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If Only You Were Mine: An Age Gap Summer Romance
SLOANE
When my college apartment gets renovated, I’m forced to move back to the last place I ever wanted to be, home. Except there’s no room at either of my parents’ houses, and apparently no one takes “I make money online” seriously. So now I’m crashing with the one man I shouldn’t be thinking about. Beckett Hayes. My dad’s best friend. Stoic. Broody. And handsome as hell. He’s known me since I was in diapers, but I’m not a kid anymore. The longer I stay, the more impossible it is to ignore the tension humming beneath every glance, every brush, every silence.
BECKETT
Letting Sloane stay with me for the summer wasn’t supposed to feel like a mistake. But the girl who shows up isn’t a girl at all, she’s a grown, gorgeous storm wrapped in spandex and chaos. She lights candles like she owns the place. Talks back like it’s foreplay. I shouldn’t want her. She’s my best friend’s daughter. She’s too young. And she’s supposed to be leaving in September. Yet, I can’t stop thinking about her.
One house. One summer. One line they both know they shouldn’t cross. But when late nights turn into lingering touches and playful teasing starts to feel like something more…What happens when temporary temptation starts to feel a lot like home?
When my college apartment gets renovated, I’m forced to move back to the last place I ever wanted to be, home. Except there’s no room at either of my parents’ houses, and apparently no one takes “I make money online” seriously. So now I’m crashing with the one man I shouldn’t be thinking about. Beckett Hayes. My dad’s best friend. Stoic. Broody. And handsome as hell. He’s known me since I was in diapers, but I’m not a kid anymore. The longer I stay, the more impossible it is to ignore the tension humming beneath every glance, every brush, every silence.
BECKETT
Letting Sloane stay with me for the summer wasn’t supposed to feel like a mistake. But the girl who shows up isn’t a girl at all, she’s a grown, gorgeous storm wrapped in spandex and chaos. She lights candles like she owns the place. Talks back like it’s foreplay. I shouldn’t want her. She’s my best friend’s daughter. She’s too young. And she’s supposed to be leaving in September. Yet, I can’t stop thinking about her.
One house. One summer. One line they both know they shouldn’t cross. But when late nights turn into lingering touches and playful teasing starts to feel like something more…What happens when temporary temptation starts to feel a lot like home?
435 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
About the author
Kylie Finlinson
7 books1 followerKylie Finlinson writes addictive romance filled with tension, emotional depth, and just enough chaos to keep you turning pages at 2 a.m.
She loves exploring messy, complicated relationships—whether that’s soft summer love, forbidden tension, or stories that blur the line between right and wrong. If there’s angst, longing, and a man who falls hard, she’s probably already writing it.
When she’s not writing, Kylie can usually be found reworking the same playlist for the hundredth time, drinking some for of energy drink, spending time with her family, getting way too emotionally attached to fictional characters, or dreaming up her next story.
If you loved If Only You Were Mine, there’s more to come.
Follow Kylie for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming releases. TikTok, Instagram & Pinterest: Author_KylieFin
She loves exploring messy, complicated relationships—whether that’s soft summer love, forbidden tension, or stories that blur the line between right and wrong. If there’s angst, longing, and a man who falls hard, she’s probably already writing it.
When she’s not writing, Kylie can usually be found reworking the same playlist for the hundredth time, drinking some for of energy drink, spending time with her family, getting way too emotionally attached to fictional characters, or dreaming up her next story.
If you loved If Only You Were Mine, there’s more to come.
Follow Kylie for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming releases. TikTok, Instagram & Pinterest: Author_KylieFin
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 7, 2026
This FMC was just sooooo annoying. Like why did she cry literally every chapter???
April 16, 2026
This one? Tension from the very first page. 😮🔥
If you love an age-gap, forbidden, “we absolutely should not be doing this” kind of romance… this delivers. The dynamic between Sloane and Beckett is packed with slow-burn chemistry, stolen moments, and that constant push-and-pull that keeps you hooked.
Beckett being her dad’s best friend adds that extra layer of messy in the best way, and the forced proximity (one house, one summer) just cranks everything up. The banter, the tension, the lingering looks—it’s all there.
