical, no-strings-attached deal. A dating pact. A Valentine’s Day deadline. No feelings allowed. Except… feelings have a funny way of sneaking in when two people already know each other better than anyone else.
What makes Archer and Libby’s story shine is the emotional authenticity. Their friendship feels lived-in and genuine, which makes the romantic tension that much sweeter. Watching Archer slowly unravel, questioning his rules, his plans, and his belief that love is a distraction, is incredibly satisfying. Libby’s determination to prove that love is worth the risk adds a beautiful layer of sunshine to Archer’s grumpy resolve.
Despite being a novella, the story never feels rushed. Alexandra Grace packs in forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine energy, steamy closed-door kisses, and heartfelt moments that linger long after the final page. The small-town setting and low-drama, profanity-free romance make it a cozy yet emotionally rich read.
It’s Only Love is charming, tender, and deeply satisfying. It’s a reminder that sometimes the love you’re searching for has been right beside you all along. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time you’re craving a feel-good romance with heart. 💕📖
January 3, 2026
It's Only Love by Alexandra Grace
Tropes:
💝 Small town
💝 Forced proximity
💝 Grumpy+sunshine
💝 Inheritance clause
💝 Dating pact with a Valentine’s Day deadline
💝 Closed-door romance
This is a closed door romance following Libby and Archer. They have been friends since they were kids. Libby believes in HEA and she was the romance her parents have. The only problem all the men she dates does not give her the tingling feeling. Archer's life is dedicated to his work. He does everything to keep his grandfather's company running. For him to inheritance said company he needs to be married and the deadline might be closes than the like. The only thing is Archer does not date. After one of Libby's brake up they make a deal. They will find the one for each other. What could happen?
I love Alexandra Grace's writing style. I fell in love with the book from page 1. This is a short closed door romance novella and I love it! This book lived up to all the expectations!! It was so good. I love this friends to lovers trope and the no third act break up.
The dating pact is the perfect setup and there were definitely other forces at play. I love how the families knew but never pushed. Libby and Archer is definitely a new favourite couple.
If you are looking for a friends to lovers romance but closed door, this book is for you.
Thank you Alexandra Grace for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review
Tropes:
💝 Small town
💝 Forced proximity
💝 Grumpy+sunshine
💝 Inheritance clause
💝 Dating pact with a Valentine’s Day deadline
💝 Closed-door romance
This is a closed door romance following Libby and Archer. They have been friends since they were kids. Libby believes in HEA and she was the romance her parents have. The only problem all the men she dates does not give her the tingling feeling. Archer's life is dedicated to his work. He does everything to keep his grandfather's company running. For him to inheritance said company he needs to be married and the deadline might be closes than the like. The only thing is Archer does not date. After one of Libby's brake up they make a deal. They will find the one for each other. What could happen?
I love Alexandra Grace's writing style. I fell in love with the book from page 1. This is a short closed door romance novella and I love it! This book lived up to all the expectations!! It was so good. I love this friends to lovers trope and the no third act break up.
The dating pact is the perfect setup and there were definitely other forces at play. I love how the families knew but never pushed. Libby and Archer is definitely a new favourite couple.
If you are looking for a friends to lovers romance but closed door, this book is for you.
Thank you Alexandra Grace for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review
February 14, 2026
This was the perfect book to read during Valentine’s week.
To fulfill a clause to inherit his grandfather’s company best friends Elizabeth and Archer make a pact to find Archer someone he wants to marry by Valentine’s Day.
Both of them try to fight feelings that have been brewing for a while, but love is in the air, and meddling grandparents help bring hidden feelings to the surface.
I loved the adorable relationship between Elizabeth and Archer and Archer’s grandpa was one of my favorite characters ever!
This novella is perfect for anyone wanting a Valentine’s read with a sweet love story that will make you laugh and tear up within its pages.
I have loved every Alexandra Grace book I have read so far! I can’t wait to read the rest!
To fulfill a clause to inherit his grandfather’s company best friends Elizabeth and Archer make a pact to find Archer someone he wants to marry by Valentine’s Day.
Both of them try to fight feelings that have been brewing for a while, but love is in the air, and meddling grandparents help bring hidden feelings to the surface.
I loved the adorable relationship between Elizabeth and Archer and Archer’s grandpa was one of my favorite characters ever!
This novella is perfect for anyone wanting a Valentine’s read with a sweet love story that will make you laugh and tear up within its pages.
I have loved every Alexandra Grace book I have read so far! I can’t wait to read the rest!
February 12, 2026
I really liked Archer. He was very lovable and I liked his realization of his feelings for Libby. Definitely had some good moments! Libby however, annoyed me quite a bit, especially during the first half of the book. and I don’t really know why. I think she kinda took advantage of him and he was clearly sending all the signals and she’s just like nope, I’m still gonna try and hook you up with someone else. She redeemed herself with the phot date, that was cute! Maybe it was cause of only being a novella, but I think his whole father coming back into the picture was rushed and resolved too quickly for my liking. Just was okay for me!
