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Only Be Mine
509 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 14, 2026
4.25 ⭐️ Thanks to Jennifer Harrison & Hayling Bookstorm LTD for an ARC of this book.
‘Only be mine’ is a romantic but suspenseful thriller. As someone who doesn’t read romance often, this author balanced the romance and thriller genres perfectly.
In ‘Only be mine’ we are following Cate who is about to get married to Trevor, however she is still mourning her past relationship with John. John disappeared 10 years earlier, right before their wedding day and was not seen since. When some of John’s personal items are found, there are suspicions aroused and an investigation begins. What happened to John 10 years ago?
We are reading chapters of Cate’s POV from now and the past when she is engaged to John. Although I figured out the main plot twist early on, there were still some twists and turns in this novel that made me want to keep reading.
This was such a unique and enjoyable read. Mixing the romance and thriller genres in a novel can be challenging, however Jennifer Harrison did an amazing job.
‘Only be mine’ is a romantic but suspenseful thriller. As someone who doesn’t read romance often, this author balanced the romance and thriller genres perfectly.
In ‘Only be mine’ we are following Cate who is about to get married to Trevor, however she is still mourning her past relationship with John. John disappeared 10 years earlier, right before their wedding day and was not seen since. When some of John’s personal items are found, there are suspicions aroused and an investigation begins. What happened to John 10 years ago?
We are reading chapters of Cate’s POV from now and the past when she is engaged to John. Although I figured out the main plot twist early on, there were still some twists and turns in this novel that made me want to keep reading.
This was such a unique and enjoyable read. Mixing the romance and thriller genres in a novel can be challenging, however Jennifer Harrison did an amazing job.
May 13, 2026
Only Be Mine is an emotional and atmospheric story that blends romance, grief, and psychological suspense beautifully. From the beginning, there’s this lingering sense of loss surrounding Cate’s past, and the slow unraveling of the truth kept me completely invested throughout the story.
What worked best for me was the emotional weight behind everything. Cate’s grief, uncertainty, and quiet resilience grounded the story, while the mystery surrounding John’s disappearance created constant tension. The pacing leans more emotional and reflective than fast-paced thriller, but that actually strengthened the impact of the reveals because the story takes time building emotional attachment before pulling everything apart.
The romance element adds another layer of heartbreak to the mystery, especially as Cate starts questioning everything she believed for the last decade. Some twists were more predictable than others, but the emotional execution made them land regardless.
Overall, this was haunting, emotional, and gripping with an atmosphere that stays with you long after finishing.
What worked best for me was the emotional weight behind everything. Cate’s grief, uncertainty, and quiet resilience grounded the story, while the mystery surrounding John’s disappearance created constant tension. The pacing leans more emotional and reflective than fast-paced thriller, but that actually strengthened the impact of the reveals because the story takes time building emotional attachment before pulling everything apart.
The romance element adds another layer of heartbreak to the mystery, especially as Cate starts questioning everything she believed for the last decade. Some twists were more predictable than others, but the emotional execution made them land regardless.
Overall, this was haunting, emotional, and gripping with an atmosphere that stays with you long after finishing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to the wonderful author of this book I had the privilege to read it ahead of time. ARC Review: Only Be Mine
Only Be Mine is a haunting and emotionally layered story that explores the fragile, complicated nature of love, loss, and the unexpected paths life can take after tragedy.
At its core, this book is about a love that should have lasted forever—one that was violently cut short by jealousy and obsession. The emotional weight of that loss lingers throughout the story, creating a quiet undercurrent of grief that feels both raw and deeply human. What makes this narrative especially compelling is the shocking twist: the surviving partner unknowingly builds a new life with the very person responsible for their heartbreak. That revelation shifts the entire emotional landscape of the story, turning what begins as a tale of healing into something far more complex and unsettling.
The author does a powerful job capturing the conflicting emotions that follow—love intertwined with betrayal, comfort tainted by truth, and the internal struggle of reconciling past and present. The pacing allows readers to sit with those emotions, making the eventual discovery feel impactful rather than rushed.
What stood out most to me was how the book handles the idea of “new beginnings.” It doesn’t present healing as clean or straightforward. Instead, it acknowledges that moving forward can sometimes mean stepping into morally and emotionally complicated spaces. That honesty gives the story depth and keeps it from feeling predictable.
Overall, Only Be Mine is a gripping and thought-provoking read. It will appeal to readers who enjoy emotionally intense stories with psychological twists and a focus on the darker sides of love. Be prepared for a story that stays with you—one that asks difficult questions about forgiveness, truth, and whether love can survive even the most devastating revelations.
Only Be Mine is a haunting and emotionally layered story that explores the fragile, complicated nature of love, loss, and the unexpected paths life can take after tragedy.
At its core, this book is about a love that should have lasted forever—one that was violently cut short by jealousy and obsession. The emotional weight of that loss lingers throughout the story, creating a quiet undercurrent of grief that feels both raw and deeply human. What makes this narrative especially compelling is the shocking twist: the surviving partner unknowingly builds a new life with the very person responsible for their heartbreak. That revelation shifts the entire emotional landscape of the story, turning what begins as a tale of healing into something far more complex and unsettling.
The author does a powerful job capturing the conflicting emotions that follow—love intertwined with betrayal, comfort tainted by truth, and the internal struggle of reconciling past and present. The pacing allows readers to sit with those emotions, making the eventual discovery feel impactful rather than rushed.
What stood out most to me was how the book handles the idea of “new beginnings.” It doesn’t present healing as clean or straightforward. Instead, it acknowledges that moving forward can sometimes mean stepping into morally and emotionally complicated spaces. That honesty gives the story depth and keeps it from feeling predictable.
Overall, Only Be Mine is a gripping and thought-provoking read. It will appeal to readers who enjoy emotionally intense stories with psychological twists and a focus on the darker sides of love. Be prepared for a story that stays with you—one that asks difficult questions about forgiveness, truth, and whether love can survive even the most devastating revelations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2026
HAPPY RELEASE DAY 🥳 🎊
❤️ "HE PROMISED HER FOREVER. SHE NEVER REALIZED WHAT FOREVER WOULD COST." ❤️
This newest book by Jennifer Harrison is part romance and part psychological suspense.
Cate is our heroine, and her story is told in Present and Past timeframes. The book starts in the present with Cate soon to marry Trevor. Her and her best friend, Amy, are doing last-minute wedding obligations and talking about Cate's past with her previous fiancé, John.
We then go back 12 years to Cate and John's first meeting on Halloween. Cate is wary because her experience with men is typically one-night-stands with men she meets in bars. (The reader is never given any real backstory as to why Cate is so relationship-phobic)
Anyway, John is persistent, and these early interactions are some of the best parts of the book. As their love blossoms and their wedding draws near, they have an insignificant argument a week before their wedding, and John takes a walk to cool off and never returns.
Fast-forward to the present again, and the wedding with Trevor is moving forward. The backstory of Cate and Trevor felt odd to me, but the wedding happened, in spite of John's unresolved disappearance.
Cate is torn about her past feelings, but Trevor was there for her when her life imploded, and she felt loved and protected.
About 55% into the story, the big twist occurs, and this becomes a tense psychological suspense plotline. There are some good twisty elements, and I was hopeful for a really good ending.
However, the epilogue (seven years later) leaves a lot of relationships unresolved, and it felt rushed. I was left with a lot of questions about some of the peripheral characters.
Overall, it is a tender love story, and had a couple of surprises I did not see coming.
4 🌟
❤️ "HE PROMISED HER FOREVER. SHE NEVER REALIZED WHAT FOREVER WOULD COST." ❤️
This newest book by Jennifer Harrison is part romance and part psychological suspense.
Cate is our heroine, and her story is told in Present and Past timeframes. The book starts in the present with Cate soon to marry Trevor. Her and her best friend, Amy, are doing last-minute wedding obligations and talking about Cate's past with her previous fiancé, John.
We then go back 12 years to Cate and John's first meeting on Halloween. Cate is wary because her experience with men is typically one-night-stands with men she meets in bars. (The reader is never given any real backstory as to why Cate is so relationship-phobic)
Anyway, John is persistent, and these early interactions are some of the best parts of the book. As their love blossoms and their wedding draws near, they have an insignificant argument a week before their wedding, and John takes a walk to cool off and never returns.
Fast-forward to the present again, and the wedding with Trevor is moving forward. The backstory of Cate and Trevor felt odd to me, but the wedding happened, in spite of John's unresolved disappearance.
Cate is torn about her past feelings, but Trevor was there for her when her life imploded, and she felt loved and protected.
About 55% into the story, the big twist occurs, and this becomes a tense psychological suspense plotline. There are some good twisty elements, and I was hopeful for a really good ending.
However, the epilogue (seven years later) leaves a lot of relationships unresolved, and it felt rushed. I was left with a lot of questions about some of the peripheral characters.
Overall, it is a tender love story, and had a couple of surprises I did not see coming.
4 🌟
May 13, 2026
I really enjoyed this psychological thriller. The novel is definitely a slow burn. Everything is not revealed until the end. The spice is more subdued. This novel is told in present time and 12 years in the past. This novel is emotional.
Cate is soon to be married. However, an old love had not left her mind, John. John is not who Cate is to marry. Caterina is uncertain whether to move forward with the wedding to Trevor or not. Cate seems sad, as was I. It is not immediately apparent or mentioned what happened to John. A good portion of the novel is setting up Cat and John. Then, John is ripped away without explanation. It's apparent something happened though because Cate is engaged to Trevor. Even though John was and is the love of Cate's life.
This novel starts out rather inconspicuous. Cate was with John then not. I spent most of the novel thinking I knew how Cate felt about John. I felt less certain about how Cate felt about Trevor. 12 years later John's disappearance is being reinvestigated. That part equally made me want to cry and feel like a weight was sitting on my chest. Horrific! Who is at fault for John. I have my suspicions which makes it all worse!
I feel like Cate just became a zombie after John. It was easy for Trevor to manipulate and weasel his way in. I think Cate is scared of the truth and what that means for her. Which betrayal is worse? What actually happened to John or who is responsible? I'll be thinking about this one for awhile! What's left to live for? Last thought...fuck Amy! She was no friend! I enjoyed this novel because it was so different and extremely psychological.
Thank you to, Jennifer Harrison and Hayling Bookstorm LTD., for providing me with an ARC.
Cate is soon to be married. However, an old love had not left her mind, John. John is not who Cate is to marry. Caterina is uncertain whether to move forward with the wedding to Trevor or not. Cate seems sad, as was I. It is not immediately apparent or mentioned what happened to John. A good portion of the novel is setting up Cat and John. Then, John is ripped away without explanation. It's apparent something happened though because Cate is engaged to Trevor. Even though John was and is the love of Cate's life.
This novel starts out rather inconspicuous. Cate was with John then not. I spent most of the novel thinking I knew how Cate felt about John. I felt less certain about how Cate felt about Trevor. 12 years later John's disappearance is being reinvestigated. That part equally made me want to cry and feel like a weight was sitting on my chest. Horrific! Who is at fault for John. I have my suspicions which makes it all worse!
I feel like Cate just became a zombie after John. It was easy for Trevor to manipulate and weasel his way in. I think Cate is scared of the truth and what that means for her. Which betrayal is worse? What actually happened to John or who is responsible? I'll be thinking about this one for awhile! What's left to live for? Last thought...fuck Amy! She was no friend! I enjoyed this novel because it was so different and extremely psychological.
Thank you to, Jennifer Harrison and Hayling Bookstorm LTD., for providing me with an ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2026
This book completely consumed me. From the very first chapters, there was this heavy feeling lingering in the background that something wasn’t right, and it kept pulling me deeper and deeper into Cate’s story. I went into this expecting an emotional thriller, but it honestly gave me so much more than that.
The way Jennifer Harrison wrote grief, love, and longing felt incredibly raw and real. Cate and John’s relationship didn’t feel like a simple first love it felt life-altering. You could feel the ache of losing someone who was supposed to be your forever, and watching Cate unravel the truth ten years later had me fully hooked.
What I loved most was how emotional this story was while still keeping that constant suspense underneath it all. Every little revelation made me question everything, and once the secrets started surfacing, I genuinely could not stop reading. The tension built perfectly, and the twists hit exactly when they needed to.
This book hurt in the best way possible. It’s heartbreaking, haunting, emotional, and gripping all at once. If you love psychological thrillers that focus just as much on emotion and relationships as they do mystery and suspense, this one absolutely delivers.
Jennifer Harrison created a story that stays with you long after the final page. I already know I’ll be thinking about Cate and John for a long time.
The way Jennifer Harrison wrote grief, love, and longing felt incredibly raw and real. Cate and John’s relationship didn’t feel like a simple first love it felt life-altering. You could feel the ache of losing someone who was supposed to be your forever, and watching Cate unravel the truth ten years later had me fully hooked.
What I loved most was how emotional this story was while still keeping that constant suspense underneath it all. Every little revelation made me question everything, and once the secrets started surfacing, I genuinely could not stop reading. The tension built perfectly, and the twists hit exactly when they needed to.
This book hurt in the best way possible. It’s heartbreaking, haunting, emotional, and gripping all at once. If you love psychological thrillers that focus just as much on emotion and relationships as they do mystery and suspense, this one absolutely delivers.
Jennifer Harrison created a story that stays with you long after the final page. I already know I’ll be thinking about Cate and John for a long time.
May 12, 2026
As with most books I tend to jump in head first without reading the blurbs because I like to have no preconceived notions about the story. This was the case when this one popped up and if i’m being honest it was the cover that drew me in. Boy oh boy was I in for a ride because what I assumed was a fluffy romance story was actually far from the case.
This story is what happens when you take jealousy and obsession and mix it with touch her and die but throw in psychological thriller to taste.
This book has every emotion you could possibly think of all wrapped up in a tantalizing dramatic flair. It has love, grief, betrayal, comfort, and everything in between leaving you emotionally spent by the last page.
You will question everything you think you know about the main characters and about life itself because how in the world do we not see the things that are right under our noses as clearly as we are should?
Jennifer Harrison wrote with such a raw vulnerability that I felt that I was reading someone’s actual life story and I felt myself wanting to reach out and ask how she was ok after having gone through such an ordeal.
I will definitely be adding this author to my future buy list.
This story is what happens when you take jealousy and obsession and mix it with touch her and die but throw in psychological thriller to taste.
This book has every emotion you could possibly think of all wrapped up in a tantalizing dramatic flair. It has love, grief, betrayal, comfort, and everything in between leaving you emotionally spent by the last page.
You will question everything you think you know about the main characters and about life itself because how in the world do we not see the things that are right under our noses as clearly as we are should?
Jennifer Harrison wrote with such a raw vulnerability that I felt that I was reading someone’s actual life story and I felt myself wanting to reach out and ask how she was ok after having gone through such an ordeal.
I will definitely be adding this author to my future buy list.
May 16, 2026
“Only be mine” - what a romantic and loving confession to hear from someone you love, a promise of forever and happily ever after.
Except these three words can also mean possession, control, and obsession over someone you believe belongs to you. This story shows that protection and comfort do not always equate to safety and freedom.
The story follows Cate Larkin, who, after the love of her life John disappeared a week before their wedding and never returned, spent the next ten years trying to make sense of what happened while also blaming herself for their last argument. Ten years without John, and although she eventually tries to move on and agrees to marry Trevor, she can’t fully convince herself that her past doesn’t exist. She believes life might finally settle until she slowly uncovers the truth behind John’s disappearance.
I was pretty triggered by how the story began, and I even complained about how Cate and John never communicated properly. BUT OH MY. As the story develops, it became really intense and even though I could guess who was behind everything from ten years ago, the tension still gave me goosebumps and I couldn’t stop reading.
This was definitely better than expected. It’s far more disturbing than I thought it would be.
Except these three words can also mean possession, control, and obsession over someone you believe belongs to you. This story shows that protection and comfort do not always equate to safety and freedom.
The story follows Cate Larkin, who, after the love of her life John disappeared a week before their wedding and never returned, spent the next ten years trying to make sense of what happened while also blaming herself for their last argument. Ten years without John, and although she eventually tries to move on and agrees to marry Trevor, she can’t fully convince herself that her past doesn’t exist. She believes life might finally settle until she slowly uncovers the truth behind John’s disappearance.
I was pretty triggered by how the story began, and I even complained about how Cate and John never communicated properly. BUT OH MY. As the story develops, it became really intense and even though I could guess who was behind everything from ten years ago, the tension still gave me goosebumps and I couldn’t stop reading.
This was definitely better than expected. It’s far more disturbing than I thought it would be.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4 ⭐
Loved this book so much! This might honestly be the first thriller that had me emotional. It balanced the suspense and romance so well, and I was completely invested in Cate’s story from the beginning.
The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that the ending felt a little predictable to me, especially starting around the trip with Amy and Jim. I pieced together where things were headed pretty early on. Even with that, though, I still really enjoyed the journey getting there.
Cate Larkin has spent the last ten years trying to survive the heartbreak of losing John, the man she loved and trusted more than anyone. After he suddenly vanished, she slowly rebuilt her life, until one small detail resurfaces and makes her question everything she thought she knew. What follows is an emotional mix of buried secrets, grief, love, and suspense that kept me turning the pages.
Overall, this was such a good blend of thriller and romance. If you like emotional suspense with second-chance love vibes and mystery woven throughout, I’d definitely recommend this one.
Thank you to Jennifer Harrison and Hayling Bookstom for the early read of this awesome book!
Loved this book so much! This might honestly be the first thriller that had me emotional. It balanced the suspense and romance so well, and I was completely invested in Cate’s story from the beginning.
The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that the ending felt a little predictable to me, especially starting around the trip with Amy and Jim. I pieced together where things were headed pretty early on. Even with that, though, I still really enjoyed the journey getting there.
Cate Larkin has spent the last ten years trying to survive the heartbreak of losing John, the man she loved and trusted more than anyone. After he suddenly vanished, she slowly rebuilt her life, until one small detail resurfaces and makes her question everything she thought she knew. What follows is an emotional mix of buried secrets, grief, love, and suspense that kept me turning the pages.
Overall, this was such a good blend of thriller and romance. If you like emotional suspense with second-chance love vibes and mystery woven throughout, I’d definitely recommend this one.
Thank you to Jennifer Harrison and Hayling Bookstom for the early read of this awesome book!
May 12, 2026
ARC Review: Only Be Mine by Jennifer Harrison
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The Heart of the Story
Jennifer Harrison delivers a deeply emotive contemporary romance that hits all the right notes for fans of the "second chance" and "small-town" tropes. Only Be Mine focuses on the tension between lingering past hurts and the undeniable pull of a soulmate-level connection.
What Shined
• The Chemistry: The "simmer" in this book is top-tier. Harrison excels at writing the magnetic pull between two people who know they shouldn’t be together but can’t seem to stay away.
• Character Depth: These aren't cardboard cutouts. The protagonists feel like real people with messy histories and valid fears. You truly feel the weight of the years they spent apart.
• Atmosphere: The setting is cozy and immersive, providing the perfect backdrop for a story that is as much about finding home as it is about finding love.
The Verdict
"A poignant, steamy, and ultimately hopeful look at what happens when the 'one who got away' comes back. It’s a beautiful reminder that timing isn't everything—sometimes, it's about the growth you do while you're apart."
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The Heart of the Story
Jennifer Harrison delivers a deeply emotive contemporary romance that hits all the right notes for fans of the "second chance" and "small-town" tropes. Only Be Mine focuses on the tension between lingering past hurts and the undeniable pull of a soulmate-level connection.
What Shined
• The Chemistry: The "simmer" in this book is top-tier. Harrison excels at writing the magnetic pull between two people who know they shouldn’t be together but can’t seem to stay away.
• Character Depth: These aren't cardboard cutouts. The protagonists feel like real people with messy histories and valid fears. You truly feel the weight of the years they spent apart.
• Atmosphere: The setting is cozy and immersive, providing the perfect backdrop for a story that is as much about finding home as it is about finding love.
The Verdict
"A poignant, steamy, and ultimately hopeful look at what happens when the 'one who got away' comes back. It’s a beautiful reminder that timing isn't everything—sometimes, it's about the growth you do while you're apart."
Review of advance copy received from Author
A beautiful and descriptive story about love and raw emotion. I really enjoyed the layout between past and present and how the first part of the book journeyed through their love story. The songs they shared during their love story took me back to that timeframe in my own life and left me more deeply connected with the plot. It was a book that I could not put down until I found out what happened. This psychological thriller shared how a person can heal from their past and learn themselves while experiencing love and loss at the same time. Deeply emotional and will keep you on the edge of your seat, Only Be Mine was a beautifully written story.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“And I knew, with a hollow ache, that I wasn’t ready to stop remembering.”
“Maybe I didn’t need to stop with the milkshakes. Maybe I just needed to stop letting my brain talk to me like it hated me.”
“Look at my mom. She married my dad, and he still left. What happens when someone changes their mind?”
“You don’t have to feel any particular way today. You just have to take the next step.”
Some of my favorite quotes:
“And I knew, with a hollow ache, that I wasn’t ready to stop remembering.”
“Maybe I didn’t need to stop with the milkshakes. Maybe I just needed to stop letting my brain talk to me like it hated me.”
“Look at my mom. She married my dad, and he still left. What happens when someone changes their mind?”
“You don’t have to feel any particular way today. You just have to take the next step.”
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── ARC ── 𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡
I received an advanced copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review. The following thoughts and opinions are my own.
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ─────── 𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡
Whatever I was expecting this wasn't it. It was better.
At many points I thought I knew what was happening, how it happened, why it happened. Then a twist ... not with a bang, but a whisper. Keeping me on the edge of my seat wanting to know how that happened and how it fit in the bigger picture. Even when I was certain the direction there was a subtle shift and I didn't want the ride to end.
I saw myself in the FMC Cate, and I felt I was making the same realizations about my life in the timeframe she did, again not loudly or immediately, but quietly in small steps and small ways.
Story well crafted and hooks you in a way that you think this is utterly unbelievable until you realize it is, it all is.
I truly enjoyed this and look forward to reading more from this author.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review. The following thoughts and opinions are my own.
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ─────── 𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡
Whatever I was expecting this wasn't it. It was better.
At many points I thought I knew what was happening, how it happened, why it happened. Then a twist ... not with a bang, but a whisper. Keeping me on the edge of my seat wanting to know how that happened and how it fit in the bigger picture. Even when I was certain the direction there was a subtle shift and I didn't want the ride to end.
I saw myself in the FMC Cate, and I felt I was making the same realizations about my life in the timeframe she did, again not loudly or immediately, but quietly in small steps and small ways.
Story well crafted and hooks you in a way that you think this is utterly unbelievable until you realize it is, it all is.
I truly enjoyed this and look forward to reading more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book had me STRESSED in the best way 😮💨🖤
I went into Only Be Mine knowing it was a psychological thriller, but I wasn’t expecting the emotional side of this story to hit me as hard as it did. The grief, the unanswered questions, the feeling of loving someone who vanished without explanation… I felt Cate’s pain through the pages.
Ten years after the love of her life disappeared, Cate has finally started rebuilding her life - until tiny cracks start appearing in the story she’s believed all this time. And once that starts happening? I could NOT put this book down.
The tension builds so well because you never fully know the why. The anticipation is...you feel it!
If you love:
🖤 buried secrets
✨ unreliable truths
🖤 obsession vs love
✨ emotional thrillers
🖤 stories full of twists, manipulation, and devastating emotions
…definitely pick this one up.
Thank you so much to Hayling Bookstorm and Jennifer Harrison for the ARC! 🖤
This book had me STRESSED in the best way 😮💨🖤
I went into Only Be Mine knowing it was a psychological thriller, but I wasn’t expecting the emotional side of this story to hit me as hard as it did. The grief, the unanswered questions, the feeling of loving someone who vanished without explanation… I felt Cate’s pain through the pages.
Ten years after the love of her life disappeared, Cate has finally started rebuilding her life - until tiny cracks start appearing in the story she’s believed all this time. And once that starts happening? I could NOT put this book down.
The tension builds so well because you never fully know the why. The anticipation is...you feel it!
If you love:
🖤 buried secrets
✨ unreliable truths
🖤 obsession vs love
✨ emotional thrillers
🖤 stories full of twists, manipulation, and devastating emotions
…definitely pick this one up.
Thank you so much to Hayling Bookstorm and Jennifer Harrison for the ARC! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Only be mine release date : 12 may
Short chapters that pack a punch which make for an easy,interesting and enjoyable read. Love the dual pov of the fmc and mmc. The meeting and first official date are electric. The switch between flashbacks and present day just add to what Jennifer does best and thats write the most emotive reads you can get. This authors writing is so expressive and descriptive it seeps into your soul and makes you feel every emotion. One scene Made me sob. Another scene My palms were sweating,that scene was literally an edge of the seat scene. I dont think ive ever read a book in a long time where the psychological dialogue is done so well. One scene literally felt like watching an action movie. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, please read this authors work if you have not already and i promise you will love it. ❤️
Short chapters that pack a punch which make for an easy,interesting and enjoyable read. Love the dual pov of the fmc and mmc. The meeting and first official date are electric. The switch between flashbacks and present day just add to what Jennifer does best and thats write the most emotive reads you can get. This authors writing is so expressive and descriptive it seeps into your soul and makes you feel every emotion. One scene Made me sob. Another scene My palms were sweating,that scene was literally an edge of the seat scene. I dont think ive ever read a book in a long time where the psychological dialogue is done so well. One scene literally felt like watching an action movie. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, please read this authors work if you have not already and i promise you will love it. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Overall: 5/5
Honestly I don’t even know where to begin, when I start a book I try to go in with as little information as possible, so I only briefly looked at the blurb and was sold on reading. However, nothing could have prepared me for the actual emotional rollercoaster that is this story; I am a true crime lover and this book is exactly that in all the best ways. I don’t want to give anything away but I was hanging on the edge of my seat the whole time; I LOVED every minute, it’s hard writing this review because I have so many things to say that would give spoilers, but let’s just say I have someone very strong opinions towards a few characters 😂
Coming May 12th!
Thank you for another opportunity to ARC one of your stories!
#OnlyBeMine #JenniferHarrison #PsychologicalThriller #RomanticSuspense
Honestly I don’t even know where to begin, when I start a book I try to go in with as little information as possible, so I only briefly looked at the blurb and was sold on reading. However, nothing could have prepared me for the actual emotional rollercoaster that is this story; I am a true crime lover and this book is exactly that in all the best ways. I don’t want to give anything away but I was hanging on the edge of my seat the whole time; I LOVED every minute, it’s hard writing this review because I have so many things to say that would give spoilers, but let’s just say I have someone very strong opinions towards a few characters 😂
Coming May 12th!
Thank you for another opportunity to ARC one of your stories!
#OnlyBeMine #JenniferHarrison #PsychologicalThriller #RomanticSuspense
May 12, 2026
I have never read anything by Jennifer Harrison before, OMG this was fantastic!! This is a beautiful devastating story, and an amazing psychological thriller. Amy dragged her best friend Cate into a haunted house that she hates. Cate is trying to run out of it, and literally runs into John knocking him down with her on top of him. What an introduction!! They exchange numbers and the rest is history, not quite. This is a once in a lifetime love story, until it isn't. Cate and John have a minor disagreement, and John goes for a walk to clear his head; and never returns!!! After ten years Cate is slowly trying to rebuild her life. Trevor steps in to try to save Cate from spiraling out of control, but does this work? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Jennifer Harrison!!!
May 13, 2026
The first word that comes to mind after reading Only Be Mine, by Jennifer Harrison, is WOW. First off, in the bookish world you always see the word “unputdownable” when describing books. This book was literally unputdownable for me. I read it in one day because I had to see what happened next!
It brought out so many emotions, I don’t know where to start. It’s a beautiful love story that makes you feel mushy inside. It gives you hope, then rips it away, then gives it back. It makes you angry, and scared, and questions everything you think you know about relationships.
The 2 main characters, Cate and John, make it easy to love them and cheer on their story. They left me feeling contented and wistful.
I can’t recommend this book enough! It’s a poignant, inspiring, truly engaging story that will stay with you for a very long time.
It brought out so many emotions, I don’t know where to start. It’s a beautiful love story that makes you feel mushy inside. It gives you hope, then rips it away, then gives it back. It makes you angry, and scared, and questions everything you think you know about relationships.
The 2 main characters, Cate and John, make it easy to love them and cheer on their story. They left me feeling contented and wistful.
I can’t recommend this book enough! It’s a poignant, inspiring, truly engaging story that will stay with you for a very long time.
May 13, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! It's a contemporary psychological thriller with a wedding and a cold case. What's not to love??
Cate is a shadow of herself, and we see her struggling to move on with her life in the present as well as flashbacks to when she was at her happiest. She's raw and relatable, and so so well-written. My heart broke for her multiple times throughout her story.
There were plenty of foreshadowing moments for the main twist, but that didn't make it any less fun to read. Obviously I'm not going to spoil the fun here, but I would have liked to know more about where Lindsey ended up (omg she's the worst) and a little more closure on her other friends. And while Cate didn't get the ending I initially hoped for, I feel like it's the ending she needed and I was happy.
Shout out to Hayling Bookstorm LLC for the ARC read!!
Cate is a shadow of herself, and we see her struggling to move on with her life in the present as well as flashbacks to when she was at her happiest. She's raw and relatable, and so so well-written. My heart broke for her multiple times throughout her story.
There were plenty of foreshadowing moments for the main twist, but that didn't make it any less fun to read. Obviously I'm not going to spoil the fun here, but I would have liked to know more about where Lindsey ended up (omg she's the worst) and a little more closure on her other friends. And while Cate didn't get the ending I initially hoped for, I feel like it's the ending she needed and I was happy.
Shout out to Hayling Bookstorm LLC for the ARC read!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cate and John’s story is devastating and heartbreaking.
It’s an absolute mindbender - a psychological thriller, and has you on the edge of your seat all the way through.
John’s POV is only sporadic, but oh my it’s powerful… and that final one left me in tears!
I’ll be honest, I picked it very early, but the journey to get the answers was nail-biting and nerve-wracking. Devastation… and the fact that she lost a friend over it? I was angry on her behalf.
I loved the ending. It was open and gave a feeling of hope.
Thanks, Jennifer, for the advance copy! It was a bit different to what I normally read (and what I expected), but completely worth it.
Perfect for those that want crime, suspense, twists and turns with romance as secondary…
It’s an absolute mindbender - a psychological thriller, and has you on the edge of your seat all the way through.
John’s POV is only sporadic, but oh my it’s powerful… and that final one left me in tears!
I’ll be honest, I picked it very early, but the journey to get the answers was nail-biting and nerve-wracking. Devastation… and the fact that she lost a friend over it? I was angry on her behalf.
I loved the ending. It was open and gave a feeling of hope.
Thanks, Jennifer, for the advance copy! It was a bit different to what I normally read (and what I expected), but completely worth it.
Perfect for those that want crime, suspense, twists and turns with romance as secondary…
May 2, 2026
I received this as an Arc from Hayling Bookstorm and Jennifer Harrison.
Jennifer Harrison really knocked it out of the park again! This book was amazing, thrilling and captivating. I could not put it down! Don’t tell my boss but I may have read some of it at work as well. It was that good. Full of twists and turns and relatable characters.
This is the second book of hers I have had the honour of reading as an ARC. She has made it to the top of my most favourite authors list!
When Only Be Mine comes out this is a must read! My only regret was waiting so long to read it, I was having difficulties getting BookFunnel to cooperate with me. Haha. I know I will be buying a physical copy of this book on release day!
Jennifer Harrison really knocked it out of the park again! This book was amazing, thrilling and captivating. I could not put it down! Don’t tell my boss but I may have read some of it at work as well. It was that good. Full of twists and turns and relatable characters.
This is the second book of hers I have had the honour of reading as an ARC. She has made it to the top of my most favourite authors list!
When Only Be Mine comes out this is a must read! My only regret was waiting so long to read it, I was having difficulties getting BookFunnel to cooperate with me. Haha. I know I will be buying a physical copy of this book on release day!
May 5, 2026
ARC Review
Cate met her once in a lifetime love john. She didn’t trust easily but john earned her trust and became a safe space for her to love her the way she needed… and then he disappeared. 10 years later as she is about to start a life with the man who helped her rebuild her life. But then secrets are revealed that change everything!
This book sucked me in. The pain and grief i felt like i was with cate going through it. I myself was looking for clues to figure out what happened to john. This book is seriously about survival and reclaiming ones own power. It was gripling and supensful. i think im still in shock at how much this book moved me. Overall it was a really hard but compelling story.
Cate met her once in a lifetime love john. She didn’t trust easily but john earned her trust and became a safe space for her to love her the way she needed… and then he disappeared. 10 years later as she is about to start a life with the man who helped her rebuild her life. But then secrets are revealed that change everything!
This book sucked me in. The pain and grief i felt like i was with cate going through it. I myself was looking for clues to figure out what happened to john. This book is seriously about survival and reclaiming ones own power. It was gripling and supensful. i think im still in shock at how much this book moved me. Overall it was a really hard but compelling story.
Review of advance copy
4.5 Stars
This book started out really strong and intriguing and I believe it just got better as I went.
I was sitting on the edge of my seat basically the whole time and I was so stressed needing to know what happened.
This book had me very entertained and had me questioning a few different things. I loved the way it told the past and the present which I don't normally like, when it goes back and forth, but I didn't mind it at all in this book.
This book is easy to read, short chapters, so it feels like you are just flying through it. By half way I didn't want to put it down because I needed to know.
I want to thank Hayling Bookstorm Ltd and Jennifer Harrison for my copy of this arc and this is my honest review.
This book started out really strong and intriguing and I believe it just got better as I went.
I was sitting on the edge of my seat basically the whole time and I was so stressed needing to know what happened.
This book had me very entertained and had me questioning a few different things. I loved the way it told the past and the present which I don't normally like, when it goes back and forth, but I didn't mind it at all in this book.
This book is easy to read, short chapters, so it feels like you are just flying through it. By half way I didn't want to put it down because I needed to know.
I want to thank Hayling Bookstorm Ltd and Jennifer Harrison for my copy of this arc and this is my honest review.
May 12, 2026
Holy Cannoli!! I'm still shaking after reading the last hundred pages!
"Only Be Mine" is a masterclass on how too much love (if you can even call it that) turns into poison, the emotional manipulation, false sense of security, and how it all goes down with one crack. I was not expecting an emotional whiplash when I started the book, but I was hooked from the first chapter.
What I loved most was the constant shifting from present to past. It really heightened the overall emotional impact of the story. The last hundred pages, especially, had me at the edge of my seat. The way my heart was beating for Cate and her safety, and grieving for you-know-who, the book finished me before I finished it😭💔
"Only Be Mine" is a masterclass on how too much love (if you can even call it that) turns into poison, the emotional manipulation, false sense of security, and how it all goes down with one crack. I was not expecting an emotional whiplash when I started the book, but I was hooked from the first chapter.
What I loved most was the constant shifting from present to past. It really heightened the overall emotional impact of the story. The last hundred pages, especially, had me at the edge of my seat. The way my heart was beating for Cate and her safety, and grieving for you-know-who, the book finished me before I finished it😭💔
May 13, 2026
This is such a traumatic book - we have found love, multiple timelines, multiple pov's - a wedding that didn't take place, a wedding that does take place, a missing person, a murder and finally the murder is solved.
I felt I was walking along with the main female character - I felt her love and despair - and I really loved John - I wish they ......
I want to say the killer surprised me - I had a icky feeling about him.
So much destruction and honestly at the end I don't know if I could have done what the main female did - I think I would have ended it - (I am leaving this rather vague I don't want to give away the story). My husband heard me rant about this book and he even didn't know how she did it.
I felt I was walking along with the main female character - I felt her love and despair - and I really loved John - I wish they ......
I want to say the killer surprised me - I had a icky feeling about him.
So much destruction and honestly at the end I don't know if I could have done what the main female did - I think I would have ended it - (I am leaving this rather vague I don't want to give away the story). My husband heard me rant about this book and he even didn't know how she did it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Only Be Mine by Jennifer Harrison starts as a beautiful, once in a lifetime love story, but don’t get comfortable—things take a darker turn as the story plays out. What begins with a beautiful romance slowly turns into a psychological thriller filled with tension, secrets, lies and unexpected twists. I was literally crying laughing and even biting my nails, racing through the pages because I had to know what was really going on. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the story pulls the rug out from under you. If you love romance and thrillers that are emotionally engaging, suspenseful, and impossible to put down, this one is a must-read.
May 13, 2026
✨️ARC Review ✨️
🌶 Rating: 1.5/5
Release date: May 12, 2026
This was such a different book from Obsessed. It is one of those tough books you read that stick with you afterwards, but in a good way.
I literally have no words about this book. It literally paints the picture of not everything is as what it seems to be. And also to hold on and trust your gut/instincts. Never let anyone build your life for you. Build the life you want for yourself.
The ending was a breath of relief, and also sadness. But good things do come to you, even if one might not feel that way because of what they are going through. It all just takes a bit of time. And let it only be yours.
🌶 Rating: 1.5/5
Release date: May 12, 2026
This was such a different book from Obsessed. It is one of those tough books you read that stick with you afterwards, but in a good way.
I literally have no words about this book. It literally paints the picture of not everything is as what it seems to be. And also to hold on and trust your gut/instincts. Never let anyone build your life for you. Build the life you want for yourself.
The ending was a breath of relief, and also sadness. But good things do come to you, even if one might not feel that way because of what they are going through. It all just takes a bit of time. And let it only be yours.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
this is a beautifully devastating love story about two people who never stopped loving each other.
two people who were each other's everything.
Two people who just were.
This story genuinely had me sobbing non stop, throughout the whole story, the trauma, the feelings, I felt everything.
I did receive this as an ARC but Jennifer is my new favorite emotional romance author. The way she writes, it makes you feel seen, genuinely lost sleep because of this book in the best way.
Please read it.
two people who were each other's everything.
Two people who just were.
This story genuinely had me sobbing non stop, throughout the whole story, the trauma, the feelings, I felt everything.
I did receive this as an ARC but Jennifer is my new favorite emotional romance author. The way she writes, it makes you feel seen, genuinely lost sleep because of this book in the best way.
Please read it.
Review of advance copy
I liked how complicated Care's grief was, not linear but something she questioned. Other than that, the story kind of dragged as Cate's thoughts and dialogue were repeated/going in circles (as was the antagonist near the end) and the antagonist was easily guessed. She also annoyed me because when something happens and she just turns off her phone and hides, plus the antagonist essentially confessed but she still questioned the detective. Also sad with how her friendship with her best friend ended.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book is full of raw emotions, deep love, grief, fear. Cate's love of her life, John, disappears just before the wedding she never thought she would have. Trevor steps in to save Cate from spiraling in total despair. The book starts just before Cate's wedding to Trevor and Cate leaning on Amy, her best friend and Trevor's sister-in-law. Cate is not sure where her head is at and the author does a great job of letting you know what is happening inside Cate's head. Love the rawness of the whole book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Wow" is the first thing I said to myself after finishing this book. What an emotional story! Only Be Mine is a psychological thriller and a love story, and one woman's journey through grief, love, deception, secrets, emotional manipulation - so many ups and downs, twists and turns, and just when you think you have it all figured out - you don't. I can't say much more without spoiling it, but I will say, you'll find it hard to put this book down once you get it started. It holds a grip on your emotions until the end!
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