If you love an age-gap, forbidden, “we absolutely should not be doing this” kind of romance… this delivers. The dynamic between Sloane and Beckett is packed with slow-burn chemistry, stolen moments, and that constant push-and-pull that keeps you hooked.
Beckett being her dad’s best friend adds that extra layer of messy in the best way, and the forced proximity (one house, one summer) just cranks everything up. The banter, the tension, the lingering looks—it’s all there.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*****ARC Reader Review*****
Kylie Finlinson does a great job capturing that mix of longing, tension, and “why can’t these two just admit how they feel?” energy that keeps you turning pages. The slow-burn is steady and satisfying, and the chemistry between the characters feels natural and believable.
I loved how real the emotions were, nothing over the top, just two people trying to figure out their feelings while life gets in the way. Their connection builds in a way that feels honest, and when the big moments hit, they really land. I absolutely fell head over heels in love with Beckett!!
It’s an easy, enjoyable read with just the right amount of angst and sweetness. If you’re in the mood for a romance that gives you all the warm, fuzzy feelings without being too heavy, this one is definitely worth picking up. I would definitely read trigger warnings before going in but I think Kylie handled them beautifully and delicately. I will always love Beckett & Sloane!!
Kylie Finlinson does a great job capturing that mix of longing, tension, and “why can’t these two just admit how they feel?” energy that keeps you turning pages. The slow-burn is steady and satisfying, and the chemistry between the characters feels natural and believable.
I loved how real the emotions were, nothing over the top, just two people trying to figure out their feelings while life gets in the way. Their connection builds in a way that feels honest, and when the big moments hit, they really land. I absolutely fell head over heels in love with Beckett!!
It’s an easy, enjoyable read with just the right amount of angst and sweetness. If you’re in the mood for a romance that gives you all the warm, fuzzy feelings without being too heavy, this one is definitely worth picking up. I would definitely read trigger warnings before going in but I think Kylie handled them beautifully and delicately. I will always love Beckett & Sloane!!
May 26, 2026
4 ⭐️ “I always thought that home was four walls and a roof, who would’ve thought that it’s actually just wherever she is.”
WOW… just WOW. This has to be the first romance filled with fluff that I’ve absolutely loved and completely devoured. Not once was I ever annoyed by it.😭 And honestly, I think it’s because the fluff wasn’t just fluff. It was filled with emotional chaos, pain, tension, drama, and all the messy feelings unfolding underneath it that made every soft moment hit ten times harder. The pacing, the chemistry, the emotional buildup between Sloan and Beckett… everything unfolded so naturally and beautifully that I genuinely could not stop reading. Their story just had this perfect balance of comfort and emotional insanity that kept me completely hooked.
And the ANGST??? Oh it was angsting BAD. 😩 The buildup between these two was genuinely chef’s kiss, and honestly Beckett deserves an award for the level of patience he had throughout this entire book because wow. What a man. Truly one of the sweetest MMCs I’ve read in a long time. He was kind, grounded, patient, loving, reassuring, protective without being overbearing, and somehow still hilarious at the same time. The way he cared for Sloan and always seemed to know exactly how to quiet the demons in her head was honestly so special to read. All the reassurance, the tenderness, the way he constantly showed up for her emotionally… ugh. I loved him SO much. And the fishing scene?? Absolutely priceless. 😭🤣
And Sloan… oh Sloan🥺. Her character honestly broke my heart at times because I understood her way more than I wanted to. The author did such a beautiful job portraying what it feels like to constantly battle the voices in your own head and genuinely not know how to silence them. There were moments where I found myself wanting her to stand up for herself more or stop doubting Beckett so much, but then you remember everything she’s been through. She spent her entire life feeling unwanted, overlooked, and never truly chosen, even by the people who were supposed to love her most. Of course she struggled to believe someone like Beckett could genuinely love her the way he did. And honestly? That realization made her character feel so much more real and heartbreaking to me.
I also really appreciated that her healing wasn’t rushed. The author understood that mental health and self-worth aren’t things that magically disappear because someone loves you. Sloan’s growth was slow, messy, frustrating at times, but ultimately very realistic. Watching her slowly let her walls down and allow herself to be loved by Beckett felt incredibly rewarding by the end of the story.
Overall, this book was sweet, emotional, sexy, comforting, and genuinely so entertaining to read. Sloan and Beckett’s relationship felt soft in the best possible way, and by the end I was completely obsessed with them. I’m honestly so happy I picked this one up, and I’ll absolutely be reading more from this author because wow… she really got me with this one. 🥹❤️
WOW… just WOW. This has to be the first romance filled with fluff that I’ve absolutely loved and completely devoured. Not once was I ever annoyed by it.😭 And honestly, I think it’s because the fluff wasn’t just fluff. It was filled with emotional chaos, pain, tension, drama, and all the messy feelings unfolding underneath it that made every soft moment hit ten times harder. The pacing, the chemistry, the emotional buildup between Sloan and Beckett… everything unfolded so naturally and beautifully that I genuinely could not stop reading. Their story just had this perfect balance of comfort and emotional insanity that kept me completely hooked.
And the ANGST??? Oh it was angsting BAD. 😩 The buildup between these two was genuinely chef’s kiss, and honestly Beckett deserves an award for the level of patience he had throughout this entire book because wow. What a man. Truly one of the sweetest MMCs I’ve read in a long time. He was kind, grounded, patient, loving, reassuring, protective without being overbearing, and somehow still hilarious at the same time. The way he cared for Sloan and always seemed to know exactly how to quiet the demons in her head was honestly so special to read. All the reassurance, the tenderness, the way he constantly showed up for her emotionally… ugh. I loved him SO much. And the fishing scene?? Absolutely priceless. 😭🤣
And Sloan… oh Sloan🥺. Her character honestly broke my heart at times because I understood her way more than I wanted to. The author did such a beautiful job portraying what it feels like to constantly battle the voices in your own head and genuinely not know how to silence them. There were moments where I found myself wanting her to stand up for herself more or stop doubting Beckett so much, but then you remember everything she’s been through. She spent her entire life feeling unwanted, overlooked, and never truly chosen, even by the people who were supposed to love her most. Of course she struggled to believe someone like Beckett could genuinely love her the way he did. And honestly? That realization made her character feel so much more real and heartbreaking to me.
I also really appreciated that her healing wasn’t rushed. The author understood that mental health and self-worth aren’t things that magically disappear because someone loves you. Sloan’s growth was slow, messy, frustrating at times, but ultimately very realistic. Watching her slowly let her walls down and allow herself to be loved by Beckett felt incredibly rewarding by the end of the story.
Overall, this book was sweet, emotional, sexy, comforting, and genuinely so entertaining to read. Sloan and Beckett’s relationship felt soft in the best possible way, and by the end I was completely obsessed with them. I’m honestly so happy I picked this one up, and I’ll absolutely be reading more from this author because wow… she really got me with this one. 🥹❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the very first chapter, I found myself completely swept up in Sloane and Beckett’s world. This story is a beautiful blend of lighthearted joy and deep, emotional resonance. For the most part, the narrative left me feeling happy and giddy, but it doesn't shy away from the harder moments.
The Emotional Journey
The author did a fantastic job with character depth. There were several points where I felt a profound connection to Sloane; her feelings of being unwanted or overlooked were written with such sincerity that they felt incredibly relatable. Those moments of sadness provided a perfect balance to the "butterfly-inducing" scenes, making her ultimate growth feel earned.
Pacing & Development
The chemistry between Sloane and Beckett is undeniable—their story unfolded so naturally that it felt like I was watching it happen right in front of me. I especially appreciated how the momentum built as the story progressed.
The shift in the middle of the book toward Beckett’s professional life was a highlight for me. It added a layer of realism and "grittiness" to his character that made him more than just a love interest. Seeing that side of his world gave the plot extra weight and kept the transition into the final act feeling seamless.
Final Thoughts
The ending was, in a word, perfect. After everything she went through, I am so genuinely happy that Sloane received the kind of fierce, devoted love she truly deserves. It’s a satisfying, heartwarming conclusion to a story that I’ll be thinking about for a while.
The Emotional Journey
The author did a fantastic job with character depth. There were several points where I felt a profound connection to Sloane; her feelings of being unwanted or overlooked were written with such sincerity that they felt incredibly relatable. Those moments of sadness provided a perfect balance to the "butterfly-inducing" scenes, making her ultimate growth feel earned.
Pacing & Development
The chemistry between Sloane and Beckett is undeniable—their story unfolded so naturally that it felt like I was watching it happen right in front of me. I especially appreciated how the momentum built as the story progressed.
The shift in the middle of the book toward Beckett’s professional life was a highlight for me. It added a layer of realism and "grittiness" to his character that made him more than just a love interest. Seeing that side of his world gave the plot extra weight and kept the transition into the final act feeling seamless.
Final Thoughts
The ending was, in a word, perfect. After everything she went through, I am so genuinely happy that Sloane received the kind of fierce, devoted love she truly deserves. It’s a satisfying, heartwarming conclusion to a story that I’ll be thinking about for a while.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Sloane is living in Georgia for college and she hasn't been back home to Colorado since she left 3 years ago. Her divorced parents are awful to her. She rarely hears from them and her dad ignores her like she wasn't even born. When she has to leave her college apartment for the summer she calls her dad to ask if she can stay in one of his rentals and he blows her off.
Hours later she gets a call from Beckett. He is her dad's best friend who is a police detective. He talks to Sloane like she knows her dad arranged for her to stay with him. He can't believe her dad didn't tell her. Beckett tells her to pack up and drive on over to Colorado. What he doesn't account for is when he sees Sloane and she's not the little girl he remembers. She's grown up and he can't stop staring.
Sloane has a sister and brother and her dad told them he talks to Sloane all the time. He is a liar and the truth starts coming out. Beckett likes having someone in his house and he is especially enjoying the home cooked meals. Things are falling into an easy routine until it's not. The kiss happens. The age gap is blaring front and center too. This wasn't how life was supposed to be happening.
From that moment on you will need to finish this book with the same way you need air for your lungs. Be prepared to cancel all your adulting until you hit the last page.
Hours later she gets a call from Beckett. He is her dad's best friend who is a police detective. He talks to Sloane like she knows her dad arranged for her to stay with him. He can't believe her dad didn't tell her. Beckett tells her to pack up and drive on over to Colorado. What he doesn't account for is when he sees Sloane and she's not the little girl he remembers. She's grown up and he can't stop staring.
Sloane has a sister and brother and her dad told them he talks to Sloane all the time. He is a liar and the truth starts coming out. Beckett likes having someone in his house and he is especially enjoying the home cooked meals. Things are falling into an easy routine until it's not. The kiss happens. The age gap is blaring front and center too. This wasn't how life was supposed to be happening.
From that moment on you will need to finish this book with the same way you need air for your lungs. Be prepared to cancel all your adulting until you hit the last page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
💕🗻ARC Review🗻💕
3.5⭐️ Rounded up to 4⭐️
Thank you Elaine’s Proof and Editing and Kylie Finlinson for this ARC of If Only You Were Mine.
I really enjoyed this one! I was intrigued by Sloane and her dynamic with her family, her struggles to fit in and just how everyone seems to completely disregard her and over look her. I just wanted to give her a hug!!
The way that Bennett and Sloane’s relationship grew over that fateful summer was beautiful! I loved their dynamic and the way they interacted with each other and just the way that he not only took care of her but how she took care of him!
However I wish that the mysterious serial killer/stalker case that seemed to linger (since Bennett is a detective) I wanted more than what we got… I felt like the build up was there, but then it was like case closed, we got the guy.
The drama with her Family seemed to flatten out too, the way everything seemed to not come to a head was a little maddening, I did love the one instance of confrontation when the relationship between Bennett and Sloane was brought to light to her father, but I needed more!
The build up was there for everything, but the ending felt rushed to tie up everything...
Tropes:
💕Age Gap
🗻Forbidden
💕Dad’s Best Friend
🗻Social Media Influencer FMC
💕Detective MMC
🗻No 3rd Act Break-UP
3.5⭐️ Rounded up to 4⭐️
Thank you Elaine’s Proof and Editing and Kylie Finlinson for this ARC of If Only You Were Mine.
I really enjoyed this one! I was intrigued by Sloane and her dynamic with her family, her struggles to fit in and just how everyone seems to completely disregard her and over look her. I just wanted to give her a hug!!
The way that Bennett and Sloane’s relationship grew over that fateful summer was beautiful! I loved their dynamic and the way they interacted with each other and just the way that he not only took care of her but how she took care of him!
However I wish that the mysterious serial killer/stalker case that seemed to linger (since Bennett is a detective) I wanted more than what we got… I felt like the build up was there, but then it was like case closed, we got the guy.
The drama with her Family seemed to flatten out too, the way everything seemed to not come to a head was a little maddening, I did love the one instance of confrontation when the relationship between Bennett and Sloane was brought to light to her father, but I needed more!
The build up was there for everything, but the ending felt rushed to tie up everything...
Tropes:
💕Age Gap
🗻Forbidden
💕Dad’s Best Friend
🗻Social Media Influencer FMC
💕Detective MMC
🗻No 3rd Act Break-UP
Review of advance copy received from Author
What starts as a beautifully told summer slowly unfolds into something deeper and full of heart. Sloane is navigating some heavy emotional layers, and I really loved how raw and real her journey felt. Watching her grow and push through those moments made her so easy to connect with. She’s genuinely kind and caring, and that shines in everything she does. Beckett? He brought all the protective, nurturing energy with just the right touch of those daddy vibes. The balance between his strength and softness worked so well, and … I was here for every second of it. Kylie, you really pulled on every emotional thread with this one. The connection between these two, the tension, the steam, and those unexpected moments all blended in a way that kept me reading. This story had my heart twisted up in the best way. And we need to talk about Mocha, because that one absolutely tried to steal the whole show.
Summer Romance
Detective X Influencer
Dad's Best Friend
Age Gap
Forbidden Romance
Forced Proximity
Both MC’s First Love
Summer Romance
Detective X Influencer
Dad's Best Friend
Age Gap
Forbidden Romance
Forced Proximity
Both MC’s First Love
May 2, 2026
📚📚ARC Reader Review 📚📚
I always love a good Dad’s Best Friend/Age Gap trope!
I haven’t read a great summer romance in so long and this NAILED IT. Exactly what I needed.
This isn’t the typical romance billionaire guy
He is the one who will take care of all your NEEDS!! 🥵
Slow burn romance, I enjoyed how their feelings were growing slowly by being there for each other, what they never had and didn’t know they needed each other more than what they thought. Unexpectedly and unaware both started feeling this connection doing their best to avoid that inside voice.
Beckett didn’t want to betray his Best Friend and Sloane didn’t want to disappoint her father more than he already is.
Fave quote: "𝐼 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓅𝓊𝓃𝒾𝓈𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓋𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝒶𝒸𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜𝒹𝒶𝓎. 𝒴𝑜𝓊'𝓋𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓃𝒶𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓎, 𝒷𝒶𝒷𝓎, 𝓅𝒶𝓎𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓂𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈," 𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝒶����𝓈, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼 𝓌𝒽𝒾𝓂𝓅𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓈 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒽𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑒𝒹𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝒶𝓃𝓉𝒾𝑒𝓈.” 🥵
Tropes:
👩❤️💋👨Age Gap
💔Forbidden
🚫Dad’s Best Friend
Emotions
🥰 5
🌶️ 5
🥵 5
Thank you Elaine and Kylie
⚠️self harm
I always love a good Dad’s Best Friend/Age Gap trope!
I haven’t read a great summer romance in so long and this NAILED IT. Exactly what I needed.
This isn’t the typical romance billionaire guy
He is the one who will take care of all your NEEDS!! 🥵
Slow burn romance, I enjoyed how their feelings were growing slowly by being there for each other, what they never had and didn’t know they needed each other more than what they thought. Unexpectedly and unaware both started feeling this connection doing their best to avoid that inside voice.
Beckett didn’t want to betray his Best Friend and Sloane didn’t want to disappoint her father more than he already is.
Fave quote: "𝐼 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓅𝓊𝓃𝒾𝓈𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓋𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝒶𝒸𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜𝒹𝒶𝓎. 𝒴𝑜𝓊'𝓋𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓃𝒶𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓎, 𝒷𝒶𝒷𝓎, 𝓅𝒶𝓎𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓂𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈," 𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝒶����𝓈, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼 𝓌𝒽𝒾𝓂𝓅𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓈 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒽𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑒𝒹𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝒶𝓃𝓉𝒾𝑒𝓈.” 🥵
Tropes:
👩❤️💋👨Age Gap
💔Forbidden
🚫Dad’s Best Friend
Emotions
🥰 5
🌶️ 5
🥵 5
Thank you Elaine and Kylie
⚠️self harm
May 3, 2026
This book had all of the best tropes!! It had:
❤️Age Gap
❤️Dad's Best Friend
❤️Detective and Influencer
❤️Banter
❤️Forced Proximity (kind of)
❤️Summer Romance
This book is so very cute while being spicy🌶 I am so glad Beckett is there for Sloane because she has has it hard with her parents and personal problems.Beckett is obviously there to help her through her daddy issues🤣 The age gap was done in a very tasteful way. Beckett never had any ill thoughts of Sloane until she older than 18!
This books deals with a lot of mental health and it makes you so happy how sweet Beckett treats Sloane. I love how this book kept you on your toes on will they won't they! Even when they are start something I love the we absolutely should not be doing this!!
Definitely recommend this book and love the writing style.
❤️Age Gap
❤️Dad's Best Friend
❤️Detective and Influencer
❤️Banter
❤️Forced Proximity (kind of)
❤️Summer Romance
This book is so very cute while being spicy🌶 I am so glad Beckett is there for Sloane because she has has it hard with her parents and personal problems.Beckett is obviously there to help her through her daddy issues🤣 The age gap was done in a very tasteful way. Beckett never had any ill thoughts of Sloane until she older than 18!
This books deals with a lot of mental health and it makes you so happy how sweet Beckett treats Sloane. I love how this book kept you on your toes on will they won't they! Even when they are start something I love the we absolutely should not be doing this!!
Definitely recommend this book and love the writing style.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sloane and Beckett care so deeply about the world around them that it begins to consume who they are as individuals. But together, they slowly peel back layers of trauma and heartbreak, helping each other rediscover themselves in a completely new light. Their growth feels raw and earned, not rushed, which makes their connection even more powerful.
The only thing I found myself wanting more of was deeper insight into the cases Beckett worked on. A little more detail there would have added even more weight to his perspective and helped explain why certain events unfolded the way they did.
Kylie truly put so much thought into both Sloane and Beckett as individuals, and it shows. You don’t just read their story—you feel it.
The only thing I found myself wanting more of was deeper insight into the cases Beckett worked on. A little more detail there would have added even more weight to his perspective and helped explain why certain events unfolded the way they did.
Kylie truly put so much thought into both Sloane and Beckett as individuals, and it shows. You don’t just read their story—you feel it.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Well it took me only 2 days to read this, I still didn’t love it. It was an easy read, sure but there was something about it that I just don’t feel the love or obsession of giving it more than a 3 star.
Sloane has a lot of baggage for a 21 year old and a lot of complex feelings that I never had and never went through. The age gap didn’t bother me, but the daddy nickname in bed always gives me the creeps, idk why, and especially this book since it is an age gap, and he could very well be her daddy, let alone she calls him Uncle B in the beginning.
I did like the fact that it was stated multiple times that there were no ill thoughts about sloane when she was a minor so that made the age gap with knowing parties a little easier to read
Sloane has a lot of baggage for a 21 year old and a lot of complex feelings that I never had and never went through. The age gap didn’t bother me, but the daddy nickname in bed always gives me the creeps, idk why, and especially this book since it is an age gap, and he could very well be her daddy, let alone she calls him Uncle B in the beginning.
I did like the fact that it was stated multiple times that there were no ill thoughts about sloane when she was a minor so that made the age gap with knowing parties a little easier to read
April 27, 2026
This was such a bittersweet read!, Sloane's story is one that really touches you and I feel like I related to it a lot with some of her struggles, I love to read these kind of FMC's as it's so refreshing and makes the story that little bit more believable!,
Beckett and Sloane's story may not have made sense to a lot of the others but you can definitely see why they needed each other, I loved the fact that both the MMC and the FMC were written in a way to make you really connect with their back story's and I really liked the way it wrapped up!,
A huge thank you to @elaines.proofreading.editing and @author_kyliefin for the ARC copy I really do hope that we get a few more books and it turns into a series 👀
Beckett and Sloane's story may not have made sense to a lot of the others but you can definitely see why they needed each other, I loved the fact that both the MMC and the FMC were written in a way to make you really connect with their back story's and I really liked the way it wrapped up!,
A huge thank you to @elaines.proofreading.editing and @author_kyliefin for the ARC copy I really do hope that we get a few more books and it turns into a series 👀
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book touches a lot on mental health and it’s shown on page a lot. So fair warning if you dive in.
I enjoyed this book since I am a sucker for dad’s best friend. The FMC has been through so much and a lot which I can relate to. I think it was super realistic showing how things can trigger a person and set them back. Coming back to a hometown can put you in a whole different mindset and mental place. The MMC is nothing but supportive and there was no creepiness or grooming involved. It felt natural. I would’ve loved a little more tension between them but I think it still played out really good and I read 70% in one day.
4/5✨
3.9/5 🌶️
I enjoyed this book since I am a sucker for dad’s best friend. The FMC has been through so much and a lot which I can relate to. I think it was super realistic showing how things can trigger a person and set them back. Coming back to a hometown can put you in a whole different mindset and mental place. The MMC is nothing but supportive and there was no creepiness or grooming involved. It felt natural. I would’ve loved a little more tension between them but I think it still played out really good and I read 70% in one day.
4/5✨
3.9/5 🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
If Only You Were Mine 4.5⭐️
From the minute I started this book I was HOOKED and ended up reading 277pages in one sitting which is a lot for me😮💨
Sloane was forced to leave college early due to maintenance and she has no where to go so of course Beckett was there to help😜
I loved how Sloane opened up to Beckett about her struggles with her Mental Health🫶🏽
BECKETT HAYES THE MAN YOU ARE🤤
🕵🏼♂️Dads Best Friend
🤳🏼Age Gap
🕵🏼♂️Forced Proximity
🤳🏼Forbidden Romance
🕵🏼♂️Summer Romance
🤳🏼Detective x Influencer
Coming to KU, Amazon on 01.05.26 📆
From the minute I started this book I was HOOKED and ended up reading 277pages in one sitting which is a lot for me😮💨
Sloane was forced to leave college early due to maintenance and she has no where to go so of course Beckett was there to help😜
I loved how Sloane opened up to Beckett about her struggles with her Mental Health🫶🏽
BECKETT HAYES THE MAN YOU ARE🤤
🕵🏼♂️Dads Best Friend
🤳🏼Age Gap
🕵🏼♂️Forced Proximity
🤳🏼Forbidden Romance
🕵🏼♂️Summer Romance
🤳🏼Detective x Influencer
Coming to KU, Amazon on 01.05.26 📆
May 12, 2026
So many mixed feelings.
If Only You were mine is an age gap, dad's best friend, and romantic suspense. I enjoyed it, to me is was 3.5 stars. There are many spelling errors which didn't bother me and understanding since its a debut book.
To start, I love the couple together. Sloane seemed immature in my opinion. Understandable her family was terrible and she wanted better. Beckett, I loved him. He was understanding, sweet, overall great MMC. Something else I loved was the mystery that was going on plus the puppy.
If Only You were mine is an age gap, dad's best friend, and romantic suspense. I enjoyed it, to me is was 3.5 stars. There are many spelling errors which didn't bother me and understanding since its a debut book.
To start, I love the couple together. Sloane seemed immature in my opinion. Understandable her family was terrible and she wanted better. Beckett, I loved him. He was understanding, sweet, overall great MMC. Something else I loved was the mystery that was going on plus the puppy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC REVIEW!
I had the pleasure of receiving this book as an ARC copy and I DEVOURED IT! The author did an amazing job at character development! Such a good slow burn dark romance with the AGE GAP! It also included the FMC getting a dog which was a cute little addition! I think that if you love an AGE GAP dark romance! ALSO BECKETT HAYES THE MAN YOU ARE!!! He was the best MMC EVER! The things he did to make Sloane Happy! Overall this was such a good book!
I had the pleasure of receiving this book as an ARC copy and I DEVOURED IT! The author did an amazing job at character development! Such a good slow burn dark romance with the AGE GAP! It also included the FMC getting a dog which was a cute little addition! I think that if you love an AGE GAP dark romance! ALSO BECKETT HAYES THE MAN YOU ARE!!! He was the best MMC EVER! The things he did to make Sloane Happy! Overall this was such a good book!
May 17, 2026
I think FMC cried more than she was happy throughout the entire book. Beckett is a saint for the patience he had with her. To me, she was just so unlikable I started to skim through her breakdowns.
I didn’t really see it as dad’s best friend because of the lack of relationship between characters. I wish it would have been touched on more, more in depth, with the family dynamic.
I didn’t really see it as dad’s best friend because of the lack of relationship between characters. I wish it would have been touched on more, more in depth, with the family dynamic.
Review of advance copy received from Author
this book was so good ! typically im into super dark romance but I love the occasional slow burn and this easily became a favorite read! theres just something about an age gap & forbidden romance that ties me in every time. 5/5 !!🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
I ADORE Kylie!! And I ADORE this book! Give me a best friends dad spicy romance any day!!🤭🤭
Xoxo,
Elaine
Xoxo,
Elaine
Review of advance copy received from Author
holy age gap. i love the trope bestfriends daughter and this book had everything i loved about spice and age gap combined. couldn’t had read anything better 🫶🏼🫶🏼
Review of advance copy received from Author
The chemistry between Beckett and Sloane is undeniable! The twists and turns made this book so compelling and hard to put down and I loved every second of it.
April 13, 2026
Super good book! Love the characters and the way their relationship developed
May 1, 2026
I expected a nice and cosy summer read about a forbidden love, but got so much more. It’s about healing and growth, learning to let other people in and love unconditionally.
Kylie Finlinson has a clear, easy-going writing style that’s captivating and funny on top. The book started out just as I expected: a young woman who needs a place to stay for a few months gets saved by the hunky older guy who happens to be her dads best friend. Things heat up fast and a summer romance starts. However, it would be gravely wrong to say that’s all the story is made of. It touches different topics that can be fairly triggering for some people, but it’s brought with so much respect and accuracy I teared up more than once.
I loved reading If Only You Were Mine and would recommend it to everyone who’s looking for a summer novel that has body, doesn’t shy away from mental health issues and portrays raw emotions. Thank you Kylie for letting me ARC read this wonderful debut novel.
Kylie Finlinson has a clear, easy-going writing style that’s captivating and funny on top. The book started out just as I expected: a young woman who needs a place to stay for a few months gets saved by the hunky older guy who happens to be her dads best friend. Things heat up fast and a summer romance starts. However, it would be gravely wrong to say that’s all the story is made of. It touches different topics that can be fairly triggering for some people, but it’s brought with so much respect and accuracy I teared up more than once.
I loved reading If Only You Were Mine and would recommend it to everyone who’s looking for a summer novel that has body, doesn’t shy away from mental health issues and portrays raw emotions. Thank you Kylie for letting me ARC read this wonderful debut novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book. It reads well and holds your interest. If I hadn’t been so busy at work, I definitely could have finished this is one sitting. The yearning and tension in this book were great. I really wish we had gotten more of an ending to the case that Beckett was working. I was really interested in what would happen with the killer and how it would all go down, but it kind of fizzled out.
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