January 2, 2026
Such a tender and heartwarming closed-door grumpy x sunshine romance featuring best friends that set out to find each other a soulmate in time for Valentine’s Day. Archer has an inheritance clause for his family business looming and should make room for love over work. Libby needs to find someone that is sincere, caring, and unapologetically good for her. Swoon…The way that these two realize who their true soulmates were throughout their shared mission and subsequent forced proximity was super sweet. A beautiful story and quick to read. 4.25 stars
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
February 4, 2026
I bumped my rating up a little bit. I appreciate that this is a clean contemporary romance with a bit of a redemption story with the father. I enjoyed the characters and their story. I'm not always a fan of a friends to more story-line because of the repeated back and forth of "I can't reveal my true feelings, but I'll be miserable if I don't, but I don't want to ruin our friendship", etc.... Thankfully that element of the book didn't drag on and on like some I have read. This book was fun and entertaining and a good Valentine's Day read if you're looking for one.
January 2, 2026
Thank You to the author for this free digital ARC read in exchange for my honest review of It's Only Love.
Perfect read for Valentine’s Day!
This follows two best friends who set out to find each other a soulmate in time for Valentine’s Day in this page turning read. It was written well and every character in this one was great. I loved how the cute this storyline was. The book was a quick, but heartwarming read that I highly enjoyed and would recommend to any reader who loves romance books.
Perfect read for Valentine’s Day!
This follows two best friends who set out to find each other a soulmate in time for Valentine’s Day in this page turning read. It was written well and every character in this one was great. I loved how the cute this storyline was. The book was a quick, but heartwarming read that I highly enjoyed and would recommend to any reader who loves romance books.
January 29, 2026
The perfect novella if you’re looking for something sweet with a side of tension! Friends to lovers is a favorite trope of mine, and this one definitely did it right. Loved the chemistry between the characters and their genuine adoration for each other. I was in a reading slump until I picked this book up, then I couldn’t put it down!
🫑: kisses/make-out only
🫑: kisses/make-out only
January 31, 2026
Such a cute story. If you're looking for friends-to-lovers, this book is a sweet one. It took a little bit for Archer and Libby to wake up, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I highly recommend spending a week or whatever time you have to read her other books. This book is a sweet closed door romance.
May 15, 2026
It's Only Love by Alexandra Grace
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Novella
Sweet romance
Friends to lovers
It was fun romance, but the family drama was a bit much. Honestly if I'm reading a romance novella I just want some put a smile on my face fluff. Not something deep and profound.
#The52BookClub challenge: grumpy×sunshine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Novella
Sweet romance
Friends to lovers
It was fun romance, but the family drama was a bit much. Honestly if I'm reading a romance novella I just want some put a smile on my face fluff. Not something deep and profound.
#The52BookClub challenge: grumpy×sunshine
January 2, 2026
Loveeee
Loved!!
Small town ✔️ forced proximity ✔️ Vet ✔️
I had so much fun with this read! I was cheering them on and feeling everything they were feeling it.
Great Valentines story!!
Loved!!
Small town ✔️ forced proximity ✔️ Vet ✔️
I had so much fun with this read! I was cheering them on and feeling everything they were feeling it.
Great Valentines story!!
January 20, 2026
This Valentine’s novella is perfect. It made me laugh, tear up, and cheer for the characters. The characters are lovable and so easy to root for. Our couple is vulnerable, honest, and real. They are so easy to love. It was a pleasure to see them find their happily ever after.
5 💜’s.
5 💜’s.
January 27, 2026
I read in one sitting! I squealed, I giggled, and I couldn’t get enough of Libby & Archer! It’s a slow burn, but the first “touch” when they realize they may like each other MORE than bff’s - chefs kiss. It’s a perfect Valentine’s Day Novella with a HEA! ❤️
January 21, 2026
3.5 stars
I think those that love friends to lovers will love this more than me.
Full review to come!
I think those that love friends to lovers will love this more than me.
Full review to come!
January 21, 2026
Super cute! Engaging, great characters, and development. Well paced novella. I'm going to read more from the author!
January 28, 2026
This book gave me all the feels! I love the story and the characters. The banter and history between them is wonderful!
January 7, 2026
Swooning over here after reading It’s Only Love, a Valentine’s Day novella 💕 What a sweet surprise that had me from the dedication to the very last page. Best friends to true love and the realization as it begins to take hold gave all the feels. I’m now loving love even more and have a strong need to play Pickleball.
Loved. Loved. Loved! 💕
Loved. Loved. Loved! 💕
